VERTICAL DISK FERRULE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This is a Continuation of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17/101,997 filed on November 23, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/051,517 filed July 14, 2020, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a manufacturing method for electrical connectors, ferrules, and wire/cable shielding interfaces, which utilizes grounding or electromagnetic interference (EMI) suppression and are useful in automotive applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a manufacturing method for assembling at least a high voltage vertical disk ferrule. The manufacturing method for assembling the vertical disk ferrule of this invention slides over the core insulation, once affixed to the wire braided shield, towards the point or location the outer insulation is cut (vertical surface of the outer insulation). This assembling method includes a step of pushing back the wire braided shield and allowing for the wire braided shield to develop a natural spring force against the vertical disk ferrule, and for allowing the wire braided shield to become in the condition or state where it has accordioned, pleated, or folded against itself, and therefore pushing back against the direction the ferrule has traveled along the wire core when the wire is being pushed, so as to push the vertical disk ferrule forward (towards the cut end of the wire or terminal attached thereto). This force will allow the vertical disk ferrule or wire braided shield if therebetween, to remain in contact with the grounding structure of the connector when in use or when as a single ferrule, pushes the wire braded shield against the housing or ferrule when in use.

The manufacturing method of this invention solders, welds (e.g., resistive, spot, ultrasonic, or the like), brazes, or joins (by mechanical or electrical means) a flared portion of the wire braided shield to at least one of the high voltage vertical disk ferrule. A benefit of the manufacturing method of this invention is the ability to provide for a high voltage disk ferrule, which is a disk-like structure, to take on any shape to which it can be stamped, will also allow for it to provide complete or near complete electromagnetic interference (EMI) coverage in use with a corresponding connector assembly or housing, winch may require a specific shape, and which will further allow for little or no escape path for the EMI by covering the aperture or hole through which the wire or terminal is placed into when in use with such corresponding housing in which the wire or terminal is inserted into, unlike in conventional ferrules and conventional stamped shields which may allow for EMI escape.

A further benefit of the manufacturing method of this invention is the ability to also provide for an adequate clearance between the wire core or terminal (power circuit), and the wire braid shield or ferrule (grounding circuit), while also limiting the likelihood of contact between the power circuit and grounding circuit in the process by also limiting the likelihood of stray strands of the wire braid shiel d from contacting the power circuit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the high voltage vertical disk ferrule used in the manufacturing method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the high voltage vertical disk ferrule using two high voltage vertical disk ferrules, fully assembled with a wire, in the manufacturing method of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the high voltage vertical disk ferrule assembled, in the manufacturing method of this invention, with a wire and flared portion of the wire braided shield affixed on the front face of the high voltage vertical disk female, shown ready to be soldered, welded, or brazed.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the high voltage vertical disk ferrule assembled, in the manufacturing method of this invention, with a wire and flared portion of the wire braided shield affixed on the rear face of the high voltage vertical disk ferrule, shown ready to be soldered, w ⁱ elded, or brazed. FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the high voltage vertical disk ferrule using two high voltage vertical disk ferrules to be assembled, in the manufacturing method of this invention, with a wire, and thereafter soldered, welded, and brazed.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the high voltage vertical disk ferrule using two high voltage vertical disk ferrules soldered, welded, or brazed together and fully assembled, in the manufacturing method of this invention, with a wire.

FIG, 7A is a side elevational view of the high voltage vertical disk ferrule using two high voltage vertical disk ferrules and fully soldered, welded, or brazed together with a wire, in the manufacturing method of this invention, the wire being inserted into a corresponding connector housing.

FIG. 7B is a side elevational view of the high voltage vertical disk ferrule using two high voltage vertical disk ferrules and fully soldered, welded, or brazed together with the wire, in the manufacturing method of this invention, the wire being further inserted into a corresponding connector housing. FIG. 7C is a side elevational view of the high voltage vertical disk ferrule using two high voltage vertical disk females and fully soldered, welded, or brazed with a wire, in the manufacturing method of this invention, the wire being fully inserted into a corresponding connector housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Shown in FIG. I is a high voltage vertical disk ferrule 100. The vertical disk ferrule 100 may be made of any electrically conducting material (such as, but not limited to, copper, tin plated copper, steel, brass alloy, bronze or the like, or any like-kind of conductive metal known in metallurgy). The vertical disk ferrule 100 is comprised of an outer edge 102, an inner edge 104, defining an opening or aperture 106, and additionally a front face 108a which is flat, and a back face 108b which is also flat. As more precisely shown in FIG. 2, the outer edge 102 and the front face 108a meet perpendicularly, and similarly, the outer edge 102 and the rear face 108b meet perpendicularly. Furthermore, the inner edge 104 and the front face 108a meet perpendicularly, and similarly, the inner edge 104 and the rear face 108b meet perpendicularly, and similarly, the inner edge 104 and the rear face 108b meet perpendicularly.

Further, the vertical disk ferrule 100 is shown in FIG. 1 as a vertical disk-like structure, being a round, circular shape, although, the form is not limited thereto. The disk-like structure is primarily made of the vertical flat surfaces of the front face 108a and back face 108b and the perimeter, edge, or vertical shape constraints of the outer edge 102 is not necessarily formed to become round or does not necessarily have any roundness and is further able to take on any shape to which it can be stamped. For example, the shape of the vertical disk ferrule 100 could take the form of an oval, ellipse or any other shape allowable by stamping means which define the outer edge 102. Preferably, the shape of the vertical disk ferrule 100 will provide complete or near complete coverage over a corresponding hole or aperture (not shown) in a connector housing into wiiich a related wire 200 (see, e.g., FIGS. 7A-7C) is attached and is required to pass through which is being used with the vertical disk ferrule 100. Thus, the shape of the vertical disk ferrule 100 will allow for it to provide complete or substantial electromagnetic interference (EMI) suppression or coverage when in use with a corresponding connector housing 400 (see, e.g., FIGS. 7A-7C). The housing 400 itself may require the vertical disk ferrule 100 to be a specific shape to fit into a recess or cavity thereof (not shown).

As illustrated in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, is the circular shaped vertical disk ferrule 100, having its front face 108a and its back face 108b radiate outward, vertically, from its opening 106 and the respective wire 200 which is inserted and accommodated through the opening 106. The wire is comprised of a wire core portion 204, wire core insulation 206, wire braided shield 202, and outer wire insulation 208. As previously discussed, the front face 108a and back face 108b of the vertical disk ferrule 100 are preferably generally perpendicular to the axial direction of the wire 200. The diameter, or size of the front face 108a and the back face 108b are such that the vertical disk ferrule 100 is large enough to cover a hole (not shown) in a respective housing 400 (see FIGS. 7A-7C)), wherein the hole is large enough to accommodate a terminal and a respective portion of the wire core 204 and or wire core insulation 206. Therefore, the size of the front face 108a and the hack face 108b of the high voltage vertical disk ferrule 100 is not limited, and their respective sizes would however need to be such that they are not less than the size of the outer insulation 208 of the wire 200, so that the vertical disk ferrule 100 may have an inner edge 104 defining an opening 106 for the vertical disk ferrule 100, which is adequately sized for proper use with the respective wire 200 size, while the vertical disk ferrule 100 has adequate surface on the front face 108a and the back face 108b for proper grounding with a grounding feature and properly functions when in use, the wire 200 remaining flexible behind the ferrule. The opening 106 of the vertical disk ferrule 100 is also of a size that allows the vertical disk ferrule 100 to move freely over a wire braided shield 202 of a wire 200, if required, as will be discussed later.

The vertical disk ferrule 100 contacts with respective grounding elements in a respective housing 400 (see, FIGS, 7A-7C) at its front vertical face 108a or in combination with its front vertical face 108a and wire braided shield 202 when used as a single ferrule 100 with the flared portion F of the wire braided shield 202 therebetween. The grounding elements in a respective housing 400 may be for example, plated surfaces, a traditional stamped shield, foil lined surfaces, or other conductive materials utilized within, on, or by the housing 400 for grounding purposes. The outer edge 102 of the vertical disk ferrule 100 may also make contact with the grounding elements of a respective housing 400, if so chosen.

The thickness of the vertical disk ferrule 100, in an axial direction, is defined by the length of the outer edge 102, preferably no more than lmm (however, the size and/or length thereof is not limited); and the preferred thickness of the vertical disk ferrule 100 in the axial direction will be kept thin enough to provide for less required space in a respective connector housing compared to that in a conventional crimped ferrule, being thinner or shorter than a traditional crimped ferrule, and also allowing adequate take-up of the wire 200, as will be discussed further below. The thickness of the vertical disk ferrule 100 is further preferably accommodates the vertical disk ferrule 100 within a recess in a respective connector housing 400 such that the vertical disk ferrule 100 resides within a portion of a respective connector housing 400 if needed, and thereby providing a much shorter design for the connector housing 400 than traditional ferrules required in the manufacturing method of assembling. The vertical disk ferrule 100 may also be accommodated on the exterior of a respective connector housing 400 by substantially abutting a surface or side thereof the connector housing 400 (see, FIGS. 7A-7C).

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the vertical disk ferrule 100 is placed along the wire braided shield 202 of the wire 200. Here, as previously discussed, both the front face 108a and rear face 108b of the vertical disk ferrule 100 are preferably substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the wire 200. The wire braided shield portion 202 can therefore be affixed to the front face 108a by being flared outward forming a flared portion F radiating away from a core insulation portion 206, substantially perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the wire 200.

Likewise, in FIG. 4, the flared portion F of the wire braided shield portion 202 can also be affixed to the rear face 108b of the vertical disk ferrule 100. Both methods allow the wire braided shield portion 202 of the wire 200 to be secured in a manner that the wire shield 202 is in conductive electrical contact with the front 108a or rear 108b face of the vertical disk ferrule 100. Here, advantageously, the wire braided shield 202 does not require further secondary cutting once the vertical disk ferrule 100 is in a position where the wire braided shield 202 does not extend past, radially, away from the front 108a or rear 108b face of the vertical disk ferrule 100, whether using a single vertical disk ferrule 100 or using two vertical disk ferrules 100, In the manufacturing method of assembling of this invention where the wire 200 is pushed into and through the vertical disk ferrule 100, this manufacturing method pushes back the wire braided shield 202 and allows for the wire braided shield 202 to develop a natural spring force against the vertical disk ferrule 100 (rearmost vertical disk ferrule 100 if two vertical disk ferrules 100 are used), and the wire braided shield 202 becomes in the condition or state where it has accordioned, pleated, or folded against itself (see, FIG. 7C), and therefore pushes back against the direction the vertical disk ferrule 100 has traveled along the wire core 204 when the wire 200 is being pushed, so as to push the vertical disk ferrule 100 forward (towards the cut end of the wire 200 attached thereto). This force will allow the vertical disk ferrule 100 and/or wire braided shield 202, if there in between the vertical disk ferrule 100 and the connector housing 400, to remain in contact, with the grounding structures of the connector housing 400. If a single vertical disk ferrule 100 is used, the force pushes the vertical disk ferrule 100 against the wire braded shield 202, which abuts against the grounding feature or housing 400.

Shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 is the preferable use of two vertical disk ferrules 100 for use in the manufacturing method of assembling of this invention. The use of two vertical disk ferrules 100, a first vertical disk ferrule 100a and a second vertical disk ferrule 100b, provides the ability to sandwich the wire braided shield 202 of wire 200 in between the front face 108a of the first vertical disk ferrule 100a and the rear face 108b of the second vertical disk ferrule 100b. The first, vertical disk ferrule 100a, as shown in FIG. 5, is placed over the wire braided shield portion 202, such that the then flared portion F of the wire braided shield 202 is then contacted by the front face 108a of the first vertical disk ferrule 100a and then the rear face 108b of the second vertical disk female 100b makes contact with the flared portion F as it. is inserted over, and eventually residing over, the wire core insulation 206, preferably not making contact with the wire core 204 when in use. The above-discussed manufacturing method of assembling provides adequate contact between the flared portion F of the wire braided shield 202 and the first vertical disk ferrule 100a and second vertical disk ferrule 100b, and further provides an adequate continuity to the wire braided shield 202 from both vertical disk ferrules 100 when in use. Soldering, welding, or brazing, or other mechanical, or electro-mechanical means may be used to further stabilize or promote the sandwiching or insertion of the wire braided shield 202 flared portion F, and to secure the integrity and long life of these joined parts.

When using two vertical disk ferrule 100, it may further or optimally be desired to securely affix the two vertical disk ferrule 100 together in order to retain and keep the wire braided shield 202 inserted or sandwiched therebetween, as discussed above. It is preferred that soldering, welding, or brazing, or mechanical, or electro-mechanical means are used to connect the two vertical disk ferrule 100 for adequate operation of the two vertical disk ferrules 100. For example, solder, weld (resistive, spot, or ultrasonic), or braze, or mechanical or electromechanical methods (see, FIG. 6) that can be used to connect the respective metals winch comprise the two vertical disk ferrules 100. Also, a mechanical bond using a press fit or snap fit may be used. As shown in FIG, 6, a solder, weld (resistive, spot, or ultrasonic) has been applied in the manufacturing method for assembling, which keeps the first vertical disk ferrule 100a and second vertical disk ferrule 100b affixed together and the wire braided shield 202 secured therebetween. The manufacturing method of assembling or securing the two vertical disk ferrules 100 together provides and promotes an adequate conductive and/or physical substrate to connect the second vertical disk ferrule 100b to the first vertical disk ferrule 100a, and therefore assures the conductive connection and contact of the two vertical disk ferrules 100 to the wire braided shield 202 when or if the second vertical disk ferrule 100b makes contact with a grounding structure in a corresponding housing 400. Additionally, when a single vertical disk ferrule 100 is used, the ware braided shield 202 and vertical disk ferrule 100 may be soldered, welded, or brazed together to ensure they are fixed and secured in combination (soldered, welded, or brazed) either on the front face 180a or back face 108b, and that their movement together as a unit is synchronized (see, FIGS. 7A-7C).

The manufacturing method of assembling of a vertical disk ferrule 100 of this invention also increases the electrical clearance when in operation. By allowing the ferrule 100 and wire braided shield 202 (grounding circuit) to reside further away from the terminal 300 or wire core 204 (power circuit) as a result of the travel distance of the ware into the connector housing 400, and extension of the ware core 204 away from the vertical disk ferrule 100, the electrical clearance is increased from those two components, and thus in comparison to a conventional manufacturing method of assembling, which has a conventional ferrule closer to the attached terminal .

The manufacturing method of assembling of a vertical disk ferrule 100 of this invention also eliminates the possibility of stray strands from the braided shield 202 (ground circuit) from contacting the power circuit (ware core 204) during the operation thereof. The flared portion F of the ware braided shield 202 is substantially perpendicular and “pulled hack” and away from the wire core insulation 208 and ware core 204 when used with the vertical disk ferrule 100, and as explained previously, any stray strands of the wire braided shield 202 will advantageously not be in proximity to the power circuit when the high voltage vertical disk ferrule 100 is in use.

Although the foregoing descriptions are directed to preferred embodiments in the manufacturing method for assembling at least the vertical disk ferrule of this invention, it is noted that other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Moreover, the manufacturing method for assembling at least the vertical disk ferrule of this invention in connection with one embodiment of the invention may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly state above.