Abstract: A clutch assembly for disposition in a motor vehicle drive line includes an internal reaction force circuit. The clutch assembly includes a multiple disc friction clutch disposed adjacent an operator assembly which selectively applies force to the friction clutch to selectively transfer torque therethrough. The clutch components are disposed between fixed stops on an elongate member which functions as a reaction force member to self-contain the reaction force from the clutch operator. The clutch finds application in motor vehicle drive line components such as a rear (secondary) axle in which it is disposed in pairs to independently control torque supplied to each axle and in applications where it is advantageous to contain or ground the reaction force generated by and associated with the clutch operator compactly within the clutch structure rather than its housing.

Abstract: A clutch assembly for disposition in a motor vehicle drive line includes an internal reaction force circuit. The clutch assembly includes a multiple disc friction clutch disposed adjacent an operator assembly which selectively applies force to the friction clutch to selectively transfer torque therethrough. The clutch components are disposed between fixed stops on an elongate member which functions as a reaction force member to self-contain the reaction force from the clutch operator. The clutch finds application in motor vehicle drive line components such as a rear (secondary) axle in which it is disposed in pairs to independently control torque supplied to each axle and in applications where it is advantageous to contain or ground the reaction force generated by and associated with the clutch operator compactly within the clutch structure rather than its housing.

Abstract: A twin clutch axle for a motor vehicle defines independent fluid filled chambers: a pair of spaced apart chambers each receiving a respective one of the clutches and a separate, intermediate chamber receiving a hypoid drive gear. Each of the clutches is preferably an electromagnetically operated multiple friction plate assembly and the fluid in the clutch chambers is like or similar to automatic transmission fluid. The separate hypoid drive gear chamber is filled with a gear lubricant or heavy weight oil. The pair of clutch chambers may be sealed and fully independent of one another or may be in fluid communication with one another through, for example, passageways or a common sump. By utilizing separate compartments for the clutches and hypoid drive gear, the lubricants utilized therein can be optimized for friction clutch and gear operation thereby improving the performance and service life of the axle.