Patent ID: 6345712
Filing Date: 2002-02-12
Classification: F16D,F16H

Abstract:
An axle assembly comprising:a housing containing a lubricating oil, a differential gear assembly and a pair of axle shafts extending laterally outwardly in opposite directions from the housing toward an associated wheel end, said differential gear assembly allowing differential speed rotation of said output shafts; at least one friction disc splined to one of said output shafts extending radially therefrom, said friction discs being in partial contact with said lubricating oil; a brake assembly secured to said housing and including reaction discs disposed on either side of said at least one friction disc provided to frictionally engage said at least one friction disc to apply a braking force thereto; and at least one oil cooling channel extending from said brake assembly substantially along said housing wherein when said friction discs are rotated said lubricated oil is radially thrown outward between said at least one friction disc and said reaction discs and forced through said at least one oil cooling channel; wherein said at least one oil cooling channel comprises a first oil cooling channel extending outward toward one of said associated wheel ends and defined by a space between said housing and a trumpet casting disposed adjacent said reaction discs and disposed opposite said differential gear assembly, said lubricating oil being forced through said first oil cooling channel as said at least one friction disc is rotated.