Abstract: A support structure is provided with two flanges (41,42) between which the steering column (43) is arranged. A device for locking the column by moving the flanges together has a tie (40) extending between the flanges, one end of which is associated with locking members including a stop member (44) for the tie, an intermediate bearing member (45) in contact with one flange, and a spacing assembly (46) arranged between the two members. The spacing assembly includes at least one rolling member (48,49) between the facing surfaces of the members, and a cage (50) for displacing this rolling member along an incline (52) provided on the corresponding surface of the intermediate bearing member (45). At least part of the tie connected to the stop member can be displaced rotationally so as to follow the displacements of the rolling member.

Abstract: A device for improving the ease of operation of an adjustable steering column is disclosed. This device includes a support structure provided with two movable lock flanges between which the column is arranged, and a tie (20) extending between the flanges, one end of which is associated with a stop member (24) for the tie, an intermediate bearing member (25) in contact with one flange and, arranged between the two members, an intermediate bearing washer (51) free to rotate and move axially around the tie, a rolling-contact bearing (52) between the facing surfaces of this washer and of one of the members, at least one rolling member (53) between the facing surfaces of this washer and of the other of the members, and a cage (54) for displacing this rolling member along an incline (28) provided on one of the corresponding surfaces.

Abstract: Inside a body or tube (1), a shaft (2) carries a collar (10) which is provided with a flange or circumferential rib (14) and is mounted on the shaft in a fixed manner. The flange is retained between two radial abutments (18, 19) carried by a locking element (16) fitted in an aperture in the tube. The radial abutments are suitably shaped and cooperate with a cam formed on the collar (10) for facilitating the ejection of the locking element (16) under the effect of a rotation of the shaft (2). This device is especially adapted to the immobilization of a steering shaft in a steering column tube before the mounting of the latter on a vehicle.

Abstract: The tubular member (1) is integral with an assembly member (14) capable of sliding in a fixed U-shaped fitting and traversed by a tie bolt (20) guided in curved slots of the fitting. The tie bolt comprises a conical head (42) facing the conical surface (25) of a washer (24) for bearing against the fitting. Spacer balls (52), guided radially on these facing surfaces, the accommodated in inclined slots of a disc integrally connected to the control lever and displaced by the rotation of the latter about the tie bolt (20).