Shift assistor for marine transmission

摘要

A transmission for a dual, counter-rotational propeller system incorporates a shift assistor to yieldably cushion transmission engagement. The shift assistor desirably operates between one clutch of a dual clutch assembly and a clutch actuator. The shift assistor specifically yieldably couples the clutch to the actuator. The yieldably coupling permits relative movement between the shift assistor and the clutch during the shifting operation in order to allow the clutches to engage the corresponding gears separately (i.e., at different times). The shift assistor thus reduces coupling shock when shifting the transmission either into a forward or a reverse drive condition.