TWO-PIECE CERAMIC FERRULE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A ceramic ferrule assembly is provided, including a head including at least one tab protruding outwardly from an inner peripheral surface thereof, and a stem having an annular flange about an outer peripheral surface thereof and having at least one slot formed therein, the slot being adapted to receive the tab and retain the tab in a stationary position when the stem is rotated relative the head, whereby the at least one tab and the at least one slot mechanically engage one another to secure the ferrule stem and ferrule head to prevent axial disassociation from one another without counter rotation.

Claims

1. A ceramic ferrule assembly comprising: a ferrule head comprising at least one tab protruding outwardly from an inner peripheral surface thereof; and a ferrule stem comprising an annular flange about an outer peripheral surface thereof and having at least one slot formed therein, said slot being adapted to receive said tab and retain said tab in a stationary position when said ferrule stem is rotated relative said ferrule head; whereby said at least one tab and said at least one slot to secure said ferrule stem and said ferrule head to prevent axial and radial disassociation from one another without counter rotation.

2. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 1, wherein an opening of said at least one slot is parallel with respect to a longitudinal extension axis of said ferrule stem.

3. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 1, wherein said at least one slot is helically-shaped.

4. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 3, wherein said helically-shaped slot has an angle of 45 degrees or less with respect to a central extension axis of said ferrule stem.

5. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 1, wherein said at least one tab comprises two tabs diametrically opposed to one another on said inner peripheral surface of said ferrule head.

6. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 5, wherein said at least one slot comprises at least two slots diametrically opposed to one another on said annular flange.

7. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 6, wherein said two slots are parallel with respect to a longitudinal extension axis of said stem.

8. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 6, wherein said two slots are helically-shaped.

9. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 1, wherein said at least one tab is integrally formed with said ferrule head.

10. A ceramic ferrule assembly comprising: a ferrule head having a hexagonal outer peripheral shape and extending from a first end to an opposed second end thereof defining a length thereof, said ferrule head having a central bore extending along said length thereof, and defining a longitudinal extension axis thereof, from a hexagonal opening at said first end of said ferrule head to a circular opening at said second end of said head, said central bore having an inner peripheral surface defined by a first section having a tapered hexagonal shape extending from said first hexagonal opening to an annular ridge, and a second section having a cylindrical shape extending from said annular ridge to said circular opening, and said ferrule head having at least one tab extending from a portion of said inner peripheral of said central bore of ferrule head; and a ferrule stem extending from a first end toward an opposed second end in a longitudinal extension direction defining a length thereof, and having a first radial flange spaced a distance away from said second end of said ferrule stem along the longitudinal extension direction of said ferrule stem and having a slot formed therein, and a second radial flange located proximate and defining said second end of said ferrule stem; wherein said at least one tab of said ferrule head resides in a portion of said at least one slot in a rotatably engaged position, mechanically securing said ferrule stem to said ferrule head to prevent axial and radial disassociation without counter rotation; and wherein said second flange of said ferrule stem is seated on said annular ridge of said inner peripheral surface of said ferrule head.

11. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 10, wherein an outer diameter of said second flange of said ferrule stem is greater than an outer diameter of said first flange of said ferrule stem, and said outer diameter of said first flange is greater than an outer diameter of said ferrule stem.

12. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 10, wherein said at least one slot is parallel with respect to a longitudinal extension axis of said ferrule stem.

13. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 10, wherein said at least one slot is helically-shaped.

14. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 13, wherein said helically-shaped slot has an angle of 45 or less with respect to said longitudinal extension axis of said ferrule stem.

15. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 10, wherein said at least one tab comprises two tabs diametrically opposed to one another on said inner peripheral surface of said ferrule head.

16. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 15, wherein said at least one slot comprises at least two slots diametrically opposed to one another on said first annular flange.

17. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 16, wherein openings of said two slots are parallel with respect to said longitudinal extension axis of said ferrule stem.

18. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 16, wherein said two slots are helically-shaped.

19. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 10, wherein said at least one tab is integrally formed with said ferrule head.

20. The ceramic ferrule assembly according to claim 10, wherein said at least one tab is formed on a portion of said second section of said inner peripheral surface of said central bore of said ferrule head proximate said second end of said ferrule head.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] For a better understanding of the nature and object of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description of a preferred mode of practicing the invention, read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art two-piece ceramic ferrule;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional (cut) view of the prior art two-piece ceramic ferrule shown in FIG. 1;

[0018] FIGS. 3A-3D are perspective views of ceramic ferrule stems 200 and 210 according to the present invention, wherein FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of a ceramic ferrule stem 200 having an annular flange 211 with an L-shaped slot 220 having an opening 221 that extends parallel to the longitudinal extension axis of the ferrule stem according to one aspect of the present invention, and FIGS. 3C and 3D are perspective views of a ceramic ferrule stem 210 having an annular flange 211 with a slot 230 having a helically-shaped opening according to another aspect of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 4 A is a perspective view of a ceramic ferrule head 100 according to the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional (cut-view) of the ceramic ferrule head 100 shown in FIG. 4A;

[0021] FIGS. 5A-5C are assembly views showing the steps for joining the ceramic ferrule head 100 and ceramic ferrule stem 200 together to form a ceramic ferrule assembly 500 according to the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 6A is a cut-view showing the ferrule assembly 500 in FIG. 5C;

[0023] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional (cut view) showing a ferrule assembly 600 according to another aspect of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the ferrule assembly 500 shown in FIGS. 5C and 6A; and

[0025] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a ferrule assembly 800 according to another aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of a ceramic ferrule stem 200 according to one aspect of the present invention. The ferrule stem 200 extends from a first end 201 to an opposed second end 202 along the length thereof, defining the longitudinal extension axis (central axis) of the ferrule stem 200. A substantially cylindrical central bore 203, having a substantially cylindrical inner diameter (ID), extends along the length of the ferrule stem 200 from a circular opening at the first end 201 to a circular opening at the second end 202. A first annular flange 211 is provided, circumscribing the outer diameter (OD) of the ferrule stem 200 and spaced a distance away from the second end 202, and a second annular flange 212 is provided, circumscribing the OD of the ferrule stem 200 proximate and defining the second end 202 of the ferrule stem 200.

[0027] The outer diameter of the second flange 212 is greater than the outer diameter of the first flange 211, and the outer diameter of the first flange 211 is greater than the OD of the ferrule stem 200. Preferably, the outer diameter of the first flange 211 is 1.5 inches, the outer diameter of the second flange 212 is 1.3 inches and the OD of the ferrule stem 200 is 1.1 inches. It is also preferred that the first flange 211 is spaced a distance of 1.0 inch, more preferably 0.250 inches, from the second end 202 of the ferrule stem 200 in the longitudinal extension direction.

[0028] The annular flange 211 has a slot 220 formed therein with an opening portion that extends parallel to the longitudinal extension axis of the stem 200, and has a general L-shape according to one aspect of the present invention. That is, as shown in FIG. 3B, the slot 220 has a slot first part 221 that extends parallel to the longitudinal extension axis (central axis) of the ferrule stem 200, and a slot second part 222 that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the first part 221, and represents a circumferential extension portion of the slot 220 in which a tab T on the ferrule head 100 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4A and 4B) is positionally located once the ferrule stem 200 is rotatably positioned with respect to the ferule head 100 to define the ferrule assembly 500, as described below (see, e.g., FIG. 6A). In connection with the above, the dimensions (i.e., length and width of the slot first and second parts 221 and 222 must at least matingly correspond to the dimensions of the tab T, so that the T is able to pass through the slot first part 221 and then reside within the slot second part 222 without becoming dislodged during operative use.

[0029] FIGS. 3C and 3D are perspective views of a ceramic ferrule stem 210 according to another aspect of the present invention. The ferrule stem 210 extends from a first end 201 to an opposed second end 202 along the length thereof, defining a longitudinal extension axis (central axis) of the ferrule stem 210. A substantially cylindrical central bore 203 having a substantially cylindrical inner diameter (ID) extends along the length of the ferrule stem 210 from a circular opening at the first end 201 to a circular opening at the second end 202 thereof A first annular flange 211 is provided, circumscribing the outer diameter (OD) of the ferrule stem 210 and spaced a distance away from the second end 202, and a second annular flange 212 is provided, circumscribing the outer diameter OD of the ferrule stem 210 proximate and defining the second end 202 of the ferrule stem 210.

[0030] The outer diameter of the second flange 212 is greater than the outer diameter of the first flange 211, and the outer diameter of the first flange 211 is greater than the OD of the ferrule stem 210. Like with the embodiment described in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B, preferably, the outer diameter of the first flange 211 of the ferrule stem 210 is 1.5 inches, the outer diameter of the second flange 212 is 1.3 inches and the OD of the ferrule stem 210 is 1.1 inches. It is also preferred that the first flange 211 is spaced a distance of 1.0 inch, more preferably 0.250 inches, from the second end 202 of the ferrule stem 210 in the longitudinal extension direction.

[0031] The annular flange 211 of the ferrule stem 201 has a slot 230 having a helically-shaped opening 231 (slot first part), rather than the axially parallel-oriented opening 221 (slot first part) shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In this case, the angled shape of the opening 231 twists helically around the axis of the ferrule stem 210 for even greater security and radial blocking, but still engages the tab T in a similar manner to accept and retain the tab T on the ferrule head 100 in the slot second part 232 after the ferrule stem 210 is rotated into place with respect to the ferrule head 100 to define the assembly 600, as described below in connection with FIG. 6B.

[0032] Preferably, the angle of the helically-shaped opening (slot first part 231) of the slot 230 extends at an angle in a range of 25-35, more preferably not more than 45 with respect to the longitudinal extension axis (central axis) of the ferrule stem 210. In connection with the above, the dimensions of the slot first part 231 (i.e., width and length) must at least matingly correspond to the dimensions of the tab T, so that the T is able to pass through the angled slot first part 231 of the helically-shaped slot 230 and then reside within the adjacent slot second part 232, in a similar manner as that described above in connection with the slot 220 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, without becoming dislodged during operative use without otherwise purposefully providing the required counter rotation needed to disengage the mechanically interlocked ferrule pieces.

[0033] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a ceramic ferrule head 100 according to the present invention, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional (cut-view) of the ceramic ferrule head 100 shown in FIG. 4A. The ferrule head 100 has a substantially hexagonal outer peripheral surface 103 and extends from a first end 101 to an opposed second end 102 along the length thereof, defining a longitudinal extension axis (central axis) thereof The ferrule head 100 has a central bore 110 that extends from a first hexagonal opening 111 in the first end 101 to a circular opening 114 in the second end 102. The central bore 110 has a first section 112 having a tapered hexagonal inner peripheral shape that extends from the first hexagonal opening 111 toward an annular ridge 122, which defines a transition point of the central bore 110. A second section 113 of the central bore 110 having a cylindrical inner peripheral shape extends from the annular ridge 122 toward the circular opening 114 at the second end 102 of the ferrule head 100.

[0034] The varied shape of the inner peripheral surface of the ferrule head 100 is provided for several reasons. One such reason is that having a hexagonal opening 111 at one end and a hexagonal inner peripheral surface 112 that transitions in a tapered manner toward the circular opening 114 decreases thermal stresses and provides an improvement in pressure loss as opposed to having a straight, open central bore construction along the length of the ferrule head 100. Another reason is that the inner annular ridge 122 provides not only a geometrical transition point between the tapered hexagonal section 112 and the cylindrical section 113 of the central bore 110, but also provides a seat surface for enabling at least some degree of axial retention of the ferrule stem 200 in the insertion direction (see, e.g., FIGS. 5A-5C and 6A). The annular ridge 122 also cooperates with the first annular flange 212 of the ferrule stem 200 to prevent process gas from penetrating therebehind.

[0035] At least one locking member, such as tab T, is provided on a portion of the inner peripheral surface of the second section 113 of the ferrule head 100, preferably proximate the second end 102 thereof The preferred location for the tab(s) is in the lower section of the ferrule head 100 so as to engage the slot 220 on the first flange 211 of the ferrule stem 200, although if wall thickness restrictions dictate, it is possible to locate the tab(s) in the upper section of the ferrule head 100 to instead engage a similar slot that can likewise be provided in the second flange 212 of the ferrule stem 200.

[0036] As shown, the tab T extends from the cylindrical inner peripheral surface of the second section 113 of the central bore 110 of the ferrule head 100 inwardly, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension axis of the ferrule head 100. The tab T on the inside of the ceramic ferrule head 100 may have any suitable shape that appropriately engages the appropriate slot in the stem 200, but is preferably round, trapezoidal, or square. In order to ensure adequate strength of the tab T, the aspect ratio of the minimum radial width (extending along the inside diameter of the ferrule head 100) to the height (outwardly projecting distance dimension) of the tab T should be at least 2:1.

[0037] FIGS. 5A-5C are assembly views showing the steps for joining the ceramic ferrule head 100 and ferrule stem 200 to form the ceramic ferrule assembly 500 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5A, the first end 201 of the ferrule head 200 is inserted into the hexagonal opening 111 of the central bore 110 of the ferrule head 100 in the direction indicated by the arrow, so that the longitudinal extension axis (central axis) of the ferrule stem 200 is aligned with the longitudinal extension axis of the ferrule head 100 (coaxial alignment). The ferrule stem is continually inserted downward (in the arrow direction shown), as shown in FIG. 5B, until the tab T of the ferrule head 100 passes through the first part 221 of the slot 220 of the ferrule stem 200.

[0038] The ferrule stem 100 is then rotated about its longitudinal extension axis (central axis), thereby directing the radially oriented tab T of the ferrule head 100 into the circumferential extension portion 222 of the slot 220 in the ferrule stem 200. Because of the interlocking mechanical relationship or interference between the tab T and the slot 220, the ferrule stem 200 cannot then be removed from the ferrule head 100 by a single force in the axial direction. That is, once tab T passes through the slot 220, the ferrule stem 200 is rotated into a position such that tab T cannot pass back through the slot 220 without purposefully performing a precise counter rotation.

[0039] The requirement for rotation, as well as axial extraction of the ferrule stem 200 to disassemble the ferrule assembly 500 significantly reduces the chances that the ferrule stem 200 might undesirably disassociate from the ferrule head 100 during operation. The ferrule stem 200 is preferably rotated about 0.25 inches or about 10, depending on the precise dimensions of the slot 220 and tab T, so that the tab T resides in the correct position within the second portion 222 of the slot 220 (see, e.g., FIGS. 6A and 7).

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5C, in the ferrule assembly 500, the first end 201 of the ferrule stem 200 extends beyond the second end 102 of the ferrule head 100, and the second end 202 of the ferrule stem 200 is housed within the central bore 110 of the ferrule head 100.

[0041] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional (cut-view) showing the assembly 500 in FIG. 5C, and FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the assembly 500 shown in FIGS. 5C and 6A. The tab T cannot be seen in FIG. 6A given the rotated state of the ferrule head 200, because the annular flange 211 obscures the view of the tab T. This is clear based on the bottom-view shown in FIG. 7, where only a portion of the tab T extending from the cylindrical surface 113 can be seen behind the annular flange 211 in a location corresponding to the second portion 222 (not shown) of the slot 220. The bottom face of the first flange 212 of the ferrule stem 200 is seated on the annular ridge 122 within the central bore 110 of the ferrule head 100, as described above. This prevents further axial movement in the insertion direction indicated by the arrows shown in FIGS. 5A-5C, and provides the thermal and processing benefits described above.

[0042] FIG. 6B is a cut view showing an assembly 600, where the first annular flange 211 of the ferrule stem 210 has a helically-shaped slot (see, e.g., FIGS. 3C and 3D). The tab T of the ferrule head 100 cannot be seen in FIG. 6B given the rotated state of the ferrule head 210, because the annular flange 211 obscures the view of the tab T. The bottom face of the first flange 212 of the ferrule stem 210 is seated on the annular ridge 122 within the central bore 110 of the ferrule head 100, as described above. This prevents further axial movement in the insertion direction indicated by the arrows shown in FIGS. 5A-5C.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an assembly 800 according to another aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment, the ferrule head 100 includes are two tabs, T.sub.1 and T.sub.2, diametrically opposed to one another about the inner circumference of the cylindrical peripheral surface 113 of the central bore 110 of the ferrule head 100 (i.e., separated by 180. Likewise, the radial flange 211 of the ferrule stem 200 includes two diametrically opposed slots 220a and 220b, which rotatably engage the respective Tabs T.sub.1 and T.sub.2 in the same manner described above when the ferrule stem 200 is inserted into the ferrule head 100 and rotated into the locked position.

[0044] Although no fiber wraps or gaskets are shown in the accompanying Figures, it should be readily understood that they may still included in the overall design, but were removed for simplicity of view and explanation. Such fiber wraps and gaskets are not needed in order to functionally secure the ferrule stem 200 and head 100 to one another, as in the prior art design, however.

[0045] While the present invention has been shown and described above with reference to specific examples, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is in no way limited to these examples, and that variations and modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.