SPOTLIGHT ON FREEWHEELS

27 November 2024

Freewheels are directional couplings, which means that the driving member rotates the driven member in one direction. while automatically disengaging itself from the driven member when the direction of rotation is reversed.

Freewheels may be employed as:

Overrunning clutches where the freewheel disengages automatically when the driven member rotates faster than the driving member.

Indexing clutches where the freewheel allows the conversion of reciprocating motion into rotational movement.

Backstop clutches where the freewheel allows rotation in one direction only. It overruns continuously during operation. The freewheel prevents reverse rotation if the drive is disconnected.

Example applications for overrunning clutches include conveyor belts, dual motor/engine drives and crawler and starter drives. Backstop clutches are useful in inclined conveyors, escalators and pumps. Indexing clutches can be an appropriate selection for pressworking, packing machines, assembly and printing machines etc.