Transmitting axial and rotational movement to a hub

A combined suspension and steering module for use with a vehicle including an in-hub motor, the combined suspension and steering module comprising:

• an actuator including a first component and a second component operatively connected to the first component the second component being axially movable in relation to the first component whereby the actuator is repositionable between a first position, in which the actuator defines a first overall length, and a second position, in which the actuator defines a second overall length less than the first overall length;
• and
• a steering system in mechanical cooperation with the second component of the actuator such that the second component is rotatable by the steering system in relation to the first component, the steering system comprising:
• a first gear;
• and
• a second gear operatively connected to the second component, the second gear being engageable with the first gear such that rotation of the first gear causes corresponding rotation of the second gear and the second component,
• wherein the first gear and the second gear are positioned internally within the actuator.

A combined suspension and steering module for use with a vehicle, the combined suspension and steering module comprising:

• a housing connectable to a body of the vehicle;
• an actuator secured to the housing, the actuator comprising:
• an outer component, and
• an inner component operatively connected to the outer component such that the inner component is axially movable in relation to the outer component;
• and
• a steering system in mechanical cooperation with the actuator to cause rotation of the inner component, the inner component including an interface connectable to an in-hub motor of the vehicle to transmit rotation of the inner component to the in-hub motor, the steering system comprising:
• a motor,
• a motor shaft connected to the motor,
• a first gear connected to the motor shaft, and
• a second gear connected to the inner component, the second gear being engageable with the first gear such that rotation of the motor shaft causes corresponding rotation of the first gear and the second gear to thereby rotate the inner component of the actuator relative to the outer component of the actuator and cause angular displacement of the in-hub motor to steer the vehicle.