A clutch for frictionally synchronizing and positive connecting first and second drives disposed for relative rotation about a common axis;
- the clutch comprising:
- first jaw means axially movable from a neutral position to an engaged position with second jaw means for positive connecting the drives in response to engaging movement of the first jaw means by an axially directed shift force (F.sub.o), the first jaw means including a central opening having internal splines with axially extending flank surfaces slidably mating continuously with axially extending flank surfaces of external splines for preventing relative rotation between the internal and external splines, and the external splines affixed against rotation and axial movement relative to the first drive;
- a first friction surface axially movable into engagement with a second friction surface in response to the engaging movement of the first jaw means for producing a synchronizing torque (T.sub.o);
- first and second angled blocker surfaces movable into engagement in response to the engaging movement of the first jaw means for preventing asynchronous engagement of the jaw means, for transmitting the shift force (F.sub.o) to the first friction surface to effect an engagement force of the friction surfaces, and for producing a torque counter to the synchronizing torque for moving the first and second blocker surfaces out of engagement as synchronization is reached;
- first and second self-energizing means operative when engaged to react the synchronizing torque for producing an additive axial force (F.sub.a) in the direction of the shift force (F.sub.o) for increasing the engagement force of the friction surfaces, the first and second self-energizing means including means for directing the additive axial force (F.sub.a) to the first friction surface via the blocker surfaces;
- characterized by:
- a first element defining a hub including an outer circumference defining the external splines;
- a first baulkring including the first friction surface and a plurality of the second blocker surfaces, the baulkring being axially movable away from the hub toward the second friction surface;
- the first jaw means central opening and internal splines affixed to a second element defined by a shift sleeve;
- the first self-energizing means including a plurality of first self-energizing ramp surfaces affixed to a one of the elements;
- a plurality of members mounted about a one of the elements for limited rotation relative to each of the elements and secured against radial movement relative to each of the elements, each member including a second angled self-energizing ramp surface operative in response to the synchronizing torque to engage a one of the first self-energizing ramp surfaces, whereby the additive axial force (F.sub.a) is produced and directed to the first friction surface via the blocker surfaces.