Clutches can prove to be useful in devices containing two rotating shafts. In devices such as these, one of the two shafts is powered by a motor while the other drives another device. For example, in a drill one shaft is powered by a motor while the other drives a drill chuck. The job of a clutch is to connect the two shafts so that they can be made to rotate at the same or at different speeds as necessary.
The various types of clutches are:
- Dog clutches
- Cone clutches
- Torque limiter
- Overrunning clutch
- Centrifugal clutch
- Hydraulic clutch
- Electromagnetic clutch
- Multiple plate friction clutch
A clutch is required in a car because the engine spins all the time. The clutch disconnects the wheels from the engine by engaging a spinning engine to a non-spinning transmission by controlling the slippae between them. Friction present in between the clutch plate and flywheel makes a clutch work and the amount of force that the clutch can hold also depends on it. When the clutch is pushed, a cable presses on the release fork, which in turn presses the throw-out bearing against the centre of the diaphragm spring. As the spring gets pushed in, an array of pins present outside causes it to pull the pressure plate away from the clutch.
The various clutches present in an automatic transmission engage and disengage several sets of gears. High pressure hydraulic fluid makes each clutch move. The clutch is released with drop in pressure.
In motorcycles the clutch is operated by a lever present on the left handlebar. When pressure is not applied on the lever it means that the clutches are engaged. As the lever gets pulled back the plates get disengaged and hence shifting of gears is allowed
