Axle assembly with main shaft plug and sleeve

Abstract

An axle assembly is disclosed, comprising a hose, a spindle plug, a sleeve, and a rotary joint adapted for fluid connection to a tire. The spindle plug may be disposed in a spindle. The hose may be fluidly connected to the rotary joint. The sleeve may surround the hose and extend from the spindle plug to the stator of the rotary joint. The sleeve cooperates with the spindle plug to restrict rotation of the stator and the hose.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an axle assembly having a sleeve extending between a spindle plug and a rotary joint to restrict rotation of a hose fluidly connected to the rotary joint. background

[0002] A rotary joint for a tire inflation system is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2016 / 0288590.

[0003] Overview

[0004] In at least one configuration, an axle assembly is provided. The axle assembly includes a spindle, a hub, a hubcap, a spindle plug, a hose, and a rotary joint. The spindle defines a spindle bore disposed along an axis. The hub is rotatable about the axis relative to the spindle. The hubcap is mounted to the hub and is rotatable with the hub. The spindle plug is disposed in the spindle bore and is fixedly positioned relative to the spindle. The spindle plug defines an opening through which the hose extends. The rotary joint has a stator and a rotatable fitting fluidly connected to the hose and rotatable about the axis relative to the stator. The rotatable fitting is adapted to be fluidly connected to a tire. A sleeve surrounds the hose and extends from the spindle plug to the stator. The sleeve cooperates with the spindle plug to restrict rotation of the stator and the hose about the axis.

[0005] In at least one configuration, an axle assembly is provided. The axle assembly includes a spindle, a hub, a spindle plug, a hose, a rotary joint, and a sleeve. The spindle defines a spindle bore disposed along an axis. The hub is rotatable about the axis relative to the spindle. The spindle plug is disposed in the spindle bore and is fixedly positioned relative to the spindle. The spindle plug defines an opening through which the hose extends. The rotary joint has a stator and a rotatable fitting fluidly connected to the hose and rotatable about the axis relative to the stator. The hose is received within the stator. The rotatable fitting is adapted for fluid connection to a tire. The sleeve receives the hose and extends from the spindle plug to the stator. The sleeve restricts rotation of the stator and the hose about the axis. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the wheel end of the axle assembly.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of the hose assembly that fluidly connects the rotary joint to the tire.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a partial perspective view of the axle assembly, without the hubcaps.

[0009] Figure 4 yes Figure 3The exploded view of the component shown.

[0010] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Partial exploded 3D view of some components shown.

[0011] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of a portion of the sleeve shows a portion of the sleeve being compressed to disengage the sleeve from the rotary joint. Detailed Implementation

[0012] As requested, detailed embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of how the invention can be implemented in various forms and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather serve only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the invention in various ways.

[0013] Reference Figure 1 The image shows a portion of the axle assembly 10. The axle assembly 10 can be provided for vehicles such as trucks, buses, farm equipment, mining equipment, military transport or armed vehicles, cargo loading equipment for land, air or sea vessels, or trailers for transporting goods.

[0014] For overview, axle assembly 10 may be associated with tire inflation system 20, which helps to achieve and / or maintain desired pressures within one or more tires 22. Tire inflation system 20 may be located on the vehicle and may be configured to supply pressurized gas or a mixture of pressurized gas to one or more tires 22, vent pressurized gas or a mixture of pressurized gas from one or more tires 22, or both. For clarity, the term "pressurized gas" may refer to a mixture of pressurized gases (e.g., air) or a purified pressurized gas or gas mixture (e.g., nitrogen). For ease of reference, the term "air" is used hereinafter as a general indicator and is not intended to limit to a specific pressurized gas or gas mixture (e.g., an "air passage" may facilitate the flow of pressurized gases other than air). Tire inflation or deflation may be desired when tire pressures are not sufficiently close to the tire pressures specified by the vehicle manufacturer and / or when the terrain is unsuitable for the vehicle's operation. For example, higher tire pressures may be required when the vehicle is traveling on paved roads compared to off-road driving.

[0015] The tire inflation system 20 can be fluidly connected to a pressurized gas source 24. The pressurized gas source 24 can be configured to supply or store a volume of pressurized gas. For example, the pressurized gas source 24 can be a tank, a compressor-like pump, or a combination thereof. The pressurized gas source 24 can be configured to provide pressurized gas at a pressure greater than or equal to the desired inflation pressure of the tire 22. The pressurized gas source 24 can be located on the vehicle and can be fluidly connected to at least one tire 22 via channels in several different components.

[0016] The axle assembly 10 can be configured to support one or more wheels 30. The axle assembly is also configured to support braking assemblies 32, such as friction brakes, like disc brakes or drum brakes. The axle assembly 10 can be provided in a steerable or non-steerable configuration. In a steerable configuration, the axle assembly 10 can be a steerable structural component, such as a steering knuckle. In at least one configuration, the axle assembly 10 may include a spindle 40, wheel hubs 42, one or more wheel bearings 44, and wheel hub seals 46. The axle assembly may also include a spindle plug 50, hoses 52, rotary joints 54, sleeves 56, and one or more hose assemblies 58.

[0017] The spindle 40 may be disposed along or extend about axis 60. The spindle 40 may be fixedly positioned relative to structural component 62 (such as a steering knuckle or axle housing). Contemplate that the spindle 40 may be integrally formed with structural component 62 rather than a separate part separate from structural component 62. In at least one configuration, the spindle 40 may define a spindle bore 64.

[0018] The spindle bore 64 may be provided along axis 60. The spindle bore 64 may be a through-hole extending through the spindle 40. The spindle bore 64 may receive various components, such as a spindle plug 50, a hose 52, and a sleeve 56. In a drive axle configuration, the spindle bore 64 may also receive a half-shaft that can operatively connect a power source or torque source, such as an engine or electric motor, to the wheel hub 42 to aid in vehicle propulsion.

[0019] The hub 42 is rotatable about axis 60 relative to the spindle 40. Furthermore, the hub 42 can facilitate the mounting of at least one wheel 30. In at least one configuration, the hub 42 may include a hub cavity 70, a hub mounting flange 72, and a hub cap 74.

[0020] The hub cavity 70 can be located inside the hub 42 and can be surrounded by the hub 42. In this way, the hub cavity 70 can extend about the axis 60. The hub cavity 70 can receive at least a portion of a plurality of different components of the axle assembly 10, such as the main shaft 40, one or more wheel bearings 44, and the hub seal 46.

[0021] A hub mounting flange 72 can facilitate the mounting of at least one wheel 30. For example, the hub mounting flange 72 may extend about and away from axis 60 and may include a set of mounting fastener holes, each capable of receiving a mounting lug bolt 80. The mounting lug bolt 80 may extend through a corresponding hole in the wheel 30. A lug nut 82 may be threaded onto the mounting lug bolt 80 to secure the wheel 30 to the hub 42. Figure 1 The configuration shown depicts two wheels 30, each supporting a corresponding tire 22; however, it is envisioned that a single wheel 30 and tire 22 could be provided.

[0022] The hubcap 74 may be positioned adjacent to the outer end of the hub 42. The hubcap 74 helps to close the hub cavity 70. In at least one configuration, the hubcap 74 defines a hubcap cavity 90 that can receive at least a portion of the rotary joint 54.

[0023] One or more wheel bearings 44 may be mounted on the spindle 40 and may rotatably support the hub 42. In the illustrated configuration, two wheel bearings 44 are shown. The wheel bearings 44 can have any suitable configuration. For example, the wheel bearings 44 may include multiple rolling elements (such as balls or rollers) disposed between an inner race and an outer race. The inner race may surround and engage the spindle 40. The outer race may engage the hub 42 and may extend around the inner race.

[0024] A hub seal 46 can extend from the spindle 40 to the hub 42. The hub seal 46 can be disposed near the inner end of the hub 42, which can be disposed opposite to the hub cap 74. The hub 42, hub seal 46 and hub cap 74 can cooperate to prevent contaminants from entering the hub cavity 70.

[0025] Main reference Figure 2 The spindle plug 50 can be disposed in the spindle bore 64. The spindle plug 50 can be fixedly positioned relative to the spindle 40. In this way, the spindle plug 50 can not rotate about the axis 60 relative to the spindle 40. The spindle plug 50 can be fixed to the spindle 40 in any suitable manner, such as by interference fit, welding, threaded connection, one or more fasteners, etc.

[0026] Main reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The spindle plug 50 may be made of one or more components. In at least one configuration, the spindle plug 50 may include a body 100 and an insert 102. The body 100 and the insert 102 are shown as separate parts; however, it is contemplated that the body 100 and the insert 102 may be provided as an integral, one-piece component.

[0027] The body 100 may extend from the main shaft 40 toward the axis 60. In at least one configuration, the body 100 may include an annular wall 110 and a plug wall 112. The annular wall 110 may extend about or around the axis 60 and may engage with the main shaft 40. The plug wall 112 may extend from the annular wall 110 toward the axis 60. The plug wall 112 may define an opening 114 for receiving an insert 102.

[0028] Insert 102 may be at least partially received in opening 114. In at least one configuration, insert 102 may define a recess that receives plug wall 112 to prevent movement of insert 102 relative to body 100. Insert 102 may define one or more holes or openings. For example, insert 102 may include opening 120, which may also be referred to as a hose opening. Insert 102 may also include vent opening 122, sensor opening 124, or both.

[0029] The opening 120 can be configured as a through-hole through which the hose 52 and sleeve 56 can extend. In at least one configuration, the opening 120 can be located at or near the center of the insert 102. For example, the opening 120 can extend along axis 60. The opening 120 can be provided with a cross-sectional shape that can prevent rotation of the sleeve 56. For example, the opening 120 can have a non-circular shape or non-circular profile that can receive the sleeve 56 such that one or more surfaces of the insert 102 defining the opening 120 can engage the sleeve 56 and resist or limit rotational torsion of the sleeve 56 about axis 60. In the configurations shown, as Figure 5 As best shown, opening 120 may have one or more recesses 130 extending away from axis 60. When multiple recesses are provided, an arcuate wall 132 may extend from one recess 130 to an adjacent recess 130. The arcuate wall 132 may be arranged radially relative to axis 60. Recesses 130 and arcuate walls 132 may engage or mate with portions of sleeve 56 having similar profiles to resist torsion or rotation of sleeve 56, as will be discussed in more detail below. It is contemplated that opening 120 may be provided in different configurations that may or may not include recesses 130 and arcuate walls 132. For example, opening 120 may be configured in a non-circular shape, such as elliptical, triangular, quadrilateral, or a shape with additional sides.

[0030] Main reference Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The vent opening 122 can be configured as a through-hole that allows air to pass between the spindle bore 64 and the hubcap cavity 90. The vent opening 122 can be spaced apart from the opening 120. In at least one configuration, the spindle bore 64 can be fluidly connected to the surrounding environment via a port. Thus, the vent opening 122 can allow pressure equalization between the hubcap cavity 90 and the surrounding environment. A filter 140 can be received in the vent opening 122. The filter 140 can prevent contaminants from entering the hubcap cavity 90.

[0031] Sensor opening 124 can be configured as a through-hole to receive sensor 142. The sensor can be of any suitable type. For example, sensor 142 can be an accelerometer, temperature sensor, vibration sensor, etc., which can provide signals indicating the environment inside the hub cavity 70 or provide properties of components positioned adjacent to the wheel end or disposed inside the hub cavity 70. For example, sensor 142 can provide signals indicating the operating state of one or more wheel bearings 44. As an example, signals indicating temperature rise or vibration characteristics can indicate wear or substandard performance of wheel bearing 44.

[0032] Main reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The hose 52 can fluidly connect the pressurized gas source 24 to the rotary joint 54. In at least one configuration, the hose 52, or a portion thereof, can extend along axis 60. The hose 52 can be made of any suitable material, such as a polymer. The hose 52 can be fluidly coupled to a hose fitting, which may be provided with through holes in the axle assembly to facilitate fluid connection to the pressurized gas source 24. Thus, one end of the hose 52 can be mounted to a portion of the axle assembly, such as the spindle or axle housing, while the other end can be mounted to or fluidly connected to the rotary joint 54.

[0033] The rotary joint 54 can be configured to fluidly connect the hose 52 to one or more hose assemblies 58. In at least one configuration, as shown in the reference... Figure 4 and Figure 6 As best shown, the rotary joint 54 may include a torque tube 150, a stator 152, a hose retainer 154, and a rotatable fitting 156.

[0034] The torque tube 150 may be a hollow tube that can be disposed along axis 60. The torque tube 150 may have a first end and a second end. The first end may be fluidly connected to the hose 52. For example, the first end may be received inside the hose 52 and may engage or contact the hose 52. The second end may be disposed opposite to the first end. For example, the second end may face and may be received inside the rotatable fitting 156. In this way, the torque tube 150 can provide a fluid connection between the hose 52 and the rotatable fitting 156. In at least one configuration, the torque tube 150 may include a protrusion 160 and a stator retaining feature 162.

[0035] The protrusion 160 can prevent axial movement of the torque tube 150. The protrusion 160 can extend away from the axis 60 and can extend partially or completely around the axis 60.

[0036] The stator retaining feature 162 can connect the stator 152 to the torque tube 150. In at least one configuration, the stator retaining feature 162 can be configured as a barb, a recess, or a combination of barbs and recesses, which can engage or be received within the stator 152 and prevent axial movement of the stator 152 relative to the torque tube 150. It is also contemplated that the stator retaining feature 162 can be provided as an interference fit and may not include barbs, recesses, or both.

[0037] Reference Figures 4 to 6 The stator 152 may extend from the torque tube 150 in a direction extending toward the spindle plug 50. The stator 152 may be received inside the hub cover cavity 90 and may be spaced apart from the rotatable fitting 156. In at least one configuration, the stator 152 may include an end wall 170, a first socket wall 172, and a second socket wall 174.

[0038] An end wall 170 may be provided at the end of the stator 152. The end wall 170 may be received inside the rotatable fitting 156. The end wall 170 may define an aperture through which the torque tube 150 may extend.

[0039] The first socket wall 172 may extend from the end wall 170 in a direction extending toward the spindle plug 50. The first socket wall 172 may surround the axis 60, the torque tube 150, and optionally a portion of the hose 52. The first socket wall 172 may have an inner diameter larger than the bore in the end wall 170. Additionally, the first socket wall 172 may engage the hose 52, the torque tube 150, or both. The first socket wall 172 may be received inside the rotatable fitting 156. For example, an O-ring seal 180 may extend from the torque tube 150 to the first socket wall 172.

[0040] The second socket wall 174 can extend from the first socket wall 172 in a direction extending toward the spindle plug 50. The second socket wall 174 can surround the axis 60, the torque tube 150, a portion of the hose 52, and the hose retainer 154. The second socket wall 174 or a portion thereof can have a larger outer diameter than the first socket wall 172, a larger inner diameter than the first socket wall 172, or both. For example, the O-ring seal 182 can extend from the hose 52 away from the axis 60 to the inside of the second socket wall 174. In at least one configuration, the second socket wall 174 can include a retaining element 192 and one or more anti-rotation elements 190.

[0041] Main reference Figure 5 One or more anti-rotation elements 190 may be provided, which may engage the sleeve 56 to help prevent rotation of the sleeve 56 relative to the stator 152. The anti-rotation element 190 may have any suitable configuration. For example, the anti-rotation element 190 may have a convex configuration, a concave configuration, or both. In the illustrated configuration, the anti-rotation element 190 is configured as a rib extending from the outside of the second socket wall 174 in a direction opposite to the axis 60. A plurality of anti-rotation elements 190 may be provided, which may be spaced apart from each other and may be arranged around the axis 60. In at least one configuration, the anti-rotation element 190 or a portion thereof may extend parallel to or substantially parallel to the axis 60.

[0042] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The retaining element 192 can be configured to engage the sleeve 56 to the stator 152 to resist axial movement of the sleeve 56. The retaining element 192 can have any suitable configuration. For example, the retaining element 192 can have a convex configuration, a concave configuration, or both. In the configuration shown, the retaining element 192 has a convex configuration and is configured as a protrusion extending from the outside of the second socket wall 174 in a direction opposite to the axis 60. The retaining element 192 can extend partially or continuously around the axis 60.

[0043] Main reference Figure 6 The hose retainer 154 helps secure the hose 52 to the stator 152. The hose retainer 154 can be received inside the second socket wall 174 and can extend from the outer diameter of the hose 52 to the second socket wall 174. Thus, the hose retainer 154 can surround the hose 52 and can be at least partially received inside the stator 152. The hose retainer 154 also helps prevent axial movement of the seal 182. The hose retainer 154 can be received inside the sleeve 56 and can be spaced apart from or separated from at least a portion of the sleeve 56, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0044] Main reference Figure 4 and Figure 6 The rotatable fitting 156 (which may also be referred to as a tee fitting) can rotate about axis 60 together with the hub 42. Additionally, the rotatable fitting 156 can be spaced apart from and rotatable relative to the hose 52, sleeve 56, torque tube 150, and stator 152. For example, a bearing 200 can extend from the torque tube 150 to the rotatable fitting 156 to facilitate rotation of the rotatable fitting 156 relative to the torque tube 150 and stator 152. One or more seals 202 can also extend from the torque tube 150 to the rotatable fitting 156 to help prevent leakage of pressurized gas. In the illustrated configuration, the seal 202 surrounds the torque tube 150 and is axially positioned on the opposite side of the bearing 200. Thus, the rotatable fitting 156 can rotate about axis 60 relative to the torque tube 150 and stator 152. The rotatable fitting 156 can fluidly connect the torque tube 150 to one or more hose assemblies 58. Thus, the rotatable fitting 156 can be adapted for fluid connection to the tire 22.

[0045] Main reference Figures 2 to 6 The sleeve 56 may receive or surround the hose 52. Furthermore, the sleeve 56 may be spaced apart from or engage with the hose 52. In at least one configuration, the sleeve 56 may be made of a flexible or elastic material, such as a polymer, rubber, etc. The sleeve 56 may cooperate with the spindle plug 50 to restrict the rotation of the stator 152 and the hose 52 about axis 60, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0046] Sleeve 56 can extend from spindle plug 50 to rotary joint 54. For example, sleeve 56 can extend through opening 120 of spindle plug 50 to stator 152 of rotary joint 54. In at least one configuration, such as Figures 2 to 4 As best shown, the sleeve 56 may have a first end 210, a second end 212, a sleeve bore 214, an enlarged portion 216, an elongated portion 218, at least one anti-rotation feature 220, a stop feature 222, or a combination thereof.

[0047] Main reference Figure 2 and Figure 4 The first end 210 can face the rotary joint 54. In this way, the first end 210 can engage with the rotary joint 54.

[0048] The second end 212 can be disposed opposite to the first end 210. In this way, the second end 212 can be away from the rotary joint 54. The second end 212 can be received inside the spindle bore 64.

[0049] The sleeve bore 214 can extend from the first end 210 to the second end 212. A portion of the hose 52 and the rotary joint 54 can be received in the sleeve bore 214. For example, a portion of the stator 152 and optionally the torque tube 150 can be received in the sleeve bore 214.

[0050] Main reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The enlarged portion 216 may extend from the first end 210. The enlarged portion 216 may extend further away from the axis 60 than the elongated portion 218 and may have a larger outer diameter than the elongated portion 218. In at least one configuration, the enlarged portion 216 may include a retaining feature 232 and one or more stator engagement anti-rotation features 230.

[0051] Main reference Figure 5 One or more stator engagement anti-rotation features 230 may be provided inside the enlarged portion 216. The stator engagement anti-rotation features 230 may extend from the first end 210 toward the elongated portion 218. The stator engagement anti-rotation features 230 may cooperate with a corresponding anti-rotation element 190 of the stator 152 to help limit the rotation of the sleeve 56 relative to the stator 152 about axis 60. The stator engagement anti-rotation features 230 may have any suitable configuration compatible with the configuration of the anti-rotation element 190 of the stator 152, such as a convex configuration, a concave configuration, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated configuration, the stator engagement anti-rotation features 230 are configured as a recess that receives the anti-rotation element 190 of the stator 152.

[0052] Retaining feature 232 may also be provided inside the enlarged portion 216. Retaining feature 232 may mate with retaining element 192 of stator 152 to prevent axial movement of sleeve 56 relative to stator 152. Retaining feature 232 may be located near the first end 210. For example, retaining feature 232 may be spaced apart from the first end 210 and may extend partially or continuously about axis 60. Retaining feature 232 may have any suitable configuration compatible with the configuration of retaining element 192 of stator 152, such as a convex configuration, a concave configuration, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated configuration, retaining feature 232 is configured as a recess that receives retaining element 192 of stator 152. Retaining feature 232 may intersect with or extend from one or more of the stator engagement anti-rotation features 230.

[0053] Reference Figure 2At least a portion of the enlarged portion 216 may be spaced apart from the hose 52 and the stator 152 of the rotary joint 54, such that a gap 240 may be formed between the enlarged portion 216 of the sleeve 56 and the hose 52. The gap 240 may be positioned closer to the axis 60 than the tapered portion 242 of the sleeve 56 extending from the elongated portion 218. The tapered portion 242 may be knurled or have a texture that aids in providing friction for gripping the sleeve 56.

[0054] Reference Figure 6 The sleeve 56 can be configured to disengage from the stator 152 when the enlarged portion 216 is compressed toward the axis 60 and the hose 52. For example, compressing the tapered portion 242 toward the axis 60 can cause the sleeve 56 to bend and expand at the first end 210, such that the retaining feature 232 can move away from the axis 60 and can at least partially disengage from the retaining element 192 of the stator 152.

[0055] Reference Figures 2 to 5 The elongated portion 218 may extend from the second end 212 to the enlarged portion 216. One or more anti-rotation features 220 may be provided together with the elongated portion 218. The anti-rotation feature 220 may have any suitable configuration compatible with the anti-rotation element 190 of the stator 152. For example, the anti-rotation feature 220 may have a convex configuration, a concave configuration, or both. In the illustrated configuration, the anti-rotation feature 220 is configured as a rib extending from the outside of the elongated portion 218 in a direction opposite to the axis 60. Thus, the anti-rotation feature 220 may be disposed outside the sleeve bore 214. A plurality of anti-rotation features 220 may be provided, which may be spaced apart from each other and may be arranged around the axis 60. The anti-rotation feature 220 or a portion thereof may extend parallel to or substantially parallel to the axis 60. In at least one configuration, the anti-rotation feature 220 may extend from the enlarged portion 216 toward or to the second end 212.

[0056] Sleeve 56 can cooperate with spindle plug 50 to resist or limit rotation of stator 152 and hose 52 about axis 60. Recess 130 of spindle plug 50 can engage or cooperate with anti-rotation feature 220 of sleeve 56 to resist or limit rotation of sleeve 56 relative to spindle plug 50 about axis 60. Stator engagement anti-rotation feature 230 of sleeve 56 can engage or cooperate with anti-rotation element 190 of stator 152 to resist or limit rotation of stator 152 about axis 60, thereby resisting or limiting rotation of hose 52 about axis 60 within torque tube 150. Sleeve 56 can be configured to allow limited torsion between spindle plug 50 and stator 152. Torsion of sleeve 56 can store energy within sleeve 56, allowing sleeve 56 to further resist torsion and be biased back to an untorted state.

[0057] Main reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The stop feature 222 can engage with the spindle plug 50 to prevent the sleeve 56 from being removed from the spindle plug 50. The stop feature 222 can be positioned adjacent to the second end 212 of the sleeve 56. In at least one configuration, the stop feature 222 can surround the elongated portion 218 and can be positioned at the end of one or more anti-rotation features 220 of the sleeve 56. The stop feature 222 can extend further away from the axis 60 than at least a portion of the opening 120 of the receiving sleeve 56 of the spindle plug 50. The spindle plug 50 can be axially positioned between the enlarged portion 216 of the sleeve 56 and the stop feature 222. Thus, from Figure 2 The perspective view shown shows that moving the sleeve 56 to the left can move the stop feature to engage with the inside of the plug wall 112 of the spindle plug 50, thereby preventing the sleeve 56 from being pulled through the opening 120 and removed from the spindle plug 50.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 The hose assembly 58 fluidly connects the rotatable fitting 156 to the tire 22. In the illustrated configuration, two hose assemblies 58 are depicted. Each hose assembly 58 can be fluidly connected to a different tire 22. The hose assembly 58 may have a first end and a second end. The first end may be connected to the rotatable fitting 156. The second end may be disposed opposite to the first end and can be fluidly connected to the tire 22. For example, the second end may be mounted to a tire valve 250, which may extend through a hole in the wheel 30 and allow air to enter or leave the tire 22 when the tire valve 250 is open. The hose assembly 58 may be configured to hold the tire valve 250 in the open position when attached to it. Furthermore, when the hose assembly 58 is disengaged from the tire valve 250, the tire valve 250 may close to prevent deflation of the tire 22.

[0059] The axle assembly with a rotating fitting and sleeve, as described above, allows the sleeve to help limit or prevent torsion of the torque tube and hose (torsion can occur if the rotatable fitting is jammed or otherwise prevented from rotating relative to the stator when the wheel hub rotates). The resisting torque provided by the sleeve via its connection to the spindle plug helps resist and limit rotation of the stator, torque tube, and hose. Limiting or preventing torsion of the hose within the spindle prevents hose kinking or disengagement, thereby maintaining proper functionality of the tire inflation system and avoiding repairs and related costs. The sleeve and spindle plug can cooperate to help maintain hose alignment. The stop feature of the sleeve and the spindle plug can cooperate to resist accidental removal of the sleeve from the spindle plug during assembly or maintenance. The sleeve can also be easily installed and removed using a "pinch-pull" configuration.

[0060] While exemplary embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the terminology used herein is descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, features of various implementations of the embodiments can be combined to form other embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. An axle assembly comprising: a spindle defining a spindle bore disposed along an axis; a hub rotatable about the axis relative to the spindle; a spindle plug disposed in the spindle bore and fixedly positioned relative to the spindle, the spindle plug defining an opening; a hose extending through the opening; a rotary union having a stator and a rotatable fitting fluidly connected to the hose and rotatable about the axis relative to the stator, wherein the rotatable fitting is adapted to be fluidly connected to a tire; and a sleeve encircling the hose and extending from the spindle plug to the stator, wherein the sleeve cooperates with the spindle plug to limit rotation of the stator and the hose about the axis; wherein the sleeve has a first end, a second end disposed opposite the first end, a sleeve bore extending from the first end to the second end, and at least one anti-rotation feature extending between the first end and the second end and disposed exterior to the sleeve bore, wherein the anti-rotation feature engages with the spindle plug to resist rotation of the sleeve about the axis.

2. The axle assembly of claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the hose extends along the axis.

3. The axle assembly of claim 1, wherein, The sleeve extends through the opening.

4. The axle assembly of claim 1, wherein, The hub includes a hub cover defining a hub cover cavity, and the spindle plug defines a vent opening allowing air to pass between the spindle bore and the hub cover cavity.

5. The axle assembly of claim 4, wherein, The vent opening receives a filter.

6. The axle assembly of claim 1, wherein, The spindle plug defines a sensor opening receiving a sensor.

7. An axle assembly comprising: a spindle defining a spindle bore disposed along an axis; a hub rotatable about the axis relative to the spindle; a spindle plug disposed in the spindle bore and fixedly positioned relative to the spindle, the spindle plug defining an opening; a hose extending through the opening; a rotary union having a stator and a rotatable fitting fluidly connected to the hose and rotatable about the axis relative to the stator, wherein the hose is received within and coupled to the stator, and the rotatable fitting is adapted to be fluidly connected to a tire; and a sleeve receiving the hose and extending from the spindle plug to the stator, wherein the spindle plug limits rotation of the sleeve, and the sleeve limits rotation of the stator and the hose about the axis; wherein the sleeve has a first end, a second end disposed opposite the first end, a sleeve bore extending from the first end to the second end, and at least one anti-rotation feature extending between the first end and the second end and disposed exterior to the sleeve bore, wherein the anti-rotation feature engages with the spindle plug to resist rotation of the sleeve about the axis.

8. The axle assembly of claim 7, wherein, The sleeve has an enlarged portion extending from the first end; and an elongated portion extending from the second end to the enlarged portion, wherein the enlarged portion extends further from the axis than the elongated portion, and the anti-rotation feature is provided with the elongated portion.

9. The axle assembly of claim 8, wherein, The anti-rotation feature extends from the enlarged portion toward the second end.

10. The axle assembly of claim 8, wherein, The anti-rotation feature is configured as a rib extending axially from the enlarged portion toward the second end.

11. The axle assembly of claim 8, wherein, A gap is provided between the sleeve and the hose, the gap allowing the sleeve to disengage from the stator when the enlarged portion is crushed toward the axis.

12. The axle assembly of claim 8, wherein, The sleeve includes a stop feature extending away from the axis and disposed proximate the second end, wherein the stop feature is engageable with the spindle plug to prevent removal of the sleeve from the opening.

13. The axle assembly of claim 12, wherein, The spindle plug is positioned axially between the enlarged portion and the stop feature.

14. The axle assembly of claim 12, wherein, The enlarged portion extends further from the axis than the elongated portion, and the stop feature encircles the elongated portion and is disposed at an end of the anti-rotation feature.

15. The axle assembly of claim 7, wherein, The sleeve has an enlarged portion extending from the first end; and an elongated portion extending from the second end to the enlarged portion, wherein a stator-engaging anti-rotation feature is provided interior to the enlarged portion, the stator-engaging anti-rotation feature extending from the first end toward the elongated portion, and the stator-engaging anti-rotation feature cooperates with the stator to limit rotation of the sleeve relative to the stator.

16. The axle assembly of claim 15, wherein, The enlarged portion has a retention feature spaced from the first end and extending at least partially around the axis, wherein the retention feature cooperates with the stator to prevent axial movement of the sleeve relative to the stator.

17. The axle assembly of claim 16, wherein, The retention feature encircles the axis and intersects the stator-engaging anti-rotation feature.

18. An axle assembly comprising: a spindle defining a spindle bore disposed along an axis; a hub rotatable relative to the spindle about the axis; a spindle plug disposed in the spindle bore and fixedly positioned relative to the spindle, the spindle plug defining an opening; a hose extending through the opening; a rotary joint having a stator and a rotatable fitting fluidly connected to the hose and rotatable relative to the stator about the axis, wherein the hose is received interior to the stator and coupled to the stator, and the rotatable fitting is adapted to be fluidly connected to a tire; and a sleeve receiving the hose and extending from the spindle plug to the stator, wherein the spindle plug limits rotation of the sleeve, and the sleeve limits rotation of the stator and the hose about the axis; wherein the rotary union further comprises a torque tube fluidly connecting the stator to the rotatable fitting, wherein the rotatable fitting is rotatable about the axis relative to the torque tube, and the torque tube is received within the stator and the hose.

19. The axle assembly of claim 18, wherein, A hose retainer surrounds the hose and secures the hose to the stator, wherein the hose retainer is at least partially received within the stator, within the sleeve, and spaced apart from the sleeve.

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