INTEGRATED HEAT EXCHANGE CIRCUIT FOR A DRIVE LINE POWER TRANSFER MECHANISM

摘要

A drive line power transfer mechanism having a housing, a power transfer mechanism, a first fluid, at least one cooling conduit and a fluid source. The housing has a wall member that defines a cavity. The power transfer mechanism is positioned within the cavity. The first fluid is at least partially contained within a cavity. The first fluid lubricates and extracts heat from the power transfer mechanism during the operation of the drive line power transfer mechanism. The cooling conduit is formed within the wall member. The fluid source is in fluid communication with the fluid conduit and passes a second fluid through the cooling conduit to draw heat out of the housing that is generated by the operation of the drive line power transfer mechanism. A method for cooling an axle assembly is also provided.