Independent suspension steering system

US6561307B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLC · US

Inventors

• Lawrence Brill · Westerville, US
• Malcolm Green · Granville, US
• Steven Hunter · Wichita, US
• Duy Lam · Baltimore, US
• Ragnar Ledesma · Sterling Heights, US
• MICHAEL SCHUSTER · Rochester Hills, US
• Tomaz Dopico Varela · Gahanna, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 28, 2001
• Grant date: May 13, 2003
• Expiry date: Dec 28, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60G2800/963
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A steering system is provided for a vehicle including a frame. Upper and lower control arms have first end portions that are pivotally supported on the frame at first spaced apart connections. The control arms also each include second end portions that are pivotally connected to an intermediate support member at second spaced apart connections. A steer knuckle is pivotally supported by the intermediate support member at third spaced apart connections that define a king pin axis. A drive motor is mounted on the intermediate support member and is coupled to the steering knuckle to rotate the steering knuckle about the king pin axis relative to the intermediate support member. A gear set may also be used in conjunction with the drive motor and steering knuckle. The intermediate support member is constrained against forward and aft movement, but is permitted to move upward and downward with the control arms.