Patent ID: 9610971
Date: 2017-04-04
CPC Classifications: B62D

Claim:
1. A column unit for an electric power steering apparatus configured for installation in a vehicle body defining a forward direction, a vehicle-front side, and a vehicle-rear side, the column unit comprising: a steering column comprising an outer column and an inner column, the inner column being located on the vehicle-rear side of the outer column, located inside the outer column, adapted to collapse toward the vehicle-front side during a secondary collision, and having an inside that supports a steering shaft such that the steering shaft can rotate; a housing comprising a sensor housing and a gear housing, the sensor housing houses a torque sensor that detects torque acting on the steering shaft, and the gear housing houses part of an electric assist mechanism that applies a specified steering assist force according to a torque value detected by the torque sensor; a front cover for sealing an end surface of the gear housing on the vehicle-front side thereof, the front cover being screwed into the end surface of the gear housing and fastened to the gear housing by melting and fusing joined surfaces of the front cover and the gear housing while applying pressure; a lower support bracket adapted to fasten the vehicle-front side of the outer column or the housing to the vehicle body; and an upper support bracket adapted to fasten the vehicle-rear side of the outer column to the vehicle body, wherein the gear housing and the outer column are integrally formed of synthetic resin, or the outer column, the lower support bracket and the upper support bracket are integrally formed of synthetic resin.