A control valve for an automotive hydraulic power steering system

Abstract

This utility model relates to a control valve for an automotive hydraulic power steering system, belonging to the technical field of hydraulic steering control valves. The control valve for the automotive hydraulic power steering system includes: a control valve with a steering shaft rotatably mounted on one side, a hydraulic pump disposed on one side of the control valve, and two connecting pipes fixedly mounted on both sides of the control valve, with the two connecting pipes on one side fixedly connected to the hydraulic pump; a return-to-center positioning mechanism, disposed inside the control valve, for providing a prompt positioning when the steering wheel returns to center; by applying a moderate magnetic force through the return-to-center component when the steering wheel returns to center, the driver receives a clear tactile prompt when approaching the straight-ahead return-to-center position, enhancing the centering suction feel and reducing the occurrence of steering wheel vagueness and inaccurate return-to-center under low speed or no-load conditions. The suction component can effectively adsorb small metal impurities such as iron filings inside during hydraulic oil circulation, extending the service life of the control valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of control valves for hydraulic steering, and in particular to a control valve for an automotive hydraulic power steering system. Background Technology

[0002] Hydraulic power steering systems are widely used in passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Their control valves typically employ a rotary valve structure, where pressure distribution between the left and right oil chambers is achieved through the relative rotation of the valve core and valve sleeve. When the vehicle is traveling straight, the valve core is in the neutral position, and the pressure in both oil chambers is essentially balanced. When the driver turns the steering wheel, the valve core deviates from the neutral position, allowing high-pressure oil to enter one side of the oil chamber and power the steering mechanism, thus reducing the driver's steering torque.

[0003] However, existing hydraulic power steering control valves often rely on the combined action of tire return torque and valve core reset elasticity when the vehicle returns to center and maintains straight driving. Since the flow characteristics of hydraulic oil are nearly symmetrical near the neutral position and the change in hydraulic resistance is not obvious, when the driver returns to center at low speed or under no load, problems such as insufficient steering wheel return torque, vague feel or slight drift may occur. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a control valve for automotive hydraulic power steering systems to address the problem that existing hydraulic power steering control valves rely on tire return torque and valve core reset elasticity during return to center and straight driving, but the hydraulic flow near the center position is symmetrical and the hydraulic resistance changes little, which can easily lead to insufficient return force, weak feel, or even slight drift at low speeds or when unloaded.

[0005] A control valve for an automotive hydraulic power steering system includes: a control valve, a steering shaft rotatably mounted on one side of the control valve, a hydraulic pump disposed on one side of the control valve, and two connecting pipes fixedly mounted on both sides of the control valve, the two connecting pipes on one side being fixedly connected to the hydraulic pump; a return-centering mechanism, used for prompting positioning when the steering wheel returns to center, the return-centering mechanism being disposed inside the control valve; wherein, the return-centering mechanism includes two connecting rings fixedly mounted on the surface of the steering shaft, both connecting rings being located inside the control valve, a return-centering component disposed on the outer side of the connecting rings, and an adsorption component disposed on the outer side of the connecting rings and the return-centering component.

[0006] The return-to-center assembly includes a support rod fixedly installed on the surface of the connecting ring, and a magnetic plate fixedly connected to the other end of the support rod. A return-to-center plate is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the control valve, and the magnetic plate is located on one side of the return-to-center plate.

[0007] The return plate is embedded in the inner wall of the control valve, and the magnetic plate is set in the shape of an arc plate.

[0008] A positioning magnetic block is fixedly installed on the side of the magnetic plate near the centering plate, and the positioning magnetic block is located on one side of the centering plate.

[0009] The positioning magnetic block is strip-shaped, and its cross-section is set to a semi-circular shape.

[0010] The return plate is configured in the shape of an arc plate and is vertically installed on the inner wall of the control valve.

[0011] The adsorption assembly includes a support frame disposed on the outside of two connecting rings. An adsorption net is fixedly installed inside each of the two support frames, and the two adsorption nets are respectively located on one side of the two connecting tubes on both sides.

[0012] A limiting rod is fixedly installed on the side of the support frame near the corresponding connecting ring. A limiting slot is formed on the surface of the connecting ring, and the limiting rod is engaged with the limiting slot.

[0013] Beneficial effects

[0014] 1. By applying a moderate magnetic force to the steering wheel when it returns to center through the return component, the driver receives a clear tactile feedback when approaching the straight-line return position, enhancing the centering attraction and reducing the situation of the steering wheel feeling vague or inaccurate return to center at low speeds or when unloaded. The magnetic feedback is passive and does not rely on an additional power source, so it will not significantly interfere with the power steering effect. The adsorption component can effectively adsorb small metal impurities such as iron filings inside during the hydraulic oil circulation process, extending the service life of the control valve.

[0015] 2. The adsorption mesh is located on the oil inlet and return sides of the connecting pipe. It effectively intercepts and adsorbs metal particles such as iron filings that flow in with the hydraulic oil. It does not affect the normal flow of hydraulic oil, significantly reduces the risk of impurities entering the mating gap, thereby reducing jamming, wear and extending service life. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of this utility model;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the return-positioning mechanism of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the control valve of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the alignment plate and positioning magnetic block structure of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the adsorption component structure of this utility model.

[0022] Figure label:

[0023] 100. Control valve; 200. Steering shaft; 210. Hydraulic pump; 110. Connecting pipe; 300. Return positioning mechanism; 310. Connecting ring; 320. Return assembly; 321. Support rod; 322. Magnetic plate; 323. Return plate; 324. Positioning magnet; 330. Adsorption assembly; 331. Support frame; 332. Adsorption net; 333. Limiting rod; 334. Limiting slot. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0025] The following is combined with Figures 1-5 This invention describes a control valve for an automotive hydraulic power steering system.

[0026] In one embodiment, a control valve for an automotive hydraulic power steering system includes: a control valve 100, a steering shaft 200 rotatably mounted on one side of the control valve 100, a hydraulic pump 210 disposed on one side of the control valve 100, and two connecting pipes 110 fixedly mounted on both sides of the control valve 100, with the two connecting pipes 110 on one side being fixedly connected to the hydraulic pump 210; and a return-centering mechanism 300, which is disposed inside the control valve 100 for providing a positioning prompt when the steering wheel is returned to center; wherein the return-centering mechanism 300 includes two connecting rings 310 fixedly mounted on the surface of the steering shaft 200, both connecting rings 310 being located inside the control valve 100, a return-centering component 320 disposed on the outer side of the connecting rings 310, and an adsorption component 330 disposed on the outer side of the connecting rings 310 and the return-centering component 320.

[0027] In this embodiment, the return-to-center component 320 applies a moderate magnetic force when the steering wheel controls the steering shaft 200 to return to center. This provides the driver with a clear tactile feedback when approaching a straight position, enhancing the centering feel and reducing the likelihood of the steering wheel feeling vague or inaccurately returning to center at low speeds or when unloaded. The magnetic feedback is passive, does not rely on an additional power source, and does not significantly interfere with the power steering effect. The adsorption component 330 is located on the outside of the connecting ring 310 and the return-to-center component 320. During the hydraulic oil circulation process, it can effectively adsorb small metal impurities such as iron filings flowing through the control valve 100, preventing them from entering the gap between the valve core and the valve sleeve, thereby reducing jamming, scoring, and wear, and extending the service life of the control valve 100.

[0028] It should be noted that the automotive hydraulic power steering control valve 100 is typically composed of basic components such as a valve body, valve core, valve sleeve, torsion bar, oil inlet, oil return, left and right steering oil chamber channels, and seals. The return-to-center component 320 is located on the outside of the connecting ring 310. By generating moderate magnetic feedback when approaching the neutral position, it enhances the driver's neutral position perception and return-to-center feel. Its structure maintains a distance from the mating surfaces of the valve core and valve sleeve and does not contact the main oil circuit. Therefore, it will not change the relative motion law of the valve core and valve sleeve, nor will it affect the normal flow of hydraulic oil. The adsorption component 330 is located in the non-throttling area of ​​the oil circuit and will not hinder the pressure distribution and flow regulation of the hydraulic oil. Therefore, it will not affect the normal power steering function and working performance of the control valve 100.

[0029] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the return assembly 320 includes a support rod 321 fixedly installed on the surface of the connecting ring 310, and a magnetic plate 322 fixedly connected to the other end of the support rod 321. A return plate 323 is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the control valve 100, and the magnetic plate 322 is located on one side of the return plate 323.

[0030] In this embodiment, when the steering shaft 200 rotates to near the center position, the magnetic plate 322 interacts with the return plate 323 fixed on the inner wall of the control valve 100 to generate a stable and moderate magnetic attraction force, thereby providing the driver with a clear center position indication. The presence of the magnetic attraction force can enhance the steering wheel's center position feel during straight driving or return to center, reduce problems such as insufficient steering wheel return force and vague feel when making low-speed U-turns or in unloaded conditions, and improve the vehicle's straight driving stability and handling precision.

[0031] The return plate 323 is embedded in the inner wall of the control valve 100, and the magnetic plate 322 is set in the shape of an arc plate.

[0032] In this embodiment, the return plate 323 is embedded in the inner wall of the control valve 100, which can ensure a firm installation without occupying the effective oil passage space inside the valve body and avoid obstructing the flow of hydraulic oil. The magnetic plate 322 adopts an arc plate shape design, which matches the arc contour of the return plate 323, making the magnetic field distribution more uniform and providing smooth and continuous magnetic feedback when the steering shaft 200 returns to the vicinity of the center position.

[0033] A positioning magnetic block 324 is fixedly installed on the side of the magnetic plate 322 near the centering plate 323, and the positioning magnetic block 324 is located on one side of the centering plate 323.

[0034] In this embodiment, the positioning magnetic block 324 can quickly enter the magnetic action zone when the steering shaft 200 is close to the center position, so that the driver can get a clear sense of returning to center. At the same time, the magnetic force weakens rapidly after deviating from the center position, so as to avoid unnecessary damping feeling during the rotation of the steering wheel.

[0035] It should be noted that the positioning magnetic block 324 is small in size and simple in structure. The magnitude of the adsorption force can be flexibly set by selecting different magnetic materials or adjusting the relative distance with the return plate 323, so as to adapt to the steering feel requirements of different vehicle models. It will not obstruct the flow path of the hydraulic oil inside the control valve 100, thus ensuring the stability and reliability of the original power steering function.

[0036] The positioning magnetic block 324 is strip-shaped, and the cross-section of the positioning magnetic block 324 is set to a semi-circular shape.

[0037] In this embodiment, the semi-circular cross section can reduce the flow resistance of hydraulic oil when it flows through the surface of the positioning magnetic block 324, and the strip structure facilitates stable fixation along the arc of the magnetic plate 322, thereby improving the installation firmness and vibration resistance.

[0038] The return plate 323 is set in the shape of an arc plate and is vertically set on the inner wall of the control valve 100.

[0039] In this embodiment, the arc surface of the return plate 323 can precisely fit the arc contour of the magnetic plate 322, thereby providing a large-area, uniform and continuous magnetic attraction when the steering shaft 200 returns to the vicinity of the center position. The vertical arrangement not only helps the magnetic force to maintain a stable action area during the steering process, but also reduces the impact between the hydraulic oil flow direction and the front of the return plate 323, reducing flow resistance and associated noise.

[0040] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the adsorption assembly 330 includes a support frame 331 disposed outside the two connecting rings 310. An adsorption net 332 is fixedly installed inside the two support frames 331, and the two adsorption nets 332 are respectively located on one side of the two connecting pipes 110 on both sides.

[0041] In this embodiment, the adsorption net 332 can be located on the oil inlet side and oil return side of the connecting pipes 110 on both sides, effectively intercepting and adsorbing metal particles such as iron filings that flow into the control valve 100 with the hydraulic oil. It can significantly reduce the entry of metal impurities into the precision fit gap between the valve core and the valve sleeve without affecting the normal flow of hydraulic oil, thereby reducing the risk of jamming, scoring and wear, and extending the service life of the control valve 100.

[0042] A limiting rod 333 is fixedly installed on the side of the support frame 331 near the corresponding connecting ring 310. A limiting slot 334 is opened on the surface of the connecting ring 310, and the limiting rod 333 is engaged with the limiting slot 334.

[0043] In this embodiment, the adsorption component 330 can be accurately positioned and securely fixed in the installation position by the snap-fit ​​between the limiting plug 333 and the limiting slot 334. At the same time, the limiting snap-fit ​​structure can enable the adsorption component 330 to be quickly disassembled and assembled, shortening maintenance time and reducing maintenance costs.

[0044] Working principle: When the vehicle is traveling straight, the steering shaft 200 remains in the neutral position. The valve core and valve sleeve inside the control valve 100 are in a symmetrical fit. After the high-pressure oil enters the control valve 100 through the inlet, most of it returns to the hydraulic pump 210 through the return port. The pressure in the left and right steering oil chambers remains balanced, and no power assist is generated. At this time, the magnetic plate 322 and the return plate 323 at the return assembly 320 remain relatively stationary. The magnetic force is stable and uniform, allowing the driver to feel a slight neutral attraction force when holding the steering wheel, thus maintaining directional stability when traveling straight. When the driver turns the steering wheel, causing the steering shaft 200 to deviate from the neutral position, the valve core deflects relative to the valve sleeve, changing the throttling area of ​​the inlet and return ports. The high-pressure oil is distributed to the steering oil chamber on the corresponding side, while the hydraulic oil in the other side of the oil chamber flows back through the return port, generating power assist. During this process, the magnetic plate 322 gradually moves away from the magnetic field area of ​​the return plate 323, and the magnetic force weakens rapidly, without interfering with steering flexibility. When the steering wheel is turned close to the center position, the magnetic plate 322 and its positioning magnetic block 324 re-enter the magnetic field area of ​​the return plate 323, providing clear and appropriate magnetic feedback to assist the driver in judging the center position and smoothly completing the return to center. The adsorption component 330 adsorbs metal impurities such as iron filings as the hydraulic oil flows through it, preventing them from entering the precision fit gap between the valve core and the valve sleeve, reducing jamming and wear. The support frame 331 is fixed by the locking of the limiting rod 333 and the limiting slot 334, ensuring that the adsorption component 330 works stably under vibration and oil flow impact, and facilitating quick disassembly and cleaning during daily maintenance. The entire process does not affect the normal function of the hydraulic power steering system or the flow of oil.

[0045] It should be noted that the control valves and hydraulic pumps mentioned above are all devices with relatively mature existing technologies. The specific models can be selected according to actual needs. At the same time, the control valves and hydraulic pumps can be powered by built-in power supplies or mains power. The specific power supply method should be selected according to the situation, and will not be elaborated here.

[0046] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions will not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A control valve for an automotive hydraulic power steering system, characterized in that, include: A control valve (100) is provided with a steering shaft (200) rotatably mounted on one side of the control valve (100), and a hydraulic pump (210) is provided on one side of the control valve (100). Two connecting pipes (110) are fixedly installed on both sides of the control valve (100), and the two connecting pipes (110) on one side are fixedly connected to the hydraulic pump (210). A return-to-center positioning mechanism (300) is used to provide a prompt for positioning when the steering wheel is returned to center, and the return-to-center positioning mechanism (300) is disposed inside the control valve (100); The return positioning mechanism (300) includes two connecting rings (310) fixedly installed on the surface of the steering shaft (200). Both connecting rings (310) are located inside the control valve (100). A return component (320) is provided on the outside of the connecting rings (310). An adsorption component (330) is provided on the outside of the connecting rings (310) and the return component (320).

2. The control valve for a hydraulic power steering system of an automobile according to claim 1, characterized by The return assembly (320) includes a support rod (321) fixedly installed on the surface of the connecting ring (310), and a magnetic plate (322) fixedly connected to the other end of the support rod (321). A return plate (323) is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the control valve (100), and the magnetic plate (322) is located on one side of the return plate (323).

3. The control valve for a hydraulic power steering system of an automobile according to claim 2, characterized by The return plate (323) is embedded in the inner wall of the control valve (100), and the magnetic plate (322) is set in the shape of an arc plate.

4. The control valve for an automotive hydraulic power steering system according to claim 2, characterized in that, A positioning magnetic block (324) is fixedly installed on the side of the magnetic plate (322) near the centering plate (323), and the positioning magnetic block (324) is located on one side of the centering plate (323).

5. The control valve for an automotive hydraulic power steering system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The positioning magnetic block (324) is strip-shaped, and the cross-section of the positioning magnetic block (324) is set to a semi-circular shape.

6. The control valve for an automotive hydraulic power steering system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The return plate (323) is configured in the shape of an arc plate and is vertically arranged on the inner wall of the control valve (100).

7. The control valve for an automotive hydraulic power steering system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adsorption assembly (330) includes a support frame (331) disposed outside the two connecting rings (310), and an adsorption net (332) is fixedly installed inside the two support frames (331). The two adsorption nets (332) are respectively located on one side of the two connecting tubes (110) on both sides.

8. The control valve for an automotive hydraulic power steering system according to claim 7, characterized in that, A limiting rod (333) is fixedly installed on the side of the support frame (331) near the corresponding connecting ring (310). A limiting slot (334) is opened on the surface of the connecting ring (310), and the limiting rod (333) is engaged with the limiting slot (334).

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