Patent · US Expired

Steering control system for articulated vehicle

US4771851A · kind A · utility

23Cited by
13References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 15, 1986
Grant dateSep 20, 1988
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 15, 2006

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62D12/00
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

The present invention is a steering system for an articulated vehicle which has at least one axle mounted for wagon-wheel steering with respect to the vehicle, a hydraulic actuator for pivoting the axle with respect to the vehicle and a pair of hydraulic actuators for causing articulation of the vehicle. The improved steering system includes sensors for providing signals dependent on the degree of axle pivot relative to the vehicle, the degree of articulation of the vehicle and the desired direction of the vehicle travel. These signals are detected by a controller which in turn controls actuation of the axle and articulation hydraulic actuators. The actuators are operated in a sequential manner so that small directional changes of the vehicle are achieved solely through pivoting of the axle. Operation of the axle and articulation actuators are controlled through manipulation of a hydraulic fluid diverting valve, with the timing and duration of valve actuation being controlled by the controller as a function of various dynamic turning parameters of the vehicle and the response time of the valve.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.