SINGLE PLATE CLUTCH

Driving Members:  Driving members of single plate clutch are input shaft (crank shaft) fixed to the flywheel, pressure plate, and the clutch cover which is bolted to the flywheel. These fly components rotate along with the crank shaft in both engaged and disengaged condition. Fly wheel is attached to the crank shaft and has threaded bolts or holes or grooves for bolting the clutch covers. Machined surface of the flywheel contacts the clutch facing. The pressure plate applies the required force on the clutch plate which contacts with fly wheel.

To apply the required force pressure springs are attached between the pressure plate and clutch cover. Pressure plate can be withdrawn by releasing the spring with the help of release lever. Lugs are provided on the pressure plate for providing the release fingers. Pressure plate springs are provided inside, release finger, and anti-ratting springs are provided inside the clutch cover and the entire assembly is bolted to fly wheel.

Driven members: It is the clutch plate which is splined to the driven shaft (clutch shaft or input shaft of gear box) clutch plate is used with friction material on both the surfaces. It consists of a centre hub with internal splines which moves along the splined shaft during the transmission. The power is transmitted from the clutch to the shaft through these splines. It consists of torsional or cushioning springs which transmit the force applied to the facing to the central hub. The spring also reduces torsional vibrations and provides smooth engagement or disengagement of the clutch. The friction material is normally riveted to the projected portions of the clutch disc in CMVS and HMVS.

Actuating members: It consists of release fingers, withdrawal fork and release bearing. The outer end of the release finger is located on the pressure plate and inner end is projected towards the clutch shaft and are positioned with the help of anti-rattling springs. Withdrawal fork carrying the release bearing is pivoted in the clutch outer casing. The release bearing actuates the inner end of the release fingers.  

In fully engaged condition the driven plate is firmly clamped between the flywheel and pressure plate due to the force applied by springs. This forms a non-slip connection between the driving and driven plates. Hence when the flywheel rotates the clutch plate also rotates and this cause the transmission of power to the input shaft of gear box through splines. When clutch pedal is depressed the pressure on the driven plate is released by compressing the pressure springs through the release fingers. In this condition there is no force acting on the clutch plate and is free between the flywheel and pressure plate. This disengaged condition ensures easier shifting of gears.