One-way clutch

A one-way clutch comprising:

• an external rotary member;
• an internal rotary member;
• wherein cam surfaces of the external rotary member and a cam surface of the internal rotary member define a plurality of clutch member spaces that are disposed between the external rotary member and the internal rotary member in a circumferential direction;
• wherein a gap defined by the cam surfaces of the external rotary member and internal rotary member in each clutch member space varies in the circumferential direction from a wider portion to a narrower portion;
• wherein a stopper is formed as one piece with the external rotary member at the wider portion of each of the plurality of clutch member spaces;
• a plurality of rolling members disposed in each of the plurality of clutch member spaces;
• wherein the stopper in each of the plurality of clutch member spaces directly receives the plurality of rolling members and sets the limit of motion of the plurality of rolling members within that clutch member space;
• wherein a first circle disposed radially outwardly from the internal rotary member and radially inwardly of an equator of the plurality of rolling members and a second circle disposed radially inwardly of the external rotary member and radially outwardly of the equator of the plurality of rolling members define an annular free space therebetween, and wherein only the plurality of rolling members in each clutch member space are disposed within the free space;
• wherein at least one of the plurality of rolling members in each clutch member space when in a transmission ON state securely contacts the cam surfaces of both the external rotary member and internal rotary member so that the internal rotary member and external rotary member rotate integrally with each other;
• and
• wherein the at least one of the plurality of rolling members in each clutch member space when in a transmission OFF state allows the internal rotary member and external rotary member to rotate relative to each other.

A one-way clutch comprising:

• an internal rotary member;
• an external rotary member;
• wherein a surface of the internal rotary member and a surface of the external rotary member define a plurality of clutch member spaces so that a width of each clutch member space varies from a wider portion to a narrower portion;
• a stopper disposed at the wider portion of each clutch member space, the stopper being formed as one piece with at least one of the external rotary member and internal rotary member;
• a first rolling member disposed in each clutch member space;
• wherein the stopper in each clutch member space directly receives the first rolling member and sets a limit of motion of the first rolling member within the clutch member space;
• wherein a radius of curvature of a surface of the stopper in each clutch member space is not less than a radius of curvature of the first rolling member which contacts it;
• wherein the first rolling member in each clutch member space, when in a first position, contacts the surfaces of both the external rotary member and internal rotary member for inhibiting rotation of the external rotary member and internal rotary member relative to each other;
• and
• wherein the first rolling member in each clutch member space, in a second position, allows relative rotation of the internal rotary member and external rotary member.