Electro-hydraulic fan drive cooling and steering system for vehicle
US7155907B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D31/02
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electro-hydraulic system for operating a cooling fan and providing hydraulic fluid to a power steering system of the vehicle includes a hydraulic pump unit including first and second fixed displacement pumps and a common drive shaft for these pumps. A hydraulic fluid reservoir is connected to the inlet of each of the pumps. A priority valve is operatively connected to the outlet of the first pump and has an outlet connectible to the power steering system. This valve also has a second outlet connectible to a hydraulic motor for the cooling fan. This valve is arranged to provide a constant flow of hydraulic fluid to the power steering system. A hydraulic line connects an outlet of the second pump to the hydraulic motor. Hydraulic fluid flow through this line is combined with hydraulic fluid flow from the first pump to drive the motor. An electro-hydraulic proportional control valve has an inlet connected to the aforementioned line and an outlet connectible to the reservoir inlet and this control valve controls and limits the rotational speed of the motor. An electronic control device electrically operates and controls the control valve during use of the system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.