Steer axle with integrated directional control
A steer-by-wire steering system having an I-beam and a steering gear housing coupled therewith. An input shaft assembly may be at least partially disposed within the steering gear housing. A steering knuckle having a kingpin boss and an output shaft having a first end at least partially disposed within the kingpin boss. A second end of the output shaft at least partially disposed within the steering gear housing.
1. A steer-by-wire steering system for a vehicle, comprising:
a beam axle;
a steering gear housing coupled with a first end of said beam axle;
an input shaft assembly at least partially disposed within said steering gear housing;
a steering knuckle having a kingpin boss; and
an output shaft laterally spaced from said beam axle traverse to a longitudinal axis of said vehicle, wherein said output shaft includes a first end disposed within said kingpin boss and a second end disposed within and terminating in said steering gear housing.
2. The steer-by-wire steering system for said vehicle according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a steering input in electronic communication with a controller.
3. The steer-by-wire steering system for said vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein
said second end of said output shaft is drivingly engaged with said input shaft assembly.
4. A steer-by-wire steering system, comprising:
a knuckle having a kingpin boss;
a steering gear housing coupled with said knuckle;
an input shaft assembly at least partially disposed within said steering gear housing;
an output shaft having a first end and an opposite second end, wherein said first end is disposed within said kingpin boss of said knuckle; and
a beam axle, wherein said second end of said output shaft is coupled to said beam axle such that there is no rotation therebetween.
5. The steer-by-wire steering system according to claim 4 , further comprising:
a steering input in electronic communication with a controller.
6. The steer-by-wire steering system according to claim 4 , wherein
said second end of said output shaft is drivingly engaged with said input shaft assembly for rotation thereby.
7. The steer-by-wire steering system according to claim 4 , wherein
said input shaft assembly is disposed transverse to a longitudinal axis of said beam axle at a zero turn angle.
8. The steer-by-wire steering system according to claim 4 , wherein
said input shaft assembly is disposed parallel to a longitudinal axis of said beam axle at a zero turn angle.
9. The steer-by-wire steering system according to claim 4 , further comprising:
a beam axle head coupled with said beam axle, wherein said second end of said output shaft is at least partially disposed within said beam axle head.
10. The steer-by-wire steering system according to claim 4 , wherein
said steering gear housing is at least partially disposed through an ear of said knuckle.