GB1018733A - Improvements in and relating to one-way clutches - Google Patents

Abstract

1,018,733. Ratchet clutches. ENGLISH ELECTRIC AVIATION Ltd. Dec. 31, 1964 [Dec. 31, 1963], No. 51263/63. Heading F2C. A ratchet drive unit comprises two oppositely acting one-way clutches, each consisting of an inner race coupled to a shaft, an outer race, and a series of torque-transmitting members such as rollers or sprags between the races, the outer races being capable of temporary synchronization by a frusto-conical baulk ring and the torque-transmitting members of one clutch being capable of engagement with either outer race. The arrangement shown comprises a primary jamming roller clutch including rollers 3 mounted between an outer race formed in a toothed housing 1 and an inner race member 4 splined to a shaft 2, and a secondary oppositely acting clutch with rollers 5 mounted between an outer race in a conical baulk ring 8 received in the end of the housing 1 and an inner race member 6 also splined to shaft 2. The rollers 5 are carried in a cage 7 provided with a ball detent 9 and engaged by a shift fork operable in a groove 17, such that at synchronism the rollers can be moved to the right and engaged between the inner race 6 and the outer race formed in the housing 1 to lock the unit. In order to prevent the clutches from locking against each other in the engaged state, backlash is provided in either of the spline connections 12, 14 of the inner race members. The arrangement may be used in a vehicle with the housing 1 connected to the engine and the shaft 2 coupled to the driving wheels, or it may be employed in an engine-starting system.