A single disc or plate clutch as shown in figure, consist of a clutch plate whose both
sides are faced with the
friction material (usually ferrodo). It is mounted on the hub
which is free to move axially along the splines of the driven shaft. The pressure
plate is mounted inside the clutch body which is bolted to the flywheel. Both the
pressure plate and the flywheel rotate with the engine crankshaft or the driving
shaft. The pressure plate pushes the clutch plate towards the flywheel by a set of
strong spring which are arranged radially inside the body. The three levers (also
known as release levers or fingers) are carried on the pivots suspended from the
case of the body. These are arranged in such a manner so that the pressure plate
moves away from flywheel by the inward movement of a thrust bearing. The
bearing is mounted upon the forked shaft and moves forward when the clutch pedal
is pressed.
Disengaging the clutch:
When clutch pedal is pressed down, it’s linkage forces the thrust bearing to move
towards the flywheels and pressing the pressure plate away from the flywheel
thereby the compression springs are compressed. This action removes the pressure
from the clutch plate and the driving shaft comes to stationary position.
Engaging the clutch:
On the other hand when the foot is taken off from the clutch pedal, the thrust
bearing moves back by levers this action allows the springs to extend and thus the
pressure plate pushes the clutch plate back towards the flywheel. The cluch is
engaged and power is transmitted from engine to gear box.
