In this article, we will study the parts, principles, advantages, disadvantages, and applications of Hydraulic Clutch. We have also provided a PDF download link for the same
Definition of a Hydraulic Clutch
The hydraulic clutch is an important category of a multi-plate clutch. It is mainly used in vehicles to disengage or engage the clutch plate from the engine. Apart from that, it can also be used as an alternative to the traditional mechanical clutch.
Usually, it is used to disengage or engage the clutch by forcing the hydraulic fluid onto the disengaged clutch parts. In regards to this, the Hydraulic fluid needs to be highly pressurized. Otherwise, it cannot push the clutch system forcefully. Therefore, the clutch does not disengage. Apart from that, this clutch has auto maintenance techniques.
Therefore, there is no need for a manual maintenance system. It has some smaller parts as compared to the other clutches. It may be wrong sometimes, but no maintenance is required. It can maintain itself automatically. Such maintenance is needed for the hydraulic fluid to check in the clutch reservoir as the fluid may be impure. Hence, the hydraulic fluid is needed to be replaced.
Components of a Hydraulic clutch
The Hydraulic clutch is made of different types of components which are as follows
Clutch Pedal
Most primary part that engages the clutch in vehicles is the Clutch Pedal. A driver has to press the clutch pedal to start the engagement process. At first, after pressing the clutch pedal, the clutch plate starts its rotation.
Diaphragm Clutch
Diaphragm Clutch is usually an independent clutch, but in Hydraulic Clutch Diaphragm Clutch can be used. The diaphragm Clutch is attached to the clutch pedal. When the clutch pedal is pressed by the driver then at first, the clutch pedal pushes the Diaphragm Clutch then the other diaphragm Clutch presses the flywheel to do further processes.
Clutch Plate
One of the most important parts is the Clutch Plate. The clutch plate is made of thin metal plates. There is a friction lining present, which is attached to the clutch plate, on both sides. Apart from that, this clutch plate is usually placed among the pressure plate and the flywheel. The friction lining of the thinner surface of the clutch plate makes contact with the flywheel and the friction lining of the outer surface of the clutch plate makes contact with the pressure plate and makes friction.
Friction Surface
Friction surfaces are attached to the clutch plate on both sides. When the clutch plate starts its rotation then the friction surface makes contact with the pressure plate and also with the flywheel. Therefore, the friction force is generated. This friction force makes the high torque.
Pressure Plate
Another useful part is the Pressure plate. The pressure plate is placed on one side of the clutch plate. The pressure plate is attached with springs with the help of the bolts and along with the clutch pedals. The friction surfaces of the clutch plate make contact with the pressure plate. The pressure plate function mainly depends on weight. When weight is given to the pressure plate then it makes contact with the friction surface of the clutch plate and produces friction.
Flywheel
Next is the Flywheel. The flywheel has been placed on another side of the clutch plate. The flywheel is attached to the transmission shift. The friction surfaces of the clutch plate make contact with the flywheel. So, friction is produced.
Diaphragm Spring
Diaphragm Spring is attached to the pressure plate. These springs mainly work, with the help of the pressure plate. This pressure is produced from the high weight, that is given to the pressure plate. Along with that, the thrust spring makes contact with the friction surface of the clutch plate and produces high friction.
Splined Sleeves
Splined sleeves are mainly used to make engagement and disengagement in the multi-plate clutch system or mainly in the Hydraulic clutch system. These Splined sleeves are placed between the friction lining of the clutch plate and the pressure plate. When the pressure plate gives pressure then the splined sleeves are used to go forward to make the clutch engaged and when the pressure plate releases the pressure then the splined sleeves are used to go back to make the clutch disengaged.
Working Principle of a Hydraulic Clutch
The working procedure of the Hydraulic Clutch is usually divided into two parts. One is Engagement and the other one is Disengagement. The following section discusses the same concisely;
Engagement
- At first, the Clutch pedal has to be pressed by the driver of a vehicle to start the engagement process.
- When the clutch pedal is pressed then it starts the working process of the diaphragm Clutch.
- The clutch pedal is attached to the clutch plate. Therefore, the clutch plate starts its rotation.
- The friction surfaces of the clutch plate can be used to make contact with the pressure plate and also flywheel.
- The pressure plate gives pressure to the spring and spring makes contact with the splined sleeves.
- Then the attachment of the pressure plate, splined sleeves, friction surfaces, clutch plate, and the flywheel is made and the engagement is done in this way.
Disengagement
- At first, the Clutch pedal has to be released by the driver of a vehicle to start the disengagement process.
- The splined sleeves come backward and release the contact of the pressure plate and the clutch plate.
- Then the flywheel also released from the contact of the clutch plate.
- The rotation of the clutch plate becomes slow down and at last stops.
- Then the disengagement process is done in this way.
Advantages of a Hydraulic Clutch
- It is self-lubricated and hence requires no maintenance.
- In the case of this system, the height of the pedal is adjusted automatically.
- In comparison to the other clutch systems, It is easier to push.
- There are many variations present of the hydraulic clutch so this clutch can be fitted at any place.
- Corrosion can bend and cause the inner wires of mechanical clutches to get stuck, leading to damage. This is not possible with hydraulic clutches, which only require fluid replacement to prevent damage.
- Loosening of cables can affect disengagement in mechanical clutches, leading to damage. Hydraulic clutches don’t require cables, making them immune to such damage.
- Hydraulic clutches are safer and more reliable than other types of clutches.
- The quality of hydraulic clutches is superior to that of mechanical clutches, making them a better choice.
Disadvantages of a Hydraulic Clutch
- The hydraulic clutch consists of some mechanisms such as the slave cylinder and cylinder are the two mechanisms of this clutch. So, there is a chance of outflow of fluid that can be used in the hydraulic clutch. This outflowing happens from the cylinder as well as from the slave cylinder due to the damage that results in the leakages. For repairing this damage, users have to spend extra money.
- This hydraulic clutch consists of plastic metallic piping systems. This pipe is breakable or can be torn down. So, time to time checking is necessary. This is more expensive to maintain damage prevention.
- For proper functioning, standard and correct fluid is required otherwise seals may be damaged. So, maintaining the standard for proper fluid can be a little more expensive.
- From time to time checking the level of fluid of the hydraulic clutch is compulsory for users.
- The price of hydraulic clutch is more expensive than the mechanical clutch. This is one of the most crucial disadvantages of this clutch.
Application or Use of the Hydraulic Clutch
- Most of the reputed car manufacturers are opting for a hydraulic clutch for their products for quality and simplicity in applications.
- Nowadays the use of the hydraulic clutch is highly observed in trucks and automotive industries also.
- Due to the features of self-oiling or lubrication, auto-adjustment, and low effort to the actual adjustment, the hydraulic clutch is used in various systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, This is a type of system that works on hydraulic pressure to engage and disengage the clutch mechanism in an automobile. The hydraulic clutch system has various advantages over traditional clutch systems, such as greater control, longer lifespan, and smooth operations.The drawbacks of these systems are High cost of installation and maintenance and complexity in general. It is used in high performance vehicle where precision and accuracy are critical parameters
It is also employed in heavy-duty commercial vehicles like buses and trucks, where the clutch system is prone to heavy loads and frequent usage. Overall, the hydraulic clutch system is a efficient and reliable technology. But, the decision to adopt them depends on several factors, such as the type of vehicle, cost-benefit analysis and applications.
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