Diaphragm Clutch

• Diaphragm Spring Clutch is widely used on cars with

small to medium size engines.
• Its construction is similar to that of single plate clutch
except that here diaphragm springs are used instead of
the ordinary coil springs.
• The diaphragm spring is placed between the cover and
the pressure plate so that the diaphragm spring is
nearly flat when the clutch is in engaged position
 In this type of diagram type springs are used instead of
coil / helical springs. This type of clutch does not
require any release levers as the spring itself acts as the
series of levers. This type of springs do not have
constant rate characteristics as in the case of coil
springs and the pressure on the diaphragm springs
increases until it is in flat position, thereafter decreases
after passing this position.
 Hence the driver does not have to exert heavy pedal
pressure to hold the clutch out of engagement
compared to coil spring type. In coil spring type the
spring pressure increases when the pedal is depressed
to disengage the clutch and high pressure is required to
keep the clutch in disengaged position.
 This clutch consists of conventional friction clutch,
thrust plate, diaphragm type spring and release sleeve.
The diaphragm is held between the inner end of the
main bearing and its outer circumstance fits into the
counter bore of the thrust plate. The central position
of the diaphragm spring is divided into several
segments by radial slots terminating into holes. These
segments acts like spring providing the required thrust
on the pressure plate. This simple arrangement
eliminates the necessity for providing separate release
levers.
Working
 In the engaged position the spring pivots on the inner
pivot rings as it is held on the clutch cover so that its
outer rings contacts with the pressure plate.
 Again in this conical position the spring exerts through
pressure to keep the pressure plate in firm contact with
the clutch plate and flywheel.
 When the pedal is pressed the linkage moves release
bearing towards the flywheel to disengage the clutch.
 As the bearing contacts with inner position of the
conical springs it moves that position forward which
cause the link to move backward. This removes the
pressure on the pressure plate and release the clutch
plate from contact with other driving members.
 Another type of conical spring used is the crown
spring. This type differs from the tapered finger type
with its surface corrugated instead of flat and the
centre section is continuous without any spring. The
clutch spring fits between the pressure plate and
clutch cover. The entire assembly is held together by
six spring retainer located on the pressure plate. The
actuation of this type of spring is similar to integral /
split type diaphragm spring.
Advantages
less effort to disengage,
• suitable for extra-high engine speeds, constant spring
thrust and accurate balance are maintained,
• no separate release levers are required, giving
improved release efficiency
• fewer parts required,
• spring load remains approximately constant as the
facing wears,
• compact design, (decrease the clutch clearance limits
and the clutch mass due to overlap of the function of
the pressure spring and disengaging lever.
Disadvantage
 it is difficult to manufacture diaphragm spring for
large axial forces.