Vehicle steering device comprising a mobile structure and a device for locking the mobile structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle steering device comprising: - a mobile structure, - an actuator connected to the mobile structure and arranged to automatically move the mobile structure, -a locking device arranged to occupy: • an unlocking state, wherein the mobile structure can be moved, • a locking state, wherein the mobile structure is locked, characterised in that the steering device comprises an emergency release device arranged to: • occupy a first state in which the locking device can be retained in the unlocking state, • be manually operable by a user to enter a second activated or emergency state, so as to at least partially release the locking device, so as to allow the locking device to move into the locking state.

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: Vehicle steering device comprising a movable structure and a movable structure locking device Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to vehicle steering devices comprising a movable structure, and in particular to vehicle steering wheels with a movable part such as a portion of the rim or the entire rim that can move between a driving position (used when the vehicle is steered by the driver) and a retracted position (used when the vehicle is stationary or during autonomous driving). Prior art

[0002] It is known in the prior art of vehicle steering systems to propose a basic structure and a movable structure hinged to the basic structure, which can move between a driving position (used when the vehicle is being steered by the driver) and a retracted position (used when the vehicle is stationary or during autonomous driving). As document FR3120345 shows, it is possible to provide for automatic, motorized movement of the movable structure between the driving and retracted positions. However, if for any reason the movable structure becomes stuck in the retracted position, the driver cannot steer the vehicle. In particular, no solution is provided to guarantee that the driver can safely resume driving the vehicle even if the movable structure is manually returned to the driving position. Description of the invention

[0003] One aim of the present invention is to address the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above and, in particular, firstly, to propose a vehicle steering device with a movable part that automatically moves between a driving position and a retracted position, and which allows the vehicle to be driven safely, even after a failure of the automatic movement of the mobile structure.

[0004] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle steering device comprising: - a mobile structure, designed to be moved between a driving position and a retracted position, - an actuator, connected to the mobile structure and arranged to automatically move the mobile structure between the driving position and the retracted position, - a locking device, arranged to occupy: • an unlocked state, in which the moving structure can be moved between the driving position and the retracted position, • a locked state, in which the moving structure is locked in the driving position, the vehicle being able to be steered by a driver acting on the moving structure in the locked driving position, characterized in that the steering device includes an emergency release device, arranged to: • occupy a first state in which the locking device can be held in the unlocked state, • be able to be manually operated by a user to switch to a second state, activated or backup, so as to release at least partially the locking device, so as to allow a transition of the locking device into the locked state.

[0005] According to the above embodiment, the movement of the mobile structure between the driving position and the retracted position is automatic. The steering device also includes a locking device for locking the mobile structure in the driving position. According to the invention, the steering device includes an emergency release device that allows action (in case of necessity, for example) (In the event of an actuator failure) manually releases the locking device to allow locking when the moving structure is returned to the driving position. The operator can then manipulate the moving structure, which can no longer leave the driving position. According to this implementation, the emergency release device, once activated (in the second state, activated or emergency), releases the locking device to allow locking when the moving structure is returned to the driving position, regardless of the actuator's state.This means that the emergency release device can be activated while the mobile structure is in any position (driving, retracted, or intermediate) to transition to the second activated or emergency state. This releases the locking device, which is currently in the unlocked state. Once released, the locking device can then automatically or manually enter the locked state when the mobile structure is returned (manually or in a degraded mode) to the driving position. It should be noted that the locking device can also, during normal vehicle use, lock the mobile structure in the driving position each time the vehicle is driven by the driver (manual driving mode), or conversely, only lock it when a malfunction prevents automatic movement of the mobile structure.

[0006] The invention can be defined by the following characteristics, taken individually or in combination.

[0007] In one embodiment, the steering device may include an elastic return device arranged to control, push, or force the locking device to enter the locked state at least when the emergency release device is in the second activated or emergency state. According to the above implementation, the elastic return device may act continuously on the locking device to return it to the locked state. automatic, once the locking device is released by the activated release device.

[0008] In one embodiment, the transition of the emergency release device to the activated or emergency state bypasses or disengages the locking device from any locking control device. In other words, the locking device, upon the emergency release device transitioning to the activated or emergency state, can return to the locked state autonomously or at least without further external action.

[0009] In one embodiment, the transition of the locking device to the locked state can be irreversible when the emergency release device is in its second activated or emergency state. This irreversible transition ensures operational safety: once the locking device is in the locked state, it cannot return to the unlocked state; the moving structure can only remain in the driving position.

[0010] In one embodiment, the steering device (or the vehicle) may include: - at least one cover piece, arranged to conceal the actuator, and / or the locking device and / or the emergency release device for a user, - a passage opening, provided in the dressing room, to allow a user to control the emergency release device with a control tool separate from the steering device, to move the emergency release device from the initial state to the activated or emergency state.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the steering device (or the vehicle) may include at least one cover piece, arranged to conceal the actuator, and / or the locking device and / or the emergency release device for a user, The housing component includes an actuating part, delimited within the housing by at least one area of ​​weakness, and arranged to be separated or moved from the housing component, for example, by means of at least a partial cutout, so as to transition the emergency release device into the second activated or emergency state. The actuating part typically forms a tool component that allows the user to interact with the emergency release device to transition it into the activated state. Forming this actuating part or tool component within the housing component ensures that the user will always have access to it; the part cannot be lost.

[0012] In one embodiment, the housing may include a hinged area arranged to allow an actuating or tooling part to pivot towards an activation area of ​​the emergency release device. According to this implementation, the actuating or tooling part does not detach, and the housing provides proper positioning of the actuating or tooling part relative to the emergency release device.

[0013] In one embodiment, the transition of the emergency release device from the first state to the second activated or emergency state can be irreversible, for example, by breaking a retaining part of the release device in its initial state, or the transition of the emergency release device from the first state to the second activated or emergency state can be irreversible without removing a vehicle body panel. An irreversible transition ensures operational safety: once the locking device is in the locked state, it cannot return to the unlocked state, and the moving structure can only remain in the driving position. To return the emergency release device to the first state, it may be possible to impose either to break a specific part, or to use a tool, which guarantees a particular action that cannot be carried out untimely.

[0014] In one embodiment, the steering device may form or include a gripping interface to allow a user to drive or steer the vehicle. The user can grasp the gripping interface to drive or steer the vehicle. The gripping interface may form a closed structure (a ring, a rim, a hoop, etc.) or an open one (a U-shape, handlebars, etc.). The gripping interface may have a circular, elongated, elliptical, rectangular, or other shape.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the gripping interface may form the moving structure. In particular, the moving structure may include at least a portion of the gripping interface directly intended to be grasped, and / or at least a portion connecting it to the rest of the steering device.

[0016] More generally, it can be anticipated that the mobile structure will encompass or include at least part of the steering system, including a human-machine interface (all or part of the gripping mechanism, and all or part of the sections supporting control buttons, levers, joysticks, touchscreens, and / or displays). Retracting this at least part of the steering system, including the human-machine interface, frees up space during autonomous driving.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the steering device may form or include at least: a handle, or a lever, or a rim, or a hoop, or a handle.

[0018] In one embodiment, the steering device may form or include a steering wheel, and may include: - a hub.

[0019] In one embodiment, the steering device may form or include a steering wheel, and may include: - at least one part of the rim, forming the moving structure.

[0020] In one embodiment, the steering device may form or include a steering wheel, and may include: - at least one arm or joint arranged between the hub and said at least one part of the rim.

[0021] In one embodiment, the steering device may include at least one torque limiter arranged between the actuator and the moving structure. Such a torque limiter may allow the moving structure to be forcibly returned to the driving position.

[0022] In one embodiment, the transition of the emergency release device from the first state to the second state (activated or emergency) can reduce a torque threshold beyond which the torque limiter allows slippage or relative movement between the moving structure and the actuator. In other words, activating the emergency release device reduces the force required to slide the torque limiter. It is even possible to completely disengage the moving structure from the actuator for free movement. The user can then easily move the moving structure to the driving position so that the locking device automatically enters the locked state.

[0023] In one embodiment, the actuator can be engaged with the locking device, and the emergency release device can be arranged to at least partially release the actuator from the locking device when transitioning to the second activated or emergency state. Activation of the emergency release device at least partially releases the control or kinematic chain between the actuator and the locking device. In other words, play or freedom of movement is generated between the actuator and the locking device when the emergency release device is activated.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the steering device may include a drive device connecting the actuator to the locking device, and the drive device may include: - at least one connecting element between the locking device and the actuator, - at least one wedge or stop retaining the connecting member, and the emergency release device can be arranged to retract the wedge or stop when switching to the activated or emergency state.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the steering device may include a drive device connecting the actuator to the locking device, the drive device may include a kinematic chain, and the emergency release device, when actuation, may be arranged to generate a play in the kinematic chain at least equal to a stroke of the moving structure between the driving position and the retracted position.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the drive device can be arranged to control sequentially: - a movement of the mobile structure from the retracted position to the driving position, then the locking device from the unlocked state to the locked state, and / or - the locking device from the locked state to the unlocked state, then a movement of the moving structure from the driving position to the retracted position.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the steering device may include at least one control cable arranged to maintain the locking device in the unlocked state, and the emergency release device, when actuation, may be arranged to generate slack in the control cable, and / or to remove a stop from a sheath receiving the control cable.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the steering device may include a basic structure and the moving structure may be movable relative to the basic structure.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the steering device may include at least two joints between the base structure and the moving structure. Two pivot joints may be provided, for example.

[0030] In one embodiment, the steering device may include two locking devices, each arranged to lock the moving structure in the driving position. The locking devices may be distributed on or near the joints.

[0031] In one embodiment, the emergency release device can be arranged to act on only one of the two locking devices. In the degraded operating mode, once the emergency release device is activated, a single locking device in the locked state may be sufficient to lock the moving structure, for example, to drive the vehicle to a repair center.

[0032] In one embodiment, the steering device and / or the vehicle may include: - a locking sensor, arranged to detect if the locking device is in the locked state, - a control unit, arranged to be able to inhibit at least one function of the vehicle or send an alert to the driver if the locking device is not in the locked state (i.e. if the moving structure is not locked in the driving position).

[0033] According to one embodiment, the function that can be inhibited may be an authorization to start or to start the vehicle.

[0034] A final aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle, comprising at least one steering device according to the first aspect of the invention. Description of the figures

[0035] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of an embodiment of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] [fig. 1] represents a front view of a steering device with a moving structure, a base structure and joints arranged between the moving structure and the base structure;

[0037] [fig. 2] represents a perspective view of part of the steering device of figure 1 to show the joints and a cable drive device arranged between the joints;

[0038] [fig. 3A] represents a side view of a locking device located on a joint of the steering device of figure 1, and in a locked state;

[0039] [fig. 3B] represents the locking device of figure 3A, in an unlocked state;

[0040] [fig. 4] represents a perspective view of the cable drive device of the steering device of figure 2, including an emergency release device to allow the locking device to pass into the locked state of figure 3A;

[0041] [fig. 5] represents a cross-sectional view of the emergency release device in a first, non-activated state;

[0042] [fig. 6] represents a cross-sectional view of the emergency release device in an activated or emergency state;

[0043] [fig. 7] represents a perspective view of the emergency release device in the first, non-activated state of figure 5;

[0044] [fig. 8] represents a perspective view of the emergency release device in the activated or emergency state, of figure 6;

[0045] [fig. 9] represents an alternative implementation of the emergency release device, in the first non-activated state of figures 5 or 7.

[0046] Detailed description of implementation method(s)

[0047] Figure 1 shows a steering wheel forming a steering mechanism for a motor vehicle. A base structure 10 supports a movable structure 20 via spokes 30. The base structure 10 typically forms a steering wheel hub, and the movable structure 20 typically forms a steering wheel rim. The steering mechanism includes a first joint 40 and a second joint 50 to allow the movable structure 20 to pivot relative to the base structure 10.

[0048] The first joint 40 and the second joint 50 therefore form pivot joints, but other types of joints can be considered (with sliding joints, or levers and connecting rods for example).

[0049] The mobile structure 20 can move between: - a driving position (Figure 1) in which a user can hold it to drive the motor vehicle, and - a retracted position (not shown) in which a user can, depending on the position, place a computer on the mobile structure or increase the available legroom...

[0050] An actuator such as an electric motor can be used to automatically move the mobile structure between the driving position and the retracted position.

[0051] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of part of the steering mechanism of Figure 1, specifically without the moving structure 20. It can be seen that the first joint 40 comprises a primary pinion 41 which can, for example, be driven by the electric motor (not shown) via a torque limiter 43, and a secondary pinion 42 which meshes with the primary pinion 41. During its rotation in one direction or in the other, the secondary pinion 42 can be provided to move the mobile structure 20.

[0052] A locking device can also be provided on each joint 40 and 50 to lock the moving structure when it is in the driving position. In particular, each locking device can be designed to occupy: - an unlocked state in which the mobile structure 20 can move freely between the retracted position and the driving position, and - a locking state, in which the mobile structure 20 is locked in the driving position.

[0053] It can be anticipated that the same actuator (the electric motor that moves the mobile structure) will control the locking device from the locked state to the unlocked state and vice versa. To this end, a sequential drive can be provided via the secondary pinion 42 (a lug attached to the secondary pinion 42 that moves within an elongated opening in the mobile structure to move the mobile structure when the lug comes into contact with one end or the other of the elongated opening, and a cam actuated during the lug's movement within the elongated opening to control the locking device).

[0054] On the side of the first joint, the secondary pinion 42 provides sequential control of the movement of the movable structure 20 and of the locking device located thereon, and a cable drive device 60 is provided to control the locking device located on the side of the second joint 50. Thus, on the side of the first joint 40, there is both the drive for the movement of the movable structure and the drive for a locking device. On the side of the second joint 50, there is only a locking device to be controlled via the cable drive device 60.

[0055] The second joint 50 includes in figure 2 a control disc 51 which can pivot around the axis of the second joint under the control of the cable drive device 60.

[0056] In detail, and with reference to Figure 3A, the control disc 51 is engaged with a terminal end 66 of a control cable 61, and with a spiral return spring. Pulling the control cable 61 can rotate the control disc 51 in the clockwise direction shown in Figure 3A, and releasing the control cable 61 allows rotation in the counterclockwise direction under the action of the spiral return spring.

[0057] The second joint 50 also includes a locking device, consisting essentially of a locking finger 53 that can pivot about a pivot shaft 54, and a locking return spring 52. The locking finger 53 includes a wedge 531 that can engage between a movable stop 21 fixed to the movable structure 20 and a static stop 11 fixed to the base structure 10, as shown in Figure 3A.

[0058] In the configuration shown in Figure 3A, the locking device of the second joint 50 is locked, with the movable stop 21 immobilized by the wedge 531 bearing against the static stop 11 on one side, and by a counter-support 12 attached to the base structure 10 on the other side. It should be noted that the hatching on parts 11, 21, and 53 does not represent cross-sections, but merely indicates parts that are integral or of interest for the explanation.

[0059] To move the locking device to an unlocked state, simply pull the control cable 61 so that the end piece 66 pulls the control disc 51 clockwise, which in turn causes the locking finger 53 to rotate counterclockwise around the locking shaft 54 ​​by the action of a cam track 511 on the control disc 51 and the locking finger 53. Thus, the wedge 531 disengages from the space between the movable stop 21 and the static stop 11, which allows a movement of the mobile structure 20, as shown in Figure 3B.

[0060] To engage the locking mechanism, a displacement of the control cable 61, caused by the movement of the secondary gear 42, allows the control disc 51 to rotate counterclockwise under the effect of the spiral return spring. This creates a gap between the cam track 511 and the locking finger 53, which can then return to the position shown in Figure 3A under the effect of the locking return spring 52, when the moving structure 20 reaches the driving position. During normal operation, since the same actuator drives both the moving structure 20 and the locking mechanism, the movement of the moving structure and the transition to the locked or unlocked state occur sequentially.

[0061] Figure 4 shows in detail the cable drive device 60, essentially composed of the control cable 61 and the sheath 62. The control cable 61 includes a control end 65 arranged to be coupled with the secondary pinion 42 and a terminal end 66 arranged to be engaged with the control disc 51. The sheath 62 includes a first retaining ring 64 engaged with the base structure 10, and a second retaining ring 63 engaged with an emergency release device 70, itself integral with the base structure 10. Thus, the sheath 62 is perfectly immobilized relative to the base structure 10 and allows efficient transmission of motion by the control cable 61.

[0062] However, if an actuator failure occurs while the mobile structure 20 is unlocked from the driving position, it is provided that the locking device of the second joint 50 can be acted upon to allow it to return to the locked state and lock the mobile structure 20 in the driving position to allow / authorize the driver to steer the vehicle with the steering device operational and secure.

[0063] Specifically, the emergency release device 70 is designed to release the locking mechanism of the second joint 50 of the actuator. In practice, the emergency release device 70 is intended to create play or slack in the cable transmission device 60, allowing the control disc 51 to pivot counterclockwise as shown in Figure 3A, independently of the secondary pinion 42.

[0064] For this purpose, and as shown in Figures 5 to 8, the emergency release device 70 comprises a housing 71 and a movable clip 72. The housing 71 includes an internal bore receiving the second retaining ring 63 of the sheath 62, and the movable clip 72 can occupy: - a nominal position, as shown in figures 5 and 7, in which elastic tabs 721 of the movable clip 72 are engaged with indexes 711 of the housing 71, - a free position, as shown in figures 6 and 8, in which the elastic tabs 721 of the movable clip 72 are free from the indexes 711 of the housing 71.

[0065] The movable clip 72 includes a retaining wall arranged to retain the second stop ring 63 at the exit of the bore of the housing 71, when the movable clip 72 is in the nominal position, as shown in the cross-section of Figure 5. Once the movable clip 72 is in the free position, the retaining wall is no longer opposite the second stop ring 63 and the latter can slide to the bottom of the bore of the housing 71, so that slack is left in the control cable 61.

[0066] The movable clip can be moved from its nominal position using a specific tool that can pass through a specific opening in a housing component of the steering system or the vehicle. For example, a through hole located on a lower panel or one normally hidden from the driver can be provided. Alternatively, provide a frangible or elastic part to break or move aside to access the emergency release device 70.

[0067] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, an actuating element can be incorporated directly into a cover piece 81, which acts as a shield to conceal the internal structure of the steering mechanism from the driver. The actuating element (or tool-like element) is defined on the visible side by a recess 83 and delimited within the cover piece 81 by a weak point 84 and a hinge 82 formed by a reduction in thickness. When necessary, the user can depress the actuating element by pushing on the recess 83 to break the weak point 84, and then rotate the actuating element around the hinge 82 towards the movable clip 72 to push it to the right in Figure 9, as shown by the dashed arrow. Thus, the movable clip 72 can move from its nominal position (as in Figure 9) to a free position, as shown in Figures 6 or 8.

[0068] In the event of an actuator failure, if the movable structure 20 is not locked in the driving position, the driver cannot safely operate the vehicle. In this case, simply activating the emergency release device 70 changes it from the first state shown in Figures 5, 7, or 9 to the activated or emergency state shown in Figures 6 and 8 by pushing the movable clip 72 from its nominal position to its free position. As a result, the control disc 51 can pivot under the action of the return spiral spring, and the locking finger 53 will be free to return to the locked position shown in Figure 3A as soon as the movable structure 20 is in the driving position.

[0069] As mentioned above, a torque limiter is provided between the moving structure 20 and the actuator, so that the driver can move the moving structure 20 by applying sufficient force to overcome the sliding torque. Thus, with the emergency release device activated, the locking device of the second joint 50 can The system automatically returns to the locked state when the moving structure 20 is back in the driving position. The vehicle can then be driven safely, with the moving structure locked in the driving position. A sensor can be provided to verify that the locking device effectively locks the moving structure 20 in the driving position and, for example, to allow the vehicle to start or begin operating.

[0070] It should be noted that the transition of the emergency release device 70 to the activated or emergency state is irreversible. In particular, returning the emergency release device 70 to the initial state shown in Figures 5, 7, or 9 is impossible without a specific tool and / or disassembly. This is because the second retaining ring 63 must be repositioned, and then the movable clip 72 must be moved to lock the second retaining ring 63 at the exit of the bore of the housing 71; all of this cannot be done without specific manual action. Industrial application

[0071] A steering device, i.e. a steering wheel or a vehicle steering wheel according to the present invention, and its manufacture, are capable of industrial application.

[0072] It will be understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to a person skilled in the art can be made to the different embodiments of the invention described in this description without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0073] In particular, any type of articulation is possible between the moving structure and the base structure (connecting rods, levers, rack and pinion, etc.). Any type of locking of the moving structure in the driving position on the base structure is possible: locking pin, indexing pin, pin, bolt in a strike plate, etc. Translational movement, rotational movement, or a combination of both are possible. A dedicated actuator can be provided for the movement of the mobile structure, and another actuator for locking the mobile structure; manual movement can also be provided...

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A vehicle steering device comprising: - a mobile structure (20), arranged to be moved between a driving position and a retracted position, - an actuator, connected to the mobile structure (20) and arranged to automatically move the mobile structure (20) between the driving position and the retracted position, - a locking device, arranged to occupy: • an unlocked state, in which the movable structure (20) can be moved between the driving position and the retracted position, • a locked state, in which the movable structure (20) is locked in the driving position, the vehicle being able to be steered by a driver acting on the movable structure (20) in the locked driving position, characterized in that the steering device comprises an emergency release device (70), arranged to: • occupy a first state in which the locking device can be retained in the unlocked state, • be able to be manually operated by a user to switch to a second state, activated or emergency, so as to at least partially release the locking device, so as to allow the locking device to switch to the locking state.

2. Steering device according to claim 1, comprising an elastic return device, arranged to force the blocking device to pass into the locking state at least when the emergency release device (70) is in the second activated or emergency state.

3. Steering device according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the transition of the locking device into the state of locking is irreversible when the emergency release device (70) is in the second activated or emergency state.

4. Steering device according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: - at least one covering part (81), arranged to hide the actuator, and / or the locking device and / or the emergency release device (70) from a user, - a passage opening, to allow a user to control the emergency release device (70) with a control tool separate from the steering device, to switch the emergency release device (70) from the initial state to the activated or emergency state.

5. Steering device according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising at least one covering piece (81), arranged to mask the actuator, and / or the locking device and / or the emergency release device (70) from a user, wherein the covering piece (81) comprises an actuating part delimited in the covering piece (81) by at least one zone of weakness (84) and arranged to be separated or moved relative to the covering piece (81), so as to switch the emergency release device (70) to the second activated or emergency state.

6. Steering device according to claim 5, in which the covering part (81) comprises a hinge zone (82) arranged to allow an actuating part or tool part to tilt towards an activation zone of the emergency release device (70).

7. Steering device according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the passage of the emergency release device (70) from the first state to the second activated or emergency state is irreversible, for example by breaking a retaining part of the release device in the initial state, or in which the passage of the release device from emergency (70) from the first state to the second activated or emergency state is irreversible without dismantling a trim part (81) of the vehicle.

8. Steering device according to one of claims 1 to 7, forming a steering wheel, comprising: - a hub, - at least one part of the rim, forming the mobile structure (20).

9. Steering device according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising at least one torque limiter arranged between the actuator and the mobile structure (20).

10. A vehicle steering device according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the actuator is engaged with the locking device, and wherein the emergency release device (70) is arranged to at least partially release the actuator from the locking device upon transition to the second activated or emergency state.

11. A vehicle steering device according to claim 10, comprising a drive device connecting the actuator to the locking device, wherein the drive device comprises: - at least one connecting member between the locking device and the actuator, - at least one wedge or stop retaining the connecting member, and in which the emergency release device (70) is arranged to retract the wedge or stop when moving into the activated or emergency state.

12. A vehicle steering device according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a drive device connecting the actuator to the locking device, wherein the drive device comprises a kinematic chain, and wherein the emergency release device (70), when actuated, is arranged to generate play in the kinematic chain at least equal to a stroke of the movable structure (20) between the driving position and the retracted position.

13. Vehicle steering device according to one of claims 11 or 12 in which the drive device is arranged to sequentially control: - a movement of the mobile structure (20) from the retracted position to the driving position, then the locking device from the unlocked state to the locked state, and / or - the locking device from the locked state to the unlocked state, then a movement of the mobile structure (20) from the driving position to the retracted position.

14. Vehicle steering device according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising at least one control cable (61) arranged to maintain the locking device in the unlocked state, and in which the emergency release device (70), when actuated, is arranged to generate slack in the control cable (61), and / or to remove a stop from a sheath receiving the control cable.

15. Motor vehicle, comprising at least one steering device according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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