Junction box housing and power terminal for power connector

Abstract

A power connector includes a terminal block housing having a terminal cavity with a loading opening located at a rear portion and an access opening located at a top portion. A power terminal assembly is received in the terminal cavity through the loading opening. The power terminal assembly includes a power terminal having a screw threaded to a nut through a head of the power terminal. A terminal retainer is coupled to the rear portion of the terminal block housing to enclose the terminal cavity at the rear portion and retain the power terminal assembly in the terminal cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This article mainly deals with power connectors. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical appliances typically use power connectors to establish an electrical connection between the device and an external power source. A typical configuration includes a junction box housing that houses a set of power terminals designed to mate with ring terminals attached to the power cord. This connection scheme is common in a variety of household and industrial appliances, such as ovens, dryers, and other high-power equipment.

[0003] This type of conventional power connector typically has several drawbacks. One significant issue is the complexity of assembly. During installation, the power terminals are usually loaded into the junction box housing through an opening in the top, and then slid back into a locking position. This assembly is complex and results in large dimensions for both the power terminals and the junction box housing to accommodate the components required for assembly and securing.

[0004] Another issue associated with traditional power connectors is their overall size. Junction box housings, along with power terminals and fasteners, typically result in bulky configurations. This increased size not only limits design flexibility but also occupies valuable internal space within the appliance, potentially interfering with other components or reducing the overall compactness of the appliance design.

[0005] There is a need for an improved power connector for electrical appliances that addresses the issues of complex assembly and large overall size. The improved design will simplify the assembly process and reduce the size of the connector assembly by maintaining a reliable and secure electrical connection throughout the entire operating life of the appliance. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one embodiment, a power connector is provided, and the power connector includes a junction box housing that includes a terminal cavity. The junction box housing includes a top and a bottom extending between a front and a rear portion of the junction box housing. The junction box housing includes a first side and a second side between the top and the bottom. The junction box housing includes a loading opening located at the rear and an access opening located at the top. The power connector includes a power terminal assembly received in the terminal cavity. The power terminal assembly includes a power terminal including a head and a tail. The tail is configured to be coupled to a power supply line. The head includes an opening. The power terminal assembly includes a screw received in the opening and a nut coupled to a threaded end of the screw, the threaded end of the screw being configured to be coupled to an annular terminal of a power source. The head is captured between the screw head and the nut. The power connector includes a terminal retainer coupled to the rear portion of the junction box housing to close the terminal cavity at the rear. The power terminal assembly is loaded into the terminal cavity from the rear through the loading opening. The terminal retainer holds the power terminal assembly in the terminal cavity. The screw heads of the screws for the power terminal assembly can be accessed through an entry opening at the top of the junction box housing.

[0007] In another embodiment, a power connector is provided, comprising a junction box housing including a terminal cavity. The junction box housing includes a top and a bottom extending between a front and a rear portion. The junction box housing includes a first side and a second side between the top and the bottom. The junction box housing includes a loading opening at the rear and an access opening at the top. The junction box housing includes a retaining element extending into the terminal cavity. The power connector includes a power terminal assembly received in the terminal cavity. The power terminal assembly includes a power terminal including a head and a tail. The tail is configured to be coupled to a power cord. The head includes a front edge, a rear edge, a first side edge between the front and rear edges, and a second side edge between the front and rear edges. The head includes an opening therethrough. The power terminal assembly includes a screw received in the opening and a nut coupled to a threaded end of the screw, the threaded end of the screw being configured to be coupled to an annular terminal of a power source. The head is captured between the screw head and the nut. The screw head of the power terminal assembly can be accessed through the access opening at the top of the junction box housing. The power connector includes a terminal retainer that is coupled to the rear of the junction box housing to close a terminal cavity at the rear. A power terminal assembly is loaded into the terminal cavity from the rear through a loading opening. The terminal retainer engages a rear edge to hold the power terminal assembly within the terminal cavity and prevent its removal through the loading opening. Retaining elements engage a first side edge and a second side edge to hold the power terminal assembly within the terminal cavity and prevent its removal through an access opening.

[0008] In another embodiment, a junction box housing for a power terminal assembly is provided, including a power terminal having a head of a retaining screw and a nut configured to engage with an annular terminal of a power source. The junction box housing includes a housing wall forming a terminal cavity. The housing wall extends between a top and a bottom of the junction box housing. The housing wall extends between a front and a rear portion of the junction box housing. The housing wall extends between a first side and a second side of the junction box housing. The junction box housing includes a loading opening at the rear, providing access to the terminal cavity. The power terminal assembly is configured to be loaded into the terminal cavity through the loading opening. The junction box housing includes an access opening at the top, providing access to the power terminal assembly. The junction box housing includes a retaining element extending into the terminal cavity. The retaining element is configured to engage a head to retain the power terminal assembly in the terminal cavity and prevent removal of the power terminal assembly through the access opening. The junction box housing includes a terminal retainer engaged at the loading opening to the rear portion of the junction box housing to close the terminal cavity at the rear. The terminal retainer is configured to engage the head to hold the power terminal assembly in the terminal cavity and prevent the power terminal assembly from being removed through the loading opening. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a power connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a power terminal assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the junction box housing according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a partial assembly view of the power connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a rear perspective view of a portion of a power connector according to an exemplary embodiment, showing one of the power terminal assemblies mounted in a junction box housing.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a top perspective view of a portion of a power connector according to an exemplary embodiment, showing one of the power terminal assemblies mounted in a junction box housing. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Figure 1This is a perspective view of a power connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The power connector 100 is configured to be electrically connected to one or more power sources 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the power connector 100 is electrically connected to two power sources 110. In an exemplary embodiment, each power source 110 includes a power line 112 and a power terminal 114 at an end of the power line 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the power terminal 114 includes a ring terminal 116. Other types of terminals may be used in alternative embodiments. In alternative embodiments, the power source 110 includes a bus.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the power connector 100 includes a junction box housing 200, one or more power terminal assemblies 300 held by the junction box housing 200, and a terminal retainer 400 configured to retain the power terminal assemblies 300 within the junction box housing 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the power connector 100 includes two power terminal assemblies 300. In alternative embodiments, more or fewer power terminal assemblies 300 may be provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal retainer 400 is configured to open and close to provide access to the junction box housing 200 for loading / unloading the power terminal assemblies 300 into the junction box housing 200. In an exemplary embodiment, the power terminal assemblies 300 are configured to be rear-mounted into the junction box housing 200 and are accessible from above, for example, for connection to power terminals 114. In an exemplary embodiment, the power terminal assemblies 300 have a short profile (short front to back), allowing for the use of a narrow junction box housing 200, thereby reducing the overall size of the power connector 100 and providing material cost savings.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a power terminal assembly 300 according to an exemplary embodiment. The power terminal assembly 300 includes a power line 310 and a power terminal 320 terminated at an end of the power line 310. For example, the power terminal 320 may be crimped, brazed, or soldered to a conductor at the end of the power line 310. In an alternative embodiment, the power terminal assembly 300 may include a busbar instead of the power line 310. In an exemplary embodiment, the power terminal assembly 300 includes a screw 350, a nut 360, and a washer 370, which are coupled to the power terminal 320 and configured to electrically connect the power terminal assembly 300 to a power terminal 114 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown). Screw 350 is configured to be threadedly engaged with nut 360 and tightened to electrically connect power terminal 320 to power terminal 114.

[0018] The power terminal 320 includes a head 322 and a tail 324 extending from the head 322. The tail 324 is configured to be coupled to the power line 310. For example, the tail 324 includes a crimping sleeve 326 configured to be crimped to the power line 310. In alternative embodiments, other types of terminals, such as solder pads, solder pads, insulating displacement contacts, etc., may be used. In an exemplary embodiment, the tail 324 is integral with the head 322. For example, the head 322 and the tail 324 may be stamped and formed from a sheet metal to form the power terminal 320. The power terminal 320 may be arranged on a strip, such as a stamped sheet metal strip, together with other power terminals 320. When assembling the power terminal 320, a screw 350, a nut 360, and a washer 370 are coupled to the head 322. The head 322 is configured to be electrically connected to the power terminal 114.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, head 322 includes plate 330 having an opening 332 therethrough. Screw 350 passes through opening 332. Plate 330 includes an upper surface 334 and a lower surface 336. Nut 360 is located at the lower surface 336 and can be engaged to plate 330 at the lower surface 336. Annular terminal 116 can be engaged to plate 330 at the lower surface 336. Washer 370 is located at the upper surface 334 and can be engaged to plate 330 at the upper surface 334. Annular terminal 116 can be engaged to plate 330 at the upper surface 334. Screw 350 is tightened to capture annular terminal 116 between washer 370 and plate 330 or between nut 360 and plate 330.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, plate 330 is rectangular. However, in alternative embodiments, plate 330 may have other shapes. In an exemplary embodiment, plate 330 includes a front edge 340, a rear edge 342, a first side edge 344, and a second side edge 346. If having a different shape, plate 330 may include additional edges. In an exemplary embodiment, opening 332 may open at one of the edges (such as the front edge 340) to receive screw 350. Tail 324 extends from the rear edge 342 of plate 330. The first side edge 344 and the second side edge 346 extend between the front edge 340 and the rear edge 342. The first side edge 344 and the second side edge 346 may be perpendicular to the front edge 340 and the rear edge 342. The first side edge 344 and the second side edge 346 may be parallel to each other. The front edge 340 and the rear edge 342 may be parallel to each other. Plate 330 has a width between the first side edge 344 and the second side edge 346 and a length between the front edge 340 and the rear edge 342. In an exemplary embodiment, board 330 is relatively short. For example, its width may be greater than or equal to its length. The short profile of board 330 (e.g., short from front to back) allows for the use of a small (e.g., short) junction box housing 200, thereby reducing the overall size of the power connector 100 and providing material cost savings.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a junction box housing 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. The junction box housing 200 includes a wall 210 forming one or more terminal cavities 212, the terminal cavities 212 being configured to receive corresponding power terminal assemblies 300 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the junction box housing 200 includes two terminal cavities 212 with a partition wall 214 having a wall 210 between them. In alternative embodiments, more or fewer terminal cavities 212 may be provided.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the junction box housing 200 is made of a dielectric material, such as plastic. The terminal housing 200 may be an injection molded part. The junction box housing 200 extends between a top 220 and a bottom 222. The junction box housing 200 extends between a front portion 224 and a rear portion 226. The junction box housing 200 includes a first side 230 and a second side 232 opposite to the first side 230. The first side 230 and the second side 232 extend between the top 220 and the bottom 222 and / or between the front portion 224 and the rear portion 226. In the illustrated embodiment, the junction box housing 200 is generally rectangular or box-shaped. In alternative embodiments, the junction box housing 200 may have other shapes.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the junction box housing 200 includes a mounting bracket 234 extending from a first side 230 and / or a second side 232. The mounting bracket 234 is used to mount the junction box housing 200 to another structure. For example, the mounting bracket 234 may include an opening 236 configured to receive fasteners for securing the junction box housing 200 to the mounting structure. Other types of mounting features may be provided in alternative embodiments. The mounting bracket 234 may be located near the bottom 222 to mount the bottom 222 to the mounting structure. Other locations are also possible in alternative embodiments.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the junction box housing 200 includes an access opening 240 at a top 220. The access opening 240 provides access to the terminal cavity 212. For example, the access opening 240 provides access through the top 220 to the power terminal assembly 300, such as for tightening or loosening screws 350 and / or for attaching the annular terminal 116 of the power terminal 114 (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (As shown) is loaded into terminal cavity 212 to mate with power terminal assembly 300. In an exemplary embodiment, each terminal cavity 212 includes a corresponding access opening 240.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the junction box housing 200 includes a power window 242 passing through one of the walls 210 (e.g., the wall at the front 224). The power window 242 opens into the terminal cavity 212. The power window 242 is configured to receive annular terminals 116 and / or power lines 112 passing through it.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the wall 210 of the junction box housing 200 includes a support wall 244. The support wall 244 may support one or more components of the power terminal assembly 300. For example, the support wall 244 may support a nut 360. The support wall 244 may be positioned away from the top 220 and / or away from the bottom 222. For example, the support wall 244 may be substantially centered between the top 220 and the bottom 222. In an exemplary embodiment, the support wall 244 includes a recess 246 configured to receive a portion of the power terminal assembly 300, such as a screw 350. The recess 246 opens from above to receive the screw 350. The recess 246 may open at other sides, such as the rear 226.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the junction box housing 200 includes one or more retainer elements 250 extending into a terminal cavity 212. The retainer elements 250 are configured to engage a power terminal assembly 300, such as the head 322 of a power terminal 320. The retainer elements 250 are used to retain the power terminal assembly 300 within the terminal cavity 212. For example, the retainer elements 250 may prevent the power terminal assembly 300 from being removed through the access opening 240. The retainer elements 250 may block upward movement of the power terminal assembly 300. For example, the retainer elements 250 may abut against the upper surface of the plate 330 of the power terminal 320. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer elements 250 are located on opposite sides of the terminal cavity 212. In alternative embodiments, other locations are also possible. In an exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface 252 of the retainer element 250 is configured to abut against the power terminal 320. In an exemplary embodiment, a groove 254 is formed between the bottom surface 252 of the retainer element 250 and the support wall 244. Slot 254 is configured to receive a corresponding power terminal assembly 300. For example, the plate 330 of power terminal 320 can be received in the corresponding slot 254. In an exemplary embodiment, the power terminal assembly 300 is loaded into the slot 254 from the rear via the rear portion 226 of the junction box housing 200.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the junction box housing 200 includes a loading opening 260 at a rear portion 226. The loading opening 260 is configured to receive a corresponding power terminal assembly 300. For example, the power terminal assembly 300 is loaded from the rear into the terminal cavity 212 through the loading opening 260 at the rear portion 226. The power terminal assembly 300 is loaded in a forward loading direction. The power terminal assembly 300 is loaded into the terminal cavity 212 in a loading direction that is substantially perpendicular to the screw axis of the screw 350 and / or substantially parallel to the power line 310. In an exemplary embodiment, a terminal retainer 400 is configured to close the loading opening 260 after the power terminal assembly 300 has been received in the terminal cavity 212. The terminal retainer 400 is used to retain the power terminal assembly 300 in the terminal cavity 212.

[0029] Terminal retainer 400 is configured to engage with junction box housing 200 to close access to terminal cavity 212. Terminal retainer 400 is configured to prevent removal of power terminal assembly 300 from junction box housing 200. In an exemplary embodiment, terminal retainer 400 is integral with junction box housing 200. Terminal retainer 400 and junction box housing 200 may form a single integral structure. For example, terminal retainer 400 may be co-molded with junction box housing 200. In an exemplary embodiment, terminal retainer 400 is hingedly engaged with junction box housing 200 via hinge 402. For example, hinge 402 may be a movable hinge co-molded with terminal retainer 400 and junction box housing 200. In an alternative embodiment, terminal retainer 400 may be separable and discrete from junction box housing 200. For example, terminal retainer 400 and junction box housing 200 may be separate molded parts that are coupled together to retain power terminal assembly 300 in terminal cavity 212.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal retainer 400 includes a retainer wall 410 having an inner surface 412 and an outer surface 414. The retainer wall 410 may be generally planar. The retainer wall 410 is movable relative to the junction box housing 200. For example, the retainer wall 410 may be in an open position ( Figure 3 ) and closing position ( Figure 1 It can pivot or rotate between the terminals. When closed, the inner surface 412 faces the terminal cavity 212 to hold the power terminal assembly 300 in the terminal cavity 212.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal retainer 400 includes a securing element 420 for securing the retainer wall 410 to the junction box housing 200. For example, the securing element 420 may include a latching element, a clip, a fastener, or other type of securing element. The securing element 420 may be located on opposite sides of the retainer wall 410 and / or at the center of the retainer wall 410 and / or other locations. The securing element 420 is configured to abut against a complementary securing element 262 of the junction box housing 200 at the rear 226 of the junction box housing 200. The securing element 262 may include a latching element, a clip, a fastener, or other type of securing element. The securing element 262 may be located at the sides 230, 232 and / or the partition wall 214 and / or other locations.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal retainer 400 includes a window 430 extending through the retainer wall 410. The window 430 is configured to receive a portion of the power terminal assembly 300, such as the tail 324 and / or the power line 310. The window 430 is configured to align with the terminal cavity 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the window 430 opens at the outer edge 432 of the retainer wall 410 to allow the power terminal assembly 300 to be inserted into the window 430 when the terminal retainer 400 is moved to the closed position.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a partial assembly view of the power connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 This is a rear perspective view of a portion of a power connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing one of the power terminal assemblies 300 mounted in a junction box housing 200. Figure 6 This is a top perspective view of a portion of a power connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, showing one of the power terminal assemblies 300 mounted in a junction box housing 200. Figure 4 One of the power terminal assemblies 300 received in a corresponding terminal cavity 212 is shown, and another power terminal assembly 300 is prepared to be loaded into the corresponding terminal cavity 212 in a loading direction, for example, through the forward loading direction of the rear portion 226 of the junction box housing 200.

[0034] During assembly, the power terminal assembly 300 is aligned with the terminal cavity 212. For example, the head 322 of the power terminal 320 is aligned with a corresponding slot 254. The head 322 is loaded into the slot 254 between the bottom surface 252 of the retainer element 250 and the support wall 244. The first and second side edges 344, 346 of the retainer element 250 engaging plate 330 prevent the power terminal assembly 300 from moving upward through the access opening 240, thereby retaining the power terminal assembly 300 in the terminal cavity 212. The first side edge 344 and the second side edge 346 of the side wall engaging plate 330 of the junction box housing 200 prevent lateral movement of the power terminal assembly 300 in the terminal cavity 212. The head 322 may be inserted into the terminal cavity 212 until the front edge 340 engages with the front wall at the front portion 224 of the junction box housing 200 to prevent forward movement of the power terminal assembly 300 in the terminal cavity 212. When the terminal retainer 400 is closed, the terminal retainer 400 is configured to engage the rear edge 342 to prevent rearward movement of the power terminal assembly 300 and the terminal cavity 212.

[0035] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. The dimensions, material types, orientations of various components, and the number and position of various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments and are by no means restrictive, but merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. In the appended claims, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as concise English equivalents of the corresponding terms “including” and “wherein”. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used only as designations and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Furthermore, the limitations of the following claims are not written in the form of means plus function, and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.SC §112(f), unless and until such a claim limitation expressly uses the phrase “means for” followed by a functional statement without further structure.

Claims

1. A power connector, comprising: A junction box housing, the junction box housing including a terminal cavity, the junction box housing including a top and a bottom extending between a front portion and a rear portion of the junction box housing, the junction box housing including a first side and a second side between the top and the bottom portion, the junction box housing including a loading opening at the rear portion and an access opening at the top portion; A power terminal assembly is received in the terminal cavity, the power terminal assembly includes a power terminal, the power terminal includes a head and a tail, the tail is configured to be coupled to a power line, the head includes an opening, the power terminal assembly includes a screw received in the opening and a nut coupled to a threaded end of the screw, the threaded end of the screw is configured to be coupled to an annular terminal of a power source, and the head is captured between the screw head and the nut; and A terminal retainer is attached to the rear of the junction box housing to close the terminal cavity at the rear. The power terminal assembly is guided from the rear into the terminal cavity through the loading opening, the terminal retainer holds the power terminal assembly in the terminal cavity, and the screw head of the screw of the power terminal assembly can be accessed through an access opening at the top of the junction box housing.

2. The power connector of claim 1, wherein the terminal retainer is hinged to the junction box housing.

3. The power connector according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal retainer is integrated with the junction box housing, thus forming a single, integral structure.

4. The power connector according to claim 1, wherein, The terminal retainer includes a retainer wall that is coupled to the rear of the junction box housing to block the loading opening.

5. The power connector according to claim 4, wherein, The retaining wall includes a window configured to receive the tail and / or the power cord.

6. The power connector according to claim 1, wherein, The junction box housing includes a retainer element that extends into the terminal cavity to engage the head, thereby retaining the power terminal assembly in the terminal cavity and preventing the power terminal assembly from being removed through the access opening.

7. The power connector according to claim 6, wherein, The junction box housing includes a second retaining element, which engages with the opposite side of the head.

8. The power connector according to claim 6, wherein, The junction box housing includes a support wall and a groove between the support wall and the retainer element, the head being received in the groove in the loading direction through the loading opening at the rear of the junction box housing.

9. The power connector of claim 1, wherein the terminal retainer includes a latch that is latchably coupled to the junction box housing.

10. The power connector according to claim 1, wherein, The screw extends along the screw axis, and the power terminal assembly is loaded into the terminal cavity through the loading opening in a loading direction perpendicular to the screw axis.

11. The power connector according to claim 1, wherein, The junction box housing includes a power window configured to receive the annular terminal and / or the power supply.

12. The power connector according to claim 1, wherein, The head includes a plate with the opening, the plate having a width between a first side edge and a second side edge and a length between a front edge and a rear edge, and the tail extending from the rear edge of the plate.

13. The power connector according to claim 12, wherein, The width is greater than or equal to the length.

14. The power connector according to claim 12, wherein, The junction box housing includes a front wall at the front of the terminal cavity and side walls on opposite sides of the terminal cavity. The front wall engages the front edge to prevent forward movement of the power terminal assembly in the terminal cavity, the terminal retainer engages the rear edge to prevent rearward movement of the power terminal assembly in the terminal cavity, and the side walls engage the first side edge and the second side edge to prevent lateral movement of the power terminal assembly in the terminal cavity.

15. The power connector according to claim 14, wherein, The junction box housing includes a retainer element extending into the terminal cavity, the retainer element engaging the first side edge and the second side edge to prevent the power terminal assembly from moving upward through the access opening, thereby retaining the power terminal assembly.

16. The power connector according to claim 1, wherein, The junction box housing includes a second terminal cavity with a partition wall between the second terminal cavity and the second terminal cavity, the second terminal cavity receiving a second power terminal assembly, and the terminal retainer blocking the second power terminal assembly in the second terminal cavity.

17. A power connector, comprising: A junction box housing, the junction box housing including a terminal cavity, the junction box housing including a top and a bottom extending between a front portion and a rear portion of the junction box housing, the junction box housing including a first side and a second side between the top and the bottom portion, the junction box housing including a loading opening at the rear portion and an access opening at the top portion, and the junction box housing including a retaining element extending into the terminal cavity; A power terminal assembly received in a terminal cavity, the power terminal assembly including a power terminal including a head and a tail, the tail being configured to be coupled to a power line, the head including a front edge, a rear edge, a first side edge between the front edge and the rear edge, and a second side edge between the front edge and the rear edge, the head including an opening therethrough, the power terminal assembly including a screw received in the opening and a nut coupled to a threaded end of the screw, the threaded end of the screw being configured to be coupled to an annular terminal of a power source, the head being captured between the screw head and the nut, wherein the screw head of the power terminal assembly is accessible through the access opening at the top of the junction box housing; and A terminal retainer is attached to the rear of the junction box housing to close the terminal cavity at the rear. The power terminal assembly is guided from the rear into the terminal cavity through the loading opening, the terminal retainer engages the rear edge to hold the power terminal assembly in the terminal cavity and prevent the power terminal assembly from being removed through the loading opening, and the retaining element engages the first side edge and the second side edge to hold the power terminal assembly in the terminal cavity and prevent the power terminal assembly from being removed through the entry opening.

18. The power connector of claim 17, wherein the terminal retainer is integral with the junction box housing to form a single integral structure, and the terminal retainer is hingedly connected to the junction box housing.

19. The power connector according to claim 17, wherein, The junction box housing includes a support wall and a groove between the support wall and the retainer element, the head being received in the groove in the loading direction through the loading opening at the rear of the junction box housing.

20. A junction box housing for a power terminal assembly, comprising a power terminal including a head of a retaining screw and a nut configured to be coupled to an annular terminal of a power source, the junction box housing comprising: A housing wall forming a terminal cavity, the housing wall extending between the top and bottom of the junction box housing, the housing wall extending between the front and rear of the junction box housing, and the housing wall extending between a first side and a second side of the junction box housing; A loading opening at the rear provides access to the terminal cavity, wherein the power terminal assembly is configured to be loaded into the terminal cavity through the loading opening; An access opening at the top provides access to the power terminal assembly; A retaining element extending into the terminal cavity, the retaining element being configured to engage the head to retain the power terminal assembly in the terminal cavity and prevent the power terminal assembly from being removed through the access opening; and A terminal retainer is coupled to the rear of the junction box housing at the loading opening to close the terminal cavity at the rear. The terminal retainer is configured to engage the head to retain the power terminal assembly in the terminal cavity and prevent the power terminal assembly from being removed through the loading opening.

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