A transmission ratio variable mechanism in prior art provided on a
steering column needs a spiral cable and hence, not only needs an extra
space but is also accompanied by a risk of having a drawback such as the
breakage of the cable or the like. A steering wheel shaft 11 and an
output shaft 22 are supported in a housing 21 attached to a steering
column 13, to be rotatable on the same axis; first and second sun gears
45, 46 different slightly in the number of gear teeth are formed on
facing end portions of the steering wheel shaft and the output shaft;
first and second planetary gears 53, 54 meshing with the first and second
sun gears are supported on a carrier 47; and a worm shaft 58 meshing with
a worm wheel 57 connected rotationally to the carrier is constructed to
be rotatable by a motor 43 which is provided on the housing in a
direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the steering wheel
shaft and the output shaft. Thus, it can be realized to eliminate any
spiral cable and to obtain a transmission ratio variable steering device
10 which is space-saving.