Electric steering system with plastic motor tube
US5975234A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 1997 |
| Grant date | Nov 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02K11/33
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A steering assembly (10) for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a steering wheel (12) includes a pinion (30). A steering member (14) is movable axially to effect turning movement of the steerable wheels of the vehicle. The steering member (14) has a rack portion (34) for engagement with the pinion (30) and an externally threaded screw portion (38). A ball nut (140) extends around the screw portion (38) of the steering member (14) and has an internal thread (144). A plurality of balls (200) are disposed between the internal thread (144) on the ball nut (140) and an external thread (40) on the steering member (14) for transmitting force between the ball nut and the screw portion (38) of the steering member. An electric motor (50) includes a rotor (132) drivingly connected to the ball nut (140) and a stator (70). The stator (70) when energized effects rotation of the rotor (132) and, thereby, rotation of the ball nut (140). The steering assembly includes a one-piece molded plastic member (60) having a first axial portion (62) disposed adjacent to the pinion (30), a second axial portion (66) encapsulating and supporting the stator core (72) and the stator …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.