Brake mechanism and clutch unit

A clutch unit comprising a ratchet mechanism provided at an input side and configured to transmit and shut off an input torque produced by a swinging motion of an operation member to which a lever is mounted, and a brake mechanism provided at an output side and configured to transmit the input torque from the ratchet mechanism to an output shaft and to shut off a reverse input torque from the output shaft,

• wherein the brake mechanism includes a brake-side cam, a brake-side outer race, a first movable piece configured to be engageable with and disengageable from the brake-side cam and the brake-side outer race to thereby lock and unlock rotation of the brake-side cam, and a transmission member allowed to come in contact with the first movable piece to thereby release the first movable piece from the brake-side cam and the brake-side outer race, and allowed to get engaged with the brake-side cam to thereby transmit the input torque to the brake-side cam,
• wherein the ratchet mechanism includes a first rotatory member configured to be rotatable together with the transmission member, a second rotatory member configured to be swingable together with the operation member, and a second movable piece configured to be engageable with and disengageable from the first rotatory member and the second rotatory member to thereby transmit and shut off the input torque from the operation member,
• wherein the clutch unit comprises:
• a return spring configured to return the operation member to a neutral position;
• and
• a housing covering the first movable piece, the second movable piece and the return spring from at least one side that is a radially outside thereof,
• wherein the housing doubles as the brake-side outer race,
• wherein the housing comprises:
• the brake-side outer race configured to cover an output-side surface of the first movable piece and to cover a radially outer side of the brake-side cam and the first movable piece;
• and
• a cover member configured such that an inner peripheral surface of the cover member is fitted directly on an outer periphery of the brake-side outer race, the cover member being configured to cover an input-side surface of the second movable piece,
• wherein the operation member includes:
• the second rotatory member located within the housing;
• a lever mount portion disposed outside the housing and to which the lever is mounted;
• and
• a connecting portion to connect the second rotatory member and the lever mount portion and disposed to extend through an opening provided in the housing, wherein the second rotatory member, the lever mount portion, and the connecting portion are formed integrally in one piece;
• wherein the return spring is held by the connecting portion.