Rotary union assembly for use in air pressure inflation systems for tractor trailer tires

• US 6,968,882 B2
• Filed: 05/21/2004
• Issued: 11/29/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/14/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Airgo IP LLC
• Original Assignee: Airgo IP LLC
• Inventors: Ingram, Anthony L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Stormer, Russell D.
• Application Number:
  US10/851,441
• Publication Number:
  US 20050000615A1
• Time in Patent Office: 557 Days
• Field of Search: 152/415, 152/416, 152/417, 301/108.1
• US Class Current: 152/417
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/00318 on the wheels or the hubs
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/00336 on the axles
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/00345 Details of the rotational joints
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/00354 Details of valves
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/00363 Details of sealings

Abstract

A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining the desired pressure in the tires on a tractor trailer or other vehicle having pressurized axles. The assembly communicates the valve stems on a pair of adjacent tires with the axle interior through the use of a flexible tube extending between a stationary first fitting threadably engaged in the axle spindle and a rotary housing secured against the outside end surface of the hub cap so as to be positioned exteriorly of the wheel lubrication compartment and rotatable with the hub cap. The first fitting defines an open channel extending axially therethrough and includes an o-ring seal extending about the channel and forming an airtight seal within the fitting about the tube. A stationary shaft member having an air passageway extending axially therethrough carries the downstream end of the flexible tube and projects into the rotatable housing to communicate the axle interior with the housing through the flexible tube and provide a rotatable mounting for the housing on the shaft. The shaft defines a stationary bearing surface on its downstream end. A rotary sealing member having an air passageway extending axially therethrough is mounted within the housing for rotation therewith. The rotary sealing member defines a rotary bearing surface which is urged the stationary bearing surface on the shaft member by a spring member. Opposed channels are provided in the housing proximate the bearing surfaces and hose and valve assemblies communicate the opposed channels with the tire valve stems.

Claims

1. A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining a desired pressure in a plurality of pneumatic tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle having a source of pressurized air for fluid communication with the tires and a hub cap at the end of each axle for providing a lubrication compartment for the wheel bearings, said assembly comprising:

a stationary fitting carried by an end of an axle and defining an open channel extending axially therethrough;

a stationary tubular member defining an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, said upstream end portion extending axially through said channel in said fitting into the interior of said axle and communicating with the source of pressurized air; and

a housing, attachable to the exterior of a hub cap for rotation with said hub cap, said housing defining at least one air passageway extending therethrough and being rotatably mounted on said downstream end portion of said tubular member such that said tubular member communicates the source of pressurized air with said passageway in said housing, whereby air flow is directed from said source through said stationary tubular member to said rotatable housing.

2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said tubular member is axially translatable with respect to said fitting whereby the axial spacing between said fitting and said housing can be varied.

3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said tubular member is flexible whereby a sealed air flow conduit can be provided between said fitting and said housing when said housing is out of axial alignment with said end of said axle.

4. The assembly of claim 1 including a stationary bearing surface defined by said downstream end portion of said tubular member and a rotary sealing member mounted within said air passageway in said housing for rotation with said housing, said rotary sealing member having an air passageway extending therethrough and defining a rotary bearing surface in abutment with said stationary bearing surface on said tubular member, said bearing surfaces defining a rotary union disposed exteriorly of the lubrication compartment.

5. The assembly of claim 4 including an o-ring disposed in said stationary fitting about said channel, said o-ring inhibiting rotation of said tubular member within said fitting while allowing said tubular member to be axially translatable with respect to said o-ring.

6. A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining a desired pressure in a plurality of pneumatic tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle having a source of pressurized air for fluid communication with the tires and a hub cap at the end of each axle for providing a lubrication compartment for the wheel bearings, said assembly comprising:

a first stationary fitting carried by an end of an axle and defining an open channel extending axially therethrough;

a tube member defining an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, said upstream end portion extending axially through said channel in said first fitting into the interior of said axle and communicating with the source of pressurized air;

a stationary shaft member having an air passageway extending axially therethrough and communicating with said tubular member;

a housing, attachable to the exterior of a hub cap for rotation with said hub cap, said housing defining at least one air passageway extending therethrough and being rotatably mounted on said shaft member such that said air passageways in said shaft member communicates with said air passageway in said housing, whereby air flow is directed from said source through said tube member and said stationary shaft member to said rotatable housing; and

an air hose assembly communicating said air passageway in said rotatable housing with at least one of the vehicle tires.

7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein said stationary shaft member defines a stationary planar bearing surface at one end thereof and including a rotary sealing member mounted within said air passageway in said housing for rotation with said housing, said rotary sealing member having an air passageway extending therethrough and communicating with said air passageway in said shaft member and defining a rotary planar bearing surface disposed parallel to and in abutment with said stationary planar bearing surface on said shaft, said bearing surfaces defining a rotary union disposed exteriorly of the lubrication compartment.

8. The assembly of claim 7 including a spring member for urging said rotatable bearing surface on said sealing member against said stationary bearing surface on said shaft member, said spring member exerting a force on said sealing member of about 5.5 to 6.0 pounds.

9. The assembly of claim 6 wherein said stationary shaft member defines a chamber in an end portion thereof communicating with said passage extending therethrough and including a second stationary fitting sealably secured in said chamber and engaging said downstream end portion of said flexible tube member for communicating said tube member with said axial passageway in said shaft member.

10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said tube member is flexible whereby a sealed air flow conduit can be provided between said first fitting and said second fitting when said second fitting is out of axial alignment with said end of said axle.

11. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said tube member is axially translatable with respect to said first fitting whereby the axial spacing between said first and second fittings can be varied.

12. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said stationary shaft member defines a stationary planar bearing surface at one end thereof and including a rotary sealing member mounted within said air passageway in said housing for rotation with said housing, said rotary sealing member having an air passageway extending therethrough and communicating with said air passageway in said shaft member and defining a rotary planar bearing surface disposed parallel to and in abutment with said stationary planar bearing surface on said shaft, said bearing surfaces defining a rotary union disposed exteriorly of the lubrication compartment.

13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein said housing defines an axial chamber therein and a pair of opposed radial channels communicating with said chamber, said shaft member and said sealing member being disposed in said axial chamber and wherein said air hose assembly communicates each of said radial passageways with one of the vehicle tires for directing air flow through said rotatable housing to said tires.

14. A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining a desired pressure in a plurality of pneumatic tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle having a source of pressurized air for fluid communication with the tires and a hub cap at the end of each axle for providing a lubrication compartment for the wheel bearings, said assembly comprising:

a first stationary fitting carried by an end of an axle and defining an open channel extending axially therethrough;

a flexible tube member defining an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, said upstream end portion extending axially through said first fitting, being axially translatable with respect to said fitting and communicating with the interior of said axle;

a stationary shaft member having an air passageway extending axially therethrough and communicating with said flexible tube member;

a housing, attachable to the exterior of a hub cap for rotation with said hub cap, said housing defining at least one air passageway extending therethrough and being rotatably mounted on said shaft member such that said air passageway in said shaft communicates with said air passageway in said housing, whereby air flow is directed from said source through said flexible tube member and said stationary shaft member to said rotatable housing; and

an air hose assembly communicating said air passageway in said rotatable housing with at least one of the vehicle tires.

15. The rotary union assembly of claim 14 wherein said stationary shaft member defines a stationary planar bearing surface at one end thereof and including a rotary sealing member mounted within said air passageway in said housing for rotation with said housing, said rotary sealing member having an air passageway extending therethrough and communicating with said air passageway in said shaft member and defining a rotary planar bearing surface disposed parallel to and in abutment with said stationary planar bearing surface on said shaft, said bearing surfaces defining a rotary union disposed exteriorly of the lubrication compartment.

16. The assembly of claim 15 wherein said stationary shaft member defines a chamber in an end portion thereof communicating with said passage extending therethrough and including a second stationary fitting sealably secured in said chamber and engaging said downstream end portion of said flexible tube member for communicating said tube member with said axial passageway in said shaft member.

17. The assembly of claim 14 including a spring member for urging said rotatable bearing surface on said sealing member against said stationary bearing surface on said shaft member, said spring member exerting a force on said sealing member of about 5.5 to 6.0 pounds.

18. A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining a desired pressure in a plurality of pneumatic tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle having a source of pressurized air for fluid communication with the tires and a hub cap at the end of each axle for providing a lubrication compartment for the wheel bearings, said assembly comprising:

a stationary fitting carried by an end of an axle and defining an open channel extending axially therethrough;

a stationary tubular member defining an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, said upstream end portion extending axially into the interior of said axle through an end thereof and communicating with the source of pressurized air;

an o-ring disposed in said stationary fitting about said channel, said o-ring inhibiting rotation of said tubular member within said fitting while allowing said tubular member to be axially translatable with respect to said o-ring; and

a housing, attachable to the exterior of a hub cap for rotation with said hub cap, said housing defining at least one air passageway extending therethrough and being rotatably mounted on said downstream end portion of said tubular member such that said tubular member communicates the source of pressurized air with said passageway in said housing, whereby air flow is directed from said source through said stationary tubular member to said rotatable housing.

19. The assembly of claim 18 wherein at least a portion of said tubular member is flexible whereby a sealed air flow conduit can be provided between said end of the axle and said housing when said housing is out of axial alignment with said end of the axle.

20. The assembly of claim 18 including a stationary bearing surface defined by said downstream end portion of said tubular member and a rotary sealing member mounted within said air passageway in said housing for rotation with said housing, said rotary sealing member having an air passageway extending therethrough and defining a rotary bearing surface in abutment with said stationary bearing surface on said tubular member, said bearing surfaces defining a rotary union disposed exteriorly of the lubrication compartment.

21. A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining a desired pressure in a plurality of pneumatic tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle having a source of pressurized air for fluid communication with the tires and a hub cap at the end of each axle for providing a lubrication compartment for the wheel bearings, said assembly comprising:

a stationary tubular member defining an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, said upstream end portion extending axially into the interior of said axle through an end thereof and communicating with the source of pressurized air, said tubular member being axially translatable with respect to said end of the axle whereby the axial spacing between the axle end and said housing can be varied; and

a housing, attachable to the exterior of a hub cap for rotation with said hub cap, said housing defining at least one air passageway extending therethrough and being rotatably mounted on said downstream end portion of said tubular member such that said tubular member communicates the source of pressurized air with said passageway in said housing, whereby air flow is directed from said source through said stationary tubular member to said rotatable housing.

22. The assembly of claim 21 wherein at least a portion of said tubular member is flexible whereby a sealed air flow conduit can be provided between said end of the axle and said housing when said housing is out of axial alignment with said end of the axle.

23. A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining a desired pressure in a plurality of pneumatic tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle having a source of pressurized air for fluid communication with the tires and a hub cap at the end of each axle for providing a lubrication compartment for the wheel bearings, said assembly comprising:

a stationary tubular member defining an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, said upstream end portion extending axially into the interior of said axle through an end thereof and communicating with the source of pressurized air;

a housing, attachable to the exterior of a hub cap for rotation with said hub cap, said housing defining at least one air passageway extending therethrough and being rotatably mounted on said downstream end portion of said tubular member such that said tubular member communicates the source of pressurized air with said passageway in said housing, whereby air flow is directed from said source through said stationary tubular member to said rotatable housing; and

a rotary union comprising a rotary element and a stationary element, said elements being in an abutting disposition in said air passageway within said housing for communicating said air flow with at least one of said tires.

24. The assembly of claim 23 wherein at least a portion of said tubular member is flexible whereby a sealed air flow conduit can be provided between said end of the axle and said housing when said housing is out of axial alignment with said end of the axial.

25. The assembly of claim 23 wherein said tubular member is axially translatable with respect to said end of the axle whereby the axial spacing between the axle end and said housing can be varied.

26. The assembly of claim 23 wherein said tubular member is axially translatable with respect to said end of the axle and at least a portion of said tubular member is flexible whereby the axial spacing between said end of the axle and said housing can be varied and a sealed air flow conduit can be provided between the axle end and said housing when said housing is out of axial alignment with said end of the axle.

27. The assembly of claim 23 wherein said stationary element is defined by said downstream end portion of said tubular member.

28. A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining a desired pressure in a plurality of pneumatic tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle having a source of pressurized air for fluid communication with the tires and a hub cap at the end of each axle for providing a lubrication compartment for the wheel bearings, said assembly comprising:

a stationary tubular member defining an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, said upstream end portion extending axially into the interior of said axle through an end thereof and communicating with the source of pressurized air;

a housing attachable to the exterior of a hub cap for rotation with said hub cap, said housing defining at least one air passageway extending therethrough and being rotatably mounted on said downstream end portion of said tubular member such that said tubular member communicates the source of pressurized air with said air passageway in said housing, whereby air flow is directed from said source through said stationary tubular member to said rotatable housing; and

a rotary union disposed in said air passageway within said housing exteriorly of the lubrication compartment for communicating said air flow with at least one of said tires, said rotary union comprising a first bearing surface defined by said downstream end portion of said tubular member and a second bearing surface engaging said first surface and being rotatable with said housing.

29. The assembly of claim 28 including an air hose assembly communicating said air passageway in said rotatable housing with at least one of the vehicle tires.

30. The assembly of claim 28 wherein at least a portion of said tubular member is flexible whereby a sealed air flow conduit can be provided between said end of the axle and said housing when said housing is out of axial alignment with said end of the axle.

31. The assembly of claim 28 wherein said tubular member is axially translatable with respect to said end of the axle whereby the axial spacing between the axle end and said housing can be varied.

32. The assembly of claim 31 including an air hose assembly communicating said air passageway in said rotatable housing with at least one of the vehicle tires.

33. The assembly of claim 28 wherein said stationary tubular member comprises a flexible tube portion and a rigid shaft portion.

34. The assembly of claim 28 wherein said tubular member is axially translatable with respect to said end of the axle and at least a portion of said tubular member is flexible whereby the axial spacing between said end of the axle and said housing can be varied and a sealed air flow conduit can be provided between the axle end and said housing when said housing is out of axial alignment with said end of the axle.

35. The assembly of claim 28 including an annular sealing member disposed in said air passageway within said housing for preventing air leakage about said rotary union and into the lubrication compartment.

36. The assembly of claim 28 wherein said rotary union includes a sealing member defining an upstream end face and an open ended channel extending therethrough in axial alignment with said tubular member, said end face defining said second bearing surface.

37. The assembly of claim 36 wherein at least a portion of said tubular member is flexible whereby a sealed air flow conduit can be provided between said end of the axle and said housing when said housing is out of axial alignment with said end of the axle.

38. The assembly of claim 36 including an air hose assembly communicating said air passageway in said rotatable housing with at least one of the vehicle tires.

39. The assembly of claim 36 wherein said sealing member is of a rigid configuration and formed of a low friction material.

40. A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining a desired pressure in a plurality of pneumatic tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle of a type having sealed axles, a source of pressurized air for fluid communication with the axle and a hub cap at the end of each axle for providing a lubrication compartment for the wheel bearings, said assembly comprising:

a stationary fitting carried by an end of a sealed axle and defining an open channel extending axially therethrough;

an annular sealing member disposed in said fitting about said channel;

a stationary tubular member defining an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, said upstream end portion extending axially through said channel in said fitting and communicating with the interior of said axle, said sealing member engaging said tubular member and forming an airtight seal within said fitting about said tubular member;

a housing attachable to the exterior of a hub cap for rotation with said hub cap, said housing defining at least one air passageway extending therethrough and being rotatably mounted on said downstream end portion of said tubular member such that said tubular member communicates the interior of said axle with said air passageway in said housing, whereby air flow is directed from said sealed axle through said stationary tubular member to said rotatable housing; and

a rotary union disposed in said air passageway within said housing exteriorly of the lubrication compartment for communicating said air flow with at least one of said tires, said rotary union comprising a first bearing surface defined by said downstream end portion of said tubular member and a second bearing surface engaging said first surface and being rotatable with said housing.

41. The assembly of claim 40 including an air hose assembly communicating said air passageway in said rotatable housing with at least one of the vehicle tires.

42. The assembly of claim 40 wherein at least a portion of said tubular member is flexible whereby a sealed air flow conduit can be provided between said end of the axle and said housing when said housing is out of axial alignment with said end of the axle.

43. The assembly of claim 40 wherein said tubular member is axially translatable with respect to said end of the axle whereby the axial spacing between the axle end and said housing can be varied.

44. The assembly of claim 40 wherein said stationary tubular member comprises a flexible tube portion and a rigid shaft portion.

45. The assembly of claim 44 including an air hose assembly communicating said air passageway in said rotatable housing with at least one of the vehicle tires.

46. The assembly of claim 40 wherein said annular sealing member in said fitting is an o-ring, said o-ring engaging said tubular member and preventing relative rotation between said tubular member and said fitting while allowing said tubular member to be axially translatable with respect to said o-ring whereby a durable airtight seal is provided within said fitting about said tubular member and the axial spacing between said fitting and said housing can be varied.

47. The assembly of claim 40 wherein said tubular member is axially translatable with respect to said end of the axle and at least a portion of said tubular member is flexible whereby the axial spacing between said end of the axle and said housing can be varied and a sealed air flow conduit can be provided between the axle end and said housing when said housing is out of axial alignment with said end of the axle.

48. The assembly of claim 40 including an annular sealing member disposed in said air passageway within said housing for preventing air leakage about said rotary union and into the lubrication compartment.

49. The assembly of claim 40 wherein said rotary union includes a sealing member defining an upstream end face and an open ended channel extending therethrough in axial alignment with said tubular member, said end face defining said second bearing surface.

50. The assembly of claim 49 wherein at least a portion of said tubular member is flexible whereby a sealed air flow conduit can be provided between said end of the axle and said housing when said housing is out of axial alignment with said end of the axle.

51. The assembly of claim 49 wherein said sealing member is of a rigid configuration and formed of a low friction material.

52. A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining a desired pressure in a plurality of pneumatic tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle having a source of pressurized air for fluid communication with the tires and a hub cap at the end of each axle for providing a lubrication compartment for the wheel bearings, said assembly comprising:

a stationary tubular member defining an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, said upstream end portion extending axially into the interior of said axle through an end thereof and communicating with the source of pressurized air;

a housing attachable to the exterior of a hub cap for rotation with said hub cap, said housing defining at least one air passageway extending therethrough and being rotatably mounted on said downstream end portion of said tubular member such that said tubular member communicates the source of pressurized air with said air passageway in said housing, whereby air flow is directed from said source through said stationary tubular member to said rotatable housing; and

a rotary union disposed in said air passageway within said housing exteriorly of the lubrication compartment for communicating said air flow with at least one of said tires, said rotary union comprising a bearing surface defined by said downstream end portion of said tubular member and a rigid sealing member rotatable with said housing, said sealing member defining an upstream end face engaging said bearing surface and having an open ended channel extending therethrough, said channel being axially aligned with said tubular member.

53. The assembly of claim 52 including an air hose assembly communicating said air passageway in said rotatable housing with at least one of the vehicle tires.

54. The assembly of claim 52 wherein at least a portion of said tubular member is flexible whereby a sealed air flow conduit can be provided between said end of the axle and said housing when said housing is out of axial alignment with said end of the axle.

55. The assembly of claim 52 wherein said tubular member is axially translatable with respect to said end of the axle whereby the axial spacing between the axle end and said housing can be varied.

56. The assembly of claim 52 wherein said rotary union includes a spring member for urging said upstream end face of said rigid sealing member against said bearing surface.

57. The assembly of claim 52 wherein said bearing face defined by said downstream end portion of said tubular member and said upstream end face of said sealing member define parallel planar surfaces.

58. A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining a desired pressure in a plurality of pneumatic tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle having a source of pressurized air for fluid communication with the tires and a hub cap at the end of each axle for providing a lubrication compartment for the wheel bearings, said assembly comprising:

a stationary fitting carried by an end of an axle and defining an open channel extending axially therethrough;

a stationary tubular member defining an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, said upstream end portion extending axially through said channel in said fitting into the interior of said axle and communicating with the source of pressurized air;

a housing attachable to the exterior of a hub cap for rotation with said hub cap, said housing defining at least one air passageway extending therethrough and being rotatably mounted on said downstream end portion of said tubular member such that said tubular member communicates the source of pressurized air with said air passageway in said housing, whereby air flow is directed from said source through said stationary tubular member to said rotatable housing;

a rotary union disposed in said air passageway within said housing exteriorly of the lubrication compartment for communicating said air flow with at least one of said tires; and

an air hose assembly communicating said air passageway in said rotatable housing with at least one of the vehicle tires.

59. The assembly of claim 58 wherein at least a portion of said tubular member is flexible whereby a sealed air flow conduit can be provided between said end of the axle and said housing when said housing is out of axial alignment with said end of the axle.

60. The assembly of claim 58 wherein said tubular member is axially translatable with respect to said end of the axle whereby the axial spacing between the axle end and said housing can be varied.

61. The assembly of claim 58 wherein said rotary union comprises a stationary bearing surface defined by said downstream end portion of said tubular member and a rigid sealing member rotatable with said housing, said rigid sealing member defining an upstream end face engaging said stationary bearing surface and having an open ended channel extending therethrough, said channel being axially aligned with said tubular member.

62. The assembly of claim 61 including an annular flexible sealing member disposed in said air passageway within said housing for preventing air leakage about said rotary union and into the lubrication compartment.

63. The assembly of claim 61 wherein said rigid sealing member is formed of a low friction material.

64. The assembly of claim 63 including an annular flexible sealing member disposed in said air passageway within said housing for preventing air leakage about said rotary union and into the lubrication compartment.

65. The assembly of claim 58 including an o-ring disposed in said stationary fitting about said channel and forming an airtight seal within said fitting about said tubular member, said o-ring preventing relative rotation between said tubular member and said fitting while allowing said tubular member to be axially translatable with respect to said o-ring whereby the durability of said airtight seal about said tubular member is enhanced and the axial spacing between said fitting and said housing can be varied.

66. A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining a desired pressure in a plurality of pneumatic tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle having a source of pressurized air for fluid communication with the tires and a hub cap at the end of each axle for providing a lubrication compartment for the wheel bearings, said assembly comprising:

a tubular member defining an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, said upstream end portion extending axially into the interior of said axle through an end thereof and communicating with the source of pressurized air;

a housing attachable to the exterior of a hub cap for rotation with said hub cap, said housing defining at least one air passageway extending therethrough and being rotatably mounted on said downstream end portion of said tubular member such that said tubular member communicates the source of pressurized air with said air passageway in said housing, whereby air flow is directed from said source through said stationary tubular member to said rotatable housing; and

a rotary union disposed in said air passageway within said housing exteriorly of the lubrication compartment for communicating said air flow with at least one of said tires, said rotary union comprising a first bearing surface defined by said downstream end portion of said tubular member and a rigid sealing member disposed within said air passageway within said housing, said rigid sealing member defining a second bearing surface thereon abutting said first bearing surface and being rotatable with said housing and with respect to said first bearing surface.

67. The assembly of claim 66 including an air hose assembly communicating said air passageway in said rotatable housing with at least one of the vehicle tires.

68. The assembly of claim 66 wherein at least a portion of said tubular member is flexible whereby a sealed air flow conduit can be provided between said end of the axle and said housing when said housing is out of axial alignment with said end of the axle.

69. The assembly of claim 66 wherein said first and second bearing surfaces define parallel planar surfaces.

70. The assembly of claim 66 wherein said rigid sealing member defines an open ended channel extending therethrough in axial alignment with said tubular member and is formed of a low friction material.

71. The assembly of claim 66 wherein said tubular member is axially translatable with respect to said end of the axle whereby the axial spacing between the axle end and said housing can be varied.

72. The assembly of claim 66 including a flexible sealing member disposed in said air passageway within said housing for preventing air leakage about said rotary union and into the lubrication compartment.

73. A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining a desired pressure in a plurality of pneumatic tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle having a source of pressurized air for fluid communication with the tires and a hub cap at the end of each axle for providing a lubrication compartment for the wheel bearings, said assembly comprising:

a stationary fitting carried by an end of an axle and defining an open channel extending axially therethrough;

a stationary tubular member defining an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, said upstream end portion extending axially into the interior of said axle through an end thereof and communicating with the source of pressurized air;

an o-ring disposed in said stationary fitting about said channel, said o-ring inhibiting rotation of said tubular member within said fitting while allowing said tubular member to be axially translatable with respect to said o-ring;

a housing, attachable to the exterior of a hub cap for rotation with said hub cap, said housing defining at least one air passageway extending therethrough and being rotatably mounted on said downstream end portion of said tubular member such that said tubular member communicates the source of pressurized air with said passageway in said housing, whereby air flow is directed from said source through said stationary tubular member to said rotatable housing; and

a rotary union comprising a rotary element and a stationary element, said elements being in an abutting disposition in said air passageway within said housing for communicating said air flow with at least one of said tires.

74. The assembly of claim 73 including an annular sealing member disposed in said air passageway within said housing for preventing air leakage about said rotary union and into the lubrication compartment.

75. The assembly of claim 73 wherein said rotary union includes a sealing member defining an upstream end face and an open ended channel extending therethrough in axial alignment with said tubular member, said end face defining said second bearing surface.

76. The assembly of claim 73 wherein said rotary union is disposed exteriorly of the lubrication compartment.

77. The assembly of claim 73 wherein said rotary union is disposed exteriorly of the lubrication compartment.

78. A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining a desired pressure in a plurality of pneumatic tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle having a source of pressurized air for fluid communication with the tires and a hub cap at the end of each axle for providing a lubrication compartment for the wheel bearings, said assembly comprising:

a stationary tubular member defining an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, said upstream end portion extending axially into the interior of said axle through an end thereof and communicating with the source of pressurized air;

a housing, attachable to the exterior of a hub cap for rotation with said hub cap, said housing defining at least one air passageway extending therethrough and being rotatably mounted on said downstream end portion of said tubular member such that said tubular member communicates the source of pressurized air with said passageway in said housing, whereby air flow is directed from said source through said stationary tubular member to said rotatable housing; and

a rotary union disposed in said air passageway within said housing for communicating said air flow with at least one of said tires, said rotary union comprising a first bearing surface defined by said downstream end portion of said tubular member and a second bearing surface engaging said first surface and being rotatable with said housing.

79. The assembly of claim 78 wherein said rotary union includes a sealing member defining an upstream end face and an open ended channel extending therethrough in axial alignment with said tubular member, said end face defining said second bearing surface.

80. A rotary union assembly for use in an automatic tire inflation system for maintaining a desired pressure in a plurality of pneumatic tires mounted on the wheels of a vehicle having a source of pressurized air for fluid communication with the tires and a hub cap at the end of each axle for providing a lubrication compartment for the wheel bearings, said assembly comprising:

a stationary fitting carried by an end of an axle and defining an open channel extending axially therethrough;

a stationary tubular member defining an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion, said upstream end portion extending axially into the interior of said axle through an end thereof and communicating with the source of pressurized air;

an o-ring disposed in said stationary fitting about said channel, said o-ring inhibiting rotation of said tubular member within said fitting while allowing said tubular member to be axially translatable with respect to said o-ring;

a housing, attachable to the exterior of a hub cap for rotation with said hub cap, said housing defining at least one air passageway extending therethrough and being rotatably mounted on said downstream end portion of said tubular member such that said tubular member communicates the source of pressurized air with said passageway in said housing, whereby air flow is directed from said source through said stationary tubular member to said rotatable housing; and

a rotary union disposed in said air passageway within said housing for communicating said air flow with at least one of said tires, said rotary union comprising a first bearing surface defined by said downstream end portion of said tubular member and a second bearing surface engaging said first surface and being rotatable with said housing.