Connector assembly

Abstract

A connector assembly is disclosed which enables an electrically safe disconnection and separation since it can ensure a time interval between a separation time point of interlocking terminals and a separation time point of power supply terminals when the connectors are separated. In order to disconnect and separate a female connector and a male connector, the connector assembly can include an intermediate locking mechanism which restricts a lever for disconnecting the connectors in a state in which the interlocking terminals of the two connectors are separated from each other while the power supply terminals of the two connectors are in contact with each other, so that a two-step disconnection in which the power supply is cut off after the lever is restricted in an intermediate locking state and then the two connectors are completely disconnected by an additional operation of the lever can be implemented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a connector assembly, and more specifically, to a connector assembly that enables electrically safe disconnection and separation by ensuring a time interval between the separation time of the interlocking terminals and the separation time of the power supply terminals when the connector is disconnected. Background Technology

[0002] Connector assemblies used for electrical connections are typically used in the electrical and electronic components of a vehicle.

[0003] Connector assemblies according to examples of the prior art include a female connector, a male connector, and a connector position assurance (CPA) device for verifying that the female and male connectors are fully secured.

[0004] Therefore, depending on the connector assembly, the tightening status of the female and male connectors can be confirmed by CPA after they are fastened together.

[0005] According to another example of the prior art, the connector assembly includes a female connector, a male connector, a rod for fastening the female connector and the male connector, and a means for confirming the position of the rod after rotation of the rod.

[0006] Therefore, when the rod is tightened by rotating the female connector and the male connector, and the device for confirming the position of the rod is fastened to the rotated rod, it is possible to check whether the rod is in the position where the female connector and the male connector are fastened to each other.

[0007] Meanwhile, in the prior art, connectors used for electrical connections are used at a low voltage of about 12V, but recently, with the mass production of electric vehicles, connectors are often used at high voltages.

[0008] One of the problems with connectors used at high voltages is the generation of sparks. That is, sparks generated when the connector is engaged or disengaged can damage the connector.

[0009] To solve this problem, it is necessary to energize after the terminals are connected and de-energize before the terminals are disconnected. For this purpose, an interlocking function is usually applied in the connector.

[0010] The interlock function provides signals about the connection and disconnection status of terminals and prevents sparking by connecting and disconnecting power before and after terminal connection and disconnection.

[0011] According to the connector assembly employing the interlocking function, an interlocking terminal is used, which provides a signal that cuts off the power supply through the power supply terminal before it is disconnected from the power supply terminal used for energizing.

[0012] However, when the connectors of the connector assembly are quickly disconnected, the power supply terminals used for energizing are also disconnected within a very short time after the interlock terminals are disconnected, so the interlock terminals are essentially unable to function.

[0013] According to the prior art, the connector assembly has the structure of a general high-voltage rod connector including interlocking terminals or has a structure in which interlocking terminals are included in a specific component.

[0014] However, according to typical high-voltage rod connectors, the time interval between the separation of the power terminal and the interlock terminal when the connector is disconnected is short or there is no structure to provide a time interval. Therefore, an electrical hazard (sparking) may occur when the connector is disconnected.

[0015] Furthermore, depending on the structure in which interlocking terminals are included in a specific component, the interlocking terminals may separate due to impacts caused by external forces, which could lead to dangerous situations. For example, when the interlocking terminal is installed in the CPA, if the CPA is separated by external forces, the interlocking terminal may separate, and the current at the power supply terminal may be cut off, which could lead to a traffic accident.

[0016] The foregoing is for the purpose of helping to understand the background of this disclosure and is not intended to imply that this disclosure falls within the scope of prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0017] Therefore, this disclosure is committed to solving these problems, and the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a connector assembly that achieves electrically safe disconnection and separation due to the time interval between the separation time of the interlocking terminals and the separation time of the power supply terminals when the connector is disconnected.

[0018] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a connector assembly that can solve the problem of current being cut off from the power supply terminal when the signal of the interlock terminal is separated due to external impact, etc., by preventing disconnection between the terminals as long as the connector is not disconnected, and can reduce the possibility of traffic accidents caused by cutting off the current of the power supply terminal.

[0019] The purposes of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other purposes not set forth herein will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains (hereinafter, “the skill”) through the following description.

[0020] To achieve these objectives, embodiments of this disclosure provide a connector assembly including: a first connector having interlocking terminals and power terminals; a second connector having interlocking terminals and power terminals; a rod rotatably coupled to the second connector and, when rotated on the second connector, moving the first connector in a connection direction and a disconnection direction relative to the second connector; and an intermediate locking mechanism that restricts rotation of the rod such that when the first connector and the second connector are disconnected, an intermediate locking state is maintained between the two connectors, wherein the interlocking terminals of the two connectors are separated from each other and the power terminals of the two connectors remain in contact with each other.

[0021] The intermediate locking mechanism may include: a locking protrusion formed at the rod; a pressing portion formed at the connector housing of the second connector and capable of being pressed and bent; and a protruding step formed as a locking protrusion of the locking rod, such that the rod no longer rotates in the disconnection direction of the two connectors when the two connectors are locked in the intermediate locking state.

[0022] The pressing part can be formed as a plate extending forward from the rear edge of the hole formed in the connector housing of the second connector to be positioned inside the hole, and can be bent toward the inside of the connector housing.

[0023] A raised step can be formed on the outer surface of the front part of the pressing part.

[0024] The rod may include: left and right rod bodies rotatably connected to the left and right sides of the connector housing of the second connector; and a handle that integrally connects the left and right rod bodies.

[0025] Locking protrusions can be formed on the left and right sides of the rod body, respectively.

[0026] The pressing part can be formed on the left and right sides of the connector housing of the second connector, respectively.

[0027] The cooperating protrusions can be formed on the left and right sides of the connector housing of the first connector, respectively. The guide holes into which the cooperating protrusions of the first connector are inserted can be formed on the left and right sides of the connector housing of the second connector, respectively. The grooves into which the cooperating protrusions are inserted through the guide holes can be formed in the rod bodies on the left and right sides, respectively. The grooves in the rod bodies can be formed to have a curved path that guides the cooperating protrusions along the guide holes when the rod rotates.

[0028] The cooperating protrusion may be formed at the first connector, the guide hole into which the cooperating protrusion of the first connector is inserted may be formed at the second connector, and the cooperating protrusion may move along the guide hole of the second connector when the rod rotates together with the cooperating protrusion of the first connector on the second connector.

[0029] A groove for inserting the cooperating protrusion through the guide hole can be formed at the rod, and the groove can be formed with a curved path that guides the cooperating protrusion along the guide hole when the rod rotates.

[0030] According to the connector assembly of this disclosure, in order to disconnect and separate the female connector and the male connector, the connector assembly may include an intermediate locking mechanism that restricts the lever for disconnecting the connector when the interlocking terminals of the two connectors are separated from each other and the power terminals of the two connectors are in contact with each other, thereby enabling a two-step disconnection by cutting off the power after the lever is restricted to the intermediate locking state and then completely disconnecting the connector by means of an additional operating lever.

[0031] Therefore, since a sufficient time interval can be ensured between the separation of the interlocking terminals and the separation of the power terminals, the power supply between the power terminals can be stably cut off, and the two connectors can be safely and completely separated in the intermediate locked state.

[0032] In particular, the connector can be safely disconnected without generating sparks as in existing technologies, and the deformation or damage to the connector caused by sparks can be prevented. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of this disclosure will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the female connector and male connector in a separate state in a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the female connector and male connector in a separated state in a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the female connector of the connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 4A and Figure 4B These are perspective and side views illustrating the rod of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a side view of a connector housing (outer shell) of a second connector having a pressing portion and a raised step in a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a perspective view showing the fully locked state and intermediate locked state of the connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a side view showing the fully locked state and intermediate locked state of the connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is a view showing the states of the interlocking terminals and power terminals of the connector assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure in a fully locked state and an intermediate locked state; and

[0042] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the pressing part in the connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is in an intermediate locked state, is pressed to release the lever. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The descriptions of specific structures and functions disclosed in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely examples for illustrating embodiments based on the concept of this disclosure, and embodiments based on the concept of this disclosure can be implemented in various ways. This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein and should be construed as including all variations, equivalents, and alternatives contained within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0044] It should be understood that while the terms first and / or second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element. Similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element.

[0045] It should be understood that when a component is referred to as "connected to" or "attached to" another component, it can be directly connected to or directly attached to the other component, or connected to or attached to the other component with other components in between. On the other hand, it should be understood that when a component is referred to as "directly connected to" or "directly attached to" another component, it can be connected to or attached to the other component without any other component in between. Furthermore, the terms used herein to describe the relationship between components, namely "between," "directly between," "adjacent," or "directly adjacent," should be interpreted in the same manner as above.

[0046] Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals denote the same components. The terminology used herein is provided to describe embodiments without limiting this disclosure. In this specification, the singular forms include the plural forms unless specifically stated in the sentence. The terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used herein do not exclude the presence or addition of another component, step, operation, and / or element to the described parts, steps, operations, and / or elements.

[0047] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the female connector and male connector in a separated state in a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a side view showing the female connector and male connector in a separated state in a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the female connector of the connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4A and Figure 4B These are perspective and side views illustrating the rod of a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 This is a side view of a connector housing (outer shell) of a second connector having a pressing portion and a raised step in a connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, a connector assembly for electrically connecting electrical and electronic components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first connector 110, a second connector 120, and a lever 140 for fastening (electrically connecting) or disconnecting the first connector 110 and the second connector 120.

[0051] In this configuration, the first connector 110 can be a male connector and the second connector 120 can be a female connector. The first connector 110 includes a connector housing 111 and power terminals 114 and interlock terminals 115 disposed inside the connector housing 111.

[0052] Power terminal 114 is the terminal through which the main current flows, and interlock terminals 115 and 132 are signal terminals used to output signals indicating the status of the connector.

[0053] Position confirmation protrusion 112 is formed at the front end of the top of connector housing 111, and cooperating protrusion 113 is formed on the left and right sides of the first connector 110.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the second connector 120 includes a connector housing 121 and a power terminal 131 and an interlock terminal 132 disposed inside the connector housing 121.

[0055] The power terminal 131 of the second connector 120 is electrically connected to the end of the core wire of the wire 10. The connector housing 121 of the second connector 120 is composed of an inner housing 122 and an outer housing 123, and the shielding shell 130 is disposed between the inner housing 122 and the outer housing 123.

[0056] The inner housing 122 of the second connector 120 is formed to protect the power terminal 131 inserted into the inner side of the inner housing 122. When the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 are connected, the shield 130 of the second connector 120 can be connected to the shield 130 of the first connector 110 (not shown). Since the shields of the connectors are in contact with each other and connected, a shielding structure capable of shielding the electric field between the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 is formed.

[0057] Guide holes 124 and 125 are formed in the outer shell 123 of the second connector 120, and the position confirmation protrusion 112 and the cooperating protrusion 113 of the first connector 110 are respectively inserted into the guide holes 124 and 125.

[0058] That is, a first guide hole 124 is formed on the top of the housing 123, and the position confirmation protrusion 112 of the first connector 110 is inserted into the first guide hole 124 and guided forward and backward. Second guide holes 125 are formed on the left and right sides of the housing 123, and the cooperating protrusions 113 of the first connector 110 are inserted into the second guide holes 125 respectively and guided forward and backward.

[0059] The first guide hole 124 and the second guide hole 125 extend in the front-rear direction within the outer housing 123 of the second connector 120. Therefore, when the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 are connected or disconnected, the position confirmation protrusion 112 of the first connector 110 is guided forward and backward along the first guide hole 124 and moves, and the cooperating protrusion 113 is guided forward and backward along the second guide hole 125.

[0060] The hinge protrusion 126, which serves as a hinge connection portion hinged to the rod 140, is formed on the left and right sides of the outer housing 123 of the second connector 120 and is located behind the second guide hole 125.

[0061] The rod 140 includes: left and right rod bodies 141, which are rotatably connected to the left and right sides of the connector housing 121 (outer shell) of the second connector 120; and a handle 144, which integrally connects the left and right rod bodies 141.

[0062] Hinge holes 142 are formed in each rod body 141 on the left and right sides of the rod 140, and hinge protrusions 126 of the housing 123 are inserted into the hinge holes 142. Therefore, the rod 140 can rotate about the hinge protrusions 126 and hinge holes 142 of the housing 123.

[0063] When the rod 140 rotates, each rod body 141 of the rod 140 can move forward and backward along the second guide hole 125 of the second connector 120 to move the cooperating protrusion 113 of the first connector 110.

[0064] More specifically, in order to allow the cooperating protrusion 113 of the first connector 110 to move forward and backward along the second guide hole 125 of the second connector 120 when the rod 140 rotates about the hinge protrusion 126 and the hinge hole 142 which serve as the hinge connection with the housing 123, slots 143 into which the cooperating protrusions 113 on the left and right sides of the first connector 110 are respectively formed in each rod body 141 of the rod 140.

[0065] As described above, the cooperating protrusion 113 of the first connector 110 is inserted into the second guide hole 125 of the outer housing 123 of the second connector 120 and also into the slot 143 of the rod 140. Therefore, when the rod 140 rotates, the cooperating protrusion 113 moves along the slot 143 of the rod 140 and the second guide hole 125 of the second connector 120. Specifically, when the rod 140 rotates, the slot 143 of the rod 140 applies a force to the cooperating protrusion 113, causing the cooperating protrusion 113 to move along the second guide hole 125.

[0066] The slot 143 extends generally in the vertical direction within the rod body 141 of each rod 140. The slot 143 is formed with a curved path that, as the rod 140 rotates about the hinge protrusion 126 and the hinge hole 142, guides the cooperating protrusion 113 of the first connector 110 inserted into the curved path forward and backward along the second guide hole 125 of the second connector 120 (housing body).

[0067] Therefore, when the rod 140 rotates, the cooperating protrusion 113 of the first connector 110, which is inserted into the groove 143 with a curved path, is guided along the groove 143 and pushed or pulled, so that the cooperating protrusion 113 can move forward and backward along the second guide hole 125 of the second connector 120.

[0068] When the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 are fastened, when the rod 140 rotates with the connector housing 111 of the first connector 110 inserted into the inner side of the outer housing 123 of the second connector 120, the connector housing 111 of the first connector 110 moves inside the outer housing 123 of the second connector 120, thereby connecting the terminals.

[0069] That is, when the operator rotates the lever 140 by pushing the handle 144 downward, the cooperating protrusion 113 of the first connector 110 in the groove 143 of the insertion lever 140 and the second guide hole 125 of the housing 123 is pulled backward in the second guide hole 125 by the groove 143. As the cooperating protrusion 113 moves backward in the second guide hole 125 of the second connector 120, the first connector 110 is pulled and inserted more deeply into the inner side of the second connector 120.

[0070] Therefore, after the lever 140 is fully rotated so that the first connector 110 is fully locked to the second connector 120, the handle 144 of the lever 140 is fastened to the position confirmation device 400 mounted on the housing 123 of the second connector 120.

[0071] The handle 144 of the lever 140 is a component for rotating the lever 140. When the operator holds the handle in his / her hand and rotates the lever 140 downward to fully lock the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 to each other, the lever 140 rotates downward about the hinge protrusion 126 of the second connector 120.

[0072] When the lever 140 is fully rotated downwards, the handle 144 is tightened and fixed to the position confirmation device 400, and the lever 140 is fully fixed to the second connector 120, so that the two connectors 110, 120 can remain fastened and locked to each other.

[0073] Meanwhile, the connector assembly according to the embodiments of the present disclosure further includes an intermediate locking mechanism that restricts the rotation of the rod 140 in an intermediate locked state of the two connectors. In the intermediate locked state of the two connectors, when the first connector 110 is disconnected, the interlocking terminal 115 of the first connector 110 and the interlocking terminal 132 of the second connector 120 are separated from each other, while the power terminals 114 and 131 remain connected to each other.

[0074] In embodiments of this disclosure, the intermediate locking mechanism has a locking protrusion 145 of the lever 140, and a pressing portion 128 and a protruding step 129 of the second connector 120.

[0075] More in detail, such as Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, locking protrusions 145 are formed at the lower ends of the left and right sides of the rod 140, specifically at the lower ends of each rod body 141 on the left and right sides of the rod 140.

[0076] like Figure 5As shown, pressing portions 128 are formed on the left and right sides of the rear portion of the outer shell 123 of the second connector 120, which can be pressed inward toward the inner side of the outer shell 123. A protruding step 129 protrudes from the front end of each pressing portion 128, which can lock the locking protrusion 145 of the locking lever 140.

[0077] In embodiments of this disclosure, each pressing portion 128 is located in holes formed on the left and right sides of the housing 123, respectively. Figure 5 and Figure 6B In 127). More specifically, the pressing part 128 is formed as a plate extending forward from the rear edge of the hole 127 to be positioned within the hole.

[0078] When the pressing part 128 is pressed inward from the outer casing 123, the pressing part 128 can be pressed and bent inward toward the inner side of the outer casing 123 around the rear end. The protruding step 129 of the locking protrusion 145 that can lock the lever 140 is formed on the outer surface of the front part of each pressing part 128.

[0079] Specifically, when the connector is unlocked and disengaged, when the lever 140 is rotated from the fully locked position to the intermediate locked position as described below, the locking protrusion 145 of the lever 140 is locked to the protruding step 129 of the press portion 128, thereby restricting the rotation of the lever 140 so that the lever 140 no longer rotates.

[0080] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a perspective view showing the connector assembly in a fully locked state and an intermediate locked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a side view showing the fully locked state and intermediate locked state of the connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6A and Figure 7A The first connector 110 and the second connector 120 are shown in their fully locked state. Figure 6B and Figure 7B The intermediate locked state of the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 is shown.

[0081] In the connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 are separated to release the connection and fastening state of the first connector 110 and the second connector 120, the connectors are separated by a two-step lever operation and disconnection process.

[0082] That is, in the fully locked state where the interlocking terminals 115, 132 and the power terminals 114, 131 of the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 are electrically connected to each other, in order to disconnect and separate the two connectors, the lever 140 is rotated until the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 move to the intermediate locked state. After pressing the left and right pressing portions 128 toward the inside of the housing 123 to unlock the locking protrusion 145 from the protruding step 129 of the pressing portion 128, the lever 140 is further rotated to completely disconnect the first connector 110 and the second connector 120.

[0083] In this disclosure, the fully locked state of the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 refers to the state in which the interlocking terminals 115 and 132 and the power terminals 114 and 131 of the two connectors are all in contact with each other and connected. Furthermore, in this disclosure, the intermediate locked state of the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 is an intermediate step for separating and disconnecting the two connectors, referring to the state in which only the interlocking terminals 115 and 132 of the two connectors are separated while the contact state of the power terminals 114 and 141 remains. Furthermore, in this disclosure, the fully disconnected state of the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 refers to the state in which the interlocking terminals 115 and 132 and the power terminals 114 and 131 of the two connectors are all separated and the connectors are completely disconnected.

[0084] In addition, such as Figure 6A and Figure 7A As shown, the fully locked state of the connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a state in which the rod 140 is fully tilted downwards, in which the handle 144 of the rod 140 is fastened and fixed to the position confirmation device 400 on the second connector 120.

[0085] like Figure 6B and Figure 7B As shown, when the handle 144 of the lever 140 and the position confirmation device 400 are released, when the lever 140 is rotated upward from the fully locked state and the locking protrusion 145 of the lever 140 is locked to the protruding step 129 of the pressing part 128 of the second connector 120, the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 are in an intermediate locked state.

[0086] In the intermediate locked state, the locking protrusion 145 of the lever 140 is locked to the protruding step 129 of the pressing part 128, so the lever 140 is restricted and no longer rotates in the disconnection direction.

[0087] In the intermediate locked state, when the locking protrusion 145 is unlocked from the protrusion step 129 by pressing the left and right pressing portions 128 of the outer housing 123 of the second connector 120, and then the rod 140 is rotated further upward, the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 are in a completely disconnected state.

[0088] Table 1 below shows the terminal status and current flow status in the intermediate locked state of the connector assembly.

[0089] Table 1

[0090]

[0091] As can be seen from Table 1, in the intermediate locked state, the interlocking terminal 115 of the first connector 110 and the interlocking terminal 123 of the second connector 120 are separated from each other and are in a non-contact state. In this state, the two interlocking terminals 115 and 132, which are signal terminals, are separated from each other and are in an open state.

[0092] As described above, since the interlocking terminals 115 and 132 of the two connectors are separated from each other, a connector disconnection signal can be input to the controller (not shown). Therefore, the controller performs control to cut off the power supply, so that current does not flow through the power supply terminals 114 and 131.

[0093] Therefore, in the intermediate locked state, current does not flow through the interlock terminals 115 and 132, nor does it flow through the power supply terminals 114 and 131. That is, not only the interlock terminals 115 and 132, but also the power supply terminals 114 and 131 are in a completely de-energized state under the control of power disconnection.

[0094] However, in the intermediate locked state, only the power supply is cut off, so that current does not flow between the power terminal 114 of the first connector 110 and the power terminal 131 of the second connector, while the two power terminals 114, 131 continue to maintain physical contact with each other (see Table 1).

[0095] As described above, in the intermediate locked state, interlock terminals 115 and 132 first separate from each other and input a connector disconnect signal to the controller. Then, the controller cuts off the power supply, preventing current from flowing to the power terminals 114 and 131, which remain in contact with each other. Therefore, the power terminals 114 and 131 can be further separated by operating the lever 140 when the power supply is stably cut off. In this case, connectors 110 and 120 can be safely disconnected and separated without generating sparks, thus ensuring electrical safety.

[0096] Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 9A , Figure 9B, Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is a view showing the state of the interlock terminals 115, 132 and the power terminals 114, 131 in the fully locked state and the intermediate locked state of the connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0097] Figure 8A and 8B They are along Figure 7A Line AA and Figure 7B The cross-sectional view taken from line BB in the diagram. Figure 8A The diagram shows the states of the interlock terminals 115 and 132 and the power terminals 114 and 131 in the fully locked state of the first connector 110 and the second connector 120. Figure 8B The states of the interlock terminals 115 and 132 and the power terminals 114 and 131 are shown in the intermediate locked state of the first connector 110 and the second connector 120.

[0098] Figure 9A This is an enlarged view showing the state of interlock terminals 115 and 132 in the fully locked state. Figure 9B This is an enlarged view showing the state of the interlock terminals 115 and 132 in the intermediate locked state. Figure 10A This is an enlarged view showing the state of power terminals 114 and 131 in the fully locked state. Figure 10B This is an enlarged view showing the state of power terminals 114 and 131 in the intermediate locked state.

[0099] from Figure 8A and Figure 9A As can be seen, in the fully locked state, the interlocking terminal 115 of the first connector 110 and the interlocking terminal 132 of the second connector 120 remain in contact with each other, and the power terminal 114 of the first connector 110 and the power terminal 131 of the second connector 120 also remain in contact with each other.

[0100] However, from Figure 8B and Figure 9B As can be seen, in the intermediate locked state, the interlocking terminal 115 of the first connector 110 and the interlocking terminal 132 of the second connector 120 are separated to be in a non-contact state. At this time, the power terminal 114 of the first connector 110 and the power terminal 131 of the second connector 120 continue to be in contact with each other.

[0101] As described above, in the intermediate locked state, the power between power terminals 114 and 131 is cut off according to the signals of interlock terminals 115 and 132. Then, the intermediate lock is released when the power is cut off, and then the power terminals 114 and 131 are also separated by the additional operating lever 140.

[0102] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the pressing part in the connector assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is in an intermediate locked state, is pressed to release the lever.

[0103] like Figure 11A As shown, in the state before the pressing portion 128 formed on the outer shell 123 of the second connector 120 is pressed, that is, before the pressing portion 128 is pressed into the inner side of the outer shell 123, when the rod 140 is rotated to the intermediate locking position, the locking protrusion 145 is locked to the protruding step 129 of the pressing portion 128.

[0104] In this state, the lever 140 can no longer rotate further from the intermediate locked position toward the connector disconnection direction, and the lever remains in a lever-locked state where rotation is restricted. In this state, the interlocking terminals 115 and 132 of the two connectors 110 and 120 are separated from each other, and the power terminals 114 and 131 can continue to maintain their intermediate locked state of contact with each other.

[0105] Furthermore, in this state, the power is cut off, preventing current from flowing between the power terminals 114 and 131 of the two connectors 110 and 120, thus achieving a power-off state. Subsequently, to completely disconnect the first connector 110 and the second connector 120 of the connector assembly, when the operator presses the pressing portions 128 on both sides, the pressing portions 128 bend inward within the holes 127 of the housing 123, thereby unlocking the locking protrusion 145 from the protrusion step 129.

[0106] As described above, after the locking protrusion 145 is unlocked, the lever 140 can be further rotated in the connector disconnection direction, so that the power terminals 114 and 131 of the two connectors 110 and 120 are also separated from each other and in a non-contact state.

[0107] Therefore, since the power terminals 114 and 131 of the two connectors 110 and 120 are separated from each other when the power is off, sparks can be prevented at the power terminals. Furthermore, even if the connectors are forcibly disconnected due to operator error or other reasons, sparks can be prevented, thus ensuring electrical safety.

[0108] Furthermore, in the prior art connector assembly where the interlocking terminal is inserted into the CPA (a device for connector position confirmation) and installed in the connector, if the CPA with interlocking function is not fully tightened or if the CPA is separated due to external force or other reasons after tightening, the power terminal is in a de-energized state when the interlocking terminal is separated. Therefore, the power supply is cut off when the vehicle is in motion, which may lead to an accident.

[0109] However, according to this disclosure, since the interlocking terminals 115 and 132 are installed in the connectors 110 and 120 and are provided with an intermediate locking mechanism including a locking protrusion 145 of a rod 140 and a pressing portion 128 and a protrusion step 129 of the second connector 120, the above-mentioned problem of accident occurrence can be solved.

[0110] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the ideas of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the present disclosure may be changed and modified in various ways based on the basic concepts without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector assembly, comprising: The first connector has interlocking terminals and power terminals; The second connector has interlocking terminals and power terminals; A rod is rotatably connected to the second connector, and when rotated on the second connector, the first connector moves in the connection direction and disconnection direction relative to the second connector; as well as An intermediate locking mechanism restricts the rotation of the rod, such that when the first connector and the second connector are disconnected, the two connectors remain in an intermediate locked state, in which the interlocking terminals of the two connectors are separated from each other and the power terminals of the two connectors remain in contact with each other. The intermediate locking mechanism includes: A locking protrusion is formed at the rod; A pressing portion is formed in the connector housing of the second connector and can be pressed and bent; and A raised step is formed at the front end of each pressing part and serves as a locking protrusion to lock the rod, ensuring that the rod does not rotate in the disconnection direction of the two connectors when locked in the middle of the two connectors. The pressing portion is formed as a plate extending forward from the rear edge of a hole formed in the connector housing of the second connector to be positioned within the hole and is bent toward the inside of the connector housing.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The raised step is formed on the outer surface of the front part of each of the pressing parts.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The rod includes: The left and right rod bodies are rotatably connected to the left and right sides of the connector housing of the second connector, respectively; and The handle connects the main body of the rod on the left and right sides as a single unit.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The locking protrusions are formed on the left and right sides of the rod body.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The pressing portion is formed on the left and right sides of the connector housing of the second connector.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein, Collaborative protrusions are formed on the left and right sides of the connector housing of the first connector. The guide holes for the cooperative protrusion insertion of the first connector are formed on the left and right sides of the connector housing of the second connector. The grooves through which the cooperating protrusions pass into the guide holes are formed in the rod bodies located on the left and right sides, and The groove in the rod body has a curved path that guides the cooperative protrusion along the guide hole as the rod rotates.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein, A cooperating protrusion is formed at the first connector, a guide hole for the cooperating protrusion of the first connector is formed at the second connector, and the cooperating protrusion moves along the guide hole of the second connector when the rod rotates together with the cooperating protrusion of the first connector on the second connector.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein, A groove is formed at the rod through which the cooperating protrusion is inserted via the guide hole, and the groove is formed to have a curved path that guides the cooperating protrusion along the guide hole when the rod rotates.

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