GB2132422A

GB2132422A - Terminal connector

Info

Publication number: GB2132422A
Application number: GB08235849A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Charles Frederick Johnson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1982-12-16
Filing date: 1982-12-16
Publication date: 1984-07-04
Also published as: GB2132422B

Abstract

A terminal connector comprises a pair of elongate space-apart jaws (10a, 10b) pivotally connected together at one end by means of a pivot pin (11) and having a screw adjuster (12, 13, 14) at the other end for adjusting the spacing of said jaws (10a, 10b). A gripper portion (15) in the central region of the jaws receives a terminal post. The terminal connector may be provided with a lug (16) for connection to a terminal lead. Two further different screw adjusters are disclosed. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Terminal connector The present invention relates to a terminal connector, more particularly a connector for enabling rapid attachment and detachment of power leads to a battery, more particularly a leadacid accumulator.

At present, large lead-acid accumulators are used as the power supply for the electrical system of an automotive vehicle, as well as being used for domestic purposes for powering lawn mowers, small electrical vehicles, or in caravans and boats and in a variety of other electrical devices and installations.

These accumulators or batteries are connected to the device or installation to be powered by means of suitable leads which are clamped on to the terminals of the battery and securely fastened thereon by an appropriate nut and bolt type connection which normally necessitates the use of at least one, if not two, spanners. Similarly, when replacing or removing the battery it is necessary to again use one or more spanners to remove the battery leads from the terminals, which is a cumbersome operation and may prove particularly inconvenient if appropriate spanners are not readily to hand.

Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved type of connector suitable for enabling quick and easy attachment of terminal leads to the terminals of a battery, more particularly a lead-acid accumulator.

According to the present invention there is provided a connector securable to a connector lead for enabling connection thereof to a terminal, comprising a pair of elongate spaced-apart jaws pivotally connected together in an end region, and adjustment means associated with the other ends of said jaws for enabling the spacing of said jaws to be varied.

Preferably, the jaws are biased apart by means of a spring so that upon loosening of said adjustment means the jaws are caused to open under the effect of said spring. Further, said adjustment means preferably comprises a threaded bolt securely attached to one of said jaws, preferably by welding or bracing thereon, and extendible through an aperture or slot in the other of said jaws, and a nut threadable on to said bolt, said nut being preferably a butterfly nut or the like nut capable of being tightened by hand, without the use of spanners.

The bolt means may be provided extending through upstanding flanges extending above the jaws to enable more clearance for the wings on the butterfly nut to facilitate tightening thereof.

The jaws may be of any suitable type and are preferably adapted to conform to the variety of types of terminals available and may, if desired, be provided with suitable inserts or slides for enabling the jaws to be modified to suit any particular type of terminal lug or replaced when worn. Further, a connector lug is provided on one of the jaws for connection to a connector lead by crimping or bolting or other suitable form of connection.

The present invention will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figs. 1 a and 1 b respectively show a plan view and side elevation of a first embodiment of a connector according to the present invention; Figs. 2a and 2b show a plan view and side elevation of a modified part of a connector according to the present invention; and Figs. 3a and 3b show a plan view and a side elevation of a further modification of a connector according to the present invention.

Referring firstly to Figs. 1 a and 1 b, a connector is shown having jaws 1 Oa and 1 Ob pivotably connected at one end by means of a rivet 1 One of the jaws, jaw 1 Oa, has a bolt member 12 secured thereto, preferably by welding thereon, which bolt member 12 extends through a corresponding opening in opposing jaw 1 Ob and the projecting end of bolt 12 has a butterfly nut provided thereon for enabling adjustment of the spacing between the jaws 1 Oa and 1 Ob, which are preferably biased apart by means of a spring member 14 mounted on bolt 12 in the portion thereof between jaws 1 Oa and 1 Ob. In the central portion of the faces of the jaws nearest one another, there is preferably provided a gripping portiori 1 5 on each of the jaws to facilitate engagement with an object located therebetween.

For connection of the connector to an appropriate lead, a lug 16 is provided on one of the jaws.

As can be seen from Fig. 2a, the jaws 1 Oa and 1 Ob can be suitably modified to accept different types of terminals by the provision of recessed portions 1 7 or 1 8 according to the diameter of a terminal to which the connector is to be fitted.

Further, as can be seen from Fig. 2b, the bolt 12 may be received in a slot 1 9 provided in the opposing jaw 1 Ob.

Referring now to Figs. 3a and 3b, since for many uses where the connector will sit close to the surface of the lid of a battery, there may be insufficient clearance for the butterfly nut to be turned, upwardly extending flanges 20a and 20b may be provided on each respective jaw 1 Oa or 1 Ob to provide the necessary elevation of the bolt 12 to provide clearance. Again the bolt 12 may be received in an elongate slot 21, which, if desired, may be open at one end to allow removal of the bolt 12 to allow the jaws to be opened more widely in a quick and simple manner.

Whilst the connector described and shown has primarily been of an elongate shape, it is quite possible that a variety of different shape of connector could be provided which comprise two jaw portions pivoted at one end and adjustable at the other end as required. In order to prevent undesirable loosening of the connector appropriate locking means such as spring locking washers etc. may be provided as required.

1. A connector securable to a connector lead

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Terminal connector The present invention relates to a terminal connector, more particularly a connector for enabling rapid attachment and detachment of power leads to a battery, more particularly a leadacid accumulator. At present, large lead-acid accumulators are used as the power supply for the electrical system of an automotive vehicle, as well as being used for domestic purposes for powering lawn mowers, small electrical vehicles, or in caravans and boats and in a variety of other electrical devices and installations. These accumulators or batteries are connected to the device or installation to be powered by means of suitable leads which are clamped on to the terminals of the battery and securely fastened thereon by an appropriate nut and bolt type connection which normally necessitates the use of at least one, if not two, spanners. Similarly, when replacing or removing the battery it is necessary to again use one or more spanners to remove the battery leads from the terminals, which is a cumbersome operation and may prove particularly inconvenient if appropriate spanners are not readily to hand. Accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide an improved type of connector suitable for enabling quick and easy attachment of terminal leads to the terminals of a battery, more particularly a lead-acid accumulator. According to the present invention there is provided a connector securable to a connector lead for enabling connection thereof to a terminal, comprising a pair of elongate spaced-apart jaws pivotally connected together in an end region, and adjustment means associated with the other ends of said jaws for enabling the spacing of said jaws to be varied. Preferably, the jaws are biased apart by means of a spring so that upon loosening of said adjustment means the jaws are caused to open under the effect of said spring. Further, said adjustment means preferably comprises a threaded bolt securely attached to one of said jaws, preferably by welding or bracing thereon, and extendible through an aperture or slot in the other of said jaws, and a nut threadable on to said bolt, said nut being preferably a butterfly nut or the like nut capable of being tightened by hand, without the use of spanners. The bolt means may be provided extending through upstanding flanges extending above the jaws to enable more clearance for the wings on the butterfly nut to facilitate tightening thereof. The jaws may be of any suitable type and are preferably adapted to conform to the variety of types of terminals available and may, if desired, be provided with suitable inserts or slides for enabling the jaws to be modified to suit any particular type of terminal lug or replaced when worn. Further, a connector lug is provided on one of the jaws for connection to a connector lead by crimping or bolting or other suitable form of connection. The present invention will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figs. 1 a and 1 b respectively show a plan view and side elevation of a first embodiment of a connector according to the present invention; Figs. 2a and 2b show a plan view and side elevation of a modified part of a connector according to the present invention; and Figs. 3a and 3b show a plan view and a side elevation of a further modification of a connector according to the present invention. Referring firstly to Figs. 1 a and 1 b, a connector is shown having jaws 1 Oa and 1 Ob pivotably connected at one end by means of a rivet 1 One of the jaws, jaw 1 Oa, has a bolt member 12 secured thereto, preferably by welding thereon, which bolt member 12 extends through a corresponding opening in opposing jaw 1 Ob and the projecting end of bolt 12 has a butterfly nut provided thereon for enabling adjustment of the spacing between the jaws 1 Oa and 1 Ob, which are preferably biased apart by means of a spring member 14 mounted on bolt 12 in the portion thereof between jaws 1 Oa and 1 Ob. In the central portion of the faces of the jaws nearest one another, there is preferably provided a gripping portiori 1 5 on each of the jaws to facilitate engagement with an object located therebetween. For connection of the connector to an appropriate lead, a lug 16 is provided on one of the jaws. As can be seen from Fig. 2a, the jaws 1 Oa and 1 Ob can be suitably modified to accept different types of terminals by the provision of recessed portions 1 7 or 1 8 according to the diameter of a terminal to which the connector is to be fitted. Further, as can be seen from Fig. 2b, the bolt 12 may be received in a slot 1 9 provided in the opposing jaw 1 Ob. Referring now to Figs. 3a and 3b, since for many uses where the connector will sit close to the surface of the lid of a battery, there may be insufficient clearance for the butterfly nut to be turned, upwardly extending flanges 20a and 20b may be provided on each respective jaw 1 Oa or 1 Ob to provide the necessary elevation of the bolt 12 to provide clearance. Again the bolt 12 may be received in an elongate slot 21, which, if desired, may be open at one end to allow removal of the bolt 12 to allow the jaws to be opened more widely in a quick and simple manner. Whilst the connector described and shown has primarily been of an elongate shape, it is quite possible that a variety of different shape of connector could be provided which comprise two jaw portions pivoted at one end and adjustable at the other end as required. In order to prevent undesirable loosening of the connector appropriate locking means such as spring locking washers etc. may be provided as required. CLAIMS

1. A connector securable to a connector lead for enabling connection thereof to a terminal, comprising a pair of elongate spaced-apart jaws pivotally connected together in an end region and adjustment means associated with the other ends of the jaws for enabling the spacing of said jaws to be varied.

2. A connector as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the jaws are biassed apart by means of a spring so that upon loosening of said adjustment means the jaws are caused to open under the effect of such spring.

3. A connector as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said adjustment means comprises a threaded bolt securely attached to one of said jaws and extendable through an aperture or slot in the other of said jaws and a nut threadable onto said bolt.

4. A connector as claimed in claim 3, wherein said nut is a butterfly nut or the like type of nut capable of being tightened by hand.

5. A connector as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein upstanding flanges are provided at said other end of said jaws for said adjustment means.

6. A connector as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein a gripping portion of the jaws is configured to conform to any one of a variety of different types of battery terminal posts.

7. A connector as claimed in claim 6, wherein said gripping portion of said jaws is provided by means of a suitably shaped insert member which is replaceable once worn.

8. A connector as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at the end adjacent said pivot a connector lug or opening is provided for connection of a connector lead thereto by crimping or bolting or other suitable form of connection.

9. A connector securable to a connector lead for enabling connection thereof to a terminal substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.