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US 11,242,899 B2Granted
Fluid distribution apparatus and the axle assembly made therewith
AssigneeDana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
InventorsNicholas C. Billmaier, Thomas L. Nahrwold
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fluid distribution apparatus for an axle assembly, the fluid distribution apparatus including a cylindrical portion rotatably disposed about a bearing race. A conical portion is coupled with the cylindrical portion, and a retaining portion is coupled with the conical portion. A plurality of circumferentially spaced tubes are coupled with the retaining portion, wherein the tubes are at least partially disposed through a rotating component of a clutch.
Claims12
An axle assembly, comprising:
- a clutch drum including a center portion, a wall portion coupled to the center portion, and a cylindrical portion coupled to the wall portion, wherein a plurality of first apertures is formed in the clutch drum;
- a first clutch hub at least partially disposed within the clutch drum about a first shaft;
- a second clutch hub at least partially disposed within the clutch drum about a second shaft;
- a first bearing disposed adjacent the first clutch hub about the first shaft;
- a second bearing disposed adjacent the second clutch hub about the second shaft;
- a bearing retainer plate disposed adjacent at least one of the first bearing and the first clutch hub, wherein a plurality of second apertures is formed in the bearing retainer plate;
- a first clutch pack at least partially disposed between the first clutch hub and the clutch drum;
- a second clutch pack at least partially disposed between the second clutch hub and the clutch drum;
- and
- a rotatable first fluid distribution apparatus disposed between one of the bearings and one of the clutch packs, wherein the first fluid distribution apparatus is configured to permit fluid communication between the one of the bearings and the one of the clutch packs.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.