The most important components of a clutch are:
Every combustion engine creates torsional vibrations that spread through the clutch into the gearbox. This leads to rattling noises and increased wear. To prevent these effects or reduce them significantly, clutch discs are equipped with torsional absorbers. Torsional absorbers consist of tangentially arranged coil springs and axially loaded friction rings.
Hydrodynamic force transmission On the hydrodynamic clutch, the torque is transferred by means of the hydrodynamic forces of a fluid. A hydrodynamic clutch cannot change the initiated torque; it can only transfer it.
Special forms of clutch:
The wide range of tasks to be performed by clutches leads to special forms of disengageable connections in the drive train that are exactly geared to the tasks. Positive-engaged clutch
- Dog clutch
- Adherent clutches
- Multi-disc clutch
- Centrifugal clutch
- Dual clutch
- Torque converter with lockup clutch
A dog clutch is a positive-engaged clutch that is used on commercial vehicles for manual shifting of longitudinal and transverse
differential locks as well as for engageable all-wheel drive.
Multi-disc clutch: Multi-disc clutches have a number of discs. Depending on the area of application, the discs run in an oil bath or dry.
Multi-disc clutches are used most frequently for motorcycles, automatic gearboxes and automatic differential locks.
Centrifugal clutch: A centrifugal clutch consists of a clutch drum connected to the gearbox and the engine.
Dual clutch: In the dual clutch, two clutches are grouped into one unit.
Clutch control via pedal:
Two types of clutch control are distinguished:
- Mechanical clutch control
- Hydraulic clutch control
Electropneumatic clutch control:
The use of compressed air cylinders for clutch boosting or clutch control forms the technical basis for electronic clutch control on commercial vehicles. Frequent excessive engine speeds lead to wear on clutches of up to 95 % on driveaway and manoeuvering. On gearshifts, however, the clutch is subjected to less stress.
