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. 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, which further contributes to the reduction in weight;- steel cylinder;- plastic piston.The materials for the piston and the rubber seals have been developed specifically to operate with long strokes; in addition, the seal created by the contact between rubber and steel is excellent compared with conventional clutch pumps where the seal is created between rubber and cast iron.
COMPOSITION
The system consists of:- a clutch pump (master cylinder) (2) fastened to the pedal assembly, which 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 pressure springs (7);- a clutch plate (8);- a fluid reservoir (1) shared with the braking system.
The pump (2), operated by the clutch pedal, pressurises 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.
CLUTCH RELEASE PUMP
1. Body2. Steel cylinder3. Piston4. Sealing gasket5. Piston detent fork6. Protective gaiter7. Operating stem8. Oil inlet9. Oil input to actuatorThe clutch release pump has been designed with a plastic piston and casing in order to reduce the weight, and with the operating stem secured (T interface) to the piston. There is a steel cylinder, inside the casing in the area where the piston seals slide, to prevent the wear and distortions which result from the pressure.The piston is prevented from coming out by a V-shaped piston detent fork, and a protective gaiter prevents the accumulation of dirt inside the cylinder.The piston upper and lower end stops in the pump casing also determine the upper and lower end positions of the pedal.
