Elastomer seal spring

Abstract

The seal spring of the present invention has dual functionality. The seal spring provides both sealing properties and spring function in use within an electrical connector system, which is achieved by its elastomeric qualities. The seal spring is preferably constructed of silicone, EPDM rubber, or materials and compositions that provide similar performance during use, and the like. The seal spring of the present invention is not limited or defined by its geometry to a spring portion or a sealing portion. An embodiment of the seal spring within a conductive female housing and connector assembly is shown. The seal spring compresses and provides the appropriate spring force against the disk ferrule assembly, pressing the disk ferrule assembly, including the wire shield, against the conductive outer female housing, providing a grounding mechanism for the connector assembly. The seal spring also seals the outer female housing and wires.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 169,511, filed April 1, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 051,517, filed July 14, 2020, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0002] Silicone or any elastomeric material (a material that is rubbery in nature) is often used in multiple applications, particularly in electrical connector systems, as a material to form seals (sealing members) for the purpose of preventing external elements, such as, but not limited to, water, air (any gaseous element or molecule), or any debris, defined as any foreign body not present when the connector system is assembled, from entering the connector system. The sealing properties of a particular seal are achieved by the elastomeric properties of the material and the appropriate geometric shape or geometries to operate within its location within the connector system. These seals are often designated by terms such as face seals, interface seals, ring seals, cable seals, mat (or matte) seals, and wire seals based on their intended location of use. [Background technology]

[0003] [Case 1] The use of silicone (elastomer) seals in connector applications may include mat seals. Mat seals may be used in headers or device-configured connector assemblies where they perform a single function as a seal. The mat seal performs a single function (sealing) by sealing two separate (discrete) surfaces. Also, a back cover, typical of designs using mat seals, secures and protects the mat seal.

[0004] [Case 2] The use of silicone (elastomer) seals in connector applications may include two mat seals. Two mat seals may be used in a wire-to-wire (in-line) connector assembly. One mat seal is a female mat seal and the other is a male mat seal. Both mat seals, for example, seal between the seal and the plastic housing and between the seal and the wire traveling through the mat seal's inner cavity. Note that while the mat seals perform a single function (sealing), they each seal against two independent (separate) surfaces. A typical mat seal design includes a back cover for each seal to secure and protect it.

[0005] [Case 3] The use of silicone (elastomer) seals in connector applications may include overmolded mat seals and face seals. Overmolded mat seals and face seals may be used in molding equipment that includes face seal-configured connector assemblies. Overmolded mat seals, for example, are seals between the seal and the plastic housing, as well as between the seal and the wires that run through the inner cavity of the overmolded mat seal. Face seals are a single, continuous seal that seals between the plastic housing and the molding equipment. The seals function similarly to gaskets or O-rings.

[0006] It should be noted that mat seals and face seals perform a single function (sealing), with mat seals sealing two separate (distinct) surfaces, and overmolded mat seals sealing a single surface. Also, a back cover is typically included when using a mat seal to secure and protect the mat seal. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The seal spring of the present invention has dual functionality. In use, the seal spring provides both sealing and spring functions within an electrical connector assembly. This dual functionality is achieved through its elastomeric qualities. The seal spring may be constructed of silicone, EPDM rubber, or other materials and compositions that provide similar performance during use. Furthermore, the seal spring of the present invention is not limited or defined by its geometric shape as a spring or sealing portion. Thus, the seal spring is not shape-based and may function anywhere the dual functionality of sealing and spring functions is required. One such embodiment is within the interior cavity of the housing of a connector assembly, which will be described in detail in this application.

[0008] The connector assembly with the seal spring of the present invention also preferably includes a disk ferrule assembly. The seal spring interacts with the disk ferrule assembly. During use, the seal spring is compressed and deformed, pressing one end against the disk ferrule assembly and the other end against the housing rear cover. Thus, the seal spring provides a spring function. Furthermore, the disk ferrule assembly provides a grounding device for the connector assembly via a wire shield attached to the disk ferrule assembly. For the disk ferrule assembly to assist in grounding the connector assembly, it is necessary for the disk ferrule assembly to contact, for example, a grounding mechanism. In this application, the grounding mechanism includes a conductive housing (made of metal-infused resin), but it could also be a conductive element within the housing (i.e., a conventional stamped shield or similar grounding mechanism), although the grounding mechanism is not limited to these aforementioned examples.

[0009] Here, during use, the seal spring of the present invention is compressed and deformed into the inner cavity of the outer female housing. The seal spring is compressed into the inner cavity when the housing back cover is mated and secured to the outer female housing. The elastomeric properties and durometer specifications of the seal spring allow the compressed state of the seal spring to apply a spring force against both the housing back cover and, more importantly, the disk ferrule assembly. The seal spring generates and applies an outward spring force that acts to press the seal spring against the disk ferrule assembly, securing the disk ferrule assembly to the inner wall of the outer female housing (conductive housing) or to a grounding device (i.e., a conventional stamped shield) within the outer female housing (not shown).

[0010] Additionally, the sealing properties of the seal spring allow the compression seal spring to maintain and provide an outer sealing function against the outer female housing 210 and an inner sealing function against the wire 300 .

[0011] As shown, the seal spring may also have protrusions that assist the seal spring in contact with the disk ferrule assembly and / or housing back cover without deforming the seal spring or disturbing the seal shape during use and operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the seal spring of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the seal spring of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an end perspective view of the housing back cover of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a female housing with a wire inserted and a disk ferrule assembly attached. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the female housing with the wire inserted, the disk ferrule assembly attached, and the seal spring present within the female housing. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled housing assembly with a female housing with a wire inserted, a disk ferrule assembly attached, a seal spring present in the female housing, and a housing back cover attached. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] 1 is a preferred embodiment of a seal spring 100 of the present invention. The seal spring 100 is preferably constructed of materials such as silicone, EPDM rubber, or materials and compositions that provide similar performance during use. The seal spring 100 has a first face 102, a first opposing face 112, a second face 104, a second opposing face 114, and a side 106. The side 106 has a surface 116, and the side 106 is between the first face 102 and the second face 104. The seal spring 100 also has a portion of the side 106, and Surface of side portion 106 1 and 2. The seal spring 100 has an outer seal portion 120 formed by a portion of the side wall 109. Here, the outer seal portion 120 is preferably located approximately in the center of the side 106 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Furthermore, the seal spring 100 has an inner opening 108 having a side wall 109. The side wall 109 has a surface 110. Although two inner openings 108 are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the number of inner openings 108 is preferably one or more than one. Furthermore, the seal spring 100 is located inside the inner opening 108 at a portion of its respective side wall 109, Surface 110 of sidewall 109 The inner seal portion 130 is preferably located approximately in the center of the side wall 109.

[0014] The seal spring 100 also has a protrusion 140 surrounding and corresponding to the inner opening 108, as shown. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the protrusion 140 protrudes from both the first surface 102 and the second surface 104. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the protrusion 140 may protrude from only one of the first surface 102 and the second surface 104 (not shown). The protrusion 140 has a side surface 144 and a vertical surface 142. The side surface 144 is generally perpendicular to the respective first surface 102 or second surface 104 extending therefrom. The vertical surface 142 is generally parallel to the respective first surface 102 or second surface 104 extending therefrom. Furthermore, the side surface 144 and the vertical surface 142 contact each other and extend generally perpendicular to each other.

[0015] As shown, the seal spring 100 has two inner openings 108, each having a corresponding pair of protrusions 140, one extending from the first surface 102 and the other extending from the second surface 104 (see FIGS. 1-2 and 5-6). As described above, the number of inner openings 108 is preferably one or more than one, but is not limited thereto. Similarly, the number of protrusions 140 corresponding to the number of inner openings 108 is preferably one or two, and more preferably, the number of protrusions 140 is two per number of inner openings 108, forming a pair, with one of the two protrusions 140 extending from the first surface 102 and the other of the two protrusions 140 extending from the second surface 104 (see FIGS. 1-2 and 5-6).

[0016] FIG. 2 shows the second face 104 and the second opposing face 114 of the seal spring 100 . surface Also shown is side 106 having sidewall 116. As previously mentioned, seal spring 100 has outer seal portion 120 and inner seal portion 130. Outer seal portion 120 interacts with and seals outer female housing 210 of connector assembly 200 (see FIG. 6). Inner seal portion 130 interacts with and seals inner insulation 302 of wire 300 (see FIG. 6), as will be described in more detail below.

[0017] 3, the housing back cover 230 of the connector assembly 200 is shown. The housing back cover 230 has an inner cavity 231. The inner cavity 231 has a sidewall 233. The sidewall 233 has a surface 234. Furthermore, the inner cavity 231 of the housing back cover 230 has a first end 237 and an opening 232 in the first end surface 238. Furthermore, the housing back cover 230 has a second end 239. The end 239 has an outer surface 240. The inner cavity 231 further has a rear wall 235, which is a portion of the second end 239. The rear wall 235 has an inner surface 236. Furthermore, extending substantially perpendicularly from the second end 239 is a wire collar strain relief 245 of the housing back cover 230. The housing back cover 230 has an opening 241 extending through the rear wall 235 of the second end 239. opening 241 The opening 241 extends further into the wire collar strain relief 245. 242 The side wall 242 is the surface 243 The openings 241 correspond to and are centrally aligned with the inner openings 108 provided in the seal spring 100, respectively.

[0018] 4 shows an outer female housing 210 that houses a wire 300. The outer female housing 210 has an inner cavity 211. The inner cavity 211 has a sidewall 213. The sidewall 213 has a surface 214. The inner cavity 211 of the outer female housing 210 also has an opening 212 at an end 217. The end 217 has a surface 218. The inner cavity 211 further has a rear wall 215. The rear wall 215 has a surface 216.

[0019] 4 also details the wire 300. The wire 300 comprises a wire core 301, an inner insulation 302, and a , outside The wire 300 has an inner insulation 302 and an outer insulation 304, and a wire shield 500. The wire 300 has an axial direction A (as shown in FIG. 6). The wire shield 500 is located between the inner insulation 302 and the outer insulation 304 of the wire 300. The wire core 301 is disposed within the inner insulation 302.

[0020] 4, a wire 300 is inserted through the outer female housing 210. One end of the wire core 301 is attached to and connected to a terminal (not shown). 210 Therefore, the terminals are locked in the outer female housing. 210 Once locked in place, the wire core 301 is fixedly attached so that it cannot move, and therefore the wire 300 is also locked in place, preventing and limiting its forward movement.

[0021] 4 also shows the disk ferrule assembly 400 positioned over the inner insulator 302 of the wire 300 and inside the inner cavity 211 of the outer female housing 210. In FIG. 4, a portion of the outer insulator 304 has been removed, so that the disk ferrule assembly 400 is positioned adjacent to the free end of the outer insulator 304. A wire shield 500 is located within the disk ferrule assembly 400 or on one side or the other and is attached to or secured to the disk ferrule assembly 400. Thus, the portion of the wire shield 500 that contacts or is secured to the disk ferrule assembly 400 moves and is positioned with the disk ferrule assembly 400 accordingly.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 5, the seal spring 100 is inserted into the outer female housing. 210The inner insulation 302 of the wire 300 is inserted and extends through the inner opening 108 of the seal spring 100. Next, the seal spring 100 is inserted into the opening 212 of the inner cavity 211 of the outer female housing 210, while the seal spring 100 is moved along the axial direction A of the wire 300, further inserting toward and contacting the disk ferrule assembly 400. The seal spring 100 is restricted from moving further into the outer female housing 210 when the first opposing surface 112 of the first face 102 reaches and abuts the disk ferrule assembly 400. As can be seen in FIG. 5 , the second surface 104 and the second opposing surface 114 of the seal spring 100 protrude and extend outward from the inner cavity 211 of the outer female housing and extend outward through the opening 212 of the outer female housing 210.

[0023] 6, the housing back cover 230 may interact with and be secured onto the outer female housing 210. The housing back cover 230 may include retention tabs for interacting with protrusions (not shown) on the exterior of the outer female housing 210. 244 Retention tab 244The opening 232 of the housing back cover 230 allows the housing back cover 230 to be aligned, positioned, locked, and secured to the exterior of the outer female housing 210. A portion of the outer female housing 210 resides completely within the inner cavity 231 of the housing back cover 230. The outer female housing 210 contacts a surface 234 of a side wall 233 of the inner cavity 231 of the housing back cover 230. During mating, the outer female housing 210 enters and passes through the opening 232 of the housing back cover 230. When the outer female housing 210 is fully mated and inserted into the inner cavity 231 of the housing back cover 230, the end 217 and end surface 218 of the outer female housing 210 contact and abut the rear wall 235 of the inner cavity 231 of the housing back cover 230 at the inner surface 236 of the rear wall 235 of the inner cavity 231 of the housing back cover 230. This limits the forward movement of the outer female housing 210 into the housing back cover 230 and preferably positions the outer female housing 210 within the housing back cover 230 for operation and use of the connector assembly 200 .

[0024] Furthermore, the housing back cover 230 also interacts with the seal spring 100. During mating between the housing back cover 230 and the outer female housing 210, the housing back cover 230 presses against and abuts the protrusion 140 of the seal spring 100. The protrusion 140 protrudes from the second surface 104 of the seal spring. The inner wall of the housing back cover 230 abuts against the vertical surface 142 of the protrusion 140 extending from the second surface 104 of the seal spring 100. Similarly, the vertical surface 142 of the protrusion 140 extending from the first surface 102 of the seal spring 100 is in full contact with the disc ferrule assembly 400. When the housing back cover 230 and the outer female housing 210 are mated, the seal spring 100 is compressed in the axial direction A of the wire 300. Retention tab 244 When the housing back cover 230 is fixed and locked to the outer female housing 210 with the housing back cover 230 locked to the outside of the outer female housing 210, the seal spring 100 is fully compressed and resides entirely within the inner cavity 211 of the outer female housing 210.

[0025] 6, the fully compressed and deformed orientation or state of the seal spring 100 provides a spring-like force and function in two opposite directions along the axial direction A of the wire 300. This spring-like force and function is provided first toward the disk ferrule assembly 400 and then toward the housing back cover 230. The spring-like force exerted by the seal spring 100 toward the disk ferrule assembly 400 provides a securing force to the disk ferrule assembly 400 that keeps the disk ferrule assembly 400 in a state and position where the disk ferrule assembly 400 is in full abutting contact with the rear wall 215 of the inner cavity 211 of the outer female housing 210 (conductive), or with a stamped shield (not shown), or similar grounding device within the inner cavity 211 of the outer female housing 210.

[0026] The outer female housing 210 here has metallic properties (metal-infused resin or metal composition), and the outer female housing 210 is a conductive element that completes the grounding path or mechanism of the connector assembly 200 by grounding the wire shield 500 provided on the disc ferrule assembly 400.

[0027] Further, in Figure 6, while providing the appropriate spring force, the compression seal spring 100 maintains and provides an outer sealing function against the outer female housing 210 and an inner sealing function against the wire 300. The outer seal portion 120 of the seal spring 100 seals against the surface 214 of the sidewall 213 of the inner cavity 211 of the outer female housing 210 (see Figure 6). The inner seal portion 130 of the seal spring 100 seals against the inner insulation 302 of the wire 300 (see Figure 6). Thus, the seal spring 100 seals against two separate and distinct surfaces.

[0028] The elastic properties and durability of the material of the seal spring 100 are optimized to provide the combination of properties and benefits described above. Furthermore, the seal spring 100 of the present invention is not limited or defined by its geometric shape in its spring or sealing portions. Therefore, the seal spring 100 is not shape-based and may function wherever dual functionality of sealing and spring functions is required. Furthermore, the size or space of the inner cavity 211 of the outer female housing 210 may be optimized and adjusted to allow deformation of the seal spring 100 without transitioning or interrupting the spring function or the inner and outer sealing characteristics of the seal spring 100. Alternatively, the size of the protrusion 140 of the seal spring 100 may be optimized and adjusted to allow deformation of the seal spring 100 without transitioning or interrupting the spring function or the inner and outer sealing characteristics of the seal spring 100.

[0029] It should be noted that while the above description relates to preferred embodiments of the manufacturing method for assembling at least a vertical disc ferrule of the present invention, 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 present invention.

Claims

1. A seal spring, a side having a surface; a first face having a surface; a second face having a surface; an inner opening having a sidewall; an outer seal portion located on a portion of the side and formed by a portion of the surface of the side; an inner seal portion located inside the inner opening on a portion of the side wall and extending from the side wall of the inner opening; the seal spring has the first surface and the second surface as opposing major surfaces, and forms a body with the side portion extending between the opposing major surfaces; a first surface having a protrusion formed as a continuous annular ridge concentrically surrounding and corresponding to the inner opening;

2. The seal spring of claim 1 , wherein the outer seal portion is formed by a portion of the surface of the side of the seal spring.

3. The seal spring of claim 1 , wherein the inner seal portion is formed by a portion of a side surface of the side wall.

4. The seal spring of claim 1 , wherein the outer seal portion interacts with a wall of a housing to seal against the wall of the housing.

5. The seal spring of claim 1 , wherein the inner seal portion interacts with a wire to seal against the wire.

6. The seal spring of claim 1 , wherein the second surface has a second protrusion.

7. The seal spring of claim 6, wherein said second projection surrounds and corresponds to said inner opening.

8. The seal spring of claim 1 , wherein said protrusion contacts a disk ferrule assembly.

9. 6. The seal spring of claim 5, wherein said protrusion contacts a disk ferrule assembly.

10. 1. A method for assembling a seal spring into a connector assembly, comprising: inserting the seal spring onto a wire; inserting the seal spring into an internal cavity of a housing; pushing the housing into a housing back cover; thereafter, pushing the housing into the housing back cover to provide a locking position for a retention tab on a protrusion located on the housing; compressing the seal spring into the housing; pressing the seal spring against a disk ferrule assembly; thereafter applying a spring force to the seal spring; the seal spring having a body with first and second opposing major surfaces and with sides extending between the opposing major surfaces, the first surface of the seal spring having a protrusion formed as a continuous annular ridge concentrically surrounding an inner opening and corresponding to the inner opening, and a step of accommodating the wire in the inner opening of the seal spring.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of pressing the seal spring against the disk ferrule assembly comprises pressing the disk ferrule assembly against the housing after the step of applying a spring force to the seal spring.

12. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method for assembling a seal spring into the connector assembly comprises, after the step of applying a spring force to the seal spring, the seal spring presses against the housing back cover.

13. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the method for assembling a seal spring to the connector assembly includes providing a grounding device on the housing.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the seal spring seals the interior cavity of the housing.

15. The method of claim 10, wherein the seal spring seals the wire.

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