Patent ID: 6105645
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: B60C

Abstract:
A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining a desired pressure in a plurality of pneumatic tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle of a type having sealed axles, a source of pressurized air in fluid communication with the axlews and a hub cap at the end of each axle for providing a lubrication compartment for the wheel bearings, said assembly comprising:a first stationary fitting carried by an end of a sealed axle and defining an open channel extending axially therethrough;an annular sealing member disposed in said first fitting about said channel;a tube member defining an upstream end portion and a down stream end portion, said upstream end portion extending axially through said channel in said first fitting and communicating with the interior of said axle, said sealing member engaging said tube member and forming an airtight seal within said first fitting about said tube member;a stationary shaft member having an air passageway extending axially therethrough and communicating with said tube member;a housing, attachable to the exterior of a hub cap for rotation with said hub cap, said housing defining at least one air passageway extending therethrough and being rotatably mounted on said shaft member such that said air passageway in said shaft communicates with said air passageway in said housing, whereby air flow is directed from said sealed axle through said tube member and said stationary shaft member to said rotatable housing; andan air hose assembly communicating said air passageway in said rotatable housing with at least one of the vehicle tires.