ONE-WAY CLUTCH

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a low cost one-way clutch which materializes low backlash during operation and can be easily formed of reinforced metal. SOLUTION: A one-way clutch is provided with a first race 22 having pockets 28 arranged so as to be separated from each other. The pocket 28 is equipped with an opening in the outer surface of the first race 22, and surrounded by a wall extending along a part of an edge thereof and including a drive surface. A second race 24 includes a series of notches 32 (cams) alternatively formed on the outer surface opposed to the opening of the pocket 28. A plurality of rockers 160 are disposed in the pockets 28. Each rocker 160 is equipped with an engagement surface 180 drivably engaged with and disengaged from the notch 32, a reaction surface 162 for being engaged with the drive surface when the engagement surface 180 is drivably engaged with the notch 32, and guide surfaces for abutting onto the wall of the pocket 28 to guide the movement of the rocker 160 from a disengaged position toward an engaged position. A spring member 44 on the first race 22 is biased in a direction in which the rocker 160 is engaged with the cam surface 194. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI