WO1995015273A1 - A semi-trailer command steering system - Google Patents

A semi-trailer command steering system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1995015273A1
WO1995015273A1 PCT/IE1994/000060 IE9400060W WO9515273A1 WO 1995015273 A1 WO1995015273 A1 WO 1995015273A1 IE 9400060 W IE9400060 W IE 9400060W WO 9515273 A1 WO9515273 A1 WO 9515273A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
king pin
cylinder
control ram
trailer
steering
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IE1994/000060
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Robert Dennison
Original Assignee
Robert Dennison
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
Application filed by Robert Dennison filed Critical Robert Dennison
Priority to AU11186/95A priority Critical patent/AU1118695A/en
Publication of WO1995015273A1 publication Critical patent/WO1995015273A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D13/00—Steering specially adapted for trailers
    • B62D13/02—Steering specially adapted for trailers for centrally-pivoted axles
    • B62D13/025—Steering specially adapted for trailers for centrally-pivoted axles the pivoted movement being initiated by the coupling means between tractor and trailer

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a semi-trailer command steering system for positively steering wheels on the semi-trailer.
  • a turntable is provided in place of the standard rubbing plate assembly.
  • the turntable is connected to a steering controller comprising rams which detect the turning of a tractor vehicle relative to the trailer.
  • These turntable rams are connected to associated rams in the axle steering system which control a steering linkage to turn the wheels on the axle.
  • This known system is of relatively complicated construction and is both expensive to produce and adds a considerable weight to the trailer.
  • the present invention is directed towards overcoming these problems .
  • the invention consists essentially in providing a rotatable kingpin on a trailer which is used to control a steering axle assembly on the trailer.
  • a command steering system for a semi-trailer of the type comprising a wheeled chassis and having a king pin and associated rubbing plate at a front of the chassis for complementary releasable engagement with a fifth wheel coupling on a tractor vehicle
  • the command steering system comprising at least one steering axle for mounting on the chassis and a steering controller for operating the steering axle in response to turning of the tractor vehicle relative to the trailer when the trailer is coupled with the tractor vehicle, characterised in that the king pin is rotatably mounted on the semi-trailer, locking means being provided for releasably locking the king pin in engagement with the fifth wheel coupling while allowing rotation of the king pin on the semi-trailer, and means for connecting the king pin to the controller for operation of the controller in response to rotation of the king pin on the semi-trailer.
  • the king pin is connected to a control ram means for operation of the control ram means in response to rotation of the king pin on the trailer, the control ram means being connected to a complementary steering ram means on the steering axle for operation of the steering ram means to turn wheels on the steering axle.
  • control ram means comprises a cylinder part and a piston part, the king pin being connected to one part for moving said part relative to the other part in response to king pin rotation on the trailer.
  • the piston part is slidable relative to the cylinder part along an axis which is substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the king pin.
  • the king pin is connected to the control ram means by a cam means for operation of the control ram means.
  • the cam means comprises a circumferential cam surface on the king pin which engages with one or more radially arranged rams forming the control ram means for operation of said control ram means .
  • the cam means comprises a flanged cam plate on the king pin having a cam surface on a face of the cam plate which engages one or more rams forming the control ram means for operation of said control ram means.
  • the cam means comprises a sleeve co- axially mounted fast on the king pin, the sleeve having a cam groove on its outer surface, a cam follower engaging in the groove and connected to the control ram means for sliding the piston part relative to the cylinder part in response to rotation of the king pin on the trailer.
  • cam follower is connected to the cylinder part.
  • the cylinder part is mounted between spaced-apart end plates, a pair of pistons projecting outwardly at opposite ends of the cylinder part to abut the end plates, axial movement of the cylinder relative to said end plate operating the control ram.
  • annular cylinder is provided with associated annular pistons.
  • the king pin is connected to the control ram means by a screw movable axially on the king pin in response to rotation of the king pin for operation of the control ram means.
  • control ram means comprises a cylinder having a diaphragm mounted within the cylinder dividing the cylinder into two fluid chambers, the control ram being connected to the king pin for flexing the diaphragm in response to rotation of the king pin for operation of the control ram means.
  • the cylinder is mounted on the king pin, the king pin passing centrally through the cylinder and the diaphragm, an outer periphery of the diaphragm being fixed to a side wall of the cylinder, a central portion of the diaphragm being attached to a sleeve which is mounted on the king pin, the sleeve being connected to the king pin for movement along the king pin in response to rotation of the king pin.
  • control ram means is a double- acting ram having a cylinder with a piston mounted on a piston rod which projects outwardly of the cylinder, the piston rod being attached to a laterally extending arm on the king pin for movement of the piston through the cylinder in response to rotation of the king pin.
  • the steering ram means comprises a double-acting ram mounted on the steer axle, the ram having a cylinder mounted on the steer axle with an associated piston mounted within the cylinder on a piston rod which projects outwardly at both ends of the cylinder, each end of the piston rod being connected to the steering arms on the steer axle.
  • the cylinder is pivotally mounted on the steer axle and slidable perpendicularly to the axis of the steer axle.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a semi-trailer command steering system according to the invention
  • Fig. 2 is an elevational view of portion of the steering system
  • Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of portion of another semi-trailer command steering system
  • Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of a trailer incorporating a steering system according to the invention.
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a master ram forming portion of another semi-trailer command steering system
  • Fig. 6 is an elevational view of the master ram of Fig. 5;
  • Fig. 7 is a sectional elevational view of the master ram of the Fig. 5;
  • Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the master ram of Fig. 5;
  • Fig. 9 is another exploded perspective view of the master ram of Fig. 4.
  • Fig. 10 is an elevational view of a sleeve portion of the master ram
  • Fig. 11 is a schematic sectional elevational view of a slave ram forming portion of the semi-trailer command steering system
  • Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the slave ram of Fig. 11 mounted on a trailer axle assembly; and Figs. 13 - 16 are schematic illustrations showing examples of alternative methods of operating the steering controller by means of the rotatable king pin.
  • a semi-trailer axle steering system according to the invention indicated generally by the numeral 1.
  • the system 1 has a turn detector 2 mounted on a kingpin 3 of a trailer to which the system 1 is fitted.
  • the kingpin 3 is rotatably mounted in a housing 4 by means of bearings 5.
  • a tongue or wedge 15 is mounted on the kingpin 3 for engagement with the fifth wheel coupling of the tractor vehicle to hold the kingpin 3 fast to the tractor vehicle.
  • the turn detector 2 comprises an arm 6 splined or keyed onto an upper end 7 of the kingpin 3.
  • a rod 9 is pivotally attached by a pivot pin 10.
  • the rod 9 forms portion of a steering controller formed by a double acting master ram 11 and passes through a cylinder 12 and carries a piston 13 within the cylinder 12. Suitable seals 14 are provided at each end of the cylinder 12 where the rod 9 projects through the cylinder 12. It will be noted that as the rod 9 passes through the cylinder 12 the effective area on each side of the piston 13 is the same.
  • a slave ram 18 of similar construction to the master ram 11 is provided adjacent a steer axle 20 assembly of the trailer.
  • the axle assembly 20 has steering arms 21 connected to wheels 22.
  • a steering link rod 23 interconnects the arms 21.
  • a rod 25 of the slave ram 18 is connected to one of the steering arms 21 to turn the wheels 22 together.
  • the invention provides a steering system of relatively simple construction comprising essentially of a rotatable kingpin on a trailer being used to control a steering axle assembly on the trailer.
  • Fig. 3 shows a rotating kingpin assembly 40 of another trailer steering system.
  • a kingpin 41 is rotatably supported in a housing 42 by tapered roller bearings 43.
  • FIG. 4 A semi-trailer 30 is shown in Fig. 4 comprising a wheeled chassis 31.
  • a rubbing plate 32 is provided at a front of the chassis 31 for engagement with a fifth wheel coupling of a tractor vehicle.
  • the system 50 comprises a master ram 51 mounted above the rubbing plate 32 incorporating a rotatable king pin 54 which projects below the rubbing plate 32 and an associated slave ram 52 mounted on a trailer axle 53 for turning wheels 22 mounted on the axle 53.
  • the master ram 51 has a rotatable king pin 54 with associated tongue 55 for interlocking engagement with the fifth wheel coupling on a tractor vehicle.
  • the ram 51 has a lower mounting ring 57 which is generally welded to an upper face of the rubbing plate 32 of the trailer 30.
  • a pair of end plates 59,60 are mounted by means of bolts 61 to the mounting plate 57, the bolts 61 passing through holes in the plates 59,60 and engaging threaded holes 62 in the mounting plate 57.
  • the plates 59,60 are spaced-apart by a pair of spacer blocks 64 mounted at opposite sides of the plates 59,60.
  • An hydraulic cylinder block 66 is mounted between the plates 59,60.
  • Two concentric sets of annular pistons 67,68 are slidably mounted in associated annular sockets in opposite ends of the cylinder block 66 effectively forming four hydraulic cylinders.
  • Hydraulic pipes 74 connecting with each of the cylinders project outwardly of the cylinder block 66. Hydraulic pressure will keep the pistons 67,68 held against inner faces of the plates 59,60 while the cylinder block 66 can be raised and lowered in response to rotation of the king pin 54 to alter the volume of the cylinders thus directing hydraulic fluid to the slave ram 52 for operation of the slave ram 52.
  • Each end plate 59,60 has a recessed minor edge 76,77 for mounting a cover (not shown) between the end plates 59,60.
  • the king pin 54 is rotatably mounted in a centrally located bearing 78 on the lower end plate 59.
  • the king pin 54 has a splined portion 80 which drivably engages a cylinder control collar 81 secured on the splines by means of a retaining nut 82 which engages a threaded end 83 of the king pin 54.
  • a helical groove 85 are provided in an outer surface of the collar 81. These grooves 85 are engaged by a pair of rods 86 forming cam followers which project inwardly through complementary slots in the cylinder block 66. The rods 86 project outwardly of the cylinder block 66 and slidably engage grooves 88 in the spacer blocks 64.
  • the collar 81 rotates each of the rods 86 run in the grooves 85 and depending on the direction of rotation of the king pin 54 thus raise or lower the cylinder 66 to operate the ram 51.
  • a plug 90 sits in upper end of the sleeve 81 and engages the top plate 60 to prevent sideways movement of the sleeve 81.
  • the sleeve 81 and plug 90 locate within a central control opening 91 of the cylinder 66.
  • the slave ram 52 is shown. This comprises an outer cylindrical body 95 through which a piston rod 96 passes.
  • the body 95 is centrally divided by a trunnion 97 into two parts.
  • a piston 99 mounted on the piston rod 96 divides each part into a pair of hydraulic cylinders.
  • Ports 100 of each cylinder connect to the hydraulic pipes 74 of the cylinder 66.
  • Free ends of the piston rod 96 connect to steering arms 102 of the axle assembly 53.
  • the trunnion 97 is supported between a pair of mounting brackets 105 on the axle 53.
  • a slot 106 in each bracket 105 allows forward movement of the trunnion 97 and rotational movement of the trunnion to accommodate movement of the ram 52 when steering wheels on the axle 53.
  • the king pin 54 locks with the fifth wheel coupling on a tractor vehicle such that it will turn with the tractor vehicle.
  • the ram 51 operates to direct hydraulic fluid to associated cylinders in the slave ram 52 for lateral movement of the piston rod 96 for controlled steering of the wheels on the axle 53.
  • FIG. 13 shows an alternative steering controller 120 operated by a rotatable king pin 54.
  • the steering controller 120 has a cylinder 121 through which the king pin 54 passes.
  • a piston 122 is mounted on the king pin 54 by means of a collar 123.
  • the collar 123 is attached to the king pin 54 by a screw thread such that upon rotation of the king pin 54 the collar moves axially along the king pin for moving the piston 122 within the cylinder 121 to control the steering.
  • FIG. 14 another steering controller 130 is shown.
  • a flanged cam plate 141 on the king pin 54 has cam formations 142 on a surface of the plate 141.
  • the cam formations 142 move pistons 143 within associated cylinders 144 upon rotation of the king pin 54 for controlling hydraulic fluid supply to the steering axle.
  • the controller 150 comprises a cylinder 151 through which the king pin 54 passes.
  • a diaphragm 152 is mounted between the king pin 54 and cylinder 151.
  • An outer edge of the diaphragm 152 is clamped at the cylinder sidewall.
  • An inner end of the diaphragm 152 is mounted on a sleeve 155 which is axially movable along the king pin 54 in response to rotation of the king pin 54. Movement of the diaphragm 152 directs oil between the controller 150 and the steering axle for controlling the steering axle.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Steering-Linkage Mechanisms And Four-Wheel Steering (AREA)

Abstract

A command steering system for a semi-trailer of the type having a wheeled chassis having a king pin and associated rubbing plate at a front of the trailer for engagement with the fifth wheel coupling on a tractor vehicle. The system (1) has a king pin (3) which is rotatably mounted on the trailer. The king pin (3) is connected to a control ram (11) for directing hydraulic fluid to a slave ram (18) for operating the slave ram (18) to steer wheels (22) on the trailer.

Description

"A Semi-Trailer Command Steering System"
This invention relates to a semi-trailer command steering system for positively steering wheels on the semi-trailer.
In a known semi-trailer steering system a turntable is provided in place of the standard rubbing plate assembly. The turntable is connected to a steering controller comprising rams which detect the turning of a tractor vehicle relative to the trailer. These turntable rams are connected to associated rams in the axle steering system which control a steering linkage to turn the wheels on the axle. This known system is of relatively complicated construction and is both expensive to produce and adds a considerable weight to the trailer.
The present invention is directed towards overcoming these problems .
The invention consists essentially in providing a rotatable kingpin on a trailer which is used to control a steering axle assembly on the trailer.
According to the invention there is provided a command steering system for a semi-trailer of the type comprising a wheeled chassis and having a king pin and associated rubbing plate at a front of the chassis for complementary releasable engagement with a fifth wheel coupling on a tractor vehicle, the command steering system comprising at least one steering axle for mounting on the chassis and a steering controller for operating the steering axle in response to turning of the tractor vehicle relative to the trailer when the trailer is coupled with the tractor vehicle, characterised in that the king pin is rotatably mounted on the semi-trailer, locking means being provided for releasably locking the king pin in engagement with the fifth wheel coupling while allowing rotation of the king pin on the semi-trailer, and means for connecting the king pin to the controller for operation of the controller in response to rotation of the king pin on the semi-trailer.
In one embodiment the king pin is connected to a control ram means for operation of the control ram means in response to rotation of the king pin on the trailer, the control ram means being connected to a complementary steering ram means on the steering axle for operation of the steering ram means to turn wheels on the steering axle.
In another embodiment the control ram means comprises a cylinder part and a piston part, the king pin being connected to one part for moving said part relative to the other part in response to king pin rotation on the trailer.
In a further embodiment the piston part is slidable relative to the cylinder part along an axis which is substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the king pin.
In another embodiment the king pin is connected to the control ram means by a cam means for operation of the control ram means.
In another embodiment the cam means comprises a circumferential cam surface on the king pin which engages with one or more radially arranged rams forming the control ram means for operation of said control ram means .
In another embodiment the cam means comprises a flanged cam plate on the king pin having a cam surface on a face of the cam plate which engages one or more rams forming the control ram means for operation of said control ram means.
In another embodiment the cam means comprises a sleeve co- axially mounted fast on the king pin, the sleeve having a cam groove on its outer surface, a cam follower engaging in the groove and connected to the control ram means for sliding the piston part relative to the cylinder part in response to rotation of the king pin on the trailer.
In another embodiment the cam follower is connected to the cylinder part.
In another embodiment the cylinder part is mounted between spaced-apart end plates, a pair of pistons projecting outwardly at opposite ends of the cylinder part to abut the end plates, axial movement of the cylinder relative to said end plate operating the control ram.
In another embodiment an annular cylinder is provided with associated annular pistons.
In another embodiment the king pin is connected to the control ram means by a screw movable axially on the king pin in response to rotation of the king pin for operation of the control ram means.
In another embodiment the control ram means comprises a cylinder having a diaphragm mounted within the cylinder dividing the cylinder into two fluid chambers, the control ram being connected to the king pin for flexing the diaphragm in response to rotation of the king pin for operation of the control ram means.
In another embodiment the cylinder is mounted on the king pin, the king pin passing centrally through the cylinder and the diaphragm, an outer periphery of the diaphragm being fixed to a side wall of the cylinder, a central portion of the diaphragm being attached to a sleeve which is mounted on the king pin, the sleeve being connected to the king pin for movement along the king pin in response to rotation of the king pin.
In another embodiment the control ram means is a double- acting ram having a cylinder with a piston mounted on a piston rod which projects outwardly of the cylinder, the piston rod being attached to a laterally extending arm on the king pin for movement of the piston through the cylinder in response to rotation of the king pin.
In another embodiment the steering ram means comprises a double-acting ram mounted on the steer axle, the ram having a cylinder mounted on the steer axle with an associated piston mounted within the cylinder on a piston rod which projects outwardly at both ends of the cylinder, each end of the piston rod being connected to the steering arms on the steer axle.
In another embodiment the cylinder is pivotally mounted on the steer axle and slidable perpendicularly to the axis of the steer axle.
The invention will be more clearly understood by the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :-
Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a semi-trailer command steering system according to the invention;
Fig. 2 is an elevational view of portion of the steering system; Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 of portion of another semi-trailer command steering system; and
Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of a trailer incorporating a steering system according to the invention;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a master ram forming portion of another semi-trailer command steering system;
Fig. 6 is an elevational view of the master ram of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a sectional elevational view of the master ram of the Fig. 5;
Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the master ram of Fig. 5;
Fig. 9 is another exploded perspective view of the master ram of Fig. 4;
Fig. 10 is an elevational view of a sleeve portion of the master ram;
Fig. 11 is a schematic sectional elevational view of a slave ram forming portion of the semi-trailer command steering system;
Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the slave ram of Fig. 11 mounted on a trailer axle assembly; and Figs. 13 - 16 are schematic illustrations showing examples of alternative methods of operating the steering controller by means of the rotatable king pin.
Referring to the drawings, and initially to Figs. 1 and 2 thereof, there is illustrated a semi-trailer axle steering system according to the invention indicated generally by the numeral 1. The system 1 has a turn detector 2 mounted on a kingpin 3 of a trailer to which the system 1 is fitted. The kingpin 3 is rotatably mounted in a housing 4 by means of bearings 5. A tongue or wedge 15 is mounted on the kingpin 3 for engagement with the fifth wheel coupling of the tractor vehicle to hold the kingpin 3 fast to the tractor vehicle.
The turn detector 2 comprises an arm 6 splined or keyed onto an upper end 7 of the kingpin 3. At an outer end 8 of the arm 6 a rod 9 is pivotally attached by a pivot pin 10. The rod 9 forms portion of a steering controller formed by a double acting master ram 11 and passes through a cylinder 12 and carries a piston 13 within the cylinder 12. Suitable seals 14 are provided at each end of the cylinder 12 where the rod 9 projects through the cylinder 12. It will be noted that as the rod 9 passes through the cylinder 12 the effective area on each side of the piston 13 is the same. A slave ram 18 of similar construction to the master ram 11 is provided adjacent a steer axle 20 assembly of the trailer. The axle assembly 20 has steering arms 21 connected to wheels 22. A steering link rod 23 interconnects the arms 21. A rod 25 of the slave ram 18 is connected to one of the steering arms 21 to turn the wheels 22 together.
In use, with the trailer attached to a tractor vehicle, if the tractor vehicle turns the kingpin 3 will also turn thus moving the arm 6 which slides the piston 13 within the cylinder 12. Hydraulic fluid within the cylinder 12 is pressurised on one side of the piston 13 and is delivered to the slave ram 18 to provide a complementary movement of the rod 25 for steering the wheels 22 as the trailer turns. The wheels 22 will turn in the opposite direction to the tractor vehicle.
It will be appreciated that the invention provides a steering system of relatively simple construction comprising essentially of a rotatable kingpin on a trailer being used to control a steering axle assembly on the trailer.
Fig. 3 shows a rotating kingpin assembly 40 of another trailer steering system. In this case a kingpin 41 is rotatably supported in a housing 42 by tapered roller bearings 43.
Referring now to Figs. 4 to 12 there is illustrated another semi-trailer command steering system indicated generally by the reference numeral 50. A semi-trailer 30 is shown in Fig. 4 comprising a wheeled chassis 31. A rubbing plate 32 is provided at a front of the chassis 31 for engagement with a fifth wheel coupling of a tractor vehicle. The system 50 comprises a master ram 51 mounted above the rubbing plate 32 incorporating a rotatable king pin 54 which projects below the rubbing plate 32 and an associated slave ram 52 mounted on a trailer axle 53 for turning wheels 22 mounted on the axle 53.
The master ram 51 has a rotatable king pin 54 with associated tongue 55 for interlocking engagement with the fifth wheel coupling on a tractor vehicle.
The ram 51 has a lower mounting ring 57 which is generally welded to an upper face of the rubbing plate 32 of the trailer 30. A pair of end plates 59,60 are mounted by means of bolts 61 to the mounting plate 57, the bolts 61 passing through holes in the plates 59,60 and engaging threaded holes 62 in the mounting plate 57. The plates 59,60 are spaced-apart by a pair of spacer blocks 64 mounted at opposite sides of the plates 59,60. An hydraulic cylinder block 66 is mounted between the plates 59,60. Two concentric sets of annular pistons 67,68 are slidably mounted in associated annular sockets in opposite ends of the cylinder block 66 effectively forming four hydraulic cylinders. Hydraulic pipes 74 connecting with each of the cylinders project outwardly of the cylinder block 66. Hydraulic pressure will keep the pistons 67,68 held against inner faces of the plates 59,60 while the cylinder block 66 can be raised and lowered in response to rotation of the king pin 54 to alter the volume of the cylinders thus directing hydraulic fluid to the slave ram 52 for operation of the slave ram 52. Each end plate 59,60 has a recessed minor edge 76,77 for mounting a cover (not shown) between the end plates 59,60. The king pin 54 is rotatably mounted in a centrally located bearing 78 on the lower end plate 59.
The king pin 54 has a splined portion 80 which drivably engages a cylinder control collar 81 secured on the splines by means of a retaining nut 82 which engages a threaded end 83 of the king pin 54. A helical groove 85 are provided in an outer surface of the collar 81. These grooves 85 are engaged by a pair of rods 86 forming cam followers which project inwardly through complementary slots in the cylinder block 66. The rods 86 project outwardly of the cylinder block 66 and slidably engage grooves 88 in the spacer blocks 64. Thus, upon rotation of the king pin 54, the collar 81 rotates each of the rods 86 run in the grooves 85 and depending on the direction of rotation of the king pin 54 thus raise or lower the cylinder 66 to operate the ram 51.
A plug 90 sits in upper end of the sleeve 81 and engages the top plate 60 to prevent sideways movement of the sleeve 81. The sleeve 81 and plug 90 locate within a central control opening 91 of the cylinder 66.
Referring to Fig. 11, the slave ram 52 is shown. This comprises an outer cylindrical body 95 through which a piston rod 96 passes. The body 95 is centrally divided by a trunnion 97 into two parts. Within each part a piston 99 mounted on the piston rod 96 divides each part into a pair of hydraulic cylinders. Ports 100 of each cylinder connect to the hydraulic pipes 74 of the cylinder 66. Free ends of the piston rod 96 connect to steering arms 102 of the axle assembly 53. The trunnion 97 is supported between a pair of mounting brackets 105 on the axle 53. A slot 106 in each bracket 105 allows forward movement of the trunnion 97 and rotational movement of the trunnion to accommodate movement of the ram 52 when steering wheels on the axle 53.
In use, the king pin 54 locks with the fifth wheel coupling on a tractor vehicle such that it will turn with the tractor vehicle. As the king pin 54 turns the ram 51 operates to direct hydraulic fluid to associated cylinders in the slave ram 52 for lateral movement of the piston rod 96 for controlled steering of the wheels on the axle 53.
It will be appreciated that in the embodiment described two ram sets are provided at the steering controller and at the steering axle, one set of providing backup in case of failure of the other ram set. Fig. 13 shows an alternative steering controller 120 operated by a rotatable king pin 54. The steering controller 120 has a cylinder 121 through which the king pin 54 passes. A piston 122 is mounted on the king pin 54 by means of a collar 123. The collar 123 is attached to the king pin 54 by a screw thread such that upon rotation of the king pin 54 the collar moves axially along the king pin for moving the piston 122 within the cylinder 121 to control the steering.
Referring now to Fig. 14 another steering controller 130 is shown. In this case, a circumferential cam 131 on the king pin 54 with radially arranged pistons 132 in associated cylinders 133 for controlling the steering.
Referring now to Fig. 15 there is illustrated another steering controller 140. In this case a flanged cam plate 141 on the king pin 54 has cam formations 142 on a surface of the plate 141. The cam formations 142 move pistons 143 within associated cylinders 144 upon rotation of the king pin 54 for controlling hydraulic fluid supply to the steering axle.
Referring now to Fig. 16 there is illustrated another steering controller 150. The controller 150 comprises a cylinder 151 through which the king pin 54 passes. A diaphragm 152 is mounted between the king pin 54 and cylinder 151. An outer edge of the diaphragm 152 is clamped at the cylinder sidewall. An inner end of the diaphragm 152 is mounted on a sleeve 155 which is axially movable along the king pin 54 in response to rotation of the king pin 54. Movement of the diaphragm 152 directs oil between the controller 150 and the steering axle for controlling the steering axle. - li ¬
lt is envisaged that instead of having a rotatable kingpin on the trailer a similar effect could be created by having a fixed kingpin carrying a rotatable sleeve engagable with the fifth wheel coupling of a tractor vehicle to detect relative turning of the tractor and trailer and control trailer steering.
It is envisaged that a similar device could be used for command steer of a draw bar type trailer.

Claims

1. A command steering system for a semi-trailer of the type comprising a wheeled chassis and having a king pin and associated rubbing plate at a front of the chassis for complementary releasable engagement with a fifth wheel coupling on a tractor vehicle, the command steering system comprising at least one steering axle for mounting on the chassis and a steering controller for operating the steering axle in response to turning of the tractor vehicle relative to the trailer when the trailer is coupled with the tractor vehicle, characterised in that the king pin is rotatably mounted on the semi-trailer, locking means being provided for releasably locking the king pin in engagement with the fifth wheel coupling while allowing rotation of the king pin on the semi-trailer, and means for connecting the king pin to the controller for operation of the controller in response to rotation of the king pin on the semi- trailer.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the king pin is connected to a control ram means for operation of the control ram means in response to rotation of the king pin on the trailer, the control ram means being connected to a complementary steering ram means on the steering axle for operation of the steering ram means to turn wheels on the steering axle.
3. A system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the control ram means comprises a cylinder part and a piston part, the king pin being connected to one part for moving said part relative to the other part in response to king pin rotation on the trailer.
4. A system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the piston part is slidable relative to the cylinder part along an axis which is substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the king pin.
5. A system as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4 wherein the king pin is connected to the control ram means by a cam means for operation of the control ram means .
6. A system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the cam means comprises a circumferential cam surface on the king pin which engages with one or more radially arranged rams forming the control ram means for operation of said control ram means.
7. A system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the cam means comprises a flanged cam plate on the king pin having a cam surface on a face of the cam plate which engages one or more rams forming the control ram means for operation of said control ram means .
8. A system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the cam means comprises a sleeve co-axially mounted fast on the king pin, the sleeve having a cam groove on its outer surface, a cam follower engaging in the groove and connected to the control ram means for sliding the piston part relative to the cylinder part in response to rotation of the king pin on the trailer.
9. A system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the cam follower is connected to the cylinder part.
10. A system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the cylinder part is mounted between spaced-apart end plates, a pair of pistons projecting outwardly at opposite ends of the cylinder part to abut the end plates, axial movement of the cylinder relative to said end plate operating the control ram.
11. A system as claimed in any of claims 10 wherein an annular cylinder is provided with associated annular pistons .
12. A system as claimed in any of claims 2 - 4 wherein the king pin is connected to the control ram means by a screw movable axially on the king pin in response to rotation of the king pin for operation of the control ram means .
13. A system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the control ram means comprises a cylinder having a diaphragm mounted within the cylinder dividing the cylinder into two fluid chambers, the control ram being connected to the king pin for flexing the diaphragm in response to rotation of the king pin for operation of the control ram means.
14. A system as claimed in claim 13 wherein the cylinder is mounted on the king pin, the king pin passing centrally through the cylinder and the diaphragm, an outer periphery of the diaphragm being fixed to a side wall of the cylinder, a central portion of the diaphragm being attached to a sleeve which is mounted on the king pin, the sleeve being connected to the king pin for movement along the king pin in response to rotation of the king pin.
15. A system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the control ram means is a double-acting ram having a cylinder with a piston mounted on a piston rod which projects outwardly of the cylinder, the piston rod being attached to a laterally extending arm on the king pin for movement of the piston through the cylinder in response to rotation of the king pin.
16. A system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the steering ram means comprises a double-acting ram mounted on the steer axle, the ram having a cylinder mounted on the steer axle with an associated piston mounted within the cylinder on a piston rod which projects outwardly at both ends of the cylinder, each end of the piston rod being connected to the steering arms on the steer axle.
17. A system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the cylinder is pivotally mounted on the steer axle and slidable perpendicularly to the axis of the steer axle.
PCT/IE1994/000060 1993-12-03 1994-12-05 A semi-trailer command steering system WO1995015273A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU11186/95A AU1118695A (en) 1993-12-03 1994-12-05 A semi-trailer command steering system

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IES930936 1993-12-03
IE930936 1993-12-03

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WO1995015273A1 true WO1995015273A1 (en) 1995-06-08

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PCT/IE1994/000060 WO1995015273A1 (en) 1993-12-03 1994-12-05 A semi-trailer command steering system

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE29721279U1 (en) * 1997-12-01 1998-02-19 Doll Fahrzeugbau Gmbh, 77728 Oppenau Semi-trailer with disengageable loading module
FR2753161A1 (en) * 1996-09-10 1998-03-13 Clarinval Freres Device for controlling a steering force of agricultural trailer wheels, comprises a dual-effect hydraulic actuator having a piston rod positioned relative to a position of the trailer and a chamber, a second actuator, and pipes

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2968495A (en) * 1955-10-21 1961-01-17 Charles T Hutchens Mechanism for steering tandem wheels of a tractor trailer assembly
FR1455915A (en) * 1965-06-01 1966-10-21 Improvement of the control device of the steered wheels of a semi-trailer
CH481784A (en) * 1968-05-02 1969-11-30 Bergische Achsen Kotz Soehne Hydraulic forced steering for towed vehicles
DE2200739A1 (en) * 1972-01-07 1973-07-19 Warsteiner Achsenfab Heinrich SELF-LEVELING TRAILER AXLE ARRANGEMENT
EP0001669A1 (en) * 1977-10-20 1979-05-02 Société dite: EKSELSE KONSTRUKTIE WERKEN Personen Vennootschap met Beperkte Aansprakelijkheid Steering mechanism for wheeled axle assemblies of semitrailers and trailers
WO1981002186A1 (en) * 1980-01-25 1981-08-06 G Egelius Fluid-driven rotational device
FR2485450A1 (en) * 1980-06-26 1981-12-31 Redment Eng Ltd HITCH BAR TRAILER COMMANDING REAR WHEEL BRAKING
EP0150520A1 (en) * 1984-01-19 1985-08-07 Roberto Perlini Hydraulic control device for steering the pivotable wheels of vehicles provided with straight travelling stabilizer
DE3426553A1 (en) * 1984-07-19 1986-01-30 Gulde-Regelarmaturen GmbH & Co KG, 6700 Ludwigshafen Actuating drive
EP0297043A1 (en) * 1987-06-18 1988-12-28 Lanz + Marti Ag Hydraulic system for transmitting a steering angle
EP0390288A1 (en) * 1989-03-30 1990-10-03 Hosta B.V. Trailer steering device

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2968495A (en) * 1955-10-21 1961-01-17 Charles T Hutchens Mechanism for steering tandem wheels of a tractor trailer assembly
FR1455915A (en) * 1965-06-01 1966-10-21 Improvement of the control device of the steered wheels of a semi-trailer
CH481784A (en) * 1968-05-02 1969-11-30 Bergische Achsen Kotz Soehne Hydraulic forced steering for towed vehicles
DE2200739A1 (en) * 1972-01-07 1973-07-19 Warsteiner Achsenfab Heinrich SELF-LEVELING TRAILER AXLE ARRANGEMENT
EP0001669A1 (en) * 1977-10-20 1979-05-02 Société dite: EKSELSE KONSTRUKTIE WERKEN Personen Vennootschap met Beperkte Aansprakelijkheid Steering mechanism for wheeled axle assemblies of semitrailers and trailers
WO1981002186A1 (en) * 1980-01-25 1981-08-06 G Egelius Fluid-driven rotational device
FR2485450A1 (en) * 1980-06-26 1981-12-31 Redment Eng Ltd HITCH BAR TRAILER COMMANDING REAR WHEEL BRAKING
EP0150520A1 (en) * 1984-01-19 1985-08-07 Roberto Perlini Hydraulic control device for steering the pivotable wheels of vehicles provided with straight travelling stabilizer
DE3426553A1 (en) * 1984-07-19 1986-01-30 Gulde-Regelarmaturen GmbH & Co KG, 6700 Ludwigshafen Actuating drive
EP0297043A1 (en) * 1987-06-18 1988-12-28 Lanz + Marti Ag Hydraulic system for transmitting a steering angle
EP0390288A1 (en) * 1989-03-30 1990-10-03 Hosta B.V. Trailer steering device

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2753161A1 (en) * 1996-09-10 1998-03-13 Clarinval Freres Device for controlling a steering force of agricultural trailer wheels, comprises a dual-effect hydraulic actuator having a piston rod positioned relative to a position of the trailer and a chamber, a second actuator, and pipes
DE29721279U1 (en) * 1997-12-01 1998-02-19 Doll Fahrzeugbau Gmbh, 77728 Oppenau Semi-trailer with disengageable loading module

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