Marine battery charger cable extender

Abstract

This disclosure discloses a marine battery charger cable extender, comprising a terminal end having a positive extender loop terminal and a negative extender loop terminal, and a connection end configured to connect to the terminal end of a pre-wired battery charger. The connection end includes a positive loop end, a positive loop connector configured to maintain electrical connection between the positive loop end and the positive loop terminal of the pre-wired battery charger, and a positive connection cap configured to fully encapsulate the connection between the positive loop end of the cable extender and the positive loop terminal of the pre-wired battery charger. The connection end also includes a negative loop end, a negative loop connector configured to maintain electrical connection between the negative loop end and the negative loop terminal of the pre-wired battery charger, and a negative connection cap configured to fully encapsulate the connection between the negative loop end of the cable extender and the negative loop terminal of the pre-wired battery charger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to marine battery charger systems, and more specifically, to cable extenders for pre-wired marine battery chargers installed on ships. Background Technology

[0002] Ships have electrical systems powered by one or more batteries that store electrical energy on board. These batteries require charging, and onboard battery charging systems are the safest and most convenient way to charge and maintain them. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This overview is provided to introduce some concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This overview is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] The marine battery charger cable extender includes terminal ends having a positive extender ring terminal and a negative extender ring terminal, and a connection end configured to connect to the terminal ends of a pre-wired battery charger. The connection end includes a positive ring end, a positive ring connector configured to maintain electrical connection between the positive ring end and the positive ring terminal of the pre-wired battery charger, and a positive connection cap configured to fully encapsulate the connection between the positive ring end of the cable extender and the positive ring terminal of the pre-wired battery charger. The connection end also includes a negative ring end, a negative ring connector configured to maintain electrical connection between the negative ring end and the negative ring terminal of the pre-wired battery charger, and a negative connection cap configured to fully encapsulate the connection between the negative ring end of the cable extender and the negative ring terminal of the pre-wired battery charger.

[0005] Another embodiment of the marine battery charger cable extender includes a terminal end and a connection end. The terminal end has a positive extender ring terminal configured to connect to a positive battery terminal and a negative extender ring terminal configured to connect to a negative battery terminal. The connection end is configured to connect to the terminal end of a pre-wired battery charger. The connection end includes a positive ring end, a positive ring connector, and a positive connection cap. The positive ring connector includes a first metal screw configured to maintain electrical connection between the positive ring end and the positive ring terminal of the pre-wired battery charger. The positive connection cap is configured to completely enclose the positive ring end of the cable extender and the positive ring terminal of the pre-wired battery charger. The connection end also includes a negative ring end, a negative ring connector, and a negative connection cap. The negative ring connector includes a second metal screw configured to maintain electrical connection between the negative ring end and the negative ring terminal of the pre-wired battery charger. The negative connection cap is configured to completely enclose the negative ring end of the cable extender and the negative ring terminal of the pre-wired battery charger. Each of the positive electrode connection cover and the negative electrode connection cover is formed by a first cover and a second cover that are releasably connected together.

[0006] Various other features, objectives, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0007] This disclosure is described with reference to the following figures.

[0008] Figure 1 A pre-wired marine battery charger and cable extender according to one embodiment of the present disclosure are described.

[0009] Figure 2 An embodiment of a cable extender is depicted, showing its connection to the terminal ends of a pre-wired marine battery charger.

[0010] Figure 3 The connection between the cable extender and the terminal ends of the pre-wired marine battery charger is further described.

[0011] Figure 4 Depicting Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the connection shown in the image.

[0012] Figure 5 An embodiment of a connection cover for a ring terminal connection between a pre-wired charger and a cable extender is depicted according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Marine battery chargers are pre-wired because the connection between the battery charger and the cable must be sealed waterproofly into the charger body to prevent water penetration and access to the electrical connections. Available pre-wired battery chargers come with a standard six-foot cable. The inventors have recognized that pre-wired battery chargers intended for installation on ships often need to be installed at a distance from the batteries they are charging, sometimes exceeding six feet, thus limiting the cable's reach to one or more batteries intended for charging. The inventors have also recognized that, to accommodate this additional distance, the pre-wired battery charger's cable is often extended unsafely. For example, the fuse may be cut and the extension wire soldered directly to the charger's cable. This can pose a fire hazard and does not meet minimum maritime safety standards.

[0014] Based on an understanding of the aforementioned problems and challenges in the relevant field, the inventors have developed a reliable marine battery charger cable extender capable of extending a pre-wired battery charger to an additional length without cutting the loop terminals. While prior art extenders exist, they do not provide a simple and reliable method for connecting the cable extender to the terminal ends of the pre-wired battery charger in a manner that adequately protects and maintains the connection and can withstand the wet and harsh conditions on a ship. For example, existing cable extenders do not provide a sufficiently tight connection between the loop terminals of the pre-wired charger and the terminals of the cable extender. Furthermore, prior art systems do not adequately protect the connection from short circuits caused by conductive elements (such as fishhooks or loosening tools). Moreover, the inventors have recognized that current cable extenders have problems, and the connection between the loop terminals loosens over time.

[0015] In view of the aforementioned problems and challenges in the relevant art, the inventors have developed the disclosed system and method, which, in some embodiments, provides a metal ring connector for connecting the ring terminals of a pre-wired marine charger to the ring connector of a cable extender, thereby providing a tight and durable connection capable of withstanding vibrations in harsh marine environments. Furthermore, the disclosed cable extender includes a connection cover above each of the positive and negative ring connections, wherein the connection cover is configured to completely enclose the ring connection between the cable extender and the terminal ends of the pre-wired battery charger. Moreover, the connection is removable for maintenance purposes, and the entire system is reusable.

[0016] Figure 1An embodiment of a cable extender 20 for a pre-wired marine battery charger 9 is depicted. The pre-wired marine battery charger 9 includes a battery charger 10. The battery charger 10 is connected to a cable 12 via a waterproof seal; the cable is a standard six-foot cable. The cable 12 includes a negative cable wire 13 terminating at a negative ring terminal 14 and a positive cable wire 15 terminating at a positive ring terminal 16. Each of the positive cable wire 15 and the negative cable wire 13 includes fuses 18a and 18b, which is standard for marine battery chargers.

[0017] The cable extender 20 has a connection end 32 connected to ring terminals 14, 16 of a pre-wired battery charger 9, and a terminal end 30 including a negative extender ring terminal 28 and a positive extender ring terminal 29, which are configured to connect to the positive and negative terminals of a battery installed on the vessel. The cable extender 20 includes a negative extender wire 21 and a positive extender wire 22 extending from the connection end 32 to corresponding fuses 25a, 25b. A terminal end 23 of the negative extender wire 23 is connected between fuse 25a and negative extender ring terminal 28. A terminal end 24 of the positive extender wire is connected between fuse 25b and positive extender ring terminal 29.

[0018] Also refer to Figure 2 The negative ring connector 37 is configured to hold the negative ring end 26 of the cable extender 20 to the negative ring terminal 14 of the pre-wired battery charger 9. Similarly, the positive ring connector 38 is configured to hold the positive ring end 27 of the cable extender 20 to the positive ring terminal 16 of the pre-wired battery charger 9. In one embodiment, each of the positive ring connector 38 and the negative ring connector 37 includes a metal screw 371 configured to pass through the corresponding ring to connect them. In the depicted embodiment, a metal washer 372 and a metal nut 373 are configured to be attached to the bottom end of the metal screw 371 and to fasten the rings 26 and 14 together to maintain the electrical connection between them. The metal washer 372 may be, for example, a locking washer, which helps to prevent vibration. In other embodiments, the ring connectors 37 and 38 may be other connecting elements or devices capable of connecting the corresponding rings, preferably devices that do not deform over time and / or apply decreasing forces on the rings to maintain the connection. For example, ring connectors 37 and 38 can be metal clips or clamps, such as spring-loaded clamps.

[0019] Connecting covers 40a and 40b cover each ring connector to protect the connection from components. The negative connecting cover is configured to enclose the negative ring terminal 14 and negative ring end 26 of the pre-wired battery charger 9. The positive connecting cover 40b is configured to enclose the positive ring terminal 16 and positive ring end 27 of the pre-wired battery charger 9. Each of the negative connecting covers 40a and 40b can be a two-piece element, with one cover disposed on the connecting end 32 of the cable extender 20 and the second cover disposed on the terminal end of the pre-wired battery charger. In this example, a first cover 41 is configured to fit onto each of the positive ring end 27 and the negative ring end 26. A second cover 52 is configured to fit onto each of the negative ring terminal 14 and the positive ring terminal 16 of the pre-wired battery charger 9. As described herein, each first cover 41 is configured to be releasably connected to the second cover 52 on the corresponding connecting terminal without removing the ring terminal.

[0020] Figure 3 A first cover 41 and a second cover 52 are shown, which are connected together to form each of the negative electrode connection cover 40a and the positive electrode connection cover 40b. Figure 4 Depicting along Figure 3 The cross-section indicates a cross-sectional view of each connecting cover of A. Connecting covers 40a and 40b are generally each cubic in shape and are formed by the connection of two releasably connected pieces. Thus, in the depicted example, the first cover 41 is configured to substantially cover the corresponding ring ends 26, 27 and ring connectors 37, 38, and the second cover 52 has a narrower depth and is configured to connect to the open end 50 of the first cover (…). Figure 2 The second end portion 59 of the cube encapsulating the connection is provided at the location of the cover. In the example of the depicted cube shape, each cover has a top portion 43 and a bottom portion 44 forming opposite sides of the cube shape, and also includes a first side portion 45 and a second side portion 46 forming adjacent to the opposite side. The first cover 41, which is fitted onto the loop end 37 or 38 of the cable extender 20, has a first end portion 47. The second end portion 59 of the connecting cover 40 is formed by the second cover fitted onto the positive ring terminal. Thus, the first cover 41 and the second cover 52 are releasably connected together to form a cube shape that completely encapsulates the corresponding positive or negative connection between the loop terminal end of the pre-wired battery charger 9 (including over any heat-shrink or insulation layer) and the connecting end 32 of the cable extender 20.

[0021] The first cover 41 and the second cover 52 of each connecting cover 40 can be connected by a clasp 56, which is configured to releasably connect the two covers together. Figures 2-4An exemplary embodiment of the hook 56 is depicted. In the depicted example, the hook is positioned on the second cover and configured to be releasably connected to a hook edge 49 on the first cover 41. In one embodiment, each second cover 52 has two hooks 56, including a first hook 56' on a first side portion 65 and a second hook 56' on a second side portion 66. In one embodiment, the first cover portion 41 and the second cover portion 42 are made of a plastic material (e.g., molded plastic material), and each hook 56 is configured to be slightly deformable such that the hook can slide into the connection with the hook edge 49 of the first cover 41. Therefore, the hook system on the cover provides a low-cost, tool-free installation method.

[0022] The hook 56 may have a hook edge 57 extending outward therefrom, and may be configured as a groove 48 on the inner side of each of the first side portion 45 and the second side portion 46 of the first cover 41. Figure 2 The deformable hooks 56 are configured to bend slightly inward as each hook 56 slides in the groove 48. Openings or notches in the corresponding side portions 45, 46 adapt to the hook edges 57, causing the hooks 56 to return to their normal state, forcing the hook edges 57 to align with the hook edges 49 of the first cover 41 to engage the covers together. To release the connection, the user can press down on each hook edge 57 on either side of the connecting cover 40 to deform the hooks 56 and allow the second cover 52 to be pulled off the first cover 41.

[0023] In other embodiments, the hook 56 can be any mechanism for connecting the covers 41 and 52, particularly any mechanism for joining two molded plastic parts together. For example, the hook can be located on the outer surface of the first cover 41 or the second cover 52, and in such embodiments, the hook edge 49 will also be located on the outer surface of the opposing covers 41, 52. In different embodiments, the hook edge 49 can be inwardly extending, thus forming a notch or groove in the corresponding side portion, or it can be an outwardly extending edge, such as an expansion lug molded onto the plastic part. Given this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand that many embodiments of the hook 56 and the hook edge 49 are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0024] In some embodiments, each connecting cap 40 has a collar 54 extending from each of the first end portion 47 and the second end portion 59. The collar 54... Figure 5The image is shown most clearly in the image. The clamp can be configured to surround the opening 53 in each end portion 47, 59 of the connecting cover 40 to reduce debris ingress into the inner region of the connecting cover 40 and to protect the ring terminals from wear or short circuits. Each opening 53 is configured to allow one of the rings 14, 16, 26, 27 to slide through the corresponding end portion 47, 59 of the cover 41, 52. In other words, the opening 53 is configured to allow the cover 41, 52 to slide on the ring. In some embodiments, the opening 53 can be configured such that it only allows the ring to be inserted at a specific angle and is therefore configured to prevent the ring from being easily pulled back through the opening 53. Thus, the opening 53 can have an elongated portion of length L, which is configured to adapt to the ring diameter D. Figure 3 Therefore, the corresponding rings 14, 16, 26, and 27 rotate 90 degrees from their connection angle via the ring connector (e.g., Figure 2 and 3 (As shown in the image), the ring is inserted through the end portions 47 and 59 of the corresponding covers 41 and 52. The ring can then be rotated back 90 degrees to hold the covers 41 and 52 in the connecting cover 40.

[0025] In some embodiments, opening 53 and clamp 54 may further include a circular portion 75 having an opening diameter W and configured to accommodate connector 70, wherein rings 14, 16, 26, 27 are connected at connector 70 to corresponding wires 13, 15, 21, 22. The circular portion 75 bisects the elongated portion 74 and is configured in a position properly aligned with corresponding covers 41, 52 for releasable connection to opposing covers 52, 41. As used herein, the term bisection is used to describe the position of the circular portion 75 between the top and bottom ends of the elongated portion 74. Connector cap 71 provides a plastic barrier on connector 70 to protect it from short circuits. Connector cap 71 may have a diameter C ( Figure 4 The width W is greater than the diameter C of the connector cover 71 so that the corresponding covers 41, 52 can slide over the connector 70. In some embodiments, the sleeve 54 has a sufficiently long depth P to cover the connector, thereby providing additional support and protection for the area of ​​the connector 70.

[0026] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Certain terms are used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations should be inferred beyond the requirements of the prior art, as these terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly interpreted. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, but may include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have features or structural elements that are not indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent features or structural elements that are not substantially indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A marine battery charger cable extender, comprising: The terminal end includes a positive electrode extender ring terminal configured to be connected to a positive electrode battery terminal and a negative electrode extender ring terminal configured to be connected to a negative electrode battery terminal; A connection end, configured to connect to a terminal end of a pre-wired battery charger, the connection end comprising: Positive electrode ring end; A positive ring connector, the positive ring connector being configured to maintain an electrical connection between the end of the positive ring and the positive ring terminal of the pre-wired battery charger; A positive terminal cover, configured to fully encapsulate the positive ring end of a cable extender and the positive ring terminal of a pre-wired battery charger; negative electrode ring end; A negative electrode ring connector, the negative electrode ring connector being configured to maintain an electrical connection between the end of the negative electrode ring and the negative electrode ring terminal of the pre-wired battery charger; and A negative connection cover, configured to fully encapsulate the negative ring end of a cable extender and the negative ring terminal of a pre-wired battery charger.

2. A marine battery charger cable extender according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the positive electrode connection cover and the negative electrode connection cover is formed by a first cover and a second cover that can be releasably connected together.

3. A marine battery charger cable extender according to claim 2, wherein, Each first cover and each second cover have an opening configured to allow the first cover and the second cover to slide over a corresponding positive ring terminal, positive ring end, negative ring terminal, or negative ring end.

4. A marine battery charger cable extender according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the first cover and the second cover has a sleeve around the opening, the sleeve extending outward to cover the connector, at which the corresponding positive or negative end of the ring is connected to the wire.

5. A marine battery charger cable extender according to claim 4, wherein, Each positive ring terminal, positive ring end, negative ring terminal, and negative ring end has a ring diameter, and wherein the opening includes an elongated portion having a length configured to accommodate the ring diameter.

6. The marine battery charger cable extender according to claim 5, wherein, The opening also includes a circular portion having an opening diameter configured to accommodate a connector, at which a corresponding positive ring terminal, positive ring end, negative ring terminal, or negative ring end is connected to a wire, and wherein the circular portion bisects the elongated portion.

7. A marine battery charger cable extender according to claim 2, wherein, The connected first and second cover pieces form a cube shape.

8. A marine battery charger cable extender according to claim 2, wherein, The first cover is configured to slide over a corresponding one of the positive or negative ring ends, and the second cover is configured to slide over a corresponding one of the positive or negative ring terminals of the pre-wired battery charger, wherein the first cover is configured to substantially cover the corresponding positive ring end, negative ring end, positive ring connector, or negative ring connector.

9. The marine battery charger cable extender of claim 2, further comprising at least one hook on each of the second covers, wherein, The hook is configured to releasably attach to the hook edge on the corresponding first cover.

10. The marine battery charger cable extender according to claim 2, further comprising, for each of the positive terminal cover and the negative terminal cover, a hook on one of the first cover and the second cover, wherein, The hook is configured to releasably connect the first cover and the second cover together.

11. The marine battery charger cable extender of claim 1, wherein, The positive ring connector includes a metal screw configured to pass through the positive ring end of the cable extender and the positive ring terminal of the pre-wired battery charger, and wherein the negative ring connector includes a metal screw configured to pass through the negative ring end of the cable extender and the negative ring terminal of the pre-wired battery charger.

12. A marine battery charger cable extender according to claim 11, wherein, Each of the positive and negative ring connectors includes a metal nut configured to engage with a corresponding metal screw to press each positive and negative ring end of the cable extender tightly against the corresponding positive or negative ring terminal of the pre-wired battery charger.

13. A marine battery charger cable extender, comprising: The terminal end includes a positive electrode extender ring terminal configured to be connected to a positive electrode battery terminal and a negative electrode extender ring terminal configured to be connected to a negative electrode battery terminal; A connection end, configured to connect to a terminal end of a pre-wired battery charger, the connection end comprising: Positive electrode ring end; A positive ring connector, the positive ring connector including a first metal screw configured to maintain an electrical connection between the end of the positive ring and the positive ring terminal of the pre-wired battery charger; A positive terminal cover, configured to fully encapsulate the positive ring end of a cable extender and the positive ring terminal of a pre-wired battery charger; negative electrode ring end; A negative electrode ring connector, the negative electrode ring connector including a second metal screw configured to retain the end of the negative electrode ring electrically connected to the negative electrode ring terminal of the pre-wired battery charger; A negative terminal connector cover, configured to fully encapsulate the negative ring end of a cable extender and the negative ring terminal of a pre-wired battery charger; and Each of the positive electrode connection cover and the negative electrode connection cover is formed by a first cover and a second cover that can be releasably connected together.

14. A marine battery charger cable extender according to claim 13, wherein, Each of the positive and negative ring connectors includes a metal nut configured to engage with a corresponding first or second metal screw to press each positive and negative ring end of the cable extender tightly against the corresponding positive or negative ring terminal of the pre-wired battery charger.

15. A marine battery charger cable extender according to claim 13, wherein, Each first cover and each second cover have an opening configured to allow the first cover and the second cover to slide over a corresponding positive ring terminal, positive ring end, negative ring terminal, or negative ring end.

16. A marine battery charger cable extender according to claim 15, wherein, Each of the first cover and the second cover has a sleeve around the opening, the sleeve extending outward to cover the connector, at which the corresponding positive or negative end of the ring is connected to the wire.

17. The marine battery charger cable extender according to claim 15, wherein, Each positive ring terminal, positive ring end, negative ring terminal, and negative ring end has a ring diameter, and wherein the opening includes an elongated portion having a length configured to accommodate the ring diameter.

18. The marine battery charger cable extender according to claim 17, wherein, Each opening also includes a circular portion having an opening diameter configured to accommodate a connector at which a corresponding positive ring terminal, positive ring end, negative ring terminal, or negative ring end is connected to a wire, and wherein the circular portion bisects the elongated portion.

19. The marine battery charger cable extender according to claim 13, wherein, The first cover is configured to substantially cover the positive ring end and the positive ring connector, and the second cover is configured to be removably connected to the open end of the first cover.

20. The marine battery charger cable extender of claim 13, further comprising at least one clasp on each of the second covers, wherein, The hook is configured to releasably attach to the hook edge on the corresponding first cover.

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