What are the types of one-way clutches?
2 Answers
One-way clutches consist of an outer race, inner race, cage, wedges, etc. The types include roller-type one-way clutches, spring-type one-way clutches, and friction-plate-type one-way clutches. Roller-type one-way clutch: Engages and disengages by changing the position of the rollers in the wedge-shaped grooves. It mainly consists of a drive gear, housing, cross-groove sleeve (or outer race and cross-block sleeve), rollers, and spring. Spring-type one-way clutch: Engages and disengages through the radial contraction and relaxation of a torsion spring. It features a simple structure, long service life, and low cost. Friction-plate-type one-way clutch: Engages and disengages by tightening and loosening the driving and driven friction plates. The maximum torque transmitted by the friction-plate-type one-way clutch can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the shims.
I've been repairing cars for almost twenty years and have seen many types of one-way clutches. A one-way clutch is a component that allows the shaft to rotate in only one direction while slipping freely in the opposite direction. There are three most common types: The first is the roller-type one-way clutch, which contains multiple rollers. When the shaft rotates in the intended direction, the rollers lock into the inclined grooves; when reversed, they roll and slip. This type is widely used in starter motors—easy to manufacture but not suitable for high torque. The second is the sprag-type one-way clutch, designed with multiple small sprags to withstand high pressure and torque, commonly found in automatic transmissions. It releases when reversed. The third is the ratchet-type one-way clutch, similar to bicycle pedals that only turn in one direction; it makes a clicking noise when reversed. Choosing the wrong type can cause the car to slip when reversing or fail to start. In my repairs, I often find that car owners neglect checking these small parts, leading to major overhauls. Regular maintenance of the transmission system can save a lot of trouble.
