Mounting apparatus for a fluid conduit assembly

Abstract

In modern day construction equipment it is common to provide braking capabilities for each driven axle. In order to communicate pressurized fluid to the remotely mounted axle assembly, fluid conduits are normally mounted in close proximity to existing frame members to protect them from contact with debris or other structures that may be encountered in the environment in which a vehicle must operate. In some instances, the environment is so harsh that this type of mounting is not adequate to protect the conduits from damage. The present invention utilizes a fluid conduit assembly that is mounted within an internal cavity of an axle assembly to provide protection from such damage. The conduit assembly includes lengths of tubular conduit sections that extend from a fluid inlet to a pair of brake assemblies that are mounted on the respective ends of the axle housing. A mounting apparatus is provided to secure the various conduit sections to the axle housing so as not to interfere with the rotating components also housed within the axle housing. The mounting apparatus includes a mounting stud which extends from the outer surface of the axle housing into the internal cavity. When installed, the head portion of the mounting stud is positioned in flush relation to the outer surface of the axle housing. This prevents removal of the mounting stud from outside the axle housing and therefor any subsequent damage that may be imparted to the conduit assembly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.