GB516575A - New or improved means for ensuring unidirectional rotation of a shaft - Google Patents

Abstract

516,575. Preventing reverse rotation. HACKETT, A. G., and EDWARDS, J. L. June 23, 1938, No. 18617. [Class 103 (i)] In means for preventing reverse rotation of a vehicle or other shaft comprising balls f arranged to wedge between inclined recesses e in a fixed disc c and a collar b on the shaft, an angularly movable gapped ring d is provided, one end h of each gap being inclined so that in one position of the ring, the adjacent ball is displaced from the collar and held at the wider end of the gap as shown. Noise due to the rotation of the balls in contact with the collar is thus prevented. The ring may be moved by hand but is preferably coupled lightly to the collar b as by a spring-pressed shoe j so that the balls automatically engage the collar when the shaft tends to rotate in the clockwise direction. The movement of the ring d is limited by a stop m. Where the device is fitted to a vehicle transmission shaft means actuated by the gear selecting mechanism may hold the ring in the position of Fig. 1 to enable the vehicle to be driven in reverse. On a trailer vehicle, the ring may be spring urged to the operative position but be normally held in the position of Fig. 1 by a latch which is released by a cable extending to the tractor when the coupling breaks.