Hub cap filter for tire inflation system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A wheel end assembly for a vehicle tire inflation system comprising:
- a non-rotating axle component;
a wheel end component rotatably supported on said non-rotating axle component for rotation about an axis;
at least one pneumatic tire mounted for rotation with said wheel end component about said axis;
a conduit having a first end in fluid communication with an air supply and a second end in fluid communication with said pneumatic tire; and
a filter in fluid communication with said conduit and mounted for rotation with said wheel end component wherein said filter removes debris from air supplied through said conduit prior to entering said pneumatic tire.
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Abstract
A vehicle tire inflation system includes an axle assembly with an axle housing having an air supply conduit. Air is provided to the air supply conduit from an air tank mounted on the vehicle. The axle includes least one wheel hub rotatably supported on the axle housing by bearings. A hub cap is mounted at one end of the wheel hub and has an air passageway for conducting an air supply through the hub cap to a tire. A filter is installed within the passageway to remove any debris from the air supply.
47 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A wheel end assembly for a vehicle tire inflation system comprising:
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a non-rotating axle component;
a wheel end component rotatably supported on said non-rotating axle component for rotation about an axis;
at least one pneumatic tire mounted for rotation with said wheel end component about said axis;
a conduit having a first end in fluid communication with an air supply and a second end in fluid communication with said pneumatic tire; and
a filter in fluid communication with said conduit and mounted for rotation with said wheel end component wherein said filter removes debris from air supplied through said conduit prior to entering said pneumatic tire. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A vehicle axle assembly for use with a tire inflation system comprising:
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an axle housing;
at least one wheel hub supported by bearings for rotation relative to said axle housing about an axis;
at least one pneumatic tire mounted for rotation with said wheel hub about said axis;
a conduit in fluid communication with an air supply wherein said conduit guides air from the air supply to said pneumatic tire;
a hub cap mounted to an outboard end of said wheel hub to define an enclosed inner space between said axle housing and said hub cap wherein said enclosed inner space forms a portion of said conduit; and
a filter fixed for rotation with said hub cap and mounted within said enclosed inner space wherein said filter removes debris from the air supply prior to entering said pneumatic tire. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A hub cap for a wheel end in a tire inflation system comprising:
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a main body having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a flange positioned between said inner and outer walls;
a side wall extending from said outer wall to said inner wall to form an enclosed inner space between said inner and outer walls;
an air passage having in inlet formed within said inner wall and an outlet formed within said outer wall for conducting an air supply through said main body; and
a filter supported by said flange for removing debris from the air supply before exiting from said outlet. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification