Battery pack having durable terminals

摘要

A rechargeable battery pack for portable electronic devices such as a portable video camera possesses improved durability and longevity. The rechargeable battery pack includes an insulated housing; at least one rechargeable battery permanently encased in the housing; and terminal means adapted to electrically engage the portable electronic device. The terminal means includes open-ended anode and cathode pin terminals formed within opposed corner sections of the housing. Each pin terminal includes an open-ended metal contact arranged within the pin terminal in electrical contact with the rechargeable battery means. Each pin terminal has a relatively smaller diameter or cross-sectional area than a relatively larger diameter or cross-sectional area of a complementary terminal pin of an electronic device adapted to be inserted into the pin terminal. A slit opening formed through a corresponding outer side wall of both the pin terminal and the metal contact extends from an open end of the pin terminal along the outer side wall of the pin terminal and the metal contact. Additionally, the slit opening constitutes a means for expanding the cross-sectional area of the pin terminal upon insertion of the terminal pin therein to insure a snug and reliable fit and electrical connection.