초록 ▼

A refrigerant fluid is placed within a driveline component, and in particular an axle housing. This refrigerant fluid is received within a sealed reservoir such that it is sealed from the typical lubricant in the driveline component. The lubricant heats the refrigerant through a housing such that th

A refrigerant fluid is placed within a driveline component, and in particular an axle housing. This refrigerant fluid is received within a sealed reservoir such that it is sealed from the typical lubricant in the driveline component. The lubricant heats the refrigerant through a housing such that the refrigerant vaporizes within the driveline component housing, thus cooling the lubricant. The vaporized refrigerant travels to a cooling chamber mounted remotely from the reservoir. The cooled refrigerant is cooled to a liquid state, and then returned to the reservoir. Preferably the cooling chamber is positioned on the vehicle frame vertically above the driveline component.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A driveline component comprising:a housing receiving a lubricant, and rotating parts cooled by said lubricant; an enclosed reservoir within said housing and in contact with said lubricant; a first flow line from said enclosed reservoir to a cooling chamber, and a second flow line from said coolin

1. A driveline component comprising:a housing receiving a lubricant, and rotating parts cooled by said lubricant; an enclosed reservoir within said housing and in contact with said lubricant; a first flow line from said enclosed reservoir to a cooling chamber, and a second flow line from said cooling chamber back to said reservoir, a fluid refrigerant, distinct from said lubricant, being received in said reservoir and flowing through said first flow line to said cooling chamber and back through said second flow line to said reservoir; and said refrigerant being selected such that it will vaporize within operational temperatures expected in said housing, and said vaporized refrigerant driving itself into said cooling chamber where it is cooled back to a liquid, and returns to said reservoir.