Control apparatus for a steering system

摘要

A steering apparatus is disclosed having a direction control valve for directing pressurized fluid to a hydraulic, power steering motor in a steerable vehicle. A piston in the hydraulic motor is mechanically connected to an operator steering wheel and to the vehicle wheels. Manual turning of the steering wheel effects initial piston movement and steering of the vehicle wheels. Upon initiation of a steering maneuver by manual operation of the steering wheel of the vehicle, piston movement causes the hydraulic motor to produce a pressure differential signal. The direction control valve responds to the pressure signal from the hydraulic motor and directs pressurized fluid from the power steering pump to the side of the hydraulic motor that is lower in fluid pressure.