Patent GB-400456-A (GB)
Title: Improved steering wheel and steering shaft connecting and disconnecting device for motor cars
IPC: B60R25/022
Filed: 1933-01-07
Abstract: 400,456. Permutation Ac. locks. BOLOGNINI, G., 13, Via Urbana, Bologna, Italy. Jan. 7, 1933, No. 593. Convention date, June 14, 1932. [Class 44.] The steering hand-wheel 1 of a motor vehicle is formed with a central plate portion 2 loosely located between upper and lower plates 3, 4, secured to the steering shaft, the upper plate 3 carrying an inclined housing 11 containing a slidable coupling pin 12, Fig. 3, whereby the steering wheel may be rigidly connected to the steering shaft when required or left disconnected to prevent unauthorized use, a permutation lock being provided to secure the coupling pin in either position. The coupling pin, at the same time, controls an electric contact whereby, when the hand-wheel is disconnected, the ignition and/or starting circuits of the engine are interrupted. The plate 4 is secured to the steering shaft by its boss 7 on which is mounted the upper plate 3 secured by a pin 5 and screwed collar 6, the hand-wheel plate 2 being loosely mounted in between with a spring- pressed ball 60 co-operating with a recess in the plate 4 to locate the plates for passage of the coupling pin. A shield 9 is secured to the upper end of the fixed steering pillar 10. The locking mechanism, which can be manipulated through " windows " in the casing 11, comprises a number of rotary members 24, 25, 26, surrounding the pin 12, with axial passages which have to be brought into alignment to allow passage of radial projections 18, 19, 20 on the pin. The pin is rotatable as well as slidable and is adjustable in relation to its head or handle 13, thus providing a further permutation. The rotary members 24, 25, 26, which are located between the closed upper end of the casing and a retaining member 42 screwed up against an internal shoulder 54 and are normally positioned by spring-pressed balls 30 engaging recesses 29, each comprise an outer knurled ring, Fig. 5, with code letters 28 and a shouldered bore with a single internal tooth 31 enabling an inner ring, Fig. 8, formed with external teeth 32 to be assembled therein in any selected rotary relation. The inner rings 21, 22, 23 are formed with axial passages 34 and with blind or dummy teeth 56 to prevent tactile manipulation to find the passages. Above the upper ring 24, a further ring 36 with a passage 37 and dummy teeth 40 is secured to the casing by a pin 39. The pin 12 is attached to the handle 13 by a threaded bolt 14, teeth 15 on the end of the pin engaging corresponding teeth on the handle and providing for initial adjustment. A clicking indicator formed by a spring-pressed ball 17 engaging longitudinal grooves 16 aligned with the end-teeth 15 in the pin facilitates subsequent setting. When free to pass through the locking rings, the pin 12 is retracted by a spring 53. The lower rounded-off end 49 of the pin is internally threaded to carry an insulating plug 46 in which is mounted a contact pin 47 by which two or more spring-pressed circuit elements 48 are electrically connected when the pin is in the operative position shown.