Overrunning Clutch

If the speed of the driven side exceeds the speed of the driving side, the freewheel clutch disengages the driving and driven sides by indexing from torque transfer to idle.

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Application examples

Sprag type freewheel clutches from GMN can be used efficiently and effectively as overrunning clutches in a wide range of areas.

  • copier machines
  • printing machines
  • conveyor equipment
  • transport equipment (speed matching)
  • starters for combustion engines
  • ergometers
  • E-bikes
  • bicycle hubs
  • starters
  • emergency power aggregates
  • generators
  • hybrid applications (E-mobility)
  • palletizing and storage systems
  • model helicopters
  • hand-operated sirens
  • roller coasters
  • washing systems
  • continuous ovens
  • compressors
  • compensating gearboxes
  • gas turbine drives
  • pump drives
  • belt drives
  • wheelchairs
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HELICOPTER (MODEL)

The freewheel clutch is positioned directly on the motor shaft and transfers the torque to the rotor. The motor shaft stops for landing the model helicopter. The freewheel clutch now enters overrunning operation and the rotor continues to turn until the helicopter finally lands due to the slowing rotor. Several properties of our built-in freewheel clutches (model FE) are of benefit here:

  • low weight
  • high torque handling in confined spaces
  • robust and resistant to vibrations

E-Bike

The classic bicycle freewheel clutch enables rolling without pedaling in idle operation. The E-bike also has the electric motor as an additional drive to support the rider with power from the motor as required. An additional freewheel clutch is required for engaging and disengaging the electric motor. Our sprag type freewheel clutches offer maximum torques in an extremely confined space for this application. Practically silent and vibration-free idle operation also enables a comfortable ride feeling. Many of our customers benefit from the quality and the performance characteristics of our products, as well as from our expert advice in the E-bike field.

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PACKAGING MACHINES

Packaging machines are optimized and highly specialized machines for packaging items, some of which are produced in very high quantities. One example is equipment for inserting additional bases in paper bags for higher weights. Maximum process security is extremely important here. Malfunctions and machine downtime must be reduced to an absolute minimum. Our freewheel clutches fulfill the high quality requirements for this sector and are a reliable component in complex systems.

String bikes

GMN freewheel clutches are the basis for achieving a revolutionary and highly efficient bicycle drive. The innovative drive concept of the new “string bike” differs significantly from all conventional systems.

It is made up of two identical drive units on both sides of the bicycle frame that are aligned opposite each other. The pedal forces are transferred on both sides via a swing arm and a pulley to cord reels wound around the rear axle. The forwards movement of a swing arm causes the cord reel to unwind and generates the driving force on the rear wheel. The opposite backwards movement winds the rope reel again on the opposite side at the same time. The indexing takes place via the positioning of the two pulleys on the swing arms.

The GMN sprag type freewheel clutches from the FE 400 Z series mounted in the rear hub of the string bike guarantee the new drive system will function efficiently and have a long service life.

The “string bike” supported by GMN offers further major advantages:

  • Long service life

The lubricant-free drive concept enables a significant reduction in maintenance requirements. 10,000 km have already been achieved in endurance tests without any notable wear.

  • High level of riding comfort

The symmetrically mounted pulleys unwind without vibrations and provide for an even force transfer.
The applied force is transferred gently and silently in the frictional connection with maximum precision and reliability.

  • Optimized efficiency

The symmetrical drive takes place without loss of friction on the chain and gearwheels.

  • Efficient force transfer

The pedal travel is practically circular in the high gears. In the low gears, the characteristic changes to an elliptical curve. This means that the pedal force can be applied more efficiently.

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Revolutionary stringbike 
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Symmetrically mounted pulleys 
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Swing arms with pulleys