AU2018100978A4 - Cable distribution terminal block - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cable distribution terminal block, for use with a battery charger, including a block body adapted to fit with the battery charger and a plurality of first connection points and a plurality of second connection points. The first connection points include at least one multi-connection point, and the plurality of second connection points each connect to first connection points or the multi connection point, for connection to the battery charger of the cables connected to the first connection points. In use, the at least one multi-connection point enables more than one cable to be connected, to a single second connection point and corresponding connection with the battery charger, such that the battery charger cables are connected safely and with a neat appearance. The invention also relates to variants thereon. The invention also relates to methods of use. cnnrDA')A001 ic I lb 2 la 3 6a, 6b, 6c

Description

The invention relates to a cable distribution terminal block, for use with a battery charger, including a block body adapted to fit with the battery charger and a plurality of first connection points and a plurality of second connection points. The first connection points include at least one multi-connection point, and the plurality of second connection points each connect to first connection points or the multiconnection point, for connection to the battery charger of the cables connected to the first connection points. In use, the at least one multi-connection point enables more than one cable to be connected, to a single second connection point and corresponding connection with the battery charger, such that the battery charger cables are connected safely and with a neat appearance. The invention also relates to variants thereon. The invention also relates to methods of use.

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FIGURE 3

FIGURE 4

2018100978 10 Jul 2018

	PATENTS ACT 1990 Section 29 Innovation Patent
Applicant:	Premier Technologies Ltd. 23rd Floor, Metro Loft 38 Kwai Hei Street Kwai Chung, Hong Kong N.T. Hong Kong
Inventors:	Wan Kwok KE I William Jayson NUNEZ Steven LAMBERT

Title of Invention: CABLE DISTRIBUTION TERMINAL BLOCK

Divisional of Australian Patent Application No. 2017208305, priority 27 July 2017

The applicant applies for the grant of a patent for the invention described in the accompanying innovation patent specification:

The following is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing the invention, known to us:

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CABLE DISTRIBUTION TERMINAL BLOCK [0001] The present invention relates to a cable distribution terminal block, and in particular to a cable distribution block for use with a battery charger.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] Use of battery power and battery chargers is on the increase. There is a significant revolution in power production and use, in particularly at the domestic level. There is a move away from always using grid power moving instead to using mobile or renewable power generation. For example, solar power is often used to supplement other power sources for camping, boating or fishing. Many family homes are also moving “off-grid”, using an array of solar panels on the roof to provide power for their home needs.

[0003] In order to use these alternative forms of power, or to go “off-grid’, one or more battery is required to store the generated power. The battery can also be charged using AC or DC power in the usual fashion. For each of the attachments a cable connection is required. With advances in technology and increased demand, it may be desired to connect any one battery charger terminal to more than one cable.

[0004] Battery chargers usually have a number of inputs and outputs, each requiring a cable for the positive and another for the negative return path of the current. Terminals used to connect between one part of a battery charger and each cable of a standard form are limited in their dimensions. The cable, particularly if it is a large cable will fit snuggly at the terminal once connected. Larger battery chargers, as tend to be used now, require larger cables, and carry larger currents. These larger cables may not fit, or only with difficulty on standard connections. More space is required on either side of the terminal to fit these larger cables comfortably.

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2018100978 10 Jul 2018 [0005] Multiple cable connections may be possible with small cables at a single terminal, by stacking or piling these onto a single connection point of the battery charger. However, there is no proper accommodation for these multiple connections to a single terminal of the battery charge. The performance and efficiency of the connected battery charger may be significantly compromised if attempts are made to try to connect multiple cables to a single terminal. If such a multiple connection is made by putting more than one wire or cable to more than one terminal this also could be dangerous. Such an arrangement not only risks malfunction but could also lead to overload, shorts, sparks or a fire. It is also unpleasant to look at a mess of cables, where these battery chargers are used at home it is desirable to have a neat, and ordered appearance to the cables. If there is a mess of cables it may be difficult to check these, or to maintain them as the cable are all muddled together and not fitted in a clear and ordered fashion. At present there is no suitable solution to solve the problem of wanting to make multiple or large cable connections to a single terminal of a battery charger, without compromise in efficiency, safety or aesthetics.

[0006] Therefore, it has long been desired in the industry that multiple cables can be safely connected to a battery charger, in a convenient, ordered and useful manner. Further, it has long been desired that there be a cable distribution terminal block that with a battery charger provides multiple connection points in a convenient and safe device. Surprisingly, no good solution has been found to these problems, leading the inventors to develop the subject invention, one of many clever new inventions made by the applicant company, in their pursuit of improved products for their customers.

[0007] The following describes a non-limiting example of the invention being used with reference to use with a battery charger as a particular useful example of the invention. However, the invention could be used with other forms of battery charger and actually with other similar devices, and is not intended to be entirely limited to use with a battery charger other than as defined in the claims.

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2018100978 10 Jul 2018 [0008] For clarity, any prior art referred to herein, does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge, in Australia or elsewhere.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a cable distribution terminal block, that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cable distribution terminal block and battery charger, that at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art. It is a yet further object of the invention to provide a method of use of a cable distribution terminal block.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0010] Accordingly, the present invention provides a cable distribution terminal block, for use with a battery charger, the cable distribution terminal block including: a block body adapted to fit with the battery charger;

a plurality of first connection points, associated with the block body, for electrical connection of cables, the first connection points including at least one multi-connection point; and a plurality of second connection points, associated with the block body, and each connected to one or more first connection points or multi-connection point, for corresponding electrical connection to the battery charger of the cables connected to the first connection points, wherein the at least one multi-connection point enables more than one cable to be connected, to a single second connection point and corresponding connection with the battery charger, such that the battery charger cables are connected substantially safely and with a generally neat appearance.

[0011] The cables may be any suitable electrical cables. The cables may be large electrical cables. Most preferably, at least one of the cables is a large cable. Most preferably, there are multiple cables to be connected to a single battery terminal.

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2018100978 10 Jul 2018 [0012] The battery charger may take any suitable form. Preferably, the battery charger is a sophisticated battery charger with multiple functions and controls.

Preferably, the battery charger is a battery charger of the applicant company.

[0013] Preferably, the battery charger includes:

a first power input from a first source of power;

at least one second power input from a second source of power, different to the first;

a power output to a battery to be charged; and a controller unit between the power inputs and the power output for controlling the input source to be used for charging the battery, wherein the controller can control and switch between the input power source used to charge the battery, and through use of more than 3 step or functions of battery charging cycle, substantially control the battery charging itself in an manner.

[0014] The battery charger may be supplied with the cable distribution terminal block. Other suitable forms of battery charger may be used instead with more or less functionality. Preferably, the battery charger can charge any suitable type of battery. The battery may be included as part of the invention. Preferably, the battery is supplied separately, or is already in the possession of the user. Preferably, the battery charger is adapted to charge a range of suitable batteries. The range of suitable batteries may be chosen from the group: gel; deep cycle; calcium; lithium; Absorbent Glass Mat (“AGM”) or flooded. Any suitable battery may be charged through use of the invention. More than one battery may be charged by the battery charger. More than one kind of battery powered apparatus may be charged by the battery charger used with the cable distribution terminal block of the invention.

[0015] The battery charger may include a housing. Preferably, the housing assists to protect the battery charger components from damage, from impact, moisture, specPA2050018

2018100978 10 Jul 2018 dust or otherwise. The housing may be in more than one part. A base to the housing may be removably included to enable access to connection points of the invention. The base and rest of housing may be attached together through use of suitable fixings. Preferably, a cover or lid is included associated with the housing of the battery charger. Preferably, the cover or lid acts to assist to protect the battery charger in use. The protection may be from dirt, dust, moisture or from impact, for example. The housing may be formed in any number of suitable cooperating parts. The housing of the battery charger may be adapted to provide a coordinated look with the look of the cable distribution terminal block in use.

[0016] Preferably, one or more buttons are included on the battery charger and these are used to control the battery charger. Preferably, the buttons are two buttons below the display to enable selection of options displayed on the screen. Preferably, user defined settings can be entered through use of the buttons and referring to menus on the display to set up the battery charger for a particular battery type. The buttons and controls of the battery charger may be accessible by lifting the cover or lid. Or the buttons and controls of the battery charger may be accessible through suitable apertures in the cover or lid.

[0017] Preferably, the block body of the cable distribution terminal block is made of a strong material. Preferably, the block body is made of a hard resin or plastics material. Preferably, the block body is substantially a cuboid shape. Preferably, the block body is substantially rectangular in shape. Most preferably, the size and shape of the block body corresponds to an end of the battery charger, so together the items appear as a cohesive item. The cohesive working and appearance of the battery charger and cable distribution terminal block means that the products are pleasing to potential customers and add value in that the battery charger functions equally well but with the added value of being able to add multiple or larger cables in a neat and ordered fashion.

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2018100978 10 Jul 2018 [0018] Preferably, the adaptation of the cable distribution terminal block to be used with the battery charger means that the connection points are substantially aligned. This minimises the length of the respective connections and reduces possible resistance. The connections are also made of high quality connections, further reducing any additional resistance. The adaptation to coordinate the battery charger connections, means that these are supported and the use of the battery charger and cable distribution terminal block work together to create an improved device. Most preferably, the inventive apparatus fits together with the battery charger to support the connection of the cables so these are supported and have a reduced likelihood of damage or disconnection due to the support.

[0019] The fit may be an approximate fit. Most preferably, the fit is a good fit whereby the battery charger and cable distribution terminal block appear as a single item, in use. The fit may be the sharing of a common width of the cable distribution terminal block and the battery charger.

[0020] The plurality of first connection points may be any suitable number. There may be four, first connection points including a multi-connection point. The number of first connection points may be chosen from the group: 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; or 8. The number of first connection points can be varied to suit the particular application thereof, and the number of connections and cables to be made in use. The first connection points are connections points for cables to batteries for charging to complete circuits in the usual manner. The first connection points may connect through any suitable connection, including ring connectors or crimp connectors. Preferably, the cables are readily connected for a strong electrical connection. Most preferably, connection of the cables to the first connection points is through one cable to each connection point. Most preferably, each connection is for one cable to each first connection point for a strong connection, in an ordered manner.

[0021] Preferably, the first connection points include fixings to secure the connection in place. The first connection points may include fixings which can be specPA2050018

2018100978 10 Jul 2018 tightened to maintain a strong connection and the cable in place. The fixings may include bolts which may be tightened to secure the connections in place.

[0022] Preferably, the association of the first connection points with the body is a strong support by the body of the first connection points to make a stable support for the cable connections. Most preferably, the battery charger and cable distribution terminal block fit together, in a neat and supported manner. Preferably, the association of the first connection points with the block body is that the first connection points are held in the block body, for a supported connection.

[0023] Preferably, the electrical connection is a strong and robust electrical connection. Most preferably, the electrical connection is a strong robust electrical connection with minimal loss of resistance. The first connection points may take any suitable form. Preferably, the first connection points can be robustly connected with electrical cables for an electrical connection. Preferably, the connections are removable connections.

[0024] Preferably, there is at least one multi-connection point for connection of cables to a single battery terminal. The connection of the multi-connection point may be similar to the other first connection points. The connection of the multiconnection point may be different to the other first connection points. There may be fixings included to secure or hold the connection. Preferably, the multi-point connection enables larger cables to be fitted comfortably.

[0025] There may be more than one multi-connection point. The multi-connection point connects more than one cable to a single terminal or connection point of the battery charger. Preferably, at least 3 cables may be connected to the multiconnection point. The number of cables may be chosen from the following group: 3, 4, 5, or 6. Most preferably, the multi-connection point enables the connection of more than two cables to a single connection point of the battery charger in a strong specPA2050018

2018100978 10 Jul 2018 connection. More than one multi-connection point may be included, if it is desirable for the particular use.

[0026] The block body may include additional means to separate and organise the cables. Preferably, dividers may be included to physically separate the connection point for cables. There may be dividers between each of the first connection points and the multi-connection point. The multi-connection point may include dividers on either side, but not between the connections points themselves. In this way larger cables may be readily connected. Multiple cables can also be connected including multiple large cables. The dividers may take any suitable form. The dividers may be in the form of a wall, or shield in the vertical plane to divide each first connection point from another. Preferably, the divides divide for each battery charger terminal to be connected to organise the cables.

[0027] Preferably, a cover or lid to the block body is included. The cover or lid may include a hinge for opening and closing. Preferably, the cover or lid assists to protect the connection points from dirt, dust or moisture and potential shorts. Preferably, the cover or lid assists to protect the connections from impact. Damage and loosening of the connections can occur with impact so covering the connections helps to keep these connections strong and working. Shorts can occur if the connections get wet, or there is a build-up of conductive material. These can be fire hazards and ultimately lead to degradation in the working of the charger. The cover protects the connections from accidental water spillage or other material which may lead to a short across the connections. The inventive block protects and supports the connections in use, between the battery charger and the block.

[0028] Preferably, the cover or lid includes labels. Preferably, the labels each label a section divided by the dividers. The sections may be labelled SOLAR, ALT, GND and AUX corresponding to their use and the cables connected below. Most preferably, labels are included on the block body so it is easily discernible the connection made to the battery charger to keep the cables ordered.

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2018100978 10 Jul 2018 [0029] Preferably, the second connection means connect one each to the terminals of the battery charger. Preferably, the second connection means are attached to the battery charger in the usual manner. The second connection means may include fixings to ensure a strong connection to the battery charger. The second connection points may include contact plates to establish a strong electrical connection. Preferably, a contact plate connects to each electrical terminal of the battery charger. Preferably, each first connection point or multi-point connection point is connected to a contact plate to connect to a single terminal of the battery charger. In the case of the multi-connection point more than one cable can be connected and this connects through the contact plate to a single terminal. Preferably, the multi-point connection point connects to the GND, ground terminal.

[0030] Accordingly, the present invention provides, in a variant, a cable distribution terminal block, for use with a battery charger, the cable distribution terminal block including:

a block body adapted to fit with the battery charger;

a plurality of first connection points, associated with the block body, for electrical connection of cables, the first connection points including at least large cable connection point; and a plurality of second connection points, associated with the block body, and each connected to one or more first connection points or large cable connection point, for corresponding electrical connection to the battery charger of the cables connected to the first connection points, wherein the at least one large cable connection point enables a large cable to fit to the connection comfortably and connect to a single second connection point and corresponding connection with the battery charger, such that the battery charger cables are connected safely and with a neat appearance.

[0031] Accordingly, the present invention provides a cable distribution terminal block, for use with a battery charger, the cable distribution terminal block including: a block body adapted to fit with the battery charger;

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2018100978 10 Jul 2018 a plurality of first connection points, associated with the block body, for electrical connection of cables, the first connection points including at least one multi-connection point;

a plurality of second connection points, associated with the block body, and each connected to one or more first connection points or multi-connection point, for corresponding electrical connection to the battery charger of the cables connected to the first connection points; and a lid for covering the first connection points after connection, wherein the at least one multi-connection point enables more than one cable to be connected, to a single second connection point and corresponding connection with the battery charger, such that the battery charger cables are connected safely and with a neat appearance, and the lid assists to protect and organise the connected cables.

[0032] Accordingly, the invention also provides a method of use of a cable distribution terminal block and battery charger, the cable distribution terminal block including:

a block body adapted to fit with the battery charger;

a plurality of first connection points, associated with the block body, for electrical connection of cables, the first connection points including at least one multi-connection point; and a plurality of second connection points, associated with the block body, and each connected to one or more first connection points or multi-connection point, for corresponding electrical connection to the battery charger of the cables connected to the first connection points, the method including the following steps:

a) attaching cables to the first connection points for electrical connection to the battery charger via the second connection points, each to a separate terminal;

b) attaching cables to the multi-point connection point to attach to a single terminal of the battery charger via a single second connection point;

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c) operating the battery charger to charge the batteries, wherein, the use of the cable distribution terminal block enables more than one cable to be connected to a single terminal of the battery charger, and the connects are robust and supported connections.

[0033] Preferably, the cable distribution terminal block is the cable distribution terminal block of the invention in any of its forms or variants.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0034] The cable distribution terminal block may be produced industrially and provided to retailers, wholesalers or the end user directly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0035] The invention will now be described in connection with a non-limiting preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a cable distribution terminal block according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, connected to a battery charger with the lids of both removed for clarity of illustration. Throughout the Figures the battery and other parts of the apparatus such as the cables themselves are not included, for ease of illustration;

[0037] Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of the cable distribution terminal block and battery charger of Figure 1, with the lids of both in place and closed, as in use;

[0038] Figure 3 is perspective view from above of the cable distribution terminal block of Figures 1 and 2, with the lid in place and open to show the connection points; and specPA2050018

2018100978 10 Jul 2018 [0039] Figure 4 is perspective view from above of the cable distribution terminal block of Figure3, with the lid closed to protect the connection points.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS INCLUDING A BEST METHOD [0040] With reference to Schedule 3 (9) of Patent Regulations 1991, we note that labels, such as “SOLAR” and “AUX”, are included in the drawings to particularly facilitate understanding of the invention.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described of cable distribution terminal block 10 used with battery charger 12 as a most useful application of the invention.

[0042] Battery charger 12 may be any suitable battery charger, but as described is somewhat similar to that described in Australian patent No. 2016102343 (the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference). Battery charger 12 has a housing (not labelled) of anodised aluminium for the electrical components, as is useful with the top and base made of polycarbonate. A cooling fan and side fins are included (neither labelled). A control panel (not labelled) is included in the top of battery charger 12 and it is through use of the control panel that battery charger 12 is operated. The particular form or type of battery charger 12 may be varied to suit the particular application of the invention. The inventors anticipate use of cable distribution terminal block 10 with various of their battery charger products and it may also be used with battery charger of other manufacturers.

[0043] The control panel of battery charger 12 control panel includes a button on the right hand side and a button on the left hand side, it is through use of these buttons that the controls can be navigated and charge type selections initiated. Clearly, other battery chargers will use different controls.

[0044] The look of battery charger 12 is smart and appealing to potential customers, and organised to be convenient to use, including features such as curved surfaces specPA2050018

2018100978 10 Jul 2018 and corners. The sealed battery charger unit 12 is waterproof and otherwise sealed against the ingress of dirt or dust, useful in outdoor applications.

[0045] Battery charger 12 is connected to cable distribution terminal block 10 through contact plates 1. Contact plates 1 are copper conduction plates, as illustrated, with a nickel plating. Each of these contact plates 1 is separately labelled as follows, 1a “SOLAR” contact plate, 1b “ALT.” contact plate, 1c, “GRD”. contact plate 1d “AUX.” Contact plates 1, 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d form a strong electrical connection in the usual fashion to the corresponding connection points of battery charger 12 (not separately labelled).

[0046] Turning to the other components, shown for example in Figure 1, nuts 2 are used on body 3, for bolts 4 of cable distribution terminal block 10 connection points. Body 3 is the block itself made of a non-conductive plastics material, and any similar strong material could be used. Body 3 is a generally rectangular shape, configured to neatly contain the terminals and to coordinate with the configuration of battery charger 12. The particular size and dimensions can be adjusted, to suit the particular dimensions of the battery charger and correspond therewith.

[0047] Each cable connection point corresponds with a terminal of battery charger 12, and these are divided by a divider (these are not labelled for ease of illustration but can be seen in particular in Figure 3). In this way each of the connections with battery charger 12 is kept physically divided and separate from the other connections. Multi-connection point 6 is divided from the other parts, with dividers and the far sides, but the three connections themselves are not divided. The dividers on the single connection points and multiple connections points all allow for the larger, high current cables to be connected comfortably.

[0048] Bolts 4 can be loosened and removed and cable connections made to each of the terminals of block 10, and bolts 4 tightened to hold the connection in place, specPA2050018

2018100978 10 Jul 2018 in the usual manner. Bolts 4 as illustrated and stainless steel M5 bolts. Alternative bolts or fixings may be used.

[0049] In use, lid 5 is very useful to cover the cable connection points once the connections have been made, to keep these tidy and protected from accidental damage. Lid 5 is shown made of a plastic material that covers each terminal in a section each marked SOLAR, ALT, GRD, and AUX, corresponding to the battery charger 12 terminals to which the underlying cables are connected. It can be seen that each section, as illustrated, marked SOLAR, ALT and AUX are the same size, and each is a single terminal. However, these terminals have plenty of space on either side to accommodate a single cable but also a single large cable if a large cable needs to be connected. Lid 5 is a flip cover to cover the connection points so that these are protected both from accidental damage, and to protect the connection points from dust or dirt which may compromise the connections in the long or short term. Incidental contact and shorts can be a problem, particular when using the apparatus outside or travelling.

[0050] The GRD section of lid 5 is much wider and this covers the important multiconnect port 6. It is the multi-connect port 6 that enables multiple cable connections to a single terminal, safely and with a neat and ordered arrangement. Multi-connect port 6 includes multi-connect terminal ports 6a, 6b and 6c, as can be seen in particular in Figures 1 or 3. Each of these multi-connect terminal ports 6a, 6b and 6c, are configured as electrical terminals suitable to connect cables to battery charger 12. Three terminal ports are included in multi-connect terminal port 6, in the illustrated example as a convenient number and size configuration to be used with battery charger 12. However, clearly more terminals could be included, and spaced apart appropriately for use.

[0051] Screw mountings 7 are used with contact plates 1 (1a, 1b and 1c) with battery charger 12, in the usual manner. Screw mountings 7 can be replaced with equivalent fixings in other forms of the invention.

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2018100978 10 Jul 2018 [0052] Cover 18 of battery charger 12 completes the smart look and protected nature of the use of the invention with battery charger 12. The protection is a useful aspect, as in the realities of using battery charger 12 and cable distribution terminal block 10 there is likely to be dust, humidity, dirt and the risk of damage and contact with other items during transportation. To be able to protect the apparatus during use is a great benefit of the inventors various inventions.

[0053] Battery charger 12 and cable distribution terminal block 10 are connected one with the other through use of connector 20 and use of fixings (not shown) through holes 22. The design works well to present the two parts together in as a cohesive apparatus that works well and looks good.

[0054] Lid 5 of cable distribution terminal block 10 is hinged at 24, very useful again to allow very ready and easy access to install, maintain, check or replace the cables (not shown) but also to then cover these important terminals and protect them. The protection is very useful to prevent incidental damage from contact with other objects or from electrical shorts by contact with other electrical equipment.

[0055] When terminal block 10 is connected to the cables, and multiple connections made to multi-connection block 6, these each have an individual labelled slot, which provides a neat and tidy connection. Each divider allows amble room for the cable to fit in its allotted slot, held, efficient and neatly in place, clearly labelled to show the cable attached. Copper contact plates 1, (1a, 1b, 1c and 1d) connect strongly from battery charger 12, instead of the direct connection to the cables. This strong efficient connection between battery charger 12 terminals and to cable distribution terminal block 10 terminals allows greater space and options for cable attachment. Contact plates 1 are adapted to provide a very good contact surface and large resistance, capable of use for large currents. Use of screw fixings 7 holds the connections strongly in place so the connection is not in any way compromised. Steel bolts 4 are used to hold the cable crimps or ring connections, fastened with anti-loose hex nuts. The connection of the cables is in this way secured to cable specPA2050018

2018100978 10 Jul 2018 distribution terminal block 10, which in turn is in connection with the appropriate terminals of battery charger 12.

[0056] After the cable connections are made, including the multiple connections, as illustrated three, connections to the ground terminal 6, battery charger 12 and cable distribution terminal block 10 are connected robustly together. At this stage, flip cover 5 can be closed to cover and protect the connections below. Once closed the labels of 5 assist to show the cables connected, which is useful when checking the apparatus. The particular cable attached can be identified as to which terminal of the battery charge is connected without the need to disconnect or even open protective flip lid 5. Protective flip lid 5 protects the connections, general from impact and also to keep them somewhat protected from dust and moisture. Reduction in the ingress of dust or moisture and generally keeping the connections clean helps to prevent shorts due to build-up of material at the terminal. Protection from impact helps serious or minor damage occurring which may impact the function of the apparatus.

[0057] The clever design of cable distribution terminal block 10 integrates it exactly with battery charger 12 as shown. In this way there is added stability and support to the connections. Overall, the apparatus when used with a battery charge provides an integrated apparatus that works very well and with significant improvements in ability to connect multiple cables, but without loss of function, efficiency or in the order and look of the apparatus.

[0058] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that changes may be made to the embodiment disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, in its various aspects.

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REFERENCE SIGNS LIST:

10	Cable distribution terminal block	18	Cover of 12
12	Battery charger	20	Connector
1	Contact Plates	22	Hole
1a	Solar contact plate	24	Hinge
1b	Alt. contact plate
1c	Grd. Contact plate
1d	Aux. contact plate
2	Nuts
3	Body of 10
4	Bolts
5	Lid
6	Multi-connect port with terminal
6a	Multi-connect port with terminal (a)
6b	Multi-connect port with terminal (b)
6c	Multi-connect port with terminal (c)
7	Screw mounting
14	Sensor

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Claims (5)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. A detachable cable distribution terminal block, for use with a battery charger, the cable distribution terminal block including:

   a block body adapted to fit with the battery charger;

   a plurality of first connection points; and a plurality of second connection points;

   wherein the first connection points include at least one multi-connection point enabling electrical connection of cables; and further wherein each of the said second connection points are connected to one or more first connection points for corresponding electrical connection to said battery charger with the cables connected to the first connection points; and further wherein at least one multi-connection point enables more than one cable to be connected, to a single second connection point and corresponding connection with the battery charger, and the connection is a strong and robust connection with minimal loss of resistance and further wherein, multiple cables are connected with a single charger terminal, via said multi-connection points.
2. 2. The detachable cable distribution terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the multi-connection point is fitted with large cables for conducting at least 50A of electricity in a safe manner via expanded contact area with minimized risk of shorting.
3. 3. The detachable cable distribution terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the said multi-connection point enables connection of at specPA2050018

   2018100978 10 Jul 2018 least 3 cables to be attached to the said detachable cable distribution terminal block using ring connectors or crimp connectors to ensure complete safety.
4. 4. The detachable cable distribution terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the said detachable cable distribution terminal block is provided with a rectangular continuous solid flip cover for protection of the connection points from impact, moisture, dust or otherwise and said terminal block base is integrated and molded together with the terminals firmly to maintain stability of the mechanical device and its associated cable connections.
5. 5. The detachable cable distribution terminal block according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a plurality of cables can be connected via the multiconnection point through the contact plate to a single terminal of the battery charger.