Patent ID: 7967045
Filing Date: 2011-06-28
Classification: B60C

Abstract:
1. A drive axle assembly comprising: a non-rotating spindle having an inboard end that is attached to an axle housing, said non-rotating spindle having a cylindrical body defining an internal cavity; a wheel hub rotatably supported on an outboard end of said non-rotating spindle by at least one bearing, and wherein at least one tire is supported by the wheel hub an axle shaft mounted within said internal cavity for rotation about an axis, wherein said axle shaft includes an elongated axle shaft body and a drive flange to be coupled to said wheel hub, and wherein an outboard end of said elongated axle shaft body extends outwardly from said internal cavity to terminate at said drive flange, said outboard end including an increased diameter portion; 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 increased diameter portion of said axle shaft, said second air passage receiving air input from said sealed chamber and including an air output to be associated with the at least one tire.