Drive axle sleeve and seal assembly
US5174839A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 5, 1991 |
| Grant date | Dec 29, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60C23/00363
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A land vehicle wheel end assembly (16) for a rigid tubular drive axle assembly (10) includes a nonrotatable sleeve (34) interposed between a portion of a spindle (14) of the axle assembly and a wheel hub (20). The wheel hub is rotatably supported on the spindle by inboard and outboard bearings (24,26) lubricated by oil from the drive axle. The hub includes a passage for directing the oil to the inboard bearing (24). The sleeve and hub include air passages (34f,34d,39,34e and 20e) for directing air from a vehicle onboard central tire inflation system to a pneumatic tire supported by the hub. A relative rotational interface between the sleeve and hub air passages is sealed by a seal assembly (52) which is lubricated by the oil. An outboard end of the sleeve preferably includes an axially open annular groove (45 or 47) for inserting an O-ring (38) seat therein after installation of the sleeve on the spindle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.