SE543751C2 - A device for protecting an electric current connection - Google Patents

Abstract

A device (102; 202) for protecting one or more electric current connections (302, 304), wherein each electric current connection (302, 304) comprises a plurality of terminals (306, 308, 310), at least one (306, 308) of the plurality of terminals (306, 308, 310) being a cable terminal (306, 308) connected to an end (312, 314) of an electrical cable (316, 318). The device (102; 202) comprises an insulating base (104; 204) and a plurality of insulating flaps (106a, 106b; 206a, 206b). Each flap (106a, 106b; 206a, 206b) comprises a proximal end portion (108; 208) and a distal end portion (110; 210). The proximal end portion (108; 208) is connected to the base (104; 204). The distal end portion (110; 210) is movable in relation to the base (104; 204). The base (104; 204) and the plurality of flaps (106a, 106b; 206a, 206b) together are configured to cover the electric current connection (302, 304). A connection protection arrangement (322) the device (102; 202). An electrical apparatus (313) comprising the connection protection arrangement (322). A vehicle (402) comprising the electrical apparatus (313).

Description

lO A DEVICE FOR PROTECTING AN ELECTRIC CURRENT CONNECTION Technical field Aspects of the present invention relate to a device for protecting one or more electriccurrent connections, wherein each electric current connection comprises a plurality ofterminals, at least one of the plurality of terminals being a cable terminal connected toan end of an electrical cable. Aspects of the present invention also relate to aconnection protection arrangement comprising one or more electric currentconnections, wherein each electric current connection comprises a plurality ofterminals, at least one of the plurality of terminals being a cable terminal connected toan end of an electrical cable. The connection protection arrangement comprises adevice of the above-mentioned sort. Further, aspects of the present invention relate toan electrical apparatus comprising one or more terminals, wherein the electricalapparatus comprises a connection protection arrangement of the above-mentionedsort. Aspects of the present invention also relate to a vehicle comprising an electricalapparatus of the above-mentioned sort.

Background ln electrical installations, it may be necessary or advisable to protect an electric currentconnection, which includes a plurality of terminals, against foreign objects and/orunintentional contact with a user during maintenance and/or service. For example, theelectrical installation may be located in a vehicle, such as a truck, for example a heavytruck, for example in the region of a power source. The power source may for examplebe a combustion engine and/or one or more electrical machines. More specifically, thepurpose of the protection may for example be to protect or shield the electricalinstallation and/or the user against unintentional short circuits or electrical chocks.

Summary The inventors ofthe present invention have found drawbacks in existing electric currentconnection protections against foreign objects and/or unintentional contact with a user.ln some cases, the protection does not sufficiently cover the electric current connectionand thus provide a poor protection. lO An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a solution which mitigates or solves drawbacks and problems of conventional solutions.

The above and further objects are solved by the subject matter of the independentclaim. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect ofthe invention, the above mentioned and other objects areachieved with a device for protecting one or more electric current connections, whereineach electric current connection comprises a plurality of terminals, at least one of theplurality of terminals being a cable terminal connected to an end of an electrical cable,wherein the device comprises a base made of an at least partially electrically insulting material, and a plurality of flaps made of an at least partially electrically insulting material,wherein each flap comprises a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, wherein the proximal end portion is connected to the base, wherein the distal end portion is movable in relation to the base, and wherein the base and the plurality of flaps together are configured to cover the electric current connection.

Expressed alternatively, it may be defined that the flap is connected to the base via itsproximal end portion. An advantage of the device according to the first aspect is thatan efficient protection of the electric current connection against foreign objects and/orunintentional contact with a user is provided. Hereby, unintentional short circuits orelectrical chocks are avoided. By the mobility of the distal end portion in relation to thebase, the device and the coverage provided by the device can efficiently adapt to thesurrounding and especially to the shape or structure of different types of cableterminals and of the cable ends, to which the cable terminals are connected. Thecoverage provided by the device can also efficiently adapt to the number of cables andcable terminals used and to cable ends pointing in different directions. The cable terminal may be a cable lug. The plurality of flaps having the movable distal end lO portions provides a flexible and adaptable mechanical shielding of the electric currentconnection, which may be a high electric current connection, while still providing asufficient mechanical shielding that efficiently covers the electric current connectionand protects it against foreign objects and/or unintentional contact with a user. Bymeans of the innovative device, the safety with regard to high electric currentconnections, which for example may be present adjacent to or on the power source,for example a combustion engine and/or an electrical machine, of a vehicle, isincreased. Especially the environment around a power source of a vehicle can bestructurally complex and it can be hard for conventional protection caps to coverelectric current connections, to which several electrical cables are connected, in asufficient manner. The innovative device is easily installed. The device can be used inconnection with cable lugs with a 90° bent or a 45° bent, or similar, and still provide anefficient coverage. The base and the plurality of flaps can easily cover a big area in relation to prior art solutions.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect,the distal end portion comprises a distal edge and two lateral edges adjoining the distaledge, wherein the distal edge extends in a first direction, and wherein the distal endportion is movable in relation to the base in a direction transverse to the first direction.An advantage of this embodiment is that the flexibility and adaptability of the device tomechanically shield the electric current connection is further improved while stillproviding a mechanical shielding that efficiently covers the current connection andprotects it against foreign objects and/or unintentional contact with a user.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, each flap of the plurality of flaps is adjacent to another flap of the plurality offlaps. An advantage of this embodiment is that the device efficiently covers the electriccurrent connection and protects it against foreign objects and/or unintentional contact with a user.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, each flap of the plurality of flaps is spaced apart from said another flap of theplurality offlaps by a slit. An advantage of this embodiment is that the distal end portion lO of the flap is made more mobile since there is a free space between the flap and theadjacent flap. According to a further embodiment, the width of each slit is sufficientlysmall to prevent any object from contacting the electric current connection.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, at least one flap of the plurality of flaps is adjacent to two other flaps of theplurality of flaps. An advantage of this embodiment is that the device efficiently coversthe electric current connection and protects it against foreign objects and/or unintentional contact with a user.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the device according to thefirst aspect, said at least one flap of the plurality of flaps is spaced apart from said twoother flaps of the plurality of flaps by slits. An advantage of this embodiment is that thedistal end portion of the flap is made more mobile since there is a free space on eachside of the flap. According to a further embodiment, the width of each slit is sufficientlysmall to prevent any object from coming into contact with the electric current connection.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect,the plurality of flaps comprises a first group of flaps, wherein each flap of the first groupof flaps is adjacent to two other flaps of the plurality of flaps. An advantage of thisembodiment is that the device efficiently covers the electric current connection andprotects it against foreign objects and/or unintentional contact with a user.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, each flap of the first group of flaps is spaced apart from said two other flaps ofthe plurality of flaps by slits. An advantage of this embodiment is that the distal endportion of the flaps is made more mobile since there is a free space on each side ofthe flap. According to a further embodiment, the width of each slit is sufficiently smallto prevent any object from coming into contact with the electric current connection.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, the first group of flaps comprises five or more flaps. An advantage of this lO embodiment is that the device efficientiy covers the electric current connection and protects it against foreign objects and/or unintentional contact with a user.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, the first group of flaps comprises ten or more flaps. An advantage of thisembodiment is that the device efficientiy covers the electric current connection andprotects it against foreign objects and/or unintentional contact with a user.

According to still another advantageous embodiment of the device according to thefirst aspect, the base has a convex surface and a concave surface, wherein the deviceis configured such that the concave surface is positioned between the electric currentconnection and the convex surface when the device is installed. An advantage of thisembodiment is that the terminal can be received and held in a compartment definedby the concave surface, and the electric current connection can thus be efficientiyprotected against foreign objects and/or unintentional contact with a user.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect,the base has a cup shape. An advantage of this embodiment is that the terminal canbe received and held in a compartment defined by the cup shape, and the electriccurrent connection can thus be efficientiy protected against foreign objects and/or unintentional contact with a user.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, the distal end portion of one of the plurality of flaps is bent in relation to theproximal end portion of the same flap, whereby an angle is formed between the distalend portion and the proximal end portion. Advantageously, the distal end portion isbent in relation to the proximal end portion in a direction toward the convex surface ofthe base. Every distal end portion of the device may be bent in similar manner. Anadvantage of this embodiment is the device is easily adaptable to the structure of theelectric current connection. Further, the distal end portion may be prevented fromgetting trapped between the end of the electrical cable and the flap during operationwhich may generate vibrations, for example when the device is located in an engineenvironment of a vehicle. Thus, the device efficientiy covers the electric current lO connection and protects it against foreign objects and/or unintentional contact with a USSR According to another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, the distal end portion comprises an outer portion and a remainder portion,wherein the outer portion is bent in relation to the remainder portion, whereby an angleis formed between the outer portion and the remainder portion. An advantage of thisembodiment is the distal end portion may be prevented from getting trapped betweenthe end of the electrical cable and the flap during operation which may generate vibrations Advantageously, the outer portion is bent in relation to the remainder portion in adirection toward the convex surface of the base. All outer portions of the device maybe bent in similar manner. An advantage of this embodiment is the bent outer portionmay prevent the distal end portion from getting trapped between the end of theelectrical cable and the flap during operation. Thus, the device efficiently covers theelectric current connection and protects it against foreign objects and/or unintentional contact with a user.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, the base and the plurality of flaps are made of a flexible material. An advantageof this embodiment is the device is easily adaptable to the structure of the electriccurrent connection, whereby the device can efficiently cover the electric currentconnection and protects it against foreign objects and/or unintentional contact with a USSR According to still another advantageous embodiment of the device according to thefirst aspect, the flaps of the plurality of flaps are formed integrally with the base. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that the device can be manufactured in one piece inan efficient manner. For example, the device may be manufactured by being moulded,casted or 3D printed or by being manufactured according to any other suitable method.Alternatively, the flaps and the base may be produced or formed separately and subsequently attached to one another. lO According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect,the device comprises an attachment unit which is connected to the base, wherein theattachment unit comprises a compartment for receiving and holding an end of anelectrical cable. An advantage of this embodiment is that the device can be efficientlyheld in a correct position adjacent to the electric current connection by being efficientlyattached to the end of the electrical cable. Thus, the device can efficiently cover theelectric current connection and protect it against foreign objects and/or unintentionalcontact with a user, also during operation which may generate vibrations, for example when the device is located in an engine environment of a vehicle.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, the compartment has an inner surface, wherein the compartment comprisesseveral flexible longitudinal projections spaced apart and provided on the inner surfaceof the compartment, the longitudinal projections extending in a second direction,whereby the compartment is configured to receive and hold an end of electrical cableswith different diameters and/or different cross sections. An advantage of thisembodiment is that the device can be attached to electrical cables with differentdiameters and/or different cross sections. Thus, the device is made more flexible andis easily adapted to electrical cables with different diameters and/or different crosssections.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, the attachment unit comprises a wall surrounding the compartment, andwherein the wall has a longitudinal slit extending in a second direction, wherein thelongitudinal slit separates the wall into two wall portions movable in relation to oneanother to adapt to cables with different diameters and/or different cross sections. Anadvantage of this embodiment is that the device can be attached to electrical cableswith different diameters and/or different cross sections. Thus, the device is made moreflexible and is easily adapted to electrical cables with different diameters and/ordifferent cross sections. By being able to increase the width of the longitudinal slit, theinsertion of the end of the electrical into the compartment is also facilitated. lO According to still another advantageous embodiment of the device according to thefirst aspect, the longitudinal slit, which extends in the second direction, has a width,wherein the two wall portions are connected to one another via a bridge portion,wherein the attachment unit comprises a first grip located on one side of the bridgeportion and a second grip located on the other side of the bridge portion, the first andsecond grips being movable in relation to one another, and wherein the attachmentunit is configured such that when first and second grips are moved toward one anotherthe width of the longitudinal slit is increased to increase the size of the compartment.An advantage of this embodiment is that the width of the longitudinal slit is easilyincreased by pressing the first and second grips toward one another, whereby theinsertion ofthe end ofthe electrical into the compartment is facilitated. Advantageously,when the first and second grips are released by the user, the width of the longitudinalslit is decreased and the wall portions can embrace the end of the electrical cable.Thus, an advantage of this embodiment is that the process of attaching the device tothe electrical cable is facilitated.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, each of the first and second grips has an opening, wherein the opening of thefirst grip is in alignment with the opening of the second grip, and wherein the openingsof the first and second grips are configured to receive a cable tie. An advantage of thisembodiment is that the device can be easily fixed to the end of the electrical cable bya cable tie in order to further prevent movement of the end of the electrical cable in thelongitudinal direction of the electrical cable.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the first aspect,the attachment unit comprises a safety loop, wherein the safety loop is configured toreceive an end of an electrical cable when the device is being installed and configuredto receive an end of an electrical cable when the end of the electrical cable is releasedfrom the compartment, whereby the device remains connected to the end of the cable.An advantage of this embodiment is that device remains connected to the end of theelectrical cable when the cable terminal is released from the electric current connection, which may occur during service and maintenance performed by a user. lO According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, the safety loop opens into the compartment and has a slit which is in alignmentwith the slit of the wall of the attachment unit. An advantage of this embodiment is thatthe end of the electrical cable is efficiently received when the end of the electrical cableis released from the compartment. Thus, it is made more certain that the device staysconnected to the end of the electrical cable when the cable terminal is released from the electric current connection, which may occur during service and maintenance.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the firstaspect, the attachment unit is formed integrally with the base and the flaps of theplurality of flaps. An advantage of this embodiment is that the device can bemanufactured in one piece in an efficient manner. For example, the device may bemanufactured by being moulded, casted or 3D printed or by being manufacturedaccording to any other suitable method. Alternatively, the attachment unit, the flapsand the base may be produced or formed separately and subsequently attached to one another.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectsare achieved with a connection protection arrangement comprising one or moreelectric current connections, wherein each electric current connection comprises aplurality of terminals, at least one of the plurality of terminals being a cable terminalconnected to an end of an electrical cable, wherein the connection protectionarrangement comprises a device as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 12 or according to any one of the above- or below-mentioned embodiments.

The advantages of the connection protection arrangement according to the secondaspect correspond to the above- or below-mentioned advantages of the deviceaccording to the first aspect and its embodiments.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectsare achieved with an electrical apparatus comprising one or more terminals, whereinthe electrical apparatus comprises a connection protection arrangement as claimed inclaim 13 or according to any one of the above- and below-mentioned embodiments. lO lO The advantages of the electrical apparatus according to the third aspect correspond tothe above- or below-mentioned advantages of the device according to the first aspectand its embodiments.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the above mentioned and other objectsare achieved with a vehicle comprising the electrical apparatus as claimed in claim 14or according to any one of the above- or below-mentioned embodiments.

The advantages of the vehicle according to the fourth aspect correspond to the above-or below-mentioned advantages of the device according to the first aspect and itsembodiments.

The above-mentioned features and embodiments of the device, the connectionprotection arrangement, the electrical apparatus and the vehicle, respectively, may becombined in various possible ways providing further advantageous embodiments.Further advantageous embodiments of the device, the connection protectionarrangement, the electrical apparatus and the vehicle according to the presentinvention and further advantages with the embodiments of the present inventionemerge from the detailed description hereinbelow.

Brief Description of the DrawingsEmbodiments of the invention will now be illustrated, for exemplary purposes, in moredetail by way of embodiments and with reference to the enclosed drawings, where similar references are used for similar parts, in which: Fig.1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the deviceaccording to the first aspect of the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of the device shown in Fig. 1;Fig. 3 is a schematic rear view of the device shown in Figs. 1 and 2;Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of the device shown in Figs. 1 to 3; Fig. 5 is a schematic top view of the device shown in Figs. 1 to 4; lO Fig.Fig.Fig.Fig.Fig.Fig.Fig.Fig.

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Fig. 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 1617 18 19 20a 20b21a 21b ll is a schematic bottom view of the device shown in Figs. 1 to 5; is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the deviceaccording to the first aspect of the invention; is a schematic front view of the device shown in Fig. 7; is a schematic rear view of the device shown in Figs. 7 and 8; is a schematic side view of the device shown in Figs. 7 to 9; is a schematic top view of the device shown in Figs. 7 to 10; is a schematic bottom view of the device shown in Figs. 7 to 11; is a schematic side view of an electrical apparatus to which the deviceaccording to the first aspect can be applied; is a schematic perspective view of the electrical apparatus shown in Fig.13; is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the electrical apparatusaccording to the third aspect of the invention, which is provided with anembodiment of the connection protection arrangement according thesecond aspect of the invention; is schematic perspective of the electrical apparatus shown in Fig. 15; is another schematic side view of the electrical apparatus shown in Figs.15 and 16; is another perspective view of the electrical apparatus shown in Figs. 15to 17; is a schematic side view of an embodiment of the vehicle according to thefourth aspect of the invention including the electrical apparatus shown inFigs. 15 to 18; is a schematic side view of a first version of a cable terminal connectableto the end of an electrical cable; is a schematic top view of the cable terminal of Fig. 20a; is a schematic side view of a second version of a cable terminalconnectable to the end of an electrical cable; and is a schematic top view of the cable terminal of Fig. 21 a. lO 12 Detailed Description With reference to Figs. 1 to 6, a first embodiment of the device 102 according to thefirst aspect of the invention is schematically shown. With reference to Figs. 13 and 14,the device 102 is configured to protect one or more electric current connections 302,304, for example high electric current connections. Each electric current connection302, 304 comprises a plurality of terminals 306, 308, 310, wherein at least one 306,308 of the plurality of terminals 306, 308, 310 is a cable terminal 306, 308 connectedto an end 312, 314 of an electrical wire or cable 316, 318. The cable terminal 306, 308may be a cable lug. For illustrative purposes, only a portion of each electrical cable316, 318 is shown in the figures. “A plurality of terminals” in the context of the presentdisclosure means two or more terminals 306, 308, 310. ln the shown embodiment,there is a first cable terminal 306 connected to the end 312 of a first electrical cable316 and a second cable terminal 308 connected to the end 314 of a second electricalcable 318. ln the shown embodiment, the terminal 310 is a terminal 310 of an electricalapparatus 313. ln the shown embodiment, the electrical apparatus 313 is an electricalstarter motor. The electrical apparatus 313 may be associated with an engine 408 (seeFig. 19) of a vehicle 402 (see Fig. 19). Each terminal 306, 308, 310 may be called anelectrical terminal 306, 308, 310.

With reference to Figs. 1 to 6, the device 102 includes a base 104 made of an at leastpartially electrically insulting material. Further, the device 102 includes a plurality offlaps 106a, 106b made of an at least partially electrically insulting material. Said atleast partially electrically insulting material may be a substance or a mixture ofsubstances. The material of the base 104 is not necessarily the same as the materialof the plurality of flaps 106a, 106b. However, the base 104 and the plurality of flaps106a, 106b may be made from the same material. The flap 106a, 106b may also becalled wing, fin or tongue. “A plurality of flaps” in the context of the present disclosuremeans two or more flaps 106a, 106b. The base 104 may be centrally located in relationto the plurality of flaps 106a, 106b, for example surrounded by the plurality of flaps106a, 106b. lO 13 With reference to Figs. 5 and 6, the plurality of flaps 106a, 106b may for examplecomprise five or more flaps 106a, 106b, such as ten or more flaps 106a, 106b. ln theembodiment shown, eighteen flaps 106a, 106b are provided. However, the number offlaps 106a, 106b may be less or more than eighteen. Each flap 106a, 106b of theplurality of flaps 106a, 106b is adjacent to another flap 106a, 106b of the plurality offlaps 106a, 106b. Each flap 106a, 106b of the plurality of flaps 106a, 106b is spacedapart from said another flap 106a, 106b of the plurality of flaps 106a, 106b by a slit107.

At least one flap 106a of the plurality of flaps 106a, 106b is adjacent to two other flaps106a, 106b of the plurality of flaps 106a, 106b. With reference to Figs. 5 and 6, onlythe two end flaps 106b are not adjacent to two other flaps but are instead adjacent toonly one other flap 106a. Said at least one flap 106a of the plurality of flaps 106a, 106bis spaced apart from said two other flaps 106a, 106b of the plurality offlaps 106a, 106bby slits 107. With reference to Figs. 5 and 6, only the two end flaps 106b are not spacedapart from two other flaps 106a, 106b by slits 107 but are instead spaced apart fromonly one other flap 106a by a slit 107.

Further, it may be defined that the plurality of flaps 106a, 106b comprises a first groupof flaps 106a. Each flap 106a of the first group of flaps 106a is adjacent to two otherflaps 106a, 106b of the plurality of flaps 106a, 106b. Each flap 106a of the first groupof flaps 106a is spaced apart from said two other flaps 106a, 106b of the plurality offlaps 106a, 106b by slits 107. The first group of flaps 106a may comprise five or moreflaps 106a. The first group of flaps 106a may even comprise ten or more flaps 106a.ln the shown embodiment, the first group of flaps 106a includes sixteen flaps 106a.However, the first group of flaps 106a may include fewer or more than sixteen flaps106a. The slit 107 mentioned above may have a width of less than 0.5 cm. However,the slit 107 may have other dimensions instead of a width of 0.5 cm. The width of theslit 107 corresponds to the distance between two adjacent flaps 106a, 106b at the slit107.

With reference to Figs. 1 to 6, each flap 106a, 106b includes a proximal end portion108 and a distal end portion 110. The proximal end portion 108 is connected to the lO 14 base 104. The proximal end portion 108 may be connected to the base 104 by beingattached to the base 104 or by being formed integrally with the base 104. lt may bedefined that the flap 106a, 106b is connected to the base 104 via its proximal endportion 108, and/or that the dista| end portion 110 ofa flap 106a, 106b is connected tothe base 104 via the proximal end portion 108 of the same flap 106a, 106b. The flaps106a, 106b of the plurality of flaps 106a, 106b may be connected to the base 104 bybeing attached to the base 104 or by being formed integrally with the base 104, i.e. theflaps 106a, 106b may be formed as a unit with the base 104. The flap 106a, 106b maybe attached to the base 104 by means of an adhesive medium, such as glue, or bymeans of any suitable mechanical means of attachment. The dista| end portion 110 ismovable in relation to the base 104. The base 104 and the plurality of flaps 106a, 106btogether are configured to cover the electric current connection 302, 304 orconnections 302, 304.

With reference to Figs. 5, the dista| end portion 110 includes a dista| edge 112 and twolateral edges 114, 116 adjoining the dista| edge 112. The dista| edge 112 extends in afirst direction 118. ln the shown embodiment, the dista| end portion 110 is movable inrelation to the base 104 in a direction transverse to the first direction 118. “Transverseto the first direction” in the context of the present disclosure does not necessarily meanan angle of 90°, but there may be a deviation from the angel of 90° by a plurality ofdegrees. With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, each dista| end portion 110 may have a firstsurface 113 and a second surface 115, the second surface 115 being on the oppositeside of the first surface 113. Each of the first and second surfaces 113, 115 is limitedby the lateral edges 114, 116, the dista| edge 112 and the proximal end portion 108.The dista| end portion 110 may be movable in a third direction 117 substantiallytransverse to the first surface 113 and/or and the second surfaces 115. The base 104and the plurality of flaps 106a, 106b may be made of a flexible material, for example apolymer, such as an elastomer. ln the shown embodiment and with reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the base 104 may havea convex surface 120 and a concave surface 122. The device 102 is configured suchthat the concave surface 122 is positioned between the electric current connection 302,304 and the convex surface 120 when the device 102 is installed, i.e. when the device lO 102 has been installed. The base 104 may be described as a base 104 having a cup shape.

With reference to Figs. 3 and 4, in the shown embodiment, the distal end portion 110of one 106a, 106b of the plurality of flaps 106a, 106b is bent in relation to the proximalend portion 108 of the same flap 106a, 106b, whereby an angle ß is formed betweenthe distal end portion 110 and the proximal end portion 108. The angle ß is less than180°, for example less than 175°, 170°, 160° or 150°. lf the distal end portion 110 ofone 106a, 106b of the plurality of flaps 106a, 106b is bent in relation to the proximalend portion 108 of the same flap 106a, 106b, the distal end portion 110 may be bentin relation to the proximal end portion 108 in a direction toward the convex surface 120of the base 104. ln the Figs. 3 and 4, the direction toward the convex surface 120 isupward. Every distal end portion 110 of the flaps 106a, 106b may be bent in similar manner. ln an alternative embodiment, the distal end portion may comprise an outer portion anda remainder portion, wherein the outer portion is bent in relation to the remainderportion, whereby an angle is formed between the outer portion and the remainderportion, which is less than 180°, for example less than 175°, 170°, 160°, 150°, 140° or120°. Advantageously, the outer portion is bent in relation to the remainder portion ina direction toward the convex surface 120 of the base 104. Every outer portion of the flaps may be bent in similar manner.

With reference to Figs. 1, 3 and 4, the device 102 includes an attachment unit 124connected to the base 104. The attachment unit 124 includes a compartment 126,which may be called a hollow, for receiving and holding an end 312 of an electricalcable 316. The attachment unit 124 may be connected to the base 104 by beingattached to the base 104 or by being formed integrally with the base 104. Withreference to Figs. 1 and 3, the compartment 126 has an inner surface 128 and severalflexible longitudinal projections 130 spaced apart and provided on the inner surface128 of the compartment 126. The longitudinal projections 130 extend in a seconddirection 132. Because of the flexible longitudinal projections 130, the compartment126 is configured to receive and hold an end 312 of electrical cables 316 with different lO 16 diameters and/or different cross sections. ln the shown embodiment, the attachmentunit 124 includes a wall 134 surrounding the compartment 126. However, the wall 134has a longitudinal slit 136 extending in the second direction 132, and the longitudinalslit 136 separates the wall 134 into two wall portions 134a, 134b movable in relation toone another, for example in order to adapt to cables 316 with different diameters and/or different cross sections.

The longitudinal slit 136, which extends in the second direction 132, has a width. Withreference to Fig. 3, the two wall portions 134a, 134b are connected to one another viaa bridge portion 138. The two wall portions 134a, 134b may be connected to the bridgeportion 138 by being attached to the bridge portion 138 or by being formed integrallywith the bridge portion 138. The attachment unit 124 includes a first grip 140 locatedon one side of the bridge portion 138 and a second grip 142 located on the other sideof the bridge portion 138. The first and second grips 140, 142 are movable in relationto one another. The attachment unit 124 is configured such that when first and secondgrips 140, 142 are moved toward one another the width of the longitudinal slit 136 isincreased to increase the size of the compartment 126. Advantageously, when the firstand second grips 140, 142 are released by the user, the width of the longitudinal slit136 is decreased by the movement of wall portions 134a, 134b toward one another,and the wall portions 134a, 134b can embrace the end 312 of the electrical cable 316.The movement of the wall portions 134a, 134b toward one another can be attained bythe flexibility or resilience of the material of the bridge portion 138 and the attachmentunit 124.

With reference to Figs. 4 and 5, each of the first and second grips 140, 142 may havean opening 144, 146, which is limited or defined by the respective grip 140, 142. Theopening 144 of the first grip 140 is configured to be in alignment with the opening 146of the second grip 142. The openings 144, 146 of the first and second grips 140, 142are configured to receive a cable tie. By means of the cable tie and the openings 144,146 of the first and second grips 140, 142, the device 102 can be easily fixed to theend 312 of the electrical cable 316 in order to further prevent movement of the device102 in relation to and along the end 312 of the electrical cable 316 in the longitudinal lO 17 direction of the electrical cable 316 in order to maintain the position of the device 102 and thus maintain the protection provided by the device 102.

The attachment unit 124 may comprise a safety loop 148. The safety loop 148 isconfigured to receive an end 312 of an electrical cable 316 when the device 102 isbeing installed and configured to receive an end 312 of an electrical cable 316 whenthe end 312 of the electrical cable 316 is released from the compartment 126, wherebythe device 102 remains connected to the end 312 of the cable 316. Advantageously,the safety loop 148 opens into the compartment 126 and has a slit 136 which is inalignment with the slit 136 of the wall 134 of the attachment unit 124. The safety loop148 may be designed in alternative ways different from what is shown in the figures.For example, with reference to Fig. 4, instead of being in line with an entry plane 149of the attachment unit 124, the safety loop may be configured such that the plane 150of the safety loop 148 form an angle with the entry plane 149. For example, the safetyloop may be angled in relation to the entry plane 149 and angled away from theconcave surface 122 of the base 104. ln alternative embodiments, the safety loop 148may be excluded.

The attachment unit 124 may be made of a flexible material, for example a polymer,such as an elastomer. The attachment unit 124 may formed integrally with the base104 and the flaps 106a, 106b of the plurality of flaps 106a, 106b.

With reference to Figs. 7 to 12, a second embodiment of the device 202 according tothe first aspect of the invention is schematically shown. On the whole, the secondembodiment of the device 202 may correspond to the first embodiment of the device102 disclosed above in connection with Figs. 1 to 6. Thus, the device 202 of Figs. 7 to12 also includes a base 204 and a plurality of flaps 206a, 206b, wherein each flap206a, 206b of the plurality of flaps 206a, 206b is spaced apart from said another flap206a, 206b of the plurality of flaps 206a, 206b by a slit 207. Each flap 206a, 206b hasa proximal end portion 208 and a distal end portion 210. The distal end portion 210comprises a distal edge 212 and two lateral edges 214, 216. The base 204 may havea convex surface 220 and a concave surface 222. The device 202 also has anattachment unit 224 including a compartment 226. The attachment unit 224 has a wall lO 18 234 surrounding the compartment 226, wherein a Iongitudinal slit 236 separates thewall 234 in two wall portions 234a, 234b connected to one another via a bridge portion238. Further, the attachment unit 224 also has first and second grips 240, 242 and asafety loop 248. The only difference between the device 202 of Figs. 7 to 12 and thedevice 102 of Figs. 1 to 6 may be that the device 202 of Figs. 7 to 12 has additionalflaps 206a, 206b adjacent to the attachment unit 224, which are best shown in Figs.10 to 12. These additional flaps 206a, 206b provide additional coverage and shielding.Otherwise, further details of the features of the device 202 of Figs. 7 to 12 maycorrespond to the details of the features of the device 102 of Figs. 1 to 6 and are therefore not discussed in further detail again.

With reference to Figs. 13 and 14, an electrical apparatus 313 is illustrated, to whichthe device 102, 202 can be applied. As mentioned above, the electrical apparatus 313may be an electrical starter motor. The electrical apparatus 313 may be part of orassociated with a combustion engine 408 (see Fig. 19) of a vehicle 402 (see Fig. 19).The electrical apparatus 313 has a terminal 310 which may comprise a rod-shapedmember (not shown) with one or more external threads and a nut 320 with one or moreinternal threads. The rod-shaped member is configured to engage the nut 320. Therod-shaped member is fixedly attached to the electrical apparatus 313. With referenceto Figs. 13 and 14, there is shown a first electrical cable 316 having and end 312 towhich a first cable terminal 306 is connected. Further, there is shown a secondelectrical cable 318 having an end 314 to which a second cable terminal 308 isconnected. The first and second cable terminals 306, 308 are connected and attachedto the terminal 310 of the electrical apparatus 313 by being fitted around the rod-shaped member and fastened by the nut 320.

With reference to Figs. 15 to 18, it is shown how the device 102 is applied to theelectrical apparatus 313. Before the first cable terminal 306 is connected to the terminal310 of the electrical apparatus 313, the device 102 is attached to the end 312 of thefirst electrical cable 316 by means of the attachment unit 124. Subsequently, the firstand second cable terminals 306, 308 are attached to the terminal 310 of the electricalapparatus 313, whereby a first electrical connection 302 is attained between the firstcable terminal 306 and the terminal 310 of the electrical apparatus 313, and a second lO 19 electrical connection 304 is attained between the second cable terminal 308 and theterminal 310 of the electrical apparatus 313. By means of the innovative device 102,the base 104 and the plurality of flaps 106a, 106b together cover the electric currentconnections 302, 304 and thus provide an efficient protection of the electric currentconnections 302, 304 against foreign objects and/or unintentional contact with a user.

With reference to Figs. 15 to 18, there is also provided an embodiment of theconnection protection arrangement 322 according to the second aspect of theinvention, wherein the connection protection arrangement 322 includes one or moreelectric current connections 302, 304. Each electric current connection 302, 304includes a plurality of terminals 306, 308, 310, wherein at least one 306, 308 of theplurality of terminals 306, 306, 310 is a cable terminal 306, 308 connected to an end312, 314 of an electrical cable 316, 318. The connection protection arrangement 322 includes one or more embodiments of the device 102, 202 disclosed above.

With reference to Figs. 15 to 18, there is also provided an embodiment of the electricalapparatus 313 according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein the electricalapparatus 313 includes one or more embodiments of the connection protectionarrangement 322 disclosed above. The electrical apparatus 313 includes one or moreelectrical terminals 310. As stated above, the electrical apparatus 313 may include anelectrical starter motor. Alternatively, the electrical apparatus 313 may include an electrical alternator, an electrical machine, a battery etc.

With reference to figure 19, a vehicle 402 is schematically illustrated. The vehicle 402,for example a truck, comprises six wheels 404. Only the wheels 404 on the left-handside of the vehicle 402 are visible in Fig. 19. lt is to be understood that vehicle 402 mayhave fewer or more wheels than what is shown in Fig. 19. The vehicle 402 maycomprise a powertrain 406 which comprises a combustion engine 408, for example aninternal combustion engine or any another combustion engine, and at least two drivenwheels 404 or drive wheels 404 driven by the combustion engine 408. ln addition tothe powertrain 406 comprising the combustion engine 408, the vehicle 402 may includeone or more electrical machines and may thus for example be a so-called hybridvehicle. Alternatively, the powertrain 406 comprising the combustion engine 408 may lO be replaced by an electrical powertrain including one or more electrical machines fordriving the drive wheels 404, whereby the vehicle may be an electric vehicle. Thecombustion engine 408 is provided with an electrical apparatus 313, for example thestarter motor, as shown in Figs. 15 to 18. The electrical apparatus 313 may be providedwith or may include an embodiment of the device 102, 202 illustrated in connectionwith Figs. 1 to 12 and Figs. 15 to 18 and/or may be provided with or include anembodiment of the connection protection arrangement 322 illustrated in connectionwith the Figs. 15 to 18.

With reference to Figs. 20a-b and 21a-b, two different kinds of cable terminals 502,504, or electrical cable terminals 502, 504, are illustrated, which are made of anelectrically conducting material, for example a suitable metal of a mixture of metals.The cable terminal 502, 504 may be called a cable lug and can be used to connect acable end 312, 314 to an electrical connection 302, 304. The cable terminal 502, 504may be connected to the end 312, 314 of the electrical cable 316, 318 by beingattached to the end 312, 314 of the electrical cable 316, 318 or by being formedintegrally with the end 312, 314 of the electrical cable 316, 318 in manners known tothe person skilled in the art. Each cable terminal 502, 504 may comprise a cableconnector 506, 508 configured to be connected the end 312, 314 of the electrical cable316, 318. ln general, the cable connecter 506, 508 is configured to be both electricallyconnected to the end 312, 314 of the electrical cable 316, 318 and to be mechanicallyattached to (or formed integrally with) the end 312, 314 of the electrical cable 316, 318.Each cable terminal 502, 504 may include a connecting part 510, 512 having anopening 514, 516, for example a circular opening 514, 516, limited or defined by theconnecting part 510, 512. The connecting part 510, 512 is configured to be connectedto a rod-shaped member and thereby form an electric current connection 302, 304 byletting the opening 514, 516 of the connecting part 510, 512 receiving the rod-shapedmember. ln general, the rod-shaped member is stationary during assembly ormaintenance work and the electrical connection 302, 304 is attained by placing theopening 514, 516 around the rod-shaped member whereupon a nut 320 around therod-shaped member can be tightened to achieve a sufficient electrical connection 302,304. lO 21 With reference to Figs. 20a and 20b, the end 312, 314 of an electrical cable 316, 318is received by the cable connector 506 at a first connector side 518. lnstead of theopening 514 completely surrounded by the connecting part 510, the opening may openup to the exterior, for example away from the cable connector 506 in the direction ofthe longitudinal extension of the electrical cable 316, 318 and thus form a fork-shape.

With reference to Figs. 21a and 21b, the end 312, 314 of an electrical cable 316, 318is received by the cable connector 508 at a first connector side 520. The cableconnector 508, or the longitudinal extension of the end 312, 314 of the electrical cable316, 318 forms an angle oi with the connecting part 512. With reference to Figs. 21aand 21 b, the angle formed between the connecting part 512 and the cable connector508 may be approximately 90°. This is the case for the first cable terminal 306 shownfor example in Figs. 13 and 14. However, any angle oi between the connecting part512 and the cable connector 508 is possible. For example, the angle oi may instead beapproximately 45°, which is the case for the second cable terminal 308 shown forexample in Figs. 13 and 14.

The present invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. lnstead, thepresent invention relates to, and encompasses all different embodiments being included within the scope of the appended independent claims.

Claims (14)

1. lO 22 Claims 1. A device (102; 202) for protecting one or more electric current connections(302, 304), wherein each electric current connection (302, 304) comprises a pluralityof terminals (306, 308, 310), at least one (306, 308) of the plurality of terminals (306,308, 310) being a cable terminal (306, 308) connected to an end (312, 314) of anelectrical cable (316, 318), wherein the device (102; 202) comprises a base (104; 204) made of an at least partially electrically insulting material,and a plurality of flaps (106a, 106b; 206a, 206b) made of an at least partiallyelectrically insulting material, wherein each flap (106a, 106b; 206a, 206b) comprises a proximal end portion (108;208) and a distal end portion (110; 210), wherein the proximal end portion (108; 208) is connected to the base (104; 204),wherein the distal end portion (110; 210) is movable in relation to the base (104; 204),and wherein the base (104; 204) and the plurality offlaps (106a, 106b; 206a, 206b) togetherare configured to cover the electric current connection (302, 304) and Whereâtt the basett 04' 204) has a centfex surface (1203 2203 and a eencave surface H22' 222), twhereittthe deviee (102 202: ie eentieured ettan that the eortcave surface H22: 222) äseositšoned between the electric current connection (302, 304) and the cent/ex etsrfece(120: 220) ttfhetfi the devfšee (102; 202§ is šrtstatted..

2. A device (102; 202) according to claim 1, wherein the distal end portion (110;210) comprises a distal edge (112; 212) and two lateral edges (114; 116; 214, 216)adjoining the distal edge (112; 212), wherein the distal edge (112; 212) extends in afirst direction (118; 218), and wherein the distal end portion (110; 210) is movable inrelation to the base (104; 204) in a direction transverse to the first direction (118; 218). lO 23

3. A device (102; 202) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each flap (106a, 106b;206a, 206b) of the plurality of flaps (106a, 106b; 206a, 206b) is adjacent to anotherflap (106a, 106b; 206a, 206b) of the plurality of flaps (106a, 106b; 206a, 206b).

4. A device (102; 202) according to claim 3, wherein each flap (106a, 106b; 206a,206b) of the plurality of flaps (106a, 106b; 206a, 206b) is spaced apart from saidanotherflap (106a, 106b; 206a, 206b) of the plurality of flaps (106a, 106b; 206a, 206b)by a slit (107; 207).

5. A device (102; 202) according to any of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the pluralityof flaps (1 06a, 106b; 206a, 206b) comprises a first group offlaps (106a; 206a), whereineach flap (106a; 206a) of the first group of flaps (106a; 206a) is adjacent to two otherflaps (106a, 106b; 206a, 206b) of the plurality of flaps (106a, 106b; 206a, 206b). posi-tiened--tße-tween,-the-eleetiflie--euiflr-ert-t--eenriee-tien--(3021--304)»--aad--the-senflfex--ser-fea-eei é'ååëgå;“ššïëEgg”å"lfiflïíï26%?E"ššïgéa"QÉëåšlä'äššëšå"'áJ;'ëšêgu"êëšššg'ä“i'êššf“gqfiš'ëšåêšššæåfÉš . ål. A device (102; 202) according to any one of the claims 1 to gå, wherein thedista| end portion (1 10; 210) of one of the plurality of flaps (106a, 106b; 206a, 206b) isbent in relation to the proximal end portion (108; 208) of the same flap (106a, 106b;206a, 206b), whereby an angle (ß) is formed between the dista| end portion (110; 210)and the proximal end portion (108; 208). 23. A device (102; 202) according to any one of the claims 1 to ål, wherein theflaps (106a, 106b; 206a, 206b) of the plurality of flaps (106a, 106b; 206a, 206b) areformed integrally with the base (104; 204). _83. A device (102; 202) according to any one of the claims 1 to 1%, wherein thedevice (102; 202) comprises an attachment unit (124; 224) which is connected to the lO 24 base (104; 204), wherein the attachment unit (124; 224) comprises a compartment(126; 226) for receiving and holding an end (312) of an electrical cable (316). 340. A device (102; 202) according to claim 8%, wherein the attachment unit (124;224) comprises a wall (134; 234) surrounding the compartment (126; 226), andwherein the wall (134; 234) has a longitudinal slit (136; 236) extending in a seconddirection (132; 232), and wherein the longitudinal slit (136; 236) separates the wall(134; 234) into two wall portions (134a, 134b; 234a, 234b) movable in relation to oneanother to adapt to cables (316) with different diameters and/or different cross sections. _1044. A device (102; 202) according to claim 340, wherein the longitudinal slit (136;236), which extends in the second direction (132; 232), has a width, wherein the twowall portions (134a, 134b; 234a, 234b) are connected to one another via a bridgeportion (138, 238), wherein the attachment unit (124; 224) comprises a first grip (140;240) located on one side of the bridge portion (138, 238) and a second grip (142; 242)located on the other side of the bridge portion (138; 238), the first and second grips(140, 142; 240, 242) being movable in relation to one another, and wherein theattachment unit (124; 224) is configured such that when first and second grips (140,142; 240, 242) are moved toward one another the width of the longitudinal slit (136;236) is increased to increase the size of the compartment (126; 226). 114%. A device (102; 202) according to any one of the claims åê to 1044, whereinthe attachment unit (124; 224) comprises a safety loop (148; 248), and wherein thesafety loop (148; 248) is configured to receive an end (312) of an electrical cable (316)when the device (102; 202) is being installed and configured to receive an end (312)of an electrical cable (316) when the end (312) of the electrical cable (316) is releasedfrom the compartment (126; 226), whereby the device (102; 202) remains connectedto the end (312) of the cable (316). _1243.electric current connections (302, 304), wherein each electric current connection (302;304) comprises a plurality of terminals (306, 308, ,310), at least one (306, 308) of the A connection protection arrangement (322) comprising one or more lO plurality ofterminals (306, 308, 310) being a cable terminal (306; 308) connected to anend (312, 314) of an electrical cable (316, 318), wherein the connection protectionarrangement (322) comprises a device (102; 202) as claimed in any one of the claims1 to 114%. Qêfi. An electrical apparatus (313) comprising one or more terminals (310), whereinthe electrical apparatus (313) comprises a connection protection arrangement (322)as claimed in claim 1.243. 1 4%. A vehicle (402) comprising an electrical apparatus (313) as claimed in claim 4”i 34-4.