WO2004005047A2 - Essieu autovireur, remorque et systeme de vehicule - Google Patents

Essieu autovireur, remorque et systeme de vehicule Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004005047A2
WO2004005047A2 PCT/US2003/017425 US0317425W WO2004005047A2 WO 2004005047 A2 WO2004005047 A2 WO 2004005047A2 US 0317425 W US0317425 W US 0317425W WO 2004005047 A2 WO2004005047 A2 WO 2004005047A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
platform
vehicle
actuator
steerable
caster
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2003/017425
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2004005047A3 (fr
Inventor
Benito V. Rudder
Jamal U. Qattan
Original Assignee
Rudder Benito V
Qattan Jamal U
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US10/188,236 external-priority patent/US7273217B2/en
Priority claimed from US10/406,098 external-priority patent/US20040188971A1/en
Application filed by Rudder Benito V, Qattan Jamal U filed Critical Rudder Benito V
Priority to AU2003240503A priority Critical patent/AU2003240503A1/en
Publication of WO2004005047A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004005047A2/fr
Publication of WO2004005047A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004005047A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G11/00—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs
    • B60G11/02—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having leaf springs only
    • B60G11/04—Resilient suspensions characterised by arrangement, location or kind of springs having leaf springs only arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D13/00—Steering specially adapted for trailers
    • B62D13/04—Steering specially adapted for trailers for individually-pivoted wheels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D13/00—Steering specially adapted for trailers
    • B62D13/06—Steering specially adapted for trailers for backing a normally drawn trailer
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D7/00—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings
    • B62D7/06—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings for individually-pivoted wheels, e.g. on king-pins
    • B62D7/14—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings for individually-pivoted wheels, e.g. on king-pins the pivotal axes being situated in more than one plane transverse to the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle, e.g. all-wheel steering
    • B62D7/142—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings for individually-pivoted wheels, e.g. on king-pins the pivotal axes being situated in more than one plane transverse to the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle, e.g. all-wheel steering specially adapted for particular vehicles, e.g. tractors, carts, earth-moving vehicles, trucks
    • B62D7/144—Steering linkage; Stub axles or their mountings for individually-pivoted wheels, e.g. on king-pins the pivotal axes being situated in more than one plane transverse to the longitudinal centre line of the vehicle, e.g. all-wheel steering specially adapted for particular vehicles, e.g. tractors, carts, earth-moving vehicles, trucks for vehicles with more than two axles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
    • B60G2200/30—Rigid axle suspensions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
    • B60G2200/40—Indexing codes relating to the wheels in the suspensions
    • B60G2200/445—Self-steered wheels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2200/00—Indexing codes relating to suspension types
    • B60G2200/40—Indexing codes relating to the wheels in the suspensions
    • B60G2200/464—Caster angle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
    • B60G2202/10—Type of spring
    • B60G2202/11—Leaf spring
    • B60G2202/112—Leaf spring longitudinally arranged
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2202/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of spring, damper or actuator
    • B60G2202/40—Type of actuator
    • B60G2202/41—Fluid actuator
    • B60G2202/413—Hydraulic actuator
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
    • B60G2204/10—Mounting of suspension elements
    • B60G2204/12—Mounting of springs or dampers
    • B60G2204/121—Mounting of leaf springs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2204/00—Indexing codes related to suspensions per se or to auxiliary parts
    • B60G2204/10—Mounting of suspension elements
    • B60G2204/15—Mounting of subframes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2206/00—Indexing codes related to the manufacturing of suspensions: constructional features, the materials used, procedures or tools
    • B60G2206/01—Constructional features of suspension elements, e.g. arms, dampers, springs
    • B60G2206/011—Modular constructions
    • B60G2206/0112—Bogies for heavy vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2300/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of vehicle
    • B60G2300/04—Trailers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2401/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of sensors based on the principle of their operation
    • B60G2401/20—Switches, e.g. mercury or ball type switches
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2600/00—Indexing codes relating to particular elements, systems or processes used on suspension systems or suspension control systems
    • B60G2600/21—Self-controlled or adjusted
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2600/00—Indexing codes relating to particular elements, systems or processes used on suspension systems or suspension control systems
    • B60G2600/73—Electrical control

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to self-steering axle assemblies, also often referred to as self-tracking assemblies, to vehicles incorporating such assemblies and a method of operation.
  • trailers Most vehicles referred to as trailers are not true trailers. Commonly, they are “semi-trailers” rather than “trailers.” The technical distinction between these terms is highly significant in terms of their construction and in the nature of applications in which they may be employed. This distinction is recognized and well-documented in the art.
  • the California Transportation Code, ⁇ 550 defines a semitrailer as "a vehicle designed for carrying persons or property, used in conjunction with a motor vehicle, and so constructed that some part of its weight and that of its load rests upon, or is carried by, another vehicle.”
  • the same code, at ⁇ 630 defines a trailer as "a vehicle designed for carrying persons or property on its own structure and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and so constructed that no part of its weight rests upon any other vehicle.
  • [T]railer includes a semi-trailer when used in conjunction with an auxiliary dolly, if the auxiliary dolly is of a type constructed to replace the function of the draw bar and the front axle or axles of a trailer.”
  • a trailer or semi-trailer must be able to follow a vehicle which is pulling it.
  • a pulling vehicle should also be able to back up a trailer and have some reasonable degree of control of steering of the trailer in a rearward direction.
  • Semi-trailers can be pulled forward and backed up without the inclusion of special steering mechanisms in their axles. The use of semi-trailers places certain requirements on the pulling vehicles.
  • the pulling vehicle must be able to accommodate the tongue weight of the trailer.
  • the tongue weight is the force applied at the point of attachment of the trailer to the pulling vehicle. Many traditional three point trailer, approximately 85% is supported by the axle, and tongue weight of approximately 15% is supported by the tow vehicle.
  • Common small trailers such as single axle trailers used to tow boats or limited amounts of household goods have a tongue supported to a trailer hitch supported from the rear of a vehicle such as a car.
  • Three point trailers can have more than one axle.
  • three point trailers require a particular balancing of a certain percentage of load in front of the axle and a certain percentage behind it. Wrong balancing may tend to lift rear wheels of the vehicle off the ground and creates a very unstable tow. Fishtailing and porpoising may result. Too much tongue weight will lift the front of the vehicle impeding the ability to steer.
  • Gooseneck trailers are often used for large loads, and the tongue of the trailer is placed on the bed of a large vehicle such as flat bed truck or a pick up truck. While a large capacity may be accommodated, the bed of the truck is occupied by the gooseneck and not fully available for payloads.
  • Trailer tongue weight decreases maximum payload of the towing vehicles.
  • Caster is defined as an angle between a vertical direction and the inclination of the axis about which wheels turn for steering. This axis is commonly determined by placement of a king pin. The wheels are directed to the right or the left by rotation about the king pin. When the king pin is canted such that the top of the king pin is horizontally behind the bottom of the king pin for motion in a forward direction, caster is positive.
  • the king pin is canted so that the top of the king pin is horizontally ahead of the bottom of the king pin where motion in reversed direction, caster is negative. It is desirable to provide a positive caster for travel in a forward direction, and negative caster for travel in a rearward direction. Nominal caster angles are ⁇ 5°.
  • axle assemblies in which positive caster is selected for forward movement and negative caster is selected for rearward movement.
  • a common thread in many of these arrangements is that the axle must be moved with respect to the trailer in order to shift the caster from one polarity to the other. This of necessity requires the assembly to overcome forces due to weight supported by a vehicle suspension with the spring bias of the suspension system. This requires use of heavy duty components compared to a system that could be constructed if it were not required to overcome supported weights.
  • Self-steering, or self tracking axle assemblies have great utility in multi-axle vehicles as well as in trailers. Self-steering axles can reduce a truck's tail swing. By providing the self-steering, or self tracking, support wheels, support wheels on tag (auxiliary axles) can be kept in contact with the ground and need not be lifted irrespective of direction of travel of the truck. Consequently, maximum capacity of the truck is utilized.
  • an axle assembly which can support a vehicle.
  • a steering system and a suspension interposed between the axle and the vehicle.
  • the steering system and suspension are rotatable as a unit with a structural member such as a tilting platform to determine angular position of the steering system and suspension.
  • a mover such as an actuator is connected to determine the angular displacement of the platform with respect to the vehicle.
  • a trailer including a self-steering axle constructed in accordance with the prior embodiment.
  • the trailer is arranged to be a true trailer in that a virtually zero tongue weight is imposed on the towing vehicle. Consequently, full gross weight capacity of the towing vehicle is utilized.
  • a tow bar is affixed to the trailer.
  • the axle carrying the steering wheels does not turn with respect to the trailer.
  • the wheels track, and not the entire axle.
  • a truck or other vehicle includes an axle assembly of the type described.
  • a suspension system including a component defining a rotational axis determining caster, is rotated about a motion axis coaxial with the axes of the wheel spindles, from a first position providing positive caster, to a second position providing negative caster.
  • Figures 1 and 2 are respectively an elevation and a bottom view of a truck constructed in accordance with the present invention including a tag axle;
  • Figures 3 and 4 are respectively an elevation and a bottom view of a truck constructed in accordance with the present invention including forward pusher and rear tag axles;
  • Figures 5, 6, and 7 are respectively an isometric view, an elevation and a bottom view of a self-steering trailer constructed in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 8 is a top view of a self-steering axle constructed in accordance with the present invention affixed to and cooperating with a vehicle, shown partially broken away, which could be a trailer or driven vehicle;
  • Figure 9 is a top isometric view of a steering axle assembly
  • Figure 10 is a partial detailed view of Figure 9, illustrating a spindle unit pivotable on a king pin and illustrating caster
  • Figure 11 is a plan view of a self-steering axle assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention and including a platform assembly which may interact with the suspension of Figure 9;
  • Figure 12 is a bottom isometric view of a platform assembly pivotally mounted to a frame
  • Figure 13 is an exploded isometric view of the self-steering axle of the present invention with platform and frame components;
  • Figure 14 is a partial detailed isometric view of an embodiment in which the platform assembly interacts with an underside of a vehicle rather than a separate frame;
  • Figures 15 and 16 are partial cross-sectional views taken along line 15-15 of Figure 8 illustrating the platform assembly further including a frame in a first position corresponding to positive caster and a second position corresponding to negative caster respectively;
  • Figure 17 is an upper isometric view of a further embodiment of the self- steering axle assembly incorporating an alternative form of suspension;
  • Figures 18 and 19 are respectively an isometric view and a plan view of the steering axle assembly of Figure 17 with the platform assembly removed therefrom;
  • Figure 20 is an isometric view of a tiltable platform component of a platform assembly adapted to interact with the suspension in the embodiment of Figure 17;
  • FIG 21 is an electrical diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figures 1 and 2 are respectively an elevation and a bottom view of a vehicle 10 comprising in the present embodiment a truck 12 constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • the vehicle 10 has a front 14 and a rear 16.
  • the truck 12 has a cab 20 which normally houses an engine and a steering mechanism.
  • a cargo compartment 22 is supported rearwardly of the cab 20 on a frame 24.
  • the cargo compartment 22 may be a closed compartment, a flat bed or an open compartment.
  • the cargo compartment 22 is a container having a bottom surface 23.
  • the compartment 22 may comprise any conventional payload-bearing apparatus, e.g. a boat support.
  • the truck 12 has a forwardly disposed steering axle 26, an intermediate, pusher axle 28 and a rear- drive axle 30.
  • a tag or pusher axle normally neither drives nor steers, but provides weight support.
  • the pusher axle is made to be self- steering.
  • Each of the axles 26, 28 and 30 has a hub 32 with a wheel 33 rotating thereon.
  • a tire 34 is mounted to each wheel 33.
  • a self-steering axle provides safety in that tracks the motion of the truck 12. Tracking stability increases as weight increases.
  • the use of self-steering axles is being legislated by transportation courses in Europe because they are recognized as significantly safer for narrow, winding highways and streets. Legislation is also in process in Canada.
  • the tires 34 are forced to slide across a road surface. Because the axles have no steering capability, they can only follow the direction of the truck by sliding sideways. This sliding creates scrub forces which reduce tire life and increase fuel consumption. These scrub forces also produce wear and tear on the truck chassis.
  • Self-steering axles are also referred to a self- tracking axles.
  • the vehicle 10 is an interactive part of a system including self-steering apparatus. In alternative embodiments, a separate self-steering axle assembly may be provided.
  • Figures 3 and 4 are respectively an elevation and a bottom view of a truck 12' having an extended length.
  • the truck 12' has a pusher axle 28 and a drive axle 30.
  • the truck 12' also has a second drive axle 30a and a tag axle 28a disposed rearwardly of the drive axle 30.
  • the truck 12' is of such a length that scrub forces on the tag axle 30a would be significant.
  • FIGs 5, 6 and 7 are respectively an isometric view, in elevation and a bottom view of a self-steering trailer 40 constructed in accordance with the present invention.
  • the trailer 40 also comprises a vehicle 10 having a front 14 and a rear 16.
  • the trailer 40 has a tongue 48 for mating with a hitch (not shown) of a pulling vehicle at a forward portion of a support frame 49.
  • the support frame 49 is pivoted to support 50 affixed to the front 14 of the trailer 40 to allow vertical movement of the position of the tongue 48 to engage a hitch.
  • the self-steering trailer 40 has a forward, self-steering axle 28, such as the self-steering axle 28 included in a truck 12 ( Figure 1) and a rear axle assembly 44 which may comprise one or more axles.
  • the axles 28 and axle assembly 44 support the trailer 40 so that a substantially zero tongue weight may be provided at the tongue 48 when coupled to a pulling vehicle. It is conventional to provide positive caster for a vehicle going in a forward direction. However, when backing, a trailer or tag axle will not back properly. Caster reversal must be provided. While it is known to provide for a caster reversing in trailers, prior arrangements have disadvantages as described above.
  • the present invention provides an effective arrangement for caster reversing in self-steering axles.
  • FIG 8 is a top view of the self-steering axle assembly 28 affixed to and cooperating with a lower surface 30 of a truck or trailer compartment 22.
  • Figure 9 is an isometric view of the self-steering axle assembly 28.
  • the steering axle assembly 28 includes a suspension assembly 60.
  • the suspension assembly 60 as used in the present description includes steering components, further described below and a suspension member.
  • the suspension member comprises leaf springs 65.
  • the steering axle assembly 28 further comprises a platform assembly 70 cooperating with the lower surface 30 and the suspension assembly 60.
  • the wheels 33 each rotate in a forward or backward direction around a spindle 75 ( Figure 9) included in hub 32 in a spindle mount 72.
  • Each spindle 75 has a motion axis 76 about which a wheel 33 rotates.
  • the spindle mount 72 mounting each wheel 33 also supports a king pin 74.
  • the wheels 33 pivot about the king pins 74 in order to steer.
  • the suspension assembly 60 is further described with respect to Figure 9 in which the same reference numerals are used to denote corresponding components.
  • the king pins 74 define steering axes 110 discussed with respect to Figure 10 below.
  • the spindle mounts 72 comprise U-shaped brackets 78 having upper and lower arms 79 through which opposite vertical ends of the king pin 74 project.
  • the king pin 74 is secured to the bracket 78 by collars 80.
  • the king pins 74 secure the spindle mounts 72 to opposite ends of a drop-center axle 86.
  • the drop-center axle 86 has a central member 87 and spindle mount supports 90 projecting from opposite ends of the central member 87.
  • the axle 86 defines a motion axis 89 which is normal to a forward direction of travel.
  • the axes 76 of the spindles coincide with the motion axis 89 when the wheels 33 are straight rather than turned.
  • a steering arm 92 has one end rigidly connected to a lower end of a king pin 74 and an opposite end connected by a pivot connector 93 to a tie rod 95. This connection provides for steering of both wheels affixed to the axle 76 in the same direction in a conventional manner.
  • Tubular dampers 98 have a first end fixed to the spindle unit 72 by a stabilizer arm 99 and a second end pivotally mounted to a shock mount member 100 projecting from the central member 87 of the axle 86.
  • the leaf springs 65 are each fixed to the central member 86 by a conventional U bracket fastener 104.
  • Figure 10 is a partial detailed illustration of Figure 9 illustrating the king pin 74 mounted in the bracket 78 of the spindle assembly 72 but without the spindle mount portion 72 of the axle 86 affixed thereto.
  • axis 110 is vertical.
  • Caster is defined as an angle between an axis of the king pin 74 and the vertical axis 110. Caster is positive when the king pin 74 is disposed in a forward direction. For purposes of the present discussion, this means that an upper end of the king pin 74 is farther to the rear 16 ( Figure 1) of a vehicle 10 than the lower end of the king pin 74. Positive caster is illustrated by the angle + ⁇ .
  • Caster is negative when an upper end of the king pin 74 is farther to the front 14 of a vehicle 10.
  • a negative caster angle is represented in Figure 10 as an angle of - ⁇ .
  • a common value of ⁇ and reversible caster embodiments is 5°. While a number of different values for ⁇ may be used, 5° is a good optimization when trading off the amount of caster needed to be sure that positive or negative caster is maintained versus minimizing the amount of adjustment to the apparatus when changing direction of caster.
  • Figures 11 , 12, and 13 are respectively a plan view of the platform assembly
  • the platform assembly 70 cooperating with the suspension assembly 60, an inverted, lower isometric view of the platform assembly 70 and an exploded view of the platform assembly 70 respectively.
  • the platform assembly 70 includes a platform from 120 and a tiltable caster platform 150 further discussed below. Reference is made to these three figures taken together since referenced items may be visible in some views and not others.
  • the platform assembly 70 includes a platform frame 120 which comprises longitudinally (i.e., forwardly and rearwardly extending channel members 122 having channels 124 defined on a lower side of the channel member 122 by sidewalls 125. Projecting preferably inwardly from an upper surface of the channel members 122 are mounting flanges 128 by which the platform frame 120 may be secured to a vehicle 12. (It should be noted that as seen, for example, in Figure 14, the platform assembly 70 may be mounted directly to the vehicle 12, and the platform frame 120 need not be included.)
  • the mounting flanges 128 have apertures 130 through which fasteners 132 ( Figure 13) may project to secure the platform frame 120 to a vehicle 12.
  • the platform frame 120 is secured to the bottom surface 23 of the compartment 22.
  • Each of the channel members 122 includes a longitudinally centrally located set of journal members 140.
  • the journal members 140 define an axis of rotation 141.
  • a tiltable caster platform 150 (Figure 12) is provided which is tiltable to a first or second position with respect to the platform frame 130 inwardly defined caster of the axle assembly 28.
  • the platform 150 includes parallel rocker arms 151 and 152, each received in one of the channels 124 ( Figure 12).
  • Each arm 151 and 152 may have an inverted V cross section such that forward halves 151a and 152a of the arms 151 and 152 respectively would be flat against the upper surface 123 of the channel 124 when caster is negative and sections 151b and 152b of the arms 151 and 152 respectively bear against the upper surface 123 of each channel 124 when caster is positive.
  • the arms 151 and 152 are maintained in fixed spacial relationship by forward and rear cross arms 154 and 155.
  • Arms 151 and 152 include longitudinally centrally located journals sleeves 157 and 158 respectively.
  • the journal sleeves 157 and 158 are aligned with journal members 140 and 141 respectively.
  • a pivot pin 159 is inserted through the journal member 140 and journal bearing 157.
  • Another pivot pin 159 is inserted through the main journal member 141 and the journal bearing 158.
  • the caster platform 150 is pivotally mounted to the platform frame 120.
  • Opposite end of the arms 151 i.e., ends of the arm sections 151a and 151b remote from the journal bearing 157 have mount flanges 162a and 162b projecting downwardly therefrom respectively.
  • journal bearings 157 and 158 bear the axle weight of the axle.
  • Each mount flange 162 is fastened, i.e., as by a pin 161 to a leaf spring 65.
  • opposite ends of the arm 152 have mount flanges 163 projecting downwardly therefrom for securing to opposite ends of a leaf spring 65, as for example, by utilizing a pin 161.
  • the platform 150 is connected to move the axle assembly 28 and suspension assembly 60 into first or second positions as described with respect to Figures 15 and 16 below.
  • an actuator 170 is provided.
  • the actuator 170 is a device operable to tilt the caster platform 150 to a selected angular position with respect to the platform frame 120, or as illustrated with respect to Figure 14 below, with respect to the lower surface 23 of the vehicle 12.
  • Many forms of actuators 170 are well-known.
  • the actuator 170 comprises a component having a selectable variable length including a rod or the like telescoping within a housing.
  • Other types of actuators could be used to vary angular displacement of the caster platform 150.
  • Examples of an actuator including a telescoping arm include hydraulic and pneumatic piston and cylinder assemblies and gear-driven mechanical assemblies.
  • the actuator 170 comprises an electric motor 171 , operating a screw drive 172, in order to drive an actuator rod 173 to either extend from or retract into the screw drive unit 172.
  • the actuator 170 includes an extension 174 which is pivotally secured to a bracket 175 affixed to the rear cross arm 155.
  • a pin 179 secures the extension 174 to the bracket 175.
  • a pivot assembly 180 is provided to rock, tilt or rotate the caster platform 150 in response to movement of the actuator arm 173.
  • a pivot arm 180 has a central journal bearing 184 secured by a pin 185 to a journal mount 183 secured to the forward cross arm 154 of the platform 150.
  • first leg 182 of the pivot arm 180 is secured by a pin to a forward, or distal, end of the actuator arm 173.
  • a second leg 186 of the pivot arm 180 is secured by a pin 189 to a first end of a link 192.
  • a second end of the link 192 is secured by a pin 193 to a journal mount 196 secured to a forward cross arm 136 of the platform frame 120.
  • the platform frame 120 is an optional component.
  • the caster platform 150 may be mounted so that movement is achieved by pushing or pulling of the actuator 170 against a lower surface 23 of the vehicle 12 itself ( Figure 8).
  • mounting hardware is affixed directly to the underside 30 of the vehicle 12 as shown in Figure 14.
  • First and second journals brackets 200 and 201 are affixed to the lower surface 30 to receive the journal bearings 157 and 158 respectively secured thereto by the pins 159.
  • a journal bracket 205 secured to new lower surface 30 receives the forward, or distal, end of the link 192.
  • Figure 15 illustrates the axle assembly in a first position where positive caster is provided.
  • the actuator arm 173 is retracted within the drive unit 172.
  • the actuator 170 is proportioned such that in this position, the arm sections 151b and 152b ( Figures 13) are positioned against the inner surface 123 of the channel 124 ( Figure 12).
  • the lever unit 180 and link 190 maintain the distal end of the actuator arm 173 at a position with respect to the journal mounting 196 on the platform frame 120 so that the forward arm portions 151a and 152a prevents Figure 13 are positioned away from the surface 123 of the channels 124 ( Figure 12).
  • the distal flange bracket 162 pulls up on the forward end of the leaf spring 65 and the proximal, or rear, flange bracket 162 pushes down on the rear end of the leaf spring 65.
  • the entire suspension assembly is rotated about the axis 89 of the axle 86 ( Figure 9) and about the journal bearings 157-158 and 140-141.
  • the axle 89 coincides with an axle of the spindles 75.
  • the actuator 170 can be reversed after a backing operation is completed. In this case, as the actuator arm 173 is drawn into the drive unit of 172, the caster platform 155 will rotate about the axis 141 to return to the first position.
  • the suspension system 60 will rotate about the axis 89 ( Figure 9) and the journal bearings 157-158 to return to the first position. Movement of the suspension system is substantially balanced.
  • the actuator 170 does not need to overcome biasing forces of a suspension system. Consequently, an actuator 70 may be provided which is less costly than an actuator required to do a similar task in prior art systems.
  • FIGS 17 through 20 illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention in which an axial assembly 28 comprises a platform assembly 70, including a caster platform 150, interacting with a torsion self-steer axle suspension assembly 260.
  • a suspension assembly 260 includes a main beam number 265 including a pair of torsion bars 267 and 268. The torsion bars 267 and 268 are journalled at one end of the beam 265 and clamped or otherwise fixed to a longitudinal opposite end of the main beam number 265.
  • Figure 17 is an isometric view of the axial assembly 28
  • Figure 18 is an isometric view with the caster assembly 70 removed
  • Figure 19 is an elevation of the apparatus of Figures 17 and 18.
  • opposite ends of the torsion bar unit 265 are rigidly coupled to a first end of arm members 271 and
  • the arm members 271 and 272 are mounted to the spindle mounts 72 ( Figure 9) so that the suspension assembly 260 is rotatable about the axis 89 ( Figure 17).
  • the caster platform 150 does not include flange brackets 162 or 163. Rather, the main torsion shaft 265 includes rigid cross bars 286 and 288 which affixed to arms 151 and 152 respectively. Consequently, the actuator 170 is in the first position. Arm sections 151b and 152b pull out the rear ends of the members 286 and 288. When the actuator 170 is in the second position, the rear ends of the arms 286 and 288 are down.
  • the suspension assembly 260 again is rotated about the axis 89.
  • FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating a circuit which may control operation of the present invention.
  • the motor 171 is powered by a car battery 300. Where the vehicle 12 is a trailer, the car battery 300 may be coupled to the motor 171 by a connector module 305.
  • the actuator 170 ( Figure 13) is normally in the first position.
  • a reverse gear switch 310 energizes a back-up light 315 and a relay 320.
  • the relay 320 is responsive to the voltage thereacross, and may therefore be viewed as a sensor which senses entry of the vehicle 12 in reverse gear. Voltage from the battery 13 is a signal indicative of the vehicle 12 being in reverse gear.
  • the relay 320 operates a switch 324 to connect the battery 300 to a terminal
  • the circuit is enabled to energize the motor 171 to operate the actuator 170 to reach its first position and then stay there.
  • the circuit is enabled to energize the motor 171 to operate the actuator to reach its second position and stay there.
  • the terminal 325 is in series with a limit switch 340 including a contactor 341 selectively connected across closed contact pair 343 or contact pair 344.
  • a relay coil 351 of a relay 350 is connected between the contact pair 343 and ground.
  • a switch 352 in a first position connects a first terminal 358 of the motor 71 to a terminal 354 connected to the battery 300. In a second position, the switch 352 connects the motor terminal 358 to switch terminal 358 and ground.
  • the terminal 326 is connected to a limit switch 360 having a contactor 36 connected across contact pair 363 or contact pair 364.
  • a relay 370 has a coil 370 connected between the relay contact pair 363 and ground.
  • An alarm 380 is connected between both the contact pair 363 and the contact pair 364 and ground.
  • a switch 372 connects a second terminal 378 of the motor 171 to a terminal 374 coupled to the battery 300 in a first position and in a second position connects the terminal 378 to a switch terminal 373 and ground.
  • a back-up battery 390 on the vehicle 12 may be connected to the circuit 392 to return the system to positive caster the battery 300 is disconnected.
  • the limit switch 340 In operation, prior to entry of the axle assembly into the positive caster state, the limit switch 340 is closed. The switch 310 is opened when the vehicle 12 is taken out of reverse gear. The relay coil 320 is de-energized and the switch 324 connects the battery 300 to the terminal 325 and to the coil 351 via the limit switch 340. The relay 350 operates the switch 352 to connect the terminal 358 of the motor 171 to the terminal 354 and battery 300. This connects a first polarity of voltage across the motor 171 and to operate the screw drive unit 172 ( Figure 13) to retract the actuator rod 173. When the actuator unit 170 reaches its first position corresponding to positive caster, the limit switch 340 opens. The contactor 341 is moved to open contacts 374. The contact pair 343 is opened.
  • the relay coil 351 is de-energized.
  • the switch 352 connects terminal 358 to terminal 353, and ground.
  • the motor 171 is de-energized.
  • contactor 361 in limit switch 360 closes contact pair 363.
  • switch 310 closes.
  • Coil 320 is energized to operate switch 325 to connect the battery 300 via limit switch 360 to energize alarm 380 and relay coil 370.
  • Relay coil 370 operates switch 372 to connect motor terminal 378 to terminal 374 and battery 300.
  • a second polarity voltage is connected across the motor 171. Now the screw drive unit 171 operates to extend the actuator rod 173.
  • contactor 361 opens contact pair 363 and closes contact pair 364. Consequently, coil 371 is de-energized so motor terminal 378 is disconnected from the battery 300 and again connected to the terminal 373 and ground. The motor 171 is de-energized. Since contacts 364 are closed, the alarm 380 remains actuated while the vehicle 12 is in reverse. Also, when the actuator 170 reaches the second position, contactor 341 in limit switch 340 closes contacts pair 343.
  • switch 310 When the vehicle 12 is taken out of reverse, switch 310 is opened, and the operation described above of going from negative caster the positive is repeated.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un ensemble essieu autovireur pouvant être adapté à un véhicule et comprenant un essieu. Un système de suspension et un système de direction interposés entre l'essieu et le véhicule peuvent être pivotés en bloc autour d'un axe de mouvement de l'essieu. Un élément installé de manière orientable, tel qu'une plate-forme, peut basculer pour faire tourner le système de suspension et le système de direction. Une actionneur, tel qu'un piston et un ensemble cylindre, est connecté de façon à déterminer le déplacement angulaire de la plate-forme relativement au véhicule. Lorsque l'actionneur se trouve dans une première position, la chasse est positive et lorsque la plate-forme se trouve dans une seconde position, la chasse est négative, ce qui permet au véhicule de s'autodiriger dans le mode inverse. L'invention concerne, dans un autre mode de réalisation, un véhicule ou une remorque équipé d'un essieu autovireur construit selon le procédé de l'invention.
PCT/US2003/017425 2002-07-02 2003-06-03 Essieu autovireur, remorque et systeme de vehicule WO2004005047A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003240503A AU2003240503A1 (en) 2002-07-02 2003-06-03 Self-steering axle, trailer and vehicle system

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/188,236 US7273217B2 (en) 2002-07-02 2002-07-02 Reverse caster platform
US10/188,236 2002-07-02
US10/406,098 2003-03-31
US10/406,098 US20040188971A1 (en) 2003-03-31 2003-03-31 Self-steering axle, trailer and vehicle system

Publications (2)

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WO2004005047A2 true WO2004005047A2 (fr) 2004-01-15
WO2004005047A3 WO2004005047A3 (fr) 2004-11-11

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Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4770430A (en) * 1987-08-11 1988-09-13 Lange Dennis M Self-steering axle assembly for vehicles
US5015004A (en) * 1989-12-28 1991-05-14 Ridewell Corporation Elevating, reversible self-steering suspension system
US5018756A (en) * 1989-10-23 1991-05-28 Ridewell Corporation Control for self steering suspension assembly
US5364113A (en) * 1992-10-23 1994-11-15 Motor Coach Industries Self-steering axle for vehicles
US5474320A (en) * 1993-06-01 1995-12-12 Ssac & Association, L.L.C. Trailer
US6007078A (en) * 1998-03-31 1999-12-28 The Boler Company. Self-steering, caster adjustable suspension system
US6036217A (en) * 1996-10-23 2000-03-14 Chassis Dynamics, Inc. Method and apparatus for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle
US6182984B1 (en) * 1999-04-06 2001-02-06 Watson & Chalin Manufacturing, Inc. Reversible caster steerable suspension system
US6293570B1 (en) * 2000-06-15 2001-09-25 The Boler Company. Self-steering, caster-adjustable suspension system

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4770430A (en) * 1987-08-11 1988-09-13 Lange Dennis M Self-steering axle assembly for vehicles
US5018756A (en) * 1989-10-23 1991-05-28 Ridewell Corporation Control for self steering suspension assembly
US5015004A (en) * 1989-12-28 1991-05-14 Ridewell Corporation Elevating, reversible self-steering suspension system
US5364113A (en) * 1992-10-23 1994-11-15 Motor Coach Industries Self-steering axle for vehicles
US5474320A (en) * 1993-06-01 1995-12-12 Ssac & Association, L.L.C. Trailer
US6036217A (en) * 1996-10-23 2000-03-14 Chassis Dynamics, Inc. Method and apparatus for connecting a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle
US6007078A (en) * 1998-03-31 1999-12-28 The Boler Company. Self-steering, caster adjustable suspension system
US6182984B1 (en) * 1999-04-06 2001-02-06 Watson & Chalin Manufacturing, Inc. Reversible caster steerable suspension system
US6293570B1 (en) * 2000-06-15 2001-09-25 The Boler Company. Self-steering, caster-adjustable suspension system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2004005047A3 (fr) 2004-11-11
AU2003240503A1 (en) 2004-01-23
AU2003240503A8 (en) 2004-01-23

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