In the power transmission system of automobiles, motorcycles and engineering machinery, the clutch plate is an indispensable core component. Its structural design and the quality of the materials used directly determine the smoothness of the vehicle's start, smoothness of gear shifting and long-term durability. For suppliers, a deep understanding of the structure and material classification of the clutch plate will help develop product solutions with more performance advantages and market adaptability.
1. The main structural composition of the clutch plate
A complete clutch plate seems simple, but it is actually a scientific combination of multiple functional components, each of which performs its duties and cooperates with each other to achieve efficient and safe power transmission.
1. Friction plate (including friction material)
The friction plate is the part that directly contacts the flywheel and pressure plate, and bears the core function of power transmission and separation. High-quality friction materials must not only have an excellent friction coefficient, but also be resistant to high temperature and wear, and can quickly dissipate heat to avoid "slipping" or "sticking".
The surface of the friction plate is often fixed to the substrate by hot pressing, bonding, riveting, etc., and can be designed with grooves or heat conduction holes according to needs to optimize heat dissipation and shock absorption performance.
2. Skeleton substrate (steel plate or aluminum plate)
The entire clutch plate is supported by a high-strength metal skeleton, which is commonly a steel plate or aluminum plate structure:
Steel skeleton: high strength, impact resistance, suitable for heavy-duty vehicles and high-torque machinery;
Aluminum skeleton: lighter, suitable for motorcycles or light vehicles, with both thermal conductivity and weight reduction requirements.
The skeleton must also have good balance and deformation resistance to ensure uniform thickness and smooth combination after grinding.
3. Buffer spring
The buffer spring is located between the friction plate and the steel plate. It is a key structure for the clutch plate to absorb impact and improve the flexibility of the combination. It can effectively alleviate the speed difference between the engine and the gearbox, avoid starting "frustration" or shifting "impact", and improve driving comfort.
4. Rivets and heat-resistant glue
Rivets are often used to fix friction plates on the skeleton and have good shear strength. Some designs also use high heat-resistant glue to enhance the fit and resist thermal expansion deformation. Although these details are small, they are directly related to the durability and safety of the entire structure.
2. Common classification and characteristics of friction materials
Friction materials are the core of clutch plate performance, and their material selection directly determines slip control, wear resistance, thermal stability and service life.
1. Organic composite materials (phenolic resin system)
The most common type, widely used in passenger cars and medium and low load machinery:
Low cost and low noise;
Stable friction coefficient and more uniform wear;
Suitable for general urban road conditions and daily use.
2. Copper-based friction materials
Contains metal components such as copper fibers and brass powder, commonly used in commercial vehicles, heavy trucks or racing-level products:
Strong high temperature resistance;
High compression and shear resistance;
Good thermal conductivity, suitable for frequent starting and heavy load conditions.
3. Ceramic fiber materials
Used in high-end performance cars or industrial vehicles, with extremely high friction coefficient and thermal stability:
Extremely resistant to high temperatures, not easy to thermally decay;
Long life, but relatively loud noise, hard feel;
Commonly used in racing cars or special working conditions.
4. Asbestos-free environmentally friendly materials
In response to environmental regulations, more and more manufacturers are using asbestos-free formulas, using aramid fibers, glass fibers, etc. to replace traditional asbestos materials, taking into account both environmental protection and performance.