Patent attributes
A steering column mechanism (10) comprises a lower body (14), an upper tube (16) that is movable depthwise relative to the lower body (14) along an extension and retraction path, in a direction of retraction and in a direction of extension opposite the direction of retraction, and a locking mechanism (34) for locking the upper tube (16) relative to the lower body (14), movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A retractable stop (58) is movable relative to the lower body (14) and relative to the locking mechanism (34) between an active position and a retracted position. In the active position, the retractable stop (58) limits the travel of the upper tube (16) in the direction of retraction to an adjustment stop position, whereas in the retracted position, it does not interfere with the upper tube (16). The retractable stop (58) is linked to the locking mechanism via an interlock (65) in such a way as to be in the active position when the locking mechanism (34) is in the unlocked position. The lower body (14) comprises one or more supports (76, 78, 96) for at least partially taking up forces generated by the upper tube (16) on the retractable stop (58) when the locking mechanism (34) is in the unlocked position and the upper tube (16) is in the adjustment stop position in abutment against the retractable stop (58). Preferably, the lower body is provided with guide means (74, 76, 78, 90) for guiding the retractable stop between the retracted position and the active position.
