EP2713445B1 - Battery terminal with vertical screw connection - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the contacting of battery poles. In particular, the invention relates to a battery terminal for producing an electrical contact with a pole of a battery, in particular a motor vehicle battery.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

As battery terminals, in particular for use in motor vehicles, forging clamps made of cast metal are used. These clamps are quite stable, but relatively expensive to manufacture. Another disadvantage of these terminals is their high weight.

For example, the shows EP 0 451 488 A1 or even the DE 42 26 563 C1 a terminal in which the side of the battery pole and the clamping opening extending for this pole clamping screw is oriented approximately parallel to the pole axis and Aufsteckachse on the pole, via two co-operating inclined surfaces, the two jaws are movable toward each other. However, the friction between the inclined surfaces and during the deformation, ie the compression of the Schmiederings the terminal lost a lot of power, so that the actual clamping forces on the pole are sometimes insufficient. Another disadvantage is found when loosening the screw, since this is due to the deformation of the Schmiederings and due to the wedging of the inclined surfaces together the terminal clamped to the pole remains.

The DE 41 38 547 C1 describes an integrally manufacturable from a sheet metal punched pole terminal, enforced by attracting a parallel to the axis of the pole clamp encompassable electrical conductor extending clamping screw sliding relative movement of each other in the circumferential direction of the terminal behind engaging oblique surfaces and thus a Radialeinschnürung of the conductor is brought about, the Sloping surfaces are requested on weighed tabs of the sheet metal part.

The JPH 10-64611 or even the US 5,302,143 describe a battery terminal with a clamping body, a clamping element and a screw, wherein the clamping element has a wedge-shaped opening. The clamp body is configured as an open ring with protrusions that are in contact with the edges of the wedge-shaped opening such that movement of the clamp along the protrusions results in collapse of the ring.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a battery terminal with vertical screw, which on the one hand has sufficient torsional and Abzugsfestigkeit and on the other hand is reliable to assemble and disassemble.

These and other objects are achieved by the battery clamp according to claim 1. Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

In general, a battery terminal for making electrical contact with a pole of a battery has a ring portion and a clamping member. At least one actuating surface is integrally formed on the ring section. The actuating surface is inclined in the axial direction of the annular portion, that is, a first end of the actuating surface is offset relative to a second end of the actuating surface in the axial direction of the annular portion. The clamping element is movable along the actuating surface, so that the ring portion can be contracted as a result of the movement and again diverges in opposite movement.

The ring portion may be formed as a tubular member having a diameter and a length, wherein the tubular member may be slotted in the longitudinal direction. The ring portion defines an axis in the longitudinal direction. Further, the ring portion may be slightly tapered in the longitudinal direction, so that the ring portion has the shape of a truncated cone.

According to one embodiment, the distance between the axis of the ring portion and an axis of the clamping element, for example the axis of a thread, be a maximum of 1.2 times the diameter of the ring portion. In particular, the distance between the two axes can be a maximum of 1.1 times the diameter of the ring section. It is noted that the diameter of the ring portion may vary along the length of the ring portion when the ring portion is tapered. In the case of a conical ring section, an average inner diameter can preferably be used to determine the distance.

The ring portion may be made of a sheet, such as a copper sheet, in a stamping-bending drawing process. For example, after a first blank of a planar shape, this shape can be bent as a slotted ring portion, wherein the outlet portion and the at least one tab are pulled and / or bent in different directions away from the ring portion. By pulling and bending the outlet portion and the tab transversely to the rounding of the ring portion, a high rigidity of the battery terminal is achieved.

It is noted that an element, for example, a ring section, which is produced by means of stamping-bending method or also stamping-bending-drawing process, has an elasticity which allows an elastic spring-back after a small deformation. A ring section made of sheet metal can expand due to its own elasticity when releasing the clamping element, whereby a disassembly of the battery terminal is facilitated.

According to one embodiment, the clamping element may be manufactured by means of metal injection molding, for example by means of powder injection molding, in which a binder-provided metal (MIM: Metal Injection Molding) is processed in an injection molding process.

According to the invention, the ring section is Ω-shaped in cross-section (omega-shaped), whereby the actuating surface may be provided adjacent to the slot in the annular portion, so that a force acting on the actuating surface, can easily cause a contraction of the annular portion. The actuating surface is provided on the end face of an Ω-leg. Such a cross section of the ring portion also allows a maximum looping of a battery pole through the ring portion and thus improved contact and an improved grip of the battery terminal to the pole.

An embodiment of the ring portion of copper or a material which consists predominantly of copper, has the advantage that an improved power transmission can be achieved.

Furthermore, the ring portion and / or the clamping element, and in particular the contact surfaces may be coated with tin. In this way, a sliding of the clamping element along the ring portion can be facilitated.

According to one embodiment, the clamping element can be arranged parallel to the axis of the annular portion along the actuating surface movable on the ring portion. Due to the inclination of the actuating surface relative to the axis, a force component arises in the circumferential direction when a force is applied in the axial direction. The force component in the circumferential direction causes a contraction of the ring portion.

It is noted that even with a movement that is both oblique to the axis of the ring portion and obliquely to the actuating surface, a force component can occur in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, according to one embodiment, the clamping member may be disposed on the ring portion such that it is movable in a direction that forms an angle to the axis of the ring portion of up to 20 degrees. Due to the intended movement of the clamping element substantially in Axial direction of the ring portion (inclined up to 20 degrees) is achieved, that mounting and fixing of a battery terminal according to the invention at a pole of a battery from above is made possible, whereby a good accessibility and handling is achieved. In addition to improved handling, the battery terminal according to the invention is characterized in that it has a low weight, which can be achieved by reducing the amount of raw material required and by a possible reduction of the clamping element.

For applying a force to the clamping element, which causes a movement of the clamping element along the actuating surface on the ring portion, an actuating element may be provided, which on the one hand acts on the clamping element and on the other hand is supported on the ring portion.

For supporting the clamping element or an actuating element for actuating the clamping element, at least one tab may be provided on the annular portion which projects radially outward from the annular portion.

According to a further embodiment, the battery terminal may comprise a securing element for holding the actuating element on the ring section, in particular on a flange projecting radially from the ring section. Alternatively, the flange may have edges that prevent the actuator from disengaging from the ring portion. In this way, a captive can be realized without additional element.

According to one embodiment, the clamping element may have a thread and the actuating element may have a corresponding mating thread for moving the clamping element along the actuating surface. The clamping element can be designed, for example, as a screw and the actuating element as a nut, or vice versa. On the other hand, the clamping element can be actuated by means of a quick release. According to one embodiment, the clamping element has an engagement surface, which is designed to be inclined relative to the actuating surface on the annular section, so that the clamping element can be arranged on the annular section in such a way that the engagement surface rests flat against the actuating surface.

According to another embodiment, the engagement surface on the clamping element or the actuating surface on the ring portion may be formed convex, wherein the corresponding surface may be curved outwards either in the longitudinal direction or in the transverse direction of the surface. Such a design can improve sliding of the two surfaces against each other, especially under load, i. The friction between the surfaces can be reduced and seizure and tilting can be prevented.

As a captive for the clamping element may be provided adjacent to the engagement surface and / or the actuating surface, a crimp or a projection which allows engagement of the clamping element and the annular portion, so that movement of the clamping element in the radial direction away from the annular portion is prevented, however a movement along the actuating surface is not affected.

According to one embodiment, the ring portion may have two actuating surfaces. The two actuating surfaces may be arranged symmetrically on the ring portion and inclined in the opposite direction in the circumferential direction of the ring portion. Preferably, the actuating surface are disposed on opposite sides of a slot in the ring portion. In this case, the clamping member may be movable along the two actuating surfaces such that both actuating surfaces are engaged with the clamping member so that circumferentially opposing forces can be exerted by the clamping member on the annular portion, thus easily contracting the annular portion as a result of the movement can.

The battery terminal may further include a drain section which is suitable connect the battery terminal to a live conductor, such as a cable. In this way, a universally usable battery terminal can be provided, at which, depending on the intended use of differently shaped outlet sections, the contact is made to a current-carrying conductor. The outlet portion may be integral with the ring portion or may be crimped, welded, brazed, riveted or otherwise fixedly connected to the ring portion.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the ring portion of the battery terminal may have an embossment on its inner surface. This embossment may for example consist of one or more grooves, which are formed in the radial and / or axial direction of the ring portion. It is noted that the grooves on the inner surface of the ring portion may also be formed in complex shapes. For example, grooves may be provided in the form of characters, such as for a manufacturer and / or type designation of the battery terminal. An embossing on the inner surface of the ring portion leads to an improved twisting and trigger safety of the clamp on a battery pole.

The above-described aspects and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention may also be had from the examples of the embodiments, which are described below with reference to the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• Fig. 1 is an isometric view of individual parts of a battery terminal according to a first embodiment.
• Fig. 2 is an isometric illustration of the battery terminal off FIG. 1 , in the assembled state.
• Fig. 3 is an isometric view of a ring section according to the first Embodiment.
• Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the ring section FIG. 3 ,
• Fig. 5 is a side view of the ring section FIG. 3 ,
• FIG. 6 is an isometric front view and FIG. 7 an isometric rear view of a clamping element according to a first embodiment.
• Fig. 8 is a partially sectioned side view of the clamping element FIG. 6 ,
• Fig. 9 is a plan view of the clamping element FIG. 6 ,
• Fig. 10 is an isometric view of a clamping element according to a second embodiment.
• Fig. 11 is a plan view of the clamping element FIG. 10 ,
• Fig. 12 is a side view of an actuating element together with a securing element according to a first embodiment.
• Fig. 13 is a sectional view of the actuating element together with the securing element FIG. 12 ,
• Fig. 14 is a plan view of the actuating element together with the securing element FIG. 12 ,
• Fig. 15 is a side view of an actuating element according to a second embodiment.
• Fig. 16 is a bottom view of a ring portion according to a second embodiment.
• Fig. 17 is a side view of the ring section FIG. 16 ,
• Fig. 18 is a sectional view of a ring portion together with a clamping element and an actuating element according to the second embodiment, in the assembled state.
• Fig. 19 is an isometric view of parts of a battery terminal according to the second embodiment.
• Fig. 20 is an isometric illustration of the battery terminal off FIG. 19 , in the assembled state.

In the figures, like reference numerals are used for the same or at least similar elements, components or aspects. It is noted that below Embodiments will be described in detail, which are merely illustrative and not restrictive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The Figures 1 and 2 show a battery terminal with a ring portion 100 and a mounting assembly 200, according to a first embodiment. The fastening arrangement 200 has a clamping element 210, an actuating element 220 and a securing element 230. These elements are in FIG. 1 shown separated from each other, that is in the disassembled state. In FIG. 2 For example, the elements of the fastener assembly 200 are assembled and mounted to the ring portion 100.

The Figures 1 and 2 give an overview of the relative arrangements of the individual elements of the battery terminal relative to each other. In the following, the elements are described in detail.

The FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 show various views of a ring portion 100 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a ring portion 100. The ring portion 100 has a first actuating surface 110 and a second actuating surface 112, which are inclined in the opposite direction, ie, away from each other. The actuating surfaces are relative to the axis 140 of the ring portion (see FIG. 5 ) and inclined in this example in the direction of a tangent to the circumference of the ring portion. As in FIG. 3 seen, the actuating surfaces 110 and 112 extend from a first end of the ring portion to a second end of the ring portion, that is, from bottom to top apart.

The ring portion 100 further includes two tabs 120 and a tail portion 130, with the tabs 120 adjacent and disposed above the actuating surfaces 110, 112, and the tab portion 130 at a location opposite the tabs is arranged the ring section. The outlet section 130 is shown with a break line, since it can be designed arbitrarily depending on the use.

Also, in FIG. 3 on an inner surface of the ring portion 100 embossments 150 shown schematically. These embossments 150, which extend in the axial direction along the inner surface of the ring portion, are merely an example.

FIG. 4 is a view of a ring portion 100 from below, with which the first actuating surface 110 and the second actuating surface 112 can be seen in front of the tabs 120. Also visible in this view is a flange 114 which is provided to provide a clearance between the actuating surfaces and the annular section. The functionality of this distance is discussed below.

In FIG. 5 In particular, it can be seen that a gap 160 is provided on the ring portion 100 between the actuating surface 110 (and also the actuating surface 112) and the tab 120. The functionality of this gap will also be discussed below.

The FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9 show various views of a clamping element 210 according to the first embodiment, wherein the FIGS. 6 and 7 are isometric views from different directions.

The clamping element 210 has a journal with a thread 212 on its lateral surface, a body 216, two engagement surfaces 218 and two flanges 214. The engagement surfaces 218 are formed inclined relative to the axis 240 of the threaded pin 212 on the body 216.

Once the clamping member 210 is mounted to the ring portion 100, the engagement surfaces 218 may abut the actuating surfaces 110, 112 with the axis of the threaded stud 212 substantially parallel to the axis 140 of the annular portion 100 can be arranged. Adjacent to the engagement surfaces 218 flanges 214 are provided on the body 216 of the clamping member 210, which flanges 214 can grip the actuating surfaces 110, 112 on the ring portion, so that the clamping member 210 is no longer movable in the radial direction away from the ring portion 100.

The engagement surfaces 218 may be convexly curved, as in FIG FIG. 8 indicated by the radius R1. For example, the radius R1 can be between 60mm and 100mm, especially 80mm, with a clamping member having a maximum width of about 18mm. When the engagement surfaces 218 are so curved, sliding of the engagement surface along an operation surface of a ring portion can be facilitated, particularly when the engagement surface is pressed on the operation surface.

The FIGS. 10 and 11 show various views of a clamping element according to a second embodiment.

The clamping member 210 according to the second embodiment is similar to the clamping member according to the first embodiment. The clamping element 210 has a thread 212, a flange 214 and a body 216. The clamping member 210 according to the second embodiment differs from the clamping member 210 according to the first embodiment substantially in that the thread 212 is formed as an internal thread, and not as an external thread.

The clamping element 210 has a wall 215, which is curved between the engagement surfaces 218 slightly outwards to provide a sufficient wall thickness around the threaded hole and a compact design as possible of the clamping element, that is the smallest possible distance B between the thread axis and the plane, in which lie the center lines of the engagement surfaces.

As in FIG. 11 represented by the radius R2, the engagement surfaces 218 of the Clamping element 210 (according to the first as well as the second embodiment) in the longitudinal direction convex. Such a curvature has the advantage that the engagement surfaces reliably remain in contact with the actuating surfaces 110, 112 of the annular portion, even if the orientation of the actuating surfaces changes when the annular portion is bent together. The radius R2 can be 3mm and 4mm in size, in particular, the radius R2 can be 3.5mm.

The FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 show various views of an actuator 220 together with a fuse element 230 according to the first embodiment.

The actuator 220 according to the first embodiment is in the form of a screw nut, with a mother head 222, an axis 240 and a female neck 224. The fuse element 230 has a through hole in which the female neck 224 is received, the lower end of the Cervical neck 224 is bent outwardly so that the fuse element can not be removed from the actuator 220. Such a nut may also be referred to as a cage nut.

The fuse element 230 may be formed of a thin sheet which is bent in a U-shaped cross section, so that the sheet can embrace the tabs 120 on the ring portion 100, wherein the one leg of the U-shaped sheet in the gap 160 between the tabs and the Can protrude actuating surfaces. By projecting the securing element 230 into the gap 160, a captive securing device for the actuating element 220 (nut) is realized. In addition, the securing element ensures that the friction between the mother's head and the surfaces of the tabs, which upon contracting the ring portion, i. when pulling the tabs towards each other, occurs.

As in FIG. 15 illustrated, the actuator 220 is formed according to the second embodiment as a screw, with a screw head 222 with Tool engagement surfaces, for example in the form of an external hexagon, a transition portion 223 without tool engagement surfaces, a collar 225 and a threaded shank 226. The screw defines an axis 240. Further functions of the individual aspects of the screw are explained below.

The FIGS. 16 and 17 show a ring portion 100 according to a second embodiment, wherein FIG. 16 a view from below and FIG. 17 is a view from the side.

The ring portion 100 has a first actuating surface 110 and a second actuating surface 112, wherein the first actuating surface is directed in a direction opposite to the second actuating surface direction. The ring portion 100 further includes two tabs 120, the edges of the tabs being bent upwardly to form an edge which prevents an actuator 220 from slipping off the tabs.

According to the first embodiment, there is provided a departure portion 130 projecting from an upper edge of the ring portion. As in FIG. 17 As seen in the second embodiment, a drain portion 130 is formed at the lower edge of the ring portion 100.

Projections 180 are provided on the underside of the tabs, which are formed, for example, by a stamping process from the top of the tab down through the plate of the tab, that the legs of the Ω-shaped ring portion are locked and not radially can bend outside. By preventing bending of the legs of the ring portion, reliable operation of the battery terminal can be ensured.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of a battery terminal according to the second embodiment, with a ring portion 100, an actuator 220 and a Clamping element 210. In FIG. 18 It can be seen that the upwardly bent edge of the tabs 120 of the ring portion is formed such that the edge prevents lateral movement of the screw, ie the actuating member 220, and that a securing element 230 is arranged so that the collar 225 of the screw engages under the securing element, whereby a movement of the screw in the axial direction is prevented. The transition portion 223 is dimensioned so that it is not possible to set a tool too deep on the screw head, ie so deep that the tool comes into contact with the securing element 230 and may be hindered by this in the movement.

It is noted that the securing member 230 according to the second embodiment may be formed integrally with the ring portion. In other words, the securing element 230 can be produced by means of a punch-bending method as part of the ring section.

The fuse elements 230 according to the first and second embodiments perform the same function, namely an axial fixing of the actuating element 220, which ensures that upon actuation of the actuating element, i. a rotation of the screw or the nut nut, only the clamping member 210 moves in the axial direction upwards or downwards.

With dash-whit lines is in FIG. 18 Furthermore, a standardized pin of a battery terminal is shown, on which the ring portion 100 is placed. The ring portion 100 has a corresponding conical shape and a corresponding average diameter D, wherein the diameter D may be, for example, 17.1 mm, matching a standard negative pole.

The design of the elements of the battery terminal according to the invention has the goal to provide a battery terminal with the most compact design possible. As a measure of the compactness of the shape, the distance between the axis 140 of the ring portion and the axis 240 of the actuating element are used. In FIG. 18 this distance is indicated by A, wherein A is approximately the same size as the diameter D in the illustrated embodiment. According to the invention the distance A is a maximum of 1.2 times, preferably a maximum of 1.1 times the diameter D. With a mean diameter D of 17.1, the distance A between the axis 140 of the ring portion and the axis 240th of the actuator a maximum of 1.2 times 17.1mm, so 20.5mm, or a maximum of 1.1 times 17.1mm, so 18.8mm. According to one embodiment, the distance A may be between 17.7 mm and 18.0 mm.

A battery terminal can be regarded as being compact, in particular, when the active surfaces (engagement surface 218 and actuating surface 110, 112) are arranged between the battery pole and the actuating element 220, ie within the axial distance A.

The FIGS. 19 and 20 show a battery terminal with a ring portion 100 and a mounting assembly 200, according to the second embodiment. The mounting arrangement 200 has a clamping element 210 and an actuating element 220, which in the FIGS. 10, 11 and 15 are shown separated from each other, that is in the disassembled state. In FIG. 20 For example, the elements of the fastener assembly 200 are assembled and mounted to the ring portion 100.

As the Figures 1 and 2 with respect to the first embodiment, the FIGS. 19 and 20 an overview of the relative arrangements of the individual elements of the battery terminal according to the second embodiment relative to each other.

Once all elements of the battery clamp are mounted, the actuator 220 is supported on the tabs 120 and rotation of the actuator results in displacement of the clamp member 210 substantially in the axial direction of the annular portion 100 and along the actuation surfaces 110, 112. Moving the clamp member along the Actuating surfaces turn by the inclined Placed surfaces in a movement of the actuating surfaces (the free ends of the ring portion) to each other, and thus in a contraction of the ring portion.

In addition, this arrangement allows a positive opening upon actuation of the actuating element in the reverse direction, since the bent nut neck or the collar of the actuating element is supported on the securing element such that the clamping element is pushed down, whereby the engagement surfaces are released, so that the ring portion of the battery terminal its own elasticity can auffedern.

According to a further embodiment (not shown), the clamping element may have an additional wedge between the engagement surfaces, which may engage in the slot of the ring portion. This wedge can forcibly press the ring member when the actuator is moved in the reverse direction than in the closing direction and thus the clamping member is pushed down.

The arrangement of the actuating element 220 on and over the tabs 120 provides for improved accessibility of the actuating element when mounting the battery terminal to a pole of a battery, in particular to a pole of a motor vehicle battery, which is usually designed as an upstanding pin, and the is often arranged recessed something in a recess of a battery case.

Claims (10)

1. Battery clamp for providing an electrical contact to a terminal of a battery, comprising:

   a ring portion (100) with an omega-shaped cross section having an axis (140) and a diameter (D), wherein the ring portion is manufactured by means of a punching-bending-method, wherein a first actuation surface (110) is formed on the abutting surface of an omega-leg of the ring portion, wherein a first end of the first actuation surface is arranged offset relative to a second end of the first actuation surface in the axial direction of the ring portion, wherein a second actuation surface (112) is arranged opposite to the first actuation surface and inclined on the abutting surface of the other omega-leg,

   characterized by
   a first clamp element (210), wherein the clamp element comprises a thread (212) and two engagement surfaces (218) and the clamp element is movable along a threaded shaft (240) relative to the ring portion in such a way that the engagement surfaces move along the two actuation surfaces, so that the ring portion is contracted as a result of the movement, whereby the battery clamp is fixedly connectable with a terminal of the battery, wherein the distance (A) between the axis (140) of the ring portion (100) and the threaded shaft (240) is a maximum of 1.2 times the diameter (D) of the ring portion (100).
2. A battery clamp according to claim 1, wherein the threaded shaft (240) of the clamp element (210) has an angle up to 20 degrees with respect to the axis (140) of the ring portion (100).
3. A battery clamp according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement surface (218) of the clamp element or the actuation surface (110) is formed on the ring portion in a convex manner.
4. A battery clamp according to claim 3, wherein a flanging (114, 214) is formed adjacent to the engagement surface (218) and/or the actuation surface (110), wherein the flanging prevents a movement of the clamp element (210) in the radial direction away from the ring portion (100).
5. A battery clamp according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one butt strap (120), projecting radially outwardly from the ring portion (100), wherein the clamp element (210) is supported by the butt strap.
6. A battery clamp according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuation element (220), wherein the clamp element (210) is movable relative to the ring portion (100) by means of the actuation element (220).
7. A battery clamp according to claim 6, wherein the butt strap (120) is formed such that the actuation element (220) is fixed to the butt strap.
8. A battery clamp according to claim 6, further comprising a securing element (230), wherein the actuation element (220) is fixable at the butt strap (120) by means of the securing element.
9. A battery clamp according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an outlet portion (130), which is arranged at the ring portion (100), for connecting the battery terminal with a current-carrying conductor.
10. A battery clamp according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring portion (100) comprises an embossing (115) on its inner surface.

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