A one-way clutch is proposed which is low in surface pressures and
durable. It includes an inner ring having a cylindrical outer surface,
and an outer ring having a cylindrical inner surface defining a
wedge-shaped space in cooperation with the cylindrical outer surface of
the inner ring. A ring-shaped wedge member is disposed in the
wedge-shaped space. The wedge member is formed with a cylindrical outer
surface and a cylindrical inner surface having a center of curvature that
is radially offset from the center of curvature of the cylindrical outer
surface of the wedge member. A resilient member is provided between the
inner ring and the wedge member to bias the wedge member in a direction
to be wedged into the narrow portion of the wedge-shaped space. When the
inner ring is rotated in one direction, the wedge member will be brought
into wedging engagement with the cylindrical surfaces of the inner and
outer rings. Torque is thus transferred from the inner ring to the outer
ring.