AU608344B2

AU608344B2 - Magnetic electric power connector

Info

Publication number: AU608344B2
Application number: AU20095/88A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Arthur Priest
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-07-27
Filing date: 1988-07-27
Publication date: 1991-03-28
Anticipated expiration: 2008-07-27
Also published as: AU2009588A

Description

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AUSTRALIA

Patents Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Class Application Number: Int. Class

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V. V .aa S V V 0 Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority T his document contaidns the amedilefiSmade under Section 49 and is correct for' printing.

Related Art! *0 0) St APPLICANT'SREF.: C.A.P. of PI 3337 Name(s) of Applicant(s): ARTHUR PRIEST Address(es) of Applicant(s): Dunalley Post Office, Durialley, Tasmania 7177, Australia Actual Inventor(s): Arthur Priest.

Address for Service is: PHILLIPS, ORMONDE AND FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne, Australia, 3000 Complete Specification for the invention entitled: "MAGNETIC ELECTRIC POWER CONNECTOR" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): P19/3/84 if any Nole: No legalization 0.

or other witness required PHILLIPS ORMONDE AND FITZPATRICK DJR: DW Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Hwth: Fee $60.00 Melbourne, Australia P17/2/83 This invention relates to an electric ccninector for providing electrical connection between two conductors of electrical energy.

Various forms of electrical connectors have previously been proposed and used. Such electrical connectors are generally designed to have male contacts on one side of the connector being firmly held by female clamping contacts on the other side. Such contacts are often difficult to align and are difficult to attach or detach one part to or from the other part. Some contacts such as those used for connecting cables to batteries have shown certain deficiencies such as corrosion occurring in the region where the female connector contacts the battery terminal. These battery terminal S" connectors often distend when tightened and often work loose creating a poor connection and resulting in poor current I *flow, shorting or no current flow.

0 It is an object of the present invention to provide an oO, electric connector which overcomes one or more of the I aforementioned problems.

The electric connector according to the invention is applicable as a battery terminal connector and it will be convenient to hereinafter describe it in relation to that exemplary application. It is to be appreciated however, that the electric connector is not limited to that application.

According to the present invention there is provided an electrical battery connector for electrically connecting an I electrical lead to a terminal of a battery, said electrical battery connector comprising: a mounting member and a contact member; i"SG 3 said mounting member being connectable to the terminal of said bcttery, and including a mour.-ing magnetic section and a mounting conductive section for conducting electricity between the terminal and the contact member; and said contact member including means to connect the electrical lead thereto, a contact conductive section to conduct electricity to the electrical lead, and a contact magnetic section to couple with the mounting magnetic section to connect the contact member to the mounting member, such -39 -that electricity may be conducted from the terminal to the 2 i L 'i i: electrical lead via an electrical conductive route defined by the mounting conductive section and the contact conductive section, and wherein the mounting magnetic section and the contact magnetic section are outside the electrical conductive route, and at least partially insulate the conductive sections.

The present invention also provides an electrical battery connector for electrically connecting an electrical lead to a terminal of a battery, said electrical battery connector comprising a mounting member and a contact member Cc said mounting member being integrally formed as at least a portion of a battery terminal and including an electrically S conductive post which projects from said battery, said

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mounting member including a mounting magnetic section, said contact member being cooperable with said post, said contact member including means for connecting an electrical lead O~t@ S thereto, a contact conductive section to conduct electricity o to said lead, and a contact magnetic section cooperable with the mounting magnetic section to couple the contact member to the mouting member such that electricity may be conducted from the electrically conductive post to the electrical lead via an electrical conductive route defined by the mounting o conductive section and the contact conductive section and Swherein the mounting magnetic section and the contact magnetic section are outside the electrical conductive route, S and at least partially insulate the conductive sections and the post.

r The essential features bf the invention, and further "optional features are described in detail in the following passzges of the specification which refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings however, are merely illustrative of how the invention might be put into effect, so that the specific form and arrangement of the features (whether they are essential or optional features) shown is not to be understood as limiting the invention.

In the drawings: Figure 1 shows an exploded side view of a battery terminal and a form of electric connector.

Figure 2 shows a partially sectioned side view of the 3 i-e li~;i

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s4t 4S 461 tr battery terminal and electric connector shown in Figure i.

Figure 3 shows a partially sectional side view of a battery terminal and a form of electric connector according to the invention.

Figure 4 shows a sectioned side view of a further form of electric connector according to the invention.

Figure 5 shows a partially sectioned side view of yet a further form of electric connector according to the invention.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a mounting member 2 adapted to fit about a known male electric conductor 3, such as a battery terminal. It will be understood that in a different embodiment the mounting member could be formed as an integral part of one part of the electric conductor, or in another form said mounting member could be adapted to fit a known

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female electric conductor.

In the form wherein the mounting member is not integral with the electric conductor it may include attachment means.

The attachment means may be of any shape or form dependent Supon the shape of the electric conductor to which it is to 2b attach. In the form shown in Figure i, attachment means includes a recess 4. In this form, the electric conductor 3 inserts into the recess 4, and the recess 4 is substantially complimentary in shape to the electric conductor 3 such that r, S the electric conductor 3 can be inserted therein. The electric conductor 3 fits within the recess 4, and friction between the electric conductor 3 and said substantially tit complimentary recess 4 holds the mounting member 2 in place.

A Mounting member 2 also includes a locating recess The locating recess 5 is adapted such that at least the lower It ,3 portion 8 'of the contact member 7 may insert into the Ii locating recess 5 to abut against the saddle section (partially indicated by the numeral 6).

At least a portion of saddle section 6 is defined by the top surface of the electric conductor 3, which is complimentary in shape thereto. A magnetic member 9 also forms a part of the saddle section 6. As shown in Figure 2, saddle section 6 is substantially provided by magnetic member 9. The magnetic mermber 9 may be any known suitable means, 8 including one or more permanent magents, or electric I(4 .1 t I 1I

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4JP IT JC 4 L1 magnets. The magnetic member 9 may be provided by one or more magnets each of which may be any suitable shape.

Preferably, the magnetic member 9 is ring shaped.

The mounting member 2 assists in providing electrical communication between the electrical conductor 3 and the contact member 7. As shown in Figure 2, the electrical conductor 3 may be inserted through recess 4 and then through passage 10 in the saddle section 6, such that a portion of the electrical conductor 3 communicates with a portion of the bottom surface of the contact member 7. In this form, the magnetic member 9 is substantially ring shaped, while the passage 10 is substantially complimentary in shape to electrical conductor 3 which inserts therethrough. The contact member may be of any suitable shape.

t As shown in Figures 1 and 2 a lead retaining oriface 14 is also provided in contact member 7 into which the electric lead 11 is inserted, and a clamping bolt 12 is screwed into clamping engagement so as to the lock lead 11 into the contact member 7.

.1t 040 '4,1 .4 4 9f I 1 JL Q 0-1.44 I e II 4 *p ItoC It will be appreciated that the electrical lead may be connected by any known means including by soldering, welding or melting.

Figure 3 illustrates a form of electric connector according to the invention.

A mounting member 32 is shown attached to an electrical conductor 33 such as a terminal of a battery. An attachment bolt 34 extends through the electric conductor 33 to insert into the mounting member 32 and to detachably secure the mounting member 32 to the electrical conductor 33 such that electricity may be conducted therethrough.

As shown in Figure 3, the mounting member 32 is constructed of two sections; namely, a mounting conductive section 35 to conduct electricity, and a mounting magnetic section 36. As shown, the conductive section 35 includes an abutment face 37 which is substantially complimentary in shape to the abutting surface of the electrical conductor 33. The conductive section 35 also includes an internal recess 38, and extends through and is connected to the magnetic section 36. The magnetic section 36 includes a 4" locating recess 49 to assist in locating the contact member 39.

Detachably abutting the mounting member 32 is the contact member 39, and detachably affixed to the contact member 39, by means of bolt 40, is an electrical lead 41.

As shown in Figure 3, the contact member 39 comprises two sections, namely a contact conductive section 42 and a contact magnetic section 43. The conductive section 42 includes a boss which is substantially complimentary in shape to at least a portion of the internal recess 38. The boss of the conductive section 42 is adapted to be slidably received within the internal recess 38, such that the contact member 39 may be detached and reattached with the mounting member S 32. The conductive section 42 extends through and is connected to the magnetic section 43, and the magnetic section 43 in the vicinity where it abuts the mounting member S32, is substantially complimentary in shape and includes rreQ projection 44 which inserts into the locating recess 49.

Thus, the electrical conductive route is from the o 2ob electrical conductor 33 to the mounting conductive section to the contact conductive section 42 and then to the electrical lead 41. The current does not pass through either of the magnetic sections 36, 43, and thus if permanent .04. magnetics are used for the material of those magnetic o sections the magnetism is not lost over a period of time, which would otherwise occur due to constant passage of S current therethrough. Therefore, the magnetic connection formed between the contact member 39 and the mounting member 32 remains strong for a comparatively long period of time.

Another advantage that is evident from the connector of 1 this invention is the partial insulation of the parts which carry the electrical current by the magnetic sections. Thus, the contact surface between the conductive sections 42, 35 is protected from the external environment thus reducing exposure to moisture and dust, and thus greatly reducing the possibility of corrosion therebetween.

The connector of the invention is also preferably able to be rotatable about 3600 due to the preferred 9complimentary configuration of the component parts, which

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C4 .i 1 i -L I~ removes the effects of any tortional forces on the electrical lead away from the electrical contact surface, and is also preferably capable of, by the use of different poles, providing connectors for positive and negative terminals of batteries whereby the magnets can be arranged such that the magnet attached to a negative terminal will repel against a magnet which is supposed to be connected to a positive terminal and vice-versa.

In Figure 4, there is shown a further different form of electric connector according to the invention. The mounting member 52 comprises two sections, a mounting conductive section 53 and a mounting magnetic section 54. The conductive section 53 conducts electricity, and includes securing means 54. As shown, the securing means is provided by a screw threaded recess into which a bolt may be inserted to detachably secure the mounting member 52 to an electric conductor. The conductive section 53 also includes a recess ii 444 4 00 a 2Z 4 4 V T 0 As shown in Figure 4, the contact member 56 also comprises two sections, namely a contact conductive section 57 and a contact magnetic section 58. The conductive section 57 extends through and is connected to the magnetic section 58, and includes a boss which is substantially complimentary in shape to at least a portion of the recess 55. The boss of the conductive section 57 is adapted to be slidably received by the recess 55. An electric lead connection recess 59 is also provided in conductive section 57. As shown, said recess 59 is screw threaded and a bolt or other securing means may be used for connecting an electric lead to the conductive section 57.

In Figure 5 there is shown yet a different form of electric connector according to the invention. As shown, the mounting member 72 is incorporated as an integral part of the battery 73. The mounting member 72 comprises two sections, namely a mounting magnetic section 74 and a mounting conductive section 75. The conductive section 75 extends through and is connected to the magnetic section 74, and it is the magnetic section 74 which is integrally set into the surface of battery 73. The condIuctive section 75 includes a -7boss 76.

The contact member 77 comprises a contact magnetic section 78 and a contact conductive section 79. The conductive section 79 includes a recess 80 which is substantially complimentary in shape to the boss 76, while the contact member 75 is slidably detachable from mounting member 72. An electric lead 81 is affixed to contact member 77 by bolt 82.

It will be understood that in any of the embodiments illustrated the contact member may be made of any suitable materials including metal, magnetic material, or a combination of any of these. The contact member may of course be made of a combination of materials, but at least a portion of the contact member in the region which abuts with the mounting member should be of a magnetic material.

Further, at least a portion of the contact member is made of brass, steel or another conductive metal. In one preferred form the contact member may include both brass, steel or another conductive metal and a polymer magnet. Said polymer magnet may be injection molded.

In any of the embodiments shown the mounting member may also be made of any one or more suitable materials including metal, magnetic materials or a combination of any of these.

0 The mounting member may also be made of a combination of materials, but at least a portion of the mouting member in the region which abuts with the contact member should be of a magnetic material. In one preferred form the mounting member may include brass, steel or another conductive metal and/or t plastic and/or a polymer magnet. Said polymer magnet may be injection molded.

An electric connector according to the invention may also include further connection means other than magnetic force to connect the contact member with the mounting member. In one such form, the members may include screw-threads such that the contact member may be screwed to the mounting member.

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Claims

2. A connector as claimed in claim 1 wherein said mounting member includes a locating recess which assists in locating said contact member in an abutting position relative to said Smounting member. eora°
3. A connector as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein 0 o, said mounting conductive section includes a recess which is .4 ,substantially complimentary in shape to a boss which forms a S part of the contact conductive section projecting from said contact member, and is cooperable with said boss such that when the mounting member and contact member are in abutment electricity may be conducted thereby.
4. An electrical battery connector for electrically connecting an electrical lead to a terminal of a battry, said electrical battery connector comprising a mounting member and a contact member said mounting member being integrally formed as at least a portion of a battery terminal and including an electrically conductive post which projects from said 39 battery, said mounting member including a mounting magnetic JL 9 section, said contact member being cooperable with said post, said contact member including means for connecting *an electrical lead thereto, a contact conductive section to conuctelectricity to said lead, and a contact magnetic coule he ontctmember to the mouting member such that eletriitymaybeconducted from the electrically conductive pos totheelectrical lead via an electrical conductive rout deine bythe mounting conductive section and the cntat coducivesection and wherein the mounting magnetic secionandthecontact magnetic section are outside the eletrialconductive route, and at least partially insulate theconuctvesections and the post.
5. Aconecto asclaimed in claim 4 wherein at least one %fi loatig rces isprovided in the contact member to assist in lcatng aidcontact member in a conductive abutment position relative to said mounting member.
6. A connector as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein saidconactconductive section includes a recess which is -om;,,,1imentary in shape to said electrically conductive po~st and is cooperable with said post such that when the mounting member and contact member are in abutment electricity may be conducted thereby.
7. A connector according to claim 1 substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.
8. A connector according to claim 4 substantially as herein described with reference to Figure DATED: 28 December, 1990. PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK ATTORNEYS FOR:- ARTHUR PRIEST 5459i JL*~