The multi-plate clutch is an extension of single plate type where the number of frictional and the metal plates are increased. The increase in the number of friction surfaces obviously increase capacity of the clutch to transmit torque, the size remaining fixed.

Construction

A multiple plate clutch has more number of clutch plates. A typical clutch consist of the following components: Clutch basket or cover, clutch hub, drive (friction) plates, driven (steel) plates, pressure plate and the clutch springs. The clutch housing is attached to the engine crank shaft flywheel. The pressure plate is fixed on the flywheel through the clutch springs. The engine flywheel turns the clutch housing. The inner circumference of the clutch basket is splined to carry the thin metal plates. The clutch basket splines engage the tabs on the friction drive plates. This sources the clutch housing and the drive plates to rotate together. Additionally, they are free to slide axially within the clutch basket.

Interleaved with the drive plates, there are many number of driven plates. These driven friction plates have inner splines. These splines engage with the outer splines on the clutch hub. As such, the driven friction plates can slide on the clutch hub. The clutch hub is linked to the input shaft of the transmission gear box. The drive plates and the driven plates are firmly pressed together by the pressure plate due to the clutch springs. The drive plates, driven plates and the strong clutch coil springs are assembled within the clutch basket.