Associative device

Abstract

To provide a fastening device capable of ensuring a contact with no need of using tools, with a simple fastening operation, and without the need for a step for verifying a tightening torque.SOLUTION: A fastening device 206 for fastening at least one electrical terminal to an electrically conducting post that can be welded to a support includes at least one spring 210 and at least one locking means 208. The locking means retains the at least one electrical terminal on the post in a locked position of the fastening device, and the spring is at least partially loaded in the locked position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening device for fastening at least one electrical terminal to a conductive post that can be welded to a support, particularly a vehicle body (e.g., a car body).

Background Art

[0002] Particularly in the field of automobiles, for example, in the case of grounding to provide contact, it may be necessary to fix several electrical cables to a generally metallic support. In this regard, it is known to connect each electrical cable to an electrical terminal including a through-hole, particularly by crimping. The through-hole of the electrical terminal is provided so that a conductive post (or cylindrical screw) welded to the support can pass through. Thereafter, a nut is screwed onto the post to bring the electrical terminal into contact with and hold it on the post. However, the operation of screwing the nut onto the post can result in insufficient quality, particularly in terms of checking the tightening torque and the electrical terminals slipping or shifting relative to each other during screwing.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks related to fastening by screwing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The object of the present invention is achieved by a fastening device for fastening at least one electrical terminal to a conductive post that can be welded to a support. The fastening device comprises at least one spring and at least one locking means. In the locking position of the fastening device, the locking means is configured to hold at least one electrical terminal on the post, and the spring is at least partially loaded in the locking position.

[0005] Therefore, using such a fastening device is advantageous because it eliminates the need for nuts. This makes the fastening operation even simpler, as such a fastening device does not require the use of tools. In addition, since the spring is partially loaded into the locked position, contact is ensured without the need for a procedure to check the tightening torque.

[0006] The present invention relating to a fastening device for fastening at least one electrical terminal to a conductive post can be further improved by the following embodiments.

[0007] According to one embodiment, at least one spring can be housed in a compartment assembled by snap fitting.

[0008] Therefore, the fastening device can be assembled manually without using nuts or screws, i.e., by snap fitting, making assembly easy and quick.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the fastening device may further include a pressing surface, and the device may reach a locked position by applying pressure to the pressing surface in the locking direction.

[0010] Therefore, the lock position can be manually activated and reached by pressing the surface. This allows the lock position to be reached by a single, continuous motion by the operator without the use of tools. Thus, this type of fastening device enables simple, easy, and rapid locking.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the fastening device further comprises a hollow shank, the hollow shank having dimensions such that both sides of the fastening device extend in the locking direction from the pressing surface to the opposite side of the pressing surface, and the post is housed inside.

[0012] Therefore, the fastening device can be easily assembled to the post without the need to use screws or tools.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the fastening device may include two compression springs, wherein the diameter of the first spring is greater than the diameter of the second spring.

[0014] Therefore, the doubling of the springs in the fastening device further strengthens the fastening.

[0015] According to one embodiment, in the locked position, the direction of the restoring force applied by the first spring and the direction of the restoring force applied by the second spring may be relative to each other and parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the hollow shank.

[0016] Therefore, considering the arrangement of the hollow shank, which is positioned to accommodate the post against the pressing surface, it can be seen that the direction of the restoring force applied by the first and second springs, respectively, is parallel to the direction of locking. This allows the fastening device to be configured such that the first and second springs can be loaded until they reach the locked position using the pressure applied to the pressing surface in the locking direction. This allows the operator to activate the lock of the fastening device with a single continuous manual action, i.e., without the need to use any tools.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the hollow shank may include at least one opening in its side wall that is provided to receive a portion of the locking mechanism.

[0018] Therefore, the hollow shank is not only designed to house the post internally, but also has a locking function. This means that it can provide a particularly small fastening device.

[0019] According to one embodiment, at least one locking means may include an elastically deformable retaining circlip that is inserted into the locking means by sliding in an insertion direction which is lateral to the locking direction.

[0020] Therefore, the locking position can be fixed using the locking means without using nuts or tools. As a result, there is no need to check the tightening torque associated with the use of nuts, and the risk associated with loosening of this type of nut can be avoided.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the fastening device can comprise at least one spring and locking means, and optionally, the locking means are integrally formed.

[0022] Therefore, there is no need to perform an assembly step to install the locking means, which is advantageous as it reduces the number of parts of the fastening device.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the locking means can include a through-hole configured such that a post passes through it, and the through-hole can have a shape obtained by two circles with different diameters that partially overlap.

[0024] The two partially overlapping circles have the effect that the centers of the circles are offset, i.e., the centers of the circles do not coincide. The distance separating the centers of the circles of the through-hole allows the fastening device to be translated with respect to the post.

[0025] The object of the present invention is also achieved by a fastening assembly comprising a fastening device and an electrical terminal, the electrical terminal including a first portion to which an electrical cable is connected and a second portion having a through-hole through which a conductive post can pass, and at least one spring being arranged to at least partially contact the inner wall of the through-hole of the electrical terminal.

[0026] Therefore, the electrical contact between the electrical terminal and the conductive post is ensured by the spring. In addition, not only is manual assembly (without using tools) possible, but such an arrangement of the spring also means improving the miniaturization of the fastening assembly.

[0027] The present invention regarding a fastening assembly comprising a fastening device and an electrical terminal can be further improved by the following embodiments.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the electrical terminal can further include at least one protrusion arranged to provide a seating surface for a spring.

[0029] By providing the seating surface, the protrusion provides a receiving and supporting surface for the spring. Thus, the spring can be positioned on the electrical terminal by placing the spring on the seating surface. Thereby, the spring can be pre-assembled to the electrical terminal without the need for the locking means of the fastening device to hold the spring to the electrical terminal. Thus, loss of the spring can be avoided even before the locking means is attached to the electrical terminal.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the electrical terminal includes at least one flat protrusion that extends partially in a plane parallel to the seating surface of the at least one protrusion from a second portion towards the center side of the through hole of the electrical terminal.

[0031] Thus, when assembling the electrical terminal to the post, the at least one flat protrusion can be used to position the electrical terminal better. Further, the at least one protrusion can be used to better control the deformation of the spring and avoid disadvantages related to stress relaxation.

[0032] In addition, the spring can be held between the flat protrusion of the electrical terminal and the seating surface of the protrusion.

[0033] According to one embodiment, a groove can be provided in the locking means and configured such that a portion of the electrical terminal slides into the groove of the locking means.

[0034] The electrical terminal can be easily assembled to the locking means.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the locking means and the electrical terminals can be configured to be attached to each other by a positive lock.

[0036] Therefore, electrical terminals can be easily assembled to the locking mechanism without the need for any tools.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the pressing surface of the fastening device can be positioned such that it reaches the locked position by applying pressure in the locking direction to the pressing surface, and the locking direction is lateral to the central axis of the through hole of the electrical terminal.

[0038] Therefore, the lock position can be manually activated and reached by pressing the surface. This allows the lock position to be reached by a single, continuous motion by the operator without the use of tools. Thus, such a fastening assembly enables simple, easy, and rapid locking.

[0039] According to one embodiment, at least one spring may be a radial spring such that, in the locked position, the direction of the restoring force applied by at least one spring can be transverse to the longitudinal central axis of the through-hole of the electrical terminal.

[0040] Therefore, in the locked position, the spring is loaded by being compressed between the post housed in the through-hole of the electrical terminal and the inner wall of the electrical terminal. This loading of the spring ensures electrical contact between the inner wall of the electrical terminal and the post.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the electrical terminal includes at least one flat projection, which partially extends from a second portion toward the center of the through-hole of the electrical terminal.

[0042] Therefore, when assembling electrical terminals to the post, the use of at least one flat projection allows for better positioning of the electrical terminals. Furthermore, the use of at least one projection also allows for better control of spring deformation and avoidance of problems associated with stress relaxation.

[0043] The object of the present invention is also a method for fastening at least one electrical terminal to a conductive post including a head weldable to a support by a fastening device, the method being achieved by 1) mounting at least one electrical terminal and a fastening device to a post such that the post penetrates at least one electrical terminal and the fastening device and at least one electrical terminal is positioned between the head of the post and the fastening device; and 2) applying pressure in the locking direction to the pressing surface of the fastening device until the locking means of the fastening device reaches a locked position.

[0044] Therefore, a method for fastening at least one electrical terminal to a conductive post can be carried out in a simple manner without the use of tools. This eliminates the need for a screw fastening step and an auxiliary step for checking the tightening torque of the nut on the post. Thus, this method can provide a faster fastening method. In addition, the lock position can be activated manually by the pressing surface with a single continuous motion by the operator, and the lock position can be reached. Thus, such a fastening method enables simple, easy, and rapid locking.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the direction in which at least one electrical terminal and the fastening device are attached to the post in step 1), the locking direction, and the vertical central axis of the post may be parallel to each other.

[0046] Therefore, the operator can perform steps 1) and 2) of the method in the same direction, which is advantageous as it means that this type of fastening device can be fastened in environments where space for operation is limited.

[0047] According to one embodiment, in step 1), when at least one electrical terminal is positioned between the head of the post and the fastening device, the center of the circle with the larger diameter of the two circles that form the shape of the through-hole of the locking means can be aligned with the longitudinal central axis of the post, and in step 2), in the locked position, the center of the circle with the smaller diameter of the two circles that form the shape of the through-hole of the locking means can be aligned with the longitudinal central axis of the post.

[0048] The distance between the centers of the two circles that form the through-hole means that the fastening device can be moved in translational motion relative to the post between step 1) and step 2).

[0049] The present invention and its advantages will be described in more detail below, particularly with reference to the attached drawings, using preferred embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0050] [Figure 1] This is an exploded view of a fastening device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a fastening device in an assembled state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the first step of a method for fastening at least one electrical terminal to a conductive post using a fastening device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows a second step in a method for fastening at least one electrical terminal to a conductive post using a fastening device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4a] This is a cross-sectional view of Figure 4. [Figure 4b] This is a top perspective view of Figure 4. [Figure 5] This figure shows a third step in a method for fastening at least one electrical terminal to a conductive post using a fastening device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5a] This is a cross-sectional view of Figure 5. [Figure 5b]This is a top perspective view of Figure 5. [Figure 6] This figure shows the fourth step of a method for fastening at least one electrical terminal to a conductive post using a fastening device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6a] This is a cross-sectional view of Figure 6. [Figure 6b] This is a top perspective view of Figure 6. [Figure 7] This is an exploded view of a fastening assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7a] This figure shows the arrangement of springs in a fastening assembly according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7b] This figure shows the locking mechanism according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows a fastening assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which is assembled but not locked. [Figure 9] This figure shows the first step of a method for fastening at least one fastening assembly to a conductive post according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows a second step of a method for fastening at least one fastening assembly to a conductive post according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows a third step of a method for fastening at least one fastening assembly to a conductive post according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is a top view of four fastening assemblies according to the second embodiment, mounted on the same post. [Figure 14] This is a side view of four fastening assemblies according to the second embodiment, mounted on the same post. [Figure 15a] This figure shows a first modified example of a radial spring in a fastening assembly. [Figure 15b] This figure shows a second modified example of a radial spring in a fastening assembly. [Figure 15c]This figure shows a third modified example of a radial spring in a fastening assembly. [Figure 16a] This figure shows a first modified example of the electrical terminals of a fastening assembly. [Figure 16b] This figure shows a second modified example of the electrical terminals of a fastening assembly. [Figure 17] This is an exploded view of a fastening device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17a] This is a partial cross-sectional view of an electrical terminal. [Figure 18a] This figure shows the first step of the fastening assembly according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18b] This is a top view of Figure 18a. [Figure 19a] This figure shows the second step of the fastening assembly according to the third embodiment. [Figure 19b] This is a top view of Figure 19a. [Figure 20] This figure shows the first step of a method for fastening at least one fastening assembly to a conductive post according to a third embodiment. [Figure 21a] This figure shows a second step of a method for fastening at least one fastening assembly to a conductive post according to a third embodiment. [Figure 21b] This is a top view of Figure 21a. [Figure 22a] This figure shows a third step of a method for fastening at least one fastening assembly to a conductive post according to a third embodiment. [Figure 22b] This is a top view of Figure 22a. [Figure 22c] This is a cross-sectional view of Figure 22a. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0051] The present invention will be described in more detail below, with reference to the drawings, using advantageous embodiments as examples. It should be noted that the embodiments described are merely possible configurations, and the individual features described above can be provided independently of each other or may be completely omitted when carrying out the present invention.

[0052] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a fastening device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] The fastening device 1 includes a cover 3 that can be snap-fitted onto the base 5 according to the mounting direction Dm of the fastening device 1. The cover 3 is snap-fitted onto the base 5 by engaging the snap-fitting element 7 of the cover 3 with two shanks 9 that protrude from the base 5 and have hook-shaped heads 11.

[0054] The fastening device 1 further comprises a retaining circlip 13 and a locking portion 15. The retaining circlip 13 is elastically deformable and is provided to slide in the insertion direction Di, which is lateral to the mounting direction Dm, to insert into the cover 3. The retaining circlip 13 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a substantially U-shaped flat strip 13a. The retaining circlip 13 includes a central portion 17, from which two flat elastic arms 19a and 19b extend. The central portion 17 and the arms 19a and 19b define an open internal region 21 between them. In the plane of the flat strip 13a, when the retaining circlip 13 is not deformed, i.e., when no stress is applied, the open internal region 21 has a substantially circular shape at the level of the central portion 17 and a substantially rectangular shape along the elastic arms 19a and 19b. Thus, the distance between the elastic arms at the level of the central portion 17 (distance l1) is longer than the distance of the remaining parts of the elastic arms 19a and 19b (distance l2). In a modified version of the first embodiment, the retaining circlip may be arc-shaped, semicircular, or V-shaped.

[0055] The locking portion 15 includes a base 23 in the shape of a flat ring having a first surface 25a and a second surface 25b opposite to the first surface 25a. Four projections 27a, 27b, 29a, and 29b project from surface 25a in the direction opposite to surface 25b. The four projections 27a, 27b, 29a, and 29b are positioned on surface 25a of the base 23 so as to be equally spaced from each other. Each of the four projections 27a, 27b, 29a, and 29b has a substantially triangular cross-section. In the first embodiment of the present invention, projections 27a and 27b are longer than projections 29a and 29b. As will be described in more detail later, projections 27a and 27b have a guiding function during the assembly of the fastening device 1, and projections 29a and 29b have a locking function for the retaining circlip 13, as will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 4a, 5a, and 6a. The locking portion 15 includes a through hole 31 having a circular cross-section. The locking portion 15 is sized to fit between the cover 3 and the base 5.

[0056] The fastening device 1 further comprises a hollow shank 33 having a substantially circular cross-section. The hollow shank 33 is formed by a side wall 35 extending along the longitudinal central axis A1 of the hollow shank 33. Along the longitudinal central axis A1, the side wall 35 includes two openings 37a, 37b that are opposite to each other. At the first end 39a of the hollow shank 33, two ears 41a, 41b project outward from the side wall 35 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis A1. The ears 41a, 41b are fastening ears that enable assembly with the base 5 by snap fitting. The first end 39a and the second end 39b opposite to the first end 39a each include two notches 43a, 43b that are opposite to each other. Each notch 43a at the level of the first end 39a includes a retaining strip 45a that protrudes from the notch 43a toward the first end 39a side of the hollow shank 33 along the longitudinal central axis A1.

[0057] The fastening device 1 according to the present invention comprises a first spring 47 and a second spring 49. The first spring 47 and the second spring 49 are compression springs. The diameter l3 of the first spring 47 is larger than the diameter l4 of the second spring 49. In the first embodiment, the first spring 47 and the second spring 49 are cylindrical and helical compression springs.

[0058] In a modified example, the fastening device 1 may include one or more cylindrical multi-turn wave springs or leaf springs. In another modified example, the first spring may be of a different type from the second spring, for example, the first cylindrical multi-turn wave spring and the second helical spring. The first spring 47 and the second spring 49 may have the same strength or different strengths. In yet another modified example, the fastening device 1 may include three or more springs.

[0059] The fastening device 1 will be described in more detail below using Figure 2, a cross-sectional view of the fastening device 1 in an assembled but unlocked state.

[0060] Elements with the same reference numerals as those already used in Figure 1 will not be explained in detail again; please refer to the explanation above.

[0061] The structure of the cover 3 and base 5 shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 2 will be explained in more detail below.

[0062] The cover 3 includes a substantially cylindrical portion 51. The first base plate 53 of the cylindrical portion 51 is the pressing surface 55 of the fastening device 1. On the second base 57 opposite to the first base 53, a snap-fit ​​element 7 is provided, projecting perpendicularly from the second base 57 in the direction opposite to the first base 53. A side wall 59 extends perpendicularly from the first base 53 towards the second base 57 so as to define an annular groove 61 along the outer circumference 53a of the first base 53. The annular groove 61 has a width l5 suitable for receiving the first spring 47. To make the structure of the cover 3 lightweight, the cover 3 includes a number of voids 63 extending from the first base 53. In addition, a through hole 65 with a circular cross-section penetrates the cover 3 from one side to the other, i.e., from the first base 53 to the second base 57.

[0063] The base 5 includes a portion 67 having a substantially cylindrical shape. The cylindrical portion 67 is defined by side walls 67a extending around the longitudinal central axis A2 of the cylindrical portion 67. The cylindrical portion 67 includes a first open end 69 and a second end 71 opposite to the first end 69. The second end 71 includes a flat bottom 73. A through hole 75 having a circular cross-section centered on the longitudinal axis A2 of the cylindrical portion 67 of the base 5 penetrates the bottom 73 of the second end 71 of the base 5. The bottom 73 of the second end 71 is further provided with a first annular groove 77 defined by the first side wall 79 and the second side wall 81, the second side wall 81 protruding from around the through hole 75. The first annular groove 77 has a width l6 suitable for housing a second spring 49 inside. The base 5 includes a second annular groove 83 defined by the side wall 67a of the cylindrical portion 67 and an annular circular trough 85. The second annular groove 83 has a width l7 suitable for housing the first spring 47 inside.

[0064] The cover 3, base 5, locking portion 15, and hollow shank 33 are formed from plastic material. Elements 3, 5, 15, and 33 can be formed, in particular, by injection molding.

[0065] The assembly of the fastening device 1 shown in Figure 2 will be described below.

[0066] In the assembled but unlocked state of the fastening device 1 shown in Figure 2, the hollow shank 33 engages with a flat surface 73 at the level of the through hole 75 of the base 5, and in the base 5, the hollow shank 33 is held by fastening lugs 41a, 41b and retaining strip 45a. The fastening lugs 41a, 41b and retaining strip 45a snap into corresponding openings 81a in the second side wall 81 of the base 5 that protrude from around the through hole 75.

[0067] The first spring 47 is positioned in the second annular groove 83 of the base 5.

[0068] The second spring 49 is mounted on the hollow shank 33 so as to be centered on the vertical central axis A1 of the hollow shank 33. The second spring 49 is positioned in the first annular groove 77 of the base 5.

[0069] The locking portion 15 is mounted on the hollow shank 33 at the level of its through hole 31. Therefore, the surface 25b of the base 23 of the locking portion 15 contacts the second spring 49.

[0070] The retaining circlip 13 slides into the cover 3 in the insertion direction Di, which is lateral to the mounting direction Dm. The two flat elastic arms 19a and 19b of the retaining circlip 13 extend on both sides of the through hole 65 in the cover 3 and partially extend into the through hole 65. In the assembled but unlocked state of the fastening device 1 shown in Figure 2, no stress is applied to the retaining circlip 13, and the retaining circlip 13 is not deformed.

[0071] The cover 3, with the retaining circlip 13 inserted, is attached to the rest of the fastening device 1 in the mounting direction Dm. Thus, one end 47a of the first spring 47 is positioned in the annular groove 61 of the cover 3, and the second end 47b of the first spring 47, opposite to the first end 47a, is positioned in the annular groove 83 of the base 5. The cover 3 is snapped onto the base 5 by engaging the snap-fit ​​element 7 of the cover 3 with two shanks 9 that protrude from the base 5 and have hook-shaped heads 11. Thus, by snapping the cover 3 onto the base 5, compartments are formed in which the first spring 47 and the second spring 49 are housed and held. When snapping the cover 3 onto the base 5, the protrusions 27a and 27b of the locking portion 45 slide into the corresponding openings of the cover 3 (not visible in Figures 1 and 2) to guide both elements 3 and 5 together.

[0072] Since the fastening device 1 is assembled using a snap-fit ​​mechanism, it is possible to assemble the fastening device 1 manually in a simple manner without the need for tools.

[0073] Figures 3 to 6 show a series of steps in a method for fastening at least one electrical terminal to a conductive post using a fastening device 1 according to the first embodiment. Elements with the same reference numerals as those already used in Figures 1 and 2 will not be described in detail again; please refer to the description above.

[0074] Figure 3 shows a metal support 87, which may be the body of a vehicle to which a conductive post 89 is welded. The post 89 is substantially cylindrical in shape. The post 89 includes a head plate 93 at the level of one end 91, which is configured to be welded to the support 87. The head plate 93 of the post 89 includes a collar 95. The post 89 is provided with a portion 97 including an annular groove 99. One end 101 of the post 89, opposite to the end 91, is chamfered.

[0075] As shown in Figure 3, four electrical terminals 103a to 103d, known in the art, are mounted on the post 89 and in contact with the collar 95 of the post 89. The number of electrical terminals is not limited to four. Note that the fastening device 1 is compatible with flat terminals of any thickness, and therefore, regardless of the number and configuration of flat terminals, any type of flat terminal can be fastened using the fastening device 1. In the example shown in Figure 3, the electrical terminals 103a to 103d are ring terminals including a first part 105 (not visible in Figure 3) to which an electrical cable is connected, and a second part 107 having a through hole (not visible in Figure 3) through which the post can pass. In a modified example, the electrical terminals 103a to 103d are fork electrical terminals.

[0076] In the first step of the method shown in Figure 3, the fastening device 1 is in an unlocked assembly position. The fastening device 1 is brought closer to the post 89 so that the longitudinal central axis A3 of the post 89 is aligned with the longitudinal central axis A1 of the hollow shank 33 of the fastening device 1.

[0077] Figures 4, 4a, and 4b show the fastening device 1 assembled to post 89 and in an unlocked state.

[0078] As shown in Figure 4, the fastening device 1 is attached to the post 89 in an assembly direction Da parallel to the vertical central axis A3 of the post 89.

[0079] As shown in Figure 4a, the post 89 is housed in the hollow shank 33 of the fastening device 1. The bottom portion 103 of the base 5 rests on the second portion 107 of the electrical terminals 103a-103d. The portion 103 is in direct contact with the second portion 107 of the electrical terminal 103a. In this step of the method, the fastening device 1 is not yet locked, and the electrical terminals 103a-103d can still be displaced radially around the longitudinal central axis of the post A1.

[0080] In this step, no stress is applied to the first spring 47 and the second spring 49; that is, the first spring 47 and the second spring 49 are neither loaded nor compressed. With no stress applied to the springs 47 and 49, the cover 3 and the base 5 are separated by a distance l8.

[0081] The cross-sectional view in Figure 4a and the top perspective view in Figure 4b show the position of the retaining circlip 13 in this step of the method, before the fastening device 1 is locked. Figure 4a shows that the elastic arms 19a, 19b of the retaining circlip 13 are positioned at the height of the chamfered portion of the end 101 of the post 89.

[0082] The shaded areas 109a and 109b in Figure 4b indicate portions 109a and 109b of the elastic arms 19a and 19b that partially extend into the through-hole 65 of the cover 3.

[0083] Figure 4b also shows how, in the assembled state of the fastening device 1, the retaining circlip 13 is inserted into the corresponding groove of the cover 3 in the insertion direction Di such that the flat strip 13a is parallel to the pressing surface 55 of the cover 3.

[0084] Figures 5, 5a, and 5b show the fastening device 1 assembled to the post 89 in an intermediate state between the unlocked state and the locked position.

[0085] In the steps shown in Figure 5, a pressing force P is applied to the pressing surface 55 of the cover 3 of the fastening device 1. The pressing force P is applied in the assembly direction Da and in the locking direction Dv, which is parallel to the longitudinal central axis A3 of the post 89.

[0086] The pressure P applied to the pressing surface 55 compresses the first spring 47 and the second spring 49. Consequently, the distance l9 between the cover 3 and the base 5 is shorter than the distance l8 in the previous step shown in Figure 4.

[0087] As shown in Figure 5a, the pressure P applied to the pressing surface 55 displaces the cover 3 toward the base 5 so that the hollow shank 33 housing the post 89 partially engages with the through hole 65 in the cover 3. Due to this displacement of the cover 3, portions 109a and 109b of the elastic arms 19a and 19b come into contact with the notch 43b at the end 39b of the hollow shank 33 due to the applied pressure P, causing the elastic arms 19a and 19b of the retaining circlip 13 to elastically deform (as shown in Figure 5b).

[0088] Figure 5b shows the elastic deformation of the elastic arms 19a and 19b of the retaining circlip 13, which are further apart from each other compared to the position of the circlip 13 where no stress is applied, as seen in Figure 4b.

[0089] In this intermediate state of the method shown in Figure 5a, the elastic arms 19a and 19b of the retaining circlip 13 come into contact with the protrusions 29a and 29b of the locking portion 15. Due to the action of the applied pressure P, the locking portion 15 pushes the second spring 49, thereby compressing the second spring 49.

[0090] Figures 6, 6a, and 6b show the fastening device 1 assembled to the post 89 in the locked position. In the locked position, the electrical terminals are secured to the post 89 by the fastening device 1, which is in the locked state.

[0091] The pressure P applied to the pressing surface 55 compresses the first spring 47 and the second spring 49 such that, in the locked position, the distance l10 between the cover 3 and the base 5 is shorter than the distances l8 and l9 shown in Figures 4 and 5 illustrating the previous steps of the method.

[0092] In the locked position, the elastic arms 19a and 19b of the retaining circlip 13 return to their initial state, as shown in the steps in Figure 4b; that is, the elastic arms 19a and 19b are no longer deformed. Due to the action of the pressure P applied to the pressing surface 55, which compressed the springs 47 and 49, the retaining circlip 13 is displaced and housed in the locking portion 15. The elastic arms 19a and 19b of the retaining circlip 13 are partially housed in the openings 37a and 37b of the hollow shank 33. The portions 111a and 111b of the elastic arms 19a and 19b housed in the openings 37a and 37b are shown by the shaded portions 111a and 111b in Figure 6b.

[0093] In the locked position, the elastic arms 19a and 19b are received in the grooves 99 of the post 89.

[0094] Therefore, in the locked position, the lock of the fastening device 1 is secured by the retaining circlip 13, which is itself locked by the locking portion 15. In fact, in the locked position, the retaining circlip 13 is fixed between the base 25a and projections 29a, 29b of the locking portion 15 and the bottom 57 of the cover 3 and the openings 37a, 37b of the hollow shank 33 of the fastening device 1. In addition, the locking portion 15 is pressed by a restoring force F applied by the second spring 49 in the direction opposite to the locking direction Dv. This means that the retaining circlip 13 can be fixed in the openings 37a, 37b of the hollow shank 33 of the fastening device 1.

[0095] The first spring 47 applies pressure to the first portion 107 of the electrical terminals 103a to 103d. This means that electrical contact between the electrical terminals 103a to 103d and the post 89 can be ensured, in particular by pressing the electrical terminals 103a to 103d against the collar 95 of the post 89.

[0096] In the locked position, radial movement of the electrical terminals 103a to 103d around the vertical central axis A3 of the post 89 is prevented by the fastening device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] The fastening device 1 allows for a simple, tool-free method of fastening at least one electrical terminal to a conductive post. This eliminates the need for a screwing step and an auxiliary step to verify the tightening torque of the nut on the post. In addition, the locking position can be activated and reached manually by the pressing surface 55 with a single continuous motion by the operator. Thus, such a fastening method enables simple, easy, and rapid locking. Furthermore, the fastening device 1 is compatible with flat electrical terminals of any thickness and configuration. Multiple electrical terminals, particularly at least four electrical terminals, can be fastened using a single fastening device 1.

[0098] The present invention also relates to an assembly of a fastening device 1 and a post 89 having at least one annular groove 99 configured to receive a retaining circlip 13 of the fastening device 1 in a locked position.

[0099] Figure 7 is an exploded view of a fastening assembly 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] The fastening assembly 2 comprises electrical terminals 4 and a fastening device 6.

[0101] The electrical terminal 4 has a shape known from prior art electrical terminals such as electrical ring terminals, but its dimensions are adapted to the fastening device 6. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the electrical terminal 4 is a ring terminal including a first portion 8 connected to an electrical cable (not shown in Figure 7) and a second portion 10 having a through hole 12 through which an electrical post (not shown in Figure 7) can pass. Therefore, the second portion 10 has the geometry of a flat ring 14. The dimensions of the flat ring 14 of the electrical terminal 4, in particular the thickness L1 of the flat ring 14, are adapted to the dimensions of the fastening device 6 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] The flat ring 14 includes a first flat surface 16 and a second flat surface 18 located opposite the first flat surface 16 along the longitudinal central axis C1 of the through hole 12. The first surface 16 is connected to the second surface 18 by an outer side wall 20 and an inner side wall 22. The inner side wall 22 corresponds to the inner side wall 24 of the through hole 12 of the electrical terminal 4.

[0103] In the modified example, electrical terminal 4 is an electrical fork terminal.

[0104] As shown in Figure 7, the fastening device 6 comprises a base 26, a spring 28, a cover 30, and a locking means 32 which itself includes a retaining circlip 34 and a locking portion 36.

[0105] The base 26, cover 30, and locking portion 36 are formed from plastic material, particularly by injection molding.

[0106] The base 26 includes a first surface 38 configured to receive the electrical terminal 4 and a second surface 40 opposite to the first surface 38, which is positioned on the head of the post in the assembled state of the fastening assembly 2. A through hole 42 having a substantially circular cross-section and a longitudinal central axis C2 penetrates the base 26 from the first surface 38 to the second surface 40. The first surface 38 of the base 26 includes a housing gap 44 having a geometry and dimensions adapted to receive the second portion 10 of the electrical terminal 4. The through hole 42 of the base 26 includes a shoulder portion 46 that partially extends from the first surface 38 toward the second surface 40. The shoulder portion 46 acts as a contact point for a spring 28. The spring 28 is a radial spring. The accommodation of the second portion 10 of the electrical terminal 4 in the housing gap 44 and the contact of the spring 28 with the shoulder portion 46 of the base 26 are shown in Figure 7a. As shown in Figure 7a, in the pre-assembled state, the spring 28 is partially loaded due to the force applied by the electrical terminal 4, which compresses the spring 28 radially with respect to the vertical central axis C1 of the electrical terminal 4. Therefore, conductive contact occurs between the electrical terminal 4 and the radial spring 28, which is itself conductive. The restoring force of the spring 28 is in the lateral direction with respect to the vertical central axis C1. The loaded state of the spring 28 will be described in more detail later with reference to Figure 12.

[0107] The base 26 further includes two retaining openings 48 with a substantially rectangular cross-section along the outer side wall 50 of the base 26, which connects the first surface 38 to the second surface 40. The retaining openings 48 of the base 26 are configured to receive the respective retaining strips 52 of the cover 30.

[0108] The cover 30 includes a first surface 54 configured to receive the locking means 32, and a second surface 56 opposite to the first surface 54, provided to accommodate the second portion 10 of the electrical terminal 4.

[0109] A through-hole 58 having a substantially circular cross-section and a longitudinal central axis C3 penetrates the cover 30 from a first surface 54 to a second surface 56. The first surface 54 of the cover 30 connects to the second surface 56 via an inner side wall 60 at the level of the through-hole 58. Retaining strips 52 of the cover 30 are positioned along the outer side wall 62 connecting the first surface 54 to the second surface 56 of the cover 30. Each retaining strip 52 extends from a projection 64 that protrudes from the first surface 54 of the cover 30 in the opposite direction to the second surface 56. Each retaining strip 52 has a hook-shaped head 66 configured to snap into a corresponding retaining opening 48 of the base 26. Each of the two projections 64 extending from the first surface 56 of the cover 30 further includes a groove 68. The two projections 64 are positioned such that the grooves 68 are parallel to and opposite to each other.

[0110] The second surface 56 of the cover 30, which is not visible in Figure 7, is designed substantially the same as the first surface 38 of the base 26. That is, the second surface 56 also includes a housing gap, which is configured to accommodate the second portion 10 and shoulder of the electrical terminal 4 at the level of a through-hole 58 configured to accommodate the spring 28.

[0111] The fastening device 6 further comprises a locking means 32, the locking means 32 itself including a retaining circlip 34 provided to be assembled to the locking portion 36 by snap-fitting. The retaining circlip 34 has the shape of a circular flat arc and has a longitudinal central axis C4. The retaining circlip 34 includes two free ends 70a, 70b. Each of the free ends 70a, 70b includes flat projections 72a, 72b that project toward the longitudinal central axis C4 in the plane of the flat retaining circlip 34. The retaining circlip 34 further includes a flat projection 74 positioned equidistant from the free ends 70a, 70b and projecting toward the longitudinal central axis C4 in the plane of the flat retaining circlip 34. The projections 74 of the retaining circlip 34 can be snap-fitted into corresponding notches 76 of the locking portion 36.

[0112] The locking portion 36 is roughly U-shaped. The locking portion 36 includes a central portion 78 from which two arms 80 extend parallel to each other. Each of the arms 80 includes a protruding strip 82 along the arm 80. The strips 82 are configured to slide into corresponding grooves 68 of the cover 30 of the electrical terminal 4.

[0113] The notch 76 is positioned at the level of the central portion 78 of the locking portion 36.

[0114] Figure 7b shows the locking mechanism 32 in the assembled state, i.e., when the retaining circlip 34 is engaged with the locking portion 36. The retaining circlip 34 is fixed to the locking portion 36 by flat protrusions 84a, 84b, and 86 that protrude from the locking portion 36.

[0115] As shown in Figures 7 and 7b, the locking portion 36 includes a pressing surface 88 at the level of the central portion 78. The pressing surface 88 is provided by an L-shaped projection 90 extending from the central portion 78 in the direction opposite to the arm 80 of the locking portion 36. The pressing surface 88 has a wavy surface to enhance contact when an operator manually applies pressure to the pressing surface 88. In addition, the pressing surface 88 has a height L2 that is suitable for the operator's finger to apply pressure to the pressing surface 88.

[0116] Figure 7b also shows how the protrusions 92, which have a triangular cross-section, protrude from each of the arms 80 of the locking part 36. The protrusions 92 protrude from the surface 94 of the locking part 36, which slides on the first surface 54 of the cover 30. As seen in Figure 8 and described later, the protrusions 92 act to hold the locking means 32 together with the cover 30 in a pre-assembled position.

[0117] In the modified example, the function of the retaining circlip 34 is integrated with the function of the locking portion 36, so that the locking means 32 is formed from a single-piece component. This is advantageous because it reduces the number of parts in this type of fastening assembly.

[0118] Figure 8 shows a fastening assembly 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in an assembled but unlocked state. Elements with the same reference numerals as those already used in Figures 7, 7a, and 7b will not be described in detail again; please refer to the description above.

[0119] As shown in Figure 8, in the assembled but unlocked state, the fastening device 6 is assembled by snap-fitting to hold the electrical terminal 4 and the radial spring 28. In the assembled but unlocked state, the radial spring 28 is loaded by the force applied by the electrical terminal 4. The spring 28 remains loaded in the compartment formed by snap-fitting the cover 30 to the base 26. The cover 30 is held on the base 26 by snap-fitting the retaining strip 52 of the cover 30 into the retaining opening 48 of the base 26 (the retaining opening 48 of the base 26 is not visible in Figure 8; see Figure 7a). In the assembled but unlocked state, the locking means 32 is partially slid into the groove 68 of the cover 30 in the insertion direction Di, which is lateral to the longitudinal central axis C1 of the electrical terminal 4. The locking mechanism 32 is held in place by the projection 92 of the locking portion 36 contacting a complementary projection 96 that protrudes from the first surface 54 of the cover 30. When positioning the locking mechanism 32, the retaining strip 82 of the locking portion 36 slides behind the retaining strip 52 of the cover 30, making it more difficult for the locking portion 36 and the cover 30 to accidentally detach. Thus, unintended detachment of the locking mechanism 32, or even loss of the locking mechanism 32, during transport or storage of the fastening assembly 2 can be avoided.

[0120] Figures 9 to 12 show the sequential steps of a method for fastening the fastening assembly 2 to the conductive post 98 according to the second embodiment. Elements with the same reference numerals as those already used in Figures 7, 7a, 7b, and 8 will not be described in detail again; please refer to the description above.

[0121] Figure 9 shows the first step of a method for fastening the fastening assembly 2 to the conductive post 98 according to the second embodiment.

[0122] Figure 9 shows a metal support 100, which may be the body of a vehicle to which a conductive post 98 is welded. The post 98 is substantially cylindrical in shape. The post 98 includes a head plate 104 at the level of one end 102, which is configured to be welded to the support 100. The head plate 104 of the post 98 includes a collar 106. The post 98 is provided with an annular groove 108. In the example shown in Figure 9, the number of annular grooves 108 is not limited to four, and the annular grooves 108 are positioned equidistant from each other along the longitudinal central axis C5 of the post 98. The annular grooves 108 are spaced apart from each other so that fastening assemblies 2 can be stacked along the longitudinal central axis C5 of the post 98, as seen in Figure 14.

[0123] The end 110 of post 98 opposite to the end 102 of post 98 is chamfered.

[0124] In the first step of the method shown in Figure 9, the fastening assembly 2 is assembled but not locked. The fastening device 2 is brought closer to the post 98 so that the vertical central axis C5 of the post 98 is aligned with the vertical central axis C1 of the electrical terminal 4.

[0125] Figure 10 shows the second step of a method for fastening the fastening assembly 2 to the conductive post 98 according to the second embodiment.

[0126] As shown in Figure 10, the fastening assembly 2 is mounted on the post 98 in an assembly direction Da parallel to the vertical central axis C5 of the post 98. Thus, the post 98 passes through the through hole 42 of the base 26, the through hole 12 of the electrical terminal 4, and the through hole 58 of the cover 30.

[0127] As can be seen in Figure 10, fastening assembly 2 is not yet locked.

[0128] To lock the fastening assembly 2, pressure P is applied in the locking direction Dv to the pressing surface 88 of the locking portion 36 of the locking means 32. The locking direction Dv is lateral with respect to the longitudinal central axis C1 of the electrical terminal 4 and the longitudinal central axis C5 of the post 98. Therefore, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the unlocking direction Dv is lateral with respect to the assembly direction Da.

[0129] Figures 11 and 12 show a third step in the method for fastening the fastening assembly 2 to the conductive post 98 according to the second embodiment. In the steps shown in Figures 11 and 12, the fastening assembly 2 is assembled and locked.

[0130] As shown by arrow P in Figure 11, the pressure applied to the pressing surface 88 in the locking direction Dv causes the arm 80 of the locking part 36 to slide into the groove 68 of the cover 30 of the fastening assembly 2, thereby displacing the locking means 32. The locking means 32 slides until it reaches the locked position where it is fixed to the cover 30 by positive locking.

[0131] As seen in Figure 12, a cross-sectional view of the assembled and locked fastening assembly 2 of Figure 11, the projections 72a and 72b of the retaining circlip 34 are accommodated in the annular groove 108 of the post 98. Thus, the fastening assembly 2 is held along the axis B1 parallel to the longitudinal central axis C5 of the post 98.

[0132] In the second embodiment, the fastening assembly 2 can be radially displaced about the longitudinal central axis C5 of the post 98. The radial displacement of the fastening assembly 2 is shown by the double-headed arrow B2 in Figure 13. Thus, the second embodiment can be advantageously used to adjust or readjust the position of the electrical terminals without creating a risk of the electrical terminals 4 becoming detached from the post 98 after actual assembly and locking. Thus, in the second embodiment, the angles α1 to α4 between the electrical terminals 4 can be adjusted when the fastening assembly 2 is assembled and locked to the post 98.

[0133] Returning to Figure 12, note that the second surface 40 of the base 26, which is non-conductive because it is formed from a plastic material, contacts and rests on the collar 106 of the head 104 of the conductive post 98. In the second embodiment, electrical contact between the electrical terminal 4 and the post 98 is ensured by a radial spring 28. In the assembled and locked position, the radial spring 28 is compressed between the inner side wall 22 of the flat ring 14 of the electrical terminal 4 and the side wall 98a of the post 98. Thus, the spring 28 is compressed radially in a direction B2 (indicated by a double-headed arrow in Figure 12) which is transverse to the longitudinal central axis C5 of the post 98 and the longitudinal central axis C1 of the electrical terminal 4.

[0134] Figure 14 is a side view of four fastening assemblies 2 according to a second embodiment, which are mounted on a post 98 and stacked on top of each other along the longitudinal central axis C5 of the post 98. Thus, as seen in Figure 14, the structure of the fastening assemblies 2 is configured to allow multiple electrical terminals, in particular four electrical terminals, to be stacked on a single identical post.

[0135] A method for fastening at least one fastening assembly 2 to a conductive post 98 can be carried out in a simple manner without the use of tools. This eliminates the need for a screwing step and an auxiliary step for checking the tightening torque of the nut on the post. In addition, the lock position can be activated and reached manually by the pressing surface 88 with a single continuous motion by the operator. Thus, such a fastening method enables simple, easy, and rapid locking. Furthermore, the position of the electrical terminals can be adjusted even when assembled and locked by using the fastening assembly 2 to allow radial displacement B2 of one or more electrical terminals around the longitudinal central axis C5 of the post 98.

[0136] Figures 15a, 15b, and 15c show examples of radial springs 28a, 28b, and 28c of the fastening assembly 2.

[0137] Figure 15a shows a substantially circular, partially open radial spring 28a. Radial spring 28a corresponds to spring 28 shown in Figures 7, 7a, 8, 9, and 12. Radial spring 28a includes two hoops 112, 114 that are open to define an opening 116 and a through hole 118. The two hoops 112, 114 are connected together by half turns 120a, 120b. The turns 120a, 120b are positioned continuously along the hoops 112, 114 such that one 120a faces the opposite side of the other 120b. The first set of turns 120a includes turns 120a positioned and oriented to contact the post when the fastening assembly according to the second embodiment, which includes radial spring 28a, is assembled to the post and locked. The second set of turns 120b includes turns positioned and oriented to contact the inner side wall of the electrical terminal when the radial spring 28a is assembled to the fastening assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 above is a cross-sectional view showing the first set of turns of the spring 28 in contact with the side wall 98a of the post 98 and the second set of turns in contact with the inner side wall 22 of the electrical terminal 4.

[0138] Figure 15b shows a modified radial spring of the fastening assembly 2. The spring 28b shown in Figure 15b is a semi-radial spring. The semi-radial spring 28b includes one open hoop 122 defining an opening 124 and a through hole 126. Multiple strips 128 protrude from the hoop 122. The first curved portion 128a of each strip 128 is positioned and oriented to contact the post when the fastening assembly according to the second embodiment, which includes the semi-radial spring 28b, is assembled to the post and locked. The second flat portion 128b of each strip 128 is configured to contact the flat surface of the electrical terminal 4, similar to the second flat surface 18 of the electrical terminal 4 shown in Figure 7. The configuration of the semi-radial spring 28b provides greater flexibility.

[0139] Figure 15c shows another modification of the radial spring of the fastening assembly 2. The spring 28c shown in Figure 15c includes a flat ring 130 defining a through hole 132. The flat ring 130 is defined by an inner side wall 134 and an outer side wall 136 at the level of the through hole 132. A first set of strips 138 protrudes from the inner side wall 134 of the spring 28c. A second set of strips 140 protrudes from the outer side wall 136 of the spring 28c. The first set of strips 138 and the second set of strips 140 protrude in opposite directions (along the Z-axis of the Cartesian coordinates shown in Figure 15c) substantially transverse to the plane (XY) of the flat ring 130. The strip 138 includes a first curved portion 138a and a second flat portion 138b extending along the Z-axis. The strip 140 includes a first curved portion 140a and a second flat portion 140b extending along the Z-axis. The second flat portion 138b of each strip of the first set of strips 138 is positioned and oriented to contact the post when the fastening assembly according to the second embodiment, which includes the spring 28c, is assembled to the post and locked. The second flat portion 140b of each strip of the first set of strips 140 is positioned and oriented to contact the inner side wall of the electrical terminal when the spring 28c is assembled to the fastening assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] Figures 16a and 16b show modified electrical terminals of a fastening assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Elements with the same reference numerals as those already used in Figures 7 to 14 will not be described in detail again; please refer to the above description.

[0141] Figure 16a shows an electrical terminal 4a that differs from the electrical terminal 4 described in Figure 7, in that the flat projection 142 protrudes from the inner side wall 22 of the electrical terminal toward the center of the through hole 12 through which the vertical central axis C1 passes. The flat projection 142 has a thickness L1 and a partially circular shape.

[0142] Figure 16a is a partial view of a fastening assembly 2a according to a modification of a second embodiment of the present invention, further comprising an electrical terminal 4a and a plurality of radial springs 28d. Since the electrical terminal 4a is provided with three flat protrusions 142, the fastening assembly 2a comprises three radial springs 28d positioned between each protrusion 142 of the electrical terminal 4a. The radial springs 28d correspond to the cut portions of radial springs, similar to the radial springs 28 and 28a described above.

[0143] Figure 16b is substantially the same as the electrical terminal 4a described in Figure 16a, but shows an electrical terminal 4b in which the protruding portion 142 has a considerably elliptical shape in the planes of the first surface 16 and the second surface 18 of the electrical terminal.

[0144] Figure 16b is a partial view of a fastening assembly 2b according to a modification of a second embodiment of the present invention, comprising an electrical terminal 4b and a plurality of radial springs 28e. Since the electrical terminal 4b is provided with four flat protrusions 142, the fastening assembly 2b comprises four radial springs 28e positioned between each protrusion 142 of the electrical terminal 4b. The radial springs 28e correspond to the cut portions of radial springs, similar to the springs 28e described above.

[0145] Furthermore, using Figure 16b, it can be shown how electrical contact between the post 98 and the electrical terminal 4b is ensured by, on the one hand, contact between the second flat portion 138b of the first set of strips 138 and the side wall 98a of the post 98, and on the other hand, by contact between the second flat portion 140b of the second set of strips 140 and the inner side wall 22 of the electrical terminal 4b.

[0146] The flat protrusions 142 of the electrical terminals 4a and 4b shown in Figures 16a and 16b allow for better positioning when assembling the electrical terminals 4a and 4b to the post. Furthermore, the flat protrusions 142 allow for better control of the deformation of the radial springs 28d and 28e, avoiding problems associated with stress relaxation over time.

[0147] The number and geometry of the flat protrusions 142 for each electrical terminal are not limited to the examples in Figures 16a and 16b.

[0148] The present invention also relates to a fastening assembly 2 and a post 98 including at least one annular groove 108 configured to receive a retaining circlip 34 of the fastening assembly 2 in a locked position.

[0149] Figure 17 is an exploded view of a fastening assembly 202 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0150] The fastening assembly 202 comprises an electrical terminal 204 and a fastening device 206. The fastening device 206 according to the third embodiment comprises a locking means 208 and a spring 210.

[0151] Spring 210 is a closed circular, or in other words, an annular helical spring. Therefore, spring 210 contains multiple turns 210a.

[0152] In modified examples not shown, the fastening device 206 according to the third embodiment may include a locking means 208 and a plurality of springs, for example, a plurality of springs 28a to 28e of the fastening assembly 2b shown in Figure 16b.

[0153] The electrical terminal 204 according to the third embodiment will be described below, followed by a description of the fastening device 206.

[0154] The electrical terminal 204 is a ring-type electrical terminal and includes a first portion 212 to which an electrical cable (not shown in Figure 17) is connected, and a second portion 214 having a through hole 216 through which an electrical post (not shown in Figure 17) passes.

[0155] The second portion 214 of the electrical terminal 204 includes a first flat surface 218 and a second flat surface 220 opposite to the first flat surface 218 along the longitudinal central axis C1 of the through hole 216. Figure 17 also shows the outer side wall 222 and the inner side wall 224 of the electrical terminal 204. The inner side wall 224 corresponds to the inner side wall 226 of the through hole 216 of the electrical terminal 204.

[0156] The dimensions of the electrical terminal 204, particularly the thickness E1 between the first flat surface 218 and the second flat surface 220, are adapted to the dimensions of the fastening device 206 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] Similar to the electrical terminals 4a and 4b of the modified version of the second embodiment, the electrical terminal 204 according to the third embodiment also includes a flat projection 228 that protrudes from the inner side wall 224 of the electrical terminal 204 toward the longitudinal central axis C1 of the through hole 216. The flat projection 228 has a thickness E1, and the free end 230 of the flat projection 228 is substantially elliptical in shape.

[0158] The structure of the second portion 214 according to the third embodiment differs from the structure of the second portions 107, 10 of the electrical terminals 103a-103d, 4, 4a, 4b in the first and second embodiments, in that the second portion 214 further includes projections 232 arranged to provide seating surfaces 234 for the springs 210, respectively.

[0159] The protruding portion 232 and the flat protruding portion 228 are arranged alternately around the vertical central axis C1, with one 232 being relative to the other 228.

[0160] The electrical terminal 204 shown in Figure 17 includes four protrusions 232. However, the number of protrusions 232 is not limited, and according to a modification of the third embodiment, there may be fewer or more than four.

[0161] Since the four protrusions 232 shown in Figure 17 are identical, the singular form will be used below when describing the protrusions 232. Below, Figure 17 will be referred to in combination with Figure 17a, which is a schematic cross-sectional view of the protrusions 232.

[0162] The projection 232 includes a first portion 236 that extends laterally from the second flat surface 220 over a length E2, i.e., in a direction parallel to the longitudinal central axis C1.

[0163] The second portion 238 of the projection 232 extends from the first portion 236 in a plane parallel to the second flat surface 220, toward the longitudinal central axis C1, over a length E3.

[0164] Therefore, the first portion 236 and the second portion 238 of the protruding portion 232 form approximately a right angle between them.

[0165] The second portion 238 provides a seating surface 234 for the spring 210. The seating surface 214 includes a free end 240 opposite to the end 242 adjacent to the first portion 236.

[0166] By providing the seating surface 234, the projection 232 provides a receiving support surface for the spring 210. Therefore, the spring 210 can be positioned on the electrical terminal 204 by placing it on each seating surface 234. Thus, a feature of the electrical terminal 204 of the third embodiment that distinguishes it from the features of the electrical terminal of the previous embodiment is that the spring 210 can be pre-assembled to the electrical terminal 204 without requiring the locking means 208 of the fastening device 206 to hold the spring 210 to the electrical terminal 204.

[0167] The locking mechanism 208 functions to fasten the electrical terminal 204 to a conductive post (not shown in Figure 17; see Figure 20 below).

[0168] In the third embodiment, the locking means 208 is integrally formed. The fastening device 206 is formed from a plastic material, particularly by injection molding. Therefore, an assembly step for assembling the locking means 208 is unnecessary, which is advantageous as it reduces the number of parts in the fastening device 206.

[0169] The locking mechanism 208 includes a flat base 244. The flat base 244 includes a first surface 246 configured to contact the electrical terminal 204 when the fastening assembly 202 is assembled, and a second surface 248 opposite to the first surface 246.

[0170] The flat base 244 has a shape that is substantially complementary to the second portion 214 of the electrical terminal 204.

[0171] The flat base 244 is partially adjacent to a side wall 250 that extends laterally from the first surface 246 over a length E4. Length E4 is approximately equal to length E2. This is clearly shown in Figure 17a, which will be discussed later.

[0172] The portion 252 of the flat base 244 is not adjacent to the side wall 250, and the second portion 214 of the electrical terminal 204 is inserted into the locking means 208, and in particular, can be made to move in translation.

[0173] For this purpose, a longitudinal groove 258 having a thickness E5 is provided on the inner surface 254 of the side wall 250. The longitudinal groove 258 is configured so that the second portion 214 of the electrical terminal 204 can be inserted by translational motion. Therefore, the thickness E5 is determined so that the groove 258 can receive the electrical terminal 204 having a thickness E1.

[0174] Although not shown in Figure 17, the groove 258 includes two projections, which are positioned so that a projection 260 extending from the side wall 222 of the electrical terminal 204 is fixed against the projection when the fastening assembly 202 is in the locked position, as will be further described with reference to Figures 19a and 19b.

[0175] The locking mechanism 208 further includes a through-hole 262. In the plane of the flat base 244, the through-hole 262 has a shape obtained by two partially overlapping circles 264c, 266c (shown as dashed lines in Figure 17) having centers c1, c2 and different diameters d1, d2.

[0176] Given that the through-hole 262 penetrates the flat base 244 of the first surface 246 to the second surface 248 of the locking mechanism 208, the through-hole 262 has a depth corresponding to the distance between the first surface 246 and the second surface 248 of the locking mechanism 208.

[0177] Each of the circles 264c and 266c extends to the depth of the aforementioned through-hole 262. Therefore, the following refers to the overlapping circular "holes" 264 and 266. The vertical central axes T1 and T2 used below correspond to the vertical central axes of the circular holes 264 and 266, respectively, and pass through the centers c1 and c2 of circles 264c and 266c, respectively.

[0178] Therefore, the circular holes 264 and 266 have diameters d1 and d2, respectively. The diameter d1 of the first circular hole 264 is smaller than the diameter d2 of the second circular hole 266. The diameter d1 of the first circular hole 264 is designed to be approximately equal to the diameter of the groove in the post that secures the fastening assembly 202.

[0179] The circular holes 264 and 266 overlap, or rather, partially overlap. Therefore, the longitudinal central axis T1 of the first circular hole 264 is not aligned with the longitudinal central axis T2 of the second circular hole 266. In other words, the centers c1 and c2 of circles 264c and 266c do not coincide.

[0180] The vertical central axes T1 and T2 of the circular holes 264 and 266 are oriented laterally with respect to the flat base 244. In the plane of the flat base 244, the vertical central axes T1 and T2 of the circular holes 264 and 266 are separated by a distance E6 from each other. In other words, the centers c1 and c2 of circles 264c and 266c are separated by a distance E6 from each other.

[0181] In the plane of the flat base 244, the axis T2 of the second circular hole 266 is positioned closer to the free portion 252 of the flat base 244 than the axis T1 of the first circular hole 264.

[0182] The outer portion 268 of the side wall 250, opposite to the free portion 252 of the locking mechanism 208, provides a pressing surface 270. The pressing surface 270 has a wavy surface to enhance contact when an operator manually applies pressure to the pressing surface 270.

[0183] Figures 18a, 18b, 19a, and 19d show the sequence of steps for assembling the fastening assembly 202 according to the third embodiment. Elements with the same reference numerals as those already used in Figures 17 and 17a will not be described in detail again; please refer to the description above.

[0184] Figures 18a and 18b show the first step of the fastening assembly 202. During this first step, the spring 210 is assembled to the electrical terminal 204 according to the assembly direction Da which is parallel to the longitudinal central axis C1 of the electrical terminal 204.

[0185] Therefore, the spring 210 is positioned at the level of the second portion 214 of the electrical terminal 204.

[0186] As shown in Figure 18b, the spring 210 rests on the seating surface 234 of the projection 232. The spring 210 can be further held in the position shown in Figure 18b using the flat projection 228 of the electrical terminal 204.

[0187] Therefore, even before assembling the locking mechanism 208, the risk of unintended disassembly of the electrical terminals 204 and spring 210, or even loss of spring 210, can be reduced.

[0188] Depending on the dimensions of the through-hole 216 and projection 232 of the electrical terminal 204 relative to the diameter d3 of the ring of the spring 210, the spring 210 can be partially loaded in the position shown in Figure 18b. In either case, the spring 210 is designed to be loaded by deforming in the locked assembled state of the fastening assembly 202, as shown in Figure 22c and described later.

[0189] Figures 19a and 19b show the second step of the fastening assembly 202.

[0190] During this second step, the electrical terminal 204 slides into the longitudinal groove 258 of the locking means 208 in the insertion direction Di. The insertion direction Di is transverse to the longitudinal central axis C1 of the electrical terminal 204 and the longitudinal central axes T1 and T2 of the circular holes 264 and 266.

[0191] The fastening assembly 202 in Figure 19b is in an unlocked assembled state; that is, the fastening assembly 202 is assembled but not yet attached to the post or locked.

[0192] As shown in Figure 19b, in the assembled but unlocked state, the electrical terminal 204 is held by the locking mechanism 208 by fixing the projection 260 against the projection of the longitudinal groove 258 (not visible in Figure 19b). In other words, the locking mechanism 208 snaps onto the electrical terminal 204. Therefore, the spring 210 is held in the compartment 256 formed by assembling the electrical terminal 204 and the locking mechanism 208.

[0193] In the third embodiment, the locking means 208 of the fastening device 206 is integrally formed, which simplifies the assembly of the fastening assembly 202.

[0194] Figure 20 shows the first step of a method for fastening the fastening assembly 202 to the conductive post 98 according to the third embodiment. The post 98 was described above with reference to the second embodiment in Figure 9.

[0195] Figure 20 shows a metal support 100, which may be the body of a vehicle to which a conductive post 89 is welded. The post 98 is substantially cylindrical in shape. The post 98 includes a head plate 104 at the level of one end 102, which is configured to be welded to the support 100. The head plate 104 of the post 98 includes a collar 106. The post 98 is provided with an annular groove 108. In the example shown in Figure 20, the number of annular grooves 108 is not limited to four, and the annular grooves 108 are positioned equidistant from each other along the longitudinal central axis C5 of the post 98. The annular grooves 108 are spaced apart from each other so that fastening assemblies 202 can be stacked along the longitudinal central axis C5 of the post 98. The end 110 of the post 98 opposite to the end 102 is chamfered.

[0196] In the first step of the method shown in Figure 20, the fastening assembly 202 is assembled but not locked. The fastening device 2 is brought closer to the post 98 so that the longitudinal central axis C5 of the post 98 is aligned with the longitudinal central axis T2 of the second hole 266 of the locking means 208. The locking means 208 is provided to be mounted on the post 98 in an assembly direction Da parallel to the longitudinal central axis C5 of the post 98.

[0197] Figures 21a and 21b show the second step of a method for fastening the fastening assembly 202 to the conductive post 98 according to a third embodiment.

[0198] As shown in Figure 21a, the fastening assembly 202 is mounted on the post 98 in an assembly direction Da parallel to the post 98's longitudinal central axis C5. Therefore, the post 98 passes through the through-hole 262 of the locking mechanism 208.

[0199] In this second step of the method, the longitudinal central axis C5 of post 98 is aligned, i.e., coincides with the longitudinal central axis T2 of the second hole 266 of locking means 208.

[0200] The fastening assembly 202 shown in Figures 21a and 21b is not yet locked.

[0201] To lock the fastening assembly 202, pressure P is applied to the pressing surface 270 of the locking means 208 in the locking direction Dv. The locking direction Dv is transverse with respect to the longitudinal central axis C1 of the electrical terminal 4 and the longitudinal central axis C5 of the post 98. Thus, in the third embodiment of the present invention, similar to the second embodiment, the unlocking direction Dv is transverse with respect to the assembly direction Da shown in Figure 20.

[0202] Figures 22a and 22b show the third step of a method for fastening a fastening assembly 202 to a conductive post 98 according to a third embodiment. In the steps shown in Figures 22a and 22b, the fastening assembly 202 is assembled and locked.

[0203] The pressure applied to the pressing surface 270 in the locking direction Dv, indicated by arrow P, causes the fastening assembly 202 to be displaced over a distance equal to E6.

[0204] Therefore, the fastening assembly 202 slides until the longitudinal central axis C5 of the post 98 is aligned with the longitudinal central axis T1 of the first hole 264 of the locking means 208, i.e., until it reaches a coincident locking position.

[0205] Figure 22c is a cross-sectional view of the assembly shown in Figure 22a, further illustrating the structural details in the assembled and locked state.

[0206] As shown in Figure 22c, at the level of the first hole 264, the locking mechanism 208 is housed in the annular groove 108 of the post 98. This is possible because the diameter d1 of the first hole 264 is determined to be approximately equal to the diameter d4 of the post 98 at the level of the groove 108. Thus, the fastening assembly 202 is securely held in place on the post 98.

[0207] Figure 22c shows the second step of the method for fastening the fastening assembly 202 to the conductive post 98 according to the third embodiment, namely, when the fastening assembly 202 is mounted on the post 98 in the assembly direction Da, and how the spring 210 is loaded by deforming radially due to the force applied by the post 98.

[0208] In fact, as shown in Figure 22c, the spring 210 is housed in a compartment 272 formed by the post 98, the electrical terminal 204, and the locking mechanism 208. The width E7 between the post 98 and the electrical terminal 204 is made substantially shorter than the diameter d0 of the turn 210a of the unstressed spring 210. This dimensional difference between the turn 210a of the spring 210 and the width E7 of the compartment 271 causes the spring 210 to deform radially, as indicated by the arrow R in Figure 22c.

[0209] Therefore, in the assembled and locked position, the spring 210 is compressed between the first portion 236 of the projection 232 of the electrical terminal 204 and the side wall 98a of the post 98. The radial deformation R of the spring 210 can be used to create electrical contact between the electrical terminal 204 and the post 98. Thus, in the third embodiment, the electrical contact between the electrical terminal 204 and the post 98 is ensured by the spring 210.

[0210] Figure 22c also shows the aforementioned seating surface 234, which is provided by the projection 232 of the electrical terminal 204.

[0211] In a modified example not shown, several fastening assemblies 204 according to the third embodiment can be attached to the post 98 and stacked on top of each other along the longitudinal central axis C5 of the post 98.

[0212] The method for fastening the fastening assembly 204 to the conductive post 98 according to the third embodiment can be carried out in a simple manner without the use of tools. This eliminates the need for a screwing step and an auxiliary step for checking the tightening torque of the nut on the post. In addition, the lock position can be activated and reached manually by the pressing surface 270 with a single continuous motion by the operator. Thus, such a fastening method enables simple, easy, and rapid locking.

[0213] It should be noted that the embodiments described are merely possible configurations, and individual features of various embodiments can be combined or provided independently of each other. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0214] 1 Fastening device 3 Cover 5 Base 7 snap-fit ​​elements 9. Shank 11. Shank with hook-shaped head 13 Retaining circlip 13a Flat strip 15 Locking mechanism 17. Center of the circlip 19a, 19b Elastic arm of the circlip 21 The interior of the sky 23 Bottom of the locking mechanism 25a, 25b Opposing surfaces of the base 27a, 27b protrusion 29a, 29b protrusion 31 Through hole in the locking mechanism 33 Hollow Shank 35 Sidewall of a hollow shank 37a, 37b Opening of the hollow shank 39a, 39b Ends of hollow shanks 41a, 41b Hollow shank ears 43a, 43b Notches in the hollow shank 45a Retaining strip for hollow shank 47. First spring 47a, 47b End springs 49. Second spring 51 Cover part 53 First Bass 53a Outer circumference of the first base 55 Pressing surface of the cover 57 Second Bass 59 Side wall 61 Annular groove of the cover 63. Cover gaps 65 Through holes in the cover 67 Base part 67a side wall 69 End 71 End 73 Bottom 75 through holes in the base 77. First annular groove of the base 79 First side wall 81 Second side wall 81a Opening 83. Second annular groove of the base 85 Base annular trough 87 Metal support 89 posts 91 End of post 93 Post Headplate 95 Colors 97 Post section 99 Annular groove 101 End of post 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d Electrical terminals 105 Part 1 107 Part 2 109a, 109b Elastic arm section 111a, 111b Elastic arm section A1 Longitudinal central axis of the hollow shank A2 Vertical central axis of the cylindrical part of the base A3 Post Vertical Center Axis Da Assembly Direction Di insertion direction Dm mounting direction Dv lock direction F Spring restoring force l1~l10 Length P Pushing force 2, 2a, 2b Fastening Assembly 4, 4a, 4b Electrical terminals 6 Fastening device 8. First part of the electrical terminal 10. Second part of the electrical terminal 12 Through-holes for electrical terminals 14 Flat rings 16 First flat surface of electrical terminal 18 Second flat surface of electrical terminal 20 Outer side wall of electrical terminal 22 Inner side wall of electrical terminal 24 Inner side wall of the through hole 26 base 28, 28a~28e springs 30 Cover 32 Locking mechanism 34 Retaining circlip 36 Locking mechanism 38 The first side of the base 40 Base's second side 42 Through holes in the base 44 Housing gap 46 Shoulder 48 Holding port 50 Base outer side wall 52 Cover retention strips 54 The first side of the cover 56 The second side of the cover 58 Through holes in the cover 60 Inner side wall 62 Outer side wall 64 Protrusion 66 Retaining strip heads 68 Groove 70a, 70b free end 72a, 72b flat protrusion 74 Flat protrusion 76 Notches 78 Central part of the locking mechanism 80 Arm 82 strips 84a, 84b flat protrusion 86 Flat protrusion 88 Pressing surface 90 Protrusion 92 Protrusion 94 Surface of the locking part 96 Protrusion 98 Post 98a Side wall of post 100 metal support 102 End of post 104 Post Head 106 Colors 108 Annular groove 110 End of post 112 Hoops 114 hoops 116 Opening 118 Through hole 120a, 120b Turn 122 Hoops 124 Opening 126 Through hole 128 strips 128a First part of the strip 128b Second part of the strip 130 flat rings 132 Through hole 134 Inner side wall 136 Outer side wall 138 The first group of strips 138a Second part of the strip 138b The first part of the strip 140 The second set of strips 140a First part of the strip 140b Second part of the strip 142 Protrusion C1 Vertical central axis of the through-hole for electrical terminals C2 Base Through Hole Longitudinal Center Axis C3 Cover through hole's longitudinal central axis C4 Retaining Circlip: Longitudinal Center Axis C5 Post Vertical Center Axis B1 Vertical displacement B2 Radial displacement L1 Thickness of the electrical terminal L2 Height of the pressing surface XYZ Cartesian coordinates 202 Fastening assembly of the third embodiment 204 Electrical terminal 206 Fastening device 208 Locking means 210 Spring 210a Turns of the spring 212 First part of the electrical terminal 214 Second part of the electrical terminal 216 Through-hole of the electrical terminal 218 First flat surface 220 Second flat surface 222 Outer side wall of the electrical terminal 204 224 Inner side wall 226 Inner side wall 228 Flat protrusion 230 Free end 232 Protrusion 234 Seating surface First part of the protrusion 232 Second part of the protrusion 232 240 Free end 242 End 244 Flat base 246 First surface 248 Second surface 250 Side wall Part of the flat base 244 Inner surface of the side wall 250 256 Compartment 258 Vertical groove 260 Protrusion Through-hole of the locking means 264, 266 Circular holes 264c, 266c Circles 268 Outer wall 270 Pressing surface 272 Compartment Thickness E1 between the first flat surface 218 and the second flat surface 220 E2 Length of the first part 236 E3 Second part, length 238 E4 Side wall length 250 E5 Longitudinal groove 258 thickness E6 Distance between T1 and T2 Width between E7 post 98 and electrical terminal 204 c1 is the center of circle 264c. Center of circle c2 266c d0 Diameter of the turn of the spring when no stress is applied. d1 Diameter of the first hole 264 d2 Diameter of the second hole 266 d3 Diameter of the ring of spring 210 d4 Diameter of post 98 at the level of groove 108 T1 Longitudinal central axis of the first circular hole 264 T2 Longitudinal central axis of the first circular hole 266 R: Radial deformation of the spring

Claims

1. A fastening device (1, 6, 206) for fastening at least one electrical terminal to a conductive post that can be welded to a support, wherein the at least one electrical terminal includes a first portion to which an electrical cable will be connected and a second portion having a through hole through which the conductive post can pass, The fastening device (1, 6, 206) is configured to fasten the at least one electrical terminal to the conductive post such that the first and second portions of the at least one electrical terminal are at least partially exposed from the fastening device (1, 6, 206), The fastening device (1, 6, 206) is - At least one spring (28, 28a-28e, 47, 49, 210) and - At least one locking mechanism (13, 15, 32, 208), - A base (5) configured to accommodate at least one of the springs (28, 28a to 28e, 47, 49, 210), - A cover (3) that can be snap-fitted onto the base (5) according to the mounting direction (Dm) of the fastening device (1, 6, 206), In the locked position of the fastening device (1, 6, 206), the locking means (13, 15, 32, 208) is configured to hold the at least one electrical terminal in the conductive post, and the springs (28, 28a to 28e, 47, 49, 210) are at least partially loaded in the locked position. The at least one locking means (13, 15) includes an elastically deformable retaining circlip (13) that is inserted into the cover (3) by sliding in an insertion direction (Di) which is lateral to the locking direction (Dv), The cover (3) has a pressing surface (55), and the locked position is reached by applying pressure to the pressing surface (55) in the locking direction (Dv). Fastening device.

2. The aforementioned at least one spring (28, 28a-28e, 47, 49) is housed in a compartment assembled by snap fitting. The fastening device according to claim 1.

3. The fastening device is a fastening device for fastening a plurality of electrical terminals to the conductive post, Each of the multiple electrical terminals has the through hole through which the shaft portion of the conductive post passes, The fastening device (1, 6, 206) is configured to fasten a plurality of electrical terminals to the conductive post such that the first and second portions of each of the plurality of electrical terminals are at least partially exposed from the fastening device (1, 6, 206). The fastening device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. It also features a hollow shank (33), The hollow shank (33) has dimensions such that it extends one side of the fastening device (1) from the pressing surface (55) toward the opposite side (57) in the locking direction (Dv) and accommodates the post inside. The fastening device according to claim 1.

5. Equipped with two compression springs (47, 49), The diameter of the first spring (47) is greater than the diameter of the second spring (49). A fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. In the locked position, the direction of the restoring force applied by the first spring (47) and the direction of the restoring force applied by the second spring (49) are relative to each other and parallel to the vertical central axis (A1) of the hollow shank (33). A fastening device according to claim 5, which is dependent on claim 4.

7. The hollow shank (33) includes at least one opening (37a, 37b) in its side wall (35) that is provided to receive a portion of the locking means (13, 15). The fastening device according to claim 4.

8. The conductive post has a shaft portion with a free end and a head portion wider than the shaft portion, and the head portion is configured to be weldable to the support. The at least one electrical terminal has the through hole through which the shaft portion of the conductive post passes, The fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The device comprises at least one spring (210) and the locking means (208), wherein the locking means (208) is integrally formed. The fastening device according to claim 1.

10. The locking means (208) includes a through-hole (262) through which the conductive post passes, The through-hole (262) has a shape obtained by two partially overlapping circles (264c, 266c) of different diameters (d1, d2). The fastening device according to claim 9.

11. A fastening device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 9, or 10, A fastening assembly comprising electrical terminals (4, 4a, 4b, 204), The electrical terminals (4, 4a, 4b, 204) include a first portion (8, 212) to which an electrical cable will be connected, and a second portion (10, 214) having a through hole (12, 216) through which a conductive post can pass. The at least one spring (28, 28a-28e, 210) is positioned to at least partially contact the inner wall (22, 24, 232) of the through hole (12, 216) of the electrical terminal (4, 4a, 4b, 204). Fastening assembly.

12. The electrical terminal (204) further includes at least one projection (232) arranged to provide a seating surface (234) for the spring (210). The fastening assembly according to claim 11.

13. The aforementioned electrical terminal (204) includes at least one flat projection (228), The flat projection (228) partially extends from the second portion (214) toward the center of the through hole (216) of the electrical terminal (204) in a plane parallel to the seating surface (234) of the at least one projection (232). The fastening assembly according to claim 12.

14. A groove (258) is provided in the locking mechanism (208). The fastening device according to claim 2 is further comprising the configuration such that the portion (214) of the electrical terminal (204) slides into the groove (258) of the locking means (208), The fastening assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 13.

15. The locking means (208) and the electrical terminal (204) are configured to be attached to each other by a positive lock. The fastening assembly according to claim 14.

16. The pressing surface (88) of the fastening device (6) is positioned such that it reaches the locked position by applying pressure to the pressing surface (88) in the locking direction (Dv), and the locking direction (Dv) is lateral to the central axis of the through holes of the electrical terminals (4, 4a, 4b). The fastening assembly according to claim 11.

17. In the locked position, the direction of the restoring force applied by the at least one spring (28, 28a-28e) is lateral to the longitudinal central axis (C1) of the through hole (12) of the electrical terminal (4, 4a, 4b), such that the at least one spring (28, 28a-28e) is a radial spring. The fastening assembly according to claim 11.

18. The electrical terminals (4a, 4b) include at least one flat projection (142), the flat projection (142) partially extending from the second portion (10) toward the center of the through hole (12) of the electrical terminals (4a, 4b), The fastening assembly according to claim 11, 16, or 17.

19. A method for fastening at least one electrical terminal to a conductive post (89) including a head (93) that can be welded to a support (87) using a fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, 1) The step of attaching the at least one electrical terminal (103a to 103d, 204) and the fastening device to the conductive post (89) such that the conductive post (89) penetrates at least one electrical terminal (103a to 103d, 204) and the fastening device, and the at least one electrical terminal (103a to 103d, 204) is positioned between the head (93) of the conductive post (89) and the fastening device, 2) The step of applying pressure in the locking direction (Dv) to the pressing surface (55, 270) of the fastening device until the locking means (13, 15, 208) of the fastening device reaches the locked position, A method that includes this.

20. In step 1), the direction (Da) in which the at least one electrical terminal (103a to 103d) and the fastening device (1) are attached to the conductive post (89), the locking direction (Dv), and the vertical central axis (A3) of the conductive post (89) are parallel to each other. The method according to claim 19.

21. In step 1), when the at least one electrical terminal (204) is positioned between the head (93) of the conductive post (98) and the fastening device (206), the center (c2) of the circle (266c) having the larger diameter (d2) of the two circles (264c, 266c) that form the shape of the through-hole (262) of the locking means (208) is aligned with the vertical central axis (C5) of the conductive post (98). In step 2), in the locked position, the center (c1) of the circle (264c) having the smaller diameter (d1) among the two circles (264c, 266c) that form the shape of the through-hole (262) of the locking means (208) is aligned with the vertical central axis (C5) of the conductive post (98). The method according to claim 19.

22. A method for fastening at least one fastening assembly according to claim 11, 16, 17, or 18 to a conductive post (98) including a head weldable to a support (100), 1) The step of mounting the fastening assembly (2) onto the conductive post (98) such that the conductive post (98) penetrates the fastening assembly (2) and at least one spring (28, 28a to 28e) contacts the conductive post (98) at least partially; 2) The step of applying pressure in the locking direction (Dv) to the pressing surface (88) of the fastening device (6) of the fastening assembly (2) until it reaches the locked position, A method that includes this.

23. The locking direction (Dv) is lateral to the direction (Da) in which the fastening assembly (2) is attached to the conductive post (98) in step 1), and lateral to the vertical central axis (C5) of the conductive post (98). The method according to claim 22.

24. The support is the vehicle body. A fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

25. The fastening device is a fastening device for fastening a plurality of electrical terminals to the conductive post, Each of the plurality of electrical terminals has the through hole through which the shaft portion of the conductive post passes, The fastening device according to claim 8.

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