초록 ▼

A control apparatus for a power steering system comprises an electrically actuated flow control valve that varies the power assist available, a speed sensor for generating a signal indicative of vehicle speed, and a selector switch for selecting one of a plurality of power assist control options. Th

A control apparatus for a power steering system comprises an electrically actuated flow control valve that varies the power assist available, a speed sensor for generating a signal indicative of vehicle speed, and a selector switch for selecting one of a plurality of power assist control options. The apparatus further includes a microprocessor that controls the electrically actuated flow control valve in response to the signal from the speed sensor and the setting of the selector switch. The apparatus also provides manually selectable power assist that is set by the operator and remains constant independent of variations in vehicle speed. A display provides a visual indication to the operator of the power assist available.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for controlling power assist in a vehicle power steering system, said apparatus comprising; an electrically actuatable flow control valve in fluid communiation with a source of pressurized fluid, a directional control valve, and a reservoir, said flow control valve directing a first amo

An apparatus for controlling power assist in a vehicle power steering system, said apparatus comprising; an electrically actuatable flow control valve in fluid communiation with a source of pressurized fluid, a directional control valve, and a reservoir, said flow control valve directing a first amount of fluid from the source to the directional control valve and bypassing a second amount of fluid from the source to the reservoir, the first amount and second amount of fluid being varied inversely relative to each other responsive to a control signal; speed sensing means for generating a signal indicative of the vehicle speed; manually settable selection means for selecting and setting one of a plurality of power assist control options; and means responsive to the signal from said speed sensing means and to the setting of said selection means for controlling said flow control valve, said power assist available being (i) at a first amount when sensed vehicle speed is below a first value, (ii) at a second amount when sensed vehicle speed is above second value, and (iii) between said first amount and said second amount when sensed vehicle speed is between said first value and said second value, said first and second amounts of power assist available and said first and second values of vehicle speed determined in response to the setting of said selection means.