An integrated clutch steering mechanism for an autonomous vehicle (AV) can include a steering clutch coupled to a steering column of the AV, and an AV steering motor coupled to the steering clutch. The AV steering motor can apply torque to the steering column via the steering clutch to control steering of the AV. When a predetermined amount of torque is exceeded on the steering column, the steering clutch slips to enable manual steering of the AV.

A steering assistance actuator for a vehicle includes a actuator shaft, a torque sensor, a motor, a drive mechanism and a drive housing. The actuator shaft is rotatable about a first axis. The actuator shaft includes an integral torque sensor. The motor has an output shaft rotatable about a second axis. The second axis is substantially parallel to the first axis. The drive mechanism is disposed between and drivingly connects the motor and the steering column. The drive mechanism provides a speed reduction from the motor to the actuator shaft. The drive housing encloses the torque sensor and the drive mechanism and is separate from a steering gear. The drive housing also has a mounting feature to which a housing of the motor is fixed. The drive housing also has a first bearing and a second bearing rotatably supporting the actuator shaft in the drive housing.

A steering assistance actuator for a vehicle includes a actuator shaft, a torque sensor, a motor, a drive mechanism and a drive housing. The actuator shaft is rotatable about a first axis. The actuator shaft includes an integral torque sensor. The motor has an output shaft rotatable about a second axis. The second axis is substantially parallel to the first axis. The drive mechanism is disposed between and drivingly connects the motor and the steering column. The drive mechanism provides a speed reduction from the motor to the actuator shaft. The drive housing encloses the torque sensor and the drive mechanism and is separate from a steering gear. The drive housing also has a mounting feature to which a housing of the motor is fixed. The drive housing also has a first bearing and a second bearing rotatably supporting the actuator shaft in the drive housing.

A power supply unit, which supplies hydraulic drive motors of a heavy goods vehicle with hydraulic fluid, includes a frame with first connecting elements for operationally fixed mechanical connection to the heavy goods vehicle and second connecting elements for operationally fixed mechanical connection to a further functional unit, a hydraulic pump, which is attached to the frame, can be driven by an assigned electric motor and during operation feeds hydraulic fluid to drive the hydraulic drive motors, and a battery pack, which is attached to the frame and supplies the electric motor with electrical drive power. The hydraulic pump and electric motor are configured in such a way that the hydraulic pump can be operated as a hydraulic motor and the electric motor can be operated as an electric generator.

A power supply unit, which supplies hydraulic drive motors of a heavy goods vehicle with hydraulic fluid, includes a frame with first connecting elements for operationally fixed mechanical connection to the heavy goods vehicle and second connecting elements for operationally fixed mechanical connection to a further functional unit, a hydraulic pump, which is attached to the frame, can be driven by an assigned electric motor and during operation feeds hydraulic fluid to drive the hydraulic drive motors, and a battery pack, which is attached to the frame and supplies the electric motor with electrical drive power. The hydraulic pump and electric motor are configured in such a way that the hydraulic pump can be operated as a hydraulic motor and the electric motor can be operated as an electric generator.

The present invention relates to a steering system and an independent suspension wheel-type heavy vehicle. The steering system comprises a steering mechanism for providing a steering force to wheels and a steering hydraulic assisting system for providing a steering assisting force overcoming a steering resistance moment from the ground to the wheels. According to the invention, by providing the steering mechanism for providing a steering force to wheels and by providing the steering hydraulic assisting system for providing a steering assisting force overcoming a steering resistance moment from the ground to the wheels, the steering resistance moment from the ground can be effectively overcome, and the vehicle is offered the steering capability for various places, as compared with a steering system only depending on the torque output by a steering gear or only depending on the torque output by the steering gear and a steering assisting follower.

The present invention relates to a steering system and an independent suspension wheel-type heavy vehicle. The steering system comprises a steering mechanism for providing a steering force to wheels and a steering hydraulic assisting system for providing a steering assisting force overcoming a steering resistance moment from the ground to the wheels. According to the invention, by providing the steering mechanism for providing a steering force to wheels and by providing the steering hydraulic assisting system for providing a steering assisting force overcoming a steering resistance moment from the ground to the wheels, the steering resistance moment from the ground can be effectively overcome, and the vehicle is offered the steering capability for various places, as compared with a steering system only depending on the torque output by a steering gear or only depending on the torque output by the steering gear and a steering assisting follower.

An operation mode of a first actuator engaged with a steering rack is determined. An operation mode of a second actuator engaged with a steering column is determined. The operation mode of one of the first and second actuators is adjusted upon detecting a failure in the other of the first and second actuators. At least one of the steering rack and the steering column is actuated based on the operation mode. In an angle control mode, a predetermined steering angle is provided to the first and second actuators to adjust the steering rack according to the steering angle. In a torque control mode, a steering column torque from a torsion sensor disposed on the steering column is provided to the first and second actuators to adjust the steering rack according to the steering column torque.

An articulated work vehicle with linked front and rear frames includes a joystick lever, a force imparting component, and a controller. The joystick lever can be moved to an inside or an outside with respect to an operator's seat by being operated by an operator, to change a steering angle of the front frame with respect to the rear frame. The force imparting component is configured to impart an assist force or a counterforce to an operation of the joystick lever by the operator. The controller controls the force imparting component so that an operating force required to move the joystick lever to the outside is different from an operating force required to move the joystick lever to the inside.

A steering column assembly for a vehicle, the assembly having a steering wheel for steering the vehicle, a brake pedal for operating the vehicle brakes, wherein the steering wheel and a pivot for the brake pedal are carried on a four bar mechanism mounted on the vehicle.