Fluid control system for powering vehicle accessories

Abstract

A fluid control system for powering vehicle accessories includes a pump for generating a supply flow of hydraulic fluid, and a supply line for receiving the supply flow of hydraulic fluid. The system further includes a fan control circuit in fluid communication with the supply line, wherein the fan control circuit includes (1) a hydraulic motor and a bypass valve, and (2) the hydraulic motor is positioned in parallel with the bypass valve. The system also includes a steering control circuit in fluid communication with the fan control circuit, wherein (1) the steering control circuit requires a first predetermined flow of hydraulic fluid from the fan control circuit for proper operation thereof, and (2) the bypass valve and the hydraulic motor cooperate so as to create a second predetermined flow of hydraulic fluid. Moreover, the system includes a sensor for detecting operational pressure within the fluid supply line and generating pressure status signals in response thereto. In addition, the system includes an electronic control unit for generating valve control signals. The electronic control unit controls the bypass valve so that the second predetermined flow of hydraulic fluid is greater than or equal to in magnitude than the first predetermined flow. Moreover, operation of the bypass valve is dependent on the pressure status signals generated by the sensor.