Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

The application discloses a connector and a connector assembly. The connector comprises a housing, a connecting assembly, a safety cover and a high-voltage interlock. During the mating process of the connector and a counter connector, when the connecting assembly is not fastened, the connecting assembly is in a position interfering with the safety cover to prevent the safety cover from being moved from an initial position to a safety position. The safety cover is in sliding connection with the high-voltage interlock, and the two are linked according to the following relationship: when the safety cover is moved to the initial position, the high-voltage interlock is moved to a disconnected position; and when the safety cover is moved to the safety position, the high-voltage interlock is moved to a connected position. Therefore, the application can ensure that the high-voltage interlock is always in a state of being separated from a counter high-voltage interlock before the terminal is electrically connected with a counter terminal, thereby improving the use safety of the connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector and a connector assembly including the connector. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, cable connectors typically include a housing, terminals, a connecting assembly, and a cable. The terminals are housed within the housing, and the cable extends into the housing and is electrically connected to the terminals. The connecting assembly, mounted within the housing, is used to lock the terminals onto the mating terminals of the mating connector, thereby electrically connecting the terminals to the mating terminals.

[0003] In the existing technology, when a connector is mated with another mating connector, there is a lack of safety protection devices to determine whether the connecting components have been tightened and to prevent the tightened connecting components from being accidentally loosened, which reduces the safety of the connector in use.

[0004] Furthermore, in existing technologies, in order to detect the connection status between the connector terminals and the mating terminals of the mating connector, a high-voltage interlock (or detection connector) and a mating high-voltage interlock (or mating detection connector) are required on the connector and the mating connector, respectively. However, the existing high-voltage interlock is fixed to the connector housing, which poses a risk that the high-voltage interlock will mate with the mating high-voltage interlock before the connector terminals are electrically connected to the mating terminals of the mating connector, thus reducing the safety of the connector in use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve at least one aspect of the aforementioned problems and defects existing in the prior art.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided, comprising: a housing having a slot and a mounting port thereon; a connecting assembly mounted in the mounting port of the housing and adapted to electrically connect terminals to mating terminals of a mating connector; a safety cover movably mounted on the housing and movable between an initial position without obstructing the connecting assembly and a safety position obstructing the connecting assembly; and a high-voltage interlock member movably mounted in the slot and movable between an on position engaging with the mating high-voltage interlock member of the mating connector and an off position disengaging from the mating high-voltage interlock member. During mating of the connector with the mating connector, when the connecting assembly is not secured, the connecting assembly is in a position interfering with the safety cover to prevent the safety cover from being moved from the initial position to the safety position. The safety cover and the high-voltage interlock member are slidably connected such that they are linked according to the following relationship: when the safety cover is moved to the initial position, the high-voltage interlock member is moved to the off position; and when the safety cover is moved to the safety position, the high-voltage interlock member is moved to the on position.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the high-voltage interlock component includes: an insulator; and two detection terminals fixed to the insulator for electrical connection to the positive and negative poles of the high-voltage interlock circuit, respectively. When the high-voltage interlock component is moved to the ON position, the two detection terminals of the high-voltage interlock component are electrically connected to the mating detection terminals of the mating high-voltage interlock component to ON the high-voltage interlock circuit; when the high-voltage interlock component is moved to the OFF position, the two detection terminals are separated from the mating detection terminals to OFF the high-voltage interlock circuit.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the safety cover moves along a first direction between the initial position and the safety position; and the high-voltage interlocking member moves along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction between the on position and the off position.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a guide groove extending in the first direction is formed on one of the inner wall surface of the safety cover and the outer wall surface of the outer casing, and a guide rib extending in the first direction is formed on the other; the guide groove and the guide rib are slidably engaged to guide the safety cover to move relative to the outer casing between the initial position and the safety position in the first direction.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the slot on the housing extends along the second direction, and the insulator of the high-voltage interlock includes a first portion extending along the second direction; the first portion of the insulator is slidably engaged with the slot of the housing to guide the high-voltage interlock relative to the housing between the on position and the off position along the second direction.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the insulator of the high-voltage interlock further includes a second portion connected to the first portion, the second portion being located outside the housing; the detection terminal is fixed to the first portion of the insulator, and the second portion of the insulator is slidably connected to the safety cover.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a pair of support walls are formed on the inner wall surface of the safety cover, and a portion of the second part of the insulator is disposed in the gap between the pair of support walls; a sliding groove is formed on each side of the second part of the insulator facing the pair of support walls respectively, and a protrusion slidably connected to the sliding groove is formed on each of the pair of support walls; the sliding groove includes a main body portion extending a predetermined length in a direction inclined to the first direction, so as to convert the movement of the safety cover in the first direction into the movement of the high-voltage interlock member in the second direction.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the slide further includes a first end and a second end communicating with both ends of the main body portion of the slide, the first end and the second end extending along the first direction; when the safety cover is moved to the initial position, the protrusion is moved into the first end of the slide; when the safety cover is moved to the safety position, the protrusion is moved into the second end of the slide.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the high-voltage interlock further includes a sealing ring fitted onto the first portion of the insulator for sealing the gap between the first portion of the insulator and the slot of the housing.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the connecting assembly has a first operating portion exposed outside the housing, enabling the connecting assembly to be tightened or loosened via the first operating portion; during mating of the connector and the mating connector, when the connecting assembly is not tightened, the first operating portion is in a position interfering with the safety cover to prevent the safety cover from being moved from the initial position to the safety position; when the safety cover is in the initial position, the first operating portion is not obstructed by the safety cover to allow the connecting assembly to be tightened or loosened via the first operating portion; when the safety cover is in the safety position, the first operating portion is obstructed by the safety cover to prevent the connecting assembly from being loosened via the first operating portion.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, during the mating process of the connector and the mating connector, when the connecting assembly has been tightened, the first operating part is in a position that does not interfere with the safety cover, so as to allow the safety cover to be moved from the initial position to the safety position.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the connector further includes: a mechanical connector mounted on the housing and adapted to be threadedly connected to the mating housing of the mating connector to lock the housing onto the mating housing. The mechanical connector has a second operating portion exposed outside the housing, allowing the mechanical connector to be tightened or loosened via the second operating portion; during mating of the connector with the mating connector, when the mechanical connector is not tightened, the second operating portion is in a position interfering with the safety cover to prevent the safety cover from being moved from an initial position to a locked position; when the safety cover is in the initial position, the second operating portion is not obstructed by the safety cover to allow the mechanical connector to be tightened or loosened via the second operating portion; when the safety cover is in the locked position, the second operating portion is obstructed by the safety cover to prevent the mechanical connector from being loosened via the second operating portion.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, during the mating process of the connector and the mating connector, when the connecting assembly and the mechanical connector have been tightened, the first operating part and the second operating part are both in a position that does not interfere with the safety cover, so as to allow the safety cover to be moved from the initial position to the safety position.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the safety cover includes: a top wall having an operating hole formed thereon; and a pair of side walls, respectively connected to both sides of the top wall. When the safety cover is in the initial position, the first operating part is located outside the safety cover, and the second operating part is exposed from the safety cover via the operating hole.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a limiting portion is formed on the inner wall surface of the top wall of the safety cover; when the safety cover is moved from the initial position to the safety position, the limiting portion abuts against the first operating portion to restrict the safety cover to the safety position.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the connector further includes: terminals disposed in the housing for electrical connection with mating terminals of the mating connector.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the connector further includes: a cable, one end of which is inserted into the housing in a first direction and electrically connected to the terminal; and an end cap, fitted onto one end of the housing for securing the cable to the housing.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cable port is formed at one end of the housing to allow the cable to be inserted in the first direction; a mounting port is formed at the top of the other end of the housing to allow the connecting assembly to be inserted in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a mating port is formed at the bottom of the other end of the housing to allow the connector to mate with the mating connector in the second direction.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention, an elastic cantilever is formed on the safety cover, and a limiting protrusion is formed on the outer shell; when the outer shell is not mated with the mating outer shell and the safety cover is in the initial position, the elastic cantilever is in a position interfering with the limiting protrusion to prevent the safety cover from being moved from the initial position to the safety position.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the outer shell has been mated with the mating outer shell and the safety cover is in the initial position, the elastic cantilever is pushed by the unlocking part on the mating outer shell to a position that does not interfere with the limiting protrusion, so that the movement of the safety cover is not hindered by the limiting protrusion.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided, comprising: the aforementioned connector; and a mating connector adapted to mate with the connector. The mating connector includes: a mating housing adapted to mate with the housing of the connector; mating terminals disposed in the mating housing for electrical connection with terminals of the connector; and a mating high-voltage interlocking element disposed in the mating housing for mating with the high-voltage interlocking element of the connector.

[0027] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the high-voltage interlock component is linked with the safety cover, thus ensuring that the high-voltage interlock component is always separated from the mating high-voltage interlock component before the terminals of the connector are electrically connected to the mating terminals of the mating connector, thereby improving the safety of the connector in use.

[0028] Furthermore, in some of the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the safety cover not only reliably prevents the fastened connection components from being accidentally loosened, but also makes it easy to determine whether the connection components have been fastened, thereby improving the safety of the connector.

[0029] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1An exploded schematic diagram of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the connector's safety cover is not shown;

[0031] Figure 2 An exploded schematic diagram of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the connector's safety cover and housing are not shown;

[0032] Figure 3 This diagram shows an assembly schematic of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the connector's safety cover and housing are not shown;

[0033] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the connecting assembly and the mechanical connector are in the released position and the safety cover is in the initial position;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the connecting assembly and the mechanical connector are in the locked position and the safety cover is in the initial position;

[0035] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the connecting assembly and the mechanical connector are in a locked position, and the safety cover is moved to a safety position;

[0036] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the housing of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 8 A perspective view of the safety cover of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top.

[0038] Figure 9 A perspective view of the safety cover of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom.

[0039] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the housing and safety cover of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0040] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the connecting components and mechanical connectors are in the locked position and the safety cover is in the initial position;

[0041] Figure 12 A perspective view of a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0042] Figure 13 This diagram shows an assembly schematic of the connector housing and high-voltage interlocking component according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 14 A perspective view of the housing of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0044] Figure 15 A perspective view of a high-voltage interlocking component of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0045] Figure 16 A schematic diagram showing a high-voltage interlock and a safety cover of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and a mating high-voltage interlock of a mating connector, wherein the safety cover is in the initial position and the high-voltage interlock is in the open position;

[0046] Figure 17 This diagram shows an assembly schematic of a high-voltage interlocking component and a safety cover of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the safety cover is in the initial position;

[0047] Figure 18 A schematic diagram showing the safety cover of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom, showing the structure connected to a high-voltage interlocking element;

[0048] Figure 19 A cross-sectional view of a high-voltage interlocking element and a safety cover of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and a mating high-voltage interlocking element of a mating connector, wherein the safety cover is in the safety position and the high-voltage interlocking element is in the energized position;

[0049] Figure 20 A schematic diagram showing a high-voltage interlocking element and a safety cover of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and a mating high-voltage interlocking element of a mating connector, wherein the safety cover is in the safety position and the high-voltage interlocking element is in the energized position;

[0050] Figure 21 A cross-sectional view of a high-voltage interlocking element and a safety cover of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and a mating high-voltage interlocking element of a mating connector, wherein the safety cover is in the safety position and the high-voltage interlocking element is in the energized position. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation thereof.

[0052] Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth for ease of explanation to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are illustrated to simplify the figures.

[0053] According to a general technical concept of the present invention, a connector is provided, comprising: a housing having a slot and a mounting port thereon; a connecting assembly mounted in the mounting port of the housing and adapted to electrically connect terminals to mating terminals of a mating connector; a safety cover movably mounted on the housing and movable between an initial position without obstructing the connecting assembly and a safety position obstructing the connecting assembly; and a high-voltage interlock member movably mounted in the slot and movable between an on position engaging with the mating high-voltage interlock member of the mating connector and an off position disengaging from the mating high-voltage interlock member. During mating of the connector with the mating connector, when the connecting assembly is not secured, the connecting assembly is in a position interfering with the safety cover to prevent the safety cover from being moved from the initial position to the safety position. The safety cover and the high-voltage interlock member are slidably connected such that they are linked according to the following relationship: when the safety cover is moved to the initial position, the high-voltage interlock member is moved to the off position; and when the safety cover is moved to the safety position, the high-voltage interlock member is moved to the on position.

[0054] According to another general technical concept of the present invention, a connector assembly is provided, comprising: the aforementioned connector; and a mating connector adapted to mate with the connector. The mating connector includes: a mating housing adapted to mate with the housing of the connector; mating terminals disposed in the mating housing for electrical connection with terminals of the connector; and a mating high-voltage interlocking element disposed in the mating housing for mating with the high-voltage interlocking element of the connector.

[0055] Figure 1 An exploded schematic diagram of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the safety cover 100 of connector 1 is not shown; Figure 2 An exploded schematic diagram of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the safety cover 100 and the housing 10 of connector 1 are not shown; Figure 3 This diagram shows an assembly schematic of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the safety cover 100 and housing 10 of connector 1 are not shown.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 3As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly mainly includes a connector 1 and a mating connector 2. The connector 1 includes a housing 10, terminals 13, and a connecting assembly 11. The mating connector 2 includes a mating housing 20 that mates with the housing 10 and mating terminals 21 that are electrically connected to the terminals 13.

[0057] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, terminal 13 is disposed within housing 10. Connecting assembly 11 is mounted within housing 10 and adapted to electrically connect terminal 13 to mating terminal 21 of mating connector 2. Connecting assembly 11 has a first operating portion 111 protruding from housing 10, allowing the connecting assembly 11 to be tightened or loosened via the first operating portion 111.

[0058] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the connecting assembly 11 and the mechanical connector 12 are in the released position, and the safety cover 100 is in the initial position; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the connecting assembly 11 and the mechanical connector 12 are in the locked position, and the safety cover 100 is in the initial position; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the connecting component 11 and the mechanical connector 12 are in the locked position, and the safety cover 100 is moved to the safety position.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, connector 1 also includes a safety cover 100, which is slidably mounted on housing 10.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, during the mating process of connector 1 and mating connector 2, when the connecting assembly 11 is not tightened, the first operating part 111 is in a position that interferes with the safety cover 100 (e.g., as shown in the figure). Figure 4 As shown, the top surface of the first operating part 111 is higher than the inner surface of the safety cover 100 to prevent the safety cover 100 from being moved from the initial position to the safety position.

[0061] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the safety cover 100 is in the initial position, the first operating part 111 is not obstructed by the safety cover 100, so as to allow the connection assembly 11 to be tightened or loosened through the first operating part 111.

[0062] Please note that, as Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the safety cover 100 is in the initial position, the connecting assembly 11 can be secured ( Figure 5 The state shown can also be left unsecured. Figure 4 (The state shown).

[0063] like Figure 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the safety cover 100 is in the safety position, the first operating part 111 is blocked by the safety cover 100 to prevent the fastened connecting assembly 11 from being loosened through the first operating part 111.

[0064] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, connector 1 further includes a mechanical connector 12, which is mounted on housing 10 and adapted to be threadedly connected to mating housing 20 of mating connector 2 to lock housing 10 onto mating housing 20.

[0065] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical connector 12 has a second operating portion 121 protruding from the housing 10, which allows the mechanical connector 12 to be tightened or loosened via the second operating portion 121.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, during the mating process of connector 1 and mating connector 2, when the mechanical connector 12 is not tightened, the second operating part 121 is in a position that interferes with the safety cover 100 (e.g., as shown in the figure). Figure 4 As shown, the top surface of the second operating part 121 is higher than the inner surface of the safety cover 100 to prevent the safety cover 100 from being moved from the initial position to the safety position.

[0067] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the safety cover 100 is in the initial position, the second operating part 121 is not obstructed by the safety cover 100, so as to allow the mechanical connector 12 to be tightened or loosened through the second operating part 121.

[0068] Please note that, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the safety cover 100 is in the initial position, the mechanical connector 12 can be fastened ( Figure 5 The state shown can also be left unsecured. Figure 4 (The state shown).

[0069] like Figure 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the safety cover 100 is in the safety position, the second operating part 121 is blocked by the safety cover 100 to prevent the mechanical connector 12 from being released through the second operating part 121.

[0070] like Figure 4 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, during the mating process of connector 1 and mating connector 2, if either the connecting component 11 or the mechanical connector 12 is not tightened, one of the first operating part 111 and the second operating part 121 will be in a position that interferes with the safety cover 100, so that the safety cover 100 cannot be moved from the initial position to the safety position.

[0071] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, during the mating process of connector 1 and mating connector 2, when both the connecting component 11 and the mechanical connector 12 have been tightened, the first operating part 111 and the second operating part 121 are both in a position that does not interfere with the safety cover 100. At this time, the safety cover 100 can be moved from the initial position to the safety position.

[0072] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the housing 10 of a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 A perspective view of the safety cover 100 of the connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from top. Figure 9 A perspective view of the safety cover 100 of the connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom; Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the housing 10 and the safety cover 100 of the connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0073] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the safety cover 100 includes a top wall 101 and a pair of side walls 102. An operating hole 101a is formed on the top wall 101. The pair of side walls 102 are respectively connected to both sides of the top wall 101. When the safety cover 100 is in its initial position, a first operating part 111 is located outside the safety cover 100, and a second operating part 121 protrudes from the safety cover 100 via the operating hole 101a.

[0074] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a guide groove 10b extending in a first direction is formed on one of the outer wall surface of the housing 10 and the inner wall surface of the side wall 102 of the safety cover 100, and a guide protrusion 102a extending in the first direction is formed on the other. The guide protrusion 102a engages with the guide groove 10b and is movable along the guide groove 10b in the first direction to guide the safety cover 100 to move relative to the housing 10 between an initial position and a safety position.

[0075] like Figures 1 to 10As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a guide groove 10b is formed on the outer wall surface of the housing 10, and a guide protrusion 102a is formed on the inner wall surface of the side wall 102 of the safety cover 100. The guide groove 10b has a guide surface 10c extending in a first direction, and the guide protrusion 102a slides in contact with the guide surface 10c to guide the guide protrusion 102a to move in the first direction.

[0076] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a limiting portion 101b is formed on the inner wall surface of the top wall 101 of the safety cover 100. When the safety cover 100 is moved from the initial position to the safety position, the limiting portion 101b abuts against the first operating portion 111 to restrict the safety cover 100 to the safety position.

[0077] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, connector 1 further includes a cable 14 and an end cap 15. One end of the cable 14 is inserted into the housing 10 along a first direction and electrically connected to the terminal 13. The end cap 15 is fitted onto one end of the housing 10 to secure the cable 14 to the housing 10.

[0078] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a cable port 1014 is formed at one end of the housing 10, allowing the cable 14 to be inserted in a first direction. A mounting port 1011 is formed at the top of the other end of the housing 10, allowing the connecting assembly 11 to be inserted in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. A mating port is formed at the bottom of the other end of the housing 10, allowing the connector 1 to mate with the mating connector 2 in the second direction.

[0079] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the safety cover 100 and the end cap 15 each have a front end and a rear end opposite each other in a first direction. When the safety cover 100 is moved from the safety position to the initial position, the front end face of the end cap 15 abuts against the rear end face of the safety cover 100 to restrain the safety cover 100 in the initial position.

[0080] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the housing 10 includes at least two housing units and a connecting portion 10a. The connecting portion 10a connects two adjacent housing units of the housing 10. A mounting hole is formed on the connecting portion 10a, and a mechanical connector 12 is installed in the mounting hole on the connecting portion 10a.

[0081] like Figures 1 to 10As shown in the illustrated embodiment, connector 1 includes at least two terminals 13, at least two connecting assemblies 11, at least two cables 14, and at least two end caps 15. The at least two terminals 13 are respectively disposed in at least two housing units for electrical connection to at least two mating terminals 21. The at least two connecting assemblies 11 are respectively installed in the at least two housing units for locking the at least two terminals 13 to the at least two mating terminals 21. The at least two cables 14 are respectively inserted into the at least two housing units and electrically connected to the at least two terminals 13. The at least two end caps 15 are respectively fitted onto one end of the at least two housing units for securing the at least two cables 14 to the at least two housing units.

[0082] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the figure. For example, connector 1 may include: a terminal 13, a connecting component 11, a cable 14 and an end cap 15.

[0083] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the safety cover 100 is a one-piece molded part. For example, the safety cover 100 can be a one-piece injection molded part.

[0084] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the connecting assembly 11 and the mechanical connector 12 are in the locked position, and the safety cover 100 is in the initial position; Figure 12 A perspective view of a mating connector 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0085] like Figures 1 to 12 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, a resilient cantilever 102b is formed on the safety cover 100, and a limiting protrusion 10d is formed on the outer casing 10. Figure 11 As shown, when the outer casing 10 is not mated with the mating outer casing 20 and the safety cover 100 is in the initial position, the elastic cantilever 102b is in a position that interferes with the limiting protrusion 10d to prevent the safety cover 100 from being moved from the initial position to the safety position.

[0086] like Figures 1 to 12 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the outer shell 10 has been mated with the mating outer shell 20 and the safety cover 100 is in the initial position, the elastic cantilever 102b is pushed by the unlocking part 20d on the mating outer shell 20 to a position that does not interfere with the limiting protrusion 10d, so that the movement of the safety cover 100 is not hindered by the limiting protrusion 10d.

[0087] like Figures 1 to 12As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the outer casing 10 has been mated with the mating outer casing 20 and the safety cover 100 has been moved to the safety position, the free end of the elastic cantilever 102b abuts against the stop portion 20b on the mating outer casing 20 to restrict the safety cover 100 to the safety position.

[0088] like Figures 1 to 12 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a threaded hole 210 is formed on the mating terminal 21 or on the mating connection assembly 22 assembled with the mating terminal 21. The connection assembly 11 includes a threaded connector 110 connected to the threaded hole 210. A threaded connection hole 220 is formed on the mating housing 20, and the mechanical connector 12 of the connector 1 has a threaded connection portion 120 connected to the threaded connection hole 220.

[0089] like Figures 1 to 12 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector 2 further includes an insulating inner housing 200. The inner housing 200 is mounted within the mating outer housing 20. In the illustrated embodiment, both the outer housing 10 and the mating outer housing 20 are conductive housings made of conductive material. The mating outer housing 20 has a radially extending flange portion 20a, on which a threaded connection hole 220 is formed.

[0090] Figure 13 This diagram shows an assembly schematic of the housing 10 and the high-voltage interlocking member 16 of the connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 A perspective view of the housing 10 of a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 15 A perspective view of a high-voltage interlocking member 16 of a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 16 A schematic diagram showing a high-voltage interlock 16 and a safety cover 100 of connector 1 and a mating high-voltage interlock 26 of mating connector 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the safety cover 100 is in the initial position and the high-voltage interlock 16 is in the open position.

[0091] like Figures 1 to 16As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector 1 is also disclosed. The connector 1 includes: a housing 10, terminals 13, a connecting assembly 11, a safety cover 100, and a high-voltage interlock 16. A slot 1016 and a mounting port 1011 are formed on the housing 10. Terminals 13 are disposed within the housing 10. The connecting assembly 11 is mounted in the mounting port 1011 of the housing 10 and is adapted to electrically connect terminals 13 to mating terminals 21 of a mating connector 2. The safety cover 100 is movably mounted on the housing 10 and is movable between an initial position that does not obstruct the connecting assembly 11 and a safety position that obstructs the connecting assembly 11. The high-voltage interlock 16 is movably mounted in the slot 1016 and is movable between an engaged position that engages with the mating high-voltage interlock 26 of the mating connector 2 and a disengaged position that separates from the mating high-voltage interlock 26.

[0092] like Figures 1 to 16 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, during the mating process of connector 1 and mating connector 2, when the connecting component 11 is not tightened, the connecting component 11 is in a position that interferes with the safety cover 100, so as to prevent the safety cover 100 from being moved from the initial position to the safety position.

[0093] Figure 19 A cross-sectional view of a high-voltage interlock 16 and a safety cover 100 of a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and a mating high-voltage interlock 26 of a mating connector 2, wherein the safety cover 100 is in the safety position and the high-voltage interlock 16 is in the energized position. Figure 20 A schematic diagram showing a high-voltage interlock 16 and a safety cover 100 of a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and a mating high-voltage interlock 26 of a mating connector 2, wherein the safety cover 100 is in the safety position and the high-voltage interlock 16 is in the energized position. Figure 21 A cross-sectional view of a high-voltage interlock 16 and a safety cover 100 of a connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and a mating high-voltage interlock 26 of a mating connector 2, wherein the safety cover 100 is in the safety position and the high-voltage interlock 16 is in the energized position.

[0094] like Figure 1-16 and Figure 19-21 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the safety cover 100 and the high-voltage interlock 16 are slidably connected so that they are linked in the following manner: when the safety cover 100 is moved to the initial position, the high-voltage interlock 16 is moved to the disconnect position; and when the safety cover 100 is moved to the safety position, the high-voltage interlock 16 is moved to the connection position.

[0095] Figure 17This diagram shows an assembly schematic of the high-voltage interlock 16 and the safety cover 100 of the connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the safety cover 100 is in the initial position; Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the safety cover 100 of the connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom, showing the structure connected to the high-voltage interlock member 16.

[0096] like Figures 1 to 21 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the high-voltage interlock component 16 includes an insulator 161 and two detection terminals 163. The two detection terminals 163 are fixed to the insulator 161 and are electrically connected to the positive and negative poles of a high-voltage interlock circuit (not shown), respectively. When the high-voltage interlock component 16 is moved to the ON position, the two detection terminals 163 of the high-voltage interlock component 16 are electrically connected to the mating detection terminals 263 in the mating high-voltage interlock component 26 to ON the high-voltage interlock circuit. When the high-voltage interlock component 16 is moved to the OFF position, the two detection terminals 163 are separated from the mating detection terminals 263 to OFF the high-voltage interlock circuit.

[0097] like Figures 1 to 21 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, during the mating process of connector 1 and mating connector 2, when the connecting component 11 is not tightened, it is in a position that interferes with the safety cover 100, preventing the safety cover 100 from being moved from its initial position to the safety position. Therefore, when the connecting component 11 is not tightened, the high-voltage interlock 16 is always in the open position, and it can only be moved to the closed position when the connecting component 11 is tightened.

[0098] like Figures 1 to 21 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, during the mating process of connector 1 and mating connector 2, the high-voltage interlock circuit is only activated after the high-voltage terminals (terminals 13 and 21) are electrically connected; during the separation process of connector 1 and mating connector 2, the high-voltage interlock circuit is deactivated before the high-voltage terminals (terminals 13 and 21) are separated. This avoids energized insertion and removal of the high-voltage terminals (terminals 13 and 21), improving the safety of the connector.

[0099] like Figures 1 to 21 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the safety cover 100 moves between an initial position and a safety position along a first direction (the horizontal direction in the figure). The high-voltage interlock 16 moves between an on position and a off position along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (the vertical direction in the figure).

[0100] like Figures 1 to 21As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a guide groove 10b extending in a first direction is formed on one of the inner wall surface of the safety cover 100 and the outer wall surface of the outer casing 10, and a guide rib 102a extending in the first direction is formed on the other. The guide groove 10b and the guide rib 102a slide against each other to guide the safety cover 100 relative to the outer casing 10 in the first direction between an initial position and a safety position.

[0101] like Figures 1 to 21 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the slot 1016 on the housing 10 extends along a second direction, and the insulator 160 of the high-voltage interlock 16 includes a first portion 161 extending along the second direction. The first portion 161 of the insulator 160 slides into the slot 1016 of the housing 10 to guide the high-voltage interlock 16 to move relative to the housing 10 along the second direction between an on position and an off position.

[0102] like Figures 1 to 21 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the insulator 160 of the high-voltage interlock component 16 further includes a second portion 162 connected to the first portion 161, the second portion 162 being located outside the housing 10. A detection terminal 163 is fixed to the first portion 161 of the insulator 160, and the second portion 162 of the insulator 160 is slidably connected to the safety cover 100.

[0103] like Figures 1 to 21 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of support walls 103 are formed on the inner wall surface of the top wall 101 of the safety cover 100, and a portion of the second portion 162 of the insulator 160 is disposed in the gap between the pair of support walls 103. Slide grooves 1620 are formed on the two sides of the second portion 162 of the insulator 160 that face the pair of support walls 103 respectively. Protrusions 103a that slidably connect with the slide grooves 1620 are formed on the pair of support walls 103 respectively. The slide groove 1620 includes a main body portion 1623 extending a predetermined length in a direction inclined to the first direction, to convert the movement of the safety cover 100 in the first direction (horizontal direction in the figure) into the movement of the high-voltage interlock member 16 in the second direction (vertical direction in the figure).

[0104] like Figures 1 to 21 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the slide 1620 further includes a first end 1621 and a second end 1622 respectively communicating with both ends of the main body portion 1623 of the slide 1620, with the first end 1621 and the second end 1622 extending along a first direction. When the safety cover 100 is moved to its initial position, the protrusion 103a is moved into the first end 1621 of the slide 1620. When the safety cover 100 is moved to its safety position, the protrusion 103a is moved into the second end 1622 of the slide 1620.

[0105] like Figures 1 to 21 As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the high-voltage interlock component 16 further includes a sealing ring 164. The sealing ring 164 is fitted onto the first portion 161 of the insulator 160 to seal the gap between the first portion 161 of the insulator 160 and the slot 1016 of the housing 10.

[0106] like Figures 1 to 21 As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector 2 includes an insulated inner housing 200, and a mating high-voltage interlock 26 is fixedly mounted in the inner housing 200. The mating high-voltage interlock 26 includes an insulator 260 and mating detection terminals 263 disposed within the insulator 260. When the high-voltage interlock 16 mates with the mating high-voltage interlock 26, the mating detection terminals 263 bridge between the two detection terminals 163 to connect the two detection terminals 163.

[0107] like Figures 1 to 21 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed, comprising: a connector 1 and a mating connector 2 adapted to mate with the connector 1. The mating connector 2 includes a mating housing 20, mating terminals 21, and a mating high-voltage interlock 26. The mating housing 20 is adapted to mate with the housing 10 of the connector 1. The mating terminals 21 are disposed in the mating housing 20 for electrical connection with terminals 13 of the connector 1. The mating high-voltage interlock 26 is disposed in the mating housing 20 for mating with the high-voltage interlock 16 of the connector 1.

[0108] Please note that this invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Based on the technical teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art will readily conceive of other variations, such as the following two variations:

[0109] First type of variation example

[0110] See the appendix above. Figure 1-12 In a first variation, a connector 1 is disclosed, comprising: a housing 10, a mechanical connector 12, and a safety cover 100. The safety cover 100 is slidably mounted on the housing 10. The mechanical connector 12 is mounted on the housing 10 and adapted to be threadedly connected to a mating housing 20 of a mating connector 2 to lock the housing 10 onto the mating housing 20. The mechanical connector 12 has a second operating portion 121 protruding from the housing 10, allowing the mechanical connector 12 to be tightened or loosened via the second operating portion 121.

[0111] See the appendix above. Figure 1-12 During the mating process of connector 1 and mating connector 2, when the mechanical connector 12 is not tightened, the second operating part 121 is in a position that interferes with the safety cover 100, so as to prevent the safety cover 100 from being moved from the initial position to the safety position.

[0112] See the appendix above. Figure 1-12 During the mating process of connector 1 and mating connector 2, when the mechanical connector 12 has been tightened, the second operating part 121 is in a position that does not interfere with the safety cover 100, so that the safety cover 100 can be moved from the initial position to the safety position.

[0113] See the appendix above. Figure 1-12 When the safety cover 100 is in the initial position, the second operating part 121 is not blocked by the safety cover 100, so that the mechanical connector 12 can be tightened or loosened through the second operating part 121.

[0114] See the appendix above. Figure 1-12 When the safety cover 100 is in the safety position, the second operating part 121 is blocked by the safety cover 100 to prevent the mechanical connector 12 from being released through the second operating part 121.

[0115] Second variation example

[0116] See the appendix above. Figure 1-12 In a second variation, a connector 1 is disclosed, comprising: a housing 10, terminals 13, a connecting assembly 11, and a safety cover 100. Terminals 13 are disposed within the housing 10. The connecting assembly 11 is mounted within the housing 10 and adapted to electrically connect terminals 13 to mating terminals 21 of a mating connector 2. The safety cover 100 is slidably mounted on the housing 10. The connecting assembly 11 has a first operating portion 111 protruding from the housing 10, allowing the connecting assembly 11 to be tightened or loosened via the first operating portion 111.

[0117] See the appendix above. Figure 1-12 During the mating process of connector 1 and mating connector 2, when the connecting component 11 is not tightened, the first operating part 111 is in a position that interferes with the safety cover 100, so as to prevent the safety cover 100 from being moved from the initial position to the safety position.

[0118] See the appendix above. Figure 1-12 During the mating process of connector 1 and mating connector 2, when the connecting assembly 11 has been tightened, the first operating part 111 is in a position that does not interfere with the safety cover 100, so that the safety cover 100 can be moved from the initial position to the safety position.

[0119] See the appendix above. Figure 1-12 When the safety cover 100 is in the initial position, the first operating part 111 is not blocked by the safety cover 100, so that the connecting assembly 11 can be tightened or loosened through the first operating part 111.

[0120] See the appendix above. Figure 1-12When the safety cover 100 is in the safety position, the first operating part 111 is blocked by the safety cover 100 to prevent the connection assembly 11 from being released through the first operating part 111.

[0121] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above are exemplary and can be improved upon. The structures described in the various embodiments can be freely combined without causing structural or principle conflicts, and these changes should fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0122] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments disclosed in the drawings are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0123] While some embodiments of the general concept of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general concept of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0124] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple elements. Furthermore, any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A connector, characterized in that, include: The housing has slots and mounting ports formed thereon; A connecting assembly, installed in the mounting port of the housing, and adapted to electrically connect the terminals to the mating terminals of the mating connector; A safety cover is movably mounted on the housing and is movable between an initial position that does not obstruct the connection assembly and a safety position that obstructs the connection assembly; and A high-voltage interlock component is movably mounted in the slot and is movable between an engaged position, where it engages with the mating high-voltage interlock component of the mating connector, and an unengaged position, where it is separated from the mating high-voltage interlock component. During the mating process between the connector and the mating connector, when the connecting assembly is not tightened, the connecting assembly is in a position that interferes with the safety cover, thereby preventing the safety cover from being moved from the initial position to the safe position. The safety cover is slidably connected to the high-voltage interlock component so that the two are linked according to the following relationship: When the safety cover is moved to its initial position, the high-voltage interlock is moved to its disconnected position; and When the safety cover is moved to the safety position, the high-voltage interlock is moved to the activation position. The connecting assembly has a first operating portion exposed outside the housing, allowing the connecting assembly to be tightened or loosened via the first operating portion. During the mating process between the connector and the mating connector, when the connecting component is not tightened, the first operating part is in a position that interferes with the safety cover, so as to prevent the safety cover from being moved from the initial position to the safety position; When the safety cover is in the initial position, the first operating part is not obstructed by the safety cover, allowing the connection assembly to be tightened or loosened through the first operating part; When the safety cover is in the safety position, the first operating part is blocked by the safety cover to prevent the connection assembly from being released through the first operating part; The connector also includes: A mechanical connector, mounted on the housing and adapted to be threadedly connected to the mating housing of a mating connector to lock the housing onto the mating housing. The mechanical connector has a second operating portion exposed outside the housing, allowing the mechanical connector to be tightened or loosened via the second operating portion. During the mating process between the connector and the mating connector, when the mechanical connection is not tightened, the second operating part is in a position that interferes with the safety cover, so as to prevent the safety cover from being moved from the initial position to the safety position; When the safety cover is in the initial position, the second operating part is not obstructed by the safety cover, allowing the mechanical connection to be tightened or loosened through the second operating part; When the safety cover is in the safety position, the second operating part is blocked by the safety cover to prevent the mechanical connection from being released through the second operating part.

2. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The high-voltage interlock component includes: Insulators; and Two detection terminals are fixed to the insulator and are used to electrically connect to the positive and negative poles of the high-voltage interlock circuit, respectively. When the high-voltage interlock component is moved to the energized position, the two detection terminals of the high-voltage interlock component are electrically connected to the mating detection terminals of the mating high-voltage interlock component to activate the high-voltage interlock circuit. When the high-voltage interlock component is moved to the disconnected position, the two detection terminals separate from the mating detection terminals to cut off the high-voltage interlock circuit.

3. The connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The safety cover moves along a first direction between the initial position and the safety position; and The high-voltage interlock component moves between the connected position and the disconnected position along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: A guide groove extending in the first direction is formed on one of the inner wall surface of the safety cover and the outer wall surface of the outer shell, and a guide rib extending in the first direction is formed on the other. The guide groove slides in conjunction with the guide rib to guide the safety cover to move relative to the housing along the first direction between the initial position and the safety position.

5. The connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The slot on the housing extends along the second direction, and the insulator of the high-voltage interlock includes a first portion extending along the second direction; The first portion of the insulator slides into a slot in the housing to guide the high-voltage interlock relative to the housing along the second direction between the on position and the off position.

6. The connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The insulator of the high-voltage interlock component also includes a second part connected to the first part, the second part being located outside the housing; The detection terminal is fixed to the first part of the insulator, and the second part of the insulator is slidably connected to the safety cover.

7. The connector according to claim 6, characterized in that: A pair of support walls are formed on the inner wall surface of the safety cover, and a portion of the second part of the insulator is disposed in the gap between the pair of support walls; Slide grooves are formed on the two sides of the second part of the insulator that face the pair of support walls respectively, and protrusions that are slidably connected to the slide grooves are formed on the pair of support walls respectively. The slide includes a main body portion extending a predetermined length in a direction inclined to the first direction, so as to convert the movement of the safety cover in the first direction into the movement of the high-voltage interlock member in the second direction.

8. The connector according to claim 7, characterized in that: The chute also includes a first end and a second end that are respectively connected to both ends of the main body of the chute, and the first end and the second end extend along the first direction; When the safety cover is moved to the initial position, the protrusion is moved into the first end of the groove; When the safety cover is moved to the safety position, the protrusion is moved into the second end of the slide.

9. The connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The high-voltage interlock component also includes a sealing ring, which is fitted onto the first part of the insulator to seal the gap between the first part of the insulator and the slot of the housing.

10. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: During the mating process between the connector and the mating connector, when the connecting components have been tightened, the first operating part is in a position that does not interfere with the safety cover, so that the safety cover can be moved from the initial position to the safety position.

11. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: During the mating process between the connector and the mating connector, when the connecting components and the mechanical connectors are both tightened, the first operating part and the second operating part are in a position that does not interfere with the safety cover, so that the safety cover can be moved from the initial position to the safety position.

12. The connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The safety cover includes: The top wall has an operating hole formed thereon; and A pair of sidewalls, respectively connected to both sides of the top wall. When the safety cover is in the initial position, the first operating part is located outside the safety cover, and the second operating part is exposed from the safety cover through the operating hole.

13. The connector according to claim 12, characterized in that: A limiting portion is formed on the inner wall surface of the top wall of the safety cover; When the safety cover is moved from the initial position to the safety position, the limiting portion abuts against the first operating portion to restrict the safety cover to the safety position.

14. The connector according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Also includes: Terminals, disposed in the housing, are used for electrical connection with mating terminals of the mating connector.

15. The connector according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, Also includes: A cable, one end of which is inserted into the housing along a first direction and electrically connected to the terminal; and An end cap, fitted onto one end of the housing, is used to secure the cable to the housing.

16. The connector according to claim 15, characterized in that: A cable port is formed at one end of the housing, allowing the cable to be inserted in the first direction; A mounting port is formed at the top of the other end of the housing, allowing the connecting assembly to be inserted in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A mating port is formed at the bottom of the other end of the housing, allowing the connector to mate with the mating connector along the second direction.

17. The connector according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: An elastic cantilever is formed on the safety cover, and a limiting protrusion is formed on the outer casing; When the housing is not mated with the mating housing of the mating connector and the safety cover is in the initial position, the elastic cantilever is in a position that interferes with the limiting protrusion to prevent the safety cover from being moved from the initial position to the safety position.

18. The connector according to claim 17, characterized in that: When the outer shell has been mated with the mating outer shell and the safety cover is in the initial position, the elastic cantilever is pushed by the unlocking part on the mating outer shell to a position that does not interfere with the limiting protrusion, so that the movement of the safety cover is not hindered by the limiting protrusion.

19. A connector assembly, characterized in that, include: The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 18; and Mating connector, adapted to mate with the connector. The mating connector includes: A mating housing, adapted to mate with the housing of the connector; A mating terminal, disposed within the mating housing, is used for electrical connection with the terminals of the connector; and A mating high-voltage interlock component is disposed in the mating housing for mating with the high-voltage interlock component of the connector.

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