Abstract: A vehicle of the present disclosure may include at least one pair of opposing wheels coupled to a tiltable central chassis by a four-bar linkage or the like, such that the wheels are configured to tilt in unison with the central chassis. A steering actuator and/or a tilting actuator may be discretely controllable by an electronic controller of the vehicle. The controller may include processing logic configured to maintain alignment between a median plane of the chassis and a net force vector caused by gravity and any induced centrifugal forces. Various control algorithms may be utilized to steer the vehicle along a desired path, either autonomously or semi-autonomously.

Abstract: A control unit is configured to execute vibration suppression control, in which the control force generation device is controlled based on a target vibration suppression control force when a wheel passes through a predicted wheel passage position, and roll control, in which the control force generation device is controlled based on a target roll control force for reducing roll of the sprung portion based on a roll index value. When the vibration suppression control and the roll control are executed concurrently, the control force generation device is controlled based on the target vibration suppression control force and the target roll control force obtained after at least one of a reduction correction for the target vibration suppression control force and an increase correction for the target roll control force is performed.

Abstract: A vehicle (1) having: a chassis portion (2) and a tilting suspension arrangement (10) such that the chassis portion can tilt relative to ground; a tilt control arrangement (50) including at least a tilt controller and a tilt motor (48) to selectively apply a torque between the chassis portion (2) and at least one member (12) of the tilting suspension arrangement (10). The tilt controller has an active, tilt-controlled first mode (200) which adjusts a tilt angle (a) of the chassis towards an unstable equilibrium position using the tilt motor (48). The tilt controller has a primarily passive, free-tilt second mode (220) in which the tilt angle of the chassis is not adjusted for at least fifty percent of time. The tilt controller selectively permits a transition between the first mode and the second mode in dependence on at least one operating parameter of the vehicle.

Abstract: A leaning vehicle having a linkage mechanism supported by a linkage support part. The linkage mechanism includes left and right side members and a lower cross member. The lower cross member has a front cross part, a rear cross part, a coupling part coupling the front and rear cross parts, and a foreign-matter-entering-suppression part. The left and right side members are respectively rotatable about left and right axes extending in a front-rear direction of a vehicle body frame. The front and rear cross parts are rotatable about an intermediate axis parallel to the left and right axes. The foreign-matter-entering-suppression part fills a gap between the linkage support part, or the left or right side member, and the coupling part. The coupling part has a recess configured to accommodate the foreign-matter-entering-suppression part when the front and rear cross parts rotate with respect to the linkage support part.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for use on a vehicle is provided. The safety mechanism comprises a buffer and a sensor that is configured to send an electrical signal to processing circuitry in the vehicle when the sensor is activated. Sufficient movement of the buffer activates the sensor. A drive line may also be provided with the buffer connected to the drive line. Movement of the buffer may cause rotation of the drive line, and sufficient rotation of the drive line may activate the sensor.

Abstract: A truck or tractor vehicle includes a frame having a longitudinal centerline, an operator cab mounted relative to the frame via a cab suspension, the cab having a longitudinal centerline, the cab suspension comprising a front suspension and a rear suspension, the rear suspension comprising an adjustable panhard bar attached at a first end to the cab and attached at a second end to the frame, the adjustable panhard bar being adjustable in length to position the longitudinal centerline of the cab at a desired angle relative to the longitudinal centerline of the frame.

Abstract: A suspension for a leaning vehicle having a central frame, the central frame having a first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A front fork assembly includes a shock absorbing assembly and an anti-revolving guiding member arranged in a front-rear direction and extending in an up-down direction to interconnect a suspending bracket and the connecting bridge, left and right connecting levers interconnecting a swing arm assembly and a crank pivoting shaft, and left and right cranks for mounting with two front wheels of a tilting vehicle. Occurrence of speed wobble of the front fork assembly is prevented to render driving of electric bicycles, scooters and motorcycles equipped with the front fork assembly better and safer, to shorten the braking distance of vehicles, to prevent spinning of vehicles during braking, to prevent side slip during turning, to provide more comfortable feeling of shock absorption of vehicles, and to render the driving stable when passing over obstacles.

Abstract: A vehicle small in width and capable of ensuring both driving stability and drivability includes: a vehicle body with two or more wheels including steered wheels (right front wheel, left front wheel) for steering; an inclination angle detection part that detects the inclination angle of the vehicle body about a roll axis thereof; and a torque applying part (turning mechanism) that applies a steering torque to the steered wheels in accordance with an inclination angular velocity or an inclination angular acceleration of the vehicle body calculated from the inclination angle.

Abstract: A pneumatic suspension system may include, for each wheel of a vehicle, a strut and an adjustment cylinder in fluid communication with the strut. Adjustment cylinders associated with an end of the vehicle may be mechanically coupled while keeping the cylinders isolated pneumatically. A suspension control system can control fluid flow at each of the adjustment cylinders to selectively engage or disengage an anti-roll feature. By allowing fluid flow at the adjustment cylinders, the struts are free to oscillate in response to forces at the associated wheel, e.g., caused by an uneven road. By inhibiting fluid flow at the adjustment cylinders, forces experienced at the struts can be transferred between multiple struts. In some examples, the fluid flow at the adjustment cylinders can be controlled to vary the travel distance of the struts, to selectively provide a stiffer or looser suspension.

Abstract: In a stabilizer device, a stabilizer bar having both ends connected to right and left wheel holding portions is supported at a pair of right and left supported portions of the stabilizer bar by a vehicle body via a pair of cylinders that can be extended and retracted based on vertical movement of wheels. The stabilizer device includes two communication passages, each of which allows one of two liquid chambers of one of the pair of cylinders and the other of two liquid chambers of the other cylinder to communicate with each other. The stabilizer device further includes an inter-passage communication passage that allows the two communication passages to communicate with each other, and an on-off valve that is opened and closed to open and close the inter-passage communication passage.

Abstract: A control system for a two-wheeled vehicle, including an inertial measurement unit (IMU); one or more control moment gyroscopes (CMGs); one or more CMG controllers to control the one or more CMGs; an accelerometer to measure a y-axis acceleration for the vehicle, the y-axis being perpendicular to a direction of travel of the vehicle and parallel to a ground surface; and a processing element to calculate a roll angle for the vehicle based at least in part on the y-axis acceleration measured by the accelerometer, determine a force component based at least in part on the calculated roll angle, and generate a CMG command for a CMG gimbal rate based at least in part on the determined force component.

Abstract: A leaning vehicle includes a body frame, a steered wheel and a non-steered wheel, a motor, a left-right-tilt-angle-detection-section, and a control device that controls the motor to apply a steering force to the steered wheel. The steering force steers the steered wheel to turn the leaning vehicle rightward in a case where the body frame tilts rightward, and steers the steered wheel to turn the leaning vehicle leftward in a case where the body frame tilts leftward. Alternatively, the steering force steers the steered wheel to turn the leaning vehicle leftward in the case where the body frame tilts rightward, and steers the steered wheel to turn the leaning vehicle rightward in the case where the body frame tilts leftward.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising: •a front wheel set and a rear wheel set, each set comprising two wheels and an axle attached to the said wheels; •a base structure or chassis; •a front elastic pivot structure, connecting the front wheel set to the chassis, wherein said front elastic pivot structure comprises a front set of at least one elastic joint, enabling the chassis to tilt along a front roll axis in respect to the said front wheel set; •a front shock absorber, associated with the front wheel set; •a rear elastic pivot structure, associated with the rear wheel set, wherein said rear elastic pivot structure comprises a rear set of at least one elastic joint, enabling the chassis to tilt along a rear roll axis in respect to the said rear wheel set; and •a rear shock absorber, associated with the rear wheel set.

Abstract: The present invention field relates to a braking device of the tilting system of vehicles that have at least three wheels and can lean sideways by virtue of the presence a so-called wheel tilting system. The device is characterized in that it comprises an electronic control unit adapted to receive and process a plurality of signals coming from devices capable of detecting parameters related to the instantaneous dynamic behavior of the vehicle and to selectively actuate said braking means.

Abstract: A stabilizer includes a stabilizer bar, left and right cylinders, a parallel pipe, a cross pipe, a parallel on-off valve, and a valve controller. The parallel on-off valve maintains communication between a left side first fluid room of the left cylinder and a right side first fluid room of the right cylinder and maintains communication between a left side second fluid room of the left cylinder and a right side second fluid room of the right cylinder by opening itself. The parallel on-off valve cuts off the communication by closing itself. The valve controller switches an opening/closing state of the parallel on-off valve based on a running state of a vehicle or an operation state of the vehicle by a driver.

Abstract: A wheel suspension for a vehicle with a supporting vehicle element includes at least one pair of single-sided swing arms. Each single-sided swing arm is associated with a hydraulic cylinder, which is linked to the single-sided swing arm and/or the supporting vehicle element. Each hydraulic cylinder is subdivided in a fluid-tight manner into two chambers.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a vehicle configuration comprising a chassis, at least one front wheel, two rear wheels, and a propulsion unit driving the rear wheels. The rear wheels are connected to the chassis by a wheel support assembly configured for allowing movement of each rear wheel relative to the chassis, a hydraulic cylinder connected to the chassis and the rear wheel supports, and a piston connected the rear wheel supports and the chassis. The piston dividing the hydraulic cylinder into fluidly connected first and second chambers such that movement of hydraulic fluid from the first or second chamber of a hydraulic cylinder to the respective first or second chamber of another hydraulic cylinder displaces the pistons of the hydraulic cylinders in opposing directions relative to the respective housings and causes the chassis to articulate with respect to the surface.

Abstract: A laterally tiltable, multitrack vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a vehicle body and at least three wheels. The first and second wheels are assigned to a common axle to form a first wheel pair. A first wheel control part suspends the first wheel of the wheel pair from the vehicle body and a second wheel control part suspends the second wheel of the wheel pair from the vehicle body. The first wheel control part is coupled to the second wheel control part via a double lever rotatably mounted on the vehicle body. At least two pivot points for the double lever can be defined on the vehicle body, the pivot points being spaced apart in a direction of a longitudinal extent of the double lever.

Abstract: Provided herein is a vehicle having high driving operability during turning. The vehicle having a right wheel provided at the right of a main body and a left wheel provided at the left of the main body, includes a right lower arm that connects the main body to the right wheel, a left lower arm that connects the main body to the left wheel, and foot placement sections that are respectively mounted to the right and left lower arms in order to place feet of a driver thereon. A mounting position of the right lower arm to the main body is to the left of the main body and a mounting position of the left lower arm to the main body is to the right of the main body.

Abstract: To control a wheel load of a wheel according to a lateral acceleration of a vehicle so as to enhance stability of the vehicle, provided is a suspension control apparatus, which is configured to control a wheel-load adjusting mechanism in at least one of the following manners: the wheel load of a front wheel is increased or is made unlikely to be reduced relative to the wheel load of a rear wheel when an absolute value of the lateral acceleration of the vehicle is increasing; and the wheel load of the rear wheel is increased or is made unlikely to be reduced relative to the wheel load of the front wheel when the absolute value of the lateral acceleration of the vehicle is reducing.

Abstract: A laterally tiltable, multitrack vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a vehicle body and three wheels. The first and second wheels are assigned to a common axle to form a first wheel pair. A first cylinder unit supports the first wheel of the wheel pair on the vehicle body and a second cylinder unit supports the second wheel of the wheel pair on the vehicle body. Each cylinder unit includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder connected in series. Each first cylinder has a first diameter and each second cylinder has a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The first and second cylinder units are fluidly connected to each other. Fluid is transferable between cylinder units between a first cylinder of the one cylinder unit and a second cylinder of the other cylinder unit.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a steering section and a main body section connected together; a steerable wheel which is rotatably mounted to the steering section and which steers the vehicle body; a non-steerable wheel which is rotatably mounted to the main body section; a steering apparatus for inputting a steering instruction information; an inclination actuator apparatus for inclining the steering section or the main body section in a turning direction; a steering actuator apparatus for varying a steering angle of the steerable wheel based on the steering instruction information inputted from the steering apparatus; and a control apparatus which controls the inclination actuator apparatus and the steering actuator apparatus. The control apparatus controls a center of gravity to move in a steering direction included in the steering instruction information at an initial steering stage so that an acceleration toward turning-locus inner side is generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension assembly (1) for suspending a cabin (2) of a truck or the like vehicle. The assembly comprises a plurality of spring members (4a-d) arranged between the cabin (2) and a chassis of the vehicle, and a torsion bar (5) extending between at least two of said spring members (4a-d) so as to increase the roll stiffness of the assembly. The assembly further comprises an actuator (6) with which a torsion angle of the torsion bar (5) can be adjusted allowing active roll stabilization of the cabin (2).

Abstract: A land vehicle, according to various aspects of the present invention allows the driver to lean with a frame that supports the driver and that pivots on a base. Motion of the frame is coupled to the wheels to adjust a camber of the wheels. The wheels are coupled to the base that provides a reference for independent wheel suspension mechanisms. As a result, banking of the vehicle does not affect the suspension of the wheels. Hydraulic assistance to counteract the forces of the suspension systems is unnecessary.

Abstract: A tilting, preferably three-wheeled, vehicle is disclosed that has a tilting mechanism that allows the vehicle to have leaning characteristics substantially similar to those offered by an in-line two-wheeled vehicle, but that does not require complex linkages and/or control systems to operate effectively. A tilting linkage is operably secured to a frame to allow a pair of spaced apart wheels to remain substantially aligned with the plane of the vehicle throughout its range of movement while still allowing the steering axes of each wheel to intersect the substantially vertical centerline of each wheel. The linkage also allows the caster angle of each wheel's pivot axis can be optimized independently of the angle of the vehicle's handlebar steering shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device mounted on a wheel set that comprises: a rocker beam 14 connected firstly to a tiltable frame 10 by means of a shock absorber 17 and secondly to two oscillating arms 7, 8 via two connecting rods 13, 15; and blocking means 27 having a first anchor point on said rocker beam 14. Furthermore, the device comprises decoupling means constituted by a horizontal lever 21 and a vertical lever 22 that are connected together by a connection point 24 about which they are capable of pivoting, the free ends of said levers being connected respectively to said frame and to said rocker beam, the second anchor point of said blocking means 27 being on said decoupling means. The invention also provides a vehicle, in particular a quadricycle, provided with the device.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle comprising a chassis, two surface-engaging front wheels, at least one surface-engaging rear wheel and a propulsion unit for driving either the front wheels or the rear wheel or wheels. Each front wheel being connected to the chassis by means of a front wheel support assembly, wherein the front wheel support assembly comprises a hydraulic cylinder associated with each front wheel. Each hydraulic cylinder comprises a housing connected to one of the chassis and the front wheel support assembly, and a piston connected to the other of the front wheel support assembly and the chassis.

Abstract: A laterally tiltable, multitrack vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a vehicle body and three wheels. The first and second wheels are assigned to a common axle to form a first wheel pair. A first cylinder unit supports the first wheel of the wheel pair on the vehicle body and a second cylinder unit supports the second wheel of the wheel pair on the vehicle body. Each cylinder unit includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder connected in series. Each first cylinder has a first diameter and each second cylinder has a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The first and second cylinder units are fluidly connected to each other. Fluid is transferable between cylinder units between a first cylinder of the one cylinder unit and a second cylinder of the other cylinder unit.

Abstract: A steering mechanism of a reverse tricycle in combination includes a structural member including a central opening, two upper openings, and two lower openings; two upper link arm assemblies pivotably secured to the upper openings respectively; two lower link arm assemblies pivotably secured to the lower openings respectively; a shock absorber disposed through the central opening and having both ends pivotably secured to the lower link arm assemblies respectively; and two pivot assemblies wherein one pivot assembly pivotably secured to a hub of one front wheel of the tricycle and an other pivot assembly pivotably secured to a hub of an other front wheel of the tricycle. The steering mechanism causes leaning of the reverse tricycle in the direction of turning.

Abstract: The motor vehicle of the invention is provided with at least three wheels and includes a driving cab capable of accommodating a single person in the width direction. The motor vehicle comprises a bend-balancing means that acts by the inclination of at least the portion of the chassis that bears the driving cab. According to the invention, the vehicle is also provided with speed, acceleration and/or inclination sensors, and the balancing means are automatically controlled when the information supplied by the sensors is lower than a main predetermined threshold. The invention also provides that the automatic control of the balancing means is deactivated when the information provided by the sensors is higher than said main threshold.

Abstract: A linkage mechanism for double-wheel combination of vehicle mainly includes a main frame, connecting rod, and two sway rods. With the simple assembly, the two sway rods are pivoted to the main frame and the connecting rod respectively so as to sway identically and simultaneously for better vehicle stability and mobility.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle that includes: a single front wheel; two rear wheels; a passenger cabin; an electronic steering control unit; and a steering input device configured to send an electronic signal to the electronic steering control unit corresponding to an input received at the steering input device associated with turning the three-wheeled vehicle; wherein the electronic steering control unit is configured to counter-steer the front wheel in response to receiving the electronic signal, wherein the counter-steering of the front wheel initiates a leaning of the passenger cabin a direction of turning of the three-wheeled vehicle.

Abstract: A three-wheeled vehicle having two steerable front wheels is provided with steering structure configured to enhance turning performance during banking of a vehicle body. A bushing is secured to the vehicle body, and includes an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder connected by an elastic member. Knuckles, for pivotally supporting the front wheels, are supported by knuckle supports installed on steering arms secured to the outer cylinder. A first lever mounted on a steering shaft is connected via a connecting rod to a second lever mounted on a sub-steering shaft pivotally passing through the inner cylinder. A third lever installed on the sub-steering shaft is connected to the knuckles via corresponding tie rods. A rigid rod has a first end connected to a fourth lever secured to the outer cylinder via a first universal joint and a second end connected to the body frame via a second universal joint.

Abstract: A roll center variator is described, generally including a first transverse locating device, a second transverse locating device, an adjustable spacing mechanism, and first and second simple links attached to the spacing mechanism and a vehicle axle. Each of the transverse locating devices has two ends attached to opposing sides of a vehicle frame. The spacing mechanism is attached at a first point to the first locating device and at a second point to the second locating device. The first and second locating devices are comprised of a Watt's linkage, Panhard rod, or other transverse locating device. The variator includes a screw-threaded rod engaged with the spacing mechanism, wherein rotation of the rod in one direction increases a distance between a first point and a second point of the spacing mechanism and rotation in the opposite direction decreases the distance between the same two points.

Abstract: A disconnectible stabilizer bar assembly for a vehicle having first and second stabilizer bar halves, a housing fixed to an end portion of each stabilizer bar half, so as to align the two halves. The housing containing a stator with magnetic coil, a rotor with exterior magnets and threaded onto a hollow screw, with the stator selectively rotating the rotor and the rotation translated into axial movement of the screw. The screw having meshing means on an interior surface and an end face, the interior meshing means meshed with an exterior meshing means on one of the stabilizer bar halves, and the end face meshing means selectively coupled and decoupled with aligned mashing means on the other of the stabilizer bar halves.

Abstract: A slewing motor for an active roll stabilizer, which can be connected by its drive to one stabilizer half, and which can be connected on the stator side to another stabilizer half of a divided stabilizer. A torsion element, whose rotational rigidity is lower than the rotational rigidity of the stabilizer, is effectively arranged between the drive and the one stabilizer half.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe methods, apparatuses, and systems for enhanced vehicle stabilization solutions. Embodiments of the invention may receive sensor information from at least one sensor coupled to a vehicle having two or more wheels, the at least one sensor coupled to at least one of a wheel, a suspension component, or a frame of the vehicle. A tilt angle of the vehicle is determined from the received sensor information, the tilt angle comprising an offset angle from a reference plane for the vehicle. A controller transmits a command to one or more control moment gyroscopes (CMGs) coupled to the frame of the vehicle to produce a total angular moment based, at least in part, on the tilt angle of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle body tilting apparatus includes: a right/left-wheels holding member having an elongated shape, and holding a right side wheel and a left side wheel of a vehicle which are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a width direction of the vehicle such that each of the wheels is movable in a vertical direction; and a lean actuator disposed between the right/left-wheels holding member and a body of the vehicle, and configured to tilt at least the body of the vehicle in a lateral direction with respect to a normal line that is perpendicular to a road surface, by pivoting the right/left-wheels holding member and the body of the vehicle relative to each other. An output shaft of the lean actuator is fixed to the right/left-wheels holding member, and the body of the vehicle is fixed to a main body of the lean actuator.

Abstract: A land vehicle, according to various aspects of the present invention allows the driver to lean with a frame that supports the driver and that pivots on a base. Motion of the frame is coupled to the wheels to adjust a camber of the wheels. The wheels are coupled to the base that provides a reference for independent wheel suspension mechanisms. As a result, banking of the vehicle does not affect the suspension of the wheels. Hydraulic assistance to counteract the forces of the suspension systems is unnecessary.

Abstract: The scooter of the present invention includes a footboard having a front portion, and a rear portion attached to a rear wheel; a front wheel axle having an upward axis perpendicular with the front wheel axle and a steering axis, wherein the front wheel axle is rotatable with respect to the steering axis; and a plurality of front wheels attached to the front wheel axle. The steering axis forms a predetermined adjacent angle between 0 degree and 90 degree with respect to the upward axis.

Abstract: A tilting multi-wheeled vehicle includes a tilting frame supporting at least one seat; a body; and a suspension assembly, wherein the suspension assembly is structured and arranged to permit a transversely disposed pair of the wheels to tilt with the tilting frame. While the tilting frame tilts, the body remains in a controlled relationship with the tilting frame. In an embodiment, the controlled relationship with the tilting frame permits the body to remain substantially parallel to the road surface. Accordingly, the vehicle can support a wider automobile-like body which will not contact the road surface when the tilting frame tilts while navigating a turn. In another embodiment, the body can be allowed to remain substantially parallel to and equidistant from the road surface while navigating a turn.

Abstract: To provide a vehicle capable of maintaining a stable state when a rider gets on the step plate or get off the step plate. A vehicle is a vehicle that performs a turning movement based on the rotation of step plates on which a rider rides in the left/right direction. The vehicle includes restriction means to enable the rotation of the step plates in the left/right direction to be restricted. The vehicle preferably further includes first control means that controls the restriction means so that the rotation of the step plates in the left/right direction is restricted when the rider gets on the step plates or gets off the step plates.

Abstract: A leaning vehicle has a frame, a straddle seat, an engine, and a shock tower having a lower end pivotally connected to a front portion of the frame about a pivot axis. Front left and right suspension assemblies operatively connect to the front portion of the frame. A steering assembly has a steering column and a handlebar. A rear suspension is connected to the rear portion of the frame. Each front suspension assembly has a spindle, a lower suspension arm having an end pivotally connected to the frame and another end pivotally connected to the lower end of the spindle, a leaning rod having an end pivotally connected to the frame and another end pivotally connected to the upper end of the spindle via a ball joint, and a shock absorber having an upper end connected to the shock tower and a lower end connected to the lower suspension arm.

Abstract: A three-wheeled motor vehicle includes a main body, two shafts, two wheel bases, a blocking structure fixed to the main body and a linkage module. Each shaft has first, second and third pivot points. The third pivot point between the first and second pivot points is pivoted to the main body. One wheel base is pivoted to the first pivot points. The other wheel base is pivoted to the second pivot points. The wheel bases and the shafts form a parallelogram four bar mechanism. The linkage module is coupled between the main body and the parallelogram four bar mechanism. When the main body tilts as the three-wheeled motor vehicle turning, the linkage module changes from a first state to a second state to drive the wheel bases to tilt. The linkage module in the second state leans against the blocking structure to limit the tilt range of the wheel bases.

Abstract: A vehicle body tilting apparatus includes: a right/left-wheels holding member having an elongated shape, and holding a right side wheel and a left side wheel of a vehicle which are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a width direction of the vehicle such that each of the wheels is movable in a vertical direction; and a lean actuator disposed between the right/left-wheels holding member and a body of the vehicle, and configured to tilt at least the body of the vehicle in a lateral direction with respect to a normal line that is perpendicular to a road surface, by pivoting the right/left-wheels holding member and the body of the vehicle relative to each other. An output shaft of the lean actuator is fixed to the right/left-wheels holding member, and the body of the vehicle is fixed to a main body of the lean actuator.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a first joint disposed on a control rod that extends rotatably through a head tube, two second joints disposed respectively on two suspension units, and two connecting bars each connected between the first joint and a respective one of the second joints. The first joint includes a seat disposed fixedly on the control rod, at least one first rotating member having a central axis and rotatable on the seat about the central axis of the first rotating member, and at least one second rotating member having a central axis and rotatable on the first rotating member about the central axis of the second rotating member. The axes of the first and second rotating members of the first joint are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a vehicle configuration comprising a chassis, at least one front wheel, two rear wheels, and a propulsion unit driving the rear wheels. The rear wheels are connected to the chassis by a wheel support assembly configured for allowing movement of each rear wheel relative to the chassis, a hydraulic cylinder connected to the chassis and the rear wheel supports, and a piston connected the rear wheel supports and the chassis. The piston dividing the hydraulic cylinder into fluidly connected first and second chambers such that movement of hydraulic fluid from the first or second chamber of a hydraulic cylinder to the respective first or second chamber of another hydraulic cylinder displaces the pistons of the hydraulic cylinders in opposing directions relative to the respective housings and causes the chassis to articulate with respect to the surface.

Abstract: A multiple wheel vehicle according to the present invention enables to incline freely the two wheels together with the vehicle body while keeping the ground contacting pressures of the two wheels equal. The multiple wheel vehicle comprises a pair of swinging arms 4 each comprising one-side end portion supported pivotably with right and left support shaft portions 3A and an interlocking device 6 for interlocking them alternately up-and-down. The interlocking device 6 comprises a pair of tilted members 17, a divertible member 19, and a cord-like body 20 connecting them. Each of the tilted members 17 comprises a first circular surface part 21 that has a center of a circular arc as a shaft center 3i of the support shaft portion 3A, and tiltably supported integrally with the swinging arm 4.

Abstract: A leaning vehicle has a frame, a straddle seat, an engine, and a shock tower having a lower end pivotally connected to a front portion of the frame about a pivot axis. Front left and right suspension assemblies operatively connect to the front portion of the frame. A steering assembly has a steering column and a handlebar. A rear suspension is connected to the rear portion of the frame. Each front suspension assembly has a knuckle, a spindle passing through the knuckle and being rotatable relative to the knuckle about a steering axis, a lower suspension arm having an end pivotally connected to the frame and another end pivotally connected to the lower end of the spindle about a tilting axis parallel to the pivot axis, and a shock absorber having an upper end connected to the shock tower and a lower end connected to the lower suspension arm.