Abstract: Freewheel device 1, of the type comprising an outer race 2 which has an inner track 3, an inner race 4 which has an outer track 4, a freewheel 6 situated between the tracks of the said races, at least one member 7 forming a bearing intended to keep the said races 2, 4 concentric, and at least one lateral retaining endplate 12, secured to one of the races in order axially to hold the freewheel 6 and the member forming the bearing with respect to the said race. The endplate 12 comprises a first radial portion 12a adjacent to the corresponding holding member 7 for retaining it axially, and a second more or less radial portion 12b cut into tabs projecting into an annular groove 21 formed in one of the races, the said endplate coming into contact with a side wall 21a of the said groove.

Abstract: A sprag type one-way clutch uses a spring member, namely a ribbon spring, having a cage for retaining sprags and flange portions which are made by radially bending at least a part of both axial ends of the cage.

Abstract: In a one-way clutch comprising an outer race having an inner peripheral raceway surface and an inner race disposed in the outer race and having an annular outer peripheral raceway surface, the outer race and the inner race being radially spaced apart from each other and disposed concentrically with each other for rotation relative to each other, a plurality of sprags disposed between the outer race and the inner race for transmitting torque between the outer peripheral raceway surface and the inner peripheral raceway surface, an annular holder for holding the sprags, a spring member for holding the sprags with the holder and biasing the sprags in a meshing direction, and an annular retainer fixed to one of the inner race and the outer race to axially hold the holder, the retainer has a protruding portion protruding axially inwardly, and the protruding portion bears against the axial end portion of the holder.

Abstract: A one-way clutch comprises plural sprags to be arranged between an outer ring and an inner ring, a retainer holding the sprags in place, and a spring guided by the retainer to urge the sprags in wedging directions. The retainer comprises a cylindrical part provided with sprag windows, which serve to retain the sprags, and a flange extending from one of opposite ends of the cylindrical part in radial directions of the cylindrical part and provided with plural slits, and is formed of a resiliently-deformable material. The flange comprises large-diameter portions and small-diameter portions separated from each other by the slits. The large-diameter portions of the flange can be press-fitted in a flange-receiving slot formed in an inner peripheral wall of the outer ring by causing the large-diameter portions to flex owing to the resiliency of the retainer, whereby the large-diameter portions can be maintained in engagement with the flange-receiving slot.

Abstract: In a one-way clutch provided with an outer race, an inner race disposed for rotation relative to the outer race, a sprag disposed between the outer race and the inner race for transmitting torque, a holder for holding the sprag, and a garter spring for biasing the sprag in a direction of torque transmission, a stepped portion or a groove portion is provided on an axial side of the sprag and the garter spring is held on the stepped portion or the groove portion. The stepped portion or grooved portion serves to indicate the proper orientation of the sprag during assembly into the clutch and enhances the workability of the sprag.

Abstract: A family of one-way sprag clutches is disclosed. Each clutch includes concentric inner and outer races, each defining a bearing diameter and a sprag diameter. In a first embodiment, outer race bearing and sprag diameters are equal, while in a second embodiment, inner race bearing and sprag diameters are equal. The clutches of the family include at least one race differing in bearing diameter by a pre-determined increment multiple. A bearing corresponding to the inner and outer race bearing diameters and a plurality of identical sprags are arranged between the races. Each sprag includes a pre-selected arc-length defined as a function of bearing diameter such that for each diameter multiple within the family a whole number of sprags are used to achieve positive continuous engagement.

Abstract: An outer ring for a one-way clutch comprises a heat-treated portion a depth of which varies in a direction of a central axis of the outer ring. The heat-treated portion may be located at a raceway surface for torque transmitting members such as sprags.

Abstract: A spray clutch assembly has a first disc having an exterior surface and a second disc spaced apart from the first disc in a generally parallel relationship. A plurality of sprags are circumferentially spaced apart and pivotally mounted between the inner surfaces of the first and second discs. In addition, a plurality of spacer elements are mounted between the first and second discs to hold them at a predetermined distance. At least one spring is provided on an exterior surface of the first annular disc for biasing at least one sprag toward a predetermined position. The present invention preferably has a plurality of springs with each spring corresponding to an individual sprag such that the sprags are individually biased without influence from an adjacent sprag.

Abstract: This invention is a one-way clutch directed to decrease the number of parts and the number of working steps and achieve a reduction in cost by changing the material and shape of a holder for the sprags of a conventional art one-way clutch, and is characterized in that the holder is made of a flexible material such as resin and by the utilization of the flexure thereof, the holder is fitted and fixed to an outer race.

Abstract: A one-way clutch comprises plural sprags to be arranged between an outer ring and an inner ring and at least one retainer holding the sprags in place. The retainer is provided with sprag windows for the sprags. At least one indentation is formed in an edge of each of the sprag windows, said edge extending in a peripheral direction of the retainer, so that the edge is maintained at the indentation thereof out of contact with an opposing end face of the associated one of the sprags.

Abstract: A one-way clutch designed to achieve a reduction in the number of parts and a simplification of assembly. The one-way clutch includes a retainer having a holding hole formed in a portion interposed between an outer race and an inner race to hold a sprag biting between the outer race. The retainer is provided with an elliptical flange urged against the inner periphery of a counterbore formed in the side of the outer race. Since the retainer holds the sprag with the holding hole, the structure of the one-way clutch is simplified. When the flange is pushed into the counterbore of the outer race, the portion of the major diameter of the flange presses the inner periphery of the counterbore, whereby the retainer is made integral with the outer race.

Abstract: A drive shaft assembly is provided for allowing rotation of a drive shaft in a single direction. The drive shaft assembly includes a housing, a drive shaft and an overrunning clutch. The overrunning clutch includes an inner race having an outer annular contact surface and an outer race having an inner annular contact surface spaced radially from the inner race. The inner annular contact surface and the outer annular contact surface form an annular space therebetween. Provided within this annular space are a plurality of sprags which allow the inner race to rotate in a first direction relative to the outer race while preventing the inner race from rotating in a second direction to the outer race.

Abstract: A one-way clutch is provided with a retainer formed with a holding hole for holding a sprag biting between an outer race and an inner race. The retainer further has a sprag restraining piece intervening between the outer race and the inner race. The sprag restraining piece protrudes radially outwardly of the retainer and resiliently bears against the sprag so that the sprag is held between the holding hole and the sprag restraining piece and urged in a direction to bite between the outer race and the inner race. The retainer serves to hold the sprag in the holding hole and also serves to prevent the sprag from coming off the holding hole by the sprag restraining piece and causes the sprag to bite between the outer race and the inner race. Portions of the retainer serve multiple roles when compared to prior retainers and, therefore, the number of parts of the one-way clutch is decreased and the structure thereof becomes simple and the assembly thereof is simplified.

Abstract: A one way clutch has a retainer for receiving a sprag intervening between an outer ring and an inner ring. The retainer includes a cylindrical structural body; a stepped flange which radially protrudes from one end of the structural body so that it communicates with a spot facing hole and inner periphery of the outer ring; a sprag receiving groove formed to be cut toward the flange for receiving the sprag; and an elasticity imparting groove formed to an axial direction of the structural body. The flange prevents reduction in the strength of the retainer due to the provision of the sprag receiving groove in the retainer and hence prevents damage of the retainer such as cracking. A remaining portion located at the position corresponding to the elasticity imparting groove imparts elasticity to the retainer.

Abstract: When an assembly in which a sprag is temporarily assembled to a retainer by a return spring is assembled between an outer race and an inner race, even if the sprag projecting from the retainer is depressed, a drop-out of the sprag is prevented by a retaining member of a friction plate fixed to the end portion of the retainer. A lubrication passage is formed by opening a space surrounded by the outer race, retainer, and sprag to the outer peripheral side. An attaching member of the friction plate which is fixed to the retainer by a spot welding is recessed backward by joggling in a downward stairway manner for a contact surface. Therefore, even if a rise occurs in the attaching member by the welding, the rise is not come into contact with the contact surface.

Abstract: A one-way clutch assembly includes a generally ring-shaped cage provide with a plurality of pairs of openings spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, a plurality of sprags, each pivotally movable in a corresponding opening, a pair of springs in resilient contact with each sprag from both sides; ring-shaped side plate sections; cage cam sections on the plate sections for limiting pivotal movement of each sprag; connection sections; and wherein one spring is engaged a connection section and a sprag in one opening and another spring is engaged with the connection section and a sprag in another opening of a pair of the openings. With the present one-way clutch assembly, a rapid and secure clutching operation is provided.

Abstract: In a one way clutch, a sprag does not always turn around a center of curvature thereof, failing to move smoothly because the sprag contacts an outer ring and an inner ring on the surface. Accordingly, switching from idle rotation to locking of the clutch may cause hopping or the like of the sprag which will pop out of place to be broken. The present invention has an object to provide a one way clutch capable of allowing the stable motion of the sprag if the sprag should hop during pivotal movement and offering an increased freedom of design of a retainer and a ribbon spring.For achieving the object, a one way clutch comprises an annular space defined between an outer ring and an inner ring, sprags, a retainer and a spring, characterized in that the sprag comprises a cam surface contacting an inner circumferential surface of the outer ring, a cam surface contacting an outer circumferential surface of the inner ring and a protrusion opposing a wall surface of a pocket of the retainer.

Abstract: A sprag type one-way clutch comprises an outer race having an inner peripheral raceway surface and an inner race disposed within the outer race and having an annular outer peripheral raceway surface, the outer race and the inner race being radially spaced apart from each other and concentrically disposed for relative rotation, a plurality of sprags disposed between the outer race and inner race for transmitting a torque between the outer peripheral raceway surface and the inner peripheral raceway surface, an annular retainer retaining the sprags, and a spring member holding the sprags between itself and the retainer and biasing the sprags in a meshing direction, and is characterized in that the retainer is provided with a cylinder portion having a radially extending window portion, the sprags are fitted in the window portion for pivotal movement, and the spring member is guided in a substantially circular form by the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder portion.

Abstract: An overrunning multiple-row sprag clutch is provided comprising an annular outer race, an inner race positioned concentrically within the outer race to define an annular space therebetween, and two or more discrete annular sprag rows, each having a plurality of discrete sprags, positioned longitudinally adjacent to one another in the annular space. The outer race has a longitudinally varying radial stiffness such that when a torque is applied to the clutch, portions of the outer race radially adjacent to each sprag row are deflected radially outward to compensate for the tiling of the sprags in the sprag row caused by torsional wind up of the inner race, thereby evenly distributing the total torque load between the sprag rows. The variable radial stiffness of the outer race may be provided by an outer race having a tapered outer diameter.

Abstract: A rotary unit with a built-in clutch which is short in its axial length. The rotary unit has an inner member having an outer periphery formed with a raceway groove and a pair of cylindrical surfaces on both sides of the raceway groove, and a cylindrical outer member having an inner periphery formed with a raceway groove and a pair of cylindrical surfaces on both sides of the groove. A retainer mounted between the inner and outer members has a plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets each housing a rolling member and sprag housing recesses provided alternately with the pockets. In each recess is received a sprag having both ends thereof resting on the opposing cylindrical surfaces and biased by a resilient member so that its inner and outer arcuate surfaces contact the cylindrical surfaces. By arranging the sprags and the rolling members alternately with each other in the circumferential direction, it is possible to reduce the entire axial length of the rotary unit.

Abstract: A one-way clutch according to the present invention comprises an outer race fitted in a housing member, an inner race, a plurality of engaging members arranged between the outer race and the inner race, a cage for holding the engaging members, a spring for biasing each of the engaging member in one direction, annular members arranged on the opposite sides of the outer race so as to close a space between the inner and outer races, said inner race being formed of metal, one of said annular members being formed of synthetic resin, and an integral molding means for integrally forming the inner race and the annular member. According to a further embodiment, one annular member and the cage are integrally molded with synthetic resin.

Abstract: A one-way clutch mechanism having tiltable sprags disposed between concentric races for controlling torque delivery is disclosed. The clutch mechanism includes an annular resilient stretchable spring member and either an inner cage member or an outer cage member. The cage member and spring member provide full phasing of the sprags. Enlarged sprag members can be utilized to increase the wedging and torque capacity of the clutch mechanism. The windows of the spring member can have one or more tabs, as desired, but preferably are tabless. In an alternative embodiment, the clutch mechanism has only a resilient, stretchable spring member to control and bias the sprags between the races.

Abstract: A one-way includes a drag strip between a retainer and a driver ring to ensure transmission of rotation of the driver ring to engagement members such as sprags even when the driver ring is abruptly accelerated or is driven at a high speed. The drag strip has a sliding main body which, after assembly of the drag strip in the one-way clutch, is maintained in contact with the driver ring. The drag strip also has a hanger which extends at a right angle from at least one of opposite ends of the sliding main body into an engagement-member-receiving window of the retainer. On a side edge of the drag strip, where the drag strip is normally maintained in contact with an edge of the engagement-member-receiving window of the inner retainer, the drag strip has an engagement portion engageable with the edge the engagement-member-receiving window. The engagement portion is located in the same plane as the side edge of the hanger. The hanger is maintained in engagement with the retainer by the engagement portion.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch having structure capable of maintaining a lubricant within the overrunning clutch during operation. The overrunning clutch is provided with an outer race and an inner race with a sprag assembly positioned therebetween. The sprag assembly is provided with sidewalls which substantially prevent the escape of lubricant between the sprag assembly and the outer race. The overrunning clutch is also provided with thrust washers which substantially prevent the escape of the lubricant between the thrust washers and the outer race, while allowing injection of a lubricant through the thrust washer and over the sidewalls of the sprag assembly to lubricate the sprags during operation of the overrunning clutch.

Abstract: A one-way clutch comprises relatively rotatable outer and inner races, the outer race having a circular inner circumferential track surface and the inner race having a circular outer circumferential track surface concentric with the inner circumferential track surface, torque transmitting members arranged to transmit torque between the inner and outer circumferential track surfaces, and a cage of substantially oval shape retaining the torque transmitting members. The cage has at an axial end thereof a radially extending annular flange with portions in resilient engagement with one of the inner and outer circumferential track surfaces and having a cut-off portion or portions from a circumference facing that track surface. The use of one or more cut-off portions provides an enhanced spring characteristic of the cage and allows for greater latitude in the dimensional precision of the cage.

Abstract: Free wheel device designed to be inserted between the outer cylindrical surface of a shaft and the cylindrical bore of a housing, of the type comprising a plurality of catching cams (1) retained solely by a spring strip of annular shape (11) having apertures (12) for the cams and return tabs (13) acting on the cams, wherein the lateral edges (14) of the spring (11) are locked axially with lateral retention components (16, 17) giving the spring (11) its final annular shape.

Abstract: A sprag clutch having inner and outer concentric races 1, 2 with sprags 3 pivotally located between the races 1, 2. A circumferential garter spring 6 locates over the sprags 3 to bias them to a wedging position. Relative rotation of the races 1, 2 in one direction causes a centrifugal force CF to act on each sprag 3 to pivot away from contact with the outer race 2. The center of gravity G of each sprag 3 is located radially inwards of its center of rotation C such that when the sprag 3 pivots the centrifugal couple CF increases to overcome the increased tension couple SF of the garter spring to allow a snap action lift off of each sprag 3. The perpendicular distance of the center of gravity from the pivot center of each sprag increases during pivoting to cause an increase in the centrifugal couple. At the same time the perpendicular distance of the pivot point of action of the resilient mean from the pivot center decreases during pivoting.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch assembly comprises a housing and a tubular shaft rotatably coupled together with a roller or sprag clutch positioned therebetween to permit the housing to freely rotate about the shaft in one direction, or to establish torque communication between the shaft and the housing when rotated in the opposite direction. To minimize the weight of the assembly while also containing the radial forces and stresses generated by the roller clutch when transmitting torque, the housing and the shaft are reinforced with high-strength, high-modulus materials having high strength-to-weight ratios.

Abstract: A one-way clutch has a plurality of engagement members disposed between an inner ring and an outer ring and spaced at regular intervals in a circumferential direction of the one-way clutch, an annular retainer having a cylindrical part with pockets for receiving the engagement members and a flange which is continuous with an axial end of the cylindrical part and protrudes radially outwardly, and an annular spring for urging the engagement members in a direction of engagement with the inner and outer rings. The retainer has at least one pair of engagement portions to be engaged with the outer ring, the paired engagement portions being located substantially symmetrically relative to an axis of the retainer. Each engagement portion is defined between two pockets and between two slits respectively connected to the two pockets and passing through the flange to the outside of the retainer.

Abstract: The free-wheel has an inner ring (30,138) and an outer ring (32,140). Generally bone-shaped clamping elements (18,116) are located between the rings (30,32; 138,140) which are provided with an outer radial thickening (24), a central waist (22,152) and an inner radial thickening (20,150). A cage ring (10, 142) that guides the clamping elements (18,116) in a synchronous manner is arranged at the height at the inner radial thickening (20,150). The cage ring (10,142) consists of two cage ring segments (34,144) that have an axial distance to each other and axial webs (38,146) that connect the same and between which pockets (14,148) for the clamping elements (18,116) are formed. The cage ring (10,142) consists of a viscoelastic plastic material, in particular an elastomer.

Abstract: A multi-bent drag strip is provided for use in a one-way clutch having an outer and inner rings, a ring-shaped outer and inner retainers arranged between inner and outer circumferential surfaces of said outer and inner rings, and plural sprags held in place by said outer and inner retainers to permit selective transmission of a torque between said outer and inner rings. The drag strip has a strip portion to be disposed in contact at a part thereof with said outer circumferential surface of said inner ring and bent end portions located on opposite sides of said strip portion and to be disposed in contact with an inner circumferential surface of said inner retainer. Between an area of contact between said strip portion and said outer circumferential surface of said inner ring and each of said bent end portions, said strip portion has at least one bent portion to be disposed out of contact with said outer circumferential surface of said inner ring and said inner circumferential surface of said inner retainer.

Abstract: An improved one-way clutch includes an outer race having an annular inner surface, an inner race having an annular outer surface disposed coaxially with the outer race, a plurality of sprags spaced circumferentially between the inner surface and outer surface, a sprag holder for holding the sprags in an annular space between the annular surfaces and a plurality of inertia resistance members having an arcuately conforming engagement surface mounted about the sprag holder, the arcuately conforming engagement surface being in engagement with one of the said inner surface and outer surface to provide torque resistant drag between the sprag holder and one of the inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: In a one-way clutch, an outer ring has an internal portion whose hardness is substantially the same as that of its periphery, both hardnesses preferably being HRC 55 or more. When sprags interposed between the outer ring and inner ring are engaged with an inner peripheral surface of the outer ring and press the inner peripheral surface radially outwardly, the internal portion having the hardness of HRC 55 or more backs up the inner peripheral surface to prevent the inner peripheral surface from being deformed radially outwardly. Therefore, "roll-over" can be prevented and the maximum transmission torque is increased.

Abstract: A locking element freewheel comprising an outer race ring (1) and an inner race ring (2) with cylindrical and mutually concentric locking surfaces (7,8) between which tiltably suspended locking elements (5) are guided in a cage (6) wherein the central portion of the locking surfaces (7,8) of the outer race ring (1) or inner race ring (2) has a smaller or larger diameter than the ends thereof. If, due to differing wall thicknesses, the race rings (1,2) have differing rigidity, the edge region of highest rigidity of the locking surfaces (7,8) of the outer race ring (1) and/or inner race ring (2) has a larger or smaller diameter and by such a profiling of the locking surfaces, an overloading at the edges of the locking elements is prevented.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch has a driving race and a driven race. The clutch further has cams, each with a locking portion which allows torque transmission in a predetermined direction only from the driving race to the driven race. The locking portions of some of the cams can be engaged between the driving race and the driven race by gravity. The locking portions of all of the cams tend to become engaged by centrifugal force. The clutch additionally has rollers between the driving race and the driven race to maintain the spacing between the driving race and the driven race.

Abstract: A spring is assembled in an annular shape into a one-way clutch to urge engagement members disposed between inner and outer races of the one-way clutch in one direction. In the spring, first and second transverse sections are alternately provided. Those first and second transverse sections define receiving openings which have a generally rectangular shape adapted to receive the engagement members therein. Each first transverse section has a tab projecting into the respective receiving opening so as to press an engagement member received in the receiving opening. The first and second transverse sections also define adjusting openings which are provided alternately with the receiving openings for adjusting the widths of at least the first transverse sections.

Abstract: The invention concerns a switchable locking element freewheel with two concentric cage rings and locking elements lodged in pockets thereof, the cage rings being movable relative to each other for switching the freewheel. In order to make such a freewheel basically operable in two opposing directions and to provide simple switchover facilities herefor and also for cases in which switchability is required only in one direction, the relative movement of the two cage rings serving to switch the freewheel is an axial displacement which, with a view to any further embodiments of the freewheel, can be converted into a rotary movement.

Abstract: A sprag retainer includes a cross member central portion which is biased into contact with an inner peripheral surface of an outer race. The central portion is spaced slightly radially outwardly from axial ends of the retainer. Thus, only the central portion contacts the outer race. The axial ends provide pilot diameters to ensure that the retainer is properly inserted into the outer race. The cross member forms a spring-like structure also assisting in the insertion of the retainer.

Abstract: The free-wheel has an inner ring (30, 138) and an outer ring (32, 140). Generally bone-shaped clamping elements (18, 116) are located between the rings (30, 32; 138, 140) which are provided with an outer radial thickening (24), a central waist (22, 152) and an inner radial thickening (20, 150). A cage ring (10, 142) that guides the clamping elements (18, 116) in a synchronous manner is arranged at the height at the inner radial thickening (20, 150). The cage ring (10, 142) consists of two cage ring segments (34, 144) that have an axial distance to each other and axial webs (38, 146) that connect the same and between which pockets (14, 148) for the clamping elements (18, 116) are formed. The cage ring (10, 142) consists of a viscoelastic plastic material, in particular an elastomer.

Abstract: A one-way clutch has an inner race, an outer race and a plurality of locking elements that are disposed between the races and that move with respect to one of the races when the clutch is overrunning. The clutch includes at least one end bearing for maintaining concentricity of the races that also adjusts the supply of lubricant inside the one-way clutch hydrodynamically. Several configurations and combinations for the end bearing are disclosed.

Abstract: In a one-way clutch, an outer retainer is made of a plastic while an inner retainer is made of a fiber-reinforced plastic. Thus, this one-way clutch is lightweight and can be produced at a low cost. The fiber-reinforced plastic of the inner retainer has a greater strength than the plastic of the outer retainer so that inner portions of sprags that serve as center portions about which the sprags swing can be retained by the inner retainer more securely than can the outer portions of the sprags be retained by the outer retainer.

Abstract: An overrunning clutch comprises opposed inner (12) and outer (14) races dning an annular space (16) therebetween, rollers (40) or sprags (18), and a cage (22), the cage (22) being disposed in the annular space (16) and cooperating with the sprags (18). The cage (22) includes a plurality of interconnecting elements (24,41), each of which has an inner side (28) facing the inner race (12), the inner side of each interconnecting element (24,41) being contoured to redirect at least a portion of the lubrication supplied through oil holes (20) back toward the inner race (12).

Abstract: An improvement is made on a one-way clutch having an inner ring, an outer ring having projections to be engaged with corresponding recesses of a housing, a plurality of engagement members disposed between the inner and outer rings, a cage for the engagement members, a spring member for forcing the engagement members in one direction, a pair of end bearings disposed in opposite lateral positions between the inner and outer rings, and a pair of end bearing retainer plates to be fitted on end faces of the outer ring. Grooves are respectively formed on opposite end portions of an outer peripheral surface of the projections of the outer ring at regular intervals in a circumferential direction. Each of the end bearing retainer plates is provided with fitting portions which are integrally formed around an outer periphery of the end bearing retainer plate at regular intervals and which are respectively engaged with the grooves of the outer ring.

Abstract: A one-way sprag clutch assembly for use in an automatic transmission or slar application including an inner race (42), an outer race (44) having a pair of annular grooves (63, 68) cut in the interior surface (45) thereof, and a clutch assembly (41) having an inner cage member (46), an outer cage member (53) and an intermediate energizing spring (49), the cage members and spring having generally aligned openings (47, 51, 55) for receiving a plurality of sprags (48) therein. A side wall (56) is integrally formed with and perpendicular to the outer annular cage member (53) to create, with an end cap (64) on the opposite end of the assembly, lubrication escape barriers for lubricant in the assembly.

Abstract: A clutch having an outer ring, an inner shaft mounted in the outer member, a cage interposed between the outer ring and the inner shaft and cam members movably mounted in pockets formed in the cage. A torque-setting elastic member is provided between the cage and one of the outer ring and the inner shaft so that while the torque on the elastic member is smaller than a preset value, they will rotate in unison with some clearance left therebetween in the direction of rotation. When the torque on the elastic member gets larger than the preset value, the elastic member deforms to allow the cage to turn relative to the member engaged therewith. Now, the cam elements are pushed by the cage into engagement with both cam surfaces formed on the inner periphery of the outer member and the other periphery of the inner member, thus bringing the two members into engagement. This input shaft is rotatably mounted in the outer ring by means of two bearings so as to extend through the outer ring.

Abstract: In a one-way clutch, a plurality of sprags held by a retainer in a swingable manner and forced by a spring in one direction are interposed between an inner ring and an outer ring. A pair of end bearings are slidably fit to the outer ring on both sides of the retainer between the inner and outer rings. A pair of annular retainer plates each having a plurality of pawls around an outer periphery are provided so that the annular retainer plates support the end bearings in opposite axial directions when fastened to the outer ring by the pawls. An annular recessed portion is concentrically formed on an annular part of each annular retainer plate.

Abstract: An improved sprag clutch is disclosed. A retainer for the sprags is generally U-shaped in cross-section. Legs at each axial end of the retainer extend radially outwardly of a central planar portion, which has notches to position the sprags. The U-shaped cross-section allows the use of a thin metal for forming the retainer body. A disclosed sprag has a single central spring notch at its inner periphery, and a solid contact surface at its outer periphery.

Abstract: A one way acting sprag clutch is disclosed of the type automatically disengaging the sprags from an outer raceway at a predetermined rotative speed of the inner raceway to reduce wear during overrunning, in which the sprags are of an upright shape and are formed with a rocker portion having asymmetric rocker lip portions creating an unbalanced mass. The unbalanced mass causes increased tilting movements of the sprags overcoming the energizing force of the springs at the predetermined rotative speed of the inner raceway and liftoff of the outer end of the sprags from the outer raceway. The upright shape allows a complete complement of sprags to be employed to achieve high torque capacity. The rocker lip portions have abutment surfaces facing the adjacent sprags, which surfaces move into abutment when the sprags move to an overloaded wedging condition to provide an antirollover feature.

Abstract: An energizing spring utilized for a one-way clutch; such as a sprag clutch, wherein the spring includes a resilient high tensile spring steel metal cage or ring having parallel side bars joined by cross bars to define a plurality of openings with tapered inwardly extending tabs, both the tabs and the side bars having transverse wrinkles or depressions therein. This energizing spring cooperates with a set of generally rigid inner and outer circular cages between the inner and outer races, these cages having openings corresponding to the spring openings to receive sprags which engage the inner and outer races.

Abstract: A one-way clutch having a number of cams arranged circumferentially between an outer clutch member and an inner clutch member and held between a pair of ring-shaped side plates. A friction member is interposed between one of the clutch members and at least one of the side plates to prevent mutual sliding rotation thereof. The friction member having resiliency is pressed against one of the clutch member to produce intensive frictional force, so that the one-way clutch rotates together with one of the clutch members at all times, thereby wearing of the one-way clutch can be avoided.