Patent ID: 6029766
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
In a vehicle steering system including a fluid reservoir, a pump for pressurizing fluid from the reservoir, a steering box, a first line communicating the pump to the steering box, and a second line communicating the steering box and the reservoir, the improvement comprising an adjustable power steering valve disposed between the first line and the second line for selectively varying the pump pressure to the steering box, said adjustable power steering valve including a housing having an internal bypass passage that communicates the first line and the second line, a valve stem disposed in the internal bypass passage to selectively close off or restrict the flow of fluid through the internal bypass passage, and a spring for applying a force to the valve stem to urge it to the closed position, said valve stem being adjustable to selectively close the internal bypass passage so as to permit the full application of pressurized fluid to the steering box, or to open the internal bypass passage selectively to permit a predetermined bypass of fluid from the first line to the second line so as to reduce the fluid pressure applied to the steering box and thus reduce the power assist afforded by the steering box, as desired, said valve stem being urged to open the internal bypass passage by fluid pressure within the first line, whereby there is provided self-compensation of the power steering valve during operation.