FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to a ferrule cable for speedometer in vehicles, and, in particular, to structure of ferrule in the ferrule 5 cable for avoiding entry of grease into the speedometer. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to structure of ferrule having a plurality of drain holes to allow passage of extra grease in downward direction and protects the mechanical speedometer from grease.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART: 10
[002] In the mechanically driven speedometers of automotive vehicles are driven by helically wound spring cables powered by the engine or transmission of the vehicles. Generally, these helically wound spring cables are lubricated with grease or any other lubrication to increase lifer of the spring cable driving element. As seen from the figure 1a, the outer cable 103 has inner cable 105 which is 15 lubricated with grease 104. The outer wrapping or outer cable 103 of the spring cable is act as an Archimedes screw which allows the lubricant applied to the inner cable 105 to cause to work up to the instrument cluster, specifically, speedometer box if the cable is rotated in the direction giving the screw a positive lead angle. Undesirably, such rotation of the cable could cause lubricant to 20 migrate up the cable and into the head of the speedometer as seen in figure 1b.
[003] The lubricant enters into the speedometer and hampers normal and smooth functioning of the speedometer. The lubricant in the speedometer causes flickering issues in the pointers of the speedometer. Due to the pointer flickering issues speedometer shows unstable speed. 25
[004] In order to overcome these issues, the existing technologies provide a solution to this technical problem.
[005] US patent publication US 5161426 A titled, “Automotive speedometer assembly with integral anti-fouling grease seal” discloses an automotive
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speedometer assembly includes a speedometer head, a cable for mechanically driving the head, and a seal positioned proximate the head for preventing the infiltration of lubricant from the cable into the head. The seal is preferably contained within a ferrule mounted to an end of the cable and comprises a generally annular body having an outer diametric element engaged with the 5 ferrule and a radially inwardly extending inner element engaged with the drive hub of the head. The radially inwardly extending element may comprise a lip which is slidingly engaged with the drive hub of the head. The cable included in the present assembly includes a flexible outer sheath and a wound spring inner member having a helical wrap. In a preferred embodiment, the seal lip extends 10 radially inwardly at an acute angle to the outer diametral surface of the seal. The purpose of the seal is to prevent infiltration of lubricant from the cable into the head and also for establishing the axial spacing of the cable and the head. Accordingly, the seal also comprises two axially opposed faces with one face in contact with the ferrule and the other face in contact with the outer housing of the 15 speedometer head. The present solution avoids the entry of grease by applying a seal in between the speedometer and the ferrule cable which increases the cost and time of assembly.
[006] In order to avoid entry of the lubricant, such as grease in the speedometer from the ferrule cable in the vehicle, a ferrule structure is required which drain out 20 all extra grease from the cable during movement of the inner cable and avoid entry of grease into the speedometer. The ferrule structure should be inexpensive, reliable, simple in manufacturing, and can be implemented on existing ferrule cables. Therefore, the present invention provides a solution by satisfying all the requirements which suited best for the automobile industry. 25
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[007] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide a ferrule cable for avoiding entry of grease into speedometer.
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[008] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a ferrule on the cable having a plurality of drain holes which allows passage of extra grease in downward direction and restrict entry of grease into the speedometer.
[009] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a ferrule shaped cap on the ferrule of the cable to receive the grease coming out from the plurality 5 of drain holes.
[0010] Yet another object of the present subject matter is to restrict entry of grease into the speedometer without any extra element or component, such as seal.
[0011] Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide a simple, effective, and cost efficient ferrule structure to avoid entry of grease into the 10 speedometer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0012] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a structure of ferrule in the ferrule cable to avoid entry of grease in the speedometer from the ferrule cable during transmission of the vehicle. The present ferrule comprises a first tubular 15 portion and second tubular portion in form of a cylinder. The first tubular portion and the second tubular portion are concentric with a central axis. The tubular portions are integrally joined at their front ends by an annulus. The ferrule is made from single mold. The first tubular portion and the second portion define a hollow cylindrical structure with variable diameter. The first tubular portion has bigger 20 diameter as compared to second tubular portion. The annulus of the ferrule has a plurality of drain holes to drain out excess grease from the ferrule in downward direction. Further, a ferrule shaped cap is provided to cover the ferrule and to accumulate the drained out grease and avoid spillage of grease along the cable length and inside the vehicle body. Due to the plurality of drain holes on the 25 annulus of the ferrule, excessive grease can be drain out effectively and entry of the grease into the speedometer can be restricted.
[0013] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with
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reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be 5 considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and 10 components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0015] Fig. 1a and 1b illustrate structure of the spring cable used in the ferrule cable assembly with the speedometer as known in the art; 15
[0016] Fig. 2 illustrates structure of the ferrule cable with ferrule structure having a plurality of drain holes to avoid entry of grease into the speedometer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0017] Fig. 3 illustrates assembly of ferrule cable with the speedometer cover and ferrule shaped cable, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject 20 matter.
[0018] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles 25 of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0019] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a structure of ferrule in the ferrule cable to avoid entry of grease in the speedometer from the ferrule cable
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during transmission of the vehicle. The present ferrule comprises a first tubular portion and second tubular portion in form of a cylinder. The first tubular portion and the second tubular portion are concentric with a central axis. The tubular portions are integrally joined at their front ends by an annulus. The ferrule is made from single mold. The first tubular portion and the second portion define a hollow 5 cylindrical structure with variable diameter. The first tubular portion has bigger diameter as compared to second tubular portion. The annulus of the ferrule has a plurality of drain holes to drain out excess grease from the ferrule in downward direction. Further, a ferrule shaped cap is provided to cover the ferrule and to accumulate the drained out grease and avoid spillage of grease along the cable 10 length and inside the vehicle body. Due to the plurality of drain holes on the annulus of the ferrule, excessive grease can be drain out effectively and entry of the grease into the speedometer can be restricted.
[0020] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled 15 in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various assembly that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter 20 and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and 25 conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. 30
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[0021] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the 5 principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0022] Fig. 2 illustrates structure of the ferrule cable with ferrule structure having a plurality of drain holes to avoid entry of grease into the speedometer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The present assembly of the ferrule cable with speedometer head. The present ferrule cable 10 200 has a cable 204 and a ferrule 203. The ferrule 203 is connected with one end of the cable 204 towards the speedometer connection. From the other end, the ferrule 203 connects with mounting stud 202 of the speedometer head 201. The cable 204 connected between the transmission and speedometer. The cable 204 has two parts, i.e., inner cable which is metallic material and outer cable which is 15 plastic material. The inner cable is covered with grease for smooth rotation along with the transmission. The cable 204 takes input from the transmission and start rotating. Due to the rotation, the grease of the cable starts moving upward direction towards the speedometer side and spills into the ferrule 203.
[0023] The ferrule 203 has a first tubular portion 203a and a second tubular 20 portion 203b in form of a cylinder. The first tubular portion 203a and the second tubular portion 203b are concentric with a central axis. The first tubular portion 203a and the second tubular portion 203b are connected from front ends by an integrated annulus 203c. Further, the first tubular portion 203a, the second tubular portion 203b, and the annulus 203c are integrated with each other. The width of 25 the annulus 203c varies according to the dimensions of the ferrule 203. The ferrule 203 is made from single mold. In other way, the annulus 203c can be joined with the first tubular portion 203a and the second tubular portion 203b by welding or any other joining means. The annulus 203c has a plurality of drain
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holes 203d to drain out excessive grease. The excessive grease is drain out in downward direction from the plurality of drain holes 203d.
[0024] The first tubular portion 203a, the second tubular portion 203b, and the annulus 203c are concentric with central axis of the cylindrical structure of the ferrule 203. The first tubular portion 203a has bigger diameter as compared to 5 second tubular portion 203b. The first tubular portion 203a matches with diameter of mounting stud 202 of the speedometer head 201. Whereas diameter of the second tubular portion 203b matches with diameter of the cable 204. The cable 204 inserted into rear end of the second tubular portion 203b of the ferrule 203 and the ferrule 203 secures the cable 204. The annulus 203c joins the first tubular 10 portion 203a and the second tubular portion 203b and forms annular shoulder.
[0025] The annulus 203c has the plurality of drain holes 203d on the surface to drain out the excessive greases climbed up in the cable due to rotation of the inner wire. The number of drain holes 203d can vary according to dimension and size of the cable and ferrule 203. The number of drain holes in the plurality of drain holes 15 203d in range of 2 to 10. The present ferrule has two drain holes 203d which are arranged diametrically opposite to each other. Similarly n number of drain holes is arranged diametrically opposite to each other. The drain holes 203d can be arranged in any arrangement but diametric opposite arrangement provides efficient drain flow of the grease. The first tubular portion 203a of the ferrule 203 20 has two mounting clips 203e positioned at diametrically opposite to each other to engage the ferrule 203 with the mounting stud 202 of the speedometer head 201.
[0026] In another embodiment, the present subject matter provides a ferrule shaped cap 205 to cover the ferrule 203 and to receive the grease coming out from the plurality of drain holes 203d. The ferrule shaped cap 205 is similar in structure 25 with the ferrule 203. Similar to ferrule 203, the ferrule shaped cap 205 has two tubular structures, i.e., first tubular portion and the second tubular portion. The ferrule shaped cap 205 has central cavity to receive the cable 204. The diameter of the first tubular portion and second tubular portion of the ferrule shaped cap 205 is bigger from the diameter of the first tubular portion 203a and the second tubular 30
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portion 203b of the ferrule 203. The ferrule shaped cap 205 covers the ferrule 203. The height of the first tubular portion of the ferrule shaped cap 205 is smaller as compared to height of the first tubular portion 203a of the ferrule 203. The ferrule shaped cap 205 is made of rubber material. The ferrule shaped cap 205 avoids spillage of grease from the plurality of drain holes 203d in the vehicle and the 5 cable 204.
[0027] The present ferrule cable avoids entry of grease into the speedometer. Further, the present ferrule cable provides a ferrule shaped cap which avoids spillage of grease in the vehicle and on the cable. The structure of the ferrule with a plurality of drain holes and the ferrule shaped cap is simple to manufacture and 10 effective in use. Due to the present ferrule, it becomes possible to avoid entry of grease in the speedometer without adding any seal in between the speedometer and the ferrule.
[0028] It is easy to manufacture the present ferrule by making a plurality of drain holes on the existing ferrule and applying an extra ferrule shaped cap. 15
[0029] The term “vehicle” as used throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers to any moving vehicle that is capable of carrying one or more human occupants and is powered by any form of energy. The term “vehicle” is a motor vehicle which includes, but is not limited to: cars, trucks, vans, minivans, hatchback, sedan, MUVs, and SUVs. 20
[0030] It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of a plurality of components or steps may be combined into a single component or step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may be split among plural steps or components. The present invention contemplates all of these combinations. Unless stated otherwise, dimensions and geometries of the various structures 25 depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It will also be appreciated from the 30
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above that the fabrication of the unique structures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods in accordance with the present invention. The present invention also encompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice of the methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” also contemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the recited 5 feature.
[0031] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present 10 subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.
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We claim:
1. A ferrule (203) for avoiding entry of grease into speedometer (201), the ferrule (203) connects with a cable (204) at one end and other end connects with mounting stud (202) of the speedometer head (201), the ferrule (203) comprising: 5
a first tubular portion (203a) in form of a cylinder;
a second tubular portion (203b) in form of a cylinder;
an annulus (203c) joins front ends of the first tubular portion (203a) and the second tubular portion (203b) integrally; and
characterized in that 10
a plurality of drain holes (203d) provided on surface of the annulus (203c) of the ferrule (203) to drain out excess grease.
2. The ferrule (203) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ferrule (203) further comprises a ferrule shaped cap (205) at back side to accumulate the grease 15 coming out from the plurality of drain holes (203d).
3. The ferrule (203) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the ferrule shaped cap (205) covers the ferrule (203) from behind and receive the grease coming out from the plurality of drain holes (203d). 20
4. The ferrule (203) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first tubular portion (203a), the second tubular portion (203b), and the annulus are concentric with central axis.
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5. The ferrule (203) as claimed in claim 1, wherein diameter of the first tubular portion (203a) is more than diameter of the second tubular portion (203b).
6. The ferrule (203) as claimed in claim 1, wherein diameter of the first portion (203a) matches with the diameter of the mounting stud (202) of the 30 speedometer (201).
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7. The ferrule (203) as claimed in claim 1, wherein inner diameter of the second tubular portion (203b) equal to external diameter of the cable (204).
8. The ferrule (203) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of drain holes 5 (203d) are two in number, wherein the plurality of drain holes (203d) arranged diametrically opposite to each other.
9. The ferrule (203) as claimed in claim 1, wherein number of the plurality of drain holes (203d) are in range of 2 to 10. 10
10. The ferrule (203) as claimed in claim 1, wherein diameter of ferrule shaped cap (205) is bigger than the ferrule (203) to cover the ferrule (203).