Patent · US Expired

Steering control system for articulated vehicle

US4802545A · kind A · utility

71Cited by
27References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 15, 1987
Grant dateFeb 7, 1989
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 15, 2007

Classification

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

Abstract

A steering system for an articulated vehicle has pivotal wheel steering such as front axle wagon-wheel steering, 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 system includes sensors for providing signals dependent on the degree of front wheel pivot relative to the vehicle and the degree of articulation of the vehicle. These signals are detected by a microprocessor controller which in turn controls the sequence of actuation of the axle and articulation hydraulic actuators. The actuators are operated sequentially so that small directional changes of the vehicles are achieved solely through pivoting of the axle. Operation of the axle and articulation actuators is controlled by a manual steering unit having a conventional hydraulic steering valve, with sequencing being provided through manipulation of a hydraulic fluid diverter valve. The timing and duration of the diverter valve actuation is controlled by the controller as a function of various dynamic turning parameters of the vehicle and the response time of the valve. A make-up valve system is also preferably included for autom…

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