Methods and systems for estimating an axle load of a vehicle are described. In one example, a method is disclosed wherein axle load is estimated in response to an angle between two components of an axle. The angle may change as weight is added to or removed from the axle such that axle load may be determined as a function of the angle.

Methods and systems for estimating an axle load of a vehicle are described. In one example, a method is disclosed wherein axle load is estimated in response to an angle between two components of an axle. The angle may change as weight is added to or removed from the axle such that axle load may be determined as a function of the angle.

A wheel steering device for a vehicle, including: a steering knuckle that constitutes a part of a suspension device and that is capable of moving relative to a body of the vehicle in an up-down direction, the steering knuckle holding a wheel such that the wheel is rotatable; and a steering actuator configured to cause the steering knuckle to be pivoted about a kingpin axis so steer the wheel, wherein a caster angle and a caster offset are both 0.

A wheel steering device for a vehicle, including: a steering knuckle that constitutes a part of a suspension device and that is capable of moving relative to a body of the vehicle in an up-down direction, the steering knuckle holding a wheel such that the wheel is rotatable; and a steering actuator configured to cause the steering knuckle to be pivoted about a kingpin axis so steer the wheel, wherein a caster angle and a caster offset are both 0.

A suspension device for an in-wheel motor may include: a buffer part coupled to a vehicle body, and configured to absorb shock; an arm part coupled to the vehicle body, disposed at each of a top and bottom of the vehicle body, and coupled to the buffer part; a support part coupled to the arm part, and configured to be movable upward and downward; one or more connection parts rotatably mounted on the support part, provided as a pair of connection parts, and configured to serve as a steering axis; and a fixing part mounted on the connection part, rotated in connection with the connection part, and coupled to an in-wheel motor.

A steering system includes an arm, a knuckle, a joint, and a steering sensor. The arm defines a first passage. The knuckle has a knuckle arm defining a second passage. The joint has a ball portion and a shaft portion extending. The ball portion is disposed within the first passage and the shaft portion is disposed within the second passage. The ball portion defines a conical recess that has an opening at an upper end of the ball portion and terminates inside the ball portion with a pocket. The steering sensor has a driveshaft extending along a longitudinal axis into the conical recess. The driveshaft includes a head that engages with the pocket. The ball portion is configured to pivot within the first passage relative to the longitudinal axis and the head. The joint and the driveshaft are configured to rotate together about the longitudinal axis as the knuckle is turned.

A steering system includes an arm, a knuckle, a joint, and a steering sensor. The arm defines a first passage. The knuckle has a knuckle arm defining a second passage. The joint has a ball portion and a shaft portion extending. The ball portion is disposed within the first passage and the shaft portion is disposed within the second passage. The ball portion defines a conical recess that has an opening at an upper end of the ball portion and terminates inside the ball portion with a pocket. The steering sensor has a driveshaft extending along a longitudinal axis into the conical recess. The driveshaft includes a head that engages with the pocket. The ball portion is configured to pivot within the first passage relative to the longitudinal axis and the head. The joint and the driveshaft are configured to rotate together about the longitudinal axis as the knuckle is turned.

A leading-edge steering system is provided for a front suspension of an off-road vehicle. The leading-edge steering system is comprised of a spindle assembly that supports a drive axle assembly to conduct torque from a transaxle to a front wheel. A first rod-end joint pivotally couples an upper suspension arm and the spindle assembly, and a second rod-end joint pivotally couples a lower suspension arm and the spindle assembly. A steering rod-end joint pivotally couples a first end of a steering rod with a leading-edge portion of the spindle assembly. A steering gear is coupled with a second end of the steering rod and configured to move the steering rod, such that the spindle assembly rotates with respect to the upper and lower suspension arms. The leading-edge portion is configured to exert primarily tensile forces on the steering rod during travel over rough terrain.

A leading-edge steering system is provided for a front suspension of an off-road vehicle. The leading-edge steering system is comprised of a spindle assembly that supports a drive axle assembly to conduct torque from a transaxle to a front wheel. A first rod-end joint pivotally couples an upper suspension arm and the spindle assembly, and a second rod-end joint pivotally couples a lower suspension arm and the spindle assembly. A steering rod-end joint pivotally couples a first end of a steering rod with a leading-edge portion of the spindle assembly. A steering gear is coupled with a second end of the steering rod and configured to move the steering rod, such that the spindle assembly rotates with respect to the upper and lower suspension arms. The leading-edge portion is configured to exert primarily tensile forces on the steering rod during travel over rough terrain.

A steering device, including: a steering knuckle rotatably holding a wheel; an electric motor and a speed reducer configured to decelerate rotation of the electric motor, the electric motor and the speed reducer being fixed to a suspension arm; and a joint through which the steering knuckle is supported by the suspension arm in a state in which a kingpin axis is allowed to incline with respect to the suspension arm, the joint coupling the steering knuckle and an output shaft of the speed reducer such that the steering knuckle pivots about the kingpin axis by an operation of the electric motor.