RATCHET ONE-WAY CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

摘要

Ratchet one-way clutch assemblies (350) are disclosed which include an inner race member (354) with a plurality of notches (366), an outer race member (352) or a stator/reactor member (352) with a plurality of pockets (362), and a plurality of pawl members (356) positioned in the pockets (362) for engagement with the notches (366). Where a stator member (352) is utilized, the stator member (352) preferably is made from a non-ferrous material (352) such as aluminum (352) or a plastic (352). The pawl members (356) have a pivot ridge which mates with a peak (364) or recess (364) in the pockets (362) to position the pawl (356) in the pocket (362). The pawl (356) center of mass (CM) is selectively positioned such that the pawl (356) has a tendency to become engaged or disengaged with the notches (366). A spring member (358) can be utilized to provide a tilting force on the pawl (356) toward engagement. Garter springs, Z-type springs, leaf springs or the like (358) can be utilized for this purpose. Preferably, wide Z-type springs (358) which have substantially the same width (L) as the pawls (356) are used.