Auxiliary system for steering cargo vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to an auxiliary system for steering cargo vehicles, aiming to optimise control, load distribution and overall performance of the cargo vehicle. The system comprises a hydraulic cylinder (1) integrated into the front axle (06) of the vehicle, providing precise and controlled movements to the front axle (06) and its associated wheels at the ends of the front axle (06), also including a pressure accumulator (02) to maintain adequate pressure and a hydraulic or electro-hydraulic module (03) with an integrated relief valve to prevent high pressure. The auxiliary system of the present invention also comprises additional axles (04, 05) interconnected to the hydraulic cylinder (01) by a network of pipes and hoses, to optimise load distribution and provide greater vehicle stability. Said system is integrated with the steering box (08) of the cargo vehicle.

Description

[0001] “AUXILIARY SYSTEM FOR DRIVING CARGO VEHICLES” Field of Invention

[0002]

[0001] The present invention relates to an auxiliary system for steering cargo vehicles, more specifically an integrated electro-hydraulic or hydraulic system for optimizing steering control and load distribution in cargo vehicles, such as trucks. The invention is contextualized in the field of automotive and mechanical engineering, standing out for its application in vehicles with considerable gross weight.

[0003] Background of the Invention

[0004]

[0002] Freight vehicles, such as trucks, are essential for the transportation of goods, materials, and merchandise, playing an essential role in logical systems and global supply chains. Such vehicles are characterized by their ability to carry significant loads and, consequently, feature robust structures and complex systems to ensure safe and efficient operation.

[0005]

[0003] A cargo vehicle's steering system is a critical component responsible for controlling the vehicle's trajectory. This system essentially consists of a steering box that receives driver input through the steering wheel and transmits these commands to the axles and wheels, thus enabling the vehicle to be steered. In heavy cargo vehicles, steering systems must be robust and precise, given the masses involved and operational demands.

[0006]

[0004] Large trucks often have multiple axles, which are crucial for even load distribution. Having multiple axles allows weight to be distributed more evenly across the length of the vehicle, minimizing stress on individual components and optimizing stability during transport.

[0005] However, effective management of multiple axles also poses challenges, particularly regarding tire wear and fuel consumption. The increased number of tires in contact with the road surface can lead to increased rolling resistance, resulting in higher fuel consumption and uneven tire wear.

[0007]

[0006] Uneven tire wear is a significant problem in the operation of freight vehicles, leading to additional maintenance and replacement costs, as well as increasing the risk of accidents due to loss of grip and control. The need for an efficient steering system and adequate axle control therefore becomes imperative to minimize these problems.

[0008]

[0007] The power steering system, widely used in heavy goods vehicles, uses hydraulic fluid to transmit force from the steering wheel to the wheels, making it easier for the driver to control the vehicle. This system, through a pump, cylinder, and valves, multiplies the force applied by the driver, enabling smooth and precise steering of large vehicles.

[0009]

[0008] Given the above context, there is a constant search for technological innovations that can optimize the steering system of heavy vehicles, aiming to improve the integration and coordination of the axles, minimizing tire wear and fuel consumption are of great value in the field of automotive and mechanical engineering.

[0010]

[0009] In the state of the art, innovations focused on improving the individual components of the steering system are known, however, there is a growing need for integrated systems that can holistically manage the behavior of multi-axle vehicles, considering variables such as load weight, road conditions and vehicle dynamics.

[0011]

[0010] The present invention arises as a response to this need, proposing an innovative auxiliary steering system, which integrates and efficiently manages the multiple axles of heavy cargo vehicles, aiming at sustainability, safety and operational efficiency.

[0012] Objectives of the Invention

[0013]

[0011] The present invention aims to provide an auxiliary system for steering cargo vehicles that significantly reduces tire wear and, consequently, reduces operating costs associated with tire maintenance and replacement, as well as improving vehicle safety during cargo transportation.

[0014]

[0012] The present invention also aims to provide an auxiliary system for steering cargo vehicles that ensures a more uniform load distribution throughout the vehicle, providing stability and minimizing stress on structural components and the pavement.

[0015]

[0013] Lastly, the present invention also aims to provide an auxiliary system for steering cargo vehicles that reduces rolling resistance and, consequently, reduces fuel consumption, contributing to sustainability and the reduction of emissions.

[0016] Summary of the Invention

[0017]

[0014] The present invention, in its preferred configuration, reveals an auxiliary system for steering cargo vehicles that comprises: at least one hydraulic cylinder integrated into a front axle of the cargo vehicle, configured to convert hydraulic energy into mechanical energy to move the front axle and wheels associated with the ends of the front axle; a pressure accumulator configured to maintain system pressure; a hydraulic or electro-hydraulic module with a relief valve to monitor and control system pressure; and a network of tubes and hoses for transmitting hydraulic oil between the components of the system.

[0018]

[0015] The system of the present invention further comprises: additional axles interconnected with the hydraulic cylinder through the network of tubes and hoses to distribute the load on the front axle of the cargo vehicle, the system being integrated with a steering box of the cargo vehicle.

[0019] Brief Description of the Figures

[0020]

[0016] The present invention is briefly described in the figures:

[0021] Figure 1 - reveals a schematic view of the auxiliary system for steering cargo vehicles of the present invention in its preferred configuration.

[0022] Figure 2 - reveals a schematic view of the auxiliary system for steering cargo vehicles of the present invention in its preferred configuration.

[0023] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0024]

[0017] The main approach of the present invention consists of an auxiliary system for steering cargo vehicles, aiming to reduce tire wear, improve load distribution and reduce the cargo vehicle's fuel consumption.

[0025]

[0018] Such a system of the present invention, in its preferred configuration, comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder (01) integrated into a front axle (06) of the cargo vehicle, a pressure accumulator (02) and a hydraulic or electro-hydraulic module (03), as described in detail below.

[0026]

[0019] The hydraulic cylinder (01) is a critical component of the system of the present invention, being integrated into the front axle (06) of the cargo vehicle. Such hydraulic cylinder (01) is configured to transmit hydraulic force, allowing precise and controlled movements of the front axle (06) and, consequently, of the wheels (07) associated with the ends of the front axle (06).

[0027]

[0020] In this way, the hydraulic cylinder (01) has the function of converting hydraulic energy into mechanical energy, providing the force necessary to move and direct the vehicle through its front axle (06) and its wheels (07), as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0028]

[0021] The pressure accumulator (02) also plays a vital role in the system, being configured to maintain system pressure when the steering box pressure approaches 0 bar, i.e., ensuring system pressure so that the hydraulic cylinder (01) always has the pressure necessary to convert hydraulic energy into mechanical energy and steer the load vehicle.

[0029]

[0022] The hydraulic or electro-hydraulic module (03) consists of an advanced safety device incorporated into the system, being responsible for monitoring and controlling the oil pressure, ensuring that the pressure does not exceed the desired pressure. In its preferred configuration, the hydraulic or electro-hydraulic module (03) comprises an integrated relief valve, preventing possible damage or failures to the system through this pressure control.

[0030]

[0023] For vehicles that have more steering axles in addition to the front axle (06), the system of the present invention also comprises additional axles (04, 05) that can be installed in an interconnected manner to the hydraulic cylinder (01) through a series of tubes and hoses. These additional axles (04, 05) associated with the hydraulic cylinder (01) allow for equitable load distribution, so as to steer the vehicle also through the additional axles (04, 05), as illustrated in Figure 2.

[0031]

[0024] Thus, for cargo vehicles comprising multiple axles, the system of the present invention comprises additional axles (04, 05) in addition to the hydraulic cylinder (01), so as to also control the multiple axles and ensure effective and precise control of the cargo vehicle.

[0032]

[0025] All components of the auxiliary system of the present invention are associated by means of tubes and hoses, which allow the fluid and efficient transmission of hydraulic oil between the components. It is through this network of tubes and hoses that the oil moves, transferring pressure and allowing precise control of the movements of the cargo vehicle.

[0033]

[0026] Furthermore, the auxiliary system is configured to integrate harmoniously with the vehicle's original steering box (08), so that the steering box (08) receives the driver's commands and, through the auxiliary system of the present invention, transmits these commands in an optimized manner to the various axles of the cargo vehicle, providing more effective control and smoother driving.

[0034]

[0027] In the operation of the auxiliary system, the steering of the cargo vehicle is assisted by the coordinated action of all components, so that, when the driver turns the steering wheel, the steering box (08) transmits this movement to the hydraulic cylinder (01) by means of hydraulic oil through the network of tubes and hoses, while the hydraulic cylinder (01) interacts with the additional axles (04 and 05) transmitting this movement and evenly distributing the load.

[0028] Thus, the auxiliary system of the present invention can be applied to cargo vehicles with different configurations. By way of example only, and not as a limitation, Figure 1 illustrates a cargo vehicle with an axle and wheel configuration with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 22.5 tons, while Figure 2 illustrates a cargo vehicle with an axle and wheel configuration with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 31.5 tons, and can be applied to any type of cargo vehicle and its configuration.

[0035]

[0029] Thus, having been the auxiliary system for steering cargo vehicles of the present invention, it is clear that it meets the proposed objectives, ensuring more precise steering and less tire wear, reducing the impact on the pavement and optimizing fuel consumption, being aligned with principles of sustainability and operational efficiency.

[0036]

[0030] Furthermore, the auxiliary system for steering cargo vehicles of the present invention represents a significant advance in the technology of steering systems for cargo vehicles, bringing an innovative and efficient solution to the challenges faced by multi-axle vehicles in the current cargo transportation scenario.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. AUXILIARY SYSTEM FOR STEERING CARGO VEHICLES, characterized by the fact that it comprises: at least one hydraulic cylinder (01) integrated into a front axle (06) of the cargo vehicle, configured to convert hydraulic energy into mechanical energy to move the front axle (06) and wheels (07) associated with the ends of the front axle (06); a pressure accumulator (02) configured to maintain system pressure; a hydraulic or electro-hydraulic module (03) with a relief valve to monitor and control system pressure; and a network of tubes and hoses for transmitting hydraulic oil between the components of the system.

2. SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it also comprises: additional axles (04, 05) interconnected with the hydraulic cylinder (01) through the network of tubes and hoses to distribute the load of the front axle (06) of the cargo vehicle.

3. SYSTEM, according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the system is integrated with a steering box (08) of the cargo vehicle.

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