摘要 |
<p>A hydrostatic power steering device is disclosed, which may be either a fluid controller (15) or a torque generator 111. The device is of the type including a housing (19;135) defining a fluid inlet port (29;113) and a return port (31;115). The device includes valve means (36;171) defining a neutral position and a first operating position. The device includes a gerotor mechanism (23;143) for imparting follow-up movement to the valve means in response to fluid flow through the gerotor, and a follow-up mechanism (49,51;183,185) transmits the follow-up movement to the valve means. The valve means defines a return fluid region (87,89,31g;205,197,157) which comprises part of the main fluid path. The return fluid region is isolated from the follow-up means and from the interior of the valving. The device includes a case drain port (99;219) in fluid communication with the interior of the valving such that the return port of the device may be connected to a downstream, pressurized device, while the interior of the valving (case drain region) is maintained at a relatively low pressure to avoid damage to seals (59;140) and bearings (57;142).</p> |