| 摘要 |
The invention provides new multi-axle running gear for automotive transport tractors, trailers and semi-trailers, the minimum requirement being that the running gear has at least two longitudinally spaced axles mounted parallel to one another, one relatively closely behind the other. One of the axles is mounted for substantial limited transverse movement along its longitudinal axis so that it will move sideways under transverse scrubbing forces applied thereto by the engagement of its running wheels with the ground as the vehicle negotiates a curve or corner. This gives via a relatively simple and economical structure, consisting principally of an axle member mounted for sliding movement in a supporting housing, that provides steering movement to its wheels equivalent to that of a self-steering axle, such steering movement reducing the transverse scrubbing and improving the yaw stability of the vehicle. The preferred minimum movement of the axle from a neutral position is equivalent to a steering angle of at least 10 degrees, while a practical amount for most applications will be equivalent to a steering angle of 20 degrees. Numerous combinations are possible in the standard two-wheel, three-wheel, or four-wheel bogie and tractor configurations, comprising such slip-steer axles in combination with fixed, self-steering and lifting axles.
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