Patent ID: 7896045
Filing Date: 2011-03-01
Classification: B60C,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. In a powered axle assembly including a drive axle which extends longitudinally through a non-rotating structure and is powered for rotation within said non-rotating structure, a drive axle hub provided at an axial outer end of said drive axle which rotates with said drive axle and is positioned outside of an outer end of said non-rotating structure, a wheel hub secured to said drive axle hub and extending axially rearward, and at least one bearing which supports said wheel hub on an exterior of said non-rotating structure for rotation of said wheel hub around said exterior of said non-rotating structure, said wheel hub having a lubricating oil within an interior of said wheel hub, the improvement comprising: a base attached to said non-rotating structure and having said drive axle extending therethrough, said base being positioned within said interior of said wheel hub; a rotor having said drive axle extending therethrough and mounted within said interior of said wheel hub for rotation with said drive axle hub such that said rotor will rotate with respect to said base, said rotor being configured so as to form an air chamber between said rotor and said base, said air chamber encircling said drive axle and said air chamber being located within said interior of said wheel hub; said base including at least one air inlet for delivering air into said air chamber; and said rotor including at least one air outlet for air flow out of said air chamber.