Freewheels — Clutch acting in one direction of rotation only
Freewheels are clutches that transmit torque in only one direction. In this direction of rotation, the two rings are locked firmly against each other, allowing for power transmission. In the opposite direction, the inner ring can rotate freely against the outer ring. Freewheels can be used as backstops, overrunning clutches, or indexing freewheels. When used as backstops, freewheels act as brakes to prevent the shaft from rotating backwards. As overrunning clutches, the freewheel disengages the power transmission above a certain speed, allowing for idle operation. When used as indexing freewheels, the shaft is rotated incrementally to achieve material feed or variable speed.
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