A drive-by-wire steering system for a power equipment device is provided. One example embodiment comprises a steering interface system, a power steering system, and a communication link connecting the steering interface system and power steering system. The power steering system can adjust steering angle of wheels of the power equipment device based on inputs received from the steering interface system. The steering interface system can receive user inputs and provide powered feedback and/or a simulated caster effect via a steering interface. Additional embodiments include power equipment devices and steering interface systems.

A drive-by-wire steering system for a power equipment device is provided. One example embodiment comprises a steering interface system, a power steering system, and a communication link connecting the steering interface system and power steering system. The power steering system can adjust steering angle of wheels of the power equipment device based on inputs received from the steering interface system. The steering interface system can receive user inputs and provide powered feedback and/or a simulated caster effect via a steering interface. Additional embodiments include power equipment devices and steering interface systems.

Device for vehicles, in particular fork-lift trucks, the device being designed at least for carrying out a steering movement of the vehicle, the device being arranged on an arm rest of a vehicle seat of the vehicle, wherein an actuation of the device causes the steering movement, and wherein the device has a first device element arranged above the arm rest, and a second device element fixedly connected to the first device element and extending downwardly from the first device element beyond the first device element, wherein the first device element and the second device element are intended and designed for a hand to be at least partially placed thereon, wherein during a forward movement of the vehicle the hand can be at least partially placed on the first device element and during a rearward movement of the vehicle the hand can be at least partially placed on the second device element.

Device for vehicles, in particular fork-lift trucks, the device being designed at least for carrying out a steering movement of the vehicle, the device being arranged on an arm rest of a vehicle seat of the vehicle, wherein an actuation of the device causes the steering movement, and wherein the device has a first device element arranged above the arm rest, and a second device element fixedly connected to the first device element and extending downwardly from the first device element beyond the first device element, wherein the first device element and the second device element are intended and designed for a hand to be at least partially placed thereon, wherein during a forward movement of the vehicle the hand can be at least partially placed on the first device element and during a rearward movement of the vehicle the hand can be at least partially placed on the second device element.

Techniques for using ball joint sensor data to determine conditions relevant to a vehicle are described in this disclosure. For example, in one example, the ball joint sensor data may be used to determine estimated steering data. The estimated steering data may be directly used to navigate through an environment, such as by the vehicle relying on the estimated steering data when planning, tracking, or executing a driving maneuver. Also, the estimated steering data may be used to verify the reliability of other steering sensor data used to navigate through the environment.

Techniques for using ball joint sensor data to determine conditions relevant to a vehicle are described in this disclosure. For example, in one example, the ball joint sensor data may be used to determine estimated steering data. The estimated steering data may be directly used to navigate through an environment, such as by the vehicle relying on the estimated steering data when planning, tracking, or executing a driving maneuver. Also, the estimated steering data may be used to verify the reliability of other steering sensor data used to navigate through the environment.

An operation device includes a first displacement portion that is displaceable by being operated by an occupant of a vehicle, a second displacement portion supported at the first displacement portion, and an extension/retraction locking portion. The second displacement portion is displaceable with respect to the first displacement portion by being operated by an occupant of the vehicle. In a state in which the first displacement portion is positioned at a first position, the extension/retraction locking portion restricts displacement of the second displacement portion with respect to the first displacement portion. In a state in which the first displacement portion is positioned at a second position, the extension/retraction locking portion permits displacement of the second displacement portion with respect to the first displacement portion.

The invention relates to a steering device for vehicles, in particular forklifts, for carrying out a steering movement of the drivable vehicle on a surface by manual operation by a vehicle driver, wherein the steering device is attached to or in an armrest of a vehicle seat, wherein the steering device comprises at least one rotatable wheel element which can be at least partially grasped on the circumference by the fingers of a hand of the vehicle driver placed on the steering device and can be rotated about an axis of rotation for a steering movement.

A steering wheel includes a boss, two spokes supported at the boss, a grip fixed to each spoke, and a rotation control mechanism arranged between the boss and each spoke. The rotation control mechanisms are each configured to define a maximum rotation angle by which each grip is rotated from the neutral position in a near-side direction and a maximum rotation angle by which each grip is rotated from the neutral position in a far-side direction. The rotation control mechanisms are each configured to return each grip to the neutral position when a vehicle is traveling straight. The maximum rotation angle in the far-side direction is set to be larger than the maximum rotation angle in the near-side direction in each rotation control mechanism.