Steering roller connector assembly and method of assembling a steering roller connector assembly

Abstract

The present application relates to a deflection roller connector assembly and a method of assembling a deflection roller connector assembly. The deflection roller connector assembly includes a rolling stator. The deflection roller connector assembly also includes a rolling rotor that is nested in the rolling stator and rotatably coupled to the rolling stator to allow relative rotation between the rolling rotor and the rolling stator. The assembly further includes a locking pin that is operatively engaged with the rolling rotor and the locking pin is releasable from operative engagement with the rolling rotor. The assembly further includes an arm that extends from the locking pin that operatively engages the rolling stator when the locking pin is coupled to the rolling rotor so as to prevent relative rotation between the rolling rotor and the rolling stator.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a steering assembly, and more particularly, to a steering roll connector of a steering assembly, and specifically, to a steering roll connector assembly and a method of assembling a steering roll connector assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles, such as cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossovers, vans, or other suitable vehicles, employ a steering assembly to facilitate steering of the vehicle. The steering assembly generally includes a steering column coupled between a steering wheel of the vehicle and wheels of the vehicle. When the steering wheel is rotated, the relative rotation of the steering wheel is transmitted through the steering column to turn the wheels and steer the vehicle. Thus, a driver engaging and rotating the steering wheel can steer the vehicle.

[0003] The steering wheel generally includes electronic components in communication with an electrical system of the vehicle. More specifically, electrical wires are connected between the electrical components of the steering wheel and the electrical system of the vehicle. However, these electrical wires can become tangled and broken due to excessive rotation of the steering wheel. Accordingly, the steering column generally employs a steering roll connector configured to connect between the electrical wires of the electronic components and the electrical system to prevent the electrical wires from tangling and breaking.

[0004] The steering roll connector generally includes a rolling stator and a rolling rotor rotatably coupled to the rolling stator. The rolling rotor can also include an electrical connector electrically connected between the electrical wires of the electronic components and the electrical system. The relative rotation between the rolling stator and the rolling rotor prevents the electrical wires from tangling and breaking. However, the relative rotation can cause misalignment between the steering wheel and the steering column during assembly of the steering system. SUMMARY

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a steering roll connector assembly includes a rolling stator. The assembly also includes a rolling rotor telescoped in and rotatably coupled to the rolling stator to allow relative rotation between the rolling rotor and the rolling stator. The assembly also includes a locking pin in operative engagement with the rolling rotor and releasable from operative engagement with the rolling rotor. The assembly also includes an arm extending from the locking pin that is operable to engage the rolling stator when the locking pin is coupled to the rolling rotor to prevent relative rotation between the rolling rotor and the rolling stator.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a locking pin support is coupled to the rolling rotor, and the locking pin is releasably engaged and releasably coupled to the locking pin support.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the locking pin is releasably engaged and releasably coupled to the locking pin support by a snap-fit arrangement, wherein the rolling stator defines a slot for receiving and engaging an arm of the locking pin to prevent relative rotation between the rolling rotor and the rolling stator.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the locking pin support defines a recessed portion of the snap-fit arrangement and the locking pin has an end portion configured as a protruding portion of the snap-fit arrangement.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the locking pin support includes a base defining a locking pin opening configured to receive a protruding portion of the locking pin. The locking pin further includes a plurality of teeth extending from the base and radially inward into the locking pin opening, wherein the teeth are configured to releasably engage and releasably couple to the protruding portion of the locking pin.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the base includes a top end, a bottom end spaced apart from the top end, and an inner surface at least partially defining the locking pin opening and disposed between the top end and the bottom end. Each of the plurality of teeth has a base interface end in contact with the inner surface. Each of the plurality of teeth extends upward from the base interface end to a tab end in a direction toward the top end, and the tab end is capable of releasably engaging and releasably coupling to the protruding portion of the locking pin.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the protruding portion of the locking pin includes a protruding end. The protruding portion further includes a flared edge spaced apart from the protruding end and configured to engage and reset on the tab end of the plurality of teeth when the locking pin is engaged and coupled to the locking pin support. The protruding portion further includes an engagement segment positioned adjacent to the flared edge and between the flared edge and the protruding end, and the plurality of teeth releasably engage and releasably couple to the engagement segment when the locking pin is releasably engaged and releasably coupled to the locking pin support.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tab end of the plurality of teeth defines a tooth opening, wherein the tooth opening is sized smaller than the locking pin opening.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the protruding portion of the locking pin has a flared segment defining a taper from the engagement segment to the protruding end.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the protruding end is sized larger than the tooth opening to prevent engagement and coupling between the locking pin and the locking pin support when the locking pin is released from its releasable engagement and releasable coupling with the locking pin support.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the disclosure, the locking pin is released from the releasable engagement and releasable coupling with the locking pin support when a force is applied to the locking pin in a direction away from a top end of the locking pin support.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the disclosure, the locking pin is releasably engaged and releasably coupled to the rolling rotor by a snap fit arrangement.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the disclosure, the rolling rotor includes an upper surface, and the upper surface defines a rotor recess.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the disclosure, the locking pin support includes a protrusion, and the protrusion engages and couples to the rolling rotor when the protrusion is disposed in the rotor recess to define the snap fit arrangement between the locking pin support and the rolling rotor.

[0019] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of assembling a deflector roller assembly is provided. The method includes providing a rolling stator defining a stator recess. The method also includes providing a rolling rotor having an outer wall, and the outer wall defines a rotor recess. The method also includes providing a locking pin having an arm, and the locking pin defines a protruding portion of a snap fit. The method also includes providing a locking pin support defining a recessed portion of the snap fit, and the locking pin assembly has a protrusion. The method also includes coupling the locking pin to the locking pin support by snap fitting the protruding portion to the recessed portion. The method also includes disposing the arm of the locking pin in the stator recess. The method also includes coupling the locking pin support to the rolling rotor by snap locking the protrusion in the rotor recess.

[0020] These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0022] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a deflector roller connector without a locking pin or a locking pin support.

[0023] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the deflector roller connector taken along line A of FIG. 1. Figure 4

[0024] Figure 3

[0025] Figure 4 ​​is a perspective view showing a steering roller connector including Figure 3 a lock pin and a lock pin support of

[0026] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a steering roller connector and showing a lock pin and a lock pin support of Figure 3 removed from the steering roller connector.

[0027] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a lock pin.

[0028] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a steering roller connector including Figure 6 a lock pin of

[0029] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B of Figure 7 the steering roller connector taken along line B of Figure 7 and showing the lock pin of Figure 6 installed with a tool.

[0030] Figure 9 and Figure 10 are perspective views showing Figure 6 a lock pin of Figure 8 and a tool of

[0031] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale; some features can be exaggerated or minimized for clarity. Thus, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following disclosure relates to various embodiments of the application. Although one or more of these embodiments can be preferred, the disclosed embodiments should not be interpreted, or otherwise used, as limiting the scope of the present disclosure including the claims. Additionally, one skilled in the art will understand that the following description has broad application and that the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to exemplify that embodiment and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the present disclosure including the claims is limited to that embodiment.

[0033] Generally, vehicles employ a steering assembly to facilitate steering of the vehicle by a driver. The steering assembly generally includes a steering column, which can include a steering shaft, that is coupled between a steering wheel of the vehicle and the wheels of the vehicle. When the steering wheel is rotated, the relative rotation of the steering wheel is transmitted through the steering column to the wheels of the vehicle. Thus, a driver who engages and turns the steering wheel can cause the vehicle to turn.

[0034] Steering wheels generally include electronic components that communicate with the electrical system of a vehicle. More specifically, electrical wires are connected between the electrical components of the steering wheel of a vehicle and the electrical system. To prevent tangling and breakage of the electrical wires due to excessive rotation of the steering wheel, a steering roll connector can be used to connect between the electrical components of the steering wheel and the electrical system of the vehicle.

[0035] Referring to the drawings, a steering roll connector 20 of the present disclosure is shown. The steering roll connector 20 can include a rolling stator 22 and a rolling rotor 24, 124 that is nested within and rotatably coupled to the rolling stator 22. The nested relationship between the rolling stator 22 and the rolling rotor 24, 124 facilitates relative rotation between the rolling rotor 24, 124 and the rolling stator 22. In some embodiments, the rolling stator 22 can define a female seat 26 Figure 2 and the rolling rotor 24, 124 can define a male seat 28 Figure 2 The female seat 26 and the male seat 28 can be engaged with one another and configured to facilitate relative rotation between the rolling stator 22 and the rolling rotor 24, 124.

[0036] The rolling stator 22 can define a first central opening 30 Figure 2 and the rolling rotor 24, 124 can define a second central opening 32, 132 that is coaxially aligned with and nested within the first central opening 30. The second central opening 32, 132 of the rolling rotor 24, 124 is configured to receive a steering column or shaft (not shown) and the rolling rotor 24, 124 is configured to couple the steering roll connector 20 to the steering column. It should be understood that the rolling rotor 24, 124 can be configured in a number of different ways to receive and couple to the steering column and all are within the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the rolling rotor 24, 124 can have an upper surface or outer wall 34, 134 and an electrical connector housing 36, 136 can be integral with or coupled to the upper surface 34, 134. The electrical connector housing 36, 136 can be configured to facilitate connection between the electrical components of the steering wheel of a vehicle and the electrical system.

[0037] The steering roll connector 20 can also include a locking pin 38, 138 Figure 3 and Figure 6). The locking pin 38, 138 is in operative engagement with the rolling rotor 24, 124 such that the locking pin 38, 138 engages the rolling rotor 24, 124 and is releasable from its engagement with the rolling rotor. More specifically, the locking pin 38, 138 can be engaged and disengaged from the rolling rotor 24 without breaking. In some embodiments, the locking pin 38, 138 can include an arm 40, 140 extending from the locking pin 38, 138. When the locking pin 38, 138 is coupled to the rolling rotor 24, 124, the arm 40, 140 can be in operative engagement (i.e., can be directly or indirectly coupled to) the rolling stator 22 to prevent relative rotation between the rolling rotor 24, 124 and the rolling stator 22. In some embodiments, the rolling stator 22 can have an outer wall 42 defining one or more slots or stator recesses 44 for receiving the arm 40, 140 of the locking pin 38, 138.

[0038] In some embodiments, the locking pin support 46, 146 can be directly or indirectly coupled to the rolling rotor 24, 124. In some embodiments, the locking pin support 46, 146 is coupled to the rolling rotor 24 by being integral with the rolling rotor 24. Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 the locking pin support 146 is coupled to the rolling rotor 124 by being integral with the rolling rotor 124.

[0039] In some embodiments, the locking pin support 46 can be coupled to the rolling rotor 24 by a snap-fit or snap-lock arrangement. More specifically, as best shown in Figure 1 the rolling rotor 24 can have a protruding boss 64 that can be integral with or coupled to the upper surface 34, 134. The protruding boss 64 can have one or more clips 66 configured to engage the locking pin support 46 to facilitate the snap-fit or snap-lock arrangement. As best shown in Figures 3 to 5 the locking pin support 46 can define one or more recessed or clip recesses 68 configured to receive the clips 66 of the protruding boss 64 to facilitate the snap-fit or snap-lock arrangement. It should be appreciated that the snap-fit or snap-lock arrangement can be permanent (e.g., the locking pin support 46 and the protruding boss 64 cannot be uncoupled once coupled) or releasable (e.g., the locking pin support 46 and the protruding boss 64 can be coupled and uncoupled).

[0040] In some embodiments, the locking pin 38, 138 can releasably engage and couple to the locking pin support 46, 146. In some embodiments, the locking pin 38, 138 is released from its releasable engagement and coupling with the locking pin support 46, 146 when a force is applied to the locking pin 38, 138 in a direction away from the top end of the locking pin support 46, 146 (e.g., when the locking pin is manually pulled). The locking pin 38, 138 can releasably engage and couple to the locking pin support 46, 146 by a snap-fit arrangement. More specifically, the locking pin support 46, 146 can define a recessed portion of the snap-fit arrangement, and the locking pin can have an end configured as a protruding portion 50, 150 of the snap-fit arrangement.

[0041] Referring to Figures 2 to 6 , the locking pin support 46 can have a base 48 that defines a locking pin opening 52. The locking pin opening 52 can be configured to receive the protruding portion of the locking pin 38. The locking pin support 46 can also include a plurality of teeth 54 that can extend from the base 48 and radially inward into the locking pin opening 52, and the teeth 54 can be configured to releasably engage and couple to the protruding portion of the locking pin 38.

[0042] In some embodiments, the base 48 has a top end 56 and a bottom end 58 spaced apart from the top end 58. The base 42 can also have an inner surface (shown in the figures, but not numbered) that at least partially defines the locking pin opening 52 and is disposed between the top end 56 and the bottom end 58. Each tooth 54 can have a base interface end 60 in contact with the inner surface Figure 2 ). The base interface end 60 can be directly or indirectly coupled to the inner surface. Each tooth 54 can extend upward from the base interface end 60 to a tab end 62 in a direction toward the top of the base 48 Figure 2 . As best shown in Figure 3 , the tab end 62 can releasably engage and couple to the protruding portion of the locking pin 38.

[0043] In some embodiments, as Figure 3As best shown, the protruding portion 50 of the locking pin 38 can have a protruding end 70 and a flared edge 72 spaced apart from the protruding end 70. The flared edge 72 can be configured to engage over and reset the tab end 62 of the tooth 54 when the locking pin 38 is engaged and coupled to the locking pin support 46. The protruding portion 50 can also include an engagement segment 74 positioned adjacent the flared edge 72 and between the flared edge 72 and the protruding end 70. The locking pin 38 can also have a flared segment 76 defining a taper from the engagement segment 74 to the protruding end 70. When the locking pin 38 is releasably engaged and coupled to the locking pin support 46, the tooth 54 is releasably engaged and coupled to the engagement segment 74 (e.g., the tooth 54 presses against the engagement segment 74 to be releasably engaged and coupled to the engagement segment 74). In some embodiments, the tab end 62 of the tooth 54 can define a tooth opening (not numbered) where the tooth opening is sized smaller than the locking pin opening 52. In some embodiments, the protruding end 70 is sized larger than the tooth opening to prevent reengagement and recoupling between the locking pin 38 and the locking pin support 46 when the locking pin 38 is pulled from the locking pin support 46.

[0044] In some embodiments, the upper surface 34, 124 of the rolling rotor 24, 124 can define a recess or rotor recess (not shown). In such embodiments, the locking pin support 46 can include one or more locking tabs (not shown). When disposed in the rotor recess, the locking tabs can engage and couple to the rolling rotor 24, 124 to define a snap lock arrangement between the locking pin support 46 and the rolling rotor 24, 124.

[0045] In some embodiments, as Figure 6 As best shown, the locking pin 38 can define a pair of snap legs 180. The snap legs 180 can be releasably engaged and coupled to the locking pin support 146. In some embodiments, the locking pin support 146 can include a flange 190 defining a locking pin opening 192 having a width and / or diameter. The locking pin support 146 can also include a bottom 194 and a locking pin recess 196 defined between the flange 192 and the bottom 194. The locking pin recess 196 can be configured to receive the pair of snap legs 180 and the flange 190 and the bottom 194 are configured to retain the pair of snap legs 180 in the recess 196. In some embodiments, the snap legs 180 extend outwardly from the locking pin 138 to a snap leg width and the snap legs 180 are configured to be releasably engaged and coupled to the locking pin support 146 when disposed in the recess 196. Further, engagement and coupling between the locking pin 138 and the locking pin support 146 is prevented when the locking pin 138 is pulled from the locking pin support 46.

[0046] The present disclosure also includes a method of assembling a deflection roller assembly 20. In some embodiments, the method can include coupling a locking pin 38 to a locking pin support 46, 146 by snap fitting a protruding portion 50, 150 to a recessed portion of the locking pin support 46, 146. Referring to Figure 3 , the locking pin 38 is shown uncoupled from the locking pin support 46, and is shown coupled to the locking pin support 46 by snap fitting the protruding portion 50 to a recessed portion of the locking pin support 46, 146.

[0047] The method can also include disposing an arm 40, 140 of the locking pin 38, 138 in a stator recess 44, 144. Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 7 , the arm 40, 140 of the locking pin 38, 138 is in the stator recess 44, 144. The method can also include coupling the locking pin support 46, 146 to the rolling rotor 24, 124 by snap locking the protrusion in a rotor recess.

[0048] In some embodiments, as best shown in Figures 8 to 10 , the method can provide a tool 200 having a slot 202 with a slot width. As best shown in Figure 8 , the method can include disposing the locking pin 138 in the slot of the tool 200, wherein the snap leg width is compressed to the slot width. The method can also include positioning the tool 200 to align the slot 202 with the locking pin opening 192. The method can also include sliding the locking pin 138 in the slot 202 toward the locking pin opening 192 to dispose the pair of snap legs 180 into the locking pin recess 196, whereby the pair of snap legs 180 expand to the snap leg width to retain the locking pin 138 in the recess.

[0049] While the application has been described in detail herein in reference to only a limited number of embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be made of the application, with out departing from its spirit and scope. Furthermore, although embodiments of the application have been described herein, it will be understood that various aspects of the application can include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the application is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A deflection roller connector assembly comprising: a rolling stator; a rolling rotor nested in the rolling stator and rotatably coupled to the rolling stator to allow relative rotation between the rolling rotor and the rolling stator; a locking pin in operative engagement with the rolling rotor and releasable from operative engagement with the rolling rotor; and an arm extending from the locking pin and in operative engagement with the rolling stator when the locking pin is coupled to the rolling rotor to prevent relative rotation between the rolling rotor and the rolling stator, wherein a locking pin support is coupled to the rolling rotor and the locking pin is releasably engaged and releasably coupled to the locking pin support, wherein the locking pin is releasably engaged and releasably coupled to the locking pin support by a snap-fit arrangement, wherein the rolling stator defines a slot for receiving and engaging the arm of the locking pin to prevent relative rotation between the rolling rotor and the rolling stator, wherein the locking pin support defines a recessed portion of the snap-fit arrangement and the locking pin has an end portion configured as a protruding portion of the snap-fit arrangement, and wherein the locking pin support comprises: a base defining a locking pin opening configured to receive the protruding portion of the locking pin; and a plurality of teeth extending from the base and radially inwardly into the locking pin opening, wherein the plurality of teeth are configured to releasably engage and releasably couple to the protruding portion of the locking pin. the base comprises:

2. The deflection roll connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, a top end; a bottom end spaced apart from the top end; an inner surface at least partially defining the locking pin opening and disposed between the top end and the bottom end; each of the plurality of teeth has a base interface end in contact with the inner surface; each of the plurality of teeth extends upwardly from the base interface end to a tab end in a direction toward the top end, and the tab end is capable of releasably engaging and releasably coupling to the protruding portion of the locking pin. the protruding portion of the locking pin comprises:

3. The deflection roll connector assembly of claim 2, wherein, a protruding end; a flared edge spaced apart from the protruding end and configured to engage and reset on the tab end of the plurality of teeth when the locking pin is engaged and coupled to the locking pin support; and an engagement segment positioned adjacent to the flared edge between the flared edge and the protruding end, and the plurality of teeth releasably engage and releasably couple to the engagement segment when the locking pin is releasably engaged and releasably coupled to the locking pin support. the tab end of the plurality of teeth defines a tooth opening, wherein the tooth opening is sized smaller than the locking pin opening.

4. The deflection roller connector assembly of claim 3, wherein, the protruding portion of the locking pin has a flared segment defining a taper from the engagement segment to the protruding end.

5. The deflection roller connector assembly of claim 4, wherein, the protruding end is sized larger than the tooth opening to prevent engagement and coupling between the locking pin and the locking pin support when the locking pin is released from its releasable engagement and releasable coupling with the locking pin support.

6. The deflection roller connector assembly of claim 5, wherein, ​ 7. The deflection roller connector assembly of claim 6, wherein, The locking pin is released from its releasable engagement and releasable coupling with the locking pin support when a force is applied to the locking pin in a direction away from the top end of the locking pin support.

8. The deflection roll connector assembly of claim 1, wherein, The locking pin is releasably engaged and releasably coupled to the rolling rotor by a snap-fit arrangement.

9. The deflection roller connector assembly of claim 8, wherein, The rolling rotor includes an upper surface, and the upper surface defines a rotor recess.

10. The deflection roller connector assembly of claim 9, wherein, The locking pin support includes a protrusion, and the protrusion engages and couples to the rolling rotor when the protrusion is disposed in the rotor recess to define the snap-fit arrangement between the locking pin support and the rolling rotor.

11. A method of assembling a deflection roller connector assembly, the method comprising: providing a rolling stator defining a stator recess; providing a rolling rotor having an outer wall, and the outer wall defining a rotor recess; providing a locking pin having an arm, and the locking pin defining a snap-fit protrusion; providing a locking pin support defining a snap-fit recess, and the locking pin support having a protrusion, coupling the locking pin to the locking pin support by snap-fitting the protrusion to the recess; disposing the arm of the locking pin in the stator recess; coupling the locking pin support to the rolling rotor by snap- locking the protrusion in the rotor recess, wherein the locking pin is releasably engaged and releasably coupled to the locking pin support by a snap-fit arrangement, wherein the rolling stator defines a slot for receiving and engaging the arm of the locking pin to prevent relative rotation between the rolling rotor and the rolling stator, wherein the locking pin support defines a recess portion of the snap-fit arrangement, and the locking pin has an end portion configured as a protrusion portion of the snap-fit arrangement, and wherein the locking pin support includes: a base defining a locking pin opening configured to receive the protrusion portion of the locking pin; and a plurality of teeth extending from the base and extending radially inwardly into the locking pin opening, wherein the plurality of teeth are configured to releasably engage and releasably couple to the protrusion portion of the locking pin. wherein the locking pin is releasably engaged and releasably coupled to the locking pin support by a snap-fit arrangement, wherein the rolling stator defines a slot for receiving and engaging the arm of the locking pin to prevent relative rotation between the rolling rotor and the rolling stator, wherein the locking pin support defines a recess portion of the snap-fit arrangement, and the locking pin has an end portion configured as a protrusion portion of the snap-fit arrangement, and wherein the locking pin support includes: a base defining a locking pin opening configured to receive the protrusion portion of the locking pin; and a plurality of teeth extending from the base and extending radially inwardly into the locking pin opening, wherein the plurality of teeth are configured to releasably engage and releasably couple to the protrusion portion of the locking pin.

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