초록 ▼

The present invention is a steering system for an articulated vehicle which has at least one axle mounted for wagon-wheel steering with respect to the vehicle, a hydraulic actuator for pivoting the axle with respect to the vehicle and a pair of hydraulic actuators for causing articulation of the veh

The present invention is a steering system for an articulated vehicle which has at least one axle mounted for wagon-wheel steering with respect to the vehicle, a hydraulic actuator for pivoting the axle with respect to the vehicle and a pair of hydraulic actuators for causing articulation of the vehicle. The improved steering system includes sensors for providing signals dependent on the degree of axle pivot relative to the vehicle, the degree of articulation of the vehicle and the desired direction of the vehicle travel. These signals are detected by a controller which in turn controls actuation of the axle and articulation hydraulic actuators. The actuators are operated in a sequential manner so that small directional changes of the vehicle are achieved solely through pivoting of the axle. Operation of the axle and articulation actuators are controlled through manipulation of a hydraulic fluid diverting valve, with the timing and duration of valve actuation being controlled by the controller as a function of various dynamic turning parameters of the vehicle and the response time of the valve.

대표청구항 ▼

An improved steering system for an articulated vehicle of the type having first and second frame portions, at least one axle mounted for wagon-wheel steering with respect to one of the frame portions, first power means for pivoting the wagon-wheel axle with respect to its frame portion and second po

An improved steering system for an articulated vehicle of the type having first and second frame portions, at least one axle mounted for wagon-wheel steering with respect to one of the frame portions, first power means for pivoting the wagon-wheel axle with respect to its frame portion and second power means for causing articulation of the two frame postions, the improvement comprising: axle sensor means for providing a first signal indicative of the degree of wagon-wheel axle pivot relative to its frame portion; articulation sensor means for providing a second signal indicative of the degree of articulation of the frame portions; operator controlled steering means for providing a third signal indicative of a desired direction of vehicle travel; first rate means for providing a fourth signal indicative of the rate of pivoting of the wagon-wheel axle relative to its frame portion; second rate means for providing a fifth signal indicative of the rate of articulation of the frame portions; and steering control means for controlling the operation of the first and second power means in response to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth signals.