Tire inflation system for a steering knuckle wheel end
US6325123A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60C23/00381
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A central tire inflation system for a steering knuckle wheel end assembly providing a steering knuckle secured to the vehicle, and a wheel end hub rotatably mounted about the steering knuckle. A bearing assembly is disposed between the steering knuckle and wheel end hub to establish the rotatably connection. A drive shaft is rotatably disposed through the steering knuckle and is in driving connection with the wheel end hub. A pair of adjacent rotary seals are disposed between the wheel end hub and steering knuckle and defining a small chamber there between. An inlet passage is formed directly through the steering knuckle in communication with the sealed chamber. The inlet passage transmits pressurized air from a pressurized air source directly to the sealed chamber. An outlet passage is formed directly through the wheel end hub and is also in direct communication with the sealed chamber to establish communication between the wheel end hub and the steering knuckle. The arrangement provides a shortened reliable flowpath between a steering knuckle and wheel end hub in a live full float assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.