GB2418772A

GB2418772A - Holding element for a battery or an accumulator

Info

Publication number: GB2418772A
Application number: GB0519990A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rene Zipper
Original assignee: Zumtobel Staff GmbH
Current assignee: Zumtobel Staff GmbH
Priority date: 2004-10-04
Filing date: 2005-09-30
Publication date: 2006-04-05
Anticipated expiration: 2025-09-30
Also published as: DE202004015371U1; GB0519990D0; GB2418772B

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding element (1) for a battery (5) or an accumulator, in particular of an emergency light, with a recess (4) for accommodating one end area of the battery or the accumulator and with a fastening foot (2). In order to be able to use the holding element for batteries or accumulators of different shapes or sizes, the holding element (1) consists of two partial elements (1a, 1b) encompassing the recess (4) and detachably connected to one another.

Description

-> 241 8772 Holding element for a battery or an accumulator The invention

relates to a holding element for a battery or accumulator with an accommodating recess and a fastening foot.

For emergency lights, in lighting units with fluorescent tubes, for example, batteries or accumulators are frequently used which have a hollow-cylindrical design and are of different sizes, e.g. are 150 mm long, and have diameters of 32 mm or 22 mm. The batteries have connecting elements on their front faces for connecting them electrically.

For holding a battery of this kind a holding element has already been proposed, which has an end cap in the form of a substantially hollowcylindrical barrel and a fastening foot in the form of a foot plate which extends approximately tangentially to the hollow-cylindrical circumferential wall of the end cap, projects beyond the end wall of the end cap towards the rear and in this projecting area has an elongated hole for fastening the holding element with a screw. In order to replace a battery mounted by means of two such holding elements, it is necessary to unscrew one holding element and after removal of the old battery to insert a new battery and to screw down the loosened holding element again.

Moreover, differently sized holding elements have to be provided, in order to be able to mount standard batteries of different sizes.

It is desirable to configure a holding element of the kind initially cited in such a way that it can be used for batteries or accumulators of different shapes and/or sizes.

The initially described holding element leads to a relatively large arrangement of the two holding elements according to the invention accommodating the battery end-on, because the fastening foot projects beyond the holding element at the front. As batteries are usually constructed as elongate components, there is often not such a large constructional space available on the lighting units in question.

It is therefore also desirable to develop a holding element so as to be more favourable spatially.

For positioning a battery, at least two prior art

holding elements are required, which have to be produced, stored, transported and handled separately.

This can present logistic difficulties.

The invention is defined in the independent claims, to which reference should now be made.

Advantageous further developments of the invention are described in the subordinate claims.

The invention is based on the realisation that for form- fitting (often referred to as positive-locking or fitting) holding of the battery or the accumulator a first partial element is needed which accommodates the battery or the accumulator by positive locking and stably in a recess and a second partial element which secures the battery or the accumulator in the recess of l - \\ the first partial element. This can likewise preferably be done by positive locking.

The holding element according to embodiments of the invention consists of two partial elements together forming and therefore encompassing the recess, which can be detachably connected to one another. This provides a retainer for the battery or the accumulator which acts by positive locking and is thus secure, based on the fact that one of the two partial elements encloses (at least partially surrounds) part of the recess, so that a retainer for the battery or the accumulator acting by positive locking can be guaranteed, for example in two cross-directions. A V- shaped or U-shaped trough, cavity or depression, for example, which secures the battery or the accumulator by positive locking in both first and second crosswise directions, e.g. horizontally (in two opposite radial directions of an elongate cylindrical battery), and secures it by positive locking in a third crosswise direction extending crosswise to these crosswise directions, e.g. downwards, (radially outward in the third perpendicular direction) can serve this purpose. The second partial element then needs only to secure the battery or the accumulator by positive locking in the fourth (radial) direction opposite the third crosswise direction, e.g. upwards, which the body of the second partial element is able to fulfil without further additional shaping. The battery may be an accumulator. For reasons of simplification only the term battery is used below.

Within the scope of the invention both partial elements may be constructed as shell-shaped, but the shell or

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trough shape is required for only one of the two partial elements.

A further advantage of the configuration according to embodiments of the invention is that it is suitable for different cross-sectional shapes of the battery and/or for different cross-sectional sizes of the battery. For this only a larger width of the recess section on one partial element is needed, the partial element in question already being suitable for correspondingly different sizes of crosswise dimensions and/or shapes of the battery. If, additionally, the base of the trough shape is constructed as inwardly convergent, positioning of the battery in respect of the first and second crosswise direction is also guaranteed by positive locking.

Within the scope of the invention it is possible to secure the battery by positive locking in the fifth direction pointing crosswise to the effective directions of the trough shape, e.g., by a rear wall limiting the depth of the recess.

It is additionally advantageous to exert a clamping action, acting in the plane of the trough (in the longitudinal direction of an elongate cylindrical battery), on the battery by at least one of the two partial elements, in order to hold the battery in the recess with a certain tension and thereby to prevent the battery rattling.

Moreover, the configuration according to the invention is distinguished by a simple, cheap to produce and therefore favourable or small structure. The holding element may in this case be constructed in one or two parts in respect of the partial elements. It is particularly advantageous if the partial elements are connected to one another by a connecting element and thus constructed in one part. The connecting element is preferably formed by a strip or a so-called sprocket hinge which guarantees relative mobility of the partial elements to one another and may have a predetermined break point for separation.

The holding element according to embodiments of the invention has a foot plate with a fastening hole for a fastening screw which is laterally offset in respect of the accommodation space. In this way not only is a reduction in the structure pointing in the longitudinal direction of the recess achieved, because the fastening hole is laterally offset in respect of the recess. In this position the holding element is not only more favourable spatially, because there is usually more construction space available laterally, but the overall required construction space is widened only by the lateral offset, while with the known holding element the enlargement of the arrangement comprising the two holding elements has a double effect because the holding elements need more construction space in both directions opposite one another and thus a longer construction space.

Moreover, with a holding element of this kind according to the invention embodiments which has a rounded recess, (corresponding to the cylindrical form of the battery) a lateral space, which can be at least partially used for

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the arrangement of the fastening hole, can be produced in the lower area of the recess, thus substantially reducing the width of the structure.

The holding element according to some embodiments is connected by a connecting element to a second holding element which is required for accommodating the other end of the battery. This embodiment creates a set of holding elements containing two associated holding elements, which is quicker to produce and simpler to store and use.

In the subordinate claims further features are contained which further develop the adaptability of the holding element to different shapes and cross-sectional sizes, lead to simple, cheap to produce designs and additionally enable the holding element to be constructed in one or two parts.

Advantageous configurations of the invention are explained in greater detail below using preferred embodiments and drawings.

Fig. 1 shows a holding element according to an embodiment of the invention in perspective front view and in the open state.

Fig. 2 shows the holding element in front view.

Fig. 3 shows the holding element in side view.

Fig. 4 shows the holding element in front view and in a first closed position.

Fig. 5 shows the holding element in front view and in a second closed position.

Fig. 6 shows a holding element according to an embodiment of the invention in modified configuration in perspective front view and in the closed state.

Fig. 7 shows the holding element according to Fig. 6 in front view.

Fig. 8 shows the holding element according to Fig. 6 in side view.

Fig. 9 shows the holding element in front view and in a first closed position.

Fig. 10 shows the holding element in front view and in a second closed position.

Fig. 11 shows a holding element according to an embodiment of the invention in further modified configuration in perspective front view.

Fig. 12 shows the holding element according to Fig. 11 in front view.

Fig. 13 shows the holding element according to Fig. 11 in side view.

Fig. 14 shows the holding element according to Fig. in modified configuration in front view.

Fig. 15 shows the holding element according to Fig. 11 or 15 in further modified configuration.

The holding element designated in its entirety as 1 consists of two partial elements la, lb. A first partial element la is a base element which has a fastening foot 2 with which it can be detachably fastened to a carrier, not illustrated. A second partial element lb, which is movable in respect of the first partial element la in such a way that they combine in a closed position to form a barrel-shaped end cap 3, limits a recess 4 for accommodating the end area of an elongated battery 5, illustrated by indication only in Figs. 4 and 5. The recess 4 has a first orifice 6 through which the battery 5 extends into the recess 4 and in an open position of the partial elements la, lb a second orifice 7, which is accessible crosswise to the first orifice 6. The central axis 4c of the recess 4 extends parallel to the foot surface 2a of the foot 2.

In the embodiment shown, the first holding element la has a trough 9, in the longitudinal direction of the recess and of the elongate battery formed by divergently arranged side walls 8, forming a lower recess section 4a and limited towards the rear face of the first partial element la by a rear wall 11 which has in its upper and central area a hole 12 which is limited at the rear by a rear wall part lla located behind the rear wall 11 at a distance pointing to the rear and connected to the rear wall 11 by a web llb on the rear side. The hole 12 leads upwards from the rear wall 11.

In the floor area of the trough 9 a foot wall 13 is arranged downwardly offset and connected to the side walls 8 of the trough by side wall webs 14, so that there is a space 15 above the foot wall 13 in respect of the trough space 9a. In the foot wall 13 is arranged a fastening hole 16 for a cap screw 17, which is preferably formed by an elongated hole leading forwards.

The first partial element la is thus able to accommodate a rod-shaped battery 5, indicated in cross-section only in Figs. 4 and 5, in the trough 9, wherein the battery 5 projects through the associated orifice section of the first orifice 6 into the trough space 9a and is limited to the rear by the rear wall 11 in respect of the, e.g., horizontal central axis 19 of the recess 4. In the cross plane of the trough E1 (Fig. 3) the battery 5 is positioned stably by positive locking in the crosswise direction pointing downwards and in the horizontal lateral crosswise directions R1, R2, R3 (Fig.2).

Here, both the first partial element la and the second partial element lb have a part 4a, 4b of the recess 4 limited by side walls or parts of side walls. Within the scope of the invention the upper partial element lb, however, needs only to have one stop part, e.g. in the form of a top wall.

The second partial element lb serves to limit the recess 4 upwards and thereby to secure the battery 5 by positive locking in the upwardspointing crosswise \ direction R4. For this the second partial element lb has at least one top wall. In the present embodiment there are two, top walls 21 at a horizontal distance from one another and extending forwards from a second rear wall Tic.

The second partial element lb is brought into its closed position by placing it on the first partial element la.

A locking device 22 acting between the two partial elements la, lb and formed, e.g., by a catch preferably having several, e.g., two locking steps, in which partial element lb limits the recess 4 in at least two different positions, so that different sizes of the recess 4 can be set, serves to secure the second partial element lb in this closed position. The catch has a first catching lug 23a on the first partial element la and a second catching lug 23b on the second partial element lb, which overlap and secure one another in the closed position. For example, one catching lug 23a may be rigid and the other catching lug 23b flexible, so that the catching lugs can be pressed over one another to lock them and lock in the closed position.

In this embodiment, the flexible catching lug 23b is arranged on a catching arm 23c which can be bent out elastically and in a lateral position stands out from the rear wall 21 in such a way that in the closed position it projects downwards and, after bending out, when closing engages behind the first catching lug 23a arranged laterally on the first partial element la.

First catching lugs 23a and catching arms 23c with second catching lugs 23b are preferably arranged on both sides of the first partial element la. The catching arm 23c may form a side wall in each case. The catching lugs 23a, 23b may be formed by longitudinal edges.

In order to limit recesses 4 of different sizes or heights, at least two catching lugs 23a, 23b, which are at a distance a from one another pointing in the direction of the closing movement and corresponding to the desired difference in orifice size, are arranged on the partial elements la, lb in the previously described way.

The space 25 formed by the rear offset of rear wall part lla serves to accommodate electrical connecting elements (not illustrated), arranged at the front of the battery 5, for the electrical connection of the battery 5. The space 27 present between the top walls 26 can likewise serve for the electrical connection.

Within the scope of the invention the partial elements la, lb may be separate parts of the holding element 1, which in this case is constructed in two pieces. To simplify the holding element 1, it is preferably constructed in one part, wherein the partial elements la, lb may be connected to one another by a, e.g. flexible, connecting strip 28, which may present a predetermined break point at which the partial elements la, lb are, e.g. manually, separable, e.g. by tearing off or cutting off.

The connecting strip 28 is arranged, e.g., between rear walls lla, llc, in particular between their rear edges.

As can be seen in particular from Figs. 4 and 5, the catching lugs 23a, 23b have diagonal or rounded rear faces which enable the first catching lug 23a in each case to be pressed over and elongated elastically, wherein in the first closed position according to Fig. 4 for a larger recess cross-section and in the second closed position according to Fig. 5 for a smaller recess cross-section the catching can take place automatically owing to the elastic springback. As can be seen from Figs. 4 and 5, the battery 5 is also centred in the trough 9 in intermediate sizes.

The embodiment according to Figs. 7 to 10 differs from the previously described embodiment example substantially only in that in the second partial element lb a continuous joint top wall 21 is provided, connected to the side walls acting as catching arms 23c by wall sections bevelled into a roof shape. A recess 29 may be provided in this top wall 21. Moreover, in this embodiment example a recess 31 allowing access for the connection of the battery 5 may be provided in rear wall lie. Rear wall tic is further located above rear wall 11. Additionally, rear wall tic extends as far as the foot surface 2a and it projects laterally beyond the side walls 14.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 11, in which identical or comparable parts are provided with identical reference symbols, the holding element 1 or the end cap 3 is in one part and formed by a, e.g. hollow- cylindrical, circumferential wall 32, which limits the recess 4 circumferentially. Moreover, the holding element 1 or the end cap 3 is formed by the rear wall 11, which limits the recess 4 to the rear, and by a foot wall 2a of the fastening foot 2 arranged tangentially in respect of the circumferential wall 32.

In this configuration too, rear wall part lla is offset to the rear, so that connection access is possible through the hole 12, which can continue as a slit in the circumferential wall 32.

The foot wall 2a is dimensioned laterally of such a length that it closes vertically with the outermost extension of the round circumferential wall 32 or extends beyond it, as can be seen in Figs. 12 and 14. In this embodiment, the fastening hole 16 is laterally offset in respect of the recess 4 or the end cap 3 and arranged in the lateral edge area of the foot wall 2a.

As already with the previously described embodiment examples, this fastening hole 16 can also be formed as an elongated hole extending longitudinally or parallel to the central axis 19 of the recess 4.

To stabilise the foot wall 2a a transverse wall 33 may be provided, extending from the foot wall 2a in the present external space between the latter and the circumferential wall 32 and connecting them to one another.

On the other side of the holding element 1 the external section of the foot wall 2a present there can likewise be stabilized by a transverse wall 34 extending between it and the circumferential wall 32.

In the embodiment according to Fig. 15 two holding elements 1, for example of the embodiment of Figs. 11 to 13 or 14 are connected to one another by a small connecting strip 28, in the area of which they are separable, e.g. by tearing off or cutting off, or which has a nominal breaking point or forms one. This has the advantage that two holding elements 1 needed to hold a battery 5 can be produced, stored and handled as a joint component, which is far simpler than if two components had to be produced, stored and handled in each case.

The connecting strip 28 preferably connects the foot plates 2 at the edge, in particular at the sides on which the holes 16 are located.

The holding elements 1 connected to one another may be identical. In the embodiment according to Fig. 15 the two holding elements 1 are preferably different insofar as in the installed position fitting on the end area of the battery 5 they are constructed as mirror images in respect of a transverse plane running between the holding elements 1, so that the fastening holes 16 are on the same side in both holding elements 1. With a direction of view axially into the recess 4, in one holding element 1 the fastening hole 16 is thus offset to the right and in the other holding element 1 offset to the left.

In all the embodiments, the holding element 1 or the partial elements la, lb or the holding element unit according to Fig. 15 consisting of two holding elements 1 are made of plastics material, these being in each l case a plastics material moulded part which can be produced simply and cheaply.

The holding elements according to the invention are, for the reasons mentioned, suitable for lights, in particular emergency lights.

Claims

Claims 1. Holding element (1) for a battery (5) or an accumulator, in

particular of an emergency light, with a recess (4) for accommodating one end area of the battery or the accumulator and with a fastening foot (2), wherein the holding element (1) consists of two partial elements (la, lb) encompassing the recess (4) and detachably connectable to one another.
2. Holding element according to claim 1, characterized in that the partial elements (la, lb) can be connected to one another in at least two connecting positions in which they are at a different distance from one another to form a recess (4) of different cross-sectional shape and/or cross-sectional size.
3. Holding element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the partial elements (la, lb) can be connected to one another by a quickclosing connection, in particular a catching connection.
4. Holding element according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that one of the two partial elements (la, lb) has a trough (9) forming a section of the recess (4).
5. Holding element according to claim 4, characterized in that the trough (9) is arranged on a partial element (la) which has the fastening foot (2) .
6. Holding element according to claim 5, characterised in that the fastening foot (2) is formed by a foot plate (2a) which is located under the trough (4).
7. Holding element according to any of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the trough (9) is dimensioned of such a size that at least two batteries (5) or accumulators of different cross-sectional shape and/or size can be accommodated therein.
8. Holding element according to any of claims 4 to 7, characterised in that the trough has a space (15) in its central base area.
9. Holding element according to claim 8, characterised in that in the area of the space (15) the foot plate (2a) has a fastening hole (16) which is preferably formed by an elongated hole which leads towards the open end of the recess.
10. Holding element according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the second partial element (lb) has a rear wall (21) from which extend towards the front one or two limiting walls arranged side by side for limiting the recess (4).
11. Holding element according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the partial elements (la, lb) are connected to one another by a connecting element (28).
12. Holding element according to claim 11, characterised in that in both partial elements (la, lb) the depth of the associated section of the recess (4) is limited by a rear wall (11, lla) and the connecting element connects the rear walls (11, lla) to one another.
13. Holding element (1) for a battery (5) or an accumulator, in particular of an emergency light, with a recess (4) surrounded by a circumferential wall (32) for accommodating one end area of the battery (5) or the accumulator and with a fastening foot (2), in which a fastening hole (16) is arranged, wherein the fastening foot (2) projects beyond the circumferential wall (32) laterally and the fastening hole (16) is arranged in the fastening foot (2) laterally offset in respect of the circumferential wall (32).
14. Holding element according to claim 13, characterized in that the fastening foot (2) is formed by a foot plate (13) arranged substantially tangentially to the circumferential wall (32).
15. Holding element according to claim 14, characterized in that the foot plate (13) projects beyond the circumferential wall (32) on both sides.
16. Holding element according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that on the side on which the fastening hole (16) is located and/or on the other side the foot plate (13) and the circumferential wall (32) are braced with one another by a transverse wall (33, 34).
17. Holding element according to any of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the depth of the recess (4) is limited by a first rear wall (11) in which a hole (12) is arranged preferably in the central area.
18. Holding element according to claim 17, characterized in that the hole (12) is covered at the rear by a second rear wall (lla) which is arranged at a distance behind the first rear wall (11).
19. Holding element (1) for a battery (5) or an accumulator, preferably for an emergency light, with a recess (4) for accommodating one end area of the battery (5) or the accumulator and with a fastening foot (2), in which a fastening hole (16) is arranged, wherein the holding element it is connected to a second holding element (1) for the other battery end area by a connecting element.
20. Holding element according to claim 19, characterized in that both holding elements (1) have a foot plate (13) and the foot plates (13) are connected to one another at the edge by the connecting element.
21. Holding element according to any of claims 11 to 20, characterized in that the connecting element (28) is strip-shaped or formed by a film or forms a sprocket hinge.

F
22. A holding element according to any of the preceding claims, accommodating a battery or an accumulator.
23. A holding element substantially according to any of the embodiments shown in the drawings and/or set

out in the description.