A steerable vehicle suspension can include an axle, at least one retractor having a length that decreases in response to a pressure increase applied to the retractor, and at least one wheel spindle. Resistance to rotation of the wheel spindle relative to the axle increases in response to the pressure increase applied to the retractor. A method of operating a steerable vehicle suspension of a vehicle can include allowing steering knuckles rotatably mounted at opposite ends of an axle to rotate relative to the axle while the vehicle moves forward, and applying an inwardly directed force simultaneously to each of the steering knuckles. Another steerable vehicle suspension can include two rotatably mounted steering knuckles, and two retractors connected to the steering knuckles. An inwardly directed force is applied by each retractor to a respective one of the steering knuckles in response to pressure applied to the retractors.

The invention relates to a heavy goods vehicle in which the steering system (12) comprises, in addition to a normal steering mode steering device (26) that transfers steering power purely mechanically by means of connecting rods (34) from axle to axle, a crab steering mode steering device (28) that also transfers steering power purely mechanically by means of connecting rods (46) from axle to axle. The individual wheel assemblies (14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24) can be connected by means of coupling devices (56) either to the normal steering mode steering device (26) or to the crab steering mode steering device (28).

A steering assembly system is provided having a steering actuator comprising a double rod end cylinder having: a cylinder barrel having a length, a first end with a first cap, and a second end with a second cap, and a first, second and third fluid port, each respectively in fluid communication with a first, second, and third chamber; a piston rod having a first rod end and a second rod end with a length extending therebetween, and the first rod end extending through the first cap and the second rod end extending through the second cap of the cylinder barrel; a first piston having a first dimension and mechanically secured at a point along the length of the main piston rod; a second piston having a second dimension larger than the first dimension of the first piston, and main piston rod extending through at least the length of the barrel.

The technology relates to fine maneuver control of large autonomous vehicles that employ multiple sets of independently actuated wheels. The control is able to optimize the turning radius, effectively negotiate curves, turns, and clear static objects of varying heights. Each wheel or wheel set is configured to adjust individually via control of an on-board computer system. Received sensor data and a physical model of the vehicle can be used for route planning and selecting maneuver operations in accordance with the additional degrees of freedom provided by the independently actuated wheels. This can include making turns, moving into or out of parking spaces, driving along narrow or congested roads, construction zones, loading docks, etc. A given maneuver may include maintaining a minimum threshold distance from a neighboring vehicle or other object.

A steering system for a trailing or leading axle of a vehicle includes a steering angle sensor for measuring a steering angle of wheels of a front axle of the vehicle, a driving speed sensor for measuring a driving speed of the vehicle, an electric motor that drives a hydraulic pump, and a working cylinder connected to the hydraulic pump for steering the wheels of the trailing axle. The system also includes a control device that determines a trailing angle of wheels on the trailing axle of the vehicle and actuates the electric motor in a corresponding manner. The working cylinder has a center position borehole via which hydraulic fluid is released from the working cylinder. A piston closes the center position borehole in the straight-ahead position of the wheels of the trailing axle. The center position borehole can only be closed by a piston seal of the piston.

An independent suspension system includes two suspension oil cylinders, respectively arranged between wheels at two sides and a frame: and a steering mechanism, configured to be driven by a steering booster oil cylinder to drive the wheels at two sides to turn. The independent system also includes two swing links arranged corresponding to the wheels at two sides, an end at one side of each of the swing links is hinged to a wheel hub of the wheel at the corresponding side via a spherical hinge, and an end at another side of each of the swing links is hinged to a fixing member fixed below a main speed reducer via two spherical hinges respectively along a fore-and-aft direction. A crane having the independent suspension system is further provided.

The simultaneous maneuvering system includes a base, a plurality of wheel assemblies including at least one wheel rotatably mounted to the base, a plurality of steering rotors rotatably mounted to the base and the wheel assemblies, and a drive assembly having a drive frame coupled to each of the rotors. Operation of the drive assembly causes simultaneous rotation of the rotors and, thereby, positions the wheel of each corresponding wheel assembly in a desired direction.

A hydraulic system for controlling a pair of steerable caster wheels of an agricultural machine includes a fluidic tie rod fluid circuit interconnecting both a left side actuator and a right side actuator with a rear steering control valve in fluid communication, and forming a fluid tie rod between the left side actuator and the right side actuator. A tie rod control valve is disposed in the fluidic tie rod fluid circuit and is controllable between a first position allowing fluid communication through the fluidic tie rod fluid circuit to communicate fluid between the left side actuator, the right side actuator, and the rear steering control valve and a second position blocking fluid communication to the rear steering control valve while connecting the left side actuator and the right side actuator in fluid communication to increase stiffness of the fluid tie rod therebetween.

The invention relates to a steering system for at least one trailing or leading axle of a vehicle, comprising: a steering angle sensor for measuring a steering angle of wheels of a leading axle of the vehicle; a driving speed sensor for measuring a driving speed of the vehicle; an electric motor (1.2) that drives a hydraulic pump (2); a working cylinder (11) for steering the wheels of the trailing axle, which is joined to the hydraulic pump (2); a control device (1.1) which determines a trailing angle of wheels on the trailing axle of the vehicle, using the data of the steering angle sensor and the driving speed sensor, and which controls the electric motor in a corresponding manner, wherein the working cylinder (11) has a centre position borehole (1.3) via which hydraulic fluid can be emitted from the working cylinder (11), and a piston seals the centre position borehole (11.3) in the straight position of the wheels of the trailing axle, wherein the working cylinder (11) is connected to return valves (10 and 10.1), via which hydraulic fluid can flow back into a tank (6), wherein the centre position borehole (11.3) of the working cylinder (11) is connected to a centre position valve (12), via which hydraulic fluid can flow back into a tank (6), and wherein the return valves (10 and 10.1) and the centre position valve (12) are in the form of a poppet valve.

The present invention relates to a new hydraulic stabilizing unit that can be mounted onto any self-steering axle assembly that utilises a pneumatic stabilizing system. The hydraulic stabilizer works in conjunction with the pneumatic stabilizer to eliminate a “dead zone” of the pneumatic system to avoid wheel shimmy and hop conditions associated with out of specification caster angles on the axle.