AU2013251183B1

AU2013251183B1 - Battery isolator covering original battery terminal(s) with lock out facility being fully water - dust and chemical resistant.

Info

Publication number: AU2013251183B1
Application number: AU2013251183A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Roger Bruce Lee
Original assignee: Lee Roger Bruce Mr
Current assignee: Lee Roger Bruce Mr
Priority date: 2013-10-29
Filing date: 2013-10-29
Publication date: 2014-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 2033-10-29
Also published as: WO2015061854A1

Abstract

Abstract This invention relates directly to complete electrical isolation of an automotive battery , a battery isolator covering original battery terminal(s) with lock out facility being fully water - dust and chemical resistant. The present invention provides, a battery isolator for an automotive battery, the battery isolator including a terminal socket configured to attach to at least one terminal of the automotive battery wherein, the at least one battery terminal is inaccessible when the terminal socket is attached thereto; the battery isolator has a battery post, which is electrically coupled via an electrical coupling to the at least one battery terminal when the terminal socket is attached thereto, and; the electrical coupling can be engaged or disengaged to respectively, energise or de-energise the battery post, wherein the battery isolator can be locked into the disengaged position.

Description

H:\IgI\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\LGL\65572261.doc- 1/08/2014 Battery isolator covering original battery terminal(s) with lock out facility being fully Water - dust and chemical resistant [0001] This invention relates directly to complete electrical isolation of an automotive 5 battery(s). Batteries are manufactured without complete isolation capabilities either on the positive or negative terminals. Generally people are unaware of the potential risk to electric shock - fires and or explosions from Hydrogen gas emissions if proper care is not taken. A simple prolonged short circuit across both terminals with a Substantial conductor can lead to fires and or gaseous explosions injuring person(s) and or damaging property. All Batteries 10 world-wide are not adequately equipped to be isolated completely. This design intent has a large application and can be adapted to most batteries. The drawings included with this application drawing 1.1 and 1.2 depicts a generic model and its internal cam detail, it is designed for a standard flat surface automotive battery. Variations in physical design including batteries with step down terminals also other battery terminal variations have been 15 accommodated with other complete battery isolator designs. [0002] There are working examples worldwide regarding battery isolation of automotive Power sources, however none will isolate the source directly or as efficient. Its predecessors can isolate remotely however the isolator maybe located in excess of 3 metres away from the 20 Battery source. This may jeopardise the safety of person(s) whom are working on the machine also the environment since the source and perhaps several major cables are completely unprotected. The complete battery isolator removes any risk regarding these issues. Summary 25 [0003] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides, a battery isolator for an automotive battery, the battery isolator including a terminal socket configured to attach to at least one terminal of the automotive battery wherein, - the at least one battery terminal is inaccessible when the terminal socket is 30 attached thereto, H:\IgI\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\LGL\65572261.doc- 1/08/2014 -2 - the battery isolator has a battery post, which is electrically coupled via an electrical coupling to the at least one battery terminal when the terminal socket is attached thereto, and; - the electrical coupling can be engaged or disengaged to respectively energise or 5 de-energise the battery post. [0004] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the size of the terminal socket can be adapted to correspond to the size of the at least one battery terminal by a removable insert, said insert including an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the insert is adapted to contactingly fit with the terminal 10 socket and wherein the inner surface of the insert attaches to the at least one battery terminal. [0005] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the outer surface of the terminal socket is serrated. [0006] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the outer surface and/or inner surface of the inserts is serrated. 15 [0007] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein a tightening clamp is used to secure the attachment of the terminal socket to the at least one battery terminal. [0008] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the tightening bolt resides within a recess in the battery isolator, and wherein the 20 recess can be plugged to make the tightening bolt inaccessible. [0009] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the electrical coupling includes a main bridge contact arm, wherein the main bridge contact arm moves between, - an engaged position wherein the main bridge contact arm forms an electrical 25 connection between the at least one battery terminal and the battery post, and; H:\IgI\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\LGL\65572261. doc- 1/08/2014 -3 - a disengaged position wherein the main bridge contact arm physically breaks the electrical connection between the at least one battery terminal and the battery post. [0010] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the main bridge contact arm is biased toward the disengaged position. 5 [0011] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the bias of the main bridge contact arm pushes against a rotatable cam with an irregular diameter wherein the cam moves between, - an engaged position corresponding to the engaged position of the main bridge contact arm, and; 10 - a disengaged position corresponding to the disengaged position of the main bridge contact arm, and wherein the portion of the cam in contact with the main bridge contact arm when in the engaged position is greater in diameter than the portion of the cam in contact with the main bridge contact arm when in the disengaged position; and wherein, 15 the bias on the main bridge contact arm keeps the main bridge contact arm in contact with the cam as the cam rotates from the engaged position towards the disengaged position thus also moving the main bridge contact arm between the engaged and disengaged position. [0012] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the rotating cam has a recessed channel guide configured to engage with a portion of 20 the main bridge contact arm, wherein the channel guide will engage with the portion of the main bridge contact arm during rotation of the cam such that the channel guide will exert a pulling force in the direction of the bias on the main guide contact arm. [0013] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator 25 wherein the portion of the main bridge contact arm is a tee shaped pin anchored to the main bridge contact arm. [0014] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the battery isolator can be locked into the disengaged position.

H:\IgI\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\LGL\65572261.doc- 1/08/2014 -4 [0015] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the rotating cam is operated by a handle with an extended tail which seats against a stationary plate on the battery isolator when the cam is in the disengaged position, and wherein the handle and stationary plate have holes which are coaxial when in the disengaged position, 5 allowing for a padlock to lock the handle into position against the stationary plate. [0016] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery wherein the electrical coupling is contained within an internal portion of the battery isolator which is air tight. [0017] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator 10 wherein the internal portion is filled with an inert atmosphere resistant to electric arcing. [0018] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the inert atmosphere is nitrogen gas. [0019] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the rotating cam provides haptic feedback when the cam is rotated into and/or away 15 from the engaged and/or disengaged positions. [0020] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein a portion of the rotating cam is configured with notches which engage with a fail safe locking pin when the cam is rotated into either the engaged or disengaged position preventing the cam from rotating away from this position, and wherein a push button is configured to 20 remove the locking pin from the notch when the push button is depressed and held, allowing the cam to rotate. [0021] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein cabling can be attached to the battery post such that an electrical circuit formed by the cabling can be energised or de-energised by respectively energising or de-energising the 25 battery post. Detailed description H:\lgl\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\LGL\65572261.doc- 1/08/2014 -5 [0022] Compact in size the single complete battery isolator allows isolation of the negative or (our dual complete isolator model) both of the original battery terminal(s), this allow the batteries potential energy to be contained. This isolator's design intent is to cover the original negative battery terminal and seals down to the battery surface surrounding this 5 terminal. The complete battery isolator can be also bolted to the positive battery terminal however not preferred due to direction of current flow, isolators are actually equipped to enable this positive battery terminal connection function. An insert within the socket of the isolator can be easily removed to increase the isolators terminal socket size to suit the larger positive battery terminal. The isolator clamps onto the battery terminal(s) by the tightening 10 clamp and multiple serrated edges within the terminal socket. These serrations increase the surface area between the original battery terminal and Battery terminal socket, it also prevents unwanted movement. [0023] Made in toughened Polypropylene (PP) material which resists acids attacks and 15 most environmental damage. Control point manufactured from polypropylene casted around an Steel shaft socket for its strength around keyway, Control point is pressed onto the shaft. The main bridge contact arm constructed from a Steel back with majority of component being copper. All guide pins and slides are constructed from non-conductive material. Battery terminal blocks are constructed from nickel plated steel. Rotating cam and related section are 20 constructed from steel. [0024] The complete isolator has a lock out facility for personnel protection, securing this lock out with a pad lock whilst performing work upon electrical systems ensures complete electrical safety. It also has a failsafe locking pin which must be pressed down before control 25 point can be rotated. This feature locks the rotating cam into position to prevent unwanted movement. [0025] The Single complete battery isolator is secured to their respective terminal by a terminal tightening bolt found along the edge of the isolator, this bolt end is recessed into the 30 body and sealed with a supplied screw type sealing plug.

H:\IgI\Interwoven\NRPortbI\DCC\LGL\65572261.doc- 1/08/2014 -6 [0026] The interior atmosphere of the isolator is filled with a non-pressurised inert gas such as dry nitrogen preventing arc flashing when isolation and or de-isolation occurs. All internal parts within the main body is completely sealed from the external atmosphere ideal for hazardous environments. 5 [0027] The dimensions of the complete isolator being the single battery terminal model is approx. 65mm (width), 65mm (Length) with main body height slightly taller than the original battery terminal. Several designs have variations to suit battery terminal style and position. 10 [0028] (Following numbers in brackets are indicative of drawing 1.1 used only for clarity of this paragraph) The control point (2) can only rotate from the ON position by pushing- in the Push button (24). Once pin is removed from the notch within the cam base (23) further rotation can occur. Component begins moving off the flat section allowing the actual cam to approach the main bridge contact surface; the loading pins (22) within the flat section of the 15 rotating cam begin to un-load lessening the force upon the main bridge contacts (7). The opposing springs (8) exerting a constant force onto the main bridge contact arm (19) help the main bridge contacts break away from its contacts. Pressure reduces onto the rotating cam (14) exponentially as cam rotates. Main bridge contacts is driven towards its rest stops (13) or the off position via guides and secured along its plane via locating pins (10). The rotating cam still 20 in rotation now begins to pull the main bridge contact arm by the tee shaped pin and guide (20) within the cam, this helps sever the continuity between both terminal contact blocks and main bridge contact arm. Gap distance increases from the terminal contact blocks and main bridge contacts, preventing current flow through this component. The tee shaped guide and pin design intent was created to forcefully break any microscopic spot welding on contacts formed 25 during make or break conditions. [0029] As in paragraph (0009) regarding the control point operation there are ball bearings beneath the adjacent contact surfaces of the case and top of rotating cam. When rotation of the cam has almost completed its travel, both ball bearings have travelled through 30 their arched groove towards their seat. A spring behind each ball exerts constant pressure by pushing the ball into its seat locking in the control point. With this system the snap lock H:\lgl\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\LGL\65572261.doc- 1/08/2014 -7 creates a positive feedback to the operator, the same occurs for the reverse operation being the ON status. When rotation has completely ceased all components are now static. As a failsafe; the push button pin snaps in simultaneously with ball bearings to lock cam position being in either the ON or OFF position. In this OFF position the space between both terminal contact 5 blocks and main bridge contacts are now at maximum. Main bridge contacts arm and rotating cam rests against their stops locked into position by the locking balls and locking pin. The same locking method occurs for the ON position. [0030] The control point being fully sealed under the large bottom flange to the body 10 inhibits dust and water ingress increasing isolator longevity. Cabling to original terminal(s) can be reinstalled onto the respective isolators battery post or depending on model the 8mm threaded post being male or female and or both. [0031] Single complete isolator is easily installed and operated. With options of Positive 15 or Negative terminal isolation. All switching actions are swift and precise. With positive feedback of switching built in and lock failsafe, the operator of the device can confirm by feel either status is achieved. An overview of the complete model can be examined on drawing 1.1 and internal cam mechanism on drawing 1.2.

Claims

1. A battery isolator for an automotive battery, the battery isolator including a terminal socket configured to attach to at least one terminal of the automotive battery wherein, 5 - the at least one battery terminal is inaccessible when the terminal socket is attached thereto, - the battery isolator has a battery post, which is electrically coupled via an electrical coupling to the at least one battery terminal when the terminal socket is attached thereto, and; 10 - the electrical coupling can be engaged or disengaged to respectively energise or de-energise the battery post, wherein the battery isolator can be locked into the disengaged position.

2. The battery isolator according to claim 1 wherein the size of the terminal socket can be 15 adapted to correspond to the size of the at least one battery terminal by a removable insert, said insert including an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the insert is adapted to contactingly fit with the terminal socket and wherein the inner surface of the insert attaches to the at least one battery terminal. 20

3. The battery isolator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer surface of the terminal socket is serrated.

4. The battery isolator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer surface and/or inner surface of the inserts is serrated. 25

5. The battery isolator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a tightening clamp is used to secure the attachment of the terminal socket to the at least one battery terminal. 30

6. The battery isolator according to claim 5 wherein the tightening bolt resides within a recess in the battery isolator, and wherein the recess can be plugged to make the H:\dvb\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\DVB\6865772-1.doc-15/10/2014 -9 tightening bolt inaccessible.

7. The battery isolator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the electrical coupling includes a main bridge contact arm, wherein the main bridge 5 contact arm moves between, - an engaged position wherein the main bridge contact arm forms an electrical connection between the at least one battery terminal and the battery post, and; - a disengaged position wherein the main bridge contact arm physically breaks the electrical connection between the at least one battery terminal and the 10 battery post.

8. The battery isolator according to claim 7 wherein the main bridge contact arm is biased toward the disengaged position. 15

9. The battery isolator according to claim 8 wherein the bias of the main bridge contact arm pushes against a rotatable cam with an irregular diameter wherein the cam moves between, - an engaged position corresponding to the engaged position of the main bridge contact arm, and; 20 - a disengaged position corresponding to the disengaged position of the main bridge contact arm, and wherein the portion of the cam in contact with the main bridge contact arm when in the engaged position is greater in diameter than the portion of the cam in contact with the main bridge contact arm when in the disengaged position; and wherein, 25 the bias on the main bridge contact arm keeps the main bridge contact arm in contact with the cam as the cam rotates from the engaged position towards the disengaged position thus also moving the main bridge contact arm between the engaged and disengaged position. 30

10. The battery isolator according to claim 9 wherein the rotating cam has a recessed channel guide configured to engage with a portion of the main bridge contact arm, H:\dvb\lnterwoven\NRPortb\DCC\DVB\6865772_1.doc-15/10/2014 - 10 wherein the channel guide will engage with the portion of the main bridge contact arm during rotation of the cam such that the channel guide will exert a pulling force in the direction of the bias on the main guide contact arm. 5

11. The battery isolator according to claim 10 wherein the portion of the main bridge contact arm is a tee shaped pin anchored to the main bridge contact arm.

12. The battery isolator according to any one of claims 7 to 11 wherein the rotating cam is operated by a handle with an extended tail which seats against a stationary plate on the 10 battery isolator when the cam is in the disengaged position, and wherein the handle and stationary plate have holes which are coaxial when in the disengaged position, allowing for a padlock to lock the handle into position against the stationary plate.

13. The battery isolator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the 15 electrical coupling is contained within an internal portion of the battery isolator which is air-tight.

14. The battery isolator according to claim 13 wherein the internal portion is filled with an inert atmosphere resistant to electric arcing. 20

15. The battery isolator according to claim 14 wherein the inert atmosphere is nitrogen gas.

16. The battery isolator according to any one claims 9 to 15 wherein the rotating cam 25 provides haptic feedback when the cam is rotated into and/or away from the engaged and/or disengaged positions,

17. The battery isolator according to any one of claims 9 to 16 wherein a portion of the rotating cam is configured with notches which engage with a fail safe locking pin 30 when the cam is rotated into either the engaged or disengaged position preventing the cam from rotating away from this position, and wherein a push button is configured to H:\dvb\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\DVB\6865772_1.doc- 15/10/2014 - 11 remove the locking pin from the notch when the push button is depressed and held, allowing the cam to rotate.

18. The battery isolator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein cabling can 5 be attached to the battery post such that an electrical circuit formed by the cabling can be energised or de-energised by respectively energising or de-energising the battery post.