Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

A connector, comprises a housing 1; a power terminal 5 provided in the housing 1 for electrical connection to a high-voltage load circuit; two signal terminals (figure 4, 31) provided in the housing 1

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202411074756.0 filed on August 6, 2024 in the State Intellectual Property Office of China, the whole disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connector and a connector assembly comprising the connector. Description of the Related Art In the prior art, a high-voltage connector typically includes a housing and power and signal terminals arranged within the housing. The power terminal is used for electrical connection to a high-voltage load circuit, and the signal terminal is used for electrical connection to a low-voltage control circuit. The low-voltage control circuit is used to control the power on and off of the high-voltage load circuit. The high-voltage load circuit is powered on after the low-voltage control circuit is connected, and the high-voltage load circuit is powered off after the low-voltage control circuit is disconnected. In the prior art, this low-voltage control circuit is commonly referred to as a high-voltage interlock loop or simply HVIL (Hazardous Voltage Interlock Loop or High Voltage Interlock Loop). The high-voltage interlock circuit is mainly used to prevent live work, such as fastening the power terminals of two high-voltage power connectors when live, and separating the power terminals of two high-voltage connectors when live. In this way, it can improve the safety of use, for example, it can prevent electric shock accidents and arc erosion problems. In the prior art, when the high-voltage connector is mated with a mating connector, the signal terminal of the high-voltage connector is mated with the mating signal terminal in the mating connector to connect the low-voltage control circuit and control the power supply to the high-voltage load circuit through the low-voltage control circuit. In the prior art, due to the signal terminals and mating signal terminals being separately arranged in two connectors, this can result in a less compact structure and a larger volume. In addition, in the prior art, during the process of tightening the power terminal of the high-voltage connector and the mating power terminal of the mating connector with threaded fasteners, there is a risk that the signal terminal may be accidentally moved to the position where it is mated with the mating signal terminal, which can cause the high-voltage load circuit to be accidentally energized, thereby posing a risk of live operation. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above mentioned disadvantages. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises of: a housing with a mounting port; a power terminal which is provided in the housing for electrical connection to a high-voltage load circuit; a threaded fastener suitable for being tightened or loosened by a tool inserted into the mounting port, used to fasten the power terminal to a mating power terminal of a mating connector; two signal terminals provided in the housing; a cover that can be moved between an open position to open the mounting port and a closed position to close the mounting port; and a mating signal terminal provided in the cover. When the cover is moved from the open position to the closed position, the mating signal terminal is moved from a separating position electrically separated from the two signal terminals to a bridging position bridging the two signal terminals. The high-voltage load circuit may be powered on after the mating signal terminal is moved to the bridging position, and powered off after the mating signal terminal is moved to the separating position. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cover can be moved from the open position to the closed position only after the power terminal and the mating power terminal are fastened together by the threaded fastener. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the threaded fastener is adapted to be moved between a pre-installed position of loosening the power terminal and the mating power terminal and a final installed position of tightening the power terminal and the mating power terminal; when the threaded fastener is in the pre-installed position, the threaded fastener is in a position that interferes with the cover to prevent the cover from being moved to the closed position before the power terminal is fastened to the mating power terminal. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a pre-locking structure is formed in the housing, which is adapted to engage with the flange portion of the threaded fastener to pre-lock the threaded fastener in the pre-installed position. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pre-lock structure comprises: an upper elastic buckle adapted to rest against the upper side of the flange portion of the threaded fastener; and a lower elastic buckle adapted to rest against the lower side of the flange portion of the threaded fastener. When the threaded fastener is in the pre-installed position, the flange portion of the threaded fastener is clamped between the upper elastic buckle and the lower elastic buckle, so that the threaded fastener is pre-locked in the pre-installed position. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cover is detachably mounted to the housing and can be rotated relative to the housing between the open position and the closed position. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connecting part is formed on one side of the cover, which is movably connected to the housing, so that the cover can be rotated relative to the housing between the open position and the closed position. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a buckle is formed on the cover, and a protrusion is formed on the housing, the protrusion is adapted to be engaged into a snap slot formed in the buckle; when the cover is in the closed position, the protrusion is engaged into the snap slot of the buckle to lock the cover in the closed position. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further comprises a sealing ring which is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the cover and adapted to be compressed between the outer peripheral wall of the cover and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting port of the housing. When the cover is in the closed position, the sealing ring is compressed between the outer peripheral wall of the cover and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting port of the housing to achieve sealing between the two. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further comprises two signal cables which are electrically connected to the two signal terminals respectively. The two signal cables are led out from the housing for electrical connection to a low-voltage control circuit, which is used to control the power on and off of the high-voltage load circuit. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further comprises an insulator for holding the two signal terminals. An insertion slot is formed in the housing, and the insulator is detachably inserted into the insertion slot. The insertion slot may be formed in the mounting port. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the insulator, the two signal terminals, and the two signal cables are pre-assembled together to form a separate signal module, which is detachably installed in the housing. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a mating part suitable for insertion into the insertion slot of the housing is formed on the inner side of the cover, and an inner cavity suitable for mating with one end of the insulator is formed in the mating part; the mating signal terminal is fixedly arranged in the mating part of the cover and is suitable for insertion into the insulator to make electrical contact with the two signal terminals in the insulator. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, two mounting holes are formed in the insulator, and the two signal terminals are respectively inserted into the two mounting holes of the insulator; and / or an installation groove is formed in the mating part of the cover, and the mating signal terminal is inserted into the installation groove in an interference fit manner. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power terminal has a first connection end located in the housing, and a connection hole is formed in the first connection end of the power terminal to allow the threaded fastener to pass through, so that the power terminal can be fastened to the mating power terminal through the threaded fastener. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power terminal also has a second connection end located outside the housing, and the second connection end of the power terminal is used for electrical connection to the high-voltage load circuit. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connecting nut is fixed on the second connection end of the power terminal, so that the second connection end of the power terminal can be fastened to a connection terminal of the high-voltage load circuit through a bolt threaded with the connecting nut. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector comprises two power terminals and two threaded fasteners, the two threaded fasteners are used to respectively fasten the two power terminals to the two mating power terminals of the mating connector. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises: the above connector; and a mating connector mated with the connector. The mating connector comprises: a mating housing; a mating power terminal provided in the mating housing; and a nut provided in the mating housing. The threaded fastener of the connector passes through the power terminal and the mating power terminal and is threaded with the nut to fasten the power terminal and the mating power terminal together. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector further comprises a cable electrically connected to the mating power terminal, the cable is led out from the mating housing for electrical connection to a high-voltage load circuit. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises: a housing; a power terminal provided in the housing for electrical connection to a high-voltage load circuit; two signal terminals provided in the housing; a moving component capable of being moved relative to the housing between a first position and a second position; and a mating signal terminal provided in the moving component. When the moving component is moved from the first position to the second position, the mating signal terminal is moved from a separating position electrically separated from the two signal terminals to a bridging position bridging the two signal terminals to electrically connect the two signal terminals together. The high-voltage load circuit is powered on after the mating signal terminal is moved to the bridging position, and powered off after the mating signal terminal is moved to the separating position. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving component is an independent component separated from the housing, capable of being moved from the first position separated from the housing to the second position engaged with the housing. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving component is movably connected to the housing and can be moved between the first position and the second position. According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving component and the housing are integrally formed, and there is a flexible connection part between the moving component and the housing, allowing the moving component to move between the first position and the second position. In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, the signal terminals and the mating signal terminals for controlling the power on and off of the high-voltage load circuit are provided in the same connector, thus simplifying the structure of the connector and the mating connector, and reducing the volume of the connector and the mating connector. In addition, in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, when operating the threaded fastener through the mounting port of the housing, the cover must be in the open position, therefore it can reliably prevent the mating signal terminal from being accidentally moved to the bridging position that bridges the two signal terminals when operating the threaded fastener. Therefore, the present invention can ensure that the high-voltage load circuit is powered off during the operation of the threaded fastener, effectively avoiding live operation and improving the safety of use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the cover in an open position; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the cover in an open position; Figure 3 shows an illustrative perspective view of the signal module and cover of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cover is in an open position; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the signal module and cover of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the cover in an open position; Figure 5 shows an illustrative perspective view of two signal terminals and a mating signal terminal of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mating signal terminal is in a separating position electrically separated from the two signal terminals; Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector and a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the threaded fastener in the pre-installed position and the cover in the open position; Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector and a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the threaded fastener is in the final installed position for fastening the power terminal and the mating power terminal together; Figure 8 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector and a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the power terminal and the mating power terminal are fastened together, and the cover is in a closed position; Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector and a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the power terminal and the mating power terminal are fastened together with the cover in a closed position; and Figure 10 shows an illustrative perspective view of two signal terminals and a mating signal terminal of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mating signal terminal is in a bridging position bridging the two signal terminals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE IVENTION Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter in detail with reference to the attached drawings, wherein the like reference numerals refer to the like elements. The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are schematically shown in order to simplify the drawing. According to a general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises of: a housing with a mounting port; a power terminal which is provided in the housing for electrical connection to a high-voltage load circuit; a threaded fastener suitable for being tightened or loosened by a tool inserted into the mounting port, used to fasten the power terminal to a mating power terminal of a mating connector; two signal terminals provided in the housing; a cover that can be moved between an open position to open the mounting port and a closed position to close the mounting port; and a mating signal terminal provided in the cover. When the cover is moved from the open position to the closed position, the mating signal terminal is moved from a separating position electrically separated from the two signal terminals to a bridging position bridging the two signal terminals; the high-voltage load circuit is powered on after the mating signal terminal is moved to the bridging position, and powered off after the mating signal terminal is moved to the separating position. According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises: the above connector; and a mating connector mated with the connector. The mating connector comprises: a mating housing; a mating power terminal provided in the mating housing; and a nut provided in the mating housing. The threaded fastener of the connector passes through the power terminal and the mating power terminal and is threaded with the nut to fasten the power terminal and the mating power terminal together. According to another general concept of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector comprises: a housing; a power terminal provided in the housing for electrical connection to a high-voltage load circuit; two signal terminals provided in the housing; a moving component capable of being moved relative to the housing between a first position and a second position; and a mating signal terminal provided in the moving component. When the moving component is moved from the first position to the second position, the mating signal terminal is moved from a separating position electrically separated from the two signal terminals to a bridging position bridging the two signal terminals. The high-voltage load circuit is powered on after the mating signal terminal is moved to the bridging position, and powered off after the mating signal terminal is moved to the separating position. Figure 1 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with cover 2 in an open position; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with cover 2 in an open position; Figure 3 shows an illustrative perspective view of the signal module 3 and the cover 2 of the connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, where the cover 2 is in the open position; Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the signal module 3 and the cover 2 of the connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the cover 2 is in an open position; Figure 5 shows an illustrative perspective view of two signal terminals 31 and a mating signal terminal 41 of a connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mating signal terminal 41 is in a separating position electrically separated from the two signal terminals 31; Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of connector 100 and mating connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with threaded fastener 6 in the pre-installed position and cover 2 in the open position; Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of connector 100 and mating connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with threaded fastener 6 in the final assembly position for fastening power terminal 5 and mating power terminal 5’together; Figure 8 shows an illustrative perspective view of a connector 100 and a mating connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the power terminal 5 and the mating power terminal 5’ are fastened together, and the cover 2 is in a closed position; Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector 100 and a mating connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the power terminal 5 and the mating power terminal 5’are fastened together, and the cover 2 is in a closed position; Figure 10 shows an illustrative perspective view of two signal terminals 31 and a mating signal terminal 41 of a connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mating signal terminal 41 is in a bridging position bridging the two signal terminals 31. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector 100 is disclosed. The connector 100 includes: a housing 1, a power terminal 5, a threaded fastener 6, two signal terminals 31, a cover 2, and a mating signal terminal 41. Housing 1 has a mounting port 101. The power terminal 5 is set in the housing 1 for electrical connection to a high-voltage load circuit (not shown). The threaded fastener 6 is suitable for tightening or loosening with a tool (not shown) inserted into the mounting port 101, used to fasten the power terminal 5 to the mating power terminal 5’ of the mating connector 200. Two signal terminals 31 are set in the housing 1. The cover 2 can be moved between an open position of opening the mounting port 101 and a closed position of closing the mounting port 101. The mating signal terminal 41 is set in the cover 2. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, when the cover 2 is moved from the open position to the closed position, the mating signal terminal 41 is moved from a separating position electrically separated from the two signal terminals 31 to a bridging position bridging the two signal terminals 31. The high-voltage load circuit is powered on after the mating signal terminal 41 is moved to the bridging position that bridges the two signal terminals 31, and the high-voltage load circuit is powered off after the mating signal terminal 41 is moved to the separating position that is electrically separated from the two signal terminals 31. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the cover 2 can only be moved from the open position to the closed position after the power terminal 5 and the mating power terminal 5’ are fastened together by the threaded fastener 6. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the threaded fastener 6 is adapted to be moved between a pre-installed position (position shown in Figure 6) where the power terminal 5 and the mating power terminal 5’ are loosened or not held together by the threaded fastener 6, and a final installed position (position shown in Figure 7) where the power terminal 5 and the mating power terminal 5’ are tightened or held together by the threaded fastener 6. When the threaded fastener 6 is in the pre-installed position, it is in a position that interferes with the cover 2 to prevent the cover 2 from being moved to the closed position before the power terminal 5 is fastened to the mating power terminal 5 ’. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, pre-locking structures 16a and 16b are formed in the housing 1, which are adapted to engage with the flange portion 61 of the threaded fastener 6 to pre-lock the threaded fastener 6 in the pre-installed position. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the pre-locking structures 16a and 16b include an upper elastic buckle 16a and a lower elastic buckle 16b. The upper elastic buckle 16a is adapted to rest against the upper side of the flange portion 61 of the threaded fastener 6. The lower elastic buckle 16b is suitable for resting against the lower side of the flange portion 61 of the threaded fastener 6. When the threaded fastener 6 is in the pre-installed position, the flange portion 61 of the threaded fastener 6 is clamped between the upper elastic buckle 16a and the lower elastic buckle 16b, so that the threaded fastener 6 is pre-locked in the pre-installed position. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the cover 2 is detachably mounted to the housing 1 and can be rotated relative to the housing 1 between the open position and the closed position. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, a connecting portion 21 is formed on one side of the cover 2, which is movably connected to the housing 1, so that the cover 2 can be rotated relative to the housing 1 between the open position and the closed position. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, a buckle 22 is formed on the cover 2, and a protrusion 12 is formed on the housing 1, the protrusion 12 is suitable for engaging into a snap slot formed in the buckle 22. When the cover 2 is in the closed position, the protrusion 12 is engaged into the snap slot of buckle 22 to lock cover 2 in the closed position. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector 100 further comprises a sealing ring 25, which is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the cover 2 and adapted to be compressed between the outer peripheral wall of the cover 2 and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting port 101 of the housing 1. When the cover 2 is in the closed position, the sealing ring 25 is compressed between the outer peripheral wall of the cover 2 and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting port 101 of the housing 1 to achieve sealing between the two. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector 100 further includes two signal cables 32, which are electrically connected to two signal terminals 31, respectively. Two signal cables 32 are led out from the housing 1 for electrical connection to a low-voltage control circuit (not shown), which is used to control the power on and off of the high-voltage load circuit. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector 100 further includes an insulator 33 for holding two signal terminals 31. An insertion slot 13 is formed in the housing 1, and the insulator 33 is detachably inserted into the insertion slot 13. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the insulator 33, two signal terminals 31, and two signal cables 32 are pre assembled together to form a separate signal module 3, which is detachably installed in the housing 1. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, a mating part 23 suitable for insertion into the insertion slot 13 of the housing 1 is formed on the inner side of the cover 2, and an inner cavity 24 suitable for fitting with one end of the insulator 33 is formed in the mating part 23. The mating signal terminal 41 is fixedly arranged in the mating part 23 of the cover 2 and is suitable for insertion into the insulator 33 to make electrical contact with the two signal terminals 31 in the insulator 33. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, two mounting holes are formed in the insulator 33, and two signal terminals 31 are respectively inserted into the two mounting holes of the insulator 33. An installation groove is formed in the mating part 23 of the cover 2, and the mating signal terminal 41 is inserted into the installation groove in an interference fit manner. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the power terminal 5 has a first connection end 5a located in the housing 1, and a connection hole is formed in the first connection end 5a of the power terminal 5 to allow the threaded fastener 6 to pass through, so that the power terminal 5 can be tightened to the mating power terminal 5’ through the threaded fastener 6. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the power terminal 5 also has a second connection end 5b located outside the housing 1, and the second connection end 5b of the power terminal 5 is used for electrical connection to the high-voltage load circuit. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, a connecting nut 5c is fixed to the second connection end 5b of the power terminal 5, so that the second connection end 5b of the power terminal 5 can be fastened to a connection terminal of the high-voltage load circuit through a bolt (not shown) threaded with the connecting nut 5c. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector includes two power terminals 5 and two threaded fasteners 6. The two threaded fasteners 6 are used to respectively fasten the two power terminals 5 to the two mating power terminals 5’ of the mating connector 200. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector assembly includes: the above connector 100 and a mating connector 200. The mating connector 200 is mated with the connector 100. The mating connector 200 includes a mating housing 7, a mating power terminal 5’, and a nut 8. The mating power terminal 5’ is set in the mating housing 7. A nut 8 is set in the mating housing 7. The threaded fastener 6 of the connector passes through the power terminal 5 and the mating power terminal 5’ and is threaded with the nut 8 to fasten the power terminal 5 and the mating power terminal 5’ together. As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector 200 further includes a cable 9, which is electrically connected to the mating power terminal 5’. The cable 9 is led out from the mating housing 7 for electrical connection to the high-voltage load circuit. Although not shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector is also disclosed. The connector includes: a housing 1, a power terminal 5, two signal terminals 31, a moving component (not shown), and a mating signal terminal 41. The power terminal 5 is set in the housing 1 for electrical connection to a high-voltage load circuit (not shown). Two signal terminals 31 are set in the housing 1. The moving component (such as the illustrated cover 2, but not limited to the cover) can be moved relative to the housing 1 between a first position and a second position. The mating signal terminal 41 is set in the moving component. When the moving component is moved from the first position to the second position, the mating signal terminal 41 is moved from a separating position electrically separated from the two signal terminals 31 to a bridging position bridging the two signal terminals 31. The high-voltage load circuit is powered on after the mating signal terminal 41 is moved to the bridging position, and powered off after the mating signal terminal 41 is moved to the separating position. Although not shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving component is an independent component separated from the housing 1, capable of being moved from the first position separated from the housing 1 to the second position engaged with the housing 1. Although not shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving component is movably connected to the housing 1 and can be moved between the first position and the second position. Although not shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving component and the housing 1 are integrally formed, and there is a flexible connection part between the moving component and the housing 1, allowing the moving component to be moved between the first position and the second position. It should be appreciated for those skilled in this art that the above embodiments are intended to be illustrated, and not restrictive. For example, many modifications may be made to the above embodiments by those skilled in this art, and various features described in different embodiments may be freely combined with each other without conflicting in configuration or principle. Although several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents. As used herein, an element recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property.

Claims

1. A connector, comprising:a housing (1) with a mounting port (101);a power terminal (5) which is provided in the housing (1) for electrical connection to a high-voltage load circuit;a threaded fastener (6) suitable for being tightened or loosened by a tool inserted into the mounting port (101), the threaded fastener for fastening the power terminal (5) to a mating power terminal (5’) of a mating connector (200);two signal terminals (31) provided in the housing (1);a cover (2) that can be moved between an open position to open the mounting port (101) and a closed position to close the mounting port (101); anda mating signal terminal (41) provided in the cover (2),wherein when the cover (2) is moved from the open position to the closed position, the mating signal terminal (41) is moved from a separating position electrically separated from the two signal terminals (31) to a bridging position bridging the two signal terminals (31),wherein the high-voltage load circuit is powered on after the mating signal terminal (41) is moved to the bridging position, and powered off after the mating signal terminal (41) is moved to the separating position.

2. The connector according to claim 1,wherein the cover (2) can be moved from the open position to the closed position only after the power terminal (5) and the mating power terminal (5’) are fastened together by the threaded fastener (6).

3. The connector according to claim 2,wherein the threaded fastener (6) is adapted to be moved between a pre-installed position of loosening the power terminal (5) and the mating power terminal (5’) and a final installed position of tightening the power terminal (5) and the mating power terminal (5’);wherein when the threaded fastener (6) is in the pre-installed position, the threaded fastener (6) is in a position that interferes with the cover (2) to prevent the cover (2) from being moved to the closed position before the power terminal (5) is fastened to the mating power terminal (5’)-4. The connector according to claim 3,wherein a pre-locking structure (16a, 16b) is formed in the housing (1), which is adapted to engage with a flange portion (61) of the threaded fastener (6) to pre-lock the threaded fastener (6) in the pre-installed position.

5. The connector according to claim 4,wherein the pre-lock structure (16a, 16b) comprises:an upper elastic buckle (16a) adapted to rest against the upper side of the flange portion (61) of the threaded fastener (6); anda lower elastic buckle (16b) adapted to rest against the lower side of the flange portion (61) of the threaded fastener (6),wherein when the threaded fastener (6) is in the pre-installed position, the flange portion (61) of the threaded fastener (6) is clamped between the upper elastic buckle (16a) and the lower elastic buckle (16b), so that the threaded fastener (6) is pre-locked in the pre-installed position.

6. The connector according to any preceding claim,wherein a connecting part (21) is formed on one side of the cover (2), which is movably connected to the housing (1), so that the cover (2) can be rotated relative to the housing (1) between the open position and the closed position.

7. The connector according to any preceding claim,wherein a buckle (22) is formed on the cover (2), and a protrusion (12) is formed on the housing (1), the protrusion (12) is adapted to be engaged into a snap slot formed in the buckle (22);wherein when the cover (2) is in the closed position, the protrusion (12) is engaged into the snap slot of the buckle (22) to lock the cover (2) in the closed position.

8. The connector according to any preceding claim, further comprising:a sealing ring (25) which is fitted onto the outer peripheral wall of the cover (2) and adapted to be compressed between the outer peripheral wall of the cover (2) and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting port (101) of the housing (1),wherein when the cover (2) is in the closed position, the sealing ring (25) is compressed between the outer peripheral wall of the cover (2) and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting port (101) of the housing (1) to achieve sealing between the two.

9. The connector according to any preceding claim, further comprising:two signal cables (32) which are electrically connected to the two signal terminals (31) respectively,wherein the two signal cables (32) are led out from the housing (1) for electrical connection to a low-voltage control circuit, which is used to control the power on and off of the high-voltage load circuit.

10. The connector according to claim 9, further comprising:an insulator (33) for holding the two signal terminals (31),wherein an insertion slot (13) is formed in the housing (1), and the insulator (33) is detachably inserted into the insertion slot (13).

11. The connector according to claim 10,wherein the insulator (33), the two signal terminals (31), and the two signal cables (32) are pre-assembled together to form a separate signal module (3), which is detachably installed in the housing (1).

12. The connector according to claim 10 or 11,wherein a mating part (23) suitable for insertion into the insertion slot (13) of the housing (1) is formed on the inner side of the cover (2), and an inner cavity (24) suitable for mating with one end of the insulator (33) is formed in the mating part (23);wherein the mating signal terminal (41) is fixedly arranged in the mating part (23) of the cover (2) and is suitable for insertion into the insulator (33) to make electrical contact with the two signal terminals (31) in the insulator (33).

13. A connector assembly, comprising:the connector (100) according to any one of claims 1-12; anda mating connector (200) mated with the connector (100),wherein the mating connector (200) comprises:a mating housing (7);a mating power terminal (5’) provided in the mating housing (7); anda nut (8) provided in the mating housing (7),wherein the threaded fastener (6) of the connector passes through the power terminal (5) and the mating power terminal (5’) and is threaded with the nut (8) to fasten the power terminal (5) and the mating power terminal (5’) together.

14. The connector assembly according to claim 13,wherein the mating connector (200) further comprises:a cable (9) electrically connected to the mating power terminal (5’),wherein the cable (9) is led out from the mating housing (7) for electrical connection to a high-voltage load circuit.

15. A connector, comprising:a housing (1);a power terminal (5) provided in the housing (1) for electrical connection to a high-voltageload circuit;two signal terminals (31) provided in the housing (1);a moving component capable of being moved relative to the housing (1) between a first position and a second position; anda mating signal terminal (41) provided in the moving component,wherein when the moving component is moved from the first position to the second position, the mating signal terminal (41) is moved from a separating position electrically separated from the two signal terminals (31) to a bridging position bridging the two signal terminals (31),wherein the high-voltage load circuit is powered on after the mating signal terminal (41) is moved to the bridging position, and powered off after the mating signal terminal (41) is moved to the separating position.

16. The connector according to claim 15,wherein the moving component is an independent component separated from the housing (1), capable of being moved from the first position separated from the housing (1) to the second position engaged with the housing (1).

17. The connector according to claim 15,wherein the moving component and the housing (1) are integrally formed, and there is a flexible connection part between the moving component and the housing (1), allowing the moving component to move between the first position and the second position.A

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