199002594 - INTRODUCTION - CLUTCH

CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS

The clutch is single dry plate type, with a thrust bearing in permanent contact with the pressure spring.The driven plate is driven by pressure exercised by a diaphragm spring. The clutch release takes place via the hydraulic system operated by the pedal.On all versions friction materials free from non-environmentally friendly components have been adopted; special care has been taken in the development of new materials and the clutch assembly with a view to guaranteeing excellent performance in terms of modulation and driving comfort with a consequent reduction in weight compared with traditional hydraulic operation. In particular the clutch pump has undergone a considerable improvement compared with the components usually adopted; it is equipped with:- plastic casing with a further contribution to the reduction in the weight;- steel cylinder;- plastic material piston.The material of the piston and the rubber seals have been developed specifically to operate with long strokes; in addition the seal produced by the rubber-steel contact is excellent compared with traditional type clutch pumps where the seal was produced on cast iron.

COMPOSITION

The system consists of:- a clutch pump (master cylinder) (2) fastened to the pedal assembly that compresses the oil;- a pipe (3) connecting the pump and the clutch operating cylinder;- a clutch operating cylinder (4) fastened to the gearbox;- linkage (5) operating the thrust bearing;- a thrust bearing (6);- a clutch drip tray with diaphragm springs (7);- a clutch plate (8);- a fluid reservoir (1) shared with the braking system.1. Brake/clutch fluid reservoir2. Clutch pump3. Pipe connecting pump and cylinder4. Clutch operating cylinder5. Linkage6. Thrust bearing7. Diaphragm spring8. Clutch plate

On right hand drive versions only, the system has a vibration damper, fitted on the supply pipe to the operating cylinder.

OPERATION

The pump (2), operated by the clutch pedal, pressurizes the hydraulic circuit and operates the clutch control cylinder (4).The latter acts on the linkage (5) which "pulls" the thrust bearing (3), overcoming the action of the pressure plate springs (7).This action causes the release of the clutch plate (8) from the flywheel.When the pedal is released, the action of the diaphragm springs (7) returns the mechanism to the original position.