Patent ID: 6058826
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: B62D,F15B

Abstract:
A power steering cylinder assembly for motor vehicles with power steering systems having a hydraulic pump, the assembly comprising a first cylinder having two end portions and a wall forming an exterior surface and an interior chamber; an internal piston moveable within the internal chamber and dividing the internal chamber into first and second operating chambers; a piston rod fastened to the internal piston and passing through each of the end portions; fluid openings in each of the end portions for allowing fluid to enter or exhaust from the operating chambers to move the piston; fluid passage means in the cylinder for allowing fluid to flow freely between the operating chambers when the hydraulic pump is not running and manual steering is used; with means to open and close the fluid passage means; wherein the fluid passage means comprises first and second sets of axial passageways in the wall of the first cylinder; each passageway of the first set of axial passageways having an inlet in the first operating chamber and a first outlet in the exterior of the cylinder; each passageway of the second set of axial passageways having an inlet in the second operating chamber and a second outlet in the exterior surface of the cylinder; said first and second outlets being in a circumferential line on the exterior surface of the first cylinder; and the means to open and close the fluid passage means allows and prevents communication between the first and second outlets.