Clutch Systems
Experiencing dynamics - reliably
Advantages
- Complete product range from light- to heavy-duty
- Clutches available for standard as well as special applications
- Special clutch dimensioning for hybrid powertrains
- Core components are developed and produced in-house
- Development partnerships with vehicle manufacturers worldwide
- Early awareness of market trends across the globe
- Global presence in development and production
Function
Tasks
The demands placed on modern clutch systems are high: rapid and reliable disengagement and engagement of the torque flow, pleasant and ergonomic operation, maximum service life without loss of comfort, and vibrational damping using the smallest possible installation space.
The clutch is exposed to many highly dynamic influences. In particular, the system-related wear of the clutch facing leads to changes in the force and travel conditions, which must be considered in the clutch design. Last but not least, the clutch is an overload protection device intended to protect the valuable powertrain as a whole.
Crucial to the cost-effectiveness of a clutch system are the interplay of all components and control of the system interfaces in the design. Particularly in the area of commercial vehicle components, ZF has decisive advantages due to decades of experience in development partnerships with all leading manufacturers.
With the introduction of hybrid powertrains, more challenges for the clutch arose from the additional inertia of the electric motor as well as the hybrid operating conditions. With the clutch and the transmission being developed together, ZF clutch systems are designed from the very beginning to fulfill the new requirements of hybrid powertrains perfectly.
Technical Information
The Technology
A clutch cover transmits engine torque via the clutch disc to the transmission input shaft. The clutch cover is bolted securely to the engine flywheel and consists essentially of sheet metal or cast iron housing and a diaphragm spring with integrated actuation levers. This spring presses the axially displaceable pressure plate against the clutch disc and the flywheel when the clutch is engaged. Its characteristic force curve determines the actuation forces needed to release the clutch.
The clutch disc has an integrated torsional damper to optimize the torsional vibrations properties, in order to increase the comfort for the driver and minimize the stress for the entire powertrain.
Clutch facings from ZF meet all requirements concerning wear, friction coefficient, comfort, burst resistance, and fading stability in an outstanding manner.
Maintenance-free and life-cycle lubricated releasers allow a comfortable opening and closing of the clutch for drive-off and gear shifting.
Vibrations, torque, and friction-induced heat - the clutch is subjected to some of the highest levels of stress in the powertrain. The clutch must perform reliably after many thousands of shifts.
Benefits
- Clutch Disc: The modular design with different torsional damper sizes permits individual tuning to every application; Approved for engine torques above 3,500 Nm; Special cushion-spring technology for high drive-off comfort; Optional predamper to combat noise problems during idling
- Clutch Cover: Available in push- and pull type; Approved for engine torques above 3,500 Nm; Diaphragm spring technology for an easy clutch modulation and low release loads over the complete lifetime
- XTend Wear Compensation: Economical through the avoidance of clutch changes; All forces in the system remain constant, no rise in release load in the event of facing wear; Axial installation space for the wear travel in the release system no longer has to be reserved; For pull-type and push-type clutch covers; Independent of cushion-spring or diaphragm-spring characteristics; Completely exchangeable with conventional clutches; Maintenance-free
- Releaser: For pull-type and push-type clutch actuation systems; The bearings are equipped with contact seals as well as a lifetime lubrication and are maintenance-free; The use of plastic sliding sleeves eliminates the need to grease the sliding seat; The bearings are self-centering to compensate for axle offsets; Experience in ball bearing since 1895
- Clutch Facings: High constant coefficient of friction; Smooth engagement performance; High heat resistance (fading); Low wear rate; High speed stability; No deformation tendencies; Environmentally compatible in production and materials; Clutch facings for all applications available; Approvals from all big vehicle manufacturers
