Clutch   

This articles discusses the workings of 2 types of clutches: a regular car clutch, and a basket clutch.

[edit] Car clutch

So how it works: the throw out bearing is moved when pushing the clutch pedal and presses on the diaphragm spring (basically a circular plastic). The spring has spacers (or "center pivots") on them that normally pushes the spring against the pressure plate and friction plates; however since it's now pushed in, the spacers no longer make contact to the clutch cover, and the diaphragm spring now moves the friction plates away from the flywheel. The opposite happens when the clutch pedal is released.

[edit] Basket clutch

The metal plates fit in to the teeth of the clutch boss; the clutch boss also connects to the first axle leading to the engine. The other axle connects to the clutch housing. In the teeth of this housing, the teeth of the black plates fit. Note that plates are just held by this teeth; the connecting (closing of the clutch) happens as the black/metal teeth are pressed against each other using the springs (see 3D model). To disengage the spings/move the plates apart; there is a bearing that is moved by the clutch lifter.