Device for locking in position an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle

Device for locking in position an adjustable steering column, for a motor vehicle, of the type including a column-support structure (43) connected to the vehicle and including two flanges (41, 42) between which the column (43A) is arranged, and means for locking the column in position, by bringing the flanges together, and comprising a tie (40) extending between the flanges, a first end of which includes means (54) for bearing on one of the flanges (42) and a second end of which is connected to locking elements comprising a stop member (44), at the second end of the tie, a first intermediate bearing member (45) in contact with the other flange (41 ) of the support structure and capable of being displaced axially on the tie, and spacing means (46) arranged between the stop member and the intermediate bearing member, which are connected to manipulating means (47) and are capable of being displaced rotationally in a plane which is perpendicular to the tie between an active position for locking the column and a retracted position for unlocking it, wherein the spacing means comprise at least one rolling member (48, 49) arranged between facing surfaces of said intermediate bearing member and said stop member and means (50) for displacing said rolling member along an incline (52) provided on the corresponding surface of the intermediate bearing member, said displacement means being connected to the manipulating means and being capable of being displaced rotationally about the tie to make the rolling member (48, 49) space apart said facing surfaces of the intermediate bearing member and of the stop member, in order to bring the flanges closer together and lock the column in position, and wherein at least part of the tie connected to the stop member (44) can be displaced rotationally so as to follow the displacements of said at least one rolling member.