A torque transfer mechanism having a multi-plate friction clutch
connecting a pair of rotary members and an electrohydraulic clutch
actuator for controlling engagement of the friction clutch. The clutch
actuator includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulically-actuated rotary
operator, and a ball ramp mechanism. The hydraulic pump draws low
pressure fluid from a sump and delivers high pressure fluid to a series
of actuation chambers defined between coaxially aligned first and second
components of the rotary operator. The magnitude of the fluid pressure
delivered to the actuation chamber controls angular movement of the
second component relative to the first component for energizing the ball
ramp mechanism. The ball ramp mechanism applies a clutch engagement force
on the friction clutch assembly, thereby transferring drive torque from
the first rotary member to the second rotary member. A hydraulic control
system adaptively regulates the fluid pressure delivered to the actuation
chamber.