WO2015061854A1

WO2015061854A1 - Battery isolator

Info

Publication number: WO2015061854A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/050321
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roger Bruce Lee
Original assignee: Roger Bruce Lee
Priority date: 2013-10-29
Filing date: 2014-10-29
Publication date: 2015-05-07
Also published as: AU2013251183B1

Abstract

A battery isolator for a battery, the battery isolator including a terminal socket configured to attach to at least one terminal of the automotive battery wherein: the at least one battery terminal is inaccessible when the terminal socket is attached thereto; the battery isolator has a battery post, which is electrically coupled via an electrical coupling to the at least one battery terminal when the terminal socket is attached thereto, and; the electrical coupling can be engaged or disengaged to respectively energise or de-energise the battery post, and wherein the battery isolator can be locked into the disengaged position.

Description

BAT ERY ISOLATOR

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates generally to the electrical isolation of batteries and in particular to the electrical isolation of automotive or industrial batteries.

Background

[0002] Batteries arc manufactured without the ability to isolate the energy stored within the battery. Many people are unaware of the potential risk associated with the use and maintenance of batteries. Risks can include electric shock, fires and evolution of flammable gasses with associated risks of explosion. A simple prolonged short circuit across both terminals of a battery can lead to fires and or gaseous explosions sufficien to significant damage to people or property. Batteries are not manufactured wit the ability to be energetically isolated. Such capabilities would allow for the safe occurrence of duties which may bring a person into contact with (he energy stored within a battery.

[0003] Curren electrical isolators merely interrupt the electrical circuit connected to the battery rather then isolating the battery itself as a sourc of energy. In certain applications, such as batteries for large machinery or automobiles, these isolators may break the electrical circuit at a distance of more than three metres from the battery. This poses a risk persons servicing a machine containing a battery, since the battery and several major cables are completely unprotected. Isolating the batter rather than the attached circuit removes any risk regarding these issues.

Brief Summary

[0004] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides, a battery isolator for a battery, the battery isolator including a terminal socket configured to attach to at least one terminal of the automotive battery wherein, the at least one battery terminal is inaccessible when the terminal socket is attached thereto, the battery isolator has a battery post, which is electrically coupled via an electrical coupling to the at least one battery terminal when the terminal socket is attached thereto, and; the electrical coupling can b engaged or disengaged to respectivel energise or de-energise the battery post, wherei the battery isolator can be locked into the disengaged position.

[0005] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the size of the terminal socket can be adapted to correspond to the size of the at least one battery terminal by a removable insert, said insert including an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the insert is adapted to contactingly fit with the terminal socket and wherein the inner surface of the insert attaches to the at least one battery terminal.

[0006] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the outer surface of the terminal socket is serrated,

[0007] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the outer surface and/or inner surface of the inserts is serrated.

[0008] Accordin to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein a tightening clamp is used to secure the attachment of the terminal socket to the at least one battery terminal.

[0009] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a batter isolator wherein the tightening bol resides within a recess in the battery isolator, and wherein the recess can be plugged to make the tightening bolt inaccessible.

[0010] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the electrical coupling includes a main bridge contact arm, wherein the main bridge contact arm moves between, an engaged position wherein the main bridge contact arm forms an electrical connection between the at least one battery terminal and the battery post, and; a disengaged position wherein the main bridge contact arm physically breaks the electrical connection between the at least one battery terminal and the battery post.

[0011] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the main bridge contact arm is biased toward the disengaged position.

[0012] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the bias of the main bridge contact arm pushes against a rotatable cam with an irregular diameter wherein the cam moves between, an engaged position corresponding to the engaged position of the main bridge contact arm, and; a disengaged position corresponding to the disengaged position of the main bridge contact arm, and wherein the portion of the cam in contact with the main bridge contact arm when in the engaged positio is greater in diameter than the portion of the cam in contact with the main bridge contact arm when in the disengaged position; and wherein, the bias on the main bridge contact arm keeps the main bridge contac a m in contact with the cam as the cam rotates from the engaged position towards the disengaged position thus also moving the main bridge contact arm between the engaged and disengaged position.

[0013] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a batter isolator wherein the rotating cam has a recessed channel guide configured to engage with a portion of the main bridge contac arm, wherein the channel guide will engage with the portion of the main bridge contact arm during rotation of the cam such that the channel guide will exert a pulling force in the direction of the bias on the main guide contact arm,

[0014] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the portion of the main bridge contact arm protrudes from the main bridge contact arm with a cross sectional profile configured to engage with the recessed channel guide. [00.15] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the battery isolator can be locked into the disengaged position.

[0016] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the rotating cam is operated by a handle with an extended tail which seats against a stationary plate on the battery isolator when the cam is in the disengaged position, and wherein the handle and stationary plate have holes which are coaxial when in the disengaged position, allowing for a padlock to lock the handle into position against the stationary plate.

[0017] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery wherein the electrical coupling is contained within an internal portion of the battery isolator which is air-tight.

[0018] Accordin to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the internal portion is filled with an inert atmosphere resistant to electric aising.

[00.19] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the inert atmosphere is nitrogen gas.

[0020] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator wherein the rotating cam provides haptic feedback when the cam i rotated into and/or away from the engaged and/or disengaged positions.

[0021] According to another aspect, the present, invention provides a battery isolator wherein a portion of the rotating cam is configured with notches which engage with a fail safe locking pin when the cam is rotated into either the engaged or disengaged positio preventing the cam from rotating away from this position, and wherein a push button is configured to remove the locking pin from the notch when the push button i depressed and held, allowing the cam to rotate.

[0022] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein cabling can be attached to the battery post such that an electrical circuit formed by the cabling can be energised or de-energised by respectively engaging or disengaging the battery isolator. 0023] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a battery isolator for an automotive battery.

Brief Description of Figures

[0024] Figure 1 is a view of an embodiment of the battery isolator,

[0025] Figure 2 is a bottom vie of an embodimen of the battery isolator with the bottom; portion removed to reveal the internal portion.

[0026] Figure 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the battery isolator,

[0027] Figure 4 is an alternative view of an embodiment the battery isolator,

[0028] Figure 5 is side view of a embodiment of the

[0029] Figure 6 is a view of die bottom of the cam;

[0030] Figure 7 is an alternative side view of the cam ;

[0031] Figure 8 is a top view of the cam.

P!arte Lists

10 battery isolator

11 top portion of battery isolator

12 bottom portion of battery isolator

13 side poitions of battery isolator

14 internal portion of battery isolator

15 gasket

2D socket

21 socket inner surface

22 socket outer surface

23 socket inserts

24 socket inserts inner surface

25 socket inserts outer surface

26 clamp bolt

27 clamp bolt recess

28 cap for clamp bolt recess

29 socket bridge terminal

30 isolalable terminal

31 isolalable terminal base

32 isolalable terminal bridge terminal

33 se<»ndar isolatable terminal 40 bridge arrangement

41. contact arm

42 contact arm springs

43 locating pins

44 guides

45 guide stop

46 profiled portion

50 control point

51 cam

52 recessed channel guide loading pirn

feedback dements

top portion of cam

locking portion

locking pin

push button to release locking pin control point hole

locking point

locking point hole

Preterred Embodiments

[0032] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments,

[0033] Referring to figure 1, a battery isolator 10 has a top portion 11. and side portions 12. Referring to figure 2, opposite to the top portion 11 is a bottom portion 13, which has been removed from the view of figure 2 to reveal the internal portion 14. The internal portion 14 takes the form of a cavity, bound by the top portion 11 , side portions 12 and bottom portion 13. In the embodiment shown, the battery terminal takes a rectangular shape, (hough other shapes are equally permissible.

[0034] The bottom portion 13 of the battery isolator 10 has a socket 20 which is recessed into the bottom portion 13. The socket 20 is constructed from an electrical conductor such as an electrically conductin metal like brass, whic is good for corrosive environments, cost effective and strong. The socket 20 has an inner surface 1 which is configured to engage contactingly with a terminal of a battery. By this arrangement, the battery isolator 10 is electrically and physically coupled to a battery. The socket 20 is sized to substantially envelope the battery terminal such that the batter terminal cannot be physically accessed when the socket 20 is engaged thereon. In an exemplary form, the bottom portion 13 of the battery isolator 10 seats in contact with the battery to which it i attached, thus disallowing physical access to the bottom portion 13 of the battery isolator 10.

[0035] The battery isolator 10 may also be adapted with a gasket 15 disposed around the socket 20. The gasket 15 may be formed from a deformable material to provide a compressive seal between the battery isolator 10 and the battery. The gasket 15 helps prevent ingress of dust and debris to the socket 20, and further isolates the battery terminal from workers. In certain embodiments, the gasket 15 may be formed of rubber or bitumen impregnated rubber. In other embodiments the gaske 15 may be configured with an adhesive surface to hold the battery isolator 10 in place against the battery. Such an adhesi ve surface may have a protective covering such as a paper covering, which would be remoyed when seating the battery isolator against the battery.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the battery isolator 10 is configured to adapt with the negative terminal of a battery. However, the battery isolator 10 can also be adapted to engage with the positive terminal of a battery, in an alternative form, a battery isolator with two sockets 20 can be used to engage with both the positive and negative terminals of a battery.

[0037] The siz of the socket 20 is adjustable through the use of an insert 23. The insert is made of an electrically conductive material, such as brass, and is generally formed from the same material as the socket. In the embodiment of figure 2, these insert 23 is in the form of a concentric ring with an inner surface 24 and an outer surface 25. The insert 23 is configured to nestle in a position coaxial to the socket 20. In this manner, the insert 23 is configured such that the outer surface of the insert 24 is in contact with an inner surface of the socket 20.

[0038] It is often the case tha a battery will hav terminals of different size. Through the use of an insert 23, the battery isolator 10 can be configured such that the socket 20 will fit with the larger terminal of a battery, the insert 23 will provide the adjustment necessary for the battery isolator to fit with the smaller terminal of the battery.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the surfaces of the socket 20 and inserts 23 are serrated or otherwise textured to improve electrical conductivity betwee adjacent surfaces, and to prevent slipping and rotation between adjacent surfaces. This texturing helps ensure a secure fit between the socket 20 of the battery isolator and the battery terminal is achieved, thus energising the socket 20 with the potential of the battery terminal.

[0040] The embodiments described thus far are adapted for use wit batteries configured with typical post-type terminals which protrude from the battery casing. However, the battery isolator 10 can be easily adapted for use with any terminal, by replacing the socket 20 with a suitable coupling.

[0041] In some embodiments a clamp bolt 26 may be used to further secure the battery isolator 10 to the batter terminal. In the embodiment shown by figures 2 and 4, the clamp bolt 26 is disposed orthogonally to the long axis of the battery terminal. By screwing the clamp bolt 26, lightens the socket and/or inserts ag inst the battery terminal. The clamp bolt 26 is recessed 27 into the side portion 12 of the battery terminal, allowin a ca 28 to be fitted over the recess 27 to physically disallow access to the clamp bolt 26.

[0042] Referring to figure 3, the top portion 11 of the battery isolator 10 has a isolatable terminal 30. In the shown embodiment the isolatable terminal 30 is in the form of a threaded post. The isolatable terminal 30 is electrically coupled to the socket 20 through an bridge arrangement 40. In the embodiment of figure 3 a control point 50 is located on the top portion 1 of the battery isolator 10 which can engage and disengage the bridge arrangement 40. Engaging the bridge arrangement 40 couples the isolatable terminal 30 to the battery terminal, thereby energising the isolatable terminal 30. Disengaging the bridge arrangement 40 decouples the isolatable 30 terminal from the battery terminal, thereby isolating the isolatable terminal 30,

[0043] When the battery isolator 10 is in use, cabling which would be applied to the battery terminal would instead be applied to the isolatable terminal 10. This arrangement allows for the circuit applied through the cabling to be isolated or energised as the bridge arrangement 40 is moved between the engaged and disengaged positions.

[0044] The battery isolator 10 may also include a secondary isolatable terminal 33 which is also coupled to the socket 20 yia the bridge arrangement 40. In the embodiment shown, the secondary terminal 33 is an internally threaded recess in the top portion 11 of the battery isolator 1 . The secondary isolatable terminal 33 offers an option as to what type of coupling can be used with the batter isolator 10. In other embodiments, the battery isolator 10 will have a single isolatable terminal of either an internal or external thread Style. In further embodiments, the battery isolator 10 can be adapted with an isolatable terminal 33 of differing style according to the application, for example an isolatable terminal of the same style as the battery terminal to which the battery isolator is applied,

[0045] Referring to figure 2, a certain embodiment of the bridge arrangement 40 in the engaged position is shown. This position is characterised by a contac arm 41 being electrically coupled to the socket 20 and the isolatable terminal 30, The isolatable terminal extends into the internal portion 14 of the battery isolator 10 to form the isolatable terminal base 31. The isolatable terminal base 31 include a protrusion termed the bridge terminal 32. In the embodiment shown, the bridge terminal 32 s configured with a tongue that seats with a corresponding groove in the contact arm 41, though other arrangements are possible. This tongue and groove arrangement increases the contact area between the contact arm 41 and the bridge terminal 32 of the isolatable terminal 30, improving the electrical coupling therebetween. A similar protrusion extends from Che outer surface 22 of the socket 20 to form the socket bridge terminal 29. The contact arm 41 is biased in the disengaged position, where the coupling between the contact, arm 41 and the two bridge terminals 29, 32 is broken by means of a physical gap between the contact arm 41 and the two bridge terminals 29, 32, In the embodiment shown in figure 2, the bias achieved by springs 42.

[0046] Movement of the contact arm 41 is restricted to a single plane by the use of locating pins 43 and guides 44. By restricting travel to a single plane, the contact arm 41 will seat and unsea simultaneously from both the bridge terminal 29, 32. This arrangement reduces occurrences of the bridge becoming jammed and also reduces instances of electrical arcing and current interruption when the contact arm 41 is in near proximity to the bridge terminals 29, 32.

[0047] Referring still to figure 2, the contact arm 41 is moved between the engaged and. disengaged position by the control point SO located on the top portion 11 of the battery isolator 10. The control point 50 is mechanically coupled to a cam 51 located in the internal portion 14 of the battery isolator 10, such that rotating the control point. SO between the engaged and disengaged position also rotates the cam 51 through these positions.

[0048] The cam 51 is located on the opposite side of the contact arm 41 to the bridge terminals 29» 32. The cam 51 is configured with an irregular diameter such that as the cam is rotated to the disengaged position, the portion of the cam 51 facing the contact arm 41 recedes away from the bridge tenmnals 29, 32. As the contact arm 41 is biased in the disengaged position away from the bridge terminals 29, 32, the contact arm 41 remains in contact with the cam 51, thus aiso receding away from the bridge contacts 29, 2 along the plane dictated by the locating puis 43 and guides 44, By this arrangement, the contact arm 41 unseats from the bridge terminal 29, 32 as the cam is rotated to the disengaged position. Similarly, when the cam 51 is rotated into the engaged position, the portion of the cam in contact with (he contact arm 41 increases in diameter, pushing the contact arm 41 towards the bridge terminals 29, 32.

[0049] The guides 44 are configured with stops 45 to limit the travel of the contact arm 41 away from the bridge terminals 29, 33. When (he contact arm 41 is resting on the stops 45, a physical gap exists between the contact arm 41 and the bridge terminal 29, 32, electrically isolating these two elements of the bridge arrangement 40. Consequently, th isolatable terminal 30 is withdrawn from electrical coupling with the battery terminal and is hence de-energised.

[0050] The contact arm 41 may be configured with a profiled portion 46 which protrudes from the contact arm. The shape of the profiled portion 46 is adapted to engage with a channel 52 formed into the cam 51, as depicted in figure 5. In the embodiment of figure 5, the channel 52 is T-shaped for engagemen with a profiled portion 46 with a T- shaped or L»shaped cross section. As the cam 51 is rotated from the engaged position to (he disengaged position, the channel 52 will engage with the corresponding profile of the profiled portion 46, thereby mechanically coupling (he cam 51 to the contact arm 41. In this manner, further rotation of the cam 51 towards the disengaged position will physically pull the contact arm 41 away from the bridge terminals 29, 32. By this arrangement, the physical force exerted on the contact arm by (he channel 52 of the cam 51 will forcefully break any microscopic spot welding between the contact arm 41 and the bridge terminals 29, 32. The adhesion caused by microscopic spot welding may be too strong for the restring force of the contact arm springs 42 to overcome. Using the physical coupling of title recess 52 and profiled portion 46 in the initial portion of the travel of the contact arm 41 from the engaged position to the disengaged position helps prevent the battery isolator 10 becoming stuck in the engaged position.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, the contact arm 41 itself can be configured with a cross sectional profile which corresponds to the shap of th channel 52. This embodiment removes the need for a separate protrusion 46 from the contact arm 41.

[0052] Referring again to figure 5, the cam 51 has loading pins 53 which protrude radially outward from the cam 51, The loading pins S3 are seated on springs in an internal portion of the cam 51. In this manner the loading pins 53 can be pushed into the cam 1, placing the springs on which they are seated under tension. These pins are configured to contact with the contact arm 41 when the cam 51 is in the engaged position. As the cam 51 is rotated away from the engaged position, the loading p s 53 progressively unload the tension in which they are under due to the imposed bias. This causes the force applied by (he loading pins 53 to the contact arm 41 to be reduced gradually as the cam 51 begins its transition from the engaged to disengaged positions. Similarly, the loading pins 53 also apply a gradual force to the contact arm 41 as they are brought towards the bridge terminals 29, 32 when the cam 1 is rotated from the disengaged to the engaged position. The loading pins 53 exert a constant force o the contact arm 41 when the battery isolator 10 is in the disengaged position, ensuring that contact is maintained between (he contact arm and the bridge terminals 29, 32.

[0053] Referring still to figure 5, feedback elements 54 are located on a top portion 55 of the cam 51. Jn the embodiment shown, the feedback elements 54 are in form of ball bearings that protrude partially from the surface of the top portion 55 of the cam 51. The feed back elements 54 are seated on a spring within the cam that biases the feed back elements 54 in a direction outward from the top portion 55 of the cam 51. This arrangement allows the feed back 54 elements to retract inwardly into the top portion 55 of the cam 51 under the influence of an external force. Similarly, when the external force is removed, the feedback elements 54 will return to their partially protruding position under the influence of the imposed bias.

[0054] Referring again to figure 2, when due cam 51 is positioned within the internal portion 14 of the battery isolator 10, the top portion 55 of the cam 51 will be in contact with or in close proximity to the surface opposite to the top portion 1 of the battery isolator 10. According to a particular embodiment, the internal surface of the battery isolator opposite to the top portion 55 of the cam 51 is configured with curved grooves. These grooves are shaped to allow the feedback elements 54 to track within this groove when the cam 51 is rotated between the engaged and disengaged positions. The depth of the groove is configured to exer a force on the feedback elements, thereby pushing the elements towards seat against the bias of the spring located therein.

[0055] At either end of the curved groove are recessed portions that extend further into the internal surface of the battery terminal 10 than the groove. These recessed portions will align with the feedback element 54 at the engaged and disengaged position. Due to the additional depth of the recessed portions compared to that of the curved groove, the feed back elements will position outwardly from the top portion 55 of the cam 51 due to the bias on the feed back elements 54, when aligned with the recesses. This action will provide haptic feedback to the operator rotating the control point in the form of a click which may also be audible, informing the operator that the battery isolator 10 has been placed into either the engaged or disengaged position.

[0056] Referring still to figure 2, the top portion 55 of the cam 51 is configured as a flange which extends beyond the diameter of the earn 51. In the embodiment shown, the top portion of the cam has two recessed locking portions 56. The recessed locking portions 56 are configured to engage with a locking pin 57 situated adjacent to the cam 51. The locking portions 56 are located such that when the control point 50 is in either the engaged or disengaged position, a locking portion 56 will align with the locking pin 57, allowing the locking pin to extend into the locking portion thus preventing the cam 51 from rotating. The locking pin 57 is operated by a push button 58 on the top portion 11 of the battery isolator 10. When the push button 58 is depressed, the locking pin 57 is withdrawn from the recessed portion 56, allowing the cam 51 to be rotated.

[0057 ] Referring again to figure 2, protruding from the top portion 11 of the battery isolator 10 is a locking point 60. The locking point 60 is a stationary member by which the handle of the control point 50 seats against when the battery isolator 10 is in die disengaged position. Both the handle of the control point 50 and the locking point 60 are configured with holes termed the control point hole 59 and the locking point hole 61. The control point hole 59 and the locking point hole 61 align coaxially when the battery isolator 10 is in the disengaged position. This arrangement allows for a pad lock or some other physical means to be located through both the control point hole 59 and the locking point hole 61, thus securing the battery isolator 10 in the disengaged position, making for a secure isolation of the battery and circuit attached thereto.

[0058] The battery isolator 10 may also be fitted with an indicating light. Such an indicating light could be configured to change states between on and off to coincide with the battery isolator changing states between energised and de-energised.

[0059] Accordin to a certain embodiment, the internal portion 14 is sealed so as to be air tight. The internal portion can then be filled with an inert gas such as nitrogen to inhibit electrical arcing betwee contact surfaces of the isolating arrangemen 40. Sealing the internal portion 14 will also prevent ingress of foreign matter, making the battery isolator 10 suitable for use in hazardous environments.

[0060] The battery isolator 10 as herein described offer a portable and robust unit that can be retrofitted to most automotive style batteries. The portable and retro-fittable nature of the battery isolator 10 allows a single device to be installed on different batteries as the need arises, allowing for a safe and cost effective mean of isolating batteries when conducting maintenance.

[0061] The operation of the device allows for very high levels of confidence that the battery isolation is successful. The physical and direct means for transitioning the battery isolator between the engaged and disengaged state minimises the incidence of failure in transitioning. The device also offers haptic feedback to the operator, and is located and operated at the source of energy to be isolated adding to the integrity of the isolation.

[0062] The ability of the battery isolator 10 to be locked into the disengaged position prevents the battery isolator from being inadvertently switched to the engaged stale, potentially exposing workers to electrical energy. This type of occurrence i common when multiple people are working on different sections of a piece of equipment and are not aware as to what other workers are doing. Furthermore, the ability of battery isolator 10 ability to be located and operated locally to the source of energy itself, i.e. a battery, minimises the risk that a worker would be confused as to what equipment is actually isolated. This occurrence is common where the piece of equipment may have several different isolators located remotely from the energy source they are isolating, or where several sources of energy need to be isolated for safe maintenance to occur.

Claims

The Claims:

1. A battery isolator for a battery, the battery isolator including a terminal socket configured to attach to at least one terminal of the automotive battery wherein, the at least one battery terminal is inaccessible when the terminal socket is attached thereto, the battery isolator has a battery post, which is electrically coupled via an electrical coupling to the at least one battery terminal whe the terminal socket is attached thereto, and; the electrical coupling can be engaged or disengaged to respectively energise or de-energise the battery post, wherein the battery isolator can be locked into the disengaged position.

2. The battery isolator according to claim 1 wherein the size of the terminal socket can be adapted to correspond to the size of the at leas one battery terminal by a removable insert, said insert including an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the insert is adapted to contactingly fit with the terminal socket and wherein the inner surface of the insert attaches to the at least one battery terminal.

3. The battery isolator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer surface of the terminal socket is serrated.

4. The battery isolator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer surface and or inner surface of the inserts is serrated.

5. The batter isolator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a tightening clamp is used to secure the attachment of the terminal socket to the at least one battery terminal.

6. The battery isolator according to claim 5 wherei the tightening bolt resides within a recess in the battery isolator, and wherein the recess can be plugged to make the tightening bolt inaccessible.

7. The battery isolator according to an one of the preceding claims wherein the electrical coupling includes a main bridge contact arm, wherein the main bridge contact arm moves between, an engaged position wherein the main bridge contact arm forms an electrical connection between the at least one battery terminal and the battery post, and; a disengaged position wherein the main bridge contact arm physically breaks the electrical connection between the at least one battery terminal and the battery post

8. The battery isolator according to claim 7 wherein the main bridge contact arm is biased toward the disengaged position.

9. The battery isolator according to claim 8 wherein the bias of the main bridge contac arm pushes against a rotatable cam with an irregular diameter wherein the earn moves between, an engaged position corresponding to the engaged position of the main bridge contact arm, and; a disengaged position corresponding to the disengaged position of the main bridge contact aim, and wherein the portion of the cam in contact with the main bridge contact arm when in the engaged position is greater in diameter than the portion of the cam in contac with the main bridge contact arm when in the disengaged position; and wherein, the bias on the main bridge contact aim keeps the main bridge contact arm in contact with the cam as the cam rotates from the engaged position towards the disengaged position thus also moving the main bridge contact arm between the engaged and disengaged position.

10. The battery isolator according to claim 9 wherein die rotating cam has a recessed channel guide configured to engage with a portion of the main bridge contact arm, wherein the channel guide will engage with the portion of the main bridge contact arm during rotation of the cam such that the channel guide will exert a pulling force in the direction of the bias on the main guide contact arm.

11. The battery isolator according to claim 10 wherein the portion of the main bridge contact arm protrudes from the main bridge contac arm with a cross sectional profile configured to engage with the recessed channel guide.

12. The battery isolator according to any one of claims 7 to 11 wherein the rotating cam i operated by a handle with an extended tail which seats against a stationary plate on the battery isolator when the cam is in the disengaged position, and wherein the handle and stationary plate have holes which are coaxial when in the disengaged position, allowing for a padlock to lock the handle into position against the stationary plate.

13. The battery isolator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the electrical coupling is contained within an internal portion of the battery isolator which is air-light.

14. The battery isolat r according to claim 3 wherein the internal portion is filled with an inert atmosphere resistant to electric arcing.

15. The battery isolator according to claim 14 wherein the inert atmosphere is nitroge gas.

16. The battery isolator according to any one claims 9 to 15 wherein die rotating cam provides haptic feedback when the cam is rotated into and/or away from the engaged and/or disengaged positions.

17. The battery isolator according to any one of claims 9 to 16 wherein a portion of the rotating cam is configured with notches which engage with a fail safe locking: pin when the cam is rotated into either the engaged or disengaged position preventing the cam from rotating away from this position, and wherein a push button is configured to remove the locking pin from the notch when the push button is depressed and held, allowing the cam to rotate.

18. The battery isolator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein cabling cam be attached to the battery post such that an electrical circuit formed by the cabling can be energised or de-energised by respectively engaging or disengaging the battery isolator.