Overload clutch

Abstract

An overrunning clutch including a driving member, a driven member, clutch engagement members rotatably held in apertures formed through one of the driving and driven members and first recesses formed in the other of said driving and driven members wherein the clutch engagement members engage to effect clutch torque transmission, is structured to include a control ring having second recesses formed therein, with the control ring being held by a circumferentially-acting spring in a first position, representing the clutch engaged position, and being movable to a second position representing the clutch disengaged or overrunning position. The clutch engagement members are held by an axial spring in frictional engagement between the control ring and the other of the driving and driven members containing the first recesses and when the torque transmission through the clutch exceeds a predetermined nominal value, rolling motion of the clutch engagement members operates by frictional contact to cause the control ring to move against the circumferentially-acting spring into its second position whereby the engagement members enter the second recesses and whereby the clutch begins to overrun.