Clamping device for battery terminal, and battery terminal

Abstract

To provide a clamping device for a battery terminal, and the battery terminal.SOLUTION: A battery-purpose battery terminal 10 within a vehicle has: a clamping piece 12 for a battery electrode 16 of a vehicle battery; and an interruption part that has mutually facing edge parts 22 and 24 surrounding a cylindrical receiving space 14 at least partially. A clamping device 20 can engage with the mutually facing edge parts 22 and 24, and move these edge parts toward each other in order to clamp the clamping piece 12 to the battery electrode 16. The clamping device 20 includes an interruption mechanism 48, and is movable from an interruption position where an operation of the clamping device 20 like the edge parts 22 and 24 move mutually toward each other is disabled to an interruption release position where an operation like the edge parts 22 and 24 move mutually toward each other is enabled, and the interruption mechanism 48 is energized by a spring in the interruption position. A block element 52 is provided that can block the interruption mechanism 48 in the interruption release position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device for a battery terminal, in particular for a battery terminal for a battery in a vehicle, and a battery terminal provided with such a clamping device.

Background Art

[0002] Battery terminals are used in vehicles to establish a secure electrical connection between the vehicle battery and the vehicle's electrical circuit. The battery terminal has a clamping piece, which has a substantially cylindrical receiving space for the battery electrode of the vehicle battery, and a connection portion for the vehicle's electrical circuit is provided on the clamping piece. Further, a sensor for detecting the state of the vehicle battery, in particular a battery sensor or a current sensor, can be incorporated into such a battery terminal. The clamping piece is usually interrupted in the circumferential direction, and in this case, a clamping device for reducing the circumferential length of the clamping piece is provided at the interruption portion. In that case, the battery terminal can be clamped and fixed to the battery electrode by reducing the circumferential length of the clamping piece.

[0003] To ensure a reliable mechanical and electrical connection to the battery electrode, the battery terminal must be fully pressed against the battery electrode. For this purpose, from the prior art, for example, when the clamping piece is not fully pressed against the battery electrode, the clamping device Lock is actuated, or, in another method, a mechanism for preventing the clamping device from operating Lock is known.

[0004] For example, Lock the mechanism projects beyond the clamping piece in the mounting direction in which the clamping piece is pressed against the battery terminal, and at this Lock position, the clamping device Lock is actuated. When the battery terminal is pressed against the battery electrode, LockThe mechanism is in close contact with the pedestal of the battery electrode or the base of the electrode depression (Polnische), and thereby moves in the direction opposite to the mounting direction Lock to the release position. At that Lock release position, the clamping device can be actuated and / or a clamping force can be applied to the clamping piece. Thereby, before the battery terminal is fixed to the battery electrode by the actuation of the clamping device, it is ensured that the battery terminal is fully pressed against the battery electrode.

[0005] However, from the prior art, due to the shape of the battery electrode or the electrode depression, Lock the mechanism cannot be moved to the desired Lock release position, and batteries having battery electrodes or electrode depressions are known. Furthermore, this function may not be desired during the process of attaching the battery electrode to the battery. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] The problem of the present invention is to provide a clamping device for a battery terminal, which enables greater flexibility when attaching the battery terminal to a battery, particularly a vehicle battery, and a battery terminal provided with such a clamping device. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0007] To solve this problem, there is provided a clamping device for a battery terminal, in particular for a battery terminal for a battery in a vehicle. In this clamping device, the battery terminal has a clamping piece for an electrode of the vehicle battery, and the clamping piece at least partially surrounds a receiving space, in particular a substantially cylindrical receiving space, for the battery electrode of the battery and has an interruption in the circumferential direction with edges facing each other. The clamping device can engage the edges facing each other and move these edges towards each other in order to clamp the clamping piece to the battery electrode. The clamping device Lock comprises a mechanism, and the Lock mechanism is such that the operation of the clamping device in which the clamping edges move towards each other is not possible Lock from a position, and the operation of the clamping device in which the clamping edges move towards each other is possible Lock to a release position, and Lock the mechanism is Lock spring-biased in the position. Lock There is provided a blocking element that can block the Lock mechanism in the release position.

[0008] The present invention is based on the consideration of providing a Lock mechanism in the clamping device that can be selectively operated or released. Therefore, before attaching the battery terminal, Lock it is possible to select whether to use the Lock mechanism or to release the Lock mechanism, for example, based on the shape of the battery electrode or the selected attachment method. Therefore, in principle, the Lock mechanism is provided on the battery terminal, but the

[0009] Lock

[0009] LockThe mechanism has an actuating element that is displaceable, for example, in a direction opposite to the mounting direction in which the clamping piece is pressed against the battery electrode, particularly in the longitudinal axis direction of the receiving space, and the blocking element engages with the actuating element. This actuating element is usually in close contact with the base of the electrode recess or the pedestal of the battery electrode and moves in a direction opposite to the mounting direction when the clamping piece is further pressed, thereby Lock The mechanism Lock moves to the release position. By blocking this actuating element or holding it in the release position, Lock the release of the mechanism can be carried out simply and effectively. Lock

[0010] The clamping device comprises a first clamping element movable in a direction opposite to the mounting direction and a second clamping element, and the second clamping element engages with the first clamping element to make the first clamping element movable in a direction opposite to the mounting direction. Lock In the position, there is no frictional coupling between the first clamping element and the second clamping element. Lock In the release position, a frictional coupling occurs between the first clamping element and the second clamping element. In such an embodiment, the first clamping element is held by the blocking element at a position where a frictional coupling between the first clamping element and the second clamping element is possible.

[0011] The first clamping element can have, for example, an actuating surface by which the first clamping element can cooperate with the legs at the edge of the clamping piece and press those edges against each other.

[0012] For example, corresponding internal and external threads are provided on the first clamping element and the second clamping element, and these threads Lock engage with each other only in the release position. Alternatively, an interlocking force transmission structure that engages with each other only in the release position can be provided on the first clamping element and the second clamping element. Lock Lock When the mechanism is Lock in the position, the operation of the clamping device is possible, but since there is no frictional coupling, no clamping occurs on the battery electrode. ​​

[0013] In this embodiment, the actuating element can be coupled to the first clamping element or can be formed by the first clamping element. Lock The mechanism can be formed by the first clamping element and the second clamping element.

[0014] For example, the actuating element, in particular the first clamping element, has a bolt extending in particular in the longitudinal axis direction, and the block element engages with this bolt. In particular, the bolt Lock In the release position, it can protrude beyond other components of the clamping device, for example the second clamping element. Lock In the position, the bolt is spring-biased so that it does not protrude beyond other components of the clamping device. Thereby, the actuating element Lock Can engage with this bolt only in the release position. Furthermore, the block element, or the bolt, can be formed such that the block element engaging with the bolt is pressed against and supported by other components of the clamping device by the spring force. Thereby, additional fixation of the block element is obtained on the actuating element, i.e., on the control device.

[0015] In particular, the block element Lock Is an individual part that can be removed when the release of the mechanism is not desired.

[0016] For example, the block element can have a locking mechanism by which the block element locks to the actuating element. Optionally, other fixing mechanisms can also be provided by which the block element can be securely fixed to the actuating element or Lock To the mechanism.

[0017] Furthermore, holding means for fixing the block element to the battery terminal, in particular to the clamping piece of the battery terminal, can be provided on the block element. By such holding means, the block element can be easily fixed to the battery terminal, in particular to the clamping piece of the battery terminal, and can be transported and / or mounted together with the battery terminal.

[0018] For example, the block element has an adapting portion, and the adapting portion has an outer peripheral surface for closely contacting the inside of the clamping piece of the battery terminal and an inner peripheral surface for closely contacting the battery electrode. The outer periphery of the outer peripheral surface substantially corresponds to the inner periphery of the clamping piece of the battery terminal, and the inner periphery of the inner peripheral surface is smaller than the outer periphery of the outer peripheral surface. When the adapting portion is mounted in the clamping piece of the battery terminal, the block element Lock blocks the mechanism Lock at the release position. Such an adapting portion is used, for example, to reduce the inner diameter of the clamping piece, and is used, for example, to enable the battery terminal to be attached to a battery electrode with a smaller diameter. When the diameter of the battery electrode is smaller, the pedestal portion of the battery electrode can also have a smaller diameter, and as a result, Lock the mechanism cannot closely contact the pedestal portion of the battery electrode, whereby Lock the mechanism Lock cannot reach the release position. For example, Lock the mechanism may be too radially distant with respect to the receiving space for the battery electrode of the battery terminal in order to closely contact the pedestal portion. Even in the case of a battery terminal with an adapting portion, due to the block element integrated with the adapting portion, Lock the mechanism Lock can be blocked at the release position. At this time, the integration of the block element with the adapting portion is such that, due to the adapting portion required for attachment to a small-diameter battery electrode, a mechanism that does not operate with a small-diameter battery electrode Lock simultaneously Lock moves to the release position and is held there, providing the advantage that the attachment of the battery terminal is greatly simplified.

[0019] Preferably, a close contact surface is provided on the adapting portion, and on the close contact surface Lock the mechanism closely contacts, particularly in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the receiving space. The close contact surface is such that when the adapting portion is mounted in the clamping piece of the battery terminal, Lock the mechanism LockBlock at the release position, where the blocking element protrudes radially outward, particularly with respect to the receiving space, or the mating surface extends radially outward. To some extent, the mating surface is provided on the pedestal of the battery electrode, usually Lock serves as the mating surface where the mechanism abuts. Therefore, Lock there is no need for any measures to ensure the function of the blocking element in the mechanism, particularly at the battery terminal.

[0020] In particular, holding means for fixing the adapter to the clamping piece of the battery terminal, in particular locking means, can be provided on the adapter. By means of this, the adapter is fixed to the battery terminal, whereby the blocking element Lock at the release position Lock blocks the mechanism.

[0021] Preferably, the holding means fixes the adapter within the clamping piece in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the receiving space.

[0022] The blocking element Lock can also be formed as part of the mechanism, and / or, for example, Lock if a permanent release of the mechanism is desired, Lock it can also be integrally coupled to a part of the mechanism, particularly to a bolt.

[0023] To solve the above problems, furthermore, a battery terminal for a battery, particularly within a vehicle, is provided. This battery terminal includes a clamping piece for the battery electrode of the vehicle battery, where the clamping piece at least partially surrounds a receiving space for the battery electrode of the battery, particularly a substantially cylindrical receiving space, and has an interruption with edges facing each other in the circumferential direction. The battery terminal is provided with any of the above clamping devices. The clamping device engages with the edges facing each other and can move these edges towards each other to clamp the clamping piece to the battery electrode.

[0024] Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Figure 1 shows a battery terminal 10 for a vehicle battery within a vehicle. This battery terminal 10 has cylindrical and / or conical clamping pieces 12, only a part of which is shown here, and these clamping pieces 12 have a receiving space 14 for battery electrodes. In the circumferential direction U, the clamping piece 12 has an interruption 18 where a clamping device 20 is provided. By means of this clamping device 20, the edges 22, 24 of this interruption can be moved towards each other to clamp the clamping piece 12, and thus the battery terminal 10, to the battery electrodes.

[0027] The clamping device 20 comprises a first clamping element 26 and a second clamping element 28. The first clamping element 26 has two working surfaces 30, 32 which face each other and are inclined and extend away from each other in a direction opposite to the mounting direction M in which the clamping piece 12 is pressed against the battery electrode. The working surfaces 30, 32 can each be in close contact with legs 34, 36 which extend substantially radially outwards from the edges 22, 24, and these legs 34, 36 can be pressed against each other during movement of the first clamping element 26 in a direction opposite to the mounting direction M. Thereby, the circumferential length of the clamping piece 12 is reduced, and as a result, the clamping piece 12 is clamped to the battery electrode 16. Furthermore, the first clamping element 26 has a bolt 38 which extends in a direction opposite to the mounting direction M.

[0028] The second clamping element 28 has a torque transmission formation 40 on which a tool for operating the clamping device 20 can act. Furthermore, the second clamping element has a perforation 42 through which the bolt 38 extends.

[0029] The second clamping element 28 has an internal thread on the inside of the perforation 42. The first clamping element 26 has on the outside a threaded portion 44 with an external thread corresponding to this internal thread, and a threadless portion 46 which is adjacent in a direction opposite to the mounting direction M (see Figure 2).

[0030] The second clamping element 28 is supported on the legs 34, 36 in the mounting direction M. The first clamping element 26 is, in a direction opposite to the mounting direction M, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 Lockbiased by a spring at a position, the working surfaces 30, 32 are spaced apart from the legs 34, 36, and the unthreaded portion 46 of the bolt 38 is located in the internal thread region of the second fastening element 28. Therefore, the threaded portion 44 of the bolt 38 does not engage with the internal thread of the second fastening element 28 at this [[ID={72]]Lock position. Therefore, when the second fastening element 28 is actuated, no force is applied to the first fastening element 26, and thus, the battery terminal 10 is not tightened to the battery electrode.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the end of the bolt 38 has an enlarged diameter, thereby preventing the bolt 38 from falling out of the second fastening element 28 and being lost.

[0032] When the first fastening element 26 is moved from the Lock position in the opposite direction to the mounting direction M to the Lock release position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the threaded portion 44 engages with the internal thread of the second fastening element 28. When the second fastening element 28 rotates thereby, the first fastening element 26 is pulled in the direction opposite to the mounting direction M by the mating threads, and as a result, the working surfaces 30, 32 come into close contact with the legs 34, 36 and press them against each other.

[0033] For example, when the fastening piece 12 is pressed against the battery electrode 16 in the mounting direction M, the first fastening element abuts against the base of the electrode recess or the pedestal portion of the battery electrode 16, and when the fastening piece 12 is further pressed in the direction opposite to the mounting direction M, Lock it is pushed to the release position.

[0034] The first fastening element 26 and the second fastening element 28 together Lock form a mechanism 48, and this Lock mechanism 48 enables the battery terminal 10 or the fastening piece 12 to be tightened to the battery electrode 16 only when the battery terminal 10 is fully pressed against the battery electrode. When the first fastening element 26 moves in the direction opposite to the mounting direction M, Lock the mechanism 48 is Lock moved from theLock Form an actuating element that can be moved to the release position.

[0035] As can be seen particularly in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bolt 38, or the enlarged diameter portion 50 at the end of the bolt 38, Lock projects from the second clamping element 28 in the release position.

[0036] The bolt 38 or Lock the mechanism 48 Lock In order to block in the release position, the blocking element 52 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be inserted between the enlarged diameter portion 50 at the bolt end and the second clamping element 28. The blocking element 52 is supported by the enlarged diameter portion 50 and the second clamping element 28, and the bolt 38 and thus the first clamping element 26 are Lock prevented from moving in the Block mounting direction M.

[0037] This may be necessary, for example, Lock when there is no surface or other device on the battery, particularly the battery electrode 16, that can interact with the Lock mechanism 48 to move it to the release position. Optionally, Lock a battery terminal 10 without the function of the mechanism 48 may also be desired, so that Lock the mechanism 48 is easily released by the blocking element 52. Lock Lock

[0038] Lock Lock After that, Lock when the mechanism 48 is actuated again, the blocking element 52 can simply be pulled away, whereby the first clamping element 26 is again spring-biased and Lock can move to the position.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the block element 52 is formed as a ring-shaped element that can be easily pressed against the side of the bolt 38 or easily removed from the bolt 38. In particular, the block element 52 is formed so as to be locked to the bolt 38 and thereby held in a non-detachable manner on the bolt 38.

[0040] Unlike the present embodiment, the block element 52 Lock the mechanism 48 Lock can also be formed in any other way to fix it in the release position. In particular, Lock when the mechanism 48 is in a different form, different block elements 52 can also be provided. The block element simply Lock the mechanism 48 Lock only needs to be able to hold or fix the mechanism 48 in the release position.

[0041] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment that basically corresponds to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In contrast to the reversibly attachable or detachable block element 52 of FIGS. 3 and 4, the block element 52 of this embodiment is formed by an enlarged diameter portion 50 or a deformation of the end portion of the bolt 38. The end portion of the bolt 38 is deformed so that the threaded portion 44 of the first fastening element is permanently engaged with the internal thread of the second fastening element 28, that is, Lock permanently held in the release position, and is supported by the second fastening element 28. Thereby, Lock the mechanism 48 is permanently released. This can be done, for example, after the manufacture of the battery terminal when Lock the mechanism 48 is no longer required.

[0042] FIGS. 6 to 11 show a second embodiment of the battery terminal 10 provided with the block element 52. The battery terminal 10, in particular, Lock the fastening device 20 provided with the mechanism 48 corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0043] The block element 52 is here part of the adapter 54, which is used for reducing the inner diameter of the clamping piece 12. As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 7 and 9, the adapter 54 has an outer peripheral surface 56, the periphery of which substantially corresponds to the inner periphery of the clamping piece 12. Furthermore, the adapter 54 has an inner peripheral surface 58 for closely contacting the battery electrode 16 with a smaller diameter. Accordingly, the periphery of the inner peripheral surface substantially corresponds to the outer periphery of the battery electrode 16 with a smaller diameter.

[0044] Between the inner peripheral surface 58 and the outer peripheral surface 56, a plurality of adapter elements 60 are provided, which in the embodiment shown here are evenly distributed and arranged in the circumferential direction U. Each of the adapter elements 60 extends from the inner peripheral surface 58 to the outer peripheral surface 56 and is formed to be deformable in the radial direction with respect to the receiving space 14, in particular plastically deformable or elastically deformable. In particular, the adapter element 60 is softer than the battery electrode 16, for example, by being manufactured from a material softer than the material of the battery electrode 16. For example, the adapter element 60 is manufactured from copper or a copper alloy.

[0045] The adapter element 60 extends in the direction of the cylindrical longitudinal axis L of the receiving space 14 over substantially the entire length of the receiving space 14 or the clamping piece 12. Accordingly, the adapter 54 also extends in the direction of the cylindrical longitudinal axis L over the entire receiving space 14.

[0046] The adapter elements 60 are connected to each other by a plurality of support elements 62 in the circumferential direction U, and in this case, the support elements 62 are arranged on the adapter 54 on the radially outer side, that is, form a part of the outer peripheral surface 56.

[0047] As can be seen in particular in FIGS. 7 and 8, the inner peripheral surface 58 is interrupted between the adapter elements 60.

[0048] The adapter 54 can be inserted into and fixed to the clamping piece 12 of the battery terminal 10. For this purpose, the adapter 54 is provided with holding means 64, and this holding means 64 engages with the upper edge of the clamping piece 12 with respect to FIG. 6 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. Differently, the holding means 64 can also be formed differently, for example, protruding radially outward and engaging with the corresponding groove of the clamping piece 12.

[0049] In particular, the adapter can be formed differently, for example, it can be formed firmly, or it can also have different circumferential distances between the inner peripheral surface 58 and the outer peripheral surface 56. Thereby, it can affect the position of the battery terminal 10 on the battery electrode 16.

[0050] In particular, the adapter 54 is attached to the clamping piece 12 so as to be fixedly installed in the clamping piece 12 in a non-detachable manner. Thereby, the adapter 54 can be transported and installed together with the battery terminal 10 without requiring additional working steps for fixing or adjusting the position of the adapter 54.

[0051] When the battery terminal 10 with the adapter 54 attached is mounted on the small-diameter battery electrode 16, the inner peripheral surface 58 of the adapter 54 is in close contact with the battery electrode 16. By the operation of the clamping device 20, the battery terminal 10 or the clamping piece 12 of the battery terminal 10 can be clamped to the battery electrode 16. At this time, the adapter 54 is in close contact with the battery electrode 16 and the clamping piece 12 of the battery terminal 10, and thereby, the difference in diameter between the battery electrode 16 and the clamping piece 12 can be compensated.

[0052] The block element 52 is provided at the end of the adapting 54 on the side opposite to the holding means 64 with respect to the longitudinal axis L, that is, at the lower end of the adapting 54 with respect to FIG. 6. As particularly seen in FIGS. 6 to 8, the block element 52 is formed by two protrusions extending radially from the adapting 54. The radial length of these protrusions is such that when the adapting 54 is attached to the clamping piece 12 or pushed in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, these protrusions are formed so as to overlap with the first clamping element 26 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. This overlap is such that the mating surface 66 of the block element 52 is in close contact with the first clamping element 26, and when the clamping piece 12 of the adapting 50 is further pushed in, the first clamping element 26 is Lock pushed out of the Lock position to the release position in such a form.

[0053] In particular, the radial length of these protrusions is formed such that the operation of the first clamping element 26 is performed in any case, for example, even when a tolerance or displacement related to the manufacture of the first clamping element 26 occurs.

[0054] FIG. 11 shows, for example, the battery terminal shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 together with a part of the housing 68. There is a gap 70 between the first clamping element 26 and the housing 68, and this gap 70 enables or restricts the radial movement of the first clamping element 26 with respect to the receiving space 14. The overlap of the protrusions is larger than the radial width of the gap 70, so that sufficient overlap between the protrusions and the first clamping element 26 always exists even when the first clamping element 26 moves radially outward.

[0055] The holding means 64 is formed so as to Lock allow the adapting 54 inserted into the clamping piece 12 to move in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. Thereby, by the inserted adapting 14, Lock the mechanism 48 is blocked in the Lock release position until the adapting is removed from the clamping piece 12.

[0056] The combination of the block element 52 and the adapting 54 is advantageous, for example, when the diameter of the battery electrode is small, in that there is no suitable mating surface on the battery electrode, particularly on the pedestal portion of the battery electrode or on the battery itself, Lock for the mechanism 48 to engage with. That mating surface is Lock for moving the mechanism 48 to Lock the release position or for blocking it at this Lock release position. The mechanism 48 mates with it. Thus, the block element 52 Lock acts as a substitute, so to speak, for the mating surface provided on the battery, particularly on the battery electrode, for the operation of the mechanism 48. Lock Without depending on the embodiments shown here, the block element 52 provided on the adapting 54 can be formed differently, in that the block element 52

[0057] engages or mates with the mechanism during the attachment to the battery terminal 10 and the mechanism is Lock blocked in the release position when the adapting 54 is fully attached, Lock as long as the mechanism is Lock blocked in the release position. Although the present application relates to the invention described in the claims, it includes the following as other aspects. 1. A clamping device (20) for a battery terminal (10), particularly for a battery terminal (10) for a vehicle battery, wherein the battery terminal (10) has a clamping piece (12) for a battery electrode (16) of the vehicle battery, the clamping piece (12) at least partially surrounds a receiving space (14), particularly a substantially cylindrical receiving space, for the battery electrode (16) of the battery and has an interruption with edges (22, 24) facing each other in the circumferential direction (U), the clamping device (20) engages with the edges (22, 24) facing each other and can move those edges towards each other to clamp the clamping piece (12) to the battery electrode (16), the clamping device (20) isLock comprising a mechanism (48), wherein the Lock mechanism is in a position where the tightening device (20) cannot operate such that the edges (22, 24) move towards each other, Lock from a position to a release position where the tightening device (20) can operate such that the edges (22, 24) move towards each other, and Lock is movable, said Lock mechanism (48) is spring-biased in said Lock position, in the tightening device (20), said Lock mechanism (48) is provided with a blocking element (52) that can block it in said Lock release position, characterized in that. The tightening device (20). 2. said Lock mechanism (48) has an operating element that is displaceable, particularly in the longitudinal axis direction of the receiving space (14), in a direction opposite to the mounting direction (M) in which the tightening piece (12) is pressed against the battery electrode (16), and the blocking element (52) engages with the operating element. The tightening device according to 1 above. 3. The tightening device (20) comprises a first tightening element (26) movable in a direction opposite to the mounting direction (M), and a second tightening element (28) that engages with the first tightening element and is movable in a direction opposite to the mounting direction (M) of the first tightening element, in said Lock position, there is no frictional coupling between the first tightening element (26) and the second tightening element (28), in said Lock release position, a frictional coupling is generated between the first tightening element (26) and the second tightening element (28). The tightening device according to 2 above. 4. The first clamping element (26) has working surfaces (30, 32), by means of which the first clamping element (26) can cooperate with the legs at the edges (30, 32) and press these edges against each other. The clamping device according to item 3 above is characterized by this. 5. The first clamping element (28) particularly has a bolt (38) extending in the longitudinal axis direction. The clamping device according to item 3 or 4 above is characterized in that the block element (52) engages with this bolt (38). 6. The clamping device according to any one of items 1 to 5 above is characterized in that the block element (52) is an individual part. 7. The clamping device according to any one of items 1 to 6 above is characterized in that the block element (52) has a locking mechanism, by means of which the block element (52) locks to the actuating element. 8. The clamping device according to item 6 or 7 above is characterized in that holding means (64) for fixing the block element (52) to the battery terminal (10), particularly to the clamping piece (12) of the battery terminal (10), is provided on the block element (52). 9. The block element (52) has an adapter (54). The adapter (54) has an outer peripheral surface (56) for closely contacting the inside of the clamping piece (12) and an inner peripheral surface (58) for closely contacting the battery electrode (16). The outer periphery of the outer peripheral surface (36) substantially corresponds to the inner periphery of the clamping piece (12), and the inner periphery of the inner peripheral surface (58) is smaller than the outer periphery of the outer peripheral surface (36). When the adapter (54) is mounted in the clamping piece (12) of the battery terminal (10), the block element (52) Lock blocks the mechanism (48) Lock in the release position. The clamping device according to item 8 above is characterized by this. 10. A close contact surface (66) is provided on the adapter (54), and on this close contact surfaceLock The mechanism (48) is in close contact, particularly in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving space (14), and the contact surface is such that when the adapter (54) is mounted within the clamping piece (12) of the battery terminal (10), the Lock mechanism (48) is blocked in the Lock release position, The clamping device according to item 9 above, characterized in that the blocking element (52) projects radially outwards, particularly with respect to the receiving space (14). 11. The clamping device according to item 9 or 10 above, characterized in that holding means (64), particularly locking means, for fixing the adapter (54) to the clamping piece (12) of the battery terminal (10) are provided on the adapter (54). 12. The clamping device according to item 11 above, characterized in that the holding means (64) can fix the adapter (54) within the clamping piece (12) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving space (14). 13. The clamping device according to any one of items 1 to 12 above, characterized in that the blocking element (52) is integrally coupled to the bolt (38). 14. Particularly a battery terminal (10) for a battery within a vehicle, comprising a clamping piece (12) for a battery electrode (16) of a vehicle battery, wherein the clamping piece (12) at least partially surrounds a receiving space (14) for the battery electrode (16) of the battery, particularly substantially cylindrical, and has an interruption (18) with edges (22, 24) facing each other in the circumferential direction (U), and the clamping device (20) according to any one of items 1 to 13 above, The battery terminal (10) is such that the clamping device (20) engages with the mutually facing edges (22, 24) and can move those edges towards each other in order to clamp the clamping piece (12) to the battery electrode (16).

Explanation of Reference Signs

[0058] 10 battery terminal 12 clamping piece 14 receiving space 16 battery electrode 20 clamping device 22 edge 24 edge 26 first clamping element 28 second clamping element 30 operating surface 32 operating surface 38 bolt 48 Lock mechanism 52 block element 54 adapting 56 outer peripheral surface 58 inner peripheral surface 64 holding means 66 close contact surface L longitudinal axis M mounting direction U circumferential direction

Claims

Claims 1. A clamping device (20) for a battery terminal (10) for a battery within a vehicle, wherein the battery terminal (10) has a clamping piece (12) for a battery electrode (16) of a vehicle battery, the clamping piece (12) at least partially surrounds a receiving space (14) for the battery electrode (16) of the battery, and has an interruption in the circumferential direction (U) with edges (22, 24) facing each other. The clamping device (20) engages the edges (22, 24) facing each other and can move the edges towards each other to clamp the clamping piece (12) to the battery electrode (16). The clamping device (20) comprises a locking mechanism (48), and the locking mechanism can move from a locked position where the clamping device (20) cannot operate such that the edges (22, 24) move towards each other, to an unlocked position where the clamping device (20) can operate such that the edges (22, 24) move towards each other. In the clamping device (20), the locking mechanism (48) is spring-biased in the locked position. The clamping device (20) is characterized in that a blocking element (52) is provided which can block the locking mechanism (48) from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position. Claims 2. The locking mechanism (48) has an operating element displaceable in the longitudinal axis direction of the receiving space (14) opposite to the mounting direction (M) in which the clamping piece (12) is pressed against the battery electrode (16). The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein the blocking element (52) engages the operating element. Claims 3. The clamping device (20) comprises a first clamping element (26) movable opposite to the mounting direction (M), and a second clamping element (28) engaging the first clamping element (26) and movable opposite to the mounting direction (M) with the first clamping element. In the locked position, there is no frictional coupling between the first clamping element (26) and the second clamping element (28). The clamping device according to claim 2, wherein in the unlocked position, a frictional coupling is generated between the first clamping element (26) and the second clamping element (28). Claims 4. The first clamping element (26) has working surfaces (30, 32), by means of which the first clamping element (26) can cooperate with the legs at the edges (30, 32) and press these edges against each other, the clamping device according to claim 3.

5. The first clamping element (28) has a bolt (38) extending in the longitudinal axis direction, The block element (52) engages with this bolt (38), the clamping device according to claim 3.

6. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that the block element (52) is an individual part.

7. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that the block element (52) has a locking mechanism, by means of which the block element (52) locks to an actuating element.

8. The clamping device according to claim 6, characterized in that holding means (64) for fixing the block element (52) to the clamping piece (12) of the battery terminal (10) are provided on the block element (52).

9. The block element (52) has an adapter (54), The adapter (54) has an outer peripheral surface (56) for closely contacting the inside of the clamping piece (12) and an inner peripheral surface (58) for closely contacting the battery electrode (16), The outer periphery of the outer peripheral surface (36) substantially corresponds to the inner periphery of the clamping piece (12), and the inner periphery of the inner peripheral surface (58) is smaller than the outer periphery of the outer peripheral surface (36), The clamping device according to claim 8, characterized in that the block element (52) blocks the locking mechanism (48) in the unlocking position when the adapter (54) is mounted in the clamping piece (12) of the battery terminal (10).

10. The adapter (54) is provided with a close contact surface (66), on which the locking mechanism (48) closely contacts in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving space (14), and the close contact surface blocks the locking mechanism (48) in the unlocking position when the adapter (54) is mounted in the clamping piece (12) of the battery terminal (10), The clamping device according to claim 9, characterized in that the block element (52) projects radially outward with respect to the receiving space (14).

11. The tightening device according to claim 9, characterized in that holding means (64) for fixing the adapter (54) to the clamping piece (12) of the battery terminal (10) are provided on the adapter (54).

12. The tightening device according to claim 11, characterized in that the holding means (64) can fix the adapter (54) within the clamping piece (12) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the receiving space (14).

13. The tightening device according to claim 1, characterized in that the block element (52) is integrally coupled to a bolt (38).

14. A battery terminal (10) for a battery in a vehicle, comprising a clamping piece (12) for a battery electrode (16) of a vehicle battery, the clamping piece (12) at least partially surrounding a receiving space (14) for the battery electrode (16) of the battery and having an interruption (18) with edges (22, 24) facing each other in the circumferential direction (U), and comprising a tightening device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the tightening device (20) engages the edges (22, 24) facing each other and can move those edges towards each other to clamp the clamping piece (12) to the battery electrode (16), a battery terminal (10).

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