Transmission with shift blocker clutch mechanisms

Abstract

A rotatable, axially movable first clutch member, having first clutch teeth, is adapted to meshingly engage with a second rotatable clutch member, having second clutch teeth, and blocker means coact with the clutch members for positively preventing engagement of the clutch teeth so long as a substantial difference in relative rotational speed exists therebetween, the blocker means including an annular blocker ring having a plurality of axially projecting struts, with the struts having blocking portions thereon, and some of the first clutch teeth are provided with spaces therebetween capable of receiving therethrough the axially projecting struts, and their blocking portions, when the struts and spaces are axially aligned to permit the blocking portions to move axially into the spaces so that the clutch teeth can be engaged. Torque transmitting means transmit torque between the second clutch member and the blocker means for initially circumferentially offsetting the blocker means relative to the first clutch member when the clutch members are disengaged, with this strut blocking portions engaging with an annular side surface of the first clutch member in the disengaged position while frictionally cooperating surfaces on the blocker means and the second clutch member provide a rotational force to the blocker means both before and when the first clutch portion is shifted toward the second clutch member.