Differential with torque coupling

A torque coupling unit for use with a differential assembly, the torque coupling unit comprising:

• a clutch can in driving engagement with a side gear of the differential assembly;
• a clutch drum in driving engagement with an output shaft;
• a clutching assembly comprising a first plurality of plates and a second plurality of plates, the first plurality of plates drivingly engaged with the clutch can and the second plurality of plates drivingly engaged with the clutch drum;
• and
• a clutch actuator assembly disposed adjacent the clutching assembly, the clutch actuator assembly comprising an actuator, a gear set, and a roller and ramp assembly, the gear set in driving engagement with the actuator and the roller and ramp assembly, wherein in response to a rotation of a portion of the actuator a portion of the roller and ramp assembly is driven in an axial manner to apply a force to the clutching assembly, causing the first plurality of plates to be at least variably frictionally engaged with the second plurality of plates.

A torque coupling unit for use with a differential assembly, the torque coupling unit comprising:

• a clutch can in driving engagement with a side gear of the differential assembly;
• a clutch drum in driving engagement with an output shaft;
• a clutching assembly comprising a first plurality of plates and a second plurality of plates, the first plurality of plates drivingly engaged with the clutch can and the second plurality of plates drivingly engaged with the clutch drum;
• a clutch actuator assembly disposed adjacent the clutching assembly, the clutch actuator assembly comprising an actuator, a gear set, and a roller and ramp assembly, the gear set in driving engagement with the actuator and the roller and ramp assembly;
• a first bearing disposed between the clutch can and the clutch drum;
• and
• a second bearing disposed between the clutching assembly and the roller and ramp assembly, wherein in response to a rotation of a portion of the actuator a portion of the roller and ramp assembly is driven in an axial manner to apply a force to the clutching assembly through the second bearing while permitting relative rotation between the roller and ramp assembly and the clutching assembly, causing the first plurality of plates to be at least variably frictionally engaged with the second plurality of plates.