Abstract

Driven lift axles and associated systems and components are provided for use on heavy duty trucks, trailers, and/or other vehicles. Driven lift axle systems may include one or more motors mounted to the lift axle to provide torque to drive one or more wheels of the lift axle. Various mounting configurations of such motors are possible, such as arranging a motor on the axle to provide torque at a conventional driveshaft input by interfacing with a differential drive gear, positioning a motor at each of the wheel ends of the axle to provide torque directly to the wheels, etc. Each wheel can be driven by a separate motor, allowing for independent control of the torque applied to each wheel. Lift axles described herein can be suitable for use with various motors capable of applying torque to the axle and/or wheels, such as electric motors, hydraulic motors, internal combustion engines, etc.

IPC Classes  ?

• B60G 17/02 - Spring characteristics
• B60G 9/00 - Resilient suspensions for a rigid axle or axle housing for two or more wheels
• B60G 17/015 - Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or s the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
• B62D 61/12 - Motor vehicles or trailers, characterised by the arrangement or number of wheels, not otherwise provided for, e.g. four wheels in diamond pattern with variable number of ground-engaging wheels, e.g. with some wheels arranged higher than others, or with retractable wheels

Abstract

An adjustable king pin assembly for a fifth wheel trailer which includes an adjustable slider bar having a king pin secured thereto. The slider bar and king pin are easily removed from the assembly for repair, maintenance or replacement.

IPC Classes  ?

• B62D 53/08 - Fifth-wheel traction couplings