Automotive hydraulic system and method
AssigneeITT Automotive Electrical Systems, Inc.
InventorJeffrey J. Buschur
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fluid supply system provides hydraulic fluid to a series combination of an automotive fan motor and a power steering unit. There is a bypass line around the fan motor for prioritizing the operation of the power steering unit. A normally closed pressure sequencing valve opens the bypass line when the pressure across the overall series combination exceeds a predetermined limit. Optional second and third bypass lines are disclosed for respectively bypassing either the power steering unit or the fan motor in case of abnormal conditions therein.
Claims25
A method for prioritizing a plurality of hydraulic components in a hydraulic steering system;
- said method comprising the steps
- hydraulically coupling a plurality of components together;
- providing a priority component from said plurality of hydraulic components;
- providing a low priority component from said plurality of hydraulic components said priority component and said low priority component being situated in a series arrangement;
- sensing a pressure in said hydraulic system;
- and
- directing hydraulic power to said priority component when said sensed pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure.
A method for delivering hydraulic fluid to a priority component and a low priority component in a vehicle hydraulic steering system;
- said method comprising the steps of:
- coupling said priority component and said low priority component in a series arrangement;
- sensing a pressure in said hydraulic system;
- bypassing at least one of said priority component or said low priority component in response to said sensed pressure.
A vehicle hydraulic steering system comprising:
- a hydraulic pump;
- at least one low priority component;
- at least one high priority component;
- at least one sensor for sensing a hydraulic pressure;
- and
- a hydraulic network coupling said hydraulic pump, said at least one low priority component, said at least one high priority component, and said at least one sensor such that said at least one low priority component and said at least one high priority component are in series and, when said sensor senses that said hydraulic pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure, said hydraulic network bypasses said at least one low priority component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.