A support system for a vehicle includes a base and at least a first and a second support arm. Each of the first and the second support arms include a base end pivotally coupled to the base through a respective hinge assembly. Each of the first and the second support arms further include a distal end opposite the base end. The support system also includes a respective wheel assembly coupled to each distal end. Each wheel assembly includes an independently powered and steerable wheel configured to engage a travel surface, a propelling motor configured to drive a respective first support arm between a stowed condition and a deployed condition unaided while the vehicle remains stationary, and a steer actuator configured to change an angle of the wheel with respect to a respective support arm.

A support system for a vehicle includes a base and at least a first and a second support arm. Each of the first and the second support arms include a base end pivotally coupled to the base through a respective hinge assembly. Each of the first and the second support arms further include a distal end opposite the base end. The support system also includes a respective wheel assembly coupled to each distal end. Each wheel assembly includes an independently powered and steerable wheel configured to engage a travel surface, a propelling motor configured to drive a respective first support arm between a stowed condition and a deployed condition unaided while the vehicle remains stationary, and a steer actuator configured to change an angle of the wheel with respect to a respective support arm.

An embodiment independent corner module includes a knuckle unit positioned on an inner side surface of a wheel, a steering unit disposed to face a strut coupled to the knuckle unit, the steering unit having a center shaft configured to be fixed to a vehicle body and configured to rotate about the center shaft, a guide rail configured to define a movement path through which the steering unit rotates and moves, and a rack steering unit positioned in the steering unit, fastened to the knuckle unit, and configured to apply rotating force to the knuckle unit in response to a movement in a longitudinal direction.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, a combined suspension and steering module is disclosed that is positionable between an in-hub motor and a body of a vehicle. The module includes a housing, an actuator connected to the housing and including first and second components, and a steering system that is in mechanical cooperation with the actuator to rotate at least one of the first and second components in relation to the housing. The second component is axially movable in relation to the first component and is configured for connection to the in-hub motor to transmit rotational force from the actuator to the in-hub motor to cause angular displacement of the in-hub motor to thereby steer the vehicle.

An adjustable steering stop for an axle assembly of a vehicle includes a housing configured to be coupled to a steering knuckle or a frame of the axle assembly, a shaft received within the housing and movable relative thereto, the shaft being configured to engage a stop to limit movement of the steering knuckle relative to the frame, and a locking assembly coupled to the housing and reconfigurable between (a) an engaged configuration in which the locking assembly limits movement of the shaft relative to the housing and (b) a disengaged configuration in which the locking assembly permits the shaft to move relative to the housing. The locking assembly includes an actuator configured to reconfigure the locking assembly between the engaged and disengaged configurations. A controller is configured to control the actuator to reconfigure the locking assembly between the engaged configuration and the disengaged configuration.

An independent suspension system for a vehicle includes: a steering unit configured to be controlled to adjust the steering angle of a wheel, a shock absorber engaged with the wheel and configured to absorb impacts applied to the wheel and including a first shock absorber and a second shock absorber, each of which arranged in a forward-rearward direction on opposite side surfaces of the wheel, and a link unit disposed between the shock absorber and the steering unit in order to vary the distance between the wheel and the steering unit. The link unit includes a first upper arm disposed between the first shock absorber and the steering unit, a second upper arm disposed between the second shock absorber and the steering unit, and at least one ground clearance adjustment unit engaged with the first and second upper arms in order to vary the distance between the first and second upper arms.

A drive (1) for a steering axle (26) of an industrial truck includes two steering arms (11, 12), an axle arch (8), a tie rod (13) configured as a spindle (13), a spindle nut (7) fixed axially on the tie rod (13), and a gear stage (21). Adjustment of the steering arms (11, 12) can be effected by axial displacement of the tie rod (13), and by the spindle nut (7) being able to be driven by a drive output element (7) of the gear stage (21). The drive (1) has two mutually coaxial electric motors (17, 18) disposed parallel to the tie rod (13). A drive element (14) of the gear stage (21) can be driven by the two electric motors (17, 18), which are disposed so as to be axially centric between the two electric motors (17, 18). Also disclosed is a steering axle and an industrial truck.

A corner module apparatus, includes a corner module including a driving unit configured to provide driving power to a wheel of a vehicle, a suspension unit coupled with the driving unit and configured to absorb an impact to the wheel from a road surface, and a steering unit coupled with the suspension unit and configured to adjust a steering angle of the wheel; a main platform installed under a vehicle body of the vehicle and configured to have a battery mounted thereon; a first corner module platform detachably coupled with one side of the main platform and configured to have the corner module coupled therewith; and a second corner module platform detachably coupled with another side of the main platform and configured to have the corner module coupled therewith.

A steering axle for a steerable vehicle has an axle housing and a steering drive with an electric motor and motor shaft. A first planetary stage includes a first sun gear, first planet gears, and a first planet carrier. A last planetary stage includes a last sun gear, last planet gears, a last planet carrier, and a ring gear. A force flux from the motor shaft runs via the first sun gear and the first planet gears to the first planet carrier. The force flux furthermore runs via the last sun gear to the last planet gears. The force flux furthermore runs from the last planet gears to the ring gear. In relation to the axle housing, the ring gear is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis. The last planet carrier is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the axle housing. Also disclosed is a corresponding industrial truck.

A steering drive for a steering axle of a steerable vehicle includes an electric motor with a motor shaft. A steering lever is rotatable about a pivot axis that is parallel to the electric motor. First and second planetary stages each have a sun gear, planet gears, and a planet carrier. The steering drive is configured such that a force flow runs from the first sun gear via the first planet gears to the first planet carrier. The force flow furthermore runs via the second sun gear and via the second planet gears to the second planet carrier, and furthermore runs to the steering lever. The steering drive has a spur gear stage and is configured such that a force flow from the motor shaft to the first sun gear runs via the spur gear stage. Also disclosed is a steering axle and an industrial truck.