Patent ID: 7690412
Filing Date: 2010-04-06
Classification: B60C

Abstract:
1. A drive axle assembly comprising: a non-rotating spindle having a cylindrical body defining an internal cavity; an axle shaft assembly mounted within said internal cavity for rotation about an axis, wherein said axle shaft assembly includes an elongated axle shaft body and a drive flange to be coupled to a rotatable wheel component, and wherein an outboard end of said elongated axle shaft body extends outwardly from said internal cavity to terminate at said drive flange, and wherein said axle shaft assembly includes a tubular sleeve that is positioned to surround said outboard end of said elongated axle shaft body; a seal assembly positioned within said internal cavity to provide a sealed chamber between said axle shaft assembly and said non-rotating spindle; a first air passage formed within said cylindrical body and including an air inlet to be in fluid communication with an air supply and an air outlet in fluid communication with said sealed chamber; and a second air passage formed within said axle shaft assembly, said second air passage receiving air input from said sealed chamber and including an air output to be associated with at least one tire, wherein said second air passage includes a passage portion that is defined at least in part by said tubular sleeve.