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 requirements of hybrid powertrains perfectly.
