HIGH-VOLTAGE CONNECTOR WITH PRE-CHARGING RESISTOR AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a high-voltage connector having a first element that is electrically connected to a high-voltage source, wherein the first element comprises a first positive conductor and a second positive conductor, as well as a first negative conductor and a second negative conductor, and wherein a second element is electrically connected to a load that needs to be pre-charged, wherein the second element comprises a third positive conductor and a fourth positive conductor connected in parallel, as well as a third negative conductor and a fourth negative conductor also connected in parallel. The high-voltage connector also comprises a pre-charging resistor arranged in the first or second element. The first element is configured to be connected to the second element and to supply electrical power from the high-voltage source to the load.Finally, according to the invention, the high-voltage connector also comprises a first mechanically actuated switch configured to be open when the first element is separated from the second element and closed when the first element is connected to the second element. The present invention also relates to an electric vehicle with such a high-voltage connector.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The disclosure relates to a high-voltage electrical connector, particularly for use in connecting capacitive loads. As prior art, reference is made to JP H08-162 221 A (with a subject matter according to the preamble of claim 1), JP H09-92 401 A, JP H03-20 978 A, JP 2001-307 839 A, and DE 20 2015 106 121 U1.

[0002] Connecting a high-voltage source to a capacitive load can cause a current surge in the capacitive load, which can lead to damage to the capacitive load or to switches or connectors. Consequently, a pre-charging circuit is often added to the capacitive load to prevent a damaging current surge. These pre-charging circuits often include one or more relays and a pre-charging resistor. The relays are often electrically controlled and require power for their operation.

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a particularly reliable and safe high-voltage connector and a correspondingly reliable and safe electric vehicle. SUMMARY

[0004] The problem is solved by the features of the appended independent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the following description and in the dependent claims.

[0005] In an exemplary embodiment, a high-voltage connector is provided. The high-voltage connector comprises a first element electrically connected to a high-voltage source, the first element comprising a first positive conductor and a second positive conductor, and a first negative conductor and a second negative conductor, and a second element electrically connected to a load that requires precharging, the second element comprising a third positive conductor and a fourth positive conductor connected in parallel, and a third negative conductor and a fourth negative conductor also connected in parallel.The high-voltage connector further comprises a pre-charging resistor disposed in the first or second element, wherein the pre-charging resistor is connected to one of the following conductors: 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, or the fourth negative conductor. The first element is configured to be connected to the second element and to supply electrical power from the high-voltage source to the load.

[0006] In addition to the one or more features described herein, the first positive conductor extends a first distance from the first element and the second positive conductor extends a second distance from the first element, the second distance being greater than the first distance and the precharge resistor being connected to the second positive conductor.

[0007] In addition to the one or more features described herein, 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, the fourth distance being greater than the third distance.

[0008] According to the invention, the high-voltage connector also comprises a first mechanically actuated switch configured to be open when the first element is separated from the second element and closed when the first element is connected to the second element.

[0009] In addition to the one or more features described herein, the first mechanically actuated switch is connected in series with the pre-charge resistor.

[0010] In addition to the one or more features described herein, the high-voltage connector also includes a second mechanically actuated switch configured to be open when the first element is disconnected from the second element and closed when the first element is connected to the second element.

[0011] In addition to the one or more features described herein, the first mechanically actuated switch is configured to close before the second mechanically actuated switch when the first element is connected to the second element.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, an electric vehicle is provided with a high-voltage battery, a load that requires pre-charging, and a high-voltage connector. The high-voltage connector includes a first element electrically connected to a high-voltage source, the first element comprising a first positive conductor and a second positive conductor, and a first negative conductor and a second negative conductor, and a second element electrically connected to a load that requires pre-charging, the second element comprising a third positive conductor and a fourth positive conductor connected in parallel, and a third negative conductor and a fourth negative conductor also connected in parallel.The high-voltage connector further comprises a pre-charging resistor disposed in the first or second element, wherein the pre-charging resistor is connected to one of the following conductors: 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, or the fourth negative conductor. The first element is configured to be connected to the second element and to supply electrical power from the high-voltage source to the load.

[0013] In addition to the one or more features described herein, the first positive conductor extends a first distance from the first element and the second positive conductor extends a second distance from the first element, the second distance being greater than the first distance and the precharge resistor being connected to the second positive conductor.

[0014] In addition to the one or more features described herein, 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, the fourth distance being greater than the third distance.

[0015] According to the invention, the high-voltage connector further comprises a first mechanically actuated switch configured to be open when the first element is separated from the second element and closed when the first element is connected to the second element.

[0016] In addition to the one or more features described herein, the first mechanically actuated switch is connected in series with the pre-charge resistor.

[0017] In addition to the one or more features described herein, the high-voltage connector further comprises a second mechanically actuated switch configured to be open when the first element is disconnected from the second element and closed when the first element is connected to the second element.

[0018] In addition to the one or more features described herein, the first mechanically actuated switch is configured to close before the second mechanically actuated switch when the first element is connected to the second element.

[0019] The above-described features and advantages and other features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Further features, advantages and details appear only as examples in the following detailed description, which refers to the drawings; they show: Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electric vehicle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2A is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of an exemplary high-voltage connector; Fig. 2B is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of an alternative high-voltage connector; Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of a high-voltage connector in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of a high-voltage connector in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of an alternative high-voltage connector; Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of another alternative high-voltage connector; and Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of yet another alternative high-voltage connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] 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 disclosure are described herein with reference to the related drawings. Alternative embodiments of the disclosure may be developed without departing from the scope of the claims. Various connections and positional relationships (e.g., above, below, adjacent, etc.) are set forth between elements in the following description and in the drawings. These connections and / or positional relationships may be direct or indirect unless otherwise specified, and the present disclosure is not intended to be limiting in this regard.Accordingly, a coupling of units can refer to either a direct or an indirect coupling and a positional relationship between units can be a direct or an indirect positional relationship.

[0022] As explained here, a precharge circuit comprising one or more relays is often added to the capacitive load to prevent a damaging current surge. These relays are often electrically controlled and require energy to operate. Over time, a relatively large amount of energy is used to operate the precharge circuit relays. Accordingly, a more energy-efficient method for preventing a current surge when connecting a high-voltage source to a capacitive load is desired.

[0023] Embodiments of the disclosure include high-voltage connectors that include a pre-charge resistor configured to limit a current surge to a load requiring pre-charging, such as, for example, a capacitive load. In example embodiments, the high-voltage connectors include a first element electrically connected to a high-voltage load configured to be connected to a second element electrically connected to a capacitive load. The first element includes one or more positive conductors configured to be connected to one or more positive conductors of the second element. Likewise, the first element includes one or more negative conductors configured to be connected to one or more negative conductors of the second element.

[0024] In exemplary embodiments, the precharge resistor is connected to one of the conductors, so that an electrical connection between the first element and the second element is established via one of the conductors, including the precharge resistor, before an electrical connection is established between the other conductors. As a result, the current flowing from the first element to the second element when the electrical connection is established is limited by the precharge resistor and therefore does not cause a current surge to the capacitive load.

[0025] In Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an electric vehicle 100 according to one or more embodiments. As illustrated, the electric vehicle 100 includes a battery pack 106 connected to an electrical distribution system 110 via a high-voltage connector 104. In exemplary embodiments, the battery pack 106 is a high-voltage source and has a voltage greater than two hundred volts. In exemplary embodiments, the electrical distribution system 110 includes at least one capacitive load 112, such as a direct current (DC) to DC converter. The electrical distribution system 110 is connected to an electric motor 108 configured to propel the electric vehicle 100 by drawing power from the battery pack 106.The electric vehicle 100 further includes a controller 102, which may be a general-purpose processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like. The controller 102 is configured to control the operation of one or more of the following elements: the electric motor 108 and the electrical distribution system 110.

[0026] In Fig. 2A shows a diagram illustrating an exemplary high-voltage connector 200. As illustrated, the high-voltage connector 200 includes a first element 202 electrically connected to a high-voltage source 206. In exemplary embodiments, the high-voltage source 206 is a battery pack having a direct current (DC) voltage of at least two hundred volts. In another embodiment, the high-voltage source 206 has a voltage between thirty and fifty volts. The high-voltage connector 200 further includes a second element 204 electrically connected to a capacitive load 208. In exemplary embodiments, the capacitive load 208 includes a DC / DC converter or inverter used to control a motor. The first element 202 and the second element 204 are configured to be removably connected to each other to supply power from the high-voltage source 206 to the capacitive load 208.

[0027] For example, the first element 202 of the high-voltage connector 200 includes a first positive conductor 210 and a second positive conductor 212, both connected to the high-voltage source 206. For example, the first positive conductor 210 is connected in parallel to a series circuit of the second positive conductor 212 and the pre-charge resistor 226. The first element 202 of the high-voltage connector 200 further includes a first negative conductor 214 and a second negative conductor 216 connected in parallel. For example, the second element 204 of the high-voltage connector 200 includes a third positive conductor 218 and a fourth positive conductor 220 connected in parallel. The second element 204 of the high-voltage connector 200 further includes a third negative conductor 222 and a fourth negative conductor 224 connected in parallel.

[0028] For example, the first element 202 of the high-voltage connector 200 includes a precharge resistor 226 connected between the high-voltage source 206 and the second positive conductor 212. For example, the precharge resistor 226 has a resistance of approximately twenty to sixty ohms. For example, the value of the precharge resistor 226 is based on the value of the capacitive load, the allowable surge current, and the required precharge time. As illustrated, the second positive conductor 212 of the first element 202 and the fourth positive conductor 220 of the second element 204 are configured to extend farther from the housing of the first element 202 and the second element 204 than the first positive conductor 210 and the third positive conductor 218, respectively.Likewise, the first negative conductor 214 of the first element 202 and the third negative conductor 222 of the second element 204 are configured to extend farther from the housing of the first element 202 and the second element 204 than the second negative conductor 216 and the fourth negative conductor 224, respectively.

[0029] For example, when the first element 202 is first connected to the second element 204, an electrical connection is established between the high voltage source 206 and the capacitive load 208 through the precharge 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 is limited by the precharge resistor 226 and limits a current surge to the capacitive load 208. For example, the lengths of conductors 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 222, and 224 are configured to create a suitable delay between the time the second positive conductor 212 contacts the fourth positive conductor 220 and the time the first positive conductor 210 contacts the third positive conductor 218 to enable efficient charging of the capacitors of the capacitive load 208.For example, this delay is approximately two hundred milliseconds.

[0030] In Fig. 2B shows a diagram illustrating an alternative high-voltage connector 201. For example, the first element 202 of the high-voltage connector 201 includes a first positive conductor 210 connected in parallel with a combination of the second positive conductor 212 and the pre-charge resistor 226. The first element 202 of the high-voltage connector 201 further includes a first negative conductor 214. For example, the second element 204 of the high-voltage connector 201 includes a third positive conductor 218 and a fourth positive conductor 220 connected in parallel. The second element 204 of the high-voltage connector 201 also includes a third negative conductor 222.

[0031] For example, when the first element 202 is first connected to the second element 204, an electrical connection is established between the high-voltage source 206 and a capacitive load 208 through the precharge 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 is limited by the precharge resistor 226 and limits a current surge to the capacitive load 208. For example, the lengths of the conductors 210, 212, 214, 218, and 222 are configured to create a suitable delay between the time the second positive conductor 212 contacts the fourth positive conductor 220 and the time the first positive conductor 210 contacts the third positive conductor 218 to enable efficient charging of the capacitors of the capacitive load 208.For example, this delay is approximately two hundred milliseconds.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a diagram illustrating a high-voltage connector 300 according to a first embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the high-voltage connector 300 includes a first element 202 electrically connected to a high-voltage source 206. The high-voltage connector 300 further includes a second element 204 electrically connected to a capacitive load 208. The first element 202 and the second element 204 are configured to be removably connected to each other to supply power from the high-voltage source 206 to the capacitive load 208.

[0033] The first element 202 of the high-voltage connector 300 includes a first mechanically actuated switch 230 connected in series with the second positive conductor 212 and the high-voltage source 206. The switch 230 is configured to be in an open position when the first element 202 is disconnected from the second element 204. The first mechanically actuated switch 230 is configured to be selectively activated by a plunger 228 extending from the housing of the first element 202 in the same direction as the second positive conductor 212. In exemplary embodiments, the plunger 228 is pushed into the housing of the first element 202 when the first element 202 is connected to the second element 204, thereby urging the switch 230 to a closed position.

[0034] In exemplary embodiments, the high-voltage connector 300 further includes a third mechanically actuated switch 232 connected in series with the first positive conductor 210 and the high-voltage source 206. In exemplary embodiments, the third mechanically actuated switch 232 is disposed outside a housing portion of the first element 202 and is configured to be selectively activated by a user once the first element 202 is fully connected to the second element 204.

[0035] In exemplary embodiments, when the first element 202 is connected to the second element 204, an electrical connection is established between the high-voltage source 206 and the capacitive load 208 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 is limited by the pre-charge resistor 226, thereby limiting a current surge to the capacitive load 208. Once the third mechanically actuated switch 232 is closed, a second electrical connection is established between the high-voltage source 206 and the capacitive load 208 via the first positive conductor 210 and the third positive conductor 218.

[0036] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a diagram illustrating a high-voltage connector 400 in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. As illustrated, the high-voltage connector 400 includes a first element 202 electrically connected to a high-voltage source 206. The high-voltage connector 400 further includes a second element 204 electrically connected to a capacitive load 208. The first element 202 and the second element 204 are configured to be removably connected to each other to supply power from the high-voltage source 206 to the capacitive load 208.

[0037] The first element 202 of the high-voltage connector 400 includes a first mechanically actuated switch 230 connected in series with the second positive conductor 212 and the high-voltage source 206, and a second mechanically actuated switch 236 connected in series with the first positive conductor 210 and the high-voltage source 206. In exemplary embodiments, the first mechanically actuated switch 230 and the second mechanically actuated switch 236 are configured to be in an open position when the first element 202 is disconnected from the second element 204.

[0038] The first mechanically actuated switch 230 is configured to be selectively activated by a piston 228 extending from the housing of the first element 202 in the same direction as the second positive conductor 212. Similarly, the second mechanically actuated switch 236 is configured to be selectively activated by a piston 234 extending from the housing of the first element 202 in the same direction as the second positive conductor 212. In exemplary embodiments, the pistons 228, 234 are pushed into the housing of the first element 202 when the first element 202 is connected to the second element 204, thereby forcing the switches 230, 236 into a closed position.

[0039] In exemplary embodiments, piston 228 extends farther from the housing of first element 202 than piston 234 (i.e., piston 228 is longer than piston 234). In exemplary embodiments, pistons 228 and 234 are configured to create a suitable delay between the closing of first mechanically actuated switch 230 and the closing of second mechanically actuated switch 236 to enable efficient charging of the capacitors of capacitive load 208. In one embodiment, this delay is approximately two hundred milliseconds.

[0040] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a diagram illustrating an alternative high-voltage connector. As illustrated, the high-voltage connector 500 includes a first element 202 electrically connected to a high-voltage source 206. The high-voltage connector 500 further includes a second element 204 electrically connected to a capacitive load 208. The first element 202 and the second element 204 are configured to be removably connected to each other to supply power from the high-voltage source 206 to the capacitive load 208.

[0041] For example, the first element 202 of the high-voltage connector 500 includes a fourth mechanically actuated switch 244 connected in series with the second positive conductor 212 and the high-voltage source 206, and a fifth mechanically actuated switch 246 connected in series with the first positive conductor 210 and the high-voltage source 206. For example, the fourth mechanically actuated switch 244 is selectively activated using a lever 240, and the fifth mechanically actuated switch 246 is selectively activated using a lever 242. For example, the levers 240, 242 are configured to be activated after the first element 202 has been fully connected to the second element 204. For example, the levers 240, 242 are configured to be interlocked, such that the lever 242 cannot be moved to a closed position while the lever 240 is in an open position.

[0042] In the Fig. 5, once the first element 202 is connected to the second element 204, no current flows from the high-voltage source 206 to the capacitive load 208 until the lever 240 is moved to a closed position, thereby closing the switch 244. Once the switch 244 is closed, current flows from the high-voltage source 206 through the precharge resistor 226 to the capacitive load 208, thereby limiting a current surge to the capacitive load 208. After the lever 240 is moved to the closed position, the lever 242 can be closed to allow current to flow through the switch 246.

[0043] In Fig. 6 shows a diagram illustrating another alternative high-voltage connector. As illustrated, the high-voltage connector 600 includes a first element 202 electrically connected to a high-voltage source 206. The high-voltage connector 600 further includes a second element 204 electrically connected to a capacitive load 208. The first element 202 and the second element 204 are configured to be removably connected to each other to supply power from the high-voltage source 206 to the capacitive load 208.

[0044] For example, the first element 202 of the high-voltage connector 600 includes a fourth mechanically actuated switch 244 connected in series with the second positive conductor 212 and the high-voltage source 206. For example, the fourth mechanically actuated switch 244 is selectively activated using a lever 240 disposed at least partially outside the housing of the first element 202. Once the first element 202 is connected to the second element 204, no current can flow from the high-voltage source 206 to the capacitive load 208 until the lever 240 is moved to a closed position, thereby closing the switch 244. Once switch 244 is closed, current can flow from high voltage source 206 through precharge resistor 226 to capacitive load 208, provided relay 256 is in a closed position, thereby limiting a current surge into capacitive load 208.

[0045] For example, the high-voltage connector 600 includes a relay 256 disposed between both the third positive conductor 218 and the third positive conductor 220 and the capacitive load 208. For example, the relay 256 is an electrically activated switch that is typically in a closed position. For example, the relay 256 is controlled by the controller 102, as shown in Fig. 1 shown.

[0046] In Fig. Figure 7 shows a diagram illustrating yet another alternative high-voltage connector. As illustrated, the high-voltage connector 700 includes a first element 702 electrically connected to a high-voltage source 706. The high-voltage connector 700 further includes a second element 704 electrically connected to a capacitive load 708. The first element 702 and the second element 704 are configured to be removably connected to each other to supply power from the high-voltage source 706 to the capacitive load 708.

[0047] For example, the first element 702 includes a first positive conductor 710 and a first negative conductor 712, and the second element 704 includes a second positive conductor 714 and a second negative conductor 716. For example, the first element 702 includes a precharge resistor 726 connected in parallel with the first positive conductor 710. The precharge resistor 726 is connected in series with the high-voltage source 706 and the contact 720.

[0048] For example, the second positive conductor 714 of the second element 704 includes an extended portion 718 configured to contact the contact 720 when the first element 702 is connected to the second element 704 before the first positive conductor 710 contacts the second positive conductor 714. For example, the lengths of the conductors 710, 714, and the extended portion 718 are configured to create a suitable delay between the time the contact 720 contacts the extended portion 718 of the second positive conductor 714 and the time the first positive conductor 710 contacts the second positive conductor 714 to enable efficient charging of the capacitors of the capacitive load 708. For example, this delay is approximately two hundred milliseconds.

[0049] For example, the high-voltage connector 700 optionally includes a relay 722 disposed between the second positive conductor 714 and the capacitive load 708. For example, the relay 722 is an electrically activated switch that is typically in a closed position. For example, the relay 722 is controlled by the controller 102, as shown in Fig. 1 shown.

[0050] The terms "a" and "an" do not imply a limitation of number, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced elements. The term "or" means "and / or" unless clearly indicated otherwise by context. A reference throughout the application text to "an aspect" means that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or property) described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein and may or may not be present in further aspects. In addition, it is to be understood that the described elements in the various aspects may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0051] When an element, such as a layer, film, region, or substrate, is referred to as "on" another element, it may be directly adjacent to the other element or may also have intervening elements present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly adjacent" to another element, no intervening elements are present.

Claims

[1] High-voltage connector (300, 400), comprising: a first element (202) electrically connected to a high voltage source (206), the first element (202) comprising a first positive conductor (210) and a second positive conductor (212) and a first negative conductor (214) and a second negative conductor (216); a second element (204) electrically connected to a load (208) that needs to be precharged, the second element (204) comprising a third positive conductor (218) and a fourth positive conductor (220) connected in parallel, and a third negative conductor (222) and a fourth negative conductor (224) also connected in parallel; and a precharge resistor (226) connected to one of the following conductors: the first positive conductor (210), the second positive conductor (212), the third positive conductor (218), the fourth positive conductor (220), the first negative conductor (214), the second negative conductor (216), the third negative conductor (222) or the fourth negative conductor (224), wherein the first element (202) is configured to be connected to the second element (204) and to supply electrical power from the high voltage source (206) to the load (208); characterized by , that the precharge resistor (226) is arranged in the first or second element (202, 204); wherein the high-voltage connector (300, 400) further comprises a first mechanically actuated switch (230) configured to be open when the first element (202) is separated from the second element (204) and closed when the first element (202) is connected to the second element (204). [2] The high-voltage connector (300, 400) of claim 1, wherein the first positive conductor (210) extends a first distance from the first element (202) and the second positive conductor (212) extends a second distance from the first element (202), the second distance being greater than the first distance, and the precharge resistor (226) being connected to the second positive conductor (212). [3] The high-voltage connector (300, 400) of claim 2, wherein the third positive conductor (218) extends a third distance from the second element (204) and the fourth positive conductor (220) extends a fourth distance from the second element (204), the fourth distance being greater than the third distance. [4] High-voltage connector (300, 400) according to claim 1, wherein the first mechanically actuated switch (230) is connected in series with the pre-charging resistor (226). [5] The high-voltage connector (400) of claim 1, further comprising a second mechanically actuated switch (236) configured to be open when the first element (202) is separated from the second element (204) and closed when the first element (202) is connected to the second element (204). [6] The high-voltage connector (400) of claim 5, wherein the first mechanically actuated switch (230) is configured to close before the second mechanically actuated switch (236) when the first element (202) is connected to the second element (204). [7] Electric vehicle (100), which includes: a high-voltage battery (106, 206); a load (112, 208) which must be pre-loaded; and a high-voltage connector (104, 300, 400) comprising: a first element (202) electrically connected to the high-voltage battery (106), the first element (202) comprising a first positive conductor (210) and a second positive conductor (212) and a first negative conductor (214) and a second negative conductor (216); a second element (204) electrically connected to the load (112, 208), the second element (204) comprising a third positive conductor (218) and a fourth positive conductor (220) connected in parallel, and a third negative conductor (222) and a fourth negative conductor (224) also connected in parallel; and a precharge resistor (226) connected to one of the following conductors: the first positive conductor (210), the second positive conductor (212), the third positive conductor (218), the fourth positive conductor (220), the first negative conductor (214), the second negative conductor (216), the third negative conductor (222) or the fourth negative conductor (224), wherein the high-voltage connector (104, 300, 400) is configured to supply electrical power from the high-voltage battery (106, 206) to the load (112, 208); characterized by , that the precharge resistor (226) is arranged in the first or second element (202, 204); wherein the high-voltage connector (300, 400) further comprises a first mechanically actuated switch (230) configured to be open when the first element (202) is separated from the second element (204) and closed when the first element (202) is connected to the second element (204). [8] The electric vehicle (100) of claim 7, wherein the first positive conductor (210) extends a first distance from the first element (202) and the second positive conductor (212) extends a second distance from the first element (202), the second distance being greater than the first distance, and the pre-charge resistor (226) being connected to the second positive conductor (212). [9] The electric vehicle (100) of claim 8, wherein the third positive conductor (218) extends a third distance from the second element (204) and the fourth positive conductor (220) extends a fourth distance from the second element (204), the fourth distance being greater than the third distance.

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