Overrunning Clutch Mechanical Clutches
Description
An overrunning clutch is a mechanical device that allows a driven shaft to rotate freely in one direction while preventing motion in the opposite direction. It is primarily used as a safety mechanism to ensure that the drive element can stop while the load continues to wind down freely.
Working Principle
Overrunning clutches operate by engaging and disengaging based on the direction of rotation. They typically use components such as sprags or rollers that wedge between inner and outer races to transmit torque in one direction. When the drive element rotates in the intended direction, the clutch engages, allowing torque transmission. If the rotation reverses, the clutch disengages, allowing the driven shaft to spin freely. This functionality is particularly useful in applications where it is necessary to switch between different speeds or to prevent reverse motion.
Applications
Overrunning clutches are commonly used in two-speed drive systems. For example, in a setup where two motors with different output speeds are connected to a single driven shaft, the overrunning clutch allows the primary motor to drive the machine at a low speed. When the secondary motor takes over to drive the machine at a higher speed, the clutch overruns, facilitating the switch between speeds without interruption.
Advantages over other Mechanical Clutches
Overrunning clutches offer the advantage of allowing freewheeling in one direction, which is not possible with many other types of mechanical clutches. This feature is particularly beneficial in applications requiring frequent switching between different speeds or directions, as it reduces wear and tear on the system by minimizing unnecessary engagement and disengagement.
Limitations
One limitation of overrunning clutches is that they are designed to transmit torque in only one direction. This means they are not suitable for applications requiring bidirectional torque transmission. Additionally, the engagement mechanism, such as sprags or rollers, may wear over time, potentially leading to maintenance requirements.
Considerations
When selecting an overrunning clutch, it is important to consider factors such as initial costs, operating expenses, and maintenance requirements. While overrunning clutches can be cost-effective in terms of reducing wear on other components, they may require periodic inspection and replacement of worn parts to maintain optimal performance. Durability and accuracy are also key considerations, as the clutch must reliably engage and disengage under varying operational conditions.
from Lowell Corporation
Lowell Corporation Overrunning Clutch for original equipment manufacturers and plant operation. One Way Roller Clutches, Overrunning Clutch. Featuring a simple construction, and built to offer an easy to produce one-way clutch device that saves users money. [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Rotary Speed: 600 to 1800
- Torque: 5.0 to 500.0
- Engagement: Roller Detent
from Hilliard Corporation (The)
The Hilliard High-Speed Overrunning Clutch provides positive engagement and high torque on demand. Featuring a unique roller-ramp design, the clutch when engaged transmits power via the precision-machined cam and roller assembly connected to the input shaft. A ball bearing at each end of the roll... [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Rotary Speed: 10000 to 16000
- Torque: 275.0 to 925.0
- Engagement: Roller Detent
from Hilliard Corporation (The)
Hilliard Sprag Clutches are designed for overrunning, backstopping and indexing applications. This clutch is a freewheeling device with an inner race and an outer race, either of which can be the input or output member. The input can drive the output in a chosen direction and permit the output to... [See More]
- Special: Overrunning; Freewheeling; Backstop
- Rotary Speed: 375 to 3600
- Torque: 275.0 to 36600.0
- Engagement: Roller Detent; Sprag
from Hilliard Corporation (The)
The Hilliard High-Speed Starter Overrunning Clutch Drive provides positive engagement and high torque on demand. Featuring a unique roller-ramp design, the clutch when engaged transmits power via the precision-machined cam and roller assembly connected to the input shaft. A ball bearing at each end... [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Rotary Speed: 16000
- Torque: 275.0 to 925.0
- Shaft: In-line
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
A-Series Tiny-Clutches are miniature roller and cam type single revolution clutches. They also function as a general purpose, rapid action clutch for selectively coupling a continuously rotating input and a driven shaft. The clutch features fast response, high torque capacity for a given size and... [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Rotary Speed: 7000
- Torque: 0.3 to 1.2
- Spring Assistance: Spring Actuation/Engage
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 1808 Backstopping Clutch is based off of our D125MR Roller Clutch. This clutch features a 1/2" bore & mounts to the shaft with two setscrews at 180 ° instead of the usual 90 °. This clutch is available in either Right or Left hand drive & replaces Milford Rivet Part #... [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Rotary Speed: 2000
- Torque: 4.2
- Spring Assistance: Spring Actuation/Engage
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
CR-Series Tiny-Clutches are captured roller and cam assemblies that work the same as our D-Series, but which are installed in your housing. The clutch has near zero backlash & allows high overrunning speeds, making them ideal for machines requiring overrunning, backstopping, freewheeling or... [See More]
- Special: Overrunning; Freewheeling; Backstop
- Rotary Speed: 7000
- Torque: 0.3
- Spring Assistance: Spring Actuation/Engage
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The D-Series TINY-CLUTCH is a miniature roller and cam type one-way clutch. It is designed to be built into the customer's equipment and has no loose parts. The D-Series is most frequently used to allow a driven member to overrun the input, or for backstopping a load, it can also function to convert... [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Rotary Speed: 7000
- Torque: 0.4
- Spring Assistance: Spring Actuation/Engage
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 1869 Fractional Revolution Pulley Clutch is based off of our SP75B Wrap Spring Clutch. This clutch features a 48 tooth, XL pitch pulley & a 3 lug (Third Revolution) collar. It has a 1/2" bore, mounts with a set screw & crosshole, & replaces Federal APD Part # 30-4325. [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Spring Assistance: Spring Actuation/Engage
- Torque: 4.2
- Shaft: In-line
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 1479 Fractional Revolution Sprocket Clutch is based off of our SP75D Wrap Spring Clutch. This clutch features a 60 tooth, 25 pitch Sprocket, a 2 lug (Half Revolution) collar & an over-travel stop. It has a 3/8" bore, mounts with a crosshole & replaces R. Funk # A8524. [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Spring Assistance: Spring Actuation/Engage
- Torque: 4.2
- Shaft: In-line
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 2580 Half Revolution Spring Clutch is based off of our SP75D Wrap Spring Clutch. This clutch features a plain drum, a 2 lug (Half Revolution) collar & an over-travel stop. It has a 3/8" bore & mounts with a crosshole. [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Spring Assistance: Spring Actuation/Engage
- Torque: 4.2
- Shaft: In-line
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 1868 Indexing Pulley Clutch is based off of our SP75B Wrap Spring Clutch. This clutch features a 48 tooth, XL pitch pulley & a 2 lug (Half Revolution) collar. It has a 1/2" bore, mounts with a set screw & crosshole, & replaces Federal APD Part # 30-4117. [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Spring Assistance: Spring Actuation/Engage
- Torque: 4.2
- Shaft: In-line
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 1930 Indexing Spring Clutch is based off of our SP75D Wrap Spring Clutch. This clutch features a 19 tooth, 25 pitch Sprocket, a 1 lug (Single Revolution) collar & an over-travel stop. It has a 3/8" bore, mounts with a crosshole & replaces R. Funk # A18676. [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Spring Assistance: Spring Actuation/Engage
- Torque: 4.2
- Shaft: In-line
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 1478 Indexing Sprocket Clutch is based off of our SP75D Wrap Spring Clutch. This clutch features a 48 tooth, 25 pitch Sprocket, a 1 lug (Single Revolution) collar & an over-travel stop. It has a 3/8" bore, mounts with a crosshole & replaces R. Funk # A8523. [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Spring Assistance: Spring Actuation/Engage
- Torque: 4.2
- Shaft: In-line
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 2536 One Way Roller Clutch is based off of our D125 Roller Clutch. This clutch features a cam with no bore & an 10mm external square for mounting, it has a special housing with an arm & is Right hand drive. This clutch is used to convert an oscillating drive into rotary... [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Rotary Speed: 2000
- Torque: 4.2
- Spring Assistance: Spring Actuation/Engage
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 1692 One-Way Clutch is based off of our D75PM Roller Clutch. This clutch features heavy duty springs, a 1/4" bore & mounts to the shaft with a set screw. This clutch is available in Left hand drive & replaces Pellerin Milnor part # 54M105. [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Rotary Speed: 6000
- Torque: 0.8
- Spring Assistance: Spring Actuation/Engage
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 2448 Overrunning Spring Clutch is based off of our SP75E Wrap Spring Clutch. This clutch features a 3-Hole drum & a zero lug collar. It has a 1/2" bore & mounts with two set screws at 90 °. [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Spring Assistance: Spring Actuation/Engage
- Torque: 4.2
- Shaft: In-line
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 2579 Single Revolution Spring Clutch is based off of our SP75D Wrap Spring Clutch. This clutch features a plain drum, a 1 lug (Single Revolution) collar & an over-travel stop. It has a 3/8" bore & mounts with a crosshole. [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Spring Assistance: Spring Actuation/Engage
- Torque: 4.2
- Shaft: In-line
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
SP-Series Tiny-Clutches are versatile line of wrap spring clutches available in the following configurations: Overrunning, On-Off, Indexing, Adjustable Indexing & Positive Stop Indexing. The various configurations allow great flexibility in application. The basic spring clutch consists of three... [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Spring Assistance: Spring Actuation/Engage
- Torque: 0.4
- Shaft: In-line
from Tiny-Clutch | Helander Products, Inc.
The Tiny-Clutch 2425 Winding Clutch is based off of our AD50 Autodisconnect Clutch. This clutch features a larger 5/8" plain drum with two flats for the output hub, allowing quick, easy slip fitting of the driven load. This clutch also has the drag arm reversed, to allow different mounting... [See More]
- Special: Overrunning
- Spring Assistance: Spring Actuation/Engage
- Torque: 1.2
- Shaft: Parallel