EP0638031A1

EP0638031A1 - Security device, particularly anti-theft device, for steering wheel of motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP0638031A1
Application number: EP93911523A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michel Malvy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-04-27
Filing date: 1993-04-14
Publication date: 1995-02-15
Also published as: US5216908A; WO1993022165A1; FR2690400B1; BR9306294A; FR2690400A1; JPH07505845A

Abstract

The invention relates to a security device, particularly an anti-theft device of the type capable of securing the steering wheel to the steering column or releasing the steering wheel from the steering column of the vehicle. According to the invention, the security device (10) comprises a base (200) integral with the steering column and topped with a central head (202); a casing (100) rotationally integral with the steering wheel and mounted on the base (200), the casing comprising a guiding channel wherein is housed a coupling slide (300) movable between a position for direct coupling with the central head (202) and an uncoupled position, which slide is subjected to the action of springs (308) which tend to return it to its coupled position; a lock assembly (400) is arranged in a secondary housing (103), with a cycle sleeve (404) and a movable shaft (405), the latter co-operating with an extension of the coupling slide for locking in the uncoupled position, or for release from the coupled position; an external pusher arm (500) brings the slide (300) back to its uncoupled position.

Description

Security device, in particular anti-theft device for an automobile automobile steering wheel

The invention relates to a security device, in particular anti-theft device for motor vehicles associated with the vehicle steering wheel, and more particularly of the type capable of ensuring either the attachment of the steering wheel to the vehicle steering column, or the separation of said steering wheel flying from said column.

There are already many anti-theft security devices for motor vehicles, the general principle of which is that of a locking catch which is housed in an associated housing of the vehicle's steering column, at the level of a housing provided for the ignition key.

However, these devices manage to be damaged in the event of a break-in and no longer fulfill their safety function. If the deterioration is insufficient to succeed in unlocking the steering column, damage is nevertheless often caused to the steering column, as well as to the steering wheel and the dashboard trim elements. This is what brought the designers to consider systems making it possible to decouple the volan from the steering column.

Certain systems have thus been proposed in which it is possible to decouple the volan from the steering column, in order to be able to disengage the steering wheel, as illustrated for example in documents US-A-809 765, FR-A-2 406 545, FR-A-2 545 431, FR-A-2 584 353. D such systems however have the drawback of having to carry the steering wheel itself, which is bulky. Mention may also be made of systems using erectile coupling pads, the movement of which is controlled by an electric motor (as illustrated for example in the document FR-A-2,527,999). Such systems are however complicated and unreliable; in addition, electric control is not possible on all steering wheels, which limits possible applications.

Document EP-A-0008308 describes a device in which the steering column is produced in two parts, one of these parts being arranged so that it can be removed or put in place so that the coupling between the column steering and the steering wheel can be interrupted or restored respectively. However, such a device has the disadvantage of having to specially adapt the vehicle's steering column, which is expensive. In addition, this device does not lend itself to rapid and reliable adaptation.

It has also been proposed to produce an anti-theft mechanism of the vehicle by withdrawing a part of the anti-theft, this withdrawal producing de facto uncoupling of the steering wheel from the steering column. This state of the art is particularly well illustrated by documents EP-A-0 162 986, EP-A-0 203 850 and EP-A-0 445 024.

The devices described in documents EP-A-0 162 986 and EP-A-0 203 850 mentioned above are based on the general principle of an axial stack of parts coaxial with the steering column, stack from which the user must extract a part which provides a coupling in rotation upstream and downstream thereof in said stack. Such devices have the advantage of being relatively simple in design, but require disassembly to extract a part (as in document EP-A-0162986) or to provide coupling means of more sophisticated design to have to release only a removable means such as a pin with retractable balls (as in document EP-A-0 203 850). As a variant of the above-mentioned devices, an eccentric articulation has recently been proposed allowing the steering wheel to pivot about an axis parallel to that of the steering column, but offset with respect thereto: a removable part, arranged laterally, ensures the '' coupling with the steering column when it is place, and allows uncoupling when it is removed to be carried (the steering wheel then turning on the eccentric joint). Such a system is however relatively vulnerable, insofar as the removable part is directly accessible, which can allow it to be hooked; d moreover, the articulation risks inducing a blockage when it is too tight.

The state of the art is also illustrated by the documents US-A-4,924,685 and EP-A-0 402 938, which describe mechanisms of which a part associated with the volan is movable in the axis of the steering column by direct coupling (by cam or rack) with the cylinder of the lock.

The object of the invention is to provide a security device which is more efficient than the aforementioned systems by its security, its reliability, and also its ease of use.

The object of the invention is also to produce an anti-theft security device which can be provided as well as original equipment (during manufacture as in aftermarket equipment (by fitting out already existing members to equip a vehicle with this device). security) .

It is more particularly a safety device, in particular an anti-theft device for a steering wheel for a motor vehicle, of the type capable of securing the steering wheel to the steering column of the vehicle, o the separation of said steering wheel from 'with said column characterized in that it comprises: - a base secured to the steering column, said base comprising a bottom plate extending perpendicular to the axis of said steering column, and a central locking head ;

- a housing integral in rotation with the volan and mounted on the base so as to be able to rotate coaxially the steering column, said housing having u lane guide in which is housed a movable coupling to slide in a substantially perpen¬ dicular to the direction ^r axis of the steering column between a directly-coupling position with the central head d said base and a position for uncoupling from said central head, said coupling slide has an extension which penetrates transversely into a secondary housing of the housing and is further subjected to the action of elastic means tending to recall it in its positio mating;

- a lock assembly disposed in the secondary housing, with a cycle socket mounted fixed in the housing, as well as a movable shaft associated with said cycle socket and connected axially to a lock barrel, said movable shaft cooperating with the extension of the coupling slide to lock this coupling slide in its uncoupling position or to release said slide for its coupling position, this cooperation can only be done with the insertion of a key in accordance with the cycle determined by said socket;

- a pusher that can be actuated from outside the housing, making it possible to return the coupling slide to its uncoupling position against the associated elastic means.

Preferably, the coupling in rotation between the slider and the central head of the base is obtained by cooperation between associated facets which are inclined symmetrically in the direction of the extension of said slider. Advantageously then, the coupling slide is produced in the form of a plate presenting a central lumen through which the central head of the base passes, said lumen comprising two symmetrically inclined facets which are connected to an enlarged essentially circular contour, said central head having quan to it on the one hand two inclined facets with which cooperate the homologous facets of the slide in coupling position, and on the other hand a cylindrical surface with direct vicinity from which comes the widened outline of said slide in the uncoupling position.

More preferably still, the movable shaft of the lock assembly is essentially cylindrical, with the exception of an intermediate flat, and the extension of the coupling slide ends in a hollow spoiler, so that this movable shaft locks the slide e uncoupling position by its cylindrical part, e releases said slide when its intermediate flat is substantially parallel to the sliding direction of said slide. In particular then, the hollow spoiler d

The extension of the coupling slide has a lateral notch on the side opposite that of the insertion of the lock key, through which passes a rim of the movable shaft adjacent to the intermediate flat of said shaft, so as to prevent both, in this position, an untimely operation of said slide and said shaft.

As a variant, the intermediate flat is formed of two half-flat having a slight relative angular offset, and the coupling slide present below a cup associated with an indexing and locking ball, said cup being elongated in the sliding direction of said slide. Advantageously then, the extension of the coupling slide has an end face which is inclined relative to the axis of the movable shaft of the lock assembly, and the movable shaft has a homologous inclined facet, said face and said inclined facet being in contact with one another in the coupling position of said slider, so as to prevent both, in this position, untimely operation of said slider and said shaft. It is also interesting that the cycle sleeve is designed in such a way that the movable shaft has an axial clearance at two remarkable angular positions, said shaft being further subjected to the action of a tensioning thrust spring. to maintain the angular locking thus produced, so that it is necessary to act simultaneously on the pusher by manual action and on the movable shaft by a push of the inserted key, to bring the coupling slide from its position d coupling in its uncoupling position.

In particular then, the cylinder of the lock barrel carries a safety locking washer which is coupled to it in rotation, said washer having at least one lug passing through an associated slot of the movable shaft.

As a variant, the lock assembly comprises an intermediate safety locking piece housed in the movable shaft, said piece being movable along the axis of said assembly and ensuring the coupling between the cylinder of the lock barrel and said shaft only when pushed by the end of an extended key against an associated return spring.

Advantageously also, the pusher which can be actuated from the outside consists on the one hand of a push rod hooked at one end to the coupling slide, and the other end of which comes out of the housing, and on the other hand of '.a maneuvering arm articulated on said housing, a portion of which is supported on said push rod. It is also interesting that the housing has a central guide passage in which the coupling slide slides, said passage being defined by two lateral projections, at least one indexing ball being further provided for marking the two extreme positions of the slide of coupling. Advantageously then, guide balls are also provided to obtain a precise positioning of the coupling slide relative to the lateral projections during the movement of said slide between these two positions, and the bottom of the housing also has a hole for a locking ball. and indexing which is received lower in a bowl of the base plate of the base when the flywheel is correctly positioned, l coupling slide also having a bowl in which the locking and indexing ball is received superiorly in the uncoupling position, in the event of rotation of the steering wheel, so as to lock said slide in this position, said ball maintaining this locking as long as the steering wheel is not correctly positioned. More preferably, the housing rests pa at its bottom on the base plate of the base by means of balls moving in a circular path formed on the upper face of said base plate, the housing being fixed on the base. by a portan ring on the lower edge of said base by means of a spring washer. In particular, the upper part of the steering column is protected by a coaxial skirt carried by the housing, said skirt preferably being constituted by rings or sleeves connected together and to the securing ring, so as to be able to adapt the height of said skirt to the type of column concerned.

It is also advantageous for the case to be secured in rotation with the steering wheel by means of a central cover clipped by a ring on the case, said central cover being locked in rotation by associated means accessible from outside. housing.

Advantageously then, the central cover - is made in two parts which fit into one another and are fixed to each other in a non-removable manner, therefore a lower part locked to the housing, and an upper part in the form of a ring which fits into said lower part, said upper part having threads associated with the fixing of the steering wheel. In particular, the lower part of the central cover has on its periphery cups, for example every 10 °, to adjust the angular setting of the steering wheel relative to the housing, a ball indexing means cooperating with said cups being further provided. to facilitate this angular setting. It is also interesting that the central head of the base carries an audible warning ball cooperating with a serrated surface formed outside the lower part forming the central cover, so as to warn that the steering wheel is not coupled to the steering column.

Preferably, finally, the lower part of the central cover has in its central zone first holes for the possible passage of connection wires leading to the steering wheel, and second holes for the rotational coupling of an assembly forming a rotary contact housed in a central bore of the base.

It is then advantageous for the rotary contact assembly to comprise a sleeve-shaped body with axial grooves secured to the base, and an upper cover with a star-shaped central core coupled in rotation to the lower part of the central cover, with a succession of 'stacks each consisting of a first contact washer coupled to the body by an axial groove thereof, a second contact washer coupled to the upper cover by the central core thereof, and an insulating washer. In particular, the rotary contact assembly comprises a body with four axial grooves arranged in a square, and an upper cover with a cruciform central core.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly in the light of the description which follows and the attached drawings, concerning a particular embodiment, with reference to the figure where:

- Figure 1 is a sectional view illustran an anti-theft security device according to the invention whose coupling slide is in the coupling position, said device being mounted on a column hub rigidly secured to the column direction ;

- Figure 2 is a top view of previous device, from which the center-clipped cover has been removed in order to better distinguish the coupling slide, l still in the coupling position, (Figure 1 being then a section along II of the Figure 2);

- Figures 3a to 3c are partial sections at the median plane of the coupling slide, illustrating various positions of the movable shaft of the lock assembly in the associated cycle socket, l Figure 3a corresponding to a position of uncoupling in Figure 3c at a coupling position; - Figures 4 and 5 are views similar to those of Figures 1 and 2, illustrating the same arrangement with its coupling slide in the uncoupling position (Figure 4 then being a section on IV-IV of Figure 5); - Figures 6 to 10 are partial sections along lines VI, VII, VIII, IX, X of Figure 5 respectively illustrating a safety locking washer, the axis of the movable shaft associated with the cycle socket , and various means associated with the central cover; - Figures 11 to 13 are elevation views, respectively from above, from the side and from below of the coupling slide, and Figure 14 is an associated shot according to XIV-XIV of Figure 11;

- Figure 15 is a top view of the base on which is mounted the device housing, e Figure 16 is an associated section along XVI-XVI of this Figure 15;

- Figure 17 is a sectional view of the rotary contact assembly which is integrated in the aforementioned base, and Figure 18 is an associated section on XVIII-XVIII of this Figure 17;

- Figure 20 and the associated section along XIX-XIX (Figure 19) illustrate the upper cover with cruciform central core of the aforementioned assembly; - Figure 22 and the associated section along XXI-

XXI (Figure 21) illustrate the socket-shaped body with axial grooves of this assembly;

- Figures 23, 25, 27, and the associated sections according to XXIV-XXIV, XXVI-XXVI, XXVIII-XXVIII (Figures 24, 26, 28) respectively illustrate a first contact washer, an insulating washer, and a second washer contact, which equip the aforementioned assembly;

- Figures 29 and 31 are top views of the housing alone and from the side of the housing equipped with the device, and Figure 30 is an associated section along XXX- XXX of this Figure 29;

- Figures 32 and 33 are top views of the previous device, for better distin¬ guing the central cover, respectively in the uncoupled position and in the coupled position;

- Figures 34 and 35 are sections similar to Figures 1 and 2 (Figure 34 then being a section along XXXIV-XXXIV of Figure 35), illustrating a variant of the device according to the invention (in the coupling position) , with a movable lock shaft with two half-flats and a movable slide-shaft lock by inclined facets;

- Figure 36 is a section along XXXVI- XXXVI of Figure 35, on a larger scale, but in the uncoupling position, and Figure 37 is a section according to XXXVII-XXXVII of FIG. 36, these figures make it possible to better distinguish the intermediate security locking part associated with the lock assembly.

FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, 5 illustrate an anti-theft security device 10 according to the invention device which is here mounted on a hub 11 secured to a vehicle steering column 12 to constitute an anti-theft system, said hub being blocked by a bolt 13 The upper part of the hub is in the form of an extension 14, which is full or in the form of extension branches which ends in a return 15 on which are mounted the fixed part of the device security, that is to say in this case the base 200 of this device, by means of bolts (not shown) passing through associated holes 16, 205. It goes without saying that the base 200 of the arrangement can be adapted to any type of terminal extension of the steering column, in order to be able to mount this arrangement on a steering column which was not specially provided for this purpose. The device 10 thus comprises a base

200 secured to the steering column 12, base which is constituted by a base plate 201 extending perpendicularly to the axis Z of the steering column, which base plate e ^{σ ~} - surmounted by a central head of latch iage 202. The precise str eture of the base 200 will be described later in detail, with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

-., -. safety device 10 also includes a housing 100 which is integral in rotation with the steering wheel, and mounted on the base 200 so as to be able to rotate coaxially with the steering column 12, that is to say around the axis Z of said column. The flywheel is not shown here, but in FIGS. 32 and 3 a distinction is made between the threads 611 used for fixing it, these threads being in this case provided on part of a central cover 600, the precise structure of which will be described more law in detail with reference to Figures 32 and 33.

As can be seen more clearly in FIGS. 2 and 5, the housing 100 comprises a guide passage 120 in which is housed a coupling slide 300 movable in a direction X which is here substantially perpendicular to the axis Z of the steering column. It goes without saying that one can provide a direction X which is not perpendicular to the axis Z, however arranging for said axes X and Z to be coplanar. The coupling slide 300 is thus movable in the aforementioned direction X between a position of direct coupling with the central head 202 of the base 200, and a position of uncoupling from said central head. The position illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 is that which corresponds to a coupling with the central head 202 of the base 200, the coupling slide 300 then being in the retracted position relative to the axis Z of the steering column. By cons, the position illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 is that which corresponds to a decoupling. from the central head 202 of the base 200, the coupling slide 300 then being in the advanced position relative to the axis Z of the steering column.

Various equivalent means can naturally be provided for direct coupling in rotation between the coupling slide 300 and the central locking head 202 of the base 200, when said slide is in the coupling position, these means being of the type with complementary shape. In this case, the rotational coupling between the slide 300 and the central head 202 of the base 200 is obtained by cooperation between associated facets 303 and 208, which are here inclined symmetrically in the direction of the front part of said slide, this front part in the form of an extension 301. The particular structure of the coupling slide 300, which moves in the guide passage 120 here delimited by two lateral projections 106 of the housing body 101, will be described later in detail with reference to Figures 11-14.

Figures 2 and 5 also make it possible to distinguish an elastic means tending to bring the coupling slide 300 back into its coupling position, this hub being here produced in the form of two helical tension springs 308, one end of which is hooked on the housing 100, and the other on the coupling slide 300.

The housing body 101, better visible in FIGS. 29 to 31, comprises a central housing 102 closed below by a bottom 104 (and above by the above-mentioned central cover 600), said bottom being bordered by two lateral projections 106 whose facets 110 , which are parallel to direction X, delimit the guideway 120 associated with the guide slide 300. The central housing 102 communicates, by a transverse passage 121, with a secondary housing 103 of the housing 100, the general shape of which is cylindrical, and whose Y axis is here perpendicular to the X axis, the plane defined by the X and Y axes is also perpendicular to the Z axis of the steering column. FIG. 30 shows the presence of a flat 129 on a lateral part of the cylindrical housing 103, this flat serving to ensure the angular indexing of the sockets of a lock assembly 400 received in the secondary housing 103. The coupling slide 300 has an extension 301 which penetrates transversely, through the aforementioned passag 121, into the secondary housing 103 of the housing 10 in which the lock assembly 400 is disposed.

The lock assembly 400 comprises a barrel 401 mounted in a barrel socket 402 locked in rotation in the secondary housing 103, as well as a barrel cylinder 403, in which the rod of a key C passes inserted in this assembly of lock, rod whose end CT is distinguished which penetrates into an associated notch formed at the end of a movable shaft 405 linked axially to lock cylinder 401, this movable shaft being mounted in a cycle socket 404 received at the bottom of the secondary housing 103 of the housing, while being locked in rotation inside the latter. According to an essential aspect of the invention, the movable shaft 405 of the lock assembly 400 cooperates with the extension 301 of the coupling slide 300 to lock this slide in its disengaging position or release said slide for its coupling position, this cooperation can only take place with the insertion of the key C in accordance with the cycle determined by the cycle socket 404 of this lock assembly 400.

In this case, the extension 301 of the coupling slide 300 on the one hand, and the movable shaft 405 of the lock assembly 400 on the other hand, are shaped not only to lock the coupling slide in its position uncoupling or release said slider for its coupling position, but also to provide other safety locking functions which will be described later.

It is also advisable to provide a push button that can be actuated from outside the housing 100, in this case a push button referenced 500, making it possible to return the coupling slide 300 to its uncoupling position against the associated springs 308. Thus, the passage from the uncoupled position to the coupled position is done automatically by releasing the positive locking effected by the movable shaft of the lock assembly, while the reverse passage requires intervention on the aforementioned pusher, and it will be seen that this intervention is also possible only when the key inserted in the lock assembly is acted on simultaneously.

Thus qμe this is better visible in Figures 11 to 14, the coupling slider 300 is produced in the form of a plate having a central lumen 302 through which the central head 202 of the base 200 passes this light comprising the two symmetrically inclined facets 303 serving to ensure the coupling with this central head, which facets are connected to an enlarged contou here essentially circular 304. It goes without saying that this enlarged outline may have a different shape, provided that it remains compatible with the shape of the central head. The coupling slide 300 has pa a hooking end 305 elsewhere, with a notch 31 and a through passage 306 serving to hang the end of a push rod 501 forming part of the aforementioned action pusher 500. The coupling slide 300 comport parallel side faces 313 which slide in the corridor ^'of associated guide 120 of the housing 100. As cel is visible on the cut away in FIG 13, the grout bucket 300 further comprises lateral housing 309 servan to receive guide balls 314 (visible in FIGS. 2 and 5), guaranteeing a precise positioning of slider 300 relative to the lateral projections 106 during axial displacement of said slider between its two positions For this purpose, the parallel facets 110 of the housing , delimiting both the guide passage 120, each have a straight groove 115 ensuring the guidance sought by cooperation with the above-mentioned balls 314. At the rear, the coupling slide

300 has hooking cups 307 associated with the end turns of the tension springs 308. In the front part, there is a bore 310 which is associated with at least one indexing ball 311 (here a ball visible in FIGS. 1 and 4), and, on its underside, a cup 31 associated with another ball 111 for locking and indexing (also visible in FIGS. 1 and 4). We will come back to the function of the two aforementioned balls later.

The extension 301 of the coupling slide ends with a hollow spoiler 315, which can be distinguished from the side lower, the recess 316 of essentially cylindrical shape, homologous with a cylindrical part 408 of the movable shaft 405 of the lock assembly 400. In fact, as can be seen in FIG. 2, the shaft mobile 405 is constituted by an essentially cylindrical part 408, with the exception of an intermediate flat 410, of which an enlarged rear portion 406 is secured integral in translation by a rod 407 of the barrel socket 402 (this joining naturally leaving the possibility of relative rotation). The cylindrical part 408 of the movable shaft 405 can thus slide and / or rotate in the cycle socket 404 with a movement which is however imposed by the cycle of the latter nails: the section of FIG. 7 thus shows a through pin 411 press fitted onto the cylindrical part 408 of the movable shaft 405, a pin whose ends each pass through an associated lumen 412.1 or 412.2 of the cycle socket 404. Note the presence of a flat 413 on this socket cycle 404, which cooperates with the flat 129 of the secondary housing 103 of the housing. The movable shaft 405 is further subjected to the action of a spring of

^" thrust 409 disposed against the bottom of the cycle socket

404. The cycle socket 404 finally has a lateral notch 417 allowing the extension 301 of the coupling slide to pass, so that the hollow spoiler 315 of this extension can come to cooperate with the movable shaft 405, either by the cylindrical part of this one, either by its intermediate flat. Thus, the movable shaft 405 locks the slider 300 in the uncoupling position by its cylindrical part 408, but releases said slider when its intermediate flat 410 becomes parallel to the sliding direction X of said slider, as shown in FIGS. 3a , 3b, 3c which illustrate different positions of the movable shaft 405 of the lock assembly 400.

In this case, a cycle has been planned which, from the insertion of the key C into the lock assembly, first comprises an axial thrust of the movable shaft 405 over a short stroke (for example 5 mm), the coupling slide 300 then being in the uncoupling position, in accordance with the position illustrated in FIG. 3a. Then, the cycle comprises a rotation (here in the hourly sen) of the primary shaft 405, with a first angular plag, for example of 30 °, which corresponds to a recognition of the code of the key, in accordance with FIG. 3b (the lock barrel then automatically stops the rotation of the key if it does not comply). The rotation then continues with a second angular range, for example 90 °, insofar as the code of the key has been recognized. Finally, we arrive at the position which corresponds to the representation of FIG. 3c, position in which the coupling slide 300 can then move back thanks to the action of the associated tension springs 308.

It is then advantageous to provide (by ad hoc arrangement of the lights of the cycle socket) for axial withdrawal, for example over a stroke of 5 mm, from the movable shaft 405, when the position of FIG. 3c is reached. , such a withdrawal makes it easy to obtain an angular locking of the movable shaft 405 in the coupling positio, thanks to the ends of the through pin 41 then each received in an axial portion of the lumen made for this purpose in the socket cycle 404. To this end, the hollow spoiler 315 of the extension 301 of the coupling slide 300 has a lateral notch 318 on the opposite side of the insertion of the lock key, leaving a residual portion 317, a notch in which a radial rebor 416 of the movable shaft 405 adjacent to the intermediate flat 410 of said shaft, when the coupling slide 30 is in the coupling position, as shown in FIG. 2.

This possibility provides very important practical advantages. First, the lower surface of the lateral notch 318 abuts the portion of cylindrical lateral surface adjacent to the radial flange 416, so that it is not possible to exert on the coupling slide 300 a push which would tend to cause it to come out from its coupling position: a positive axial stop is thus obtained which prohibits the uncoupling of the system by an untimely operation of the actuation pusher 500. In addition, an untimely operation of the inserted key C, by pushing this key and by rotating it, can at most only bring, by a rotation slightly less than 120 °, the intermediate flat 410 bearing on the upper part of the spoiler 315, so that this untimely maneuver can in no case, to it alone can move the coupling slide 300 to bring it into its uncoupling position.

Thus, it is necessary to act simultaneously on the pusher 500 by manual action and on the movable shaft 405 by a push (and a rotation) of the inserted key C, to bring the coupling slide 300 "from its position d coupling in its uncoupling position This double maneuver, requiring the simultaneous use of both hands of the driver, constitutes a very important safety precluding any risk of untimely uncoupling of the system. It will therefore be advantageous to provide a hollow spoiler 315 to lateral notch for the coupling slide 300, and a cycle bush 404 designed in such a way that the movable shaft has an axial clearance at two remarkable angular positions, as has just been described. hollowed out spoiler 315 is in contact, through its recess 316, with the cylindrical part 408 of the movable shaft 405.

The security device 10 also comprises a protection system making it possible to prevent an intruder from releasing the coupling slide 300 by inserting a bad key or a tool in the barrel of lock.

In fact, in FIGS. 2 and 5, and more precisely in the section of FIG. 6, there is a safety locking washer 415 which is mounted on the cylinder 403 of the lock barrel 401, being thus coupled in rotation with said cylinder. , this washer having at least one lug passing through an associated slot of the movable shaft 405 of the lock assembly. In this case the washer 415 has two opposite lugs 415.1 each passing in an associated slot 406.2 (the rear part 40 of the movable shaft 405 then being produced in two separate portions 406.1 so as to define the aforementioned slots 406.2). The outside diameter of the safety locking washer 415 in the area of its lugs 415.1 is naturally less than the inside diameter of the barrel socket 402. Thus, in the event of an attempted break-in by inserting a tool in the barrel to make turn the movable shaft 405, this movable shaft can at most be rotated by a few degrees, as far as a stop on one or the other of the lugs 415.1 of the safety locking washer 415 which is in turn locked in rotation on the fixed cylinder 403. This safety locking device could be designed differently, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 36 and 37. FIGS. 15 and 16 make it possible to better distinguish the structure of the base 200, with its base plate 201 and its central locking head 202. The base plate 201 comprises a plurality of holes 205, associated with the passage of the heads of the fixing bolts of the base 20 on the return of the extension associated with the steering column. The base plate 201 further comprises a circular liner 206 making it possible to accommodate balls 141 (visible in FIGS. 1 and 4) by means of which the housing 100 rests, by its bottom 104, on this base plate 201. The balls 141 can thus move in the circular path 206 formed on the upper face of this base plate, when the coupling slide is in the uncoupling position, and the flywheel can then freely rotate. The central locking head 202 has on the one hand two inclined facets 208 with which the homologous facets 303 of the slide 300 cooperate in the coupling position, and on the other hand a cylindrical surface 209 in the direct vicinity of which the enlarged contour 304 of said slide in the uncoupling position. Figures 2 and 5 make it possible to clearly distinguish the relative positions of the coupling slide 300 and the central head 202 of the base 200 in its two remarkable positions. The base plate 201 also has a bowl 207 associated with a ball 111 (visible in FIGS. 1 and 4) used for locking and indexing as will be described below. The central locking head 202 has a blind hole 210 for housing an audible warning ball 211 (also visible in Figures 1 and 4) with its thrust spring, this ball cooperating with a serrated surface of the central cover closure 600 mounted on the housing, as will be described later.

The housing 100 is fixed on the base 200 by a ring 125, bearing on the lower edge 204 of the periphery 203 of the base 200, by means of a spring washer 127. The securing ring 125 and the associated spring washer 127 can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, and it can be seen that the ring 125 is here connected to the housing 100 by clipping, with an associated rod 126 (one could alternatively have provided a ring 125 screwed onto an associated thread of the housing 100). Still in FIGS. 1 and 4, there is also the presence of an axial skirt 128 protecting the upper part of the steering column, this skirt preferably being constituted by rings or shirts (for example threaded) connected to each other and to the aforementioned securing ring 125. Ic has been illustrated ic a ring 128.1, it being understood that the full skirt (illus trée in phantom) may be constituted by any number of such rings. In this way, it is always possible to adapt the height of the protective skirt to the type of column concerned.

As mentioned above, a certain number of locking and / or indexing balls are provided, the function and mode of intervention of which will now be described in more detail.

A ball 311 is firstly arranged, with its associated spring (not shown here) in the bore 31 of the coupling slide 300, this ball being applied by its spring against the bottom 104 of the housing body 101, and this bottom is provided with two small cups 113 and 114, corresponding respectively to the retracted coupling position and to the advanced uncoupling position, this cups being better visible in FIGS. 29 and 30. The ball 311 thus indexes the coupling slide in its two remarkable positions. This indexing provides, in the alternative, an additional effect of holding the slide in the coupled position, by participating in the absorption of vibrations. One could naturally, by varying, provide two indexing balls arranged laterally, on either side of the median longitudinal plane of the coupling slide, the bottom of the housing then being provided with two pairs of associated cups.

As is better visible in Figures 29 and 30, the bottom 104 of the housing body 10 further has a hole 112 which is associated with a locking and indexing bill. This ball, referenced 111 is clearly visible in FIGS. 1 and 4. To this locking and indexing ball 111 are associated on the one hand a cup 207 formed on the base plate 201 of the base 200, and on the other hand a bowl 312 made lower on the coupling slide 300. The locking and indexing ball 111 is thus received below in the cup 207 when the flywheel is correctly positioned, that is to say when the direction X of the slide is aligned on the cup 207 cited above. When the coupling slide 300 is in the coupling position, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the locking and indexing ball 111 is blocked by the underside of said slide, so that it cannot escape from its bowl 207 on the other hand, in the uncoupling position, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the bowl 312 of the coupling slide 300 is then at the level of the ball 111, so that a rotation of the flywheel automatically produces a slight lifting of this ball which comes out of its associated bowl 207, said ball then accompanying in rotation the monolithic assembly formed by the slide and the housing, this ball thus locking said slide in its uncoupling position. The ball 111 naturally maintains this locking of the coulis¬ coupling bucket 300 as long as the flywheel is not correctly positioned, that is to say until it is returned to its indexing position with a setting of the direction X on the direction of the bowl 207. Thus, if a rotation was printed on the steering wheel when the latter was detached from the steering column as a result of the uncoupling of the coupling slide, the ball 111 will perform a natural indexing insofar as only its correct position can allow a further decline in the sliding of the coupling slide 300 in view of the coupling position.

The re-coupling procedure is thus carried out automatically, without the driver needing to search for the position by sound or light locating. Indeed, it suffices to maneuver (by the inserted key) the movable shaft 405 of the lock assembly so that its intermediate flat 410 is disposed in a horizontal plane (parallel to the direction X of sliding of the slide), as in the position illustrated in FIG. 3c, after which it suffices to rotate the handwheel so that the ball 111, by descending into its bowl 207 when the indexing is correct, automatically releases the coupling slide which then moves back instantly under the action of its associated tension springs 308.

The last ball 211, housed in the blind hole 210 of the locking head 202 of the base 200 is in turn in contact with a serrated surface 606 formed outside the central cover 600 by the intermediary of which the housing 100 is secured in rotation with the steering wheel of the vehicle. This ball 211 thus fulfills a sound warning function, and makes it possible to warn the driver that the steering wheel is not coupled to the steering column.

We will now describe in more detail the structure of the pusher 500 which can be actuated from the outside of the housing 100, which is designed to bring the coupling slide 300 back into its uncoupling position against the springs 308. The term "pusher" must be understood in a broad sense, encompassing any through mechanism to ensure the command concerned. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, and also in FIGS. 3 and 33, the pusher 500 consists on the one hand of a pusher rod 501 and on the other hand of an articulated operating arm 50 on the housing 100, arm of which a portion 509 is supported on said push rod. The push rod 501 is generally cylindrical in shape, and slides in a through passag 117 of the housing body 101 (better visible in FIGS. 29 and 30) so that its hook-shaped end 502 can be coupled with the rear end of the coupling slide 300. The other end 50 of the push rod 501, which is always outside the housing regardless of the position of the coupling slide 300, is contacted by the portion 509 of the arm of maneuver articulated 504. This operating arm 504 has two legs 505 associated with the hinge pin 506, beyond which there is a main portion of arm 507, which is curved to follow the contour of the housing body, and 1 'of which free end has an inverted lug 508. Note the presence of a torsion spring 510 which tends to pivot the operating arm 504 in the direction of the retraction of the push rod inside the housing. FIG. 29 makes it possible to distinguish a first notch 122 associated with the legs 505 of the operating arm 504, with a bore 123 associated with the articulation axis 506 of said arm. Another notch 124 is provided to receive the inverted lug 508 of this arm. The operating arm 504 thus constitutes a visual alarm element, the visual factor being able to be further reinforced by providing, for example, a phosphorescent patch on the inverted lug provided at the end of this arm. As a variant, the end of the arm could be shaped as an operating button (as illustrated in FIG. 35), in order to facilitate actuation of said arm by this end to bring the push rod back. In addition, one can advantageously conform the housing and / or the operating arm in such a way that the portion 509 of said arm is integrated in the housing, without protruding outside the latter, whatever the position of this operating arm (as illustrated in Figures 34 and 35)

To finish with the equipment of the housing, a further distinction is made, with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30, hooking bosses 108, associated with the ends of the tension springs 308, and axial recesses 109 facilitating the integration of these springs for optimal compactness. The bottom of the housing 104 has a central bore 105 through which the central locking head 202 enters the base 200. This bottom 104 also has, at its lateral projections 106, two circular openings 107 which allow access to the bolts fixing passing through the holes 205 of the base 200 and 1 of the steering column hub, in order to allow the initial mounting of the device, by gradually rotating the housing to access each of the fixing bolts. FIG. 30 also makes it possible to distinguish a bowl 118 in the lower part of the bottom 104 of the housing body, a bowl which is associated with one of the balls 141 which pass in the circular path 206 of the base 200. The housing body 101 finally has, in the lower part, a groove 119 associated with the rod 126 ensuring the connection between the securing ring 125 and this housing body, and, e upper part, a similar groove 116 associated with a jon 603 ensuring the connection between said housing and its closing cover 600. The housing 100 is secured in rotation with the steering wheel by means of the central cover 600 which is clipped by the rod 603 on said housing, this central key cover being locked in rotation by associated means accessible from the outside of the housing. In this case the central cover 600 is made in two parts 601 602, fitting one into the other, and secured to each other in a non-removable manner, the mode of solidarisatio produced here being a snap-fastening by means of an associated rod 604. The central cover 600 thus comprises a lower part which is locked to the housing 100, and an upper part 602 in the form of a ring fitting into said lower part, this upper part 602 presenting for its threads 611 associated with the steering wheel attachment, as is better visible in FIGS. 32 and 33. These figures also make it possible to see the presence of bores 610 on the upper part of the cover 602 e in the form of a ring, these bores being associated with a pin ensuring the connection in rotation between the two parts of central cover 600. The advantage of such an embodiment of central cover in two parts lies in the possibility to easily adapt the upper part in the form of a ring to each type of flywheel attachment: during initial assembly, it suffices to mount this upper part forming an adaptation piece on the lower part already in place. The non-removable nature of the joining of the two parts of the cover guarantees the impossibility of accessing the internal organs of the device.

The lower part of the cover 601 has a rim 609 surrounding a bottom 605, this lower part then being completely integrated in the housing body. As is better visible in FIGS. 8 and 9, the lower part 601 of the central cover 600 has on its periphery cups or cavities 612, for example arranged every 10 °, to adjust the angular setting of the steering wheel relative to the housing 100. The locking system in rotation of the central cover 600 is then provided by means 130, a copy of which can be seen in FIG. 9. The housing body 101 thus comprises a plurality of through threads 131 (for example four in number) in which have returned a needle screw 132, the extremity of which enters a bowl 612 associated with the central cover 600, the blocking being ensured by an additional screw 133. The obstruction can be ensured by a washer forming a cover. When one wants to modify the angular setting of the steering wheel, it suffices to release the screws 132 and 133, then to turn the steering wheel with the central cover relative to the housing by the desired angular value, the blocking then being performed again. by the aforementioned screws 132 and 133. It may also be advantageous to use a ball indexing means 135 (illustrated in FIG. 8), constituted by a support screw 136 inserted in a thread 137 of the housing, this support screw having an indexing ball 138 which enters one or the other of the bowls 612 of the central cover 600 in the manner of a ratchet. As before, the associated thread 137 will be masked from the outside by a washer forming a cover.

The section of Figure 10 finally shows that the upper part 602 of the central cover

600 masks a light 613 from the lower part 601, a light which is opposite the aforementioned light 107 of the housing body 101.

As can be seen in Figures and 4 ,. the audible warning ball 211 cooperates with a serrated surface 606 which is here formed outside the lower part 601 forming the central cover 600.

Furthermore, as is better visible in FIGS. 32 and 33, the lower part 601 of the central cover 600 comprises, in the central zone of its bottom 605, first bores 607 which are associated with the possible passage of connecting lead wires on the steering wheel, e of the second bores 608 for the rotational coupling of an assembly forming a rotary contact 700 which, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, is housed in a central bore 212 of the base 200. It will it goes without saying that the holes 608 can be replaced by non-through machining. This assembly forming rotary contact 700 thus makes it possible to ensure the electrical connections by passing connection wires leading to the steering wheel, without the risk that these wires will break due to excessive rotation of the steering wheel when the latter is detached from the the steering column.

A rotary contact assembly 70 particularly well suited to this function has been illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 17 to 28.

Figures 17 and 18 show the assembly forming a contact rotating in its entirety, with connection wires 725 leading to the steering wheel, and connection wires 72 going towards the steering column. The forman assembly rotary contact 700 is thus integrated into the base 200 d of the safety device. The components of this assembly 70 are illustrated individually in FIGS. 19 to 28. In Figures 21 and 22 there is thus a body in the form of a socket 702, having a raised bottom 708 provided with a circular central orifice 709. The body 702 also has a plurality of axial grooves 710, here four in number and arranged square, for the entire height of the socket-shaped body. A reservation 721 is provided below the bottom 708 to accommodate a fixing washer which will be described later.

With reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, there is a top cover 701, comprising a circular part 703 forming the cover itself, from which a central core 704 of star section leaves. The part 703 has holes 706 for the passage of the connection wires 725, as well as bosses 707 which ensure the coupling in rotation with the cover 600 of the safety device (these bosses penetrating into the holes 608 of the bottom 605 of this cover ). The central core 704 is here cruciform in shape, insofar as four wires are concerned. The four axial grooves 710 of the body 702 are likewise arranged in a square.

A first type of electrical contact is also used, in the form of a contact washer 711 illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24, the central opening of which 714 allows the passage of the core 704 of the upper cover 701. Each washer of contact 711 has a lug 715, of generally circular shape, facing outwards. A second type of contact is illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28, and there is a contact washer 712, with a central opening 716 for the passage of the central core 704 of the upper cover 701, this contact washer comprising meanwhile a protruding lug 717, of generally circular shape, this time turned inward.

In Figures 25 and 26, there is an insulating washer 713, the central opening 718 allows the passage of the cruciform core 704 above. It then suffices to stack successive assemblies constituted by a contact washer 712, a contact washer 711, and an insulating washer 713. During this stacking, the lugs facing outwards 715 of the contact washers 711 come lodge in the axial grooves 710 of the socket-shaped body 702, so that the pins facing inwards 717 of the contact washers 712 are lodged in the grooves 724 defined by the cruciform section of the core 704 of the upper cover 701 , as can be seen in the section in Figure 18.

The stack obtained is illustrated in FIG. 17, where there are also, at the two ends of this stack, two washers 719 and 720 which are corrugated washers made of spring steel, guaranteeing sufficient application pressure so that the very good electrical contact. The stack thus produced is then perfectly maintained between the part 703 of the upper cover 701 and the bottom 708 of the body in the form of a socket 702. The locking of the assembly is ensured by a spring washer 722 which is threaded on a cylindrical end 70 of the cruciform core 704, which passes through the orifice 709 of the bottom of the socket-shaped body.

Before carrying out such an assembly, which can be operated automatically, the connection welds will have been carried out beforehand between the wires 725 and the upper contact washers 712, and between the wires 726 and the lower contact washers 711, these welds intervening at the level of the associated protruding lugs 717 and 715 respectively. The cruciform shape of the core 704, with four branches 723, is particularly clearly visible in FIG. 18. It goes without saying, however, that a distribution may be provided different angle if you want to ensure the electrical connection of a different number of wires. Similarly, one could imagine a simple extension of elements 701 and 702, which would then make it possible to stack a greater number of contacts.

There is shown in the figures which precede the axis Z of this assembly forming rotary contact 700, this to recall that said assembly is arranged coaxially with the base 200 of the safety device.

We will now describe some additional equipment of the security device according to the invention.

If we refer to Figure 31, we distinguish, in addition to two of the threads 131 associated with ver¬ rusting in rotation of the central cover, a housing 140 opening laterally from the housing body. If we now refer to Figures 2 and 5, we find this same housing 140, in which is disposed a capsule 142 which can be an "electronic mark" readable by scanner. In this case, the capsule 142 may be a glass capsule coated in a plastic sleeve, the assembly being inserted in the associated cell 140 so as to be inaccessible from the outside. We can in particular use a chip which thus realizes a real coding of the housing of the security device, which makes it possible to ensure that this device is indeed fitted to an original vehicle and not a stolen vehicle. The possibility of reading this capsule by scanner eventually allows computerized processing of this information, which can be gathered in a central file.

FIGS. 2 and 5 also make it possible to distinguish a cover 145 closing the secondary housing 103 associated with the lock assembly 400, this cover being clipped by a rod 143, so as to be able to rotate freely at the entrance to said housing. As is best seen in Figure 31, the cover 145 has a slot 144 for the insertion of the key C.

We have thus achieved an anti-theft security device which is extremely efficient, by its security, its reliability, and its ease of use. The overall height of the device is minimal (the upper level of the housing can in fact be brought about 26 mm to the level above the hub of the steering column). The torsional torque that can be obtained in the coupling position exceeds 45 mx kg, thanks to the large contact surfaces involved in the coupling. The locking provided by the various balls is also carried out in a particularly simple manner. and reliable. The multiplicity of indexings also makes it possible to perform a preliminary setting of the steering wheel, regardless of the type of steering wheel concerned. The pull-out resistance is also high, thanks to the mounting on the base (a tear-out resistance far exceeding tonnes is achieved). The level of security is important, because the only lateral access to the device is constituted by the cover 145 which is mounted for rotation. Finally, we have already indicated above various security provided by the particular shape of the movable shaft of the lock assembly, e of the extension of the coupling slide.

We will now describe, with reference to Figures 34 to 37, a variant of the device according to the invention.

This variant comprises a large number of identical or similar organs to those of the dispositi previously described, and the same references have been kept for these organs.

It should first of all be noted that the housing body 101 has a lateral notch 13 making it possible to integrate the portion 509 of the operating arm 504, regardless of the position of said arm. In addition, the end of the arm has an operating button 508.1 aimed at facilitating the actuation of said arm, in particular for bringing the push rod 501 into the housing body. Furthermore, the movable shaft 405 of the lock assembly has an intermediate flat formed by two half-flats 410.1 and 410.2 slightly angularly offset (here an angle of about 160 °), and the front part 408 of this movable shaft has an inclined facet 430 which cooperates with the inclined end face 330 of the extension 301 of the coupling slide 300, in the coupling position of said slide. In addition, the cup 312.1 associated with the indexing and locking ball 111 is elongated in the sliding direction X of the slide 300.

In this way, if one starts from a decoupling position, as soon as the half-flat 410.2 becomes parallel to the direction X, there is a slight withdrawal of the coulis¬ bucket 300 (thanks to the elongated bowl), which makes it possible to ensure that the movable shaft does not return under the recess 316 of said slide when the end of the key insertion cycle is reached. The half-flat 410.1 allows for the normal movement of the slide to its uncoupling position. In the coupling position, the cooperation of the inclined face and facet (relative to the Y axis) prohibits, in this position, any untimely operation of the slide 300 and the movable shaft 405, as was previously the case with the lateral notch 318 of the extension 301 of said slide. Figures 36 and 37 finally make it possible to better distinguish the variant of the safety locking means associated with the lock assembly 400, replacing the washer 415 previously described.

The movable shaft 405 now has a central recess associated with an intermediate safety locking part 450. This part 450 comprises a tab 451 passing between the cylinder 403 of the lock barrel 401 and the movable shaft 405, and an axial head 452 provided with a plate 454. The recess of the movable shaft successively comprises a cylindrical housing 431, and a housing 432 with a plate homologous to that of the axial head 452. A spring 455 is housed in a bottom 433 of the recess of the movable shaft, and in a bottom 453 of the axial head 452.

The part 450 is axially movable according to the Y axis, between an unlocked rear position (FIG. 37 and a locked front position and, in its two positions, the tab 451 remains coupled to the cylinder 403.

It is then necessary to use an extended key C1 which is longer than traditional keys. In this way, if the key has the correct coding of the correct length, the insertion of this key moves the part 450 to its position before said part then ensuring the normal coupling of cylinder barrel-movable shaft. On the other hand, in the event of an attempt to break in with a false key of insufficient length, the part 45 remains in its rear position, and the barrel cylinder turns freely with said part without causing the movable shaft 405. In the event of an attempted 'break-in with an elongated eighth note (or "nightingale"), the part 450 is certainly pushed into its front position, but the blocking in rotation remains assured thanks to the tab 451 of said part which is still taken with the barrel cylinder.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described, but on the contrary encompasses any variant incorporating, with equivalent means, the essential characteristics stated above.

In particular, the lock and its barrel may be replaced by any equivalent pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical, electromagnetic, electric or electronic control system.

In addition, the safety device Pourr be used not only for anti-theft vehicle (2, 3 or 4 ^wheels' more), but also for valves o other security organs applicant against use No. authorized (the "steering column" is then in this latter case a functional control tree).

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Safety device, in particular anti-vo for motor vehicle steering wheel, of the type capable of securing the steering wheel to the vehicle steering column, or the separation of said volan from said column, characterized by the makes it include:

- a base (200) secured to the steering column (12), said base comprising a bottom plate (201) extending perpendicular to the axis (Z) of said steering column, and a central locking head ( 202);

- A housing (100) integral in rotation with the steering wheel and mounted on the base (200) so as to be able to rotate coaxially with the steering column (12), said housing comprising a guide passage (120) in which is housed a coupling slide (300) movable along a direction (X) substantially perpendicular to the axis (Z) of the steering column, between a position of direct coupling with the central head (202) of said base and a decoupling position from said central head, said coupling slide having an extension (301) which penetrates transversely into a secondary housing (103) of the housing (100) and being further subjected to the action of elastic means (308) tending to recall it to its mating position;

- A lock assembly (400) disposed dan the secondary housing (103), with a cycle socket (404 fixedly mounted in the housing (100), and a movable shaft (405) associated with said cycle socket and linked axially a lock barrel (401), said movable shaft cooperating with the extension (301) of the coupling slide (300) to lock this coupling slide (300) in its positio

- of uncoupling or releasing said slide for s coupling position, this cooperation being unable to s do that with the insertion of a key (C) in accordance with the cycle determined by said socket;

- A pusher (500) actuable from the outside of the housing (100), making it possible to return the coupling slide (300) to its uncoupling position against the associated elastic means (308).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling in rotation between the slide (300) and the central head (202) of the base (200) is obtained by cooperation between associated facets (303, 208) which are symmetrically inclined towards the extension (301) of said slide.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the coupling slide (300) is produced in the form of a plate having a central lumen (302) through which the central head (202) of the base passes ( 200), said lumen comprising two symmetrically inclined facets (303) which are connected to an enlarged essentially circular contour (304), said central head having on the one hand two inclined facets (208) with which the homologous facets cooperate ( 303) of the slide (300) in the coupling position, and on the other hand a cylindrical surface (209) in the direct vicinity of which comes the enlarged contour (304) of said slide in the uncoupling position.

4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the movable shaft (405) of the lock assembly (400) is essentially cylindrical, with the exception of an intermediate flat (410) , and the extension (301) of the coupling slide (300) ends in a hollowed out spigot (315), so that this movable shaft (405) locks the slide (300) in the uncoupling position by its cylindrical part (408) ), and frees said slide when its intermediate flat (410) is substantially parallel to the sliding direction (X) of said slide.

5. Device according to claim 4 characterized in that the hollow spoiler (315) of the extension (301) of the coupling slide (300) has a lateral notch (318) on the side opposite to that of the insertion of the lock key, through which passes a flange (416) of the movable shaft (405) adjacent to the intermediate flat (404 of said shaft, so as to prevent both, in this position, inadvertent operation of said slide and said shaft .

6. Device according to claim 4 characterized in that the intermediate flat is formed by two half-flat (410.1, 410.2) having a slight relative angular offset, and the coupling slide (300) has a lower bowl (312.1) associated an indexing and locking ball (111), said cup being elongated in the sliding direction (X) of said slide.

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the extension (301) of the coupling slide (300) has an end face (330) which is inclined relative to the axis of the movable shaft (405) d the lock assembly (400), and the movable shaft (405) has a homologous inclined facet (430), said inclined face and said facet being in contact with one another in the coupling position of said slider, so as to say both, in this position, an untimely maneuver of said slider and said shaft.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cycle socket (404 is designed such that the movable shaft (405) has an axial I at two remarkable angular positions said shaft being further subjected to the action of a thrust spring (409) tending to maintain the angular locking thus produced, so that it is necessary to act simultaneously on the pusher (500) by manual action and su the movable shaft (405) by pushing the inserted key (C), to bring the coupling slide (300) from its coupling position to its uncoupling position.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the cylinder (403) of the lock cylinder (401) carries a safety locking washer (415) which is coupled to it in rotation, said washer having at least one lug ( 415.1) passing through an associated slot (406.2) of the movable shaft (405).

10. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the lock assembly (400) comprises an intermediate safety locking part (450) housed in the movable shaft (405), said part being movable along the axis of said assembly and ensuring coupling between the cylinder (403) of the lock cylinder and said shaft only when it is pushed by the end of a prolonged key (Cl) against a spring of associated reminder (455).

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the pusher (500) actuable from the outside consists on the one hand of a push rod (501) hooked by one end to the coupling slide (300), the other end of which leaves the housing (100), and on the other hand an operating arm (504) articulated on said housing, a portion of which (509) is supported on said push rod.

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the housing (100) has a central guide passage (120) in which slides the coupling slide (300), said passage being defined by two projections lateral (106), at least one indexing ball (311) being further provided for marking the two extreme positions of the coupling slide (300).

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that „guide balls (314) are also provided to obtain precise positioning of the coupling slide (300) relative to the lateral projections (106) during the movement of said slide between these two positions.

14. Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the bottom (104) of the housing (100) further has a bore (112) for a ball ver¬ rusting and indexing (111) which is received from below in a bowl (207) of the base plate (201) of the base (200) when the flywheel is correctly positioned, the coupling slide (300) also having a bowl (312) in which the locking ball and d 'indexing (111) is superiorly received in the uncoupling position, in the event of rotation of the handwheel, so as to lock said slide in this position, said ball maintaining this locking as long as the handwheel is not correctly positioned.

15. Device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the housing (100) rests by its bottom (104) on the base plate (201) of the base (200) via balls (141) moving in a circular path (206) formed on the upper face of said base plate, the housing (100) being secured to the base (200) by a ring (125) bearing on the lower bor (204 ) of said base via a spring washer (127).

16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the upper part of the steering column is protected by a coaxial skirt (128) carried by the housing (100), said skirt preferably being constituted by rings or shirts ( 128.1) connected together and to the securing ring (125), so as to be able to adapt the height of said skirt to the type of column concerned.

17. Device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the housing (100) is secured in rotation with the steering wheel by means of a central cover (600) clipped by a rod (603) on said housing, said central cover being locked in rotation by associated means (130) accessible from outside the housing (100).

18. Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the central cover (600) is made in two parts (601, 602) fitting one into the other, and secured to one another by non-demonstrably, including a lower part (601) locked to the housing (100), and an upper part (602) in the form of a ring fitting into said lower part, said upper part (602) having threads (611) associated with the steering wheel attachment.

19. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the lower part (601) of the central cover (600) has on its periphery cups (612), for example every 10 °, to adjust the angular setting of the steering wheel by relative to the housing, a ball indexing means (135) cooperating with said cups being further provided to facilitate this angular setting.

20. Device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the central head (202) of the base (200) carries an audible warning ball (211) cooperating with a serrated surface (606) formed at the outside of the lower part (601) forming the central cover (600), so as to warn that the steering wheel is not coupled to the steering column.

21. Device according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the lower part

(601) of the central cover (600) has in its central zone first holes (607) for the possible passage of connection wires (725) leading to the steering wheel, and second holes (608) for the rotational coupling of a rotary contact assembly (700) housed in a central bore (212) of the base (200).

22. Device according to Claim 21, characterized in that the assembly forming a rotating contac (700) comprises a sleeve-shaped body (702) axial grooves (710) integral with the base (200), and an upper cap ( 701) with a star-shaped central core (704) coupled with rotation to the lower part (601) of the central cover (600), with a succession of stacks each consisting of a first contact washer (711) coupled to the body (702) by an axial groove (710) thereof, a second contact washer (712) coupled to the upper cover (701 by the central core (704) thereof, and an insulating washer (713).

23. Device according to claim 22 characterized in that the rotating contac assembly (700) comprises a body (702) with four axial grooves (710) arranged in a square, and an upper cover (701 with a cruciform central core (704) ).