Steering system for an articulated machine
US6158544A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 9, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 9, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D1/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In articulated machines it has long been a desire to provide a steering system that will permit the incorporation of machine controls into a steering wheel assembly and yet provide the operator with mechanical feedback through the steering wheel. The present invention accomplishes this goal by providing a steering wheel assembly on a first frame of the machine and a control valve on the second frame that articulates with respect to the first. The steering wheel assembly and control valve are connected by a shaft assembly that includes a pair of constant velocity U-joints interposed along the length thereof. The shaft assembly translates substantially equal amounts of rotation between the steering wheel assembly and the control valve. The control valve is operable in a first and second condition, depending upon the amount of rotation of the steering wheel assembly, to provide different modes of steering that compliment the operation of the machine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.