摘要 |
A steering mechanism is used to turn the rear wheels of a trailer towed by a tractor with a fifth wheel hitch between the tractor and the trailer. The trailer has a steering control mechanism mounted at its forward end. This mechanism is coupled with the fifth wheel of the tractor to translate rotational motion between the front end of the trailer and the tractor fifth wheel to rotate a frame. The rear wheels of the trailer are mounted on the frame, which imparts steering of the rear of the trailer complementary to the direction in which the tractor trailer rig is turned. A provision is made to limit the number of degrees of pivot, which is imparted to the rear wheels of the trailer, to a maximum amount when the rotation between the tractor fifth wheel and the front of the trailer exceeds a pre-established angular amount. This limitation is effected mechanically through a Geneva gear assembly, which forms part of the steering control mechanism.
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