The clutch is intended (in general) for short-term disconnection of the engine shaft from the transmission, as well as their subsequent smooth connection, which is necessary when starting the car from a place and when shifting gears while driving.
The clutch consists of a driving part, the parts of which are connected to the crankshaft of the engine, and a driven part, the parts of which are connected with the transmission, as well as elements that engage and disengage the clutch. The driven part is disconnected from the driving part when the clutch is released using the clutch release actuator.
On Mercedes S-class cars (W140) install a dry single-plate clutch with a central diaphragm spring.
The leading elements of the clutch are the flywheel, the pressure plate and the clutch basket bolted to the flywheel. The driven element is a clutch disc with friction linings and a splined sleeve, thanks to which the disc is able to freely slide along the splines of the gearbox input shaft and rotate it. The driven and driven elements are held in contact by the force of the diaphragm spring. This force is generated in the pressure plate and clutch basket assembly.