Terminal assembly loaded with fuse and connector

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a terminal assembly loaded with a fuse, which includes a fuse and a first terminal. A first end of the fuse is mated with or separated from the first terminal in a plug-in manner. The first terminal includes a circumferential wall and one or more elastic arms. The circumferential wall forms a channel, and the elastic arm is disposed on the circumferential wall and extends towards the channel. The elastic arm is configured to electrically contact with the first end of the fuse inserted into the channel. Compared with the prior art, the terminal assembly has improved performance, such as small occupied space, convenient disassembly and assembly, and higher stability of electrical connection. In addition, the present disclosure further provides a connector.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of electronic connection accessories, in particular to a terminal assembly loaded with a fuse and a connector.BACKGROUND

[0002] A fuse refers to a current protector that fuses its internal fusant with the heat generated by itself after the current exceeds a certain specified value, thereby breaking the circuit and protecting the electrical equipment. It can be specifically divided into electronic fuses and power fuses. Electronic fuses are suitable for circuits such as with low voltage, low power, and electronic control, and are mainly used in fields such as electronic products, household appliances, and vehicle low-voltage circuits. Power fuses are suitable for high-voltage and high-power circuits, and are mainly used in industrial fields such as traditional power generation, transmission and distribution, metallurgy, mining, electrochemical industry, communication, new energy wind and light power generation and energy storage, new energy vehicles, rail transit, and ships.

[0003] In some known applications, fuses are typically loaded within relatively expensive power distribution boxes or modules. One end of these power distribution boxes is fed with electric energy via a power supply, and the other end supplies the required current to the electric equipment. At the same time, the fuse is not accessible on the exterior or outer surface of the box. If an internal fuse fails or has been damaged, the worker must open the power distribution box to replace the fuse.

[0004] These power distribution boxes house terminal assemblies, which are used for connecting and receiving fuses, such as terminals and housings. For example, in some existing technologies, a simple elastic piece terminal is used to connect two ends of a fuse, and a bracket is used to accommodate these parts. Finally they are integrally enclosed in a housing.SUMMARY

[0005] In order to overcome the defects in the prior art, the present disclosure provides a terminal assembly loaded with a fuse, which occupies a small space, is simple to disassemble and assemble, and has a more stable electrical connection effect.

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a terminal assembly loaded with a fuse that comprises a fuse and a first terminal. A first end of the fuse is mated with or separated from the first terminal in a plug-in manner. The first terminal includes a circumferential wall and one or more elastic arms. The circumferential wall forms a channel, and the elastic arm is disposed on the circumferential wall and extends towards the channel. The elastic arm is configured to electrically contact with the first end of the fuse inserted into the channel.

[0007] Since the circumferential wall of the first terminal is provided with a plurality of elastic arms, even if the terminal assembly is used in a harsh environment (for example, where vibration often occurs), a stable electrical connection effect can still be maintained between the first terminal and the fuse. Compared with the prior art in which the elastic piece terminal is used to wrap the end of the fuse, the technical solution of using the first terminal to connect the fuse can also save space in the radial direction of the fuse.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first end of the fuse is in interference fit with the channel into which it is inserted.

[0009] In one embodiment, the terminal assembly further includes a second terminal. The second terminal includes a plate-shaped joint portion disposed thereon, and the plate-shaped joint portion is configured to electrically contact with a second end of the fuse that is opposite to the first end through solder.

[0010] In one embodiment, the terminal assembly further includes a second terminal, a first housing, and a second housing. The second terminal includes a joint portion disposed thereon, and the joint portion is configured to electrically contact with a second end of the fuse that is opposite to the first end. The first housing includes a first accommodating cavity that is configured to accommodate the first terminal. The second housing includes a second accommodating cavity that is configured to accommodate the second terminal. The first housing is detachably fixed to the second housing .

[0011] In one embodiment, the first housing further includes a first snap portion disposed thereon, and the second housing further includes a first snap mating portion disposed thereon. The first snap portion is capable of mating with the first snap mating portion such that the first housing is fixed to the second housing.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first snap portion of the first housing is a bayonet, and the first snap mating portion of the second housing is a hook. The second housing further includes an unlocking portion fixedly connected to the hook, and wherein after the hook is embedded into the bayonet, the unlocking portion is pressed to disengage the hook from the bayonet.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first snap portion of the first housing is a hook, and the first snap mating portion of the second housing is a bayonet. The first housing further includes an unlocking portion fixedly connected to the hook, and wherein after the hook is embedded into the bayonet, the unlocking portion is pressed to disengage the hook from the bayonet.

[0014] In one embodiment, the terminal assembly further comprises a limiting member including a U-shaped groove. The limiting member is detachably fixed on the first housing or the second housing such that the fuse in the corresponding housing is limited in the U-shaped groove.

[0015] In one embodiment, the limiting member includes a second snap portion disposed thereon, and the first housing or the second housing further includes a second snap mating portion disposed thereon. After the second snap portion mates with the second snap mating portion, the limiting member is fixed on the corresponding housing.

[0016] In one embodiment, a radial section of the fuse includes a circle, and a radial section of the U-shaped groove includes an arc.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first accommodating cavity includes an end surface, and the first terminal includes a support arm disposed thereon. When the first terminal is accommodated in the first accommodating cavity, the support arm extends towards the end surface, wherein the support arm abuts against the end surface to prevent the first terminal from moving away from the fuse.

[0018] In one embodiment, the terminal assembly further comprises a third housing connected to the first housing or the second housing. The third housing is configured to be fixed on a mounting interface.

[0019] In one embodiment, the terminal assembly further comprises a seal disposed between the third housing and the mounting interface. The seal is configured to prevent substance medium from the mounting interface from entering the interior of the third housing.

[0020] In addition, a second aspect of the present disclosure provides a connector comprising the above terminal assembly.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Features, advantages, and other aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of the present disclosure are shown therein by way of example and not limitation. In the drawings: FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an internal structure of a terminal assembly according to the prior art. FIG. 2 shows an overall schematic diagram of a terminal assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 shows an exploded diagram of a terminal assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively show schematic diagrams of fuses and terminals connected to the fuses according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of external structures of a first housing and a second housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2. FIG. 8 shows a schematic structural diagram of a limiting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 shows cross-sectional views taken along lines BB and CC of FIG. 6, respectively. FIG. 10 shows a specific circuit application diagram according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The technical solutions of the present disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description to the embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the general inventive concept of the present disclosure, and should not be construed as a limit to the present disclosure.

[0023] It should be understood that the specific embodiments discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to implement and use the disclosure, and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. Expressions such as upper, lower, left, right, top, and bottom used in describing the various components are not absolute, but relative. When the various components are arranged as shown in the figures, these expressions are appropriate, but when the positions of the components in the figures are changed, these expressions are also changed accordingly. In addition, in order to show the components more clearly, the present disclosure adds an xyz coordinate system to the drawings. When the arranging position of the components change, the orientation of the xyz coordinate system will also change accordingly.

[0024] The terms "include", "comprise" and similar terms used herein should be understood as open terms, that is, "include / comprise but not limited to", indicating that other content may also be included. The term "based on" is "based at least in part on". The term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment", and so on.

[0025] As described above, some terminal assemblies for loading fuses already exist in the prior art. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an internal structure of a terminal assembly according to the prior art. Two ends of the fuse 01 are connected to simple elastic piece terminals 02 to complete conductive paths. The fuse 01 and the two elastic piece terminals 02 are received in the bracket 03, and they are integrally sealed in the connector housing (not shown). Compared with the prior art, the terminal assembly loaded with a fuse proposed in the present disclosure has improved performance, such as small occupied space, convenient disassembly and assembly, and higher stability of electrical connection.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows an overall schematic diagram of a terminal assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 further shows an exploded diagram of the terminal assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As a complete and specific embodiment, the terminal assembly 04 includes a first housing 10, a first terminal 20, a fuse 30, a second terminal 40, a mounting interface 50, a seal 60, a high-voltage interlock assembly 70, a sleeve 80, a limiting member 90, a second housing 100, a shielding housing 110, and a third housing 120 in sequence along the x direction. In order to more clearly illustrate the inventive concept of the present disclosure, the component structure and connection relationship of the terminal assembly 04 will be described below with the fuse 30 as the center from inside to outside.

[0027] FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively show schematic diagrams of a fuse and its connective terminals according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The terminal assembly 04 loaded with the fuse 30 includes at least the fuse 30 and the first terminal 20. Two ends of the fuse 30 (for example, a safety wire) are sleeved with metal caps 31 in interference fit with the fuse 30 to facilitate electrical connection between the fuse 30 and the terminal. Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the first end 32 of the fuse 30 is mated with or separated from the first terminal 20 in a plug-in manner. The first terminal 20 includes a circumferential wall 21 and one or more elastic arms 22. The circumferential wall 21 forms a channel. The elastic arm 22 is disposed on the circumferential wall 21 and extends towards the channel. The elastic arm 22 is configured to electrically contact with the first end 32 of the fuse 30 inserted into the channel. In this example, the cross section of the first end 32 of the fuse 30 is circular, and correspondingly, the circumferential wall 21 of the first terminal 20 is a circular circumferential wall to cooperate with the first end 32. In other examples, the circumferential wall 21 of the first terminal 20 can be formed in other shapes for cooperating with the first end 32. The user only needs to insert the fuse 30 into the first terminal 20 to realize mating. Optionally, the first end 32 of the fuse 30 is in interference fit with the channel into which it is inserted. Since the circumferential wall 21 of the first terminal 20 is provided with the plurality of elastic arms 22, even if the terminal assembly 04 is used in a harsh environment (for example, where vibration often occurs), a stable electrical connection effect can still be maintained between the first terminal 20 and the fuse 30. Compared with the prior art in which the elastic piece terminal 02 is used to wrap the end of the fuse 01 shown in FIG. 1, the technical solution of using the first terminal 20 to connect the fuse 30 can also save space in the radial direction of the fuse 30.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 4, the other end of the first terminal 20 may be a wire connecting portion 23. Specifically, the wire connecting portion 23 includes a U-shaped base portion 24 and side wing portions 25 extending outward from both sides of the U-shaped base portion 24. The side wing portion 25 is used to fix the wire on the wire connecting portion 23. According to a specific use scenario, the other end of the first terminal 20 may also be a male end connecting portion, a female end connecting portion that has a cylindrical head portion for example, or an electrical connecting portion for connecting other electrical components.

[0029] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the terminal assembly 04 further includes a second terminal 40. The second terminal 40 includes a joint portion 41 disposed thereon, which is configured to electrically contact with the second end 33 of the fuse 30 that is opposite to the first end 32. In the embodiment shown in the present disclosure, the joint portion 41 for connecting the fuse 30 in the second terminal 40 is plate-shaped, and can electrically contact with the second end 33 of the fuse 30 through solder after welding. The advantage of using the plate-shaped joint portion 41 is that the structure is simple and it is convenient to save space. In addition, the second terminal 40 may also be other types of connective terminals, as long as the connective terminal can electrically connect with the second end 33 of the fuse 30, such as the elastic piece terminal 02 shown in the prior art, the first terminal 20 having the circumferential wall 21, etc.

[0030] In this embodiment, the other end of the second terminal 40 may be a male end connecting portion 42 with one or more elastic pieces, for example, a male end connecting portion 42 with two elastic pieces shown in FIG. 4, which can be used to mate with a corresponding female end (not shown). Similarly, according to a specific use scenario, the other end of the second terminal 40 may alternatively be a male end connecting portion in another form, a female end connecting portion having a cylindrical head for example, or an electrical connecting portion for connecting other electrical components.

[0031] FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of external structures of a first housing and a second housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2, in which the structure inside the housing can be observed. Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the terminal assembly 04 further includes a first housing 10 and a second housing 100. The first housing 10 includes a first accommodating cavity 11 configured to accommodate the first terminal 20, and the second housing 100 includes a second accommodating cavity 101 configured to accommodate the second terminal 40. The first housing 10 is detachably fixed to the second housing 100. Detachable fixing methods include, but are not limited to, snap connection, screw or bolt connection, pin connection, magnetic connection, etc.

[0032] After the first housing 10 is fixed to the second housing 100, the fuse 30, which is connected to the first terminal 20 and the second terminal 40 at its first end 32 and its second end 33 respectively, is located between the first accommodating cavity 11 and the second accommodating cavity 101. In this embodiment, in addition to the second accommodating cavity 101 for accommodating the second terminal 40, the internal cavity of the second housing 100 further includes a cavity for accommodating the body structure of the fuse 30. In this way, the fuse 30 is completely received in the cavities of the first housing 10 and the second housing 100 to avoid the risk of damage due to exposure.

[0033] Optionally, referring to FIG. 7, the first accommodating cavity 11 further includes an end surface 12, and the first terminal 20 includes a support arm 26 disposed thereon. If a user wants to place the first terminal 20 into the first accommodating cavity 11, the user may first fold the support arm 26 on the first terminal 20 towards the side of the terminal body. After the first terminal 20 is inserted from the right side of the first housing 10, the first terminal 20 can be accommodated in the first accommodating cavity 11. At this time, the support arm 26 is also open and extends towards the end surface 12. The support arm 26 will abut against the end face 12 to prevent the first terminal 20 from moving away from the fuse 30. For example, in FIG. 7, the support arm 26 can abut against the end surface 12 to prevent the first terminal 20 from coming out of the right side of the first housing 10.

[0034] The terminal assembly 04 loaded with the fuse 30 may encounter problems such as current overload or short circuit during use, causing the fuse 30 to be blown. The maintenance personnel must disassemble the terminal assembly 04 and replace the fuse 30 to restore its conduction function and circuit protection function. Compared with the prior art, the terminal assembly 04 provided by the present disclosure can greatly simplify the disassembly and assembly steps required for replacing the fuse 20. Specifically, the maintenance personnel first remove the first housing 10 from the second housing 100, then pull out the fuse 30 from the first terminal 20 and replace the fuse 30, and finally fix the first housing 10 to the second housing 100 to complete the disassembly and assembly steps.

[0035] Optionally, the first housing 10 and the second housing 100 are fixed in a snap-fit manner. Referring to FIG. 6, the first housing 10 further includes a first snap portion 13 disposed thereon, and the second housing 100 further includes a first snap mating portion 102 disposed thereon. The first snap portion 13 is capable of mating with the first snap mating portion 102 such that the first housing 10 is fixed to the second housing 100.

[0036] For example, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first snap portion 13 of the first housing 10 is a bayonet, and the first snap mating portion 102 of the second housing 100 is a hook. After the hook is embedded into the bayonet, the first housing 10 can be fixed on the second housing 100. In addition, the second housing 100 further includes an unlocking portion 103 fixedly connected to the hook. After the hook is embedded into the bayonet, the unlocking portion 103 can be pressed to drive the hook to move, so that the hook is disengaged from the bayonet.

[0037] It is easily conceivable that, in another embodiment, the first snap portion of the first housing 10 is a hook, and the first snap mating portion of the second housing 100 is a bayonet. After the hook is embedded into the bayonet, the first housing 10 can be fixed on the second housing 100. In addition, the first housing 10 further includes an unlocking portion fixedly connected to the hook. After the hook is embedded into the bayonet, the unlocking portion can be pressed to drive the hook to move, so that the hook is disengaged from the bayonet.

[0038] Additionally or alternatively, the terminal assembly 04 further includes a limiting member 90. FIG. 8 shows a schematic structural diagram of the limiting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, referring to FIG. 6, the limiting member 90 is detachably fixed on the second housing 100. FIG. 9 further illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along lines BB and CC of FIG. 6, respectively. The limiting member 90 includes a U-shaped groove 91. When the limiting member 90 is mounted on the second housing 100, it limits the fuse 30 in the second housing 100 in the U-shaped groove 91 to prevent the fuse 30 from shaking in the housing. In other embodiments, the limiting member 90 may also be detachably fixed on the first housing 10, thereby limiting the fuse 30 in the first housing 10 in the U-shaped groove 91. Connection manners in which the limiting member 90 is fixed on the corresponding housing include but are not limited to snap connection, screw or bolt connection, pin connection, magnetic connection, etc. When the radial section of the fuse 30 includes a circle, the radial section of the U-shaped groove 91 may include an arc shape to fit the curved surface structure of the fuse 30 as much as possible, thereby achieving an ideal limiting effect.

[0039] In this embodiment, referring to FIG. 8 and the view taken along line BB in FIG. 9, it can be seen that the limiting member 90 includes a second snap portion 92(e.g., a hook) disposed thereon, and the second housing 100 further includes a second snap mating portion 104(e.g., a bayonet) disposed thereon. After the second snap portion 92 mates with the second snap mating portion 104, the limiting member 90 can be fixed on the second housing 100. In another embodiment, the second snap mating portion may also be disposed on the first housing, and after the second snap portion mates with the second snap mating portion, the limiting member is fixed on the first housing.

[0040] Additionally, referring to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the terminal assembly 04 loaded with the fuse 30 further includes a third housing 120. The third housing 120 can be connected to the second housing 100. For example, the second housing 100 can be fixedly mounted on the third housing 120. The third housing 120 may be configured to be fixed on the mounting interface 50. For example, the third housing 120 is provided with internal threads 121, and the mounting interface 50 is provided with internal threads 51. The third housing 120 may be fixedly mounted on the mounting interface 50 through mechanical connectors such as screws or bolts. In this embodiment, in order to prevent the mechanical connector from damaging the third housing 120, a sleeve 80 may be arranged in the third housing 120 where the internal thread 121 is located. In this way, the mechanical connector passing through the third housing 120 is threadedly connected to the mounting interface 50 via the sleeve 80. It is easily conceivable that in other embodiments, the third housing may also be connected to the first housing and configured to be fixed on the mounting interface.

[0041] Optionally, the terminal assembly 04 loaded with the fuse 30 further includes a seal 60, such as an O-ring. The seal 60 is disposed between the third housing 120 and the mounting interface 50, and is configured to prevent substance medium (for example, a liquid such as water or a solid such as dust) from the mounting interface 50 from entering an interior of the third housing 120. The arrangement of the seal 60 facilitates the self-sealing function of the terminal assembly 04. The terminal assembly 04 can maintain stable electrical performance in a harsh environment and prevent failure of electrical connection caused by environmental factors. In addition, the self-sealing function can further improve reliability and durability of the electrical connector, and reduce costs caused by maintenance or replacement of the connector.

[0042] Optionally or additionally, the terminal assembly 04 further includes a high-voltage interlock assembly 70 disposed in the second housing 100. When the high-voltage interlock assembly 70 and the logic device described below form a closed loop, the electric energy from the power source will be transmitted to the electrical equipment. Optionally or additionally, the terminal assembly 04 further includes a shielding housing 110 disposed on the second housing 100. The shielding housing 110 may shield interference of external electrical signals.

[0043] In the terminal assembly 04, the terminals are made of metal such as copper or copper alloy, and used for connecting conductive paths. The housing is made of an insulator such as plastic, and used for accommodating and protecting the terminals. FIG. 10 further shows a specific circuit application diagram according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and the circuit supplies power to an electric equipment (such as a compressor of an air conditioner). The circuit includes, from right to left, a power source 130, a logic device 140 for controlling the high-voltage interlock system, a terminal assembly 04 loaded with fuses 30, and an electrical equipment 150. As described above, the terminal assembly 04 loaded with fuses 30 includes two fuses 30 and the high-voltage interlock assembly 70. After the two fuses 30 electrically connect with the power source 130 and the electrical equipment 150, respectively, the electric energy can be transmitted on the conductive circuit. The logic device 140 is in communication with the power supply 130, and configured to control whether power from the power source is delivered to the electrical equipment 150. When the logic device 140 is connected to the HVIL assembly 70, the logic device 140 commands the power source 130 to transmit power along the power supply circuit. Conversely, if the HVIL assembly 70 is disconnected from the logic device 140, the logic device 140 commands the power source 130 to stop delivering power along the power supply circuit. In other embodiments, the terminal assembly 04 may be loaded with only one fuse 30, and the other fuse is replaced with a common conductor.

[0044] In addition, the present disclosure further provides a connector including the above terminal assembly.

[0045] The embodiments described in the present disclosure may include the following aspects: A terminal assembly loaded with a fuse comprises a fuse and a first terminal. A first end of the fuse is mated with or separated from the first terminal in a plug-in manner. The first terminal includes a circumferential wall and one or more elastic arms. The circumferential wall forms a channel. The elastic arm is disposed on the circumferential wall and extends towards the channel. The elastic arm is configured to electrically contact with the first end of the fuse inserted into the channel.

[0046] Optionally, the first end of the fuse is in interference fit with the channel into which it is inserted.

[0047] Optionally, the terminal assembly further includes a second terminal. The second terminal includes a plate-shaped joint portion disposed thereon, and the plate-shaped joint portion is configured to electrically contact with a second end of the fuse that is opposite to the first end through solder.

[0048] Optionally, the terminal assembly further includes a second terminal, a first housing, and a second housing. The second terminal includes a joint portion disposed thereon, and the joint portion is configured to electrically contact with a second end of the fuse that is opposite to the first end. The first housing includes a first accommodating cavity that is configured to accommodate the first terminal. The second housing includes a second accommodating cavity that is configured to accommodate the second terminal. The first housing is detachably fixed to the second housing .

[0049] Optionally, the first housing further includes a first snap portion disposed thereon, and the second housing further includes a first snap mating portion disposed thereon. The first snap portion is capable of mating with the first snap mating portion such that the first housing is fixed to the second housing.

[0050] Optionally, the first snap portion of the first housing is a bayonet, and the first snap mating portion of the second housing is a hook. The second housing further includes an unlocking portion fixedly connected to the hook, and wherein after the hook is embedded into the bayonet, the unlocking portion is pressed to disengage the hook from the bayonet.

[0051] Optionally, the first snap portion of the first housing is a hook, and the first snap mating portion of the second housing is a bayonet. The first housing further includes an unlocking portion fixedly connected to the hook, and wherein after the hook is embedded into the bayonet, the unlocking portion is pressed to disengage the hook from the bayonet.

[0052] Optionally, the terminal assembly further comprises a limiting member including a U-shaped groove. The limiting member is detachably fixed on the first housing or the second housing such that the fuse in the corresponding housing is limited in the U-shaped groove.

[0053] Optionally, the limiting member includes a second snap portion disposed thereon, and the first housing or the second housing further includes a second snap mating portion disposed thereon. After the second snap portion mates with the second snap mating portion, the limiting member is fixed on the corresponding housing.

[0054] Optionally, a radial section of the fuse includes a circle, and a radial section of the U-shaped groove includes an arc.

[0055] Optionally, the first accommodating cavity includes an end surface, and the first terminal includes a support arm disposed thereon. When the first terminal is accommodated in the first accommodating cavity, the support arm extends towards the end surface, wherein the support arm abuts against the end surface to prevent the first terminal from moving away from the fuse.

[0056] Optionally, the terminal assembly further comprises a third housing connected to the first housing or the second housing. The third housing is configured to be fixed on a mounting interface.

[0057] Optionally, the terminal assembly further comprises a seal disposed between the third housing and the mounting interface. The seal is configured to prevent substance medium from the mounting interface from entering the interior of the third housing.

[0058] A connector, comprising the above terminal assembly.

[0059] The foregoing discussion merely discloses and describes exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from such discussion and from the accompanying drawings and claims that various changes, modifications and variations can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A terminal assembly loaded with a fuse, comprising: a fuse, a first end of the fuse mated with or separated from a first terminal in a plug-in manner; and the first terminal including: a circumferential wall forming a channel; and one or more elastic arms disposed on the circumferential wall and extending towards the channel, the elastic arm configured to electrically contact with the first end of the fuse inserted into the channel.

2. The terminal assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the fuse is in interference fit with the channel into which it is inserted.

3. The terminal assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a second terminal including a plate-shaped joint portion disposed thereon, the plate-shaped joint portion configured to electrically contact with a second end of the fuse that is opposite to the first end through solder.

4. The terminal assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a second terminal including: a joint portion disposed thereon, the joint portion configured to electrically contact with a second end of the fuse that is opposite to the first end; a first housing including: a first accommodating cavity configured to accommodate the first terminal; and a second housing including: a second accommodating cavity configured to accommodate the second terminal, wherein the first housing is detachably fixed to the second housing.

5. The terminal assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first housing further includes a first snap portion disposed thereon, the second housing further including a first snap mating portion disposed thereon, the first snap portion being capable of mating with the first snap mating portion such that the first housing is fixed to the second housing.

6. The terminal assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first snap portion of the first housing is a bayonet, the first snap mating portion of the second housing being a hook, the second housing further including an unlocking portion fixedly connected to the hook, and wherein after the hook is embedded into the bayonet, the unlocking portion is pressed to disengage the hook from the bayonet.

7. The terminal assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first snap portion of the first housing is a hook, the first snap mating portion of the second housing being a bayonet, the first housing further including an unlocking portion fixedly connected to the hook, and wherein after the hook is embedded into the bayonet, the unlocking portion is pressed to disengage the hook from the bayonet.

8. The terminal assembly according to claim 4, further comprising: a limiting member including a U-shaped groove, the limiting member detachably fixed on the first housing or the second housing such that the fuse in the corresponding housing is limited in the U-shaped groove.

9. The terminal assembly according to claim 8, wherein the limiting member includes a second snap portion disposed thereon, the first housing or the second housing further including a second snap mating portion disposed thereon, and wherein after the second snap portion mates with the second snap mating portion, the limiting member is fixed on the corresponding housing.

10. The terminal assembly according to claim 8, wherein a radial section of the fuse includes a circle, and a radial section of the U-shaped groove includes an arc.

11. The terminal assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first accommodating cavity includes an end surface, the first terminal including a support arm disposed thereon, and wherein when the first terminal is accommodated in the first accommodating cavity, the support arm extends towards the end surface, the support arm abutting against the end surface to prevent the first terminal from moving away from the fuse.

12. The terminal assembly according to claim 4, further comprising: a third housing connected to the first housing or the second housing, the third housing configured to be fixed on a mounting interface.

13. The terminal assembly according to claim 12, further comprising: a seal disposed between the third housing and the mounting interface, the seal configured to prevent substance medium from the mounting interface from entering an interior of the third housing.

14. A connector, comprising: the terminal assembly according to any one of claims 1-13.

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