Device for locking / unlocking a motor vehicle steering column and method for adjusting a steering column.

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (16) for locking / unlocking a steering column (10) movable along at least one axis (A) in a support (12), comprising notches (18) integral with said column (10) and a locking / unlocking finger (20) movable between a default locking position in which it cooperates with one of said notches (18) and an unlocking position in which it releases said notches (18), characterized in that it comprises means (22) for actuating said finger (20) towards its unlocking position, comprising at least one biasing member (24) capable of occupying a rest position associated with the locking position of the finger (20) or an active position in which said member (24) biases said finger (20) towards its unlocking position, said biasing member (24) being automatically returned to its rest position by a time delay. Abstract figure: Figure 5.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for locking / unlocking a motor vehicle steering column and method for adjusting a steering column. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for locking / unlocking a steering column of a motor vehicle as well as a method for adjusting a steering column implementing such a device.

[0002] Current vehicles are equipped with steering columns, mechanical or electrical, some of which include a device for adapting their configuration to the size of the driver, by adjusting their position. Such a column is thus conventionally equipped with a device for adjusting its height and sometimes its depth: it is therefore movable along at least one axis in a vertical plane. Some adjustment devices are entirely electrical, but reserved for high-end vehicles, because they include motorized means for moving the steering column. These devices are not the subject of the present invention.

[0003] Most adjustment devices are manual and have a handle that operates a clamping screw that immobilizes the column. The clamping handle must be unlocked to release the clamping screw, thus releasing the column, then the column must be manually moved to the chosen position and finally the handle must be returned to its initial position to lock the column in this chosen position.

[0004] This clamping handle is most often located under the steering column, particularly for reasons of size and location in relation to other vehicle equipment.

[0005] The adjustment devices currently in existence have a certain number of drawbacks.

[0006] Firstly, they are generally difficult to install, because they are located under the steering column in an area where other components are also located, such as for example an electric steering assistance motor, electronic boxes, etc.

[0007] Secondly, they are generally difficult to adjust: in general, the user uses his left hand to act on the handle to unlock the device, his two hands to position the steering column, then his right hand to hold the column in position while his left hand acts on the handle to lock it, which sometimes makes it difficult to maintain the adjustment of the column in position with one hand.

[0008] Thirdly, the release handle presents a high risk of impact with the driver's knees during an impact, since there is little distance between it and them. Therefore, palliative devices are conventionally provided for this situation, such as shells under the steering wheel to absorb the shock due to the impact, or airbags specifically dedicated to protecting the knees.

[0009] There is therefore a real need for a simple locking / unlocking device in at least one direction which is free from a dangerous unlocking handle, and which does not require additional manipulation to lock the steering column.

[0010] An aim of the invention is also to provide such a device adaptable to current steering columns.

[0011] Another aim of the invention is to provide such a device of reduced cost, thus making it possible to equip the greatest possible number of vehicles. Summary of the invention

[0012] The invention meets this need and achieves these aims by proposing a locking / unlocking device using notches comprising a finger which can be retracted from said notches in a timed manner.

[0013] To this end, the invention proposes a device for locking / unlocking a steering column movable along at least one axis in a support, this device comprising, on the one hand, notches secured to the column along this axis, and on the other hand, a locking / unlocking finger movable longitudinally relative to this support perpendicular to this axis between a default locking position in which it cooperates with one of the notches and an unlocking position in which it releases this notch, this device being characterized according to the present invention, in that it comprises means for actuating the finger towards its unlocking position, these actuating means comprising at least one biasing member capable of occupying a rest position associated with the locking position of the movable finger or an active position in which this member biases the finger towards its unlocking position,this stressing member being automatically returned to its rest position by a time delay cooperating with the movable finger.

[0014] The invention therefore advantageously makes it possible to unlock the steering column with one hand, and to adjust the steering column with two hands without it being necessary to release it, the locking taking place automatically at the end of the delay time.

[0015] Advantageously, the structure of the device by notch and locking finger makes it possible to avoid the installation of a bulky and dangerous handle under the steering column.

[0016] Preferably, the movable finger is elastically returned towards the column by a return spring.

[0017] Advantageously, the finger comprises an active end capable of cooperating with the notches and, opposite this active end, a rod which is capable of being stressed by the stressing element to move the finger away from the column against the return force of the spring.

[0018] Preferably, the actuating means further comprise a manual control member which is capable of controlling the stress member from its rest position to its active position.

[0019] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the biasing member is an electromagnet arranged near a free end of the rod, said electromagnet being capable of pulling the rod into the finger unlocking position, the manual control member is a push switch which in its active position controls a power supply to the electromagnet, and the time delay comprises an electrical time delay of said power supply.

[0020] According to a second embodiment, the stressing member is a hydraulic cylinder connected to a free end of the rod, said cylinder being capable of pushing the rod into the finger unlocking position, the manual control member is a transmitter cylinder supplying the hydraulic cylinder with hydraulic fluid, and the time delay is obtained by a hydraulic passage of reduced section between said transmitter cylinder and said hydraulic cylinder.

[0021] According to a third embodiment, the manual control member is mechanical. The mechanical manual control member, the biasing member and the rod are integral with each other and they are guided in sliding relative to the support so that the mechanical manual control member is able to pull the rod into the finger unlocking position, and the time delay comprises friction means interposed on the one hand between the rod and the support and on the other hand between the mechanical manual control member and the support.

[0022] Preferably, according to this third embodiment:

[0023] - the actuating means comprise a substantially cylindrical handle comprising a corolla-shaped gripping end and a substantially cylindrical button movable in the handle coaxially with the finger,

[0024] - said handle and button are movable relatively to each other, a said handle and button being fixed relative to the support and comprising a bore receiving the return spring of the finger,

[0025] - the other of said handle and button is movable and forms the manual control member mechanical.

[0026] Advantageously, according to the first embodiment, the handle is fixed and successively comprises:

[0027] - a first section comprising a first bore in which a bearing slides finger guide, this bore comprising a first bottom wall receiving the finger return spring,

[0028] - a second section comprising a second coaxial blind bore in which slides the finger rod, of diameter smaller than the guide range, this second bore opening into the first bottom wall and comprising a second bottom wall receiving the electromagnet,

[0029] - a third section comprising a third bore in which is mounted mobile the button, this button being elastically returned relative to a third bottom wall of the third bore and comprising a first electrical contact capable of cooperating with a second electrical contact connected to the electromagnet to form the push switch.

[0030] Preferably according to the second embodiment, the handle is fixed and comprises a bore comprising successively:

[0031] - a first section in which a finger guide surface slides,

[0032] - a second section receiving a plug crossed by the rod of the finger, said rod being of diameter smaller than the guide range,

[0033] - a third section receiving: • a blind central cylindrical housing, fixed to the cap, in which slides the rod of the finger ending in a piston, this piston delimiting in this cylindrical housing a hydraulic chamber and a return chamber in which is housed the return spring arranged between the piston and a bottom wall of the cylindrical housing, • an annular chamber surrounding the cylindrical housing in fluid communication with the hydraulic chamber via at least one radial bore,

[0034] - a fourth section, opening into the handle opposite the finger,

[0035] and the button comprises a cylindrical part mounted movably in the fourth section and an annular part mounted movably in the annular chamber of the third section, the button and the annular chamber forming the transmitter cylinder, this piston and this hydraulic chamber forming the hydraulic cylinder, and the at least one bore forming the hydraulic passage of reduced section between this transmitter cylinder and this hydraulic cylinder.

[0036] Advantageously, according to the third embodiment:

[0037] - the button is fixed and it comprises a first cylindrical section integral with the support, a second section comprising at least three spaced longitudinal arms angularly in a regular manner between which the rod of the finger is guided in sliding, and a third blind tubular cylindrical section receiving in sliding the rod of the finger and in which is housed the return spring resting on the end of the rod,

[0038] - the handle is movable and has an internal cylindrical bearing which is guided sliding on the second and third sections of the button, this handle further comprising jaws which extend radially from this internal bearing surface, which are interposed between the longitudinal arms of the button, and between which the rod of the finger is fitted,

[0039] - the friction means are interposed, on the one hand, between the cylindrical internal bearing of the handle and the second and third sections of the knob and, on the other hand, between the third blind tubular cylindrical section and the finger rod.

[0040] Advantageously, the notches are cylindrical, the active end of the finger is complementary thereto and it further comprises a diametrical bore, in which is housed a spring having an indexing ball resting on each of its ends.

[0041] The present invention also relates to a method for adjusting a steering column comprising at least one locking / unlocking device according to the first and second embodiments, this method comprising the following steps:

[0042] - press the button to unlock the steering column,

[0043] - adjust the position of the steering column,

[0044] - wait until the time delay has elapsed for the finger to occupy its position of lockdown.

[0045] The present invention finally relates to a method for adjusting a steering column comprising at least one locking / unlocking device according to the third embodiment, this method comprising the following steps:

[0046] - pull the handle to unlock the steering column,

[0047] - adjust the position of the steering column,

[0048] - wait until the time delay has elapsed for the finger to occupy its position of lockdown. Brief description of the figures

[0049] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

[0050] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a vehicle steering column automobile comprising the invention;

[0051] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic view with cutaway showing a device according to the present invention mounted on a steering column in the locked position;

[0052] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] a schematic view with cutaway showing a device according to the present invention mounted on a steering column in the unlocked position;

[0053] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a longitudinal sectional view of a first mode of production of a device according to the invention shown in the locked position;

[0054] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a longitudinal sectional view of the first mode of embodiment of the device according to the invention shown in the unlocked position;

[0055] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a longitudinal sectional view of a second mode of production of a device according to the invention shown in the locked position;

[0056] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a longitudinal sectional view of the second mode of embodiment of the device according to the invention shown in the unlocked position;

[0057] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a longitudinal sectional view of a third mode of production of a device according to the invention shown in the locked position;

[0058] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a longitudinal sectional view of the third mode of embodiment of the device according to the invention shown in the unlocked position;

[0059] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a cross-sectional view through plane 10-10 of [Fig.9];

[0060] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a cross-sectional view through plane 11-11 of [Fig.9];

[0061] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a block diagram illustrating the steps of a method of adjustment of a steering column comprising a device according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0062] As generally illustrated in [Fig.l], a steering column 10 of axis A is mounted to move along an axis A in a support 12 secured to an apron (not shown) of a motor vehicle. This configuration corresponds to a very simplified configuration according to which the column 10 is only movable along the axis A, but it will be understood that the invention could be applied to a configuration in which the column is movable in two directions, for example the direction and a direction which would be perpendicular to it.

[0063] Column 10 generally comprises a locking zone 14.

[0064] The invention proposes an innovative locking device 16, placed in the locking zone 14.

[0065] As can be seen in particular in Figures 1 and 2, the locking / unlocking device 16 of the steering column 10 comprises, on the one hand, notches 18 secured to the column 10 and distributed parallel to said axis A, and on the other hand, a locking / unlocking finger 20 movable longitudinally relative to said axis A. support 12 perpendicular to the axis A, between a default locking position, shown in [Fig.l], in which it cooperates with one of the notches 18 and an unlocking position, shown in [Fig.2], in which it releases said notches 18. Here, the finger 20 and the notches 18 have been shown as cylindrical, but it will be understood that this configuration is not limiting of the invention.

[0066] According to the invention, as illustrated in Figures 4 to 11 which represent three different embodiments of the invention, the device 16 comprises means 22 for actuating the finger 20 towards its unlocking position. These actuating means 22 comprise at least one biasing member 24 capable of occupying a rest position associated with the locking position of the movable finger 20, as shown in Figures 4, 6 and 8, or an active position in which this member 24 biases the finger 20 towards its unlocking position as shown in Figures 5, 7 and 9. Advantageously, the biasing member 24 is automatically returned to its rest position by a time delay cooperating with the movable finger 20.

[0067] Furthermore, the movable finger 20 is elastically returned towards the column 10 by a return spring 26.

[0068] Thus, in the three embodiments of the invention, the return of the stress member 24 makes it possible to release the stress that it exerts on the finger 20. As a result, the finger 20 is released and is then elastically returned towards the column 10 by the return spring 26.

[0069] The stressing of the finger 20 by the stressing member 24 is carried out on a particular part of the finger 20. Indeed, the finger 20 comprises an active end 28 which is able to cooperate with the notches 18 and, opposite this active end 28, a rod 30. It is this rod 30 which is able to be stressed by the stressing member 24 to move the finger 20 away from the column 18 against the return force of the spring 26.

[0070] As will be seen in the remainder of this description, the stress member 24 is not necessarily directly manipulable by the user of the device 16. Also, the actuation means 22 comprise a manual control member 32 which is capable of controlling the passage of the stress member 24 from its rest position to its active position.

[0071] Three embodiments of the invention will now be described.

[0072] According to a first embodiment of the present invention which has been shown in Figures 4 and 5, the biasing member 24 is an electromagnet 24 which is arranged near a free end 42 of the rod 30. This electromagnet 24 is capable of pulling the rod 30 from the locking position of the finger 20, shown in [Fig. 4], to that of unlocking the finger 20, shown in [Fig. 5]. In this embodiment, the manual control member 32 is a push switch which, in its active position, controls a power supply to the electromagnet 24.

[0073] The finger 20 is held in the unlocked position for a certain time controlled by an electrical time delay of the power supply supplying the electromagnet 24: at the end of this determined time, the electrical power supply of the electromagnet 24 is cut off, and the return spring 26 pushes the finger 20 towards the steering column 10 to lock it in the notch 18 corresponding to the chosen position for the duration of the time delay. The push switch 32 has no other function than to close a circuit of the power supply comprising the time delay, this circuit supplying the electromagnet 24. As for the push switch 32, it returns to its starting position as soon as it is released.

[0074] In this embodiment, the actuating means 22 comprise a substantially cylindrical handle 34 comprising a corolla-shaped gripping end 36 and a substantially cylindrical button 38 which is mounted relatively mobile in the handle 34 coaxially with the finger 20.

[0075] The handle 34 and the button 38 are movable relative to each other. In the present case, the handle 34 is fixed relative to the support 12 and the button 38 is movable, but it will be understood that by a simple mechanical inversion the button 38 could be fixed and the handle 34 movable. In this way the handle 34 and the button 38 form the manual control member.

[0076] The handle 38 receives the finger 20 and the spring 26, and it comprises a bore 40 receiving the return spring 26 of the finger 20 as support.

[0077] As regards the mounting of the finger 20 in the handle 34, as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the handle 36 comprises successively from its end comprising the finger 20 towards its gripping end 36, that is to say from the left to the right of Figures 4 and 5, a first section 50, a second section 58 and a third section 64.

[0078] The first section 50 comprises a first bore 52 in which a guide surface 54 of the finger 20 slides. This bore 52 comprises a first bottom wall 56 receiving the return spring 26 of the finger 20.

[0079] The second section 58 comprises a second coaxial blind bore 60 in which the rod 30 of the finger 20 slides, the bore 60 and the rod being of diameter smaller than the guide surface 54. This second bore 60 opens into the first bottom wall 56 and comprises a second bottom wall 62 receiving the electromagnet 24.

[0080] The handle 34 comprises, opposite the rod 30 in the third section 64, a third bore 66 opening out which receives the button 38 in sliding. A return spring 68, housed in this bore 66, allows the elastic return of the button 38 relative to a third bottom wall 70 of this third bore 66. The button 38 comprises a first contact 46 which extends into the bore 66 and which is capable of coming into contact with a second contact 48 connected to the timer circuit to close the power supply circuit and activate the electromagnet 24. The button 38, the spring 68 and the contacts 46, 48 thus form the push switch 32.

[0081] A second embodiment of the invention has been shown in Figures 6 and 7. This second embodiment operates on a hydraulic principle. In this embodiment, the biasing member 24 is a hydraulic cylinder which is connected to the free end 42 of the rod 30. The cylinder 24 is capable of pushing the end 42 of the rod 30 to push the rod 30 into the unlocking position of the finger 20. To actuate this cylinder 24, the manual control member 32 is a transmitter cylinder supplying the hydraulic cylinder 24 with hydraulic fluid, and the time delay is obtained by a hydraulic passage 72 of reduced section which is interposed between the transmitter cylinder and said hydraulic cylinder.

[0082] In the same way as for the first embodiment, the actuating means 22 comprise a handle 34 which is substantially cylindrical and fixed relative to the support 12, the handle 34 comprising a corolla-shaped gripping end 36 and a movable substantially cylindrical button 38 which is mounted relatively movable in the handle 34 coaxially with the finger 20, the handle 34 and the button 38 together forming the manual control member 32, the handle 34 forming a body of the jack 24 and the button 38 forming the piston.

[0083] From finger 20 to handle 34, that is to say from left to right in figures 6 and 7, handle 34 has a bore 74 which successively has a first section 76 in which slides the guide surface 54 of finger 20, then a second section 78 receiving a plug 79 crossed by rod 30 of finger 20, this rod 30 obviously being of smaller diameter than guide surface 54. Bore 74 then has a third section 80 housing the transmitter cylinder 32 and jack 24.

[0084] The third section comprises a central and blind cylindrical housing 82, fixed to the plug 79, in which slides the rod 30 of the finger 20 terminated at its end 42 by a piston 84. This piston 84 delimits in this cylindrical housing 82 a hydraulic chamber 86 and a return chamber 88 in which is housed the return spring 26, which is arranged between the piston 84 and a bottom wall 90 of the cylindrical housing 82.

[0085] An annular chamber 92, preferably delimited radially between the bore 74 and an external wall of the housing 82, surrounds the cylindrical housing 82 and is in fluid communication with the hydraulic chamber 86 via at least one radial bore, which forms the hydraulic passage 72. It is this radial bore 72, calibrated to slow down the flow of hydraulic fluid during the return of the piston 84, which determines the time delay for the return to the rest position of the finger 20.

[0086] Finally, the bore 74 comprises a fourth section 94, opening into the handle 34 opposite the finger 20, in which the button 38 is movably mounted.

[0087] In this embodiment, the button 38 comprises a cylindrical part 96 and an annular part 98 which is movable in the annular chamber 92.

[0088] Thus, the button 38 and the annular chamber 92 form the transmitter cylinder 32, the piston 84 and the hydraulic chamber 86 form a hydraulic cylinder 24, and the bore 72 forms the hydraulic passage of reduced section between the transmitter cylinder 32 and the hydraulic cylinder 24.

[0089] The biasing member 32 is therefore a hydraulic cylinder connected to a free end 42 of the rod 30 via the piston 84: this cylinder 32 is capable of pushing the rod 30 into the unlocking position of the finger 20, as shown in [Fig.7], as soon as the button 38 is pressed. The time delay is obtained by calibrating the reduced-section hydraulic passage 72 between the transmitter cylinder 32 and the hydraulic cylinder 24.

[0090] A third embodiment is shown in Figures 8 and 9. In this embodiment, generally speaking, the biasing member 24 and the rod 30 are integral with each other and they are guided in sliding relative to the support 12. The manual control member 32 is mechanical and it is capable of pulling the rod 30 into the unlocking position of the finger 20 by means of the biasing member 24. In this third embodiment, the time delay is simply achieved by friction means which are interposed, on the one hand, between the rod 30 and the support 12 and, on the other hand, between the manual control member 32 and the support 12.

[0091] More particularly, it has been seen that in the first two embodiments, the handle 34 was fixed relative to the support 12 and the button 38 was movable relative to it.

[0092] In this third embodiment, on the contrary, the button 38 is fixed relative to the support 12 and the handle 34 is, for its part, movable relative to the support 12. The manual control member 32 is simply formed from the handle 34.

[0093] From left to right in Figures 8 and 9, the button 38 comprises a first cylindrical section 100 secured to the support 12, a second section 102 comprising at least three longitudinal arms 104 spaced angularly in a regular manner between which the rod 30 of the finger 20 is slidably guided, and a third cylindrical, tubular and blind section 106 slidably receiving the rod 30 of the finger 20 and in which the return spring 26 is housed, which, as previously, bears on the end 42 of the rod 30. In Figures 10 and 11, three arms 104 are shown distributed angularly at 120 degrees from each other, but it will be understood that this arrangement is not limiting of the invention, and that the second section 102 could comprise a greater number of arms 104.

[0094] As has been seen, the biasing member 24 and the rod 30 are integral with each other and they are guided in sliding relative to the button 38 integral with the support 12. Here, the handle 34, which is movable, has a cylindrical internal bearing surface 108, also visible in [Fig. 10], which is guided in sliding on the second and third sections 102, 104 of the button 34. To be made integral with the rod 30, the handle 34 also has jaws 110, visible in FIGS. 9 and 11, which extend radially from the internal bearing surface 108, and which are interposed between the longitudinal arms 104 of the second section 102 of the handle 34. The rod 30 is fitted between these jaws 110.

[0095] In this third embodiment, friction means (not shown) are advantageously interposed, on the one hand between the cylindrical internal bearing surface 108 of the handle 34 and the second and third sections, respectively 102 and 106, of the handle 34. Friction means can also be interposed, on the other hand, between the third cylindrical section 106 of the handle 34 and the rod 30 of the finger 20. These friction means make it possible to slow down the return of the finger 20 to its locking position.

[0096] The time delay is therefore achieved by the combination of the return force of the return spring 26 of the finger 20: the time delay duration is determined by the force exerted by the spring against the friction force. Indeed, this return spring 26 is compressed during unlocking: the time delay duration is that which this return spring 26 will take to relax by opposing the friction forces to push the finger 20 back to its locking position.

[0097] In these three embodiments, as has been seen, the notches 18 are cylindrical and the active end 28 of the finger 20 is complementary thereto. It further comprises a diametrical bore, in which is housed a spring 112 having an indexing ball 114 resting at each of its ends.

[0098] Depending on the embodiment chosen, two different adjustment methods may be implemented for adjusting the steering column, but each comprising three steps ET1, ET2 and ET3 as shown in [Fig. 12].

[0099] According to a first method, associated with the first two embodiments of figures 4 to 7, the method successively comprises a step ET1 in which the button 32 is pressed to unlock the steering column 10, a step ET2 during which the position of the steering column 10 is adjusted, and a step ET3 during which the time delay is waited for for the finger 20 to occupy its locking position.

[0100] According to a second method, associated with the third embodiment of figures 8 to 11, the method successively comprises a step ET1 during which the handle 34 is pulled to unlock the steering column 10 a step ET2 during which in which the position of the steering column 10 is adjusted, and a step ET3 during which the time delay is waited for for the finger 20 to occupy its locking position.

[0101] The invention therefore makes it possible to propose a simple, effective and reliable locking / unlocking device for a steering column 10.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (16) for locking / unlocking a steering column (10) movable along at least one axis (A) in a support (12), said device (16) comprising, on the one hand, notches (18) integral with said column (10) parallel to said axis (A), and on the other hand, a locking / unlocking finger (20) movable longitudinally relative to said support (12) perpendicular to said axis (A) between a default locking position in which it cooperates with one of said notches (18) and an unlocking position in which it releases said notches (18), characterized in that it comprises actuating means (22) of said finger (20) towards its unlocking position,said actuating means (22) comprising at least one biasing member (24) capable of occupying a rest position associated with the locking position of the movable finger (20) or an active position in which said member (24) biases said finger (20) towards its unlocking position, said biasing member (24) being automatically returned to its rest position by a time delay cooperating with said movable finger (20).,

2. Locking / unlocking device (16) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the movable finger (20) is elastically returned towards the column (10) by a return spring (26).

3. Device (16) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the finger (20) comprises an active end (28) capable of cooperating with the notches (18) and, opposite said active end (28), a rod (30) which is capable of being urged by the urging member (24) to move the finger (20) away from the column (10) against the return force of the spring (26).

4. Device (16) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the actuating means (22) further comprise a manual control member (32) capable of controlling the stress member (24) from its rest position to its active position.

5. Device (16) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the biasing member (24) is an electromagnet arranged near a free end (42) of the rod (30), said electromagnet (24) being capable of pulling the rod (30) into the unlocking position of the finger (20), in that the control member manual (32) is a push switch which in its active position controls a power supply to the electromagnet (24), and in that the time delay comprises an electrical time delay of said power supply.

6. Device (16) according to claim 4, characterized in that the biasing member (24) is a hydraulic cylinder connected to a free end (42) of the rod (30), said cylinder being capable of pushing the rod (30) into the unlocking position of the finger (20), in that the manual control member (32) is a transmitter cylinder supplying the hydraulic cylinder (24) with hydraulic fluid, and in that the time delay is obtained by a hydraulic passage (72) of reduced section between said transmitter cylinder (32) and said hydraulic cylinder (24).

7. Device (16) according to claim 4, characterized in that the manual member (32) is mechanical, in that said mechanical manual member (32), the biasing member (24) and the rod (30) are integral with each other and guided in sliding relative to the support (12) so that the mechanical manual control member (32) is able to pull the rod (30) into the unlocking position of the finger (20), and in that the time delay comprises friction means interposed, on the one hand, between the rod (30) and the support (12) and, on the other hand, between the mechanical manual control member (32) and the support (12).

8. Device (16) according to claim 4, characterized in that: - the actuating means (22) comprise a substantially cylindrical handle (34) comprising a corolla-shaped gripping end (36) and a substantially cylindrical button (38) movable in the handle (34) coaxially with the finger (20), - said handle (34) and button (38) are movable relative to each other, one of said handle (34) and button (38) being fixed relative to the support (12) and comprising a bore (52) receiving the return spring (26) of the finger (20) in support, - the other of said handle (34) and button (38) is movable and forms the manual control member (32), the manual control member (32) being mechanical.

9. Device (16) according to claim 8 taken in combination with claim 5, characterized in that the handle (34) is fixed and successively comprises: - a first section (50) comprising a first bore (52) in which a guide surface (54) of the finger (20) slides, said bore (52) comprising a first bottom wall (56) receiving the return spring (26) of the finger (20), - a second section (58) comprising a second coaxial blind bore (60) in which the rod (30) of the finger (20) slides, of diameter smaller than the guide surface (54), said second bore (60) opening into the first bottom wall (56) and comprising a second bottom wall (62) receiving the electromagnet (24), - a third section (64) comprising a third bore (66) in which the button (38) is movably mounted, said button (38) being elastically returned relative to a third bottom wall (70) of said third bore (66) and comprising a first electrical contact (46) capable of cooperating with a second electrical contact (48) connected to the electromagnet (24) to form the push switch.

10. Device (16) according to claim 8 taken in combination with claim 6, characterized in that the handle (34) is fixed and comprises a bore (74) comprising successively: - a first section (76) in which a guide surface (54) of the finger (20) slides, - a second section (78) receiving a plug (79) crossed by the rod (30) of the finger (20), said rod (30) being of smaller diameter than that of the guide surface (54), - a third section (80) receiving: • a blind central cylindrical housing (82), fixed to the plug (79), in which the rod (30) of the finger (20) slides, terminated by a piston (84), said piston (84) delimiting in said cylindrical housing (82) a hydraulic chamber (86) and a return chamber (88) in which the return spring (26) is housed, arranged between the piston (84) and a bottom wall (90) of said cylindrical housing (82),• an annular chamber (92) surrounding the cylindrical housing (82) in fluid communication with said hydraulic chamber (86a) via at least one radial bore (72), - a fourth section (94), opening into the handle (34) opposite the finger (20), and in that the button (38) comprises a cylindrical part (96) which is mounted movably in the fourth section (94) and an annular part (98) mounted which is movably in the annular chamber (92) of the third section (80), the button (38) and the annular chamber (92) forming the transmitter cylinder (32), said piston (84) and said hydraulic chamber (86) forming the hydraulic cylinder (24), and the at least one bore (72) forming the hydraulic passage of reduced section between said transmitter cylinder (32) and said hydraulic cylinder (24).

11. Device (16) according to claim 8 taken in combination with claim 7, characterized in that: - the button (38) is fixed and comprises a first cylindrical section (100) integral with the support (12), a second section (102) comprising at least three longitudinal arms (104) spaced angularly in a regular manner between which the rod (30) of the finger (20) is slidably guided, and a third blind tubular cylindrical section (106) slidably receiving the rod (30) of the finger (20) and in which the return spring (26) is housed bearing on the end (42) of the rod (30), - the handle (34) is movable and comprises an internal cylindrical bearing surface (108) which is slidably guided on the second and third sections (102, 106) of the button (38), said handle (34) further comprising jaws (110) which extend radially from said internal bearing surface (108), which are interposed between the longitudinal arms (104) of the button (38),and between which the rod (30) of the finger (20) is fitted. - the friction means are interposed, on the one hand, between the internal cylindrical bearing surface (108) of the handle (34) and the second and third sections (102, 106) of the button (38) and, on the other hand, between the third blind tubular cylindrical section (106) and the rod (30) of the finger (20).,

12. Device (16) according to any one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that the notches (18) are cylindrical and in that the active end (28) of the finger (20) is complementary thereto and further comprises a diametrical bore, in which is housed a spring (112) having an indexing ball (114) resting on each of its ends.

13. Method for adjusting a steering column (10) comprising at least one locking / unlocking device (16) according to one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - (ET1) pressing the button (38) to unlock the steering column (10), - (ET2) adjusting the position of the steering column (10), - (ET3) waiting for the time delay to elapse so that the finger (20) occupies its locking position.

14. Method for adjusting a steering column (10) comprising at least one locking / unlocking device (16) according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: - (ET1) pulling the handle (34) to unlock the steering column (10), - (ET2) adjusting the position of the steering column (10), - (ET3) waiting for the time delay to elapse so that the finger (20) occupies its locking position.

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