Power steering apparatus
US7510044B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2007 |
| Grant date | Mar 31, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62D5/063
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A power steering apparatus (10) includes a first pump (24) which is continuously driven to supply fluid under pressure to a power steering motor assembly (18). A second pump (32) is driven by the engine (30) of the vehicle when a predetermined vehicle operating condition occurs. The predetermined vehicle operating condition may, if desired, be operation of the engine (30) of a vehicle at a speed which is less than a predetermined speed. A flow control valve (40) directs fluid flow from the first and second pumps to the power steering motor assembly (18) during operation of both pumps. A diverter valve (62) directs fluid from the first pump (24) along a fluid flow path which is spaced from the flow control valve (40) during operation of only the first pump. The first pump (24) may, if desired, be smaller than the second pump (32).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.