How the Clutch Works

The clutch is mainly composed of three components: pressure plate, clutch plate, flywheel, and release bearing, commonly known as the clutch four-piece set.

Taking the push clutch as an example, how do these components work when the clutch is working? First, let's get to know the engine flywheel. The flywheel is fixed to the output end of the engine crankshaft and rotates with the crankshaft. The clutch pressure plate is fixed to the flywheel and rotates synchronously with the flywheel. The flywheel, clutch plate, and pressure plate form a sandwich structure. The clutch plate is sandwiched between the flywheel and the pressure plate, but there is no rigid connection between it and the flywheel and the pressure plate. It is completely squeezed on the flywheel by the pressure plate and "forced" to rotate synchronously with the flywheel under the action of friction. At the same time, the clutch plate is connected to the input shaft of the gearbox through a spline, so when the clutch plate rotates, the input shaft of the gearbox also rotates with it.

The working process of the clutch is that when the clutch pedal is not pressed, the clutch plate is tightly pressed on the flywheel by the pressure plate, and the clutch plate completely transmits the power output of the flywheel to the input shaft of the transmission, thereby driving the vehicle.

When the clutch pedal is pressed, the center part of the diaphragm spring of the pressure plate is pushed inward by the release bearing (toward the engine), and the outer edge of the diaphragm spring is tilted outward (toward the transmission), and the clutch plate is released and separated from the flywheel, thus realizing the power cut-off between the engine and the transmission.