ROTARY JOINT ASSEMBLY FOR A TIRE INFLATION SYSTEM

The invention relates to a rotary joint assembly (100) for a tire inflation system for a vehicle, the assembly comprising: a stationary portion (2) defining a first fluid passage (6), comprising a support portion (2b), and having a first annular sealing face (14), the first fluid passage (6) ending in the first annular sealing face (14); a rotatable portion (3) rotatably mounted on the support portion (2b), the rotatable portion (3) defining a second fluid passage (23) and having a second annular sealing face (13), the second fluid passage (23) ending in the second annular sealing face (13), wherein the rotatable portion (3) defines an axis of rotation (9) of the rotatable portion (3) and a radial direction (10) oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation (9); and an annular seal chamber (16) radially disposed between the first annular sealing face (14) and the second annular sealing face (13) and providing fluid communication between the first fluid passage (6) and the second fluid passage (23). The support portion (2b), the first annular sealing face (14), and the second annular sealing face (13) are arranged concentrically with respect to the axis of rotation (9). The first annular sealing face (14) and the second annular sealing face (13) are oriented in parallel to the axis of rotation (9). A maximum radius of the support portion (2b), the first annular sealing face (14), and the second annular sealing face (13) are disposed, respectively, at a first (19a), at a second (19b) and at a third radial distance (19c) from the axis of rotation (9). The second radial distance (19b) is larger than the first radial distance (19a), and the third radial distance (19c) is larger than the second radial distance (19b).