Patent · US Expired

Electric steering motor with one-piece metal shell

US6123167A · kind A · utility

30Cited by
11References
12Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 11, 1998
Grant dateSep 26, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 11, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB62D5/0427
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical 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). An electric motor (50) includes a rotor (132) drivingly connected to the steering member (14) and a stator (70). The stator (70) when energized effects movement of the rotor (132) and, thereby, rotation of the steering member (14). An electronic control unit (210) for helping to control operation of the electric motor (50) comprises at least one heat-generating component (220). A one-piece cast metal member (60) made of a homogeneous material has a main body portion (66) encapsulating and supporting the stator (70) and has an electronic control unit housing portion (102). The electronic control unit housing portion (102) of the one-piece metal member (60) includes a platform (94). The heat-generating component (220) is fastened to the platform (94) in a thermally conductive relationship.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.