Patent ID: 6695091
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
A steering assembly for turning steerable wheels of a vehicle in response to rotation of a steering wheel of the vehicle, said steering assembly comprising:a pinion; a steering member that is movable axially to effect turning movement of the steerable wheels of the vehicle, said steering member having a rack portion in engagement with said pinion and an externally threaded screw portion; an electric motor comprising a rotor and a stator, said stator when energized effecting rotation of said rotor, said threaded screw portion of said steering member extending axially through said electric motor; a ball nut rotatable with said rotor and associated with said threaded screw portion of said steering member for effecting axial movement of said steering member in response to rotation of said rotor thereby to turn the steerable wheels of the vehicle; an electronic control unit for helping to control operation of said electric motor, said electronic control unit including a circuit board and a plurality of electronic components mounted on said circuit board, said circuit board having a non-planar configuration and at least partially encircling a portion of said steering member at a location spaced axially from said electric motor; and a one-piece cylindrical tube radially encircling said steering member, said electric motor, and said electronic control unit.