Battery terminal with sleeve reinforcement

Abstract

The invention relates to a connection pole (1) for a starter battery (3) of a vehicle, comprising a connection dome (5) and a pole pin (7), wherein the pole pin (7) is arranged in a concave recess of the connection dome (5) and is electrically connected to the connection dome (5) at the end face, characterized in that a sheet metal sleeve (9) surrounding an outer surface of the pole pin (7) is arranged on an inner surface of the connection dome (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a connection terminal for a starter battery of a vehicle, a starter battery with such a connection terminal and a method for producing a connection terminal for a starter battery of a vehicle.

[0002] A vehicle's starter battery, especially one that functions as a voltage source in the 12 V or 24 V range, typically has terminals that are designed in two parts. An outer part typically forms a terminal dome for connecting a vehicle's electrical cable, while an inner part is a terminal stud that leads to a battery terminal plate. The terminal stud is sometimes also called a socket pin.

[0003] In the state of the art, various designs of connection terminals for a battery are known: EP 3 701 577 A1 relates to a terminal for a rechargeable battery, wherein the terminal has a connection area for attaching a terminal clamp to the terminal, and a fastening area for attaching the terminal to a housing part of the rechargeable battery. In an end area of ​​the fastening area facing the connection area, a circumferential projection is provided, which has at least substantially a ring shape and is provided with teeth on its outer circumference for the purpose of securing the terminal against rotation.In order to ensure that no capillary gaps or gaps in the pm range occur between the connection pole and the material of the battery cover when the connection pole is pressed or injected into a battery cover of the accumulator, the invention provides that in the end region of the fastening region facing the connection region, between the circumferential projection provided with the toothing and the connection region, a circumferential sealing projection is provided, which is at least substantially circular in shape. EP 3 133 674 B1 also relates to a battery sleeve for a battery, comprising a hollow body having an outer wall and an inner wall, wherein a fastening portion, a contact portion, and a torque ring are provided on the outer wall between the fastening portion and the contact portion, wherein the outer wall preferably has at least one circumferential projection on the fastening portion, which forms a labyrinth, wherein the inner wall has at least an upper portion surrounded by the contact portion, and a lower portion surrounded by the fastening portion and has a widening diameter towards a bottom of the battery sleeve, wherein the torque ring has a first portion, which is aligned with a first circular planar support surface towards the contact portion, a third portion, which is aligned with a second circular planar surface towards the fastening portion,and a second section between the first section and the third section having an outer contour with recesses, wherein the first section, the second section and the third section have the same diameter., EP 2 814 088 B1 also relates to a battery terminal with a hollow body having an outer wall and an inner wall, further comprising a mounting portion, a contact portion and a torque ring between the mounting portion and the contact portion, wherein the outer wall preferably has at least one labyrinth ring on the mounting portion, which forms a labyrinth, wherein the inner wall has at least an upper portion surrounded by the contact portion, a lower portion surrounded by the mounting portion and which, in a side sectional view, has a concave shape, and an edge between the upper portion and the one lower portion.

[0004] While the terminal dome is typically mounted on the terminal stud, one end of the terminal stud and one cover of the terminal dome are soldered (e.g., with lead) to create an electrically conductive connection from the terminal stud via the terminal dome to a vehicle's electrical line, a gap can be provided along a peripheral surface of the terminal stud to a peripheral shell of the terminal dome to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. The terminal dome is typically tightly connected to a housing during starter battery manufacturing.

[0005] Excessive mechanical stress on the terminal dome, for example, when applying an excessively high clamping force or tightening torque when attaching a vehicle's electrical cable, can cause the gap to narrow. While such mechanical stress alone can deform the terminal dome to such an extent that the tight seal with the housing is damaged, the narrowing of the gap between the terminal dome and the terminal pin, in particular, can cause electrical flashover and thus electrically induced sparking. This, along with hydrogen escaping from the battery, can lead to local oxyhydrogen explosions. This can further damage the battery terminal pool and the tight connection between the terminal dome and the housing, even leading to electrolyte leakage from the battery.

[0006] The object of the invention is therefore to improve a connection terminal of a starter battery for a vehicle so that tightness is guaranteed even if the fastening forces are too high.

[0007] The invention is based on the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments and refinements are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a connection pole for a starter battery of a vehicle, comprising a connection dome and a pole pin, wherein the pole pin is arranged in a concave recess of the connection dome and is electrically connected to the connection dome at the end face, characterized in that a sheet metal sleeve surrounding an outer surface of the pole pin is arranged on an inner circumferential surface of the connection dome.

[0009] In contrast to a high-voltage battery in a battery-electric vehicle, the starter battery serves to supply the vehicle's subsystems, and in a hybrid vehicle, it may also temporarily power the vehicle. For example, a vehicle with a combustion engine requires initial energy to start, which is typically obtained from such a starter battery. Typical starter batteries in passenger cars have a supply voltage of 12 V.

[0010] The terminal stud and the terminal dome together form the starter battery's terminal post. When installing the terminal post, the terminal stud is inserted into the cup-shaped opening of the terminal dome. The two-part design of the terminal post is convenient for assembly during battery manufacture, allowing the terminal dome to be sealed to the starter battery's housing cover, while the terminal stud leads into the interior of the battery, particularly to a galvanic cell. When an electrical current flows under direct voltage, a charge flows from the interior of the battery through the terminal stud, across its front end, to the terminal dome, and from there via electrical lines to the vehicle's subsystems, or in the reverse direction.

[0011] For this purpose, the pole pin is electrically connected to the connection dome on the front side of the pole pin when the connection pole is finished, in particular soldered using an electrically conductive solder material, for example lead.

[0012] However, there is an intentional gap between the outer surface of the terminal pin of a conventional connection post and the side walls of the connection dome, which at least partially enclose the outer surface of the terminal pin. The gap serves to compensate for manufacturing tolerances of the terminal pin and connection dome. The gap is harmless during normal battery operation; however, if excessive mechanical stress occurs on the connection dome, such as due to misuse, the gap can close to excessively small gaps or close completely. Especially with very small gaps, electrical arcing and thus sparking can occur. These sparks can ignite gaseous hydrogen that may escape from the battery's galvanic element under the influence of atmospheric oxygen.This effect, in particular, often leads to damage to the terminal dome, especially the contact surface of the terminal dome with the starter battery housing. Battery electrolytes, especially acid, can leak out there and cause acid corrosion.

[0013] As a countermeasure, the invention provides a sheet metal sleeve on or inside the connection dome to stabilize it. This provides better protection against external mechanical influences and the resulting plastic deformation when applying excessively high torque during screwing. This helps prevent acid leaks through leaks.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the sheet metal sleeve has a radially outward-pointing collar at its lower end.

[0015] The collar provides the terminal with improved mechanical properties, such as a higher force limit at which plastic deformation of the terminal dome begins. This, in turn, increases the tightness of the entire system.

[0016] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the sheet metal sleeve has a surface structure with one or more concave curvatures and / or recesses on its outer surface.

[0017] This surface structure of the sheet metal sleeve, with recesses or with one or more concave bulges, as seen from the outer surface of the sheet metal sleeve, serves primarily to improve the mechanical bond between the sheet metal sleeve and the terminal dome. Particularly when the terminal dome and the sheet metal sleeve are joined by soldering by inserting liquefied metal into a gap between them, the metal engages the bulges or recesses during hardening, improving the bond between the sheet metal sleeve and the terminal dome. Lead is the preferred soldering material.

[0018] As an alternative to the bulges and also as an alternative to the recesses, a roughened surface can be applied, for example by applying or introducing dimples, knobs, grooves, folds, or otherwise roughened surface.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment, a curvature and / or a recess is provided which extends over at least one third of a height common to the connection dome and the sheet metal sleeve.

[0020] According to a further advantageous embodiment, a plurality of curvatures and / or recesses distributed over the lateral surface, each with a circular circumference, are provided.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment, a curvature and / or a recess is provided, each with a lateral edge running straight in the axial direction of the pole pin.

[0022] A further aspect of the invention relates to a starter battery for a vehicle with at least one connection pole according to one of the preceding claims.

[0023] Advantages and preferred developments of the proposed starter battery result from an analogous and analogous transfer of the statements made above in connection with the proposed connection pole.

[0024] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a connection terminal for a starter battery of a vehicle, comprising the steps: - Positioning a sheet metal sleeve coaxially around an outer surface of a pole pin so that the pole pin is surrounded by the sheet metal sleeve, and - Arranging the pole pin surrounded by the sheet metal sleeve in a concave recess of a connection dome so that the sheet metal sleeve is enclosed by the connection dome.

[0025] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a connection terminal for a starter battery of a vehicle, comprising the steps: - Pressing a sheet metal sleeve into a concave recess of a connection dome so that the connection dome is lined by the sheet metal sleeve, and - Inserting a pole pin into the concave recess of the connection dome lined by the sheet metal sleeve.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment, a method as described above and below is provided, wherein the sheet metal sleeve is soldered to the connection dome by introducing liquid soldering metal, in particular molten lead, between an outer surface of the sheet metal sleeve and the inwardly facing surface of the connection dome.

[0027] Advantages and preferred developments of the proposed method result from an analogous and analogous transfer of the statements made above in connection with the proposed connection pole.

[0028] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, which – where appropriate with reference to the drawings – describes at least one embodiment in detail. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0029] They show: Fig. 1: A connection pole according to the state of the art. Fig. 2: A connection pole according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3: A connection pole according to another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4: A connection pole according to another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5: Schematic of a connection pole according to another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6: A starter battery according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7: A method for producing a terminal pole according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 8: A method for producing a terminal pole according to another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 9: A sheet metal sleeve according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 10: A sheet metal sleeve according to another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 11: A sheet metal sleeve according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0030] The representations in the figures are schematic and not to scale.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows a prior art terminal post 1 for a starter battery 3 of a vehicle. A terminal dome 5 surrounds a terminal stud 7. The terminal dome 5 is shown cutaway. The terminal stud 7 is cylindrical, and the terminal dome 5 surrounds the terminal stud 7 around its entire circumference. At one end of the terminal stud, the terminal stud 7 is electrically connected to a cover surface of the terminal dome 5 by soldering. A gap is provided between the outer surface of the terminal stud 7 and the outer wall of the terminal dome 5 to accommodate manufacturing tolerances.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows a modified terminal 1, compared to that of the Fig. 1. Since the gap between the terminal dome 5 and the terminal stud 7 can decrease if the terminal dome 5 is damaged or if the connection is damaged, electrical charges could flow at contact surfaces or approaching surfaces between the terminal dome 5 and the terminal stud 7 outside the front soldering surface, and a seal to the battery's electrolyte could be damaged. To prevent this, a sheet metal sleeve 9 is arranged on an inner surface of the terminal dome 5, surrounding an outer surface of the terminal stud 7. This sleeve stabilizes the terminal dome. The sheet metal sleeve 9 protects the terminal dome 5 by providing mechanical stabilization, for example, when a current terminal is connected to the terminal pole 1.

[0033] Fig. Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a modified terminal post 1. This version features a special sheet metal sleeve 9, which has a collar 11 at its lower end. By optimizing the angle of the collar 11, additional plastic can be introduced into the remaining gap between the sheet metal sleeve 9 and the terminal stud 7 for electrical insulation. This further enhances the seal against the electrolyte within the starter battery 3. The collar 11, in particular, has a sealing function.

[0034] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of a connection pole 1, which is similar to that of Fig. 3, but in contrast to this, the collar 11 is radially further extending and formed and has an acid-resistant sealing compound, in particular based on a polymer, on its surface in order to further improve the sealing effect against the escape of electrolyte from the starter battery 3.

[0035] Fig. Figure 5 shows a section through a terminal pole 1. The sheet metal sleeve 9 is located on an inwardly directed jacket wall of the terminal dome 5. The collar 11 is provided circumferentially at a lower end of the sheet metal sleeve 9 and can be designed with various extension radii and angles to achieve optimal sealing and protection of the terminal dome 5 for the given situation.

[0036] Fig. 6 shows a starter battery 3 for a vehicle with at least one terminal 1 according to Fig. 2 to Fig. 5.

[0037] Fig. 7 shows a method for producing a connection terminal 1 for a starter battery 3 of a vehicle, comprising the steps: - Positioning S1 of a sheet metal sleeve 9 coaxially around an outer surface of a pole pin 7, so that the pole pin 7 is surrounded by the sheet metal sleeve 9, and - Arranging S2 of the pole pin 7 surrounded by the sheet metal sleeve 9 in a concave recess of a connection dome 5, so that the sheet metal sleeve 9 is enclosed by the connection dome 5.

[0038] Fig. 8 shows a method for producing a connection terminal 1 for a starter battery 3 of a vehicle, comprising the steps: - Pressing H1 a sheet metal sleeve 9 into a concave recess of a connection dome 5, so that the connection dome 5 is lined by the sheet metal sleeve 9, and - Insertion H2 of a pole pin 7 into the concave recess of the connection dome 5 lined by the sheet metal sleeve 9.

[0039] Fig. 9 to 11 show variants of the sheet metal sleeve 9. While in the Fig. 9 shows a first variant with an open contour, in which circular recesses are introduced into the surface of the sheet metal sleeve 9, is shown in the Fig. 10 shows a larger opening which has side edges running along a height of the pole pin 7, while in contrast in the Fig. 11, a sheet metal sleeve 9 is provided with a dimple-shaped cutout. These open contours improve the mechanical cohesion between the sheet metal sleeve 9 and the connection dome 5.

[0040] Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of variations exist. It is also clear that exemplary embodiments are truly only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope, possible applications, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description. List of reference symbols 1 connection pole 3 starter battery 5 connection dome 7 pole pins 9 sheet metal sleeve 11 collar H1 press-in H2 introduction S1 Positioning S2 Arrange QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 701 577 A1

[0003] EP 3 133 674 B1

[0003] EP 2 814 088 B1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Connection terminal (1) for a starter battery (3) of a vehicle, comprising a connection dome (5) and a terminal pin (7), wherein the terminal pin (7) is arranged in a concave recess of the connection dome (5) and is electrically connected to the connection dome (5) at the end face, characterized by that a sheet metal sleeve (9) surrounding an outer surface of the pole pin (7) is arranged on an inner surface of the connection dome (5). [2] Connection pole (1) according to claim 1, wherein the sheet metal sleeve (9) has a radially outwardly leading collar (11) at its lower end. [3] Connection pole (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet metal sleeve (9) has a surface structure with one or more concave curvatures on its outer surface and / or with one or more recesses in the surface. [4] Connection pole (1) according to claim 3, wherein a curvature and / or a recess is provided which extends over at least one third of a height common to the connection dome (5) and the sheet metal sleeve (9). [5] Connection pole (1) according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of curvatures and / or recesses distributed over the lateral surface, each with a circular circumference, are provided. [6] Connection pole (1) according to claim 3, wherein a curvature is provided with a lateral edge running straight in the axial direction of the pole pin (7). [7] Starter battery (3) for a vehicle with at least one connection pole (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [8] Method for producing a connection terminal (1) for a starter battery (3) of a vehicle, comprising the steps: - positioning (S1) a sheet metal sleeve (9) coaxially around an outer surface of a pole pin (7) so that the pole pin (7) is surrounded by the sheet metal sleeve (9), and - Arranging (S2) the pole pin (7) surrounded by the sheet metal sleeve (9) in a concave recess of a connection dome (5) so that the sheet metal sleeve (9) is enclosed by the connection dome (5). [9] Method for producing a connection terminal (1) for a starter battery (3) of a vehicle, comprising the steps: - pressing (H1) a sheet metal sleeve (9) into a concave recess of a connection dome (5) so that the connection dome (5) is lined by the sheet metal sleeve (9), and - Inserting (H2) a pole pin (7) into the concave recess of the connection dome (5) lined by the sheet metal sleeve (9). [10] Method according to one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the sheet metal sleeve (9) is soldered to the connection dome (5) by introducing liquid solder metal between an outer surface of the sheet metal sleeve (9) and the inwardly facing surface of the connection dome (5).

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