The key components of a clutch pressure plate assembly
Pressure plate assembly, also called clutch cover. It’s a critical component in manual transmission vehicles.Understanding the characteristics of the pressure plate and developing good usage habits will help extend its service life.
The clutch pressure plate is round and made of a thick piece of cast iron for maximum heat absorption. One side of the pressure plate is machined smooth. This side will press the clutch dise facing area against the flywheel. The outer side has various shapes to facilitate attachment of springs and release mechanisms. The pressure plate and the clutch friction plate are tightly squeezed by the clutch spring, so that the engine power is transmitted to the gearbox; when the clutch is disengaged, the clutch lever presses the clutch pressure plate If the clutch friction plate is disengaged, the engine power cannot be transmitted to the gearbox.
A pressure plate assembly, key components:
Pressure Plate: Its structure is an annular disc casting. As the main component of the clutch cover, it applies pressure to the clutch disc against the flywheel when engaged, allowing power transmission. The pressure plate is in contact with the friction plate, and the diameter of the pressure plate is slightly larger than the diameter of the friction plate. Since a large amount of heat is generated in a short period of time during the clutch engagement process, which is mainly absorbed by parts such as the flywheel and pressure plate, the pressure plate is required to have a large enough mass to absorb the heat; in addition, the pressure plate should also have sufficient stiffness. , to ensure that no warping deformation occurs under heat, which affects the complete disengagement of the clutch and the uniform compression of the friction plate. Therefore, the pressure plate is generally made thicker, wear-resistant, good thermal conductivity, high friction coefficient.
Diaphragm Spring: It’s made of spring steel. It’s riveted or bolted to the clutch cover. A pivot ring is located at each side of the diaphragm spring and functions as a pivot while the diaphragm spring is operating. The diaphragm spring and pressure plate are in contact over the entire circumference, and the pressure distribution is uniform.
Cover Plate: The outer housing of the pressure plate assembly, providing structural support and protection for the internal components. It is fixed to the flywheel to transmit part of the engine's torque. The clutch cover must have sufficient strength and rigidity during design. Heavy-duty vehicles usually use cast iron clutch covers.
These components work together to engage and disengage the clutch, facilitating smooth gear changes and efficient power transfer in a manual transmission vehicle.