Engagement/Disengagement Characteristics of Pull-Type Diaphragm Spring Clutch for Heavy-Duty Commercial Vehicles

Abstract Considering that the clutch cover assembly and driven disc assembly show common effect on the engagement/disengagement characteristics of the pull-type diaphragm spring clutches for heavy-duty commercial vehicles, the diaphragm spring, cushion plate, and friction plate, are thoroughly analyzed in this paper. The A-L method and the micro-element method are used to analyze the mechanical properties of diaphragm spring and cushion plate, respectively. The mechanical characteristics are obtained via numerical simulation, and the deformation and load mechanical characteristics of the cushion plate are verified by experimental tests. According to the relationship between the pressure plate temperature and the friction coefficient of the friction plate, the influence of the change of the friction coefficient on the transmission torque characteristics of the clutch is analyzed. In view of the torque fluctuation in the process of engagement/disengagement, the mathematical model of torsional characteristics is established with consideration of the torsional characteristics of torsional damper. Modeling and simulation of the handling characteristics are carried out to evaluate the influence of the boosting characteristics of the hydraulic operated pneumatic booster on the clutch pedal operating force separation characteristics. Specific tests are also conducted, and the effectiveness of the established models is verified.