Jackknifing-angle limiting device for articulated motor vehicle

Abstract

A jackknifing limiting device for articulated motor vehicles in which the vehicle has a front section and a rear section which are connected by a hinge therebetween, the device acting to limit the angle between the front and rear sections when the vehicle is turning, the device comprising a pair of hydraulic cylinders flanking the hinge and connected between the front and rear sections and a reservoir containing hydraulic fluid for the cylinders. Respective pressure regulating valves are connected between the reservoir and the cylinders and open unidirectionally toward the reservoir, with respective solenoid stop valves connected between the regulating valves and the reservoir, the stop valves being normally open. Respective check valves are provided in respective bypass lines connected between the reservoir and the cylinders, the check valves opening unidirectionally toward the cylinders. Respective switches are connected to the solenoid valves and are selectively operable upon the turning of the vehicle in a particular direction, the switches acting to selectively energize and close the respective solenoid valve associated with the cylinder on the side of the hinge opposite from the direction of turning, the closing of the respective solenoid valve acting to prevent the opening of the respective regulating valve associated therewith.