Patent ID: 6906483
Filing Date: 2005-06-14
Classification: B62D,H02K

Abstract:
1. An electric power steering apparatus equipped with an electric motor adapted to output assist torque to a steering wheel of a vehicle, and a control unit for controlling the driving of said electric motor, said control unit comprising: a power substrate mounting thereon a bridge circuit which includes a plurality of semiconductor switching elements for switching current supplied to said electric motor in accordance with a torque assisting said steering wheel; capacitors for absorbing ripples contained in said current; a control substrate mounting thereon a microcomputer which generates a drive signal for controlling said bridge circuit based on at least steering torque of said steering wheel; a power connector electrically connected to a battery of the vehicle; a signal connector adapted to input and output signals through external wiring; a plurality of motor terminals electrically connected with said electric motor; a large current substrate mounting thereon at least said capacitors and having conductive plates forming wiring patterns and said motor terminals insert molded thereto with an insulating resin; and a housing and a cover in which said power substrate, said control substrate and large current substrate are received; wherein said power substrate, said power connector and said signal connector are arranged in said housing in parallel with each other in an axial direction of said electric motor, with said motor terminals being protruded outward from said cover, wherein said cover is fixedly secured to said housing in parallel to the axial direction of said electric motor, and said motor terminals are inserted into said electric motor and electrically connected with said electric motor.