EP0690801A1 - Anti-theft device for a steering wheel column, for use, for example, in motor vehicles - Google Patents

Anti-theft device for a steering wheel column, for use, for example, in motor vehicles

Info

Publication number
EP0690801A1
EP0690801A1 EP95908297A EP95908297A EP0690801A1 EP 0690801 A1 EP0690801 A1 EP 0690801A1 EP 95908297 A EP95908297 A EP 95908297A EP 95908297 A EP95908297 A EP 95908297A EP 0690801 A1 EP0690801 A1 EP 0690801A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sleeve
retracted position
shaft
immobilization
active position
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP95908297A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Frédéric Mouhot
Jean-Philippe Salez
André Hoblingre
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ECIA Equipements et Composants pour lIndustrie Automobile SA
Original Assignee
ECIA Equipements et Composants pour lIndustrie Automobile SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ECIA Equipements et Composants pour lIndustrie Automobile SA filed Critical ECIA Equipements et Composants pour lIndustrie Automobile SA
Publication of EP0690801A1 publication Critical patent/EP0690801A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/01—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens
    • B60R25/02—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens operating on the steering mechanism
    • B60R25/021—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens operating on the steering mechanism restraining movement of the steering column or steering wheel hub, e.g. restraining means controlled by ignition switch
    • B60R25/02134—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens operating on the steering mechanism restraining movement of the steering column or steering wheel hub, e.g. restraining means controlled by ignition switch comprising a locking member axially moved along the steering column
    • B60R25/02139—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens operating on the steering mechanism restraining movement of the steering column or steering wheel hub, e.g. restraining means controlled by ignition switch comprising a locking member axially moved along the steering column key actuated
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/01—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens
    • B60R25/02—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens operating on the steering mechanism
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R25/00—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles
    • B60R25/01—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens
    • B60R25/02—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens operating on the steering mechanism
    • B60R25/021—Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles operating on vehicle systems or fittings, e.g. on doors, seats or windscreens operating on the steering mechanism restraining movement of the steering column or steering wheel hub, e.g. restraining means controlled by ignition switch

Definitions

  • Anti-theft device for a steering column assembly for example of a motor vehicle /
  • the present invention relates to an anti-theft device for a steering column assembly, for example of a motor vehicle.
  • the invention relates to anti-theft devices for steering column assemblies, which comprise a steering shaft rotatably mounted in a column body, and in which means are provided for blocking the rotation of the shaft relative to the body, movable by a locking mechanism between an active blocking position and a retracted position for releasing the shaft relative to the body.
  • these devices include a locking mechanism fixed on the column body and controlled for example by a locking key actuated by a user, to obtain the displacement of a locking bolt between a retracted position and an active position, wherein this bolt engages through a lumen of the body and cooperates with means for blocking the rotation of the shaft relative to this body.
  • These means for blocking the shaft can for example be constituted by slots or grooves made therein or in a ring carried by this shaft and connected to it, for example by means of means of friction, allowing the shaft to rotate relative to the ring when a very high torque is applied to it in order to avoid any degradation of the column assembly.
  • An improved lock for this type of anti-theft device is known from document FR-A-2 679 504.
  • This lock includes means for automatically locking the bolt in the active position for immobilizing the shaft in the event of the lock being forced .
  • Document US-A-1 487867 also discloses an anti-theft device in accordance with the preamble of claim 1, in which a blocking sleeve is interposed between the shaft and the column body.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to solve these problems by proposing an anti-theft device which is simple and reliable.
  • the subject of the invention is an anti-theft device for a steering column assembly, for example of a motor vehicle, of the type comprising a steering shaft mounted to rotate in a column body and means for blocking the rotation of 1 'shaft relative to the body, interposed between the shaft and the column body and displaceable by a locking mechanism fixed on the body, between an active locking position and a retracted position for releasing the shaft relative to the body, characterized in that it comprises means for blocking the movement of the locking means towards their retracted position, in the event of the locking mechanism being forced.
  • - Fig.l shows a sectional view of an anti-theft device for a steering column assembly, in which means for blocking the rotation of the shaft relative to the body are shown in the active position;
  • - Fig.2 shows a partial sectional view similar to that of Fig.l, in which the locking means are shown in the retracted position;
  • FIG.3 shows a partial sectional view of an alternative embodiment of such an anti-theft device
  • - Fig.4 shows a sectional view of such an anti-theft device
  • - Fig.5 schematically illustrates a phase of engagement of coupling means and complementary means, respectively of a sleeve and a shaft, forming part of such an anti-theft device
  • - Fig.6 shows a top view of a connection between a sleeve and a locking mechanism, forming part of such an anti-theft device
  • Fig.7 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of means for immobilizing a sleeve in the active position, entering the consti ⁇ tution of an anti-theft device according to the invention
  • Fig.8,9 and 10 show schematic views illustrating another embodiment of means for immobilizing a sleeve in the active position, forming part of an anti-theft device according to the invention
  • FIG.l1A and 11B show schematic sectional views illustrating yet another embodiment of means for immobilizing a sleeve in the active position, forming part of an anti-theft device according to the invention.
  • FIG.12, 13 and 14 show schematic sectional views illustrating yet another embodiment of means for immobilizing a sleeve in active position, forming part of an anti-theft device according to the invention.
  • a steering column assembly in particular for a motor vehicle, generally comprises a steering shaft designated by the reference 1 rotatably mounted in a steering column body 2, for example by the guide bearings 3.
  • An anti-theft device designated by the general reference 4 is also provided for blocking the shaft in rotation in the body.
  • this device comprises blocking means displaceable by a mechanism of ver ⁇ rusting between an active blocking position and a retracted position for releasing the shaft relative to the body.
  • the locking mechanism can have any suitable known structure, it will not be described in more detail below. Note however that this mechanism comprises for example a finger 5 for axial displacement of the locking means which are designated by the reference 6 in these figures.
  • this mechanism may also include a pinion adapted to cooperate with a cremail ⁇ lère locking means to ensure the movement thereof.
  • the locking means 6 comprise a sleeve interposed between the shaft 1 and the column body 2 and comprising for example on its internal and external surfaces first and second coupling means adapted to cooperate with first and second complementary means of the tree and the body respectively.
  • the first and second means of coupling of this sleeve are designated by the references 6a and 6b respectively.
  • the first complementary means of the shaft are designated by the reference la, while the second complementary means of the body are designated by the reference 2a.
  • this sleeve, these coupling means and these complementary means are suitable for locking the shaft in rotation relative to the body when the locking means are in the active position and allow axial movement from the sleeve of this active position shown in Figure 1 to a retracted position shown in Figure 2 under the control of the locking mechanism.
  • these coupling and complementary means can be constituted by protruding and recessed parts of the body, of the sleeve and of the shaft, adapted to cooperate with each other as will be described in more detail. thereafter.
  • the locking sleeve 6 is mounted axially displaceable between an active position shown in Figure 1 in which the first coupling means 6a of this sleeve 6 cooperate with the first complementary means of the shaft 1 to block the shaft in rotation in the body by cooperation of its second coupling means 6b with the second complementary means 2a of the body, and a retracted position.
  • the first coupling means 6a of the locking sleeve 6 are disengaged from the first means complementary to the shaft, so that the latter can rotate freely relative to the sleeve and so compared to the column body.
  • the torque applied to the shaft is distributed over several protruding and recessed parts of this shaft, of the sleeve and of the body so that the risks of degradation of the 'column set are reduced compared to conventional structures.
  • the anti-theft device always comprises the sleeve 6 movable axially between an active position and a retracted position and provided for example on its external surface with second coupling means 6b adapted to cooperate with the second complementary means 2a of the body 2 and for example on its internal surface of the first coupling means 6a adapted to cooperate with first complementary means 10a of a ring 10 carried by this shaft 1 and connected to the latter by means of friction means 11.
  • This ring structure and means of friction forms means for limiting the transmission of torque between the shaft and the body, for example by uncoupling the steering shaft 1 from the ring 10 when the torque appends liqué on this tree is greater than the resistance of the connection between this shaft and the ring generated by the friction means 11.
  • the shaft can rotate in a braked manner, in this ring 10, to avoid any degradation of the rest of the column assembly.
  • FIG. 4 An exemplary embodiment of the projecting and recessed portions of the body, the shaft and the sleeve is shown in FIG. 4, in which the body 2, the sleeve 6 and the steering shaft 1 are recognized.
  • the first and second coupling means and the first and second complementary means can be constituted by projecting and recessed parts complementary to this shaft, the sleeve and the body, adapted to block the shaft in rotation in the body while allowing axial displacement of the sleeve between its active and retracted positions by the locking mechanism.
  • the first coupling means 6a of the sleeve 6 and the complementary means 1a of the shaft 1 are constituted by portions of complementary grooves adapted by engaging the one inside the other when the sleeve is in the active position as shown in this figure.
  • the second coupling means 6b of the sleeve 6 and the complementary means 2a of the body can be constituted by axial grooves 6b of the sleeve in which engage tabs projecting towards the interior 2a of the body, these tabs being obtained for example by stamping the body and for guiding the axial movement of the sleeve in the body while blo ⁇ when it in rotation.
  • an angular clearance is provided between the body and the sleeve and more particularly between the coupling means and the complementary means thereof as can be seen in FIG. 4, to allow this sleeve to move over a determined angular travel between the body and the shaft as will be described in more detail below.
  • the corresponding ends of the coupling means and complementary means corresponding to the disengageable of the sleeve and of the body and / or of the shaft are preferably tapered and the sleeve has a determined course of angular displacement ⁇ between the body and the shaft as illustrated in FIG. 5.
  • this stroke ⁇ corresponds to the pitch of these coupling and complementary means in order to facilitate the engagement of these means in the position of blocking of the shaft in the body whatever their relative position when the locking mechanism is triggered by the user.
  • means may also be provided for elastic biasing of the sleeve in the intermediate position of its angular displacement stroke.
  • these elastic means designated by the reference 20 can be interposed between the locking mechanism and more particularly the finger 5 thereof and the sleeve 6 and more particularly the edges of a recess of this one intended to receive this finger, to urge it in the intermediate or neutral position of its stroke and allow it to move angularly in one direction or in the other to obtain immediate engagement of the disengageable coupling and complementary means of the sleeve and the shaft when the locking mechanism is triggered by the user, which guarantees immediate blocking of the shaft in the body, that is to say without the need for angular displacement of the shaft as it was the case with the prior art devices.
  • the anti-theft device also comprises means for preventing the displacement of the locking means towards their retracted position, in the event of the locking mechanism being forced.
  • These locking means are also interposed between the shaft and the column body and include means for axially immobilizing the sleeve in the active position in the body, which can be moved between a retracted position and an active immobili ⁇ sation of the sleeve when forcing the locking mechanism.
  • These means are arranged for example on one side or the other of the sleeve.
  • immobilization means can also be arranged around a portion of this sleeve.
  • these immobilization means are urged towards their active position by elastic means, and are held in the retracted position by at least one holding member disposed in a recess of the column body and whose one end cooperates with the locking mechanism and the other end of which cooperates with these immobilization means to keep them in the retracted position.
  • This holding member is advantageously movable between an active position for holding the immobilization means in the retracted position and a retracted position when the locking mechanism is forced, in order to allow movement of the immobilization means towards their active position in which they cooperate with the sleeve to immobilize it in the active locking blocking position
  • the rotating shaft in the body is advantageously movable between an active position for holding the immobilization means in the retracted position and a retracted position when the locking mechanism is forced, in order to allow movement of the immobilization means towards their active position in which they cooperate with the sleeve to immobilize it in the active locking blocking position
  • the rotating shaft in the body is advantageously movable between
  • Fig.7 there is shown a first embodiment of these immobilization means in which these means are angularly movable between their retracted position and their active position.
  • the sleeve 6 is movable from its active position shown in solid lines in this figure, towards its retracted position shown in dotted lines in this figure, by moving away from the immobilization means 30 and in in this case, these immobilization means and the sleeve comprise complementary hooking means 31 for retaining this sleeve 6 in the active position when the immobilization means are in the active position.
  • attachment means may comprise at least one hook 32 integral with one of the elements, sleeve or immobilization means and adapted to cooperate with a complementary abutment surface 33 of the other element, immobilization means or sleeve, by engagement by angular displacement of one relative to the other element.
  • the hook 32 integral with one of the elements, sleeve or immobilization means and adapted to cooperate with a complementary abutment surface 33 of the other element, immobilization means or sleeve, by engagement by angular displacement of one relative to the other element.
  • these immobilization means 30 comprise for example a first ring 34 connected to the body 2 and a second ring 35 angularly displaceable relative to the first, between a retracted position shown in solid lines in this figure and allowing an axial displacement of the sleeve 6 between its active and retracted positions, this second ring 35 comprising the hook 32.
  • Elastic means 36 constituted for example by a helical spring are disposed between these rings to urge the second ring 35 to move angularly from its retracted position to its active position.
  • a holding member designated by the general reference 37 in this figure allows this second ring 35 to be maintained in the retracted position to maintain the immobilization means in the retracted position.
  • this holding member 35 passes through a recess in the body and has an end adapted to cooperate with the second ring 35 in order to keep it in the retracted position and in this case with the hook of the latter. ci and another end bearing for example on an abutment surface of the locking mechanism, which keeps it in the active position for holding the immobilization means in the retracted position.
  • the triggering of the immobili ⁇ sation means is obtained automatically as soon as the locking mechanism is forced.
  • the steering shaft 1, the steering column body 2 and the sleeve 6 are recognized, which is always movable between an active position of immobilization in rotation of 1 'shaft in the column body and a position retracted by axial movement between the shaft and the body under the control of a locking mechanism.
  • the means for immobilizing the sleeve in the active position during the forcing of the locking mechanism are designated by the general reference 40.
  • the sleeve was movable from its active position to its retracted position away from the immobilization means 30, in the exemplary embodiment shown in these Figures 8,9 and 10, the sleeve is movable from its active position to its retracted position by approaching the immobilization means 40 and these immobilization means and this sleeve in this case comprise complementary axial stop means of holding the sleeve in the active position when the immobilization means are in the active position.
  • the immobilization means 40 always include for example a first ring 41 connected to the column body 2 and a second ring 42 displaceable angularly with respect to the first ring between a retracted position and an active position for immobilizing the sleeve, shown respectively in FIGS. 9 and 10.
  • This second ring 42 and the sleeve 6 have protruding parts and axial recesses complementary to them designated for example by the references 43, 44 and 45.46 respectively, adapted to cooperate with one another with the others to allow axial movement of the sleeve 6 between its active position and its retracted position when the immobilization means are in the retracted position (Fig. 9) and prohibit any axial movement of this sleeve 6 from its active position to its position retracted when the immobilization means are in the active position (Fig. 10).
  • Elastic means designated by the reference 47 are arranged between these two rings to urge the second ring 42 towards its active position for immobilizing the sleeve, by angular displacement relative to the first ring 41.
  • a retaining member 48 passing through a recess in the column body 2 makes it possible to maintain this second ring 42 in the retracted position in normal operation, while as has been explained above, when the locking mechanism is forced, this retaining member moves from its active position shown in these figures to a retracted position, for release of the second ring 42 and allowing an angular displacement of the latter, from its retracted position shown in FIG.
  • the retaining member 48 connected to the locking mechanism allows the second ring to be held in the retracted position while in the event of a forced locking mechanism, this retaining member 48 releases the second ring 42 and allows the latter to move from its retracted position to its active position for immobilizing the sleeve in the active position for blocking the rotating shaft in the column body.
  • the means for immobilizing the sleeve in the active position of blocking the rotation of the shaft in the column body 2 when the locking mechanism is forced are designated by the general reference 50.
  • these immobilization means can be moved axially between their retracted position shown in FIG. 11A and their active position shown in FIG. 11B.
  • these immobilization means also comprise a first ring 51 connected to the body and a second ring 52 movable axially in the direction of the sleeve 6 under the action of elastic means 53 interposed between these two rings.
  • a holding member 54 connected to the locking mechanism makes it possible to block the second ring 52 in the retracted position as long as the locking mechanism is not forced. It can therefore be seen that during the forcing of this locking mechanism, this holding member 54 retracts and allows the displacement of the second ring 52 from its retracted position towards its active position of immobilisation of the sleeve in the active blocking position.
  • this second ring 52 acts as an axial stop member for the sleeve and may include means for preventing its movement towards its retracted position, constituted for example by one or more elastic tongues 55 of this second ring adapted for cooperate with the edge of the first ring 51 when the second ring 52 is in the active position in order to prohibit the return of this second ring to its retracted position.
  • means for preventing its movement towards its retracted position constituted for example by one or more elastic tongues 55 of this second ring adapted for cooperate with the edge of the first ring 51 when the second ring 52 is in the active position in order to prohibit the return of this second ring to its retracted position.
  • elastic tongues 55 of this second ring adapted for cooperate with the edge of the first ring 51 when the second ring 52 is in the active position in order to prohibit the return of this second ring to its retracted position.
  • other embodiments of these means can be envisaged.
  • the sleeve has a portion in the form of rack 60 adapted to cooperate with a toothed portion 61 of a displacement member thereof designated by the general reference 62, comprising another toothed portion 63 cooperating with a displacement member 64 connected to a maneuver locking barrel assembly of this body, designated by the general reference 65.
  • the means for immobilizing the sleeve 6 in the active position for blocking the shaft in the body are designated by the general reference 70 in these figures.
  • these means can be moved radially between their retracted position and their active position and advantageously comprise a clip-shaped member 71 connected to the body and adapted to cooperate in the active position with the shaft and / or the sleeve to immobilize it in the active position.
  • this member can come to bear on the shaft in front of the sleeve to immobilize it.
  • This clip-shaped member comprises, as can be seen more particularly in FIG. 14, two approximately symmetrical jaws 72 and 73 elastically urged towards one another, for example by an elastic ring 74, arranged in a throat of these jaws.
  • the jaws are held in the separated position by a holding member 75 interposed for example between the free ends thereof.
  • this retaining member 75 may for example be in the form of a stop rod disposed in the housing 66 and don 1'une ends passes through a recess of the column body and is engaged between the two jaws of the immobilizing means and the other end of which is supported on the abutment means of the locking mechanism comm for example on the barrel assembly 65 as illustrated.
  • Elastic means such as a spring 7 can be provided in the housing for receiving a locking mechanism, to urge this holding member towards its retracted position.
  • the parts in contact with the immobilization means and the holding member may also have ramps so that the immobilizing means also urge the holding member towards its retracted position under the action of the means of solicitio of these towards their active position.
  • this holding member 75 is locked in the positive position of holding the immobilization means in position positively retracted by the locking mechanism.
  • the anti-theft device according to the invention has improved tamper-evident properties compared to conventional devices of the state of the art only in so far as it is provided between the column body and the shaft, means of immobilization in the active position of the shaft locking sleeve, the operation of which is triggered during the forcing of the locking mechanism.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Steering Controls (AREA)
  • Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

Anti-theft device for a steering wheel column, for use, for example, in a motor vehicle, of the type including a steering shaft (1) rotatably mounted in a column body (2) and means (6) for rotatably locking the shaft relative the body. Said means (6) are inserted between the shaft and the column body and are moveable by means of a locking mechanism (62, 65) secured to said body, between an operational locking position and a retracted position for releasing the shaft from the body. The invention is characterized by means (70) for preventing the locking means (6) from shifting to their retracted position, if any attempt is made to force said locking mechanism.

Description

Dispositif antivol pour ensemble de colonne de direction par exemple de véhicule automobile/ Anti-theft device for a steering column assembly, for example of a motor vehicle /
La présente invention concerne un dispositif antivol pour ensemble de colonne de direction par exemple de véhicule automobile.The present invention relates to an anti-theft device for a steering column assembly, for example of a motor vehicle.
Plus particulièrement, l'invention se rapporte aux dispositifs antivol pour ensembles de colonne de di¬ rection, qui comportent un arbre de direction monté rotatif dans un corps de colonne, et dans lesquels il est prévu des moyens de blocage en rotation de 1'arbre par rapport au corps, déplaçables par un mécanisme de ver- rouillage entre une position active de blocage et une position escamotée de libération de 1'arbre par rapport au corps.More particularly, the invention relates to anti-theft devices for steering column assemblies, which comprise a steering shaft rotatably mounted in a column body, and in which means are provided for blocking the rotation of the shaft relative to the body, movable by a locking mechanism between an active blocking position and a retracted position for releasing the shaft relative to the body.
Différents modes de réalisation de ces dispo¬ sitifs ont déjà été proposés. De manière générale, ces dispositifs comprennent un mécanisme de verrouillage fixé sur le corps de colonne et commandé par exemple par une clé de verrouillage actionnée par un utilisateur, pour obtenir le déplacement d'un pêne de verrouillage entre une position escamotée et une position active, dans laquelle ce pêne s'engage à travers une lumière du corps et coopère avec des moyens de blocage en rotation de l'arbre par rapport à ce corps.Different embodiments of these devices have already been proposed. In general, these devices include a locking mechanism fixed on the column body and controlled for example by a locking key actuated by a user, to obtain the displacement of a locking bolt between a retracted position and an active position, wherein this bolt engages through a lumen of the body and cooperates with means for blocking the rotation of the shaft relative to this body.
Ces moyens de blocage de 1 'arbre peuvent par exemple être constitués par des fentes ou des cannelures ménagées dans celui-ci ou dans une bague portée par cet arbre et reliée à celui-ci, par exemple par l'intermé¬ diaire de moyens de friction, permettant à l'arbre de tourner par rapport à la bague lorsqu'un couple très important est appliqué sur celui-ci afin d'éviter toute dégradation de l'ensemble de colonne.These means for blocking the shaft can for example be constituted by slots or grooves made therein or in a ring carried by this shaft and connected to it, for example by means of means of friction, allowing the shaft to rotate relative to the ring when a very high torque is applied to it in order to avoid any degradation of the column assembly.
Cependant, ces dispositifs présentent un certain nombre d'inconvénients en cas de tentative de vol, car d'une part le mécanisme de verrouillage peut être désoli¬ darisé du corps de colonne, ce qui permet la libération de l'arbre et d'autre part, le blocage en rotation de l'arbre dans le corps est obtenu par l'intermédiaire d'un pêne, qui peut être cassé relativement facilement.However, these devices have a certain number of drawbacks in the event of an attempted theft, because on the one hand the locking mechanism can be removed from the column body, which allows the release of the shaft and other hand, blocking in rotation of the shaft in the body is obtained through a bolt, which can be broken relatively easily.
Une serrure améliorée pour ce type de disposi¬ tifs antivol est connue du document FR-A-2 679 504. Cette serrure comporte des moyens de blocage automatique du pêne en position active d'immobilisation de l'arbre en cas de forcement de la serrure.An improved lock for this type of anti-theft device is known from document FR-A-2 679 504. This lock includes means for automatically locking the bolt in the active position for immobilizing the shaft in the event of the lock being forced .
On connaît également du document US-A-1 487867, un dispositif antivol conforme au préambule de la revendi- cation 1, dans lequel un manchon de blocage et interposé entre l'arbre et le corps de colonne.Document US-A-1 487867 also discloses an anti-theft device in accordance with the preamble of claim 1, in which a blocking sleeve is interposed between the shaft and the column body.
Cependant, ce dispositif présente un certain nombre d'inconvénients au niveau de son inviolabilité.However, this device has a certain number of drawbacks in terms of its inviolability.
Le but de 1'invention est donc de résoudre ces problèmes en proposant un dispositif antivol qui soit simple et fiable.The object of the invention is therefore to solve these problems by proposing an anti-theft device which is simple and reliable.
A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un dispo¬ sitif antivol pour ensemble de colonne de direction par exemple de véhicule automobile, du type comportant un arbre de direction monté rotatif dans un corps de colonne et des moyens de blocage en rotation de 1'arbre par rapport au corps, interposés entre 1'arbre et le corps de colonne et déplaçables par un mécanisme de verrouillage fixé sur le corps, entre une position active de blocage et une position escamotée de libération de l'arbre par rapport au corps, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte des moyens de condamnation du déplacement des moyens de blocage vers leur position escamotée, en cas de forcement du mécanisme de verrouillage. L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en se référant aux dessins annexés, sur lesquels :To this end, the subject of the invention is an anti-theft device for a steering column assembly, for example of a motor vehicle, of the type comprising a steering shaft mounted to rotate in a column body and means for blocking the rotation of 1 'shaft relative to the body, interposed between the shaft and the column body and displaceable by a locking mechanism fixed on the body, between an active locking position and a retracted position for releasing the shaft relative to the body, characterized in that it comprises means for blocking the movement of the locking means towards their retracted position, in the event of the locking mechanism being forced. The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
- la Fig.l représente une vue en coupe d'un dispositif antivol pour ensemble de colonne de direction, dans laquelle des moyens de blocage en rotation de l'arbre par rapport au corps sont représentés en position active;- Fig.l shows a sectional view of an anti-theft device for a steering column assembly, in which means for blocking the rotation of the shaft relative to the body are shown in the active position;
- la Fig.2 représente une vue partielle en coupe analogue à celle de la Fig.l, dans laquelle les moyens de blocage sont représentés en position escamotée;- Fig.2 shows a partial sectional view similar to that of Fig.l, in which the locking means are shown in the retracted position;
- la Fig.3 représente une vue partielle en coupe d'une variante de réalisation d'un tel dispositif antivol;- Fig.3 shows a partial sectional view of an alternative embodiment of such an anti-theft device;
- la Fig.4 représente une vue en section d'un tel dispositif antivol; - la Fig.5 illustre de façon schématique une phase d'engagement de moyens d' accouplement et de moyens complémentaires, respectivement d'un manchon et d'un arbre, entrant dans la constitution d'un tel dispositif antivol; - la Fig.6 représente une vue de dessus d'une liaison entre un manchon et un mécanisme de verrouillage, entrant dans la constitution d'un tel dispositif antivol;- Fig.4 shows a sectional view of such an anti-theft device; - Fig.5 schematically illustrates a phase of engagement of coupling means and complementary means, respectively of a sleeve and a shaft, forming part of such an anti-theft device; - Fig.6 shows a top view of a connection between a sleeve and a locking mechanism, forming part of such an anti-theft device;
- la Fig.7 représente une vue en coupe schémati¬ que d'un exemple de réalisation de moyens d'immobilisation d'un manchon en position active, entrant dans la consti¬ tution d'un dispositif antivol selon l'invention; les Fig.8,9 et 10 représentent des vues schématiques illustrant un autre exemple de réalisation de moyens d'immobilisation d'un manchon en position active, entrant dans la constitution d'un dispositif antivol selon l'invention;- Fig.7 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of means for immobilizing a sleeve in the active position, entering the consti¬ tution of an anti-theft device according to the invention; Fig.8,9 and 10 show schematic views illustrating another embodiment of means for immobilizing a sleeve in the active position, forming part of an anti-theft device according to the invention;
- les Fig.l1A et 11B représentent des vues en coupe schématiques illustrant encore un autre exemple de réalisation de moyens d'immobilisation d'un manchon en position active, entrant dans la constitution d'un dispo¬ sitif antivol selon l'invention; et- Fig.l1A and 11B show schematic sectional views illustrating yet another embodiment of means for immobilizing a sleeve in the active position, forming part of an anti-theft device according to the invention; and
- les Fig.12, 13 et 14 représentent des vues en coupe schématiques illustrant encore un autre exemple de réalisation de moyens d'immobilisation d'un manchon en position active, entrant dans la constitution d'un dispo¬ sitif antivol selon l'invention.- Fig.12, 13 and 14 show schematic sectional views illustrating yet another embodiment of means for immobilizing a sleeve in active position, forming part of an anti-theft device according to the invention.
Ainsi qu'on peut le voir sur ces figures, un ensemble de colonne de direction, notamment de véhicule automobile, comporte de manière générale un arbre de direction désigné par la référence 1 monté rotatif dans un corps de colonne de direction 2, par exemple par l'inter¬ médiaire de paliers de guidage 3.As can be seen in these figures, a steering column assembly, in particular for a motor vehicle, generally comprises a steering shaft designated by the reference 1 rotatably mounted in a steering column body 2, for example by the guide bearings 3.
Un dispositif antivol désigné par la référence générale 4, est également prévu pour bloquer en rotation 1'arbre dans le corps.An anti-theft device designated by the general reference 4 is also provided for blocking the shaft in rotation in the body.
De manière classique, ce dispositif comporte des moyens de blocage déplaçables par un mécanisme de ver¬ rouillage entre une position active de blocage et une position escamotée de libération de l'arbre par rapport au corps.Conventionally, this device comprises blocking means displaceable by a mechanism of ver¬ rusting between an active blocking position and a retracted position for releasing the shaft relative to the body.
Le mécanisme de verrouillage pouvant présenter n'importe quelle structure connue appropriée, il ne sera pas décrit plus en détail par la suite. On notera cependant que ce mécanisme comporte par exemple un doigt 5 de déplacement axial des moyens de blocage qui sont désignés par la référence 6 sur ces figures.The locking mechanism can have any suitable known structure, it will not be described in more detail below. Note however that this mechanism comprises for example a finger 5 for axial displacement of the locking means which are designated by the reference 6 in these figures.
Il va de soi que ce mécanisme peut également comporter un pignon adapté pour coopérer avec une crémail¬ lère des moyens de blocage pour assurer le déplacement de ceux-ci.It goes without saying that this mechanism may also include a pinion adapted to cooperate with a cremail¬ lère locking means to ensure the movement thereof.
Les moyens de blocage 6 comprennent un manchon interposé entre 1 'arbre 1 et le corps de colonne 2 et comportant par exemple sur ses surfaces interne et externe des premiers et des seconds moyens d'accouplement adaptés pour coopérer avec des premiers et des seconds moyens complémentaires de 1'arbre et du corps respectivement. Les premiers et les seconds moyens d'accouple¬ ment de ce manchon, sont désignés par les références 6a et 6b respectivement.The locking means 6 comprise a sleeve interposed between the shaft 1 and the column body 2 and comprising for example on its internal and external surfaces first and second coupling means adapted to cooperate with first and second complementary means of the tree and the body respectively. The first and second means of coupling of this sleeve are designated by the references 6a and 6b respectively.
Les premiers moyens complémentaires de 1'arbre sont désignés par la référence la, tandis que les seconds moyens complémentaires du corps sont désignés par la référence 2a.The first complementary means of the shaft are designated by the reference la, while the second complementary means of the body are designated by the reference 2a.
Comme cela sera décrit plus en détail par la suite, ce manchon, ces moyens d'accouplement et ces moyens complémentaires sont adaptés pour bloquer en rotation 1'arbre par rapport au corps lorsque les moyens de blocage sont en position active et autorisent un déplacement axial du manchon de cette position active représentée sur la figure 1 vers une position escamotée représentée sur la figure 2 sous la commande du mécanisme de verrouillage.As will be described in more detail below, this sleeve, these coupling means and these complementary means are suitable for locking the shaft in rotation relative to the body when the locking means are in the active position and allow axial movement from the sleeve of this active position shown in Figure 1 to a retracted position shown in Figure 2 under the control of the locking mechanism.
En fait, ces moyens d'accouplement et complémen¬ taires peuvent être constitués par des parties en saillie et en creux complémentaires du corps, du manchon et de l'arbre, adaptées pour coopérer les unes avec les autres comme cela sera décrit plus en détail par la suite.In fact, these coupling and complementary means can be constituted by protruding and recessed parts of the body, of the sleeve and of the shaft, adapted to cooperate with each other as will be described in more detail. thereafter.
Dans l'exemple de réalisation représenté sur les figures 1 et 2, le manchon de blocage 6 est monté déplaça- ble axialement entre une position active représentée sur la figure 1 dans laquelle les premiers moyens d'accouple- ment 6a de ce manchon 6 coopèrent avec les premiers moyens complémentaires la de 1'arbre 1 pour bloquer 1'arbre en rotation dans le corps par coopération de ses seconds moyens d'accouplement 6b avec les seconds moyens complé¬ mentaires 2a du corps, et une position escamotée. Dans la position escamotée représentée sur la figure 2, les premiers moyens d'accouplement 6a du manchon de blocage 6 sont débrayés des premiers moyens complémen¬ taires la de l'arbre, de sorte que celui-ci peut tourner librement par rapport au manchon et donc par rapport au corps de colonne. On conçoit que cette structure présente un certain nombre d'avantages par rapport aux structures classiques à pêne de verrouillage dans la mesure où le manchon de blocage est interposé entre 1'arbre de direc- tion et le corps de colonne et ne peut donc pas être arraché lors d'une tentative de vol.In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the locking sleeve 6 is mounted axially displaceable between an active position shown in Figure 1 in which the first coupling means 6a of this sleeve 6 cooperate with the first complementary means of the shaft 1 to block the shaft in rotation in the body by cooperation of its second coupling means 6b with the second complementary means 2a of the body, and a retracted position. In the retracted position shown in FIG. 2, the first coupling means 6a of the locking sleeve 6 are disengaged from the first means complementary to the shaft, so that the latter can rotate freely relative to the sleeve and so compared to the column body. It is understood that this structure has a certain number of advantages compared to conventional structures with locking bolt insofar as the locking sleeve is interposed between the steering shaft and the column body and therefore cannot be torn off during an attempted theft.
Par ailleurs, le couple appliqué sur l'arbre, par exemple lors d'une tentative de vol, est réparti sur plusieurs parties en saillie et en creux complémentaires de cet arbre, du manchon et du corps de sorte que les risques de dégradation de l'ensemble de colonne sont réduits par rapport aux structures classiques.Furthermore, the torque applied to the shaft, for example during an attempted theft, is distributed over several protruding and recessed parts of this shaft, of the sleeve and of the body so that the risks of degradation of the 'column set are reduced compared to conventional structures.
Enfin, l'interposition du manchon de blocage entre 1'arbre et le corps permet également un gain de place à l'extérieur de celui-ci.Finally, the interposition of the blocking sleeve between the shaft and the body also saves space outside of the latter.
Il va de soi bien entendu que d'autres modes de réalisation peuvent être envisagés comme celui représenté sur la figure 3, dans laquelle on reconnaît l'arbre de direction 1, le corps de colonne 2 et le palier 3. Le dispositif antivol comporte toujours le manchon 6 déplaçable axialement entre une position active et une position escamotée et muni par exemple sur sa surface externe des seconds moyens d'accouplement 6b adaptés pour coopérer avec les seconds moyens complémen- taires 2a du corps 2 et par exemple sur sa surface interne des premiers moyens d'accouplement 6a adaptés pour coopé¬ rer avec des premiers moyens complémentaires 10a d'une bague 10 portée par cet arbre 1 et reliée à celui-ci par l'intermédiaire de moyens de friction 11. Cette structure à bague et moyens de friction forme des moyens de limitation de transmission de couple entre 1'arbre et le corps en provoquant par exemple un découplage de l'arbre de direction 1 de la bague 10 lorsque le couple appliqué sur cet arbre est supérieur à la résistance de la liaison entre cet arbre et la bague engendrée par les moyens de friction 11.It goes without saying of course that other embodiments can be envisaged such as that shown in FIG. 3, in which the steering shaft 1, the column body 2 and the bearing 3 are recognized. The anti-theft device always comprises the sleeve 6 movable axially between an active position and a retracted position and provided for example on its external surface with second coupling means 6b adapted to cooperate with the second complementary means 2a of the body 2 and for example on its internal surface of the first coupling means 6a adapted to cooperate with first complementary means 10a of a ring 10 carried by this shaft 1 and connected to the latter by means of friction means 11. This ring structure and means of friction forms means for limiting the transmission of torque between the shaft and the body, for example by uncoupling the steering shaft 1 from the ring 10 when the torque appends liqué on this tree is greater than the resistance of the connection between this shaft and the ring generated by the friction means 11.
On conçoit alors que 1'arbre peut tourner de façon freinée, dans cette bague 10, pour éviter toute dégradation du reste de l'ensemble de colonne.It is therefore understood that the shaft can rotate in a braked manner, in this ring 10, to avoid any degradation of the rest of the column assembly.
Un exemple de réalisation des parties en saillie et en creux complémentaires du corps, de l'arbre et du manchon est représenté sur la figure 4, dans laquelle on reconnaît le corps 2, le manchon 6 et l'arbre de direction 1.An exemplary embodiment of the projecting and recessed portions of the body, the shaft and the sleeve is shown in FIG. 4, in which the body 2, the sleeve 6 and the steering shaft 1 are recognized.
Ainsi qu'on l'a mentionné précédemment, les premiers et les seconds moyens d'accouplement et les premiers et les seconds moyens complémentaires peuvent être constitués par des parties en saillie et en creux complémentaires de cet arbre, du manchon et du corps, adaptées pour bloquer 1'arbre en rotation dans le corps tout en permettant un déplacement axial du manchon entre ses positions active et escamotée par le mécanisme de verrouillage. Dans l'exemple de réalisation décrit en regard de la figure 4, les premiers moyens d'accouplement 6a du manchon 6 et les moyens complémentaires la de 1'arbre 1 sont constitués par des portions de cannelures complé¬ mentaires adaptées par s'engager les unes dans les autres lorsque le manchon est en position active comme représenté sur cette figure.As mentioned previously, the first and second coupling means and the first and second complementary means can be constituted by projecting and recessed parts complementary to this shaft, the sleeve and the body, adapted to block the shaft in rotation in the body while allowing axial displacement of the sleeve between its active and retracted positions by the locking mechanism. In the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 4, the first coupling means 6a of the sleeve 6 and the complementary means 1a of the shaft 1 are constituted by portions of complementary grooves adapted by engaging the one inside the other when the sleeve is in the active position as shown in this figure.
Les seconds moyens d'accouplement 6b du manchon 6 et les moyens complémentaires 2a du corps peuvent être constitués par des gorges axiales 6b du manchon dans lesquelles s'engagent des pattes en saillie vers l'inté¬ rieur 2a du corps, ces pattes étant obtenues par exemple par emboutissage du corps et permettant de guider le déplacement axial du manchon dans le corps tout en blo¬ quant celui-ci en rotation. On notera cependant qu'un jeu angulaire est prévu entre le corps et le manchon et plus particulière¬ ment entre les moyens d'accouplement et les moyens complé¬ mentaires de ceux-ci comme cela est visible sur la figure 4, pour permettre à ce manchon de se déplacer sur une course angulaire déterminée entre le corps et 1'arbre comme cela sera décrit plus en détail par la suite.The second coupling means 6b of the sleeve 6 and the complementary means 2a of the body can be constituted by axial grooves 6b of the sleeve in which engage tabs projecting towards the interior 2a of the body, these tabs being obtained for example by stamping the body and for guiding the axial movement of the sleeve in the body while blo¬ when it in rotation. Note, however, that an angular clearance is provided between the body and the sleeve and more particularly between the coupling means and the complementary means thereof as can be seen in FIG. 4, to allow this sleeve to move over a determined angular travel between the body and the shaft as will be described in more detail below.
Bien entendu, d'autres modes de réalisation peuvent être envisagés et il va de soi également qu'une disposition inverse des premiers et des seconds moyens d'accouplement et des premiers et des seconds moyens complémentaires peut être envisagée.Of course, other embodiments can be envisaged and it goes without saying also that a reverse arrangement of the first and second coupling means and of the first and second complementary means can be envisaged.
Dans ce cas, ce sont les seconds moyens d'accou¬ plement entre le corps et le manchon qui sont débrayables, lorsque le manchon est en position escamotée.In this case, it is the second coupling means between the body and the sleeve which are disengageable, when the sleeve is in the retracted position.
Les extrémités correspondantes des moyens d'accouplement et des moyens complémentaires correspon¬ dants débrayables du manchon et du corps et/ou de l'arbre, sont de préférence effilées et le manchon présente une course déterminée de déplacement angulaire α entre le corps et l'arbre comme cela est illustré sur la figure 5. Avantageusement, cette course α correspond au pas de ces moyens d'accouplement et complémentaires afin de faciliter l'engagement de ces moyens en position de blocage de l'arbre dans le corps quelle que soit leur position relative au moment du déclenchement du mécanisme de verrouillage par l'utilisateur.The corresponding ends of the coupling means and complementary means corresponding to the disengageable of the sleeve and of the body and / or of the shaft are preferably tapered and the sleeve has a determined course of angular displacement α between the body and the shaft as illustrated in FIG. 5. Advantageously, this stroke α corresponds to the pitch of these coupling and complementary means in order to facilitate the engagement of these means in the position of blocking of the shaft in the body whatever their relative position when the locking mechanism is triggered by the user.
De plus, il peut également être prévu des moyens de sollicitation élastiques du manchon en position inter- édiaire de sa course de déplacement angulaire.In addition, means may also be provided for elastic biasing of the sleeve in the intermediate position of its angular displacement stroke.
Comme on peut le voir sur la figure 6, ces moyens élastiques désignés par la référence 20 peuvent être interposés entre le mécanisme de verrouillage et plus particulièrement le doigt 5 de celui-ci et le manchon 6 et plus particulièrement les bords d'un évidement de celui-ci destiné à recevoir ce doigt, pour solliciter celui-ci en position intermédiaire ou neutre de sa course et lui permettre de se déplacer angulaire ent dans une direction ou dans 1'autre pour obtenir un engagement immédiat des moyens d'accouplement et complémentaires débrayables du manchon et de 1'arbre lorsque le mécanisme de verrouillage est déclenché par l'utilisateur, ce qui permet de garantir un blocage immédiat de l'arbre dans le corps, c'est à dire sans nécessité de déplacement angulaire de l'arbre comme c'était le cas avec les dispositifs de l'état de la technique.As can be seen in Figure 6, these elastic means designated by the reference 20 can be interposed between the locking mechanism and more particularly the finger 5 thereof and the sleeve 6 and more particularly the edges of a recess of this one intended to receive this finger, to urge it in the intermediate or neutral position of its stroke and allow it to move angularly in one direction or in the other to obtain immediate engagement of the disengageable coupling and complementary means of the sleeve and the shaft when the locking mechanism is triggered by the user, which guarantees immediate blocking of the shaft in the body, that is to say without the need for angular displacement of the shaft as it was the case with the prior art devices.
Le dispositif antivol selon l'invention comporte également des moyens de condamnation du déplacement des moyens de blocage vers leur position escamotée, en cas de forcement du mécanisme de verrouillage.The anti-theft device according to the invention also comprises means for preventing the displacement of the locking means towards their retracted position, in the event of the locking mechanism being forced.
Ces moyens de condamnation sont également interposés entre 1'arbre et le corps de colonne et com¬ prennent des moyens d'immobilisation axiale du manchon en position active dans le corps, qui sont déplaçables entre une position escamotée et une position active d'immobili¬ sation du manchon lors du forcement du mécanisme de verrouillage. Ces moyens sont disposés par exemple d'un côté ou de 1'autre du manchon.These locking means are also interposed between the shaft and the column body and include means for axially immobilizing the sleeve in the active position in the body, which can be moved between a retracted position and an active immobili¬ sation of the sleeve when forcing the locking mechanism. These means are arranged for example on one side or the other of the sleeve.
Ces moyens d'immobilisation peuvent également être disposés autour d'une portion de ce manchon.These immobilization means can also be arranged around a portion of this sleeve.
Comme cela sera décrit plus en détail par la suite, ces moyens d'immobilisation sont sollicités vers leur position active par des moyens élastiques, et sont maintenus en position escamotée par au moins un organe de maintien disposé dans un evidement du corps de colonne et dont une extrémité coopère avec le mécanisme de verrouil¬ lage et dont 1'autre extrémité coopère avec ces moyens d'immobilisation pour les maintenir en position escamotée. Cet organe de maintien est avantageusement déplaçable entre une position active de maintien des moyens d'immobilisation en position escamotée et une position escamotée lorsque le mécanisme de verrouillage est forcé, afin de permettre un déplacement des moyens d'immobilisation vers leur position active dans laquelle ils coopèrent avec le manchon pour 1'immobiliser en position active de blocage de 1'arbre en rotation dans le corps.As will be described in more detail below, these immobilization means are urged towards their active position by elastic means, and are held in the retracted position by at least one holding member disposed in a recess of the column body and whose one end cooperates with the locking mechanism and the other end of which cooperates with these immobilization means to keep them in the retracted position. This holding member is advantageously movable between an active position for holding the immobilization means in the retracted position and a retracted position when the locking mechanism is forced, in order to allow movement of the immobilization means towards their active position in which they cooperate with the sleeve to immobilize it in the active locking blocking position The rotating shaft in the body.
Sur la Fig.7, on a représenté un premier mode de réalisation de ces moyens d'immobilisation dans lequel ces moyens sont déplaçables angulairement entre leur position escamotée et leur position active.In Fig.7, there is shown a first embodiment of these immobilization means in which these means are angularly movable between their retracted position and their active position.
Ces moyens d'immobilisation sont désignés par la référence générale 30 sur cette figure.These immobilization means are designated by the general reference 30 in this figure.
Comme cela est illustré, le manchon 6 est déplaçable de sa position active représentée en traits pleins sur cette figure, vers sa position escamotée repré¬ sentée en traits pointillés sur cette figure, en s'éloi¬ gnant des moyens d'immobilisation 30 et dans ce cas, ces moyens d'immobilisation et le manchon comprennent des moyens d'accrochage complémentaires 31 de retenue de ce manchon 6 en position active lorsque les moyens d'immobi¬ lisation sont en position active.As illustrated, the sleeve 6 is movable from its active position shown in solid lines in this figure, towards its retracted position shown in dotted lines in this figure, by moving away from the immobilization means 30 and in in this case, these immobilization means and the sleeve comprise complementary hooking means 31 for retaining this sleeve 6 in the active position when the immobilization means are in the active position.
Ces moyens d'accrochage peuvent comporter au moins un crochet 32 solidaire de l'un des éléments, manchon ou moyens d'immobilisation et adapté pour coopérer avec une surface de butée complémentaire 33 de 1'autre élément, moyens d'immobilisation ou manchon, par engage¬ ment par déplacement angulaire de 1'un par rapport à 1'autre élément. Dans l'exemple de réalisation décrit, le crochetThese attachment means may comprise at least one hook 32 integral with one of the elements, sleeve or immobilization means and adapted to cooperate with a complementary abutment surface 33 of the other element, immobilization means or sleeve, by engagement by angular displacement of one relative to the other element. In the example of embodiment described, the hook
32 est solidaire des moyens d'immobilisation 30 tandis que la surface de butée complémentaire 33 est réalisée dans le manchon 6.32 is integral with the immobilization means 30 while the complementary abutment surface 33 is produced in the sleeve 6.
En fait, ces moyens d'immobilisation 30 compren- nent par exemple une première bague 34 reliée au corps 2 et une seconde bague 35 déplaçable angulairement par rapport à la première, entre une position escamotée représentée en traits pleins sur cette figure et permet¬ tant un déplacement axial du manchon 6 entre ses positions active et escamotée, cette seconde bague 35 comportant le crochet 32.In fact, these immobilization means 30 comprise for example a first ring 34 connected to the body 2 and a second ring 35 angularly displaceable relative to the first, between a retracted position shown in solid lines in this figure and allowing an axial displacement of the sleeve 6 between its active and retracted positions, this second ring 35 comprising the hook 32.
Des moyens élastiques 36 constitués par exemple par un ressort hélicoïdal sont disposés entre ces bagues pour solliciter la seconde bague 35 à se déplacer angulai- rement de sa position escamotée vers sa position active.Elastic means 36 constituted for example by a helical spring are disposed between these rings to urge the second ring 35 to move angularly from its retracted position to its active position.
Cependant, un organe de maintien désigné par la référence générale 37 sur cette figure, permet de mainte¬ nir cette seconde bague 35 en position escamotée pour maintenir les moyens d'immobilisation en position escamo- tée.However, a holding member designated by the general reference 37 in this figure, allows this second ring 35 to be maintained in the retracted position to maintain the immobilization means in the retracted position.
Comme cela sera décrit plus en détail par la suite, cet organe de maintien 35 traverse un evidement du corps et comporte une extrémité adaptée pour coopérer avec la seconde bague 35 afin de la maintenir en position escamotée et dans ce cas avec le crochet de celle-ci et une autre extrémité en appui par exemple sur une surface de butée du mécanisme de verrouillage, qui le maintient en position active de maintien des moyens d'immobilisation en position escamotée. On conçoit alors que lors d'une tentative de forcement du mécanisme de verrouillage, celui-ci est partiellement ou totalement arraché ou déformé, et l'or¬ gane de maintien 37 qui est relié à celui-ci peut se déplacer vers une position escamotée en libérant les moyens d'immobilisation, c'est à dire la seconde bague 35 de ceux-ci, pour que le crochet 32 de cette seconde bague coopère avec la surface de butée complémentaire 33 du manchon 6 pour immobiliser celui-ci en position active de blocage de 1'arbre en rotation dans le corps. Ce dispositif antivol présente une inviolabilité améliorée dans la mesure où il comporte des moyens d'immo¬ bilisation du manchon en position active de blocage en rotation de l'arbre dans le corps, ces moyens d'immobili- sation étant interposés entre 1'arbre et le corps et n'étant donc pas accessibles directement lors du forcement du mécanisme de verrouillage.As will be described in more detail below, this holding member 35 passes through a recess in the body and has an end adapted to cooperate with the second ring 35 in order to keep it in the retracted position and in this case with the hook of the latter. ci and another end bearing for example on an abutment surface of the locking mechanism, which keeps it in the active position for holding the immobilization means in the retracted position. It is therefore understood that during an attempt to force the locking mechanism, the latter is partially or completely torn off or deformed, and the retaining member 37 which is connected to the latter can move towards a retracted position by releasing the immobilization means, that is to say the second ring 35 thereof, so that the hook 32 of this second ring cooperates with the complementary abutment surface 33 of the sleeve 6 to immobilize the latter in the active position blocking the rotating shaft in the body. This anti-theft device has improved inviolability insofar as it comprises means for immobilizing the sleeve in the active position of blocking the rotation of the shaft in the body, these immobilizing means being interposed between the shaft. and the body and therefore not being directly accessible during the forcing of the locking mechanism.
De plus, le déclenchement des moyens d'immobili¬ sation est obtenu de manière automatique dès que le mécanisme de verrouillage est forcé.In addition, the triggering of the immobili¬ sation means is obtained automatically as soon as the locking mechanism is forced.
Il va de soi bien entendu que d'autres modes de réalisation peuvent être envisagés comme celui représenté sur les figures 8,9 et 10.It goes without saying of course that other embodiments can be envisaged such as that shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10.
Dans l'exemple de réalisation décrit en regard de ces figures, on reconnaît l'arbre de direction 1, le corps de colonne de direction 2 et le manchon 6 qui est toujours déplaçable entre une position active d'immobili¬ sation en rotation de 1'arbre dans le corps de colonne et une position escamotée par déplacement axial entre 1'arbre et le corps sous la commande d'un mécanisme de verrouilla¬ ge.In the embodiment described with reference to these figures, the steering shaft 1, the steering column body 2 and the sleeve 6 are recognized, which is always movable between an active position of immobilization in rotation of 1 'shaft in the column body and a position retracted by axial movement between the shaft and the body under the control of a locking mechanism.
Sur cette figure, les moyens d'immobilisation du manchon en position active lors du forcement du mécanisme de verrouillage, sont désignés par la référence générale 40.In this figure, the means for immobilizing the sleeve in the active position during the forcing of the locking mechanism are designated by the general reference 40.
Alors que dans 1'exemple de réalisation repré¬ senté sur la figure 7, le manchon était déplaçable de sa position active vers sa position escamotée en s'éloignant des moyens d'immobilisation 30, dans l'exemple de réalisa- tion représenté sur ces figures 8,9 et 10, le manchon est déplaçable de sa position active vers sa position escamo¬ tée en se rapprochant des moyens d'immobilisation 40 et ces moyens d'immobilisation et ce manchon comprennent dans ce cas des moyens de butée axiale complémentaires de maintien du manchon en position active lorsque les moyens d'immobilisation sont en position active.While in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the sleeve was movable from its active position to its retracted position away from the immobilization means 30, in the exemplary embodiment shown in these Figures 8,9 and 10, the sleeve is movable from its active position to its retracted position by approaching the immobilization means 40 and these immobilization means and this sleeve in this case comprise complementary axial stop means of holding the sleeve in the active position when the immobilization means are in the active position.
Les moyens d'immobilisation 40 comprennent toujours par exemple une première bague 41 reliée au corps de colonne 2 et une seconde bague 42 déplaçable angulaire¬ ment par rapport à la première bague entre une position escamotée et une position active d'immobilisation du manchon, représentées respectivement sur les figures 9 et 10. Cette seconde bague 42 et le manchon 6 compor¬ tent des parties en saillie et en creux axiales complémen¬ taires désignées par exemple par les références 43, 44 et 45,46 respectivement, adaptées pour coopérer les unes avec les autres pour autoriser un déplacement axial du manchon 6 entre sa position active et sa position escamotée lorsque les moyens d'immobilisation sont en position escamotée (Fig.9) et interdire tout déplacement axial de ce manchon 6 de sa position active vers sa position escamotée lorsque les moyens d'immobilisation sont en position active (Fig.10).The immobilization means 40 always include for example a first ring 41 connected to the column body 2 and a second ring 42 displaceable angularly with respect to the first ring between a retracted position and an active position for immobilizing the sleeve, shown respectively in FIGS. 9 and 10. This second ring 42 and the sleeve 6 have protruding parts and axial recesses complementary to them designated for example by the references 43, 44 and 45.46 respectively, adapted to cooperate with one another with the others to allow axial movement of the sleeve 6 between its active position and its retracted position when the immobilization means are in the retracted position (Fig. 9) and prohibit any axial movement of this sleeve 6 from its active position to its position retracted when the immobilization means are in the active position (Fig. 10).
Des moyens élastiques désignés par la référence 47 sont disposés entre ces deux bagues pour solliciter la seconde bague 42 vers sa position active d'immobilisation du manchon, par déplacement angulaire par rapport à la première bague 41.Elastic means designated by the reference 47 are arranged between these two rings to urge the second ring 42 towards its active position for immobilizing the sleeve, by angular displacement relative to the first ring 41.
Un organe de maintien 48 traversant un evidement du corps de colonne 2 permet de maintenir cette seconde bague 42 en position escamotée en fonctionnement normal, tandis qu'ainsi que cela a été expliqué précédemment, lorsque le mécanisme de verrouillage est forcé, cet organe de maintien se déplace de sa position active représentée sur ces figures vers une position escamotée, de libération de la seconde bague 42 et permettant un déplacement angulaire de celle-ci, de sa position escamotée représen- tée sur la figure 9, dans laquelle la ou chaque partie en saillie de l'un des éléments, manchon ou bague, est en regard d'une partie en creux correspondante de l'autre élément, vers sa position active représentée sur la Fig.10, dans laquelle la ou chaque partie en saillie de l'un des éléments est en regard d'une partie en saillie correspondante de 1 'autre élément pour bloquer le manchon 6 en position active.A retaining member 48 passing through a recess in the column body 2 makes it possible to maintain this second ring 42 in the retracted position in normal operation, while as has been explained above, when the locking mechanism is forced, this retaining member moves from its active position shown in these figures to a retracted position, for release of the second ring 42 and allowing an angular displacement of the latter, from its retracted position shown in FIG. 9, in which the or each part in projection of one of the elements, sleeve or ring, is opposite a corresponding hollow part of the other element, towards its active position shown in Fig.10, in which the or each protruding part of the one of the elements is opposite a corresponding projecting part of the other element to block the sleeve 6 in the active position.
On conçoit alors qu'en fonctionnement normal, l'organe de maintien 48 relié au mécanisme de verrouillage permet de maintenir la seconde bague en position escamotée tandis qu'en cas de forcement de mécanisme de verrouilla¬ ge, cet organe de maintien 48 libère la seconde bague 42 et autorise celle-ci à se déplacer de sa position escamo¬ tée vers sa position active d'immobilisation du manchon en position active de blocage de l'arbre en rotation dans le corps de colonne.It is therefore conceivable that in normal operation, the retaining member 48 connected to the locking mechanism allows the second ring to be held in the retracted position while in the event of a forced locking mechanism, this retaining member 48 releases the second ring 42 and allows the latter to move from its retracted position to its active position for immobilizing the sleeve in the active position for blocking the rotating shaft in the column body.
Dans l'exemple de réalisation représenté sur les Fig.l1A et 11B, on reconnaît l'arbre de direction 1, le corps de colonne de direction 2, le manchon 6 et le doigt de déplacement 5 relié au mécanisme de verrouillage.In the embodiment shown in Fig.l1A and 11B, we recognize the steering shaft 1, the steering column body 2, the sleeve 6 and the displacement finger 5 connected to the locking mechanism.
Dans ce mode de réalisation, les moyens d'immo¬ bilisation du manchon en position active de blocage en rotation de 1 'arbre dans le corps de colonne 2 lors du forcement du mécanisme de verrouillage, sont désignés par la référence générale 50.In this embodiment, the means for immobilizing the sleeve in the active position of blocking the rotation of the shaft in the column body 2 when the locking mechanism is forced, are designated by the general reference 50.
Dans ce mode de réalisation, ces moyens d'immo¬ bilisation sont déplaçables axialement entre leur position escamotée représentée sur la figure 11A et leur position active représentée sur la figure 11B. En fait, ces moyens d'immobilisation comprennent également une première bague 51 reliée au corps et une seconde bague 52 déplaçable axialement en direction du manchon 6 sous 1 ' action de moyens élastiques 53 interposés entre ces deux bagues. Un organe de maintien 54 relié au mécanisme de verrouillage permet de bloquer la seconde bague 52 en position escamotée tant que le mécanisme de verrouillage n'est pas forcé. On conçoit alors que lors du forcement de ce mécanisme de verrouillage, cet organe de maintien 54 s'escamote et permet le déplacement de la seconde bague 52 de sa position escamotée vers sa position active d'immobi¬ lisation du manchon en position active de blocage de l'arbre 1 dans le corps de colonne de direction 2.In this embodiment, these immobilization means can be moved axially between their retracted position shown in FIG. 11A and their active position shown in FIG. 11B. In fact, these immobilization means also comprise a first ring 51 connected to the body and a second ring 52 movable axially in the direction of the sleeve 6 under the action of elastic means 53 interposed between these two rings. A holding member 54 connected to the locking mechanism makes it possible to block the second ring 52 in the retracted position as long as the locking mechanism is not forced. It can therefore be seen that during the forcing of this locking mechanism, this holding member 54 retracts and allows the displacement of the second ring 52 from its retracted position towards its active position of immobilisation of the sleeve in the active blocking position. shaft 1 in the steering column body 2.
On notera que cette seconde bague 52 fait office d'organe de butée axiale pour le manchon et peut comporter des moyens d'interdiction de son déplacement vers sa position escamotée, constitués par exemple par une ou plusieurs languettes élastiques 55 de cette seconde bague adaptées pour coopérer avec le bord de la première bague 51 lorsque la seconde bague 52 est en position active afin d'interdire le retour de cette seconde bague dans sa position escamotée. Bien entendu, d'autres modes de réalisation de ces moyens peuvent être envisagés.It will be noted that this second ring 52 acts as an axial stop member for the sleeve and may include means for preventing its movement towards its retracted position, constituted for example by one or more elastic tongues 55 of this second ring adapted for cooperate with the edge of the first ring 51 when the second ring 52 is in the active position in order to prohibit the return of this second ring to its retracted position. Of course, other embodiments of these means can be envisaged.
Dans l'exemple de réalisation représenté sur les figures 12,13 et 14, on reconnaît l'arbre de direction 1, le corps de colonne de direction 2 et le manchon 6 Dans cet exemple de réalisation, le manchon comporte une portion en forme de crémaillère 60 adaptée pour coopérer avec une portion dentée 61 d'un organe de déplacement de celui-ci désigné par la référence générale 62, comportant une autre portion dentée 63 coopérant avec un organe de déplacement 64 relié à un ensemble à barillet de verrouillage de manoeuvre de cet organe, désigné par la référence générale 65.In the embodiment shown in Figures 12,13 and 14, we recognize the steering shaft 1, the steering column body 2 and the sleeve 6 In this embodiment, the sleeve has a portion in the form of rack 60 adapted to cooperate with a toothed portion 61 of a displacement member thereof designated by the general reference 62, comprising another toothed portion 63 cooperating with a displacement member 64 connected to a maneuver locking barrel assembly of this body, designated by the general reference 65.
On conçoit alors que lorsqu'un utilisateur actionne l'ensemble à barillet de verrouillage, il déplace en translation l'organe de déplacement 64 qui provoque un déplacement angulaire de l'organe 62, ce qui se traduit par un déplacement axial du manchon 6 entre ses positions active de blocage et escamotée de libération de 1'arbre 1 par rapport au corps de colonne 2. Cet ensemble est logé dans un boîtier fixé au corps de colonne de direction 2, ce boîtier étant désigné par la référence générale 66.It can therefore be seen that when a user actuates the locking barrel assembly, he moves the displacement member 64 in translation which causes a angular displacement of the member 62, which results in an axial displacement of the sleeve 6 between its active locking and retracted positions for releasing the shaft 1 relative to the column body 2. This assembly is housed in a fixed housing to the steering column body 2, this box being designated by the general reference 66.
Les moyens d'immobilisation du manchon 6 en position active de blocage de l'arbre dans le corps, sont désignés par la référence générale 70 sur ces figures.The means for immobilizing the sleeve 6 in the active position for blocking the shaft in the body are designated by the general reference 70 in these figures.
Dans l'exemple de réalisation décrit en regard de ces figures, ces moyens sont déplaçables radialement entre leur position escamotée et leur position active et comprennent avantageusement un organe en forme de pince 71 relié au corps et adapté pour coopérer en position active avec l'arbre et/ou le manchon pour l'immobiliser en position active.In the embodiment described with reference to these figures, these means can be moved radially between their retracted position and their active position and advantageously comprise a clip-shaped member 71 connected to the body and adapted to cooperate in the active position with the shaft and / or the sleeve to immobilize it in the active position.
C'est ainsi par exemple que cet organe peut venir en appui sur 1'arbre devant le manchon pour 1'immo- biliser.Thus, for example, this member can come to bear on the shaft in front of the sleeve to immobilize it.
Cet organe en forme de pince comporte comme on peut le voir plus particulièrement sur la figure 14, deux mâchoires à peu près symétriques 72 et 73 sollicitées elastiquement en direction 1'une de 1'autre par exemple par un jonc élastique 74, disposé dans une gorge de ces mâchoires.This clip-shaped member comprises, as can be seen more particularly in FIG. 14, two approximately symmetrical jaws 72 and 73 elastically urged towards one another, for example by an elastic ring 74, arranged in a throat of these jaws.
En position escamotée des moyens d'immobili¬ sation, les mâchoires sont maintenues en position écartée par un organe de maintien 75 intercalé par exemple entre les extrémités libres de celles-ci.In the retracted position of the immobili¬ sation means, the jaws are held in the separated position by a holding member 75 interposed for example between the free ends thereof.
On conçoit en effet en regard de ces figures qu'en position escamotée des moyens d'immobilisation, l'une des extrémités de l'organe de maintien 75 est dispo¬ sée entre les deux mâchoires 72 et 73 pour les maintenir en position écartée, c'est à dire pour permettre un dépla- cernent du manchon 6 entre ses positions active et escamo tée.It is in fact conceivable with regard to these figures that in the retracted position of the immobilization means, one of the ends of the holding member 75 is available between the two jaws 72 and 73 to keep them in the separated position, ie to allow a displacement surround the sleeve 6 between its active and retracted positions.
Ainsi que cela est représenté, cet organe d maintien 75 peut par exemple se présenter sous la form d'une tige de butée disposée dans le boîtier 66 et don 1'une des extrémités passe dans un evidement du corps d colonne et est engagée entre les deux mâchoires des moyen d'immobilisation et dont l'autre extrémité est en appu sur des moyens de butée du mécanisme de verrouillage comm par exemple sur l'ensemble à barillet 65 comme cela es illustré.As shown, this retaining member 75 may for example be in the form of a stop rod disposed in the housing 66 and don 1'une ends passes through a recess of the column body and is engaged between the two jaws of the immobilizing means and the other end of which is supported on the abutment means of the locking mechanism comm for example on the barrel assembly 65 as illustrated.
Des moyens élastiques tels qu'un ressort 7 peuvent être prévus dans le boîtier de réception d mécanisme de verrouillage, pour solliciter cet organe d maintien vers sa position escamotée.Elastic means such as a spring 7 can be provided in the housing for receiving a locking mechanism, to urge this holding member towards its retracted position.
Les parties en contact des moyens d'immobilisa tion et de 1'organe de maintien peuvent également compor ter des rampes de sorte que les moyens d'immobilisatio sollicitent également l'organe de maintien vers sa posi tion escamotée sous l'action des moyens de sollicitatio de ceux-ci vers leur position active.The parts in contact with the immobilization means and the holding member may also have ramps so that the immobilizing means also urge the holding member towards its retracted position under the action of the means of solicitatio of these towards their active position.
Cependant, on conçoit qu'en fonctionnemen normal, cet organe de maintien 75 est bloqué en positio active de maintien des moyens d'immobilisation en positio escamotée par le mécanisme de verrouillage.However, it is understood that in normal operation, this holding member 75 is locked in the positive position of holding the immobilization means in position positively retracted by the locking mechanism.
En cas de forcement de celui-ci, qui se tradui par exemple par un arrachement de l'ensemble à barillet d verrouillage 65, ou par une rupture de la liaison entre l boîtier de réception 66 de cet ensemble et le corps d colonne 2, on conçoit que l'organe de maintien 75 s'esca mote, ce qui libère les mâchoires de l'organe en forme d pince 71, qui se rapprochent l'une de l'autre et viennen par exemple en appui sur 1'arbre de direction devant l manchon ou directement sur le manchon afin d'empêche celui-ci de se déplacer vers sa position escamotée. Un organe de maintien de ce type peut être utilisé dans les autres exemples de réalisation qui ont été décrits en regard des figures précédentes.In the event of forcing of the latter, which results, for example, in a tearing of the locking barrel assembly 65, or in a rupture of the connection between the receiving housing 66 of this assembly and the column body 2, we understand that the holding member 75 esca mote, which frees the jaws of the d-shaped member clamp 71, which approach one another and viennen for example resting on the shaft direction in front of the sleeve or directly on the sleeve to prevent it from moving to its retracted position. A holding member of this type can be used in the other exemplary embodiments which have been described with reference to the preceding figures.
Cependant, d'autres modes de réalisation de cet organe peuvent être envisagés.However, other embodiments of this member can be envisaged.
On conçoit alors que le dispositif antivol selon 1'invention présente une inviolabilité améliorée par rapport aux dispositifs classiques de l'état de la techni¬ que dans la mesure où il est prévu entre le corps de colonne et l'arbre, des moyens d'immobilisation en posi¬ tion active du manchon de blocage de l'arbre, dont le fonctionnement est déclenché lors du forcement du méca¬ nisme de verrouillage.It will then be understood that the anti-theft device according to the invention has improved tamper-evident properties compared to conventional devices of the state of the art only in so far as it is provided between the column body and the shaft, means of immobilization in the active position of the shaft locking sleeve, the operation of which is triggered during the forcing of the locking mechanism.
Ces moyens d'immobilisation ne sont donc pas accessibles directement lors d'une tentative de vol du véhicule. These immobilization means are therefore not directly accessible during an attempt to steal the vehicle.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS 1. Dispositif antivol pour ensemble de colonne de direction par exemple de véhicule automobile, du type comportant un arbre de direction (1) monté rotatif dans un corps de colonne (2) et des moyens de blocage (6) en rotation de l'arbre par rapport au corps, interposés entre 1'arbre et le corps de colonne et déplaçables par un mécanisme de verrouillage (5; 62,65) fixé sur le corps, entre une position active de blocage et une position escamotée de libération de l'arbre par rapport au corps, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte des moyens (30;40;50;70) de condamnation du déplacement des moyens de blocage (6) vers leur position escamotée, en cas de forcement du mécanisme de verrouillage. CLAIMS 1. Anti-theft device for a steering column assembly, for example of a motor vehicle, of the type comprising a steering shaft (1) rotatably mounted in a column body (2) and means of locking (6) in rotation of the shaft relative to the body, interposed between the shaft and the column body and displaceable by a locking mechanism (5; 62,65) fixed on the body, between an active locking position and a retracted position for releasing the shaft relative to the body, characterized in that it comprises means (30; 40; 50; 70) for blocking the movement of the locking means (6) towards their retracted position, in the event of the locking mechanism being forced.
2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caracté¬ risé en ce que les moyens de condamnation (30;40;50;70) sont interposés entre 1'arbre (1) et le corps de colonne (2).2. Device according to claim 1, caracté¬ ized in that the locking means (30; 40; 50; 70) are interposed between the shaft (1) and the column body (2).
3. Dispositif selon la revendication 2, caracté- risé en ce que les moyens de blocage comprennent un manchon (6) interposé entre 1'arbre (1) et le corps (2), ce manchon (6) comportant des premiers et des seconds moyens d'accouplement (6a,6b) adaptés pour coopérer avec des premiers et des seconds moyens complémentaires (la,2a) de l'arbre (1) et du corps (2) respectivement, et permet¬ tant un déplacement axial du manchon (6) par le mécanisme de verrouillage (5;62,65) entre la position active dans laquelle les premiers et seconds moyens d'accouplement coopèrent avec les moyens complémentaires correspondants du corps et de l'arbre, pour bloquer l'arbre en rotation dans le corps, et la position escamotée dans laquelle les premiers et/ou les seconds moyens d'accouplement sont débrayés des moyens complémentaires correspondants et en ce que les moyens de condamnation comprennent des moyens d'immobilisation (30;40;50;70) axiale du manchon (6) en 20 position active dans le corps, déplaçables entre une position escamotée et une position active d'immobilisation du manchon (6) lors du forcement du mécanisme de verrouil¬ lage. 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking means comprise a sleeve (6) interposed between the shaft (1) and the body (2), this sleeve (6) comprising first and second coupling means (6a, 6b) adapted to cooperate with first and second complementary means (la, 2a) of the shaft (1) and of the body (2) respectively, and allowing axial displacement of the sleeve ( 6) by the locking mechanism (5; 62,65) between the active position in which the first and second coupling means cooperate with the corresponding complementary means of the body and the shaft, to block the rotating shaft in the body, and the retracted position in which the first and / or the second coupling means are disengaged from the corresponding complementary means and in that the locking means comprise immobilization means (30; 40; 50; 70) of the sleeve (6) in 20 active position in the body, movable between a retracted position and an active position for immobilizing the sleeve (6) during the forcing of the locking mechanism.
4. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caracté¬ risé en ce que les moyens d'immobilisation sont sollicités vers leur position active par des moyens élastiques (36; 47;53;74), maintenus en position escamotée par au moins un organe de maintien (37;48;54;75) disposé dans un evidement du corps et dont une extrémité coopère avec le mécanisme de verrouillage et dont l'autre extrémité coopère avec ces moyens d'immobilisation pour les maintenir en position escamotée, cet organe de maintien étant déplaçable entre une position active de maintien des moyens d'immobilisa- tion en position escamotée et une position escamotée lorsque le mécanisme de verrouillage est forcé, afin de permettre un déplacement des moyens d'immobilisation vers leur position active dans laquelle ils coopèrent avec le manchon (6) pour l'immobiliser en position active de blocage de 1'arbre en rotation dans le corps.4. Device according to claim 3, caracté¬ ized in that the immobilization means are biased towards their active position by elastic means (36; 47; 53; 74), held in the retracted position by at least one holding member (37; 48; 54; 75) disposed in a recess of the body and one end of which cooperates with the locking mechanism and the other end of which cooperates with these immobilization means to keep them in the retracted position, this holding member being movable between an active position for holding the immobilization means in the retracted position and a retracted position when the locking mechanism is forced, in order to allow movement of the immobilization means towards their active position in which they cooperate with the sleeve (6) to immobilize it in the active position of blocking the rotating shaft in the body.
5. Dispositif selon la revendication 4, carac¬ térisé en ce que les moyens d'immobilisation (30;40) sont déplaçables angulairement entre leur position escamotée et leur position active. 5. Device according to claim 4, carac¬ terized in that the immobilization means (30; 40) are angularly movable between their retracted position and their active position.
6. Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caracté¬ risé en ce que le manchon (6) est déplaçable de sa posi¬ tion active vers sa position escamotée en s'éloignant des moyens d'immobilisation (30) et en ce que ces moyens d'immobilisation et le manchon comprennent des moyens (31) d'accrochage complémentaires de retenue de celui-ci en position active lorsque les moyens d'immobilisation sont en position active.6. Device according to claim 5, caracté¬ ized in that the sleeve (6) is movable from its active posi¬ tion to its retracted position away from the immobilization means (30) and in that these means d immobilization and the sleeve comprise complementary hooking means (31) for retaining the latter in the active position when the immobilization means are in the active position.
7. Dispositif selon la revendication 6, caracté¬ risé en ce que les moyens d'accrochage (31) comprennent au moins un crochet (32) solidaire de l'un des éléments, manchon ou moyens d'immobilisation, et adapté pour coopé¬ rer avec une surface de butée complémentaire (33) de l'autre élément, moyens d'immobilisation ou manchon, par engagement par déplacement angulaire de 1'un par rapport à 1'autre élémen .7. Device according to claim 6, caracté¬ ized in that the attachment means (31) comprise at least one hook (32) secured to one of the elements, sleeve or immobilization means, and adapted to cooperate with a complementary abutment surface (33) of the other element, immobilization means or sleeve, by engagement by angular displacement of one relative to the other element.
8. Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caracté¬ risé en ce que le manchon (6) est déplaçable de sa posi¬ tion active vers sa position escamotée en se rapprochant des moyens d'immobilisation (40) et en ce que ces moyens d'immobilisation et ce manchon comprennent des moyens de butée axiale complémentaires (43,44,45,46) de maintien (6) du manchon en position active lorsque les moyens d'immobi¬ lisation sont en position active.8. Device according to claim 5, caracté¬ ized in that the sleeve (6) is movable from its active posi¬ tion to its retracted position by approaching the immobilization means (40) and in that these means immobilization and this sleeve comprises complementary axial stop means (43,44,45,46) for holding (6) the sleeve in the active position when the immobilization means are in the active position.
9. Dispositif selon la revendication 8, caracté- risé en ce que les moyens de butée axiale comprennent des parties en saillie (43,44,45,46) et en creux axiales complémentaires du manchon et des moyens d'immobilisation, la ou chaque partie en saillie de l'un des éléments, manchon ou moyens d'immobilisation, étant en regard d'une partie en creux correspondante de l'autre élément, lorsque les moyens d'immobilisation sont en position escamotée, tandis que lorsque ceux-ci sont en position active, la ou chaque partie en saillie de l'un des éléments est en regard d'une partie en saillie correspondante de l'autre élément.9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the axial stop means comprise protruding parts (43,44,45,46) and axial recesses complementary to the sleeve and immobilization means, the or each projecting part of one of the elements, sleeve or immobilization means, being opposite a corresponding hollow part of the other element, when the immobilization means are in the retracted position, while when these are in the active position, the or each projecting part of one of the elements is opposite a corresponding projecting part of the other element.
10. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 à 9, caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'immobilisation comprennent une première bague (34;41) reliée au corps (2) et une seconde bague (35;42) déplaça- ble angulairement par rapport à la première entre une position escamotée et une position active d'immobilisation du manchon et comportant la partie correspondante des moyens d'accrochage (31) ou de butée axiale complémentai¬ res (43,44) et entre lesquelles sont prévus les moyens élastiques (36;47) de sollicitation de ceux-ci vers leur position active, l'organe de maintien (37;48) des moyens d'immobilisation en position escamotée étant adapté pour coopérer avec la seconde bague (35;42) pour la maintenir en position escamotée. 10. Device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the immobilization means comprise a first ring (34; 41) connected to the body (2) and a second movable ring (35; 42) angularly with respect to the first between a retracted position and an active position for immobilizing the sleeve and comprising the corresponding part of the hooking means (31) or of the axial stop complementary (43,44) and between which the elastic means (36; 47) for urging them towards their active position, the holding member (37; 48) of the immobilization means in the retracted position being adapted to cooperate with the second ring (35; 42) to maintain it in the retracted position.
11. Dispositif selon la revendication 4, carac¬ térisé en ce que les moyens d'immobilisation (70) sont déplaçables radialement entre leur position escamotée et leur position active.11. Device according to claim 4, carac¬ terized in that the immobilization means (70) are radially movable between their retracted position and their active position.
12. Dispositif selon la revendication 11, caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'immobilisation compren¬ nent un organe en forme de pince (71) relié au corps (2) et adapté pour coopérer en position active avec 1'arbre et/ou le manchon (6) pour l'immobiliser dans le corps.12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the immobilization means comprise a clamp-shaped member (71) connected to the body (2) and adapted to cooperate in the active position with the shaft and / or the sleeve (6) to immobilize it in the body.
13. Dispositif selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que l'organe en forme de pince (71) comporte deux mâchoires (72,73) sollicitées elastiquement en direction l'une de l'autre et maintenues en position écartée par l'organe de maintien (75).13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the clip-shaped member (71) comprises two jaws (72,73) urged elastically in the direction of one another and kept in position separated by the member holding (75).
14. Dispositif selon la revendication 12 ou 13, caractérisé en ce qu'en position active, l'organe en forme de pince (71) est adapté pour venir en appui sur l'arbre de direction devant le manchon afin de l'immobiliser.14. Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that in the active position, the clip-shaped member (71) is adapted to bear on the steering shaft in front of the sleeve in order to immobilize it.
15. Dispositif selon la revendication 4, carac¬ térisé en ce que les moyens d'immobilisation (50) sont déplaçables axialement entre leur position escamotée et leur position active.15. Device according to claim 4, carac¬ terized in that the immobilization means (50) are axially movable between their retracted position and their active position.
16. Dispositif selon la revendication 15, caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'immobilisation compren¬ nent un organe de butée axiale (52) sollicité en position active pour un organe élastique (53) inter osé entre le corps et cet organe, et maintenu en position escamotée par 1'organe de maintien (54) .16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the immobilization means comprise an axial stop member (52) biased in the active position for an elastic member (53) inter osed between the body and this member, and maintained in the retracted position by the holding member (54).
17. Dispositif selon la revendication 16, caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'immobilisation compren- nent des moyens (55) d'interdiction du déplacement de l'organe de butée axiale vers sa position escamotée, lorsqu'il est en position active.17. Device according to claim 16, characterized in that the immobilization means comprise means (55) for preventing the movement of the axial stop member towards its retracted position, when it is in the active position.
18. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 17, caractérisé en ce que l'organe de maintien (37;48;54;75) en position escamotée des moyens d'immobilisation est sollicité vers sa position escamotée et est maintenu en position active par des moyens de butée du mécanisme de verrouillage.18. Device according to any one of claims 4 to 17, characterized in that the holding member (37; 48; 54; 75) in the retracted position of the immobilizing means is biased towards its retracted position and is held in active position by stop means of the locking mechanism.
19. Dispositif selon la revendication 18, caractérisé en ce que ledit organe de maintien est solli¬ cité vers sa position escamotée par les moyens d'immobili¬ sation et/ou par un organe élastique (76).19. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that said holding member is solli¬ cited towards its retracted position by the immobili¬ sation means and / or by an elastic member (76).
20. Dispositif selon la revendication 18 ou 19, caractérisé en ce que le mécanisme de verrouillage com- porte un boîtier (66) fixé au corps de colonne (2) et dans lequel est logé un ensemble à barillet de verrouillage (65) de manoeuvre de moyens de déplacement (5;62) du manchon (6) et en ce que l'organe de maintien (75) se présente sous la forme d'une tige de butée logée dans le boîtier (66) et dont une extrémité coopère avec les moyens d'immobilisation et dont 1'autre extrémité est en appui sur l'ensemble à barillet (65).20. Device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the locking mechanism comprises a housing (66) fixed to the column body (2) and in which is housed a locking barrel assembly (65) for operating displacement means (5; 62) of the sleeve (6) and in that the holding member (75) is in the form of an abutment rod housed in the housing (66) and one end of which cooperates with the immobilization means and the other end of which bears on the barrel assembly (65).
21. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 20, caractérisé en ce que les moyens d'accouplement et les moyens complémentaires débrayables du manchon (6) et du corps (2) et/ou de 1'arbre (1), comprennent des extrémités complémentaires correspondantes effilées facilitant leur engagement.21. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 20, characterized in that the coupling means and the complementary disengageable means of the sleeve (6) and of the body (2) and / or of the shaft (1), include corresponding complementary tapered ends for easy engagement.
22. Dispositif selon la revendication 21, caractérisé en ce que le manchon présente Une course de déplacement angulaire déterminée (α) entre 1'arbre et le corps.22. Device according to claim 21, characterized in that the sleeve has a determined angular displacement stroke (α) between the shaft and the body.
23. Dispositif selon la revendication 22, caractérisé en ce que la course de déplacement angulaire (α) du manchon correspond au pas des moyens d'accouplement et des moyens complémentaires débrayables du manchon et du corps et/ou de l'arbre.23. Device according to claim 22, characterized in that the angular displacement stroke (α) of the sleeve corresponds to the pitch of the coupling means and additional disengageable means of the sleeve and the body and / or the shaft.
24. Dispositif selon la revendication 22 ou 23, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte des moyens de sollicita- tion élastiques (20) du manchon (6) en position angulaire intermédiaire de la course.24. Device according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that it comprises elastic biasing means (20) of the sleeve (6) in the intermediate angular position of the stroke.
25. Dispositif selon la revendication 24, caractérisé en ce que les moyens élastiques sont disposés entre le mécanisme de verrouillage (5;62) et le manchon (6). 25. Device according to claim 24, characterized in that the elastic means are arranged between the locking mechanism (5; 62) and the sleeve (6).
EP95908297A 1994-02-03 1995-02-01 Anti-theft device for a steering wheel column, for use, for example, in motor vehicles Withdrawn EP0690801A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9401229A FR2715618B1 (en) 1994-02-03 1994-02-03 Anti-theft device for a steering column assembly, for example of a motor vehicle.
FR9401229 1994-02-03
PCT/FR1995/000122 WO1995021076A1 (en) 1994-02-03 1995-02-01 Anti-theft device for a steering wheel column, for use, for example, in motor vehicles

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0690801A1 true EP0690801A1 (en) 1996-01-10

Family

ID=9459748

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95908297A Withdrawn EP0690801A1 (en) 1994-02-03 1995-02-01 Anti-theft device for a steering wheel column, for use, for example, in motor vehicles

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0690801A1 (en)
JP (1) JPH08511496A (en)
KR (1) KR960701762A (en)
FR (1) FR2715618B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1995021076A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5906120A (en) * 1998-04-09 1999-05-25 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. Automotive vehicle steering column lock mechanism
JP4708085B2 (en) * 2005-05-13 2011-06-22 株式会社ブリヂストン Tire testing equipment

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2252473A1 (en) * 1972-10-26 1974-05-02 Ymos Metallwerke Wolf & Becker STEERING AND IGNITION LOCK, IN PARTICULAR FOR VEHICLES
DE2644312C2 (en) * 1976-10-01 1978-11-23 Neiman Gmbh + Co Kg, 5600 Wuppertal Device for locking a cylinder lock-operated locking bolt in a locked position
FR2523532A1 (en) * 1982-03-19 1983-09-23 Andre Parrier Anti-theft steering lock for motor vehicle - uses sliding sleeve with plane faces around its inner and outer walls to match corresp. faces on steering column
DE3622361A1 (en) * 1986-07-03 1988-01-14 Daimler Benz Ag UNLOCKING FOR A STEERING WHEEL LOCK
DE3638429A1 (en) * 1986-11-11 1988-05-26 Huelsbeck & Fuerst LOCKING DEVICE FOR STEERING COLUMNS IN VEHICLES
WO1990001437A1 (en) * 1988-08-04 1990-02-22 Tibbe Kg Steering lock for motor vehicles
US4936408A (en) * 1989-03-08 1990-06-26 Melo Frank L Apparatus for preventing theft of an automotive vehicle
IT223027Z2 (en) * 1991-07-09 1995-05-25 Trw Sipea Spa ANTI-THEFT BREAKER FOR VEHICLES

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9521076A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR960701762A (en) 1996-03-28
JPH08511496A (en) 1996-12-03
FR2715618A1 (en) 1995-08-04
FR2715618B1 (en) 1996-04-12
WO1995021076A1 (en) 1995-08-10

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