Function of steering oil pump
The steering oil pump (also known as power steering pump) is the core component of the automobile power steering system. Its main function is to provide hydraulic power for the steering system, assist the driver to easily control the steering wheel, reduce steering resistance, and improve driving comfort and safety. The following is a detailed analysis of its specific functions and working principles:
1. Core function: provide hydraulic power to assist steering
Reducing steering resistance
In traditional mechanical steering systems, the driver needs to turn the wheel directly through the steering column and connecting rod, which has great resistance (especially when turning at low speed or in place).
The steering oil pump generates oil pressure by driving the flow of hydraulic oil to push the piston in the steering power cylinder or steering gear, thereby amplifying the driver's steering force and making the steering wheel easier to control.
Achieving speed-sensitive power assistance
The steering oil pump of some models (such as with electronic control systems) can adjust the power assistance according to the vehicle speed:
At low speed: provide greater power assistance, and it is easier to turn in place (such as parking scenes).
At high speed: reduce power assistance, increase steering feel damping, and improve driving stability (avoid deviation caused by too light steering wheel).
Ensure the reliability of the steering system
Continuously provide stable oil pressure for the hydraulic system to ensure the continuity of the steering power, and avoid steering failure due to power interruption (note that oil pump failure may cause power failure).
2. Working principle and structure
Components
Pump body: usually a gear pump, vane pump or plunger pump structure, driven by the engine through a belt (or chain) to rotate.
Oil storage tank: store hydraulic oil and filter impurities.
Pressure valve: control the upper limit of oil pressure to prevent system overload (such as excessive oil pressure when the steering is dead).
Pipeline and joint: connect the oil pump, steering gear and power cylinder to form a hydraulic circuit.
Workflow
Oil suction stage: the engine drives the oil pump impeller to rotate and sucks hydraulic oil from the oil tank.
Oil pressure stage: the impeller pressurizes the oil and transports it to the steering gear (or power cylinder), and the oil pressure drives the steering mechanism to move.
Oil return stage: after the steering is completed, the excess oil flows back to the oil tank through the steering gear to complete the cycle.