Articulated buses are the logical alternative when the passenger capacity of solo buses is no longer adequate. In the meantime, the Citaro G has a share of around 30 per cent of the successful Citaro family. The four-axle CapaCity L articulated bus, at 21-metres long and with space for up to 191 passengers, shows what is possible. Articulated pusher buses, introduced by Mercedes-Benz as the first manufacturer more than 40 years ago, are state of the art. With regard to driving stability they are very demanding, however, because the drive in the rear part of the vehicle pushes the front. Mercedes-Benz counters this by using hydraulic articulation angle damping, which prevents the uncontrolled buckling of the articulated section. The latest evolution is the patented Articulation Turntable Controller (ATC). The articulated buses with the three-pointed star thus achieve the best possible driving stability at ESP® level.
Omnibus Magazine
The trick with the kink
ATC Articulation Turntable Controller.
The trick with the kink.
ATC Articulation Turntable Controller.
“The articulated buses with the three-pointed star achieve the best possible driving stability at ESP® level.”
The driving dynamic ATC quickly regulates the hydraulic damping of the articulated section as needed. In doing so, it takes account of the steering angle, articulation angle, speed, gearbox data, weight, the current axle loads and the power requirement from the accelerator. If the vehicle finds itself in a critical state, perhaps on an icy or wet road, ATC will initiate the necessary damping of the joint in fractions of a second. The two damping cylinders are activated independently of each other. The articulated bus is thus stabilised very quickly within the realms of physical capabilities, and the rear part of the vehicle is prevented from rocking or even breaking loose. What is more, ATC prevents buckling when setting off with a bent bus on an icy road by also reducing the engine torque.
Apart from the increased safety level due to ATC, driver and fleet also benefit from the articulated buses’ optimised handling. With ATC, the articulated section runs almost free in the normal, stable driving condition, with slight damping provided simply from the friction of the two damping cylinder elements. This optimises steering and manoeuvrability for the driver. The steering forces and response of the articulated bus are similar to a solo bus, and the tyre wear on the front axle is reduced.
ATC is fitted as standard in all Mercedes-Benz articulated buses: Citaro G, Citaro GÜ, and Conecto G as well as the four-axle CapaCity and CapaCity L articulated buses – as well as in safety comes first.
Benefits:
For the operator:
- Safety level further increased, fewer breakdowns and costs due to accidents
- High usability with ice and snow
- Tyre wear on the front axle reduced
For the driver:
- High driving stability at ESP® level even in critical road conditions
- Easy to steer and highly agile in all road conditions
- Automatic stabilisation of the vehicle even when setting off severely bent and on icy road
- Manoeuvring forwards and backwards easier
For the passengers:
- Safety level further increased
- Safe ride feeling due to stable handling on icy road
- Driving comfort in rear part of the vehicle increased
