Power steering pump having intake channels with enhanced flow characteristics and/or a pressure balancing fluid communication channel

摘要

A power steering pump includes, an intake flow channel defined by a first surface; a chamber into which fluid is received; and a plate disposed between the first surface and the chamber. An opening having opposed terminal ends extends through the plate. The intake flow channel is in fluid communication with the chamber through the plate opening and is configured to direct fluid flow through the plate opening into the chamber at a location intermediate and spaced from the terminal ends. The intake flow channel is defined by a bottom surface and a sloped surface extending from the bottom surface toward the plate. The flow channel has a transition zone through which the bottom surface and the sloped surface are joined. The transition zone is located at a position along the intake flow channel at which it and one of the plate opening terminal ends are approximately superposed.