Paul M Webber

US Patent:

61231673, Sep 26, 2000

Filed:

Jun 11, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/096151

Inventors:

Joseph D. Miller - Farmington Hills MI
Paul K. Webber - Rochester Hills MI
Brett M. Swiss - Shelby Township MI

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Lyndhurst OH

International Classification:

B62D 504

US Classification:

180444

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).