High voltage connector with pre-charge resistor

Abstract

Embodiments include a high voltage connector having a first member electrically connected to a high voltage source, the first member including first and second positive and negative conductors, and first and second negative conductors, and a second member electrically connected to a load requiring pre-charging, the second member includes a third positive conductor and a fourth positive conductor connected in parallel, and a third negative conductor and a fourth negative conductor connected in parallel. The high voltage connector also includes a pre-charge resistor disposed within one of the first member and the second member. The first member is configured to be connected to the second member and to provide power from a high voltage source to a load.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electrical connectors. More particularly, the present invention relates to high-voltage electrical connectors for connection to capacitive loads. Background Art

[0002] Connecting a high-voltage source to a capacitive load can cause a current inrush into the capacitive load, thereby damaging the capacitive load, switch, or connector. Therefore, a pre-charge circuit is typically added to the capacitive load to prevent damage caused by current inrush. These pre-charge circuits typically include one or more relays and a pre-charge resistor. In many cases, the relay is an electrically controlled relay that requires energy to operate. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one exemplary embodiment, a high-voltage connector is provided. The high-voltage connector includes a first member electrically connected to a high-voltage source, the first member including a first positive conductor and a second positive conductor, and a first negative conductor and a second negative conductor, and a second member electrically connected to a load that requires pre-charging, the second member including a third positive conductor and a fourth positive conductor connected in parallel, and a third negative conductor and a fourth negative conductor connected in parallel. The high-voltage connector further includes a pre-charge resistor disposed within one of the first member and the second member, the pre-charge resistor being connected to one of the first positive conductor, the second positive conductor, the third positive conductor, the fourth positive conductor, the first negative conductor, the second negative conductor, the third negative conductor, and the fourth negative conductor. The first member is configured to connect to the second member and supply power from the high-voltage source to the load.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first positive conductor extends a first distance from the first member, the second positive conductor extends a second distance from the first member, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance, and wherein the pre-charge resistor is connected to the second positive conductor.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the third positive conductor extends a third distance from the second member, the fourth positive conductor extends a fourth distance from the second member, wherein the fourth distance is greater than the third distance.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the high-voltage connector further includes a first mechanically actuated switch configured to open when the first member is separated from the second member and to close when the first member is connected to the second member.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first mechanically actuated switch is connected in series with the pre-charge resistor.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the high-voltage connector further includes a second mechanically actuated switch configured to open when the first member is separated from the second member and to close when the first member is connected to the second member.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first mechanically actuated switch is configured to close before the second mechanically actuated switch when the first member is connected to the second member.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, an electric vehicle is provided having a high-voltage battery, a load requiring pre-charging, and a high-voltage connector. The high-voltage connector includes a first member electrically connected to a high-voltage source, the first member including a first positive conductor and a second positive conductor and a first negative conductor and a second negative conductor, and a second member electrically connected to the load requiring pre-charging, the second member including a third positive conductor and a fourth positive conductor connected in parallel and a third negative conductor and a fourth negative conductor connected in parallel. The high-voltage connector further includes a pre-charge resistor disposed within one of the first member and the second member, the pre-charge resistor being connected to one of the first positive conductor, the second positive conductor, the third positive conductor, the fourth positive conductor, the first negative conductor, the second negative conductor, the third negative conductor, and the fourth negative conductor. The first member is configured to connect to the second member and supply power from the high-voltage source to the load.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first positive conductor extends a first distance from the first member, the second positive conductor extends a second distance from the first member, where the second distance is greater than the first distance, and where the pre-charge resistor is connected to the second positive conductor.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the third positive conductor extends a third distance from the second member, the fourth positive conductor extends a fourth distance from the second member, where the fourth distance is greater than the third distance.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the high-voltage connector further includes a first mechanically actuated switch configured to open when the first member is separated from the second member and to close when the first member is connected to the second member.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first mechanically actuated switch is connected in series with the pre-charge resistor.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the high-voltage connector further includes a second mechanically actuated switch configured to open when the first member is separated from the second member and to close when the first member is connected to the second member.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first mechanical actuation switch is configured to close before the second mechanical actuation switch when the first member is connected to the second member.

[0017] In one exemplary embodiment, an electrical connector is provided. The electrical connector includes a first member electrically connected to a high voltage source, the first member including a first positive conductor, a second positive conductor, and a first negative conductor, a second member electrically connected to a load that needs to be pre-charged, the second member including a third positive conductor, a second positive conductor, and a third negative conductor, and a pre-charge resistor disposed within one of the first member and the second member, the pre-charge resistor being connected in series between the second positive conductor and the high voltage source. The first member is configured to be connected to the second member and supply power from the high voltage source to the load.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first positive conductor extends a first distance from the first member, the second positive conductor extends a second distance from the first member, where the second distance is greater than the first distance, and where the pre-charge resistor is connected to the second positive conductor.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the third positive conductor extends a third distance from the second member, the fourth positive conductor extends a fourth distance from the second member, where the fourth distance is greater than the third distance.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the electrical connector further includes a first mechanical actuation switch that is configured to open when the first member is separated from the second member and close when the first member is connected to the second member.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first mechanical actuation switch is connected in series with the pre-charge resistor.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the electrical connector further includes a second mechanical actuation switch that is configured to open when the first member is separated from the second member and close when the first member is connected to the second member.

[0023] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Other features, advantages, and details appear only by way of example in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2AA diagram showing a schematic view of a high-voltage connector according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2B A diagram showing a schematic view of a high-voltage connector according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 A diagram showing a schematic view of a high-voltage connector according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 4 A diagram showing a schematic view of a high-voltage connector according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Figure 5 A diagram showing a schematic view of a high-voltage connector according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6 A diagram showing a schematic view of a high-voltage connector according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0032] Figure 7 A diagram showing a schematic view of a high-voltage connector according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the related drawings. Alternative embodiments of the present disclosure can be designed without departing from the scope of the claims. Various connection and positional relationships (such as above, below, adjacent, etc.) are set forth between the elements in the following description and the drawings. Unless otherwise stated, these connections and / or positional relationships can be direct or indirect, and the present disclosure is not intended to be limited in this regard. Thus, the coupling of entities can refer to direct or indirect coupling, and the positional relationship between entities can be direct or indirect positional relationship.

[0034] As discussed herein, a pre-charge circuit including one or more relays is typically added to a capacitive load to prevent damage caused by inrush current. In many cases, the relay is an electrically controlled relay that requires energy to operate. Over time, a relatively large amount of energy is used to operate the relay of the pre-charge circuit. Therefore, when connecting a high-voltage source to a capacitive load, a more energy-efficient way is needed to prevent inrush current from occurring.

[0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a high-voltage connector that includes a pre-charge resistor configured to limit inrush current flowing to a load (such as a capacitive load) that requires pre-charging. In an exemplary embodiment, the high-voltage connector includes a first member electrically connected to a high-voltage load, and the high-voltage load is configured to be connected to a second member electrically connected to a capacitive load. The first member includes one or more positive conductors configured to be connected to one or more positive conductors of the second member. Similarly, the first member includes one or more negative conductors configured to be connected to one or more negative conductors of the second member.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the pre-charge resistor is connected to one of the conductors such that an electrical connection between the first member and the second member is formed via one of the conductors including the pre-charge resistor before an electrical connection is formed between the other conductors. As a result, when the electrical connection is formed, the current flowing from the first member to the second member is limited by the pre-charge resistor and thus does not cause an inrush current to flow to the capacitive load.

[0037] Now referring to Figure 1 , a schematic diagram of an electric vehicle 100 according to one or more embodiments is shown. As shown, the electric vehicle 100 includes a battery pack 106, and the battery pack 106 is connected to a power distribution system 110 through a high-voltage connector 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery pack 106 is a high-voltage source and has a voltage of more than 200 volts. In an exemplary embodiment, the power distribution system 110 includes at least one capacitive load 112, such as a direct current (DC) to DC converter. The power distribution system 110 is connected to an electric motor 108, which is configured to provide propulsion force for the electric vehicle 100 by drawing power from the battery pack 106. The electric vehicle 100 further includes a controller 102, and the controller 102 is one of a general-purpose processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The controller 102 is configured to control the operation of one or more of the electric motor 108 and the power distribution system 110.

[0038] Now referring to Figure 2A , a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a high-voltage connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. As shown, the high-voltage connector 200 includes a first member 202 electrically connected to a high-voltage source 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the high-voltage source 206 is a battery pack having a direct current (DC) voltage of at least 200 volts. In another embodiment, the high-voltage source 206 has a voltage between 30 and 50 volts. The high-voltage connector 200 further includes a second member 204 electrically connected to a capacitive load 208. In an exemplary embodiment, the capacitive load 208 includes one of a DC / DC converter and an inverter for controlling a motor. The first member 202 and the second member 204 are configured to be removably connected to each other to supply power from the high-voltage source 206 to the capacitive load 208.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the first member 202 of the high-voltage connector 200 includes a first positive conductor 210 and a second positive conductor 212, both of which are connected to the high-voltage source 206. In one embodiment, the first positive conductor 210 is in parallel with the series combination of the second positive conductor 212 and the pre-charge resistor 226. The first member 202 of the high-voltage connector 200 further includes a first negative conductor 214 and a second negative conductor 216 that are connected in parallel with each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the second member 204 of the high-voltage connector 200 includes a third positive conductor 218 and a fourth positive conductor 220 that are connected in parallel with each other. The second member 204 of the high-voltage connector 200 further includes a third negative conductor 222 and a fourth negative conductor 224 that are connected in parallel with each other.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the first member 202 of the high-voltage connector 200 includes a pre-charge resistor 226 connected between the high-voltage source 206 and the second positive connector 212. In an exemplary embodiment, the pre-charge resistor 226 has a resistance of approximately twenty to sixty ohms. In an exemplary embodiment, the value of the pre-charge resistor 226 is based on the value of the capacitive load, the allowable inrush current, and the required pre-charge time. As shown, the second positive conductor 212 of the first member 202 and the fourth positive conductor 220 of the second member 204 are configured to extend further from the body of the first member 202 and the second member 204, respectively, than the first positive conductor 210 and the third positive conductor 218. Similarly, the first negative conductor 214 of the first member 202 and the third negative conductor 222 of the second member 204 are configured to extend further from the body of the first member 202 and the second member 204, respectively, than the second negative conductor 216 and the fourth negative conductor 224.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, when the first member 202 is first connected to the second member 204, an electrical connection is established between the high-voltage source 206 and the capacitive load 208 through the pre-charge resistor 226, the second positive conductor 212, the fourth positive conductor 220, the third negative conductor 222, and the first negative conductor 214. As a result, the current flowing through this electrical connection will be limited by the pre-charge resistor 226 and will limit the inrush current flowing to the capacitive load 208. In an exemplary embodiment, the lengths of the conductors 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 222, and 224 are configured such that an appropriate delay is generated between the time when the second positive conductor 212 contacts the fourth positive conductor 220 and the time when the first positive conductor 210 contacts the third positive conductor 218 to allow the capacitor of the capacitive load 208 to be effectively charged. In one embodiment, this delay is approximately 200 milliseconds.

[0042] Now refer to Figure 2B, a diagram showing a schematic view of a high-voltage connector 201 according to an exemplary embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the first member 202 of the high-voltage connector 201 includes a first positive conductor 210 that is connected in parallel to a combination of a second positive conductor 212 and a pre-charge resistor 226. The first member 202 of the high-voltage connector 201 further includes a first negative conductor 214. In an exemplary embodiment, the second member 204 of the high-voltage connector 201 includes a third positive conductor 218 and a fourth positive conductor 220 that are connected in parallel to each other. The second member 204 of the high-voltage connector 201 further includes a third negative conductor 222.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, when the first member 202 is first connected to the second member 204, an electrical connection is established between the high-voltage source 206 and the capacitive load 208 through the pre-charge resistor 226, the second positive conductor 212, the fourth positive conductor 220, the third negative conductor 222, and the first negative conductor 214. As a result, the current flowing through this electrical connection will be limited by the pre-charge resistor 226 and will limit the inrush current flowing to the capacitive load 208. In an exemplary embodiment, the lengths of the conductors 210, 212, 214, 218, and 222 are configured such that an appropriate delay is created between when the second positive conductor 212 contacts the fourth positive conductor 220 and when the first positive conductor 210 contacts the third positive conductor 218 to allow the capacitor of the capacitive load 208 to be effectively charged. In one embodiment, this delay is approximately 200 milliseconds.

[0044] Now referring to Figure 3 , a diagram showing a schematic view of a high-voltage connector 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the high-voltage connector 300 includes a first member 202 electrically connected to the high-voltage source 206. The high-voltage connector 300 further includes a second member 204 electrically connected to the capacitive load 208. The first member 202 and the second member 204 are configured to be removably connected to each other to supply power from the high-voltage source 206 to the capacitive load 208.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the first member 202 of the high-voltage connector 300 includes a first mechanical actuation switch 230 connected in series between the second positive conductor 212 and the high-voltage source 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch 230 is configured to be in an open position when the first member 202 is disconnected from the second member 204. The first mechanical actuation switch 230 is configured to be selectively actuated by a plunger 228 that extends from the body of the first member 202 in the same direction as the second positive conductor 212. In an exemplary embodiment, when the first member 202 is connected to the second member 204, the plunger 228 is pressed into the body of the first member 202, forcing the switch 230 into a closed position.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the high-voltage connector 300 further includes a third mechanically actuated switch 232 serially connected between the first positive conductor 210 and the high-voltage source 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the third mechanically actuated switch 232 is disposed outside the body portion of the first member 202 and is configured to be selectively actuated by a user once the first member 202 has been fully seated with the second member 204.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, when the first member 202 is connected to the second member 204, an electrical connection between the high-voltage source 206 and the capacitive load 208 is established through the switch 230, the pre-charge resistor 226, the second positive conductor 212, the fourth positive conductor 220, the third negative conductor 222, and the first negative conductor 214. As a result, the current flowing through this electrical connection will be limited by the pre-charge resistor 226 and will limit the inrush current flowing to the capacitive load 208. Once the third mechanically actuated switch 232 is closed, a second electrical connection between the high-voltage source 206 and the capacitive load 208 is established through the first positive conductor 210 and the third positive conductor 218.

[0048] Now referring Figure 4 , a diagram showing a schematic view of a high-voltage connector 400 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. As shown, the high-voltage connector 400 includes a first member 202 electrically connected to a high-voltage source 206. The high-voltage connector 400 further includes a second member 204 electrically connected to a capacitive load 208. The first member 202 and the second member 204 are configured to be removably connected to each other to supply power from the high-voltage source 206 to the capacitive load 208.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the first member 202 of the high-voltage connector 400 includes a first mechanically actuated switch 230 serially connected between the second positive conductor 212 and the high-voltage source 206 and a second mechanically actuated switch 236 serially connected between the first positive conductor 210 and the high-voltage source 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the first mechanically actuated switch 230 and the second first mechanically actuated switch 236 are configured to be in an open position when the first member 202 is disconnected from the second member 204.

[0050] The first mechanically actuated switch 230 is configured to be selectively actuated by a plunger 228 that extends from the body of the first member 202 in the same direction as the second positive conductor 212. Similarly, the second mechanically actuated switch 236 is configured to be selectively actuated by a plunger 234 that extends from the body of the first member 202 in the same direction as the second positive conductor 212. In an exemplary embodiment, when the first member 202 is connected to the second member 204, the plungers 228, 234 are pressed into the body of the first member 202, forcing the switches 230, 236 into a closed position.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, plunger 228 extends further from the body of the first member 202 than plunger 234 (i.e., the length of plunger 228 is greater than the length of plunger 234). In an exemplary embodiment, plungers 228 and 234 are configured such that an appropriate delay is created between the closing of the first mechanical actuation switch 230 and the second mechanical actuation switch 236 to allow the capacitor of the capacitive load 208 to charge effectively. In one embodiment, the delay is approximately 200 milliseconds.

[0052] Now referring to Figure 5 , a diagram showing a schematic view of a high-voltage connector according to an exemplary embodiment is presented. As shown, the high-voltage connector 500 includes a first member 202 electrically connected to a high-voltage source 206. The high-voltage connector 500 further includes a second member 204 electrically connected to a capacitive load 208. The first member 202 and the second member 204 are configured to be removably connected to each other to supply power from the high-voltage source 206 to the capacitive load 208.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the first member 202 of the high-voltage connector 500 includes a fourth mechanical actuation switch 244 connected in series between a second positive conductor 212 and the high-voltage source 206 and a fifth mechanical actuation switch 246 connected in series between a first positive conductor 210 and the high-voltage source 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth mechanical actuation switch 244 is selectively actuated using a rod 240, and the fifth mechanical actuation switch 246 is selectively actuated using a rod 242. In an exemplary embodiment, the rods 240, 242 are configured to be actuated after the first member 202 has been fully connected to the second member 204. In one embodiment, the rods 240, 242 are configured in an interlocking manner such that when the rod 240 is in the open position, the rod 242 cannot be placed in the closed position.

[0054] In Figure 5 the embodiment shown, once the first member 202 is connected to the second member 204, current will not flow from the high-voltage source 206 to the capacitive load 208 until after the rod 240 is placed in the closed position, thereby closing the switch 244. Once the switch 244 is closed, current from the high-voltage source 206 will flow through the pre-charge resistor 226 to the capacitive load 208, thereby limiting the inrush current into the capacitive load 208. After the rod 240 is placed in the closed position, the rod 242 can be closed to allow current to flow through the switch 246.

[0055] Now referring to Figure 6, a figure showing a schematic diagram of a high-voltage connector according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the high-voltage connector 600 includes a first member 202 electrically connected to a high-voltage source 206. The high-voltage connector 600 further includes a second member 204 electrically connected to a capacitive load 208. The first member 202 and the second member 204 are configured to be removably connected to each other to supply power from the high-voltage source 206 to the capacitive load 208.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the first member 202 of the high-voltage connector 600 includes a fourth mechanically actuated switch 244 connected in series between a second positive conductor 212 and the high-voltage source 206. In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth mechanically actuated switch 244 is selectively actuated using a rod 240, which is at least partially disposed outside the body of the first member 202. Once the first member 202 is connected to the second member 204, current cannot flow from the high-voltage source 206 to the capacitive load 208 until the rod 240 is placed in the closed position, thereby closing the switch 244. Assuming that the relay 256 is in the closed position, once the switch 244 is closed, current from the high-voltage source 206 can flow through the pre-charge resistor 226 to the capacitive load 208, thereby limiting the inrush current into the capacitive load 208.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the high-voltage connector 600 includes a relay 256 disposed between a third positive conductor 218 and a third positive conductor 220 and the capacitive load 208. In an exemplary embodiment, the relay 256 is an electrically actuated switch that is normally in the closed position. In one embodiment, the relay 256 is controlled by a controller 102, as Figure 1 shown.

[0058] Now refer to Figure 7 , a figure showing a schematic diagram of a high-voltage connector according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the high-voltage connector 700 includes a first member 702 electrically connected to a high-voltage source 706. The high-voltage connector 700 further includes a second member 704 electrically connected to a capacitive load 708. The first member 702 and the second member 704 are configured to be removably connected to each other to supply power from the high-voltage source 706 to the capacitive load 708.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the first member 702 includes a first positive conductor 710 and a first negative conductor 712, and the second member 704 includes a second positive conductor 714 and a second negative conductor 716. In one embodiment, the first member 702 includes a pre-charge resistor 726 connected in parallel with the first positive conductor 710. The pre-charge resistor 726 is serially disposed between the high-voltage source 706 and the contact 720.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the second positive conductor 714 of the second member 704 includes an extension portion 718 configured to contact the contact 720 when the first member 702 is connected to the second member 704, before the first positive conductor 710 contacts the second positive conductor 714. In an exemplary embodiment, the lengths of the conductors 710, 714, and the extension portion 718 are configured such that an appropriate delay is created between when the contact 720 contacts the extension portion 718 of the second positive conductor 714 and when the first positive conductor 710 contacts the second positive conductor 714, to allow the capacitor of the capacitive load 708 to be effectively charged. In one embodiment, the delay is approximately 200 milliseconds.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the high voltage connector 700 optionally includes a relay 722 disposed between the second positive conductor 714 and the capacitive load 708. In an exemplary embodiment, the relay 722 is an electrically actuated switch that is normally in a closed position. In one embodiment, the relay 722 is controlled by the controller 102, as Figure 1 shown.

[0062] The terms "a" and "an" do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. The term "or" means "and / or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. References throughout the specification to "one aspect" mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, a structure, a step, or a property) described in connection with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. Additionally, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0063] When an element such as a layer, a film, a region, or a substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, no intervening elements are present.

[0064] Unless stated to the contrary herein, all test standards are the latest valid standards as of the filing date of the present application, or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standard appears.

[0065] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0066] Although the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can replace its elements without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A high voltage connector, comprising: a first member electrically connected to a high voltage source, the first member comprising first and second positive conductors and first and second negative conductors; A second member electrically connected to a load requiring precharging, the second member comprising a third positive conductor and a fourth positive conductor connected in parallel and a third negative conductor and a fourth negative conductor connected in parallel; and a precharge resistor disposed in one of the first member and the second member, the precharge resistor being connected to one of the first positive conductor, the second positive conductor, the third positive conductor, the fourth positive conductor, the first negative conductor, the second negative conductor, the third negative conductor, and the fourth negative conductor, Therein, the first component is configured to be connected to the second component and to provide power to the load from the high voltage source.

2. The high voltage connector according to claim 1, wherein: The first positive conductor extends a first distance from the first member, and the second positive conductor extends a second distance from the first member, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance, and wherein the pre-charge resistor is connected to the second positive conductor.

3. The high voltage connector according to claim 2, wherein: The third positive conductor extends a third distance from the second member, and the fourth positive conductor extends a fourth distance from the second member, wherein the fourth distance is greater than the third distance. 4 . The high voltage connector of claim 1 , further comprising a first mechanically actuated switch configured to open when the first member is separated from the second member and to close by connecting the first member to the second member.

5. The high voltage connector according to claim 4, wherein: The first mechanically actuated switch is connected in series with the pre-charge resistor. 6 . The high voltage connector of claim 4 , further comprising a second mechanically actuated switch configured to open when the first member is separated from the second member and to close by connecting the first member to the second member.

7. The high voltage connector according to claim 6, wherein: The first mechanically actuated switch is configured to close before the second mechanically actuated switch when the first member is connected to the second member.

8. An electric vehicle comprising: High voltage battery; Loads that require pre-charging; as well as High voltage connectors, including: a first member electrically connected to the high voltage battery, the first member including first and second positive conductors and first and second negative conductors; a second member electrically connected to the load, the second member comprising a third positive conductor and a fourth positive conductor connected in parallel and a third negative conductor and a fourth negative conductor connected in parallel; and a precharge resistor disposed in one of the first member and the second member, the precharge resistor being connected to one of the first positive conductor, the second positive conductor, the third positive conductor, the fourth positive conductor, the first negative conductor, the second negative conductor, the third negative conductor, and the fourth negative conductor, The high voltage connector is configured to provide power from the high voltage battery to the load.

9. The electric vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: The first positive conductor extends a first distance from the first member, and the second positive conductor extends a second distance from the first member, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance, and wherein the pre-charge resistor is connected to the second positive conductor.

10. The electric vehicle according to claim 9, wherein: The third positive conductor extends a third distance from the second member, and the fourth positive conductor extends a fourth distance from the second member, wherein the fourth distance is greater than the third distance.

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