Patent ID: 6041883
Filing Date: 2000-03-28
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A flow controlling apparatus for a power steering system, comprising:a valve housing;a valve bore formed in said valve housing;a movable valve spool disposed in said valve bore and defining within said valve bore a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein said valve spool has one end portion exposed to said first chamber and an opposite end portion exposed to said second chamber;a high-pressure port communicating with said first chamber;an exhaust port communicating with said valve bore adjacent said one end portion of said valve spool;a delivery port;a first orifice disposed between said delivery port and said first chamber to establish flow communication therebetween;a feedback passage distributing feedback pressure to said second chamber;a spring disposed in said second chamber and having one end seated on said valve spool;a slide received in said second chamber and engaging an opposite end of said spring;an actuator coupled with said slide for positioning said slide, thereby varying a spring force with which said spring urges said valve spool toward said first chamber; anda control unit which determines information of turning maneuvers, develops a control signal in response to said determined information of turning maneuvers, and applies said control signal to said actuator thereby causing said actuator to position said slide.