Charger connector apparatus

The charger connector apparatus comprises an improved SB and SBX-style connector such as those typically employed in charging industrially used batteries. A primary difference of the apparatus from those presently in use is that it includes an integral cable/wire platform and clamp assembly on one end. The winged clamp securely and selectively holds the two DC wires which are fed into the clamp, wires which heretofore were subject to pulling out and to abrasion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Existing types of connectors used in charging industrial batteries are known in the art as SB and SBX-style connectors. Retaining positive connection with these existing connectors is a long-standing problem. As a result of this problem, a device is considered required and is routinely sold which attempts to metallically clamp these connectors to prevent disengagement; however, the device is problematic, even to the point that users refuse to purchase the required device. Other than the failure of this existing clamping device to properly perform, the metallic makeup of the device places the connections and wires at the SB and SBX-style connector at substantial risk of electrical short. The present apparatus solves these problems with a basic improvement to the SB and SBX-style connectors.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The charger connector apparatus relates to existing battery charging connectors and more specifically to improvements to SB and SBX-style battery charger connectors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general purpose of the charger connector apparatus, described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a charger connector apparatus which has many novel features that result in an charger connector apparatus which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by prior art, either alone or in combination thereof.

To attain this, the charger connector apparatus comprises an improved SB and SBX-style connector such as those typically employed in charging industrially used batteries such as truck batteries, fork lift batteries, and the like. The apparatus is similar in size and shape to those currently used. The apparatus therefore can be produced in a variety of sizes and power ratings needed for the various charging practices. A primary difference of the apparatus from those presently in use is that it includes an integral cable/wire platform and clamp assembly on one end. The features of the clamp and platform include platform raised outer ridges, each of which includes a flare seat for acceptance of the respective flares of the clamp. The winged clamp securely and selectively holds the two DC wires which are fed into the clamp, wires which heretofore were subject to pulling out and to abrasion. The threaded hole for acceptance of the machine screw which holds the clamp is reinforced for strength and durability of the apparatus. Enhanced grip is also featured on the apparatus. Features of the apparatus are provided with only a minor increase in cost, and no decrease in overall strength, durability, and load carrying capacity.

An object of the charger connector apparatus is to prevent problems with existing SB and SBX-style connectors and their associated clamps.

A further object of the charger connector apparatus is to negate electrical shorts associated with SB and SBX-style connectors and clamps.

These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the improved charger connector apparatus will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the improved charger connector apparatus when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the improved charger connector apparatus in detail, it is to be understood that the charger connector apparatus is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the improved charger connector apparatus. It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the charger connector apparatus. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With reference now to the drawings, and in particularFIGS. 1 through 6thereof, the principles and concepts of the charger connector apparatus generally designated by the reference number10will be described.

Referring toFIG. 1, the charger connector apparatus10comprises a connector12for accepting two electrical wires40. The clamp30selectively secures the wires40against removal and against chafing.

Referring toFIGS. 2-5, the apparatus10accepts the wires40with contacts46(not a part of the apparatus10) and also accepts a charging plug (not shown, not a part of the apparatus10). The connector12has a first end and a second end. The connector12further comprises a platform20at the first end of the connector12. A plurality of ribs22is disposed on the platform20. The ribs22decrease the likelihood of wires40moving within and slipping from the connector12. The reinforced threaded hole24is disposed in an approximate center of the platform20. A ridge21is disposed on each side of the platform20. A flare seat35is disposed in each ridge21. The pair of spaced apart wire cavities29are disposed medially adjacent to the platform20. Each cavity29provides for acceptance of one wire40. The pair of spaced apart contact openings26is proximal to the second end of the connector12. Each contact opening26is in communication with one of the wire cavities29. A contact passage28is disposed at the second end of each of the contact openings26. Each contact passage28and contact opening26is for removable acceptance of a charging plug. A flat spring14is disposed within each wire cavity29and within each contact opening26. Each spring14is slanted upwardly within each contact opening26in order to upwardly tension the contact46. A plurality of spaced apart grips18is disposed on each side and part of the top of the exterior of the connector12in order to enhance grip for a user. The removable non-metallic clamp30is provided for simultaneously clamping each wire40to the platform20of the connector12. The clamp30comprises a pair of spaced apart convex wings32joined by a central flat junction36. The orifice38is disposed in the center of the flat junction36. A horizontal flare34is disposed at the outer end of each wing32. Each flare34is for selective placement into one of the flare seats35of the platform ridges21. The machine screw39is for passing through the orifice38of the flat junction36and into the threaded hole24of the platform20. The design of the platform20and clamp30provided for securely holding the wires40while simultaneously negating any concerns by overtightening by a user.

In using the apparatus10, the user pushes each wire40into the connector until the contact46engages the flat spring14. The clamp30is then tightened against the wires40with the machine screw39until the wires40are firmly secured. A charging plug can then be inserted into the second end of the apparatus such that the contacts are engaged. Removal is a reversal of the above procedure.

Referring toFIG. 6, the battery50is fitted with wires40which are plugged and secured into the apparatus10. The battery50is charged by the power source60and can then be used to power the forklift70.