Clutches.

Clutches they are used to connect shafts to transfer rotational motion from one shaft to another. They make it possible to start and stop the carrier with the engine running. When there is no need to change the rotational speed of the working machine in relation to the rotational speed of the engine, a clutch is not needed; then the working machine and the motor are mounted on a common shaft. When the distance between the motor and the machine is large and therefore a solid shaft cannot be used, permanent couplings are used to connect its sections.

Fixed couplings (inseparable): a) sleeve, b) disc, c) flexible finger leather clutch.

In the machines, where there is a need to disconnect certain parts of the shaft periodically, so that they do not carry traffic, np. a stripper roller in an ice cream machine, we use clutches (separable), the most common flat disc clutch, disc conical or multi-plate.

Disconnectable friction clutches: a) flat disc, b) conical discs, c) multi-plate.

Clutch couplings also include claw couplings, electromagnetic couplings and articulated couplings.

Claw clutch: a) clutch parts, b) clutch engaged.

Electromagnetic clutches enable gradual smooth coupling of the shafts due to the gradual increase of the current fed to the electromagnet winding.

Articulated clutches enable the connection of shafts, whose axes form a certain angle with each other. In food industry machines, there are also friction clutches activated by compressed air (pneumatic) or liquid (hydraulic).