Patent ID: 6283186
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: B60C

Abstract:
A vehicle live spindle wheel end assembly including a tire inflation system providing pressurized air communication through said wheel end assembly, comprising:a steering knuckle;an inlet passage formed through said knuckle, said inlet passage connected to a pressurized air supply line;a stationary member secured to said steering knuckle;a coaxial rotatable member to which a pneumatic tire is mounted, said rotatable member having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface;a rubbing slip-ring seal mounted on said knuckle; said seal forming a seal chamber between said knuckle and said rotatable member, said chamber being in communication with said inlet passage in said knuckle;a communication passage extending through said rotatable member, said passage being in communication with the pneumatic tire at one end and with said seal chamber at another end;wherein said rubbing slip-ring seal includes a pair of axially spaced annular projections radially inwardly extending from an annular ring of said seal, said projections being a sliding contact with said cylindrical outer peripheral surface of said rotatable member, said spaced projections, said annular ring and said outer peripheral surface of said rotatable member define said seal chamber;whereby, pressurized air may flow through said communication passage from said inlet passage in said knuckle to said pneumatic tire.