Abstract:
In a structure for connecting a battery terminal to a battery post of a battery, a terminal body has a U-shaped curved portion which is formed between a distal end portion and a proximal end portion of the battery terminal. A retaining portion, at which the distal end portion of the battery terminal is retained, is provided in the vicinity of the battery post. Locking members lock the proximal end portion of the battery terminal in a position where the proximal end portion has been pivoted in a leverage manner while the distal end portion is retained in the retaining portion as a fulcrum, and while the U-shaped curved portion is press-fitted onto an outer periphery of the battery post.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates to a structure of connecting a battery terminal to an electrode (battery post) of a battery mounted on an automobile or the like, and more particularly to a battery terminal-connecting structure in which the battery terminal can be fitted on the battery post by one action (one operation) without the use of a fastening tool such as an impact wrench.  
           [0002]    Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-60053U discloses one related connecting structure in which a battery terminal can be fitted on a battery post without the use of a fastening tool such as an impact wrench.  
           [0003]    [0003]FIG. 16 shows the construction of the battery terminal disclosed in the above publication. In this battery terminal  30 , a cam lever (operating lever)  32  is pivotally mounted on a terminal body  31 . The terminal body  31  includes a post fitting portion  33 , bent and curved into a generally C-shape or annular shape, and a pair of parallel pieces  34  and  35  extending respectively from both ends of the C-shaped post fitting portion  33 . A pivot shaft  36  is mounted on the pair of extended pieces  34  and  35 , and the cam lever  32  is pivotally supported on this pivot shaft  36 . An electric wire W is connected to one extended piece  34 .  
           [0004]    The operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 17A and 17B. When the cam lever  32  is in an upstanding condition as shown in FIG. 17A, a cam portion  32   a  of this cam lever  32  is disposed in an upright condition, and therefore the bore of the post fitting portion  33  of the battery terminal  30  is increased. Therefore, in this condition, the post fitting portion  33  can be easily fitted on a battery post  40 .  
           [0005]    After the post fitting portion  33  is fitted on the battery post  40 , the cam lever  32  is brought down as shown in FIG. 17B, so that the cam portion  32   a  is pressed against a peripheral face of the battery post  40 . As a result, an inner peripheral face of the post fitting portion  33  of the battery terminal  30  is pressed against the peripheral face of the battery post  40  by a reaction force produced by the pressing action of the cam portion  32   a . As a result, the battery terminal  30  is electrically and mechanically connected to the battery post  40  by a friction force generated between the inner peripheral face of the post fitting portion  33  and the outer peripheral face of the battery post  40 .  
           [0006]    In the above related connecting structure, for fitting the battery terminal  30  on the battery post  40 , there are required two actions, that is, (1) fitting the post fitting portion  33  onto the battery post  40 ; and (2) pivoting the cam lever  32 . Therefore, much time and labor have been required for this operation.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    With the above problem in view, it is an object of this invention to provide a connecting structure in which a battery terminal can be fitted on a battery post by almost one action, and the efficiency of the fitting operation is enhanced.  
           [0008]    In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a structure for connecting a battery terminal to a battery post of a battery, comprising:  
           [0009]    a terminal body, having a U-shaped curved portion which is formed between a distal end portion and a proximal end portion of the battery terminal;  
           [0010]    a retaining portion, at which the distal end portion of the battery terminal is retained, the retaining portion provided in the vicinity of the battery post; and  
           [0011]    locking members, which lock the proximal end portion of the battery terminal in a position where the proximal end portion has been pivoted in a leverage manner while the distal end portion is retained in the retaining portion as a fulcrum, and while the U-shaped curved portion is press-fitted onto an outer periphery of the battery post.  
           [0012]    In this configuration, by almost one action, that is, by pivotally moving the battery terminal, with its distal end portion engaged with the retaining groove, the battery terminal can be fitted onto the battery post, and therefore the fitting operation can be simplified. And besides, the firm press-fitting can be achieved even with a small force because of the leverage action, and therefore the efficiency of the operation is enhanced, and the positive connection is achieved, so that the reliability of the connection can be enhanced.  
           [0013]    Preferably, the connecting structure further comprises a cover member which covers the terminal body. The locking members include a first locking member provided on the cover member and a second locking member provided with the battery.  
           [0014]    Here, it is preferable that the cover member is made of an insulative material.  
           [0015]    In the above configurations, the construction of the battery terminal can be simplified. When this cover member is made of an insulative material, the safety against an electrical shock can be enhanced, and besides in the mounted condition, that portion of the battery terminal, electrically connected to the battery post, can be protected, and therefore the reliability of the electrical connection can be enhanced.  
           [0016]    Here, it is preferable that the first locking member is provided as an elastic arm member which is operable from the outside.  
           [0017]    In this configuration, cancellation of the locked condition can be easily effected by elastically deforming the arm member, so that the cover member covering the battery terminal can be easily removed from the battery post.  
           [0018]    Alternatively, the connecting structure further comprises an adapter member formed with the retaining portion, the adapter member fitted on the battery post such that the retaining portion is placed in the vicinity of the battery post. The locking members include a first locking member provided on the terminal body and a second locking member formed with the adapter member.  
           [0019]    In this configuration, the structure of the battery body can be simplified.  
           [0020]    Here, it is preferable that the first locking member is provided as an elastic arm member which is operable from the outside. An insulative grip member is provided on a distal end of the elastic arm member.  
           [0021]    In this configuration, cancellation of the locked condition can be easily effected by elastically deforming the arm member, so that the battery terminal can be easily removed from the adapter member.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]    The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail preferred exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and wherein:  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a connecting structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention, showing a condition before the fitting of a battery terminal is started;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment, showing a condition in which a distal end portion of the battery terminal is engaged in a retaining groove;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment, showing a condition in which the battery terminal is pivotally moved until it is locked;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 4 is a horizontal section view showing the same condition as in FIG. 2;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 5 is a horizontal section view showing the same condition as in FIG. 3;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 6 is an exploded, perspective view of a connecting structure according to a second embodiment of the invention;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIGS. 7A and 7B are respectively a plan view and a side-elevational view of the second embodiment, showing a condition in which a cover is attached to a battery terminal;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 8 is a horizontal section view of the second embodiment, showing a condition in which a distal end portion of the battery terminal is engaged in a retaining groove;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 9 is a horizontal section view of the second embodiment, showing a condition in which the battery terminal is pivotally moved until it is locked;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 10 is an exploded, perspective view of a battery-side structure of a third embodiment of the invention;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the third embodiment, showing a condition before a battery terminal is mounted on a battery post;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIGS. 12A and 12B are respectively a plan view and a side-elevational view showing the construction of an adapter used in the third embodiment;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIGS. 13A and 13B are respectively a plan view and a side-elevational view showing the construction of the battery terminal used in the third embodiment;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 14 is a horizontal section view of the third embodiment, showing a condition in which a distal end portion of the battery terminal is to be engaged in a retaining groove;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 15 is a horizontal section view of the third embodiment, showing a condition in which the battery terminal is pivotally moved until it is locked;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a related battery terminal;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 17A is a side-elevational, section view, showing a condition in which the related battery terminal is merely set on a battery post; and  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 17B is a side-elevational, section view showing a condition in which a lever is brought down to thereby press-fit the related battery terminal onto the battery post.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0041]    A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.  1  to  5 .  
         [0042]    In FIG. 1, a recess  1   a , having a rectangular shape when viewed from the top, is formed in a corner portion of a battery, and a battery post  2  is formed on and projects upwardly from a bottom face of this recess  1   a . The retaining groove  3  is formed in a side face of the recess  1   a  disposed near to the battery post  2 , and an eave-like extended wall  4  is provided adjacent to that side of the battery post  2  generally facing away from the retaining groove  3 , and this extended wall  4  is disposed in opposed relation to the bottom face of the recess  1  a. A locking hole  5  is formed through this extended wall  4 .  
         [0043]    The battery terminal  10  is formed by pressing a metal strip, and a U-shaped curved portion  12  for being press-fitted onto a peripheral face of the battery post  2  is formed between the distal end portion  11  and a proximal end portion  13  of this battery terminal. A damper  14  for clamping an electric wire W is formed at the proximal end portion  13  of the battery terminal  10 . A locking projection (lock portion)  15  to be engaged with the locking hole  5  is formed on an upper face of the proximal end portion  13 .  
         [0044]    For fitting the battery terminal  10  of this construction on the battery post  2 , the distal end portion  11  of the battery terminal  10  is engaged in the retaining groove  3 , formed near to the battery post  2 , as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, and in this condition the proximal end portion  13  of the battery terminal  10  is pivotally moved toward the battery post  2  about this retaining point as a fulcrum. As a result, the U-shaped curved portion  12 , formed between the distal end portion  11  and the proximal end portion  13  of the battery terminal  10 , can be firmly press-fitted onto the peripheral face of the battery post  2  with a small force because of the leverage action, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.  
         [0045]    In this condition, the locking projection  15  on the battery terminal  10  is locked to the locking hole  5  in the battery  1 , and therefore the U-shaped curved portion  12  can be positively held in the press-fitted condition relative to the battery post  2 .  
         [0046]    Thus, by almost one action, that is, by pivotally moving the battery terminal  10 , with its distal end portion  11  engaged in the retaining groove  3 , the battery terminal  10  can be fitted onto the battery post  2 , and therefore the fitting operation can be simplified. In addition, the firm press-fitting can be achieved even with a small force because of the leverage action, and therefore the efficiency of the operation is enhanced, and besides the positive connection is achieved, so that the reliability of the connection is enhanced.  
         [0047]    Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS.  6  to  9 .  
         [0048]    In the structure of this embodiment, a cover  20  is attached to a battery terminal  10 A, and in this condition the fitting operation is performed as described above. Although the locking projection  15  is formed directly on the battery terminal  10  in the structure of the first embodiment, a locking projection  25  is formed on the cover  20  in this embodiment. Except this point, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, and therefore the description of similar portions will be omitted.  
         [0049]    The cover  20  is provided as a resin-molded product for the purpose of insulating and protecting the battery terminal  10 A. The cover  20  includes a body  21  of a box-like shape with a closed front end, into which the distal end portion of the battery terminal  10 A can be inserted, and an elastic lock arm  23  is formed on an upper face of this body  21 . The locking projection  25  to be engaged with a locking hole  5  in a battery  1  is formed on the lock arm  23 . A notch  22  is formed in a bottom wall and a side wall of the body  21  at a front end portion thereof and also in a front end wall thereof, and the necessary portion of the battery terminal  10 A is exposed to a battery post  2  and the retaining groove  3  through this notch  22 .  
         [0050]    In this structure, for fitting the battery terminal  10 A on the battery post  2 , first, the battery terminal  10 A is inserted into the body  21  of the cover  20  as shown in FIG. 7. As a result, although the distal end portion  11  and a U-shaped curved portion  12  of the battery terminal  10 A can be viewed from the exterior through the notch  22 , the other portions of this battery terminal are all covered with the cover  20 .  
         [0051]    The cover  20  and the battery terminal  10 A are thus combined together, and then as in the first embodiment, the distal end portion  11  of the battery terminal  10 A is engaged in the retaining groove  3  in the battery  1 , as shown in FIG. 8, and in this condition a proximal end portion  13  of the battery terminal  10 A is pivotally moved toward the battery post  2  about this retaining point as a fulcrum. As a result, the U-shaped curved portion  12 , formed between the distal end portion  11  and the proximal end portion  13  of the battery terminal  10 A, can be firmly press-fitted onto the peripheral face of the battery post  2  with a small force because of the leverage action, as shown in FIG. 9.  
         [0052]    In this condition, the locking projection  25 , formed on the cover  20  attached to the battery terminal  10 A, is locked to the locking hole  5  in the battery  1 , and therefore the U-shaped curved portion  12  can be positively held in the press-fitted condition relative to the battery post  2 .  
         [0053]    Thus, as in the first embodiment, by almost one action, that is, by pivotally moving the battery terminal  10 A, with its distal end portion  11  engaged in the retaining groove  3 , the battery terminal  10 A can be fitted on the battery post  2 , and therefore the fitting operation can be simplified. In addition, the firm press-fitting can be achieved even with a small force because of the leverage action, and therefore the efficiency of the operation is enhanced, and besides the positive connection is achieved, so that the reliability of the connection is enhanced.  
         [0054]    In the structure of this second embodiment, the locking projection  25  is formed on the cover  20 , and therefore the construction of the battery terminal  10 A is simplified. And besides, the cover  20 , made of an insulative material, is attached to the battery terminal  10 A, and therefore the safety against an electrical shock is enhanced, and in the mounted condition, that portion of the battery terminal, electrically connected to the battery post  2 , is protected, and therefore the reliability of the electrical connection is enhanced. Furthermore, the locking projection  25  is formed on the lock arm  23  as provided on a connector, and therefore the locked condition can be easily canceled by elastically deforming the lock arm  23 , and the battery terminal  10 A can be easily removed from the battery post  2 .  
         [0055]    Next, a third embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS.  10  to  15 .  
         [0056]    In the structure of this embodiment, an adapter  26  is attached to a battery post  2 B of the stud bolt-type, and in this condition the fitting operation is performed as described above. Particularly, although the retaining groove  3  and the locking hole  5  are provided directly in the battery  1  in the structure of the first embodiment, a retaining groove  3 B and locking claws  29  are provided with the adapter  26  in the structure of this third embodiment. In addition, the structure of the battery terminal  10 B is slightly modified. Except these points, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, and therefore the description of similar portions will be omitted.  
         [0057]    As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, the adapter  26  includes a box-like body  27  having a U-shaped cross-section, and this body  27  can be fitted in a recess  1   a  in a battery  1 . The body  27  includes parallel, opposed upper and lower walls  27   a  and  27   b , and a side wall  27   c  interconnecting these upper and lower walls, and a cylindrical portion  28  through which the battery post  2 B is inserted extends between the upper and lower walls  27   a  and  27   b . The adapter  26  may be made entirely of metal. Alternatively, the body  27  may be made of a resin, in which case only the cylindrical portion  28  is made of metal, and the two are assembled together thereafter.  
         [0058]    A pillar portion  27   d  is formed on one end of the body  27  disposed near to the cylindrical portion  28 , and the retaining groove  3 B is defined by this pillar portion  27   d . The locking claws  29  are formed by stamping respectively on those portions of the upper and lower walls  27   a  and  27   b  disposed adjacent to that side of the cylindrical portion  28  generally facing away from the retaining groove  3 B.  
         [0059]    The battery terminal  10 B is formed of a metal strip, and is adapted to be attached to the adapter  26  of the above construction. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, a U-shaped curved portion  12  for being press-fitted onto the peripheral face of the cylindrical portion  28  of the adapter  26  is formed between the distal end portion  11  and a proximal end portion  13  of the battery terminal  10 B. Upper and lower lock arms  16  are formed at the proximal end portion  13  of the battery terminal  10 B in a symmetrical manner. Locking holes  17  are formed in these lock arms  16 , respectively, and can be locked respectively to the locking claws  29  formed respectively on the upper and lower walls  27   a  and  27   b  of the adapter  26 .  
         [0060]    In this case, insulating covers  18  are attached to distal end portions of the upper and lower lock arms  16 , respectively, and by gripping the distal end portions of the lock arms  16  (to which the insulating covers  18  are attached, respectively) by the fingers or others, the two lock arms  16  can be elastically deformed so that the locking and the cancellation of this locked condition can be easily effected. A camper  14  for clamping an electric wire W is formed at that portion of the proximal end portion  13  of the battery terminal  10 B closer to the proximal end thereof than the lock arms  16 .  
         [0061]    In this structure, for fitting the battery terminal  10 B on the battery post  2 B, first, the adapter  26  is fitted into the recess  1  a in the battery  1  such that the cylindrical portion  28  of the adapter  26  is fitted on the battery post  2 B, as shown in FIG. 11. In this condition, a nut  28 N is fastened to a distal end of the battery post  2 B, thereby fixing the adapter  26  to the battery  1 .  
         [0062]    Then, as in the first embodiment, the distal end portion  11  of the battery terminal  10 B is engaged in the retaining groove  3 B in the adapter  26 , as shown in FIG. 14, and in this condition the proximal end portion  13  of the battery terminal  10 B is pivotally moved toward the battery post  2 B about this retaining point as a fulcrum. As a result, the U-shaped curved portion  12 , formed between the distal end portion  11  and the proximal end portion  13  of the battery terminal  10 B, can be firmly press-fitted onto the peripheral face of the cylindrical portion  28  with a small force because of the leverage action, as shown in FIG. 15.  
         [0063]    In this condition, the locking claws  29 , formed on the adapter  26 , are engaged respectively in the locking holes  17  in the battery terminal  10 B, and therefore the U-shaped curved portion  12  can be positively held in the press-fitted condition relative to the cylindrical portion  28 . This pivotal movement can be effected while gripping the distal ends of the lock arms  16  (to which the insulating covers  18  are attached, respectively) with the fingers or others. Therefore, this operation can be effected while slightly elastically deforming the lock arms  16 , and the locked condition can be easily achieved. In this case, the upper and lower locking claws  29  are engaged respectively in the locking holes  17 , and therefore the battery terminal  10 B is held in position, so that the fixing strength is enhanced.  
         [0064]    Thus, as in the first and second embodiments, by almost one action, that is, by pivotally moving the battery terminal  10 B, with its distal end portion  11  engaged in the retaining groove  3 B, the battery terminal  10 B can be fitted on the battery post  2 B (here, the adapter  26 ), and therefore the fitting operation can be simplified. In addition, the firm press-fitting can be achieved even with a small force because of the leverage action, and therefore the efficiency of the operation is enhanced, and besides the positive connection is achieved, so that the reliability of the connection is enhanced.  
         [0065]    In the structure of this third embodiment, the locking claws  29  and the retaining groove  3 B are provided at the adapter  26 , and therefore the construction of the battery  1  is simplified. And besides, the lock arms  16  as provided on a connector are formed on the battery terminal  10 B, and therefore the cancellation of the locked condition can be easily effected by elastically deforming the lock arms  16 , and the battery terminal  10 B can be easily removed from the adapter  26 .  
         [0066]    Although the present invention has been shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein. Such changes and modifications as are obvious are deemed to come within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention as defined in the appended claims.