Patent ID: 7810409
Filing Date: 2010-10-12
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A steering column apparatus which supports a steering shaft so that a position of the steering shaft is adjustable in at least one of a tilt direction and a telescopic direction, comprising: a first tooth fixed to a vehicle body side; a column body which supports the steering shaft rotatably; and a second tooth which moves integrally with the column body, wherein the first tooth and the second tooth intermesh with each other, thereby to position the column body to the vehicle body, the first tooth and the second tooth separate from each other, thereby to put the column body in a position-adjustable state with respect to the vehicle body; an approach direction of the second tooth relative to the first tooth, from a time just before the first tooth intermeshes with the second tooth to a completion time of intermeshing between their teeth, is set so that each angle with an angle of inclination of the first tooth and an angle of inclination of the second tooth is larger than 0° and smaller than 90°, whereby the first tooth and the second tooth are brought towards each other and lastly intermesh; and a center of the first tooth and a center of the second tooth are out of alignment with respect to a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the second tooth before the first tooth intermeshes with the second tooth, and the center of the first tooth and the center of the second tooth are aligned with respect to the direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the second tooth after the first tooth intermeshes with the second tooth.