OVERRUNNING CLUTCH FOR USE IN AN AUTOMOTIVE POWER TRANSMISSION

摘要

An overrunning clutch adapted to permit free rotation of the inner and outer wheels with respect to each other when one of the inner and outer wheels rotates in one direction. Either one of the inner and outer wheels is formed with at least three radially extending projecting portions at circumferentially equally spaced positions, which projecting portions engage with the opposing peripheral wall of another one of the inner and outer wheels to prevent deflection of the inner and outer wheels with respect to each other, and at least two cam surfaces at circumferentially equally divided positions between the adjacent projecting portions. At least two rollers are disposed about the cam surfaces between the inner and outer wheels so that the smooth operation is obtained.