The following is a detailed explanation of the definition of hydraulic clutches and how they work:

First, the definition of hydraulic clutch

Hydraulic clutch is a kind of automotive clutch, and its transmission device adopts hydraulic transmission. It is the use of liquid pressure to control the clutch separation and connection of a clutch type, usually by the master clutch cylinder, from the clutch cylinder, piping, pressure plate and other components.

 Components of hydraulic clutch:

1. Clutch Pedal: The driver controls the clutch by depressing the clutch pedal.

2. Clutch Master Cylinder (Master Cylinder) : This is a metal container filled with brake fluid and is located near the clutch pedal.

3. Clutch Slave Cylinder: This is located in the clutch assembly between the engine and the gearbox.

4. Hydraulic Line: The pipe connecting the master cylinder to the slave cylinder, used to transfer hydraulic fluid.

5. Clutch Disc: Located between the engine's flywheel and the transmission's input shaft, used to transfer power.

6. Pressure plate (Pressure Plate): spring-loaded components, usually pressed against the clutch disc, so that it is tight against the flywheel.

Second, the working principle of the hydraulic clutch

The working principle of the hydraulic clutch is based on the hydraulic transmission principle, i.e. the use of the incompressibility and fluidity of the fluid to transfer energy and control movement. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the following series of actions are triggered:

 Hydraulic clutch working process:

1. Depressing the clutch pedal: when the driver depresses the clutch pedal, the pedal pushes the piston in the master cylinder through a lever system.

2. build up hydraulic pressure: the piston moves inside the master cylinder and compresses the brake fluid, thus building up hydraulic pressure between the master cylinder and the slave cylinder.

3. Pushing the piston in the slave cylinder: hydraulic pressure is transferred to the slave cylinder through the pipework, pushing the piston in the slave cylinder.

4. Releasing the pressure plate: The piston of the slave cylinder pushes a component called the Throwout Bearing or Release Bearing, which contacts the pressure plate and overcomes the spring pressure, moving the pressure plate away from the clutch disc.

5. Clutch Disengagement: With the release of the pressure plate, the clutch disc is no longer tightly pressed against the flywheel, allowing the disc to rotate freely between the flywheel and the transmission input shaft, temporarily disconnecting the power transfer between the engine and the transmission.

6. Shift: After the clutch is disengaged, the driver can shift to the desired gear.

7. Releasing the clutch pedal: After the shift is complete, the driver begins to slowly release the clutch pedal.

8. Resumption of power transmission: With the release of the pedal, the piston in the master cylinder returns, the hydraulic pressure is reduced, the piston in the slave cylinder also returns, the spring pushes the pressure plate back to its original position, and once again the clutch disc is tightly pressed against the flywheel, resuming power transmission.

Hydraulic clutch systems provide a smoother and more linear clutch engagement feel than traditional mechanical linkage systems, and reduce the driver's effort to operate, making driving easier. In addition, hydraulic systems do not require regular adjustments as mechanical systems do, so maintenance is also simpler.

Third, the characteristics of the hydraulic clutch

1. Transmission of torque capacity: hydraulic clutch in the same size, the transmission of torque than the electromagnetic clutch is much larger.

2. No impact: hydraulic clutch engagement and disengagement process is smooth, no impact feeling.

3. Amplification of force: A small pedal force is amplified by the hydraulic system to easily disengage and engage the clutch.

4. Smooth Operation: The hydraulic system provides smoother clutch operation, reducing shock and wear.

5. Automatic Compensation: The hydraulic system automatically compensates for travel variations caused by clutch disc wear.

6. Adaptable: Suitable for scenarios that require frequent gear changes and high loads.

In summary, a hydraulic clutch is a device that uses fluid pressure to control clutch disengagement and connection. It is a type of clutch system used in automotive manual transmissions that uses a fluid (usually brake fluid) to transmit force to control clutch engagement and disengagement. The clutch is disengaged and engaged by depressing the clutch pedal to compress the hydraulic fluid and move the slave cylinder piston.

Hydraulic clutches are characterised by their high torque transmission capacity, lack of shock, ease of serialisation and standardisation, and ease of long-distance manoeuvrability. It is widely used in automobiles, heavy machinery and industrial equipment, especially in manual transmission vehicles. It provides a smoother operating experience and higher efficiency than conventional mechanical clutches.