Patent ID: 7930950
Filing Date: 2011-04-26
Classification: B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A motor-driven steering assist apparatus interposed between a steering wheel and a wheel side steering member for assisting steering force which a driver applies to the steering wheel on the basis of a generating torque of an electric motor comprising: a single unit body, covered by three separate housing elements, having an input shaft to which the steering wheel is connected, an output shaft to which the wheel side steering member is connected, a torque sensor provided between the input shaft and the output shaft, an electric motor driven in correspondence to a detected torque of the torque sensor, and a gear train which transmits a rotation of the electric motor to the output shaft built-in, the first separate housing element supports an upper end portion of the input shaft and the torque sensor, the second separate housing element, disposed entirely longitudinally between the first and third separate housings elements, supports an upper end portion of the output shaft, the electric motor and the gear train, the third separate housing element supports a lower end portion of the output shaft and also provides an external attachment structure for transference of tensile and compressive forces between a vehicle body side bracket and the third separate housing element, wherein at least one attaching portion of the attachment structure to the vehicle body side bracket is provided on a lower surface of the third separate housing external to the three separate housing elements as seen from an axial direction of the output shaft, that is the lower surface just below in the axial direction in respect of a connection portion with the second housing, at a plurality of positions in the periphery of a bearing receiving portion for the output shaft provided in the third housing.