Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

To disclose a connector capable of accurately determining whether a high-voltage module has been fastened to a high-voltage mating module, thereby improving the safety of connector use.SOLUTION: A connector includes a high-voltage module adapted to be electrically connected with a high-voltage mating module, and a low-voltage module movably installed outside the housing to electrically connect to a low-voltage mating module of a mating connector. The low-voltage module is movable between a pre-installation position separated from the low-voltage mating module and a final installation position electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module. The low-voltage module moves separately to the final installation position electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module only after the high-voltage module has been fastened to the high-voltage mating module.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202410446517.7, filed on April 12, 2024, with the State Intellectual Property Office of China, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a connector and a connector assembly including the connector. [Background technology]

[0003] In the prior art, a high-voltage connector typically includes a housing and a high-voltage module and a low-voltage module disposed within the housing. The high-voltage module is adapted to be fastened to a high-voltage mating module in a high-voltage mating connector and electrically connected thereto. The low-voltage module is adapted to be electrically connected to a low-voltage mating module in the high-voltage mating connector. In the prior art, to prevent arcing when the high-voltage module is electrically connected to the high-voltage mating module, it is necessary to supply power to the high-voltage module and the high-voltage mating module only after the high-voltage module is fastened to the high-voltage mating module.

[0004] In the prior art, it is typically determined whether a high-voltage module is fastened to a high-voltage mating module based on the electrical connection between the low-voltage module and the low-voltage mating module. If the low-voltage module and the low-voltage mating module are electrically isolated, the high-voltage module is determined to be unfastened to the high-voltage mating module, and if the low-voltage module is electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module, the high-voltage module is determined to be fastened to the high-voltage mating module. However, in the prior art, the high-voltage module and the low-voltage module move synchronously. During the fastening process of the high-voltage module and the high-voltage mating module, the low-voltage module also moves synchronously to a position where it is electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately determine whether the high-voltage module is fastened to the high-voltage mating module based on the electrical connection state between the low-voltage module and the low-voltage mating module, which may lead to incorrect judgments and affect the safety of using the connector. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention has been made to overcome or alleviate at least one aspect of the above-mentioned difficulties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes a housing adapted to mate with a mating housing of a mating connector, a high-voltage module mounted in the housing and adapted to be fastened to and electrically connected to a high-voltage mating module of the mating connector, and a low-voltage module movably mounted outside the housing for electrical connection to a low-voltage mating module of the mating connector. The low-voltage module is movable between a pre-installation position separated from the low-voltage mating module and a final installed position electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module. The low-voltage module moves separately to the final installed position electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module only after the high-voltage module has been fastened to the high-voltage mating module.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the low-voltage module comprises a movable shell movably mounted on the outside of the housing and movable between a pre-installation position and a final installation position, and low-voltage terminals fixed to the movable shell and suitable for mating with low-voltage mating terminals of the low-voltage mating module. When the high-voltage module is fastened to the high-voltage mating module and the movable shell is moved to the final installation position, the low-voltage terminals mate with the low-voltage mating terminals to electrically connect the low-voltage module and the low-voltage mating module.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the low-voltage module further comprises a connecting bolt rotatably connected to the movable shell and rotatable relative to the movable shell, the connecting bolt being used for threaded connection with a threaded hole in the fixed shell of the low-voltage counterpart module to drive the movable shell to move from a pre-installation position to a final installation position and to lock the movable shell in the final installation position.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connection bolt has a flange portion disposed on the head of the connection bolt, a slot is formed in the movable shell, and the flange portion of the connection bolt is rotatably engaged with the slot, so that the connection bolt is rotatable around the axis of the connection bolt and cannot be separated from the movable shell in the axial direction of the connection bolt.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an operating hole communicating with the slot is formed in the movable shell, allowing an operating tool to be inserted through the operating hole into the slot and engage with the head of the connecting bolt.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the movable shell comprises a pair of cylindrical portions adapted to be inserted into a pair of insertion holes in the fixed shell, respectively, to position the movable shell in the fixed shell.

[0012] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a guide slot is defined between a pair of cylindrical portions, and a guide wall is formed on the outside of the housing, and the guide wall engages with the guide slot to guide the movable shell to move along the axial direction of the connecting bolt.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a through hole is formed in the guide wall to allow the connection bolt to pass through, the connection bolt passing through the through hole in the guide wall.

[0014] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the low-voltage terminal is provided on one cylindrical portion of the movable shell and is adapted to mate with a low-voltage mating terminal inserted into the one cylindrical portion.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the high-voltage module includes a high-voltage cable having one end extending into the housing, a high-voltage terminal provided on the housing and electrically connected to one end of the high-voltage cable, and a high-voltage fastener used to fasten the high-voltage terminal to a high-voltage mating terminal of a mating connector to electrically connect the high-voltage module and the high-voltage mating module.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the high-voltage fastener is suitable for being screwed into a nut inside the high-voltage mating terminal or mating connector to fasten the high-voltage terminal and the high-voltage mating terminal to each other, and the connecting bolt is screwed into the fixing shell of the low-voltage mating module after the high-voltage fastener is screwed into the nut inside the high-voltage mating terminal or mating connector.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly comprising the connector described above and a mating connector adapted to mate with the connector.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector includes a mating housing that mates with the housing of the connector, a high-voltage mating module provided in the mating housing for electrical connection to the high-voltage module of the connector, and a low-voltage mating module fixedly provided on the outside of the mating housing for electrical connection to the low-voltage module of the connector, the low-voltage module of the connector being moved separately to a final installation position where it is electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module after the high-voltage module is fastened to the high-voltage mating module.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the low-voltage mating module includes a fixed shell that is integrally formed with the mating shell or fixed to the outside of the mating shell, an insulating holder that is fixedly installed on the fixed shell, and low-voltage mating terminals that are fixedly installed on the insulating holder. The low-voltage mating terminals are used to mate with low-voltage terminals of the low-voltage module to electrically connect the low-voltage module and the low-voltage mating module.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, threaded holes are formed in the fixing shell of the low-voltage mating module for threaded connection with the connecting bolts of the low-voltage module.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a pair of insertion holes are formed in the fixed shell of the low-voltage mating module, and a pair of cylindrical portions in the movable shell of the low-voltage module are adapted to be inserted into the pair of insertion holes, respectively, to position the movable shell on the fixed shell.

[0022] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the screw hole in the fixed shell is disposed between a pair of insertion holes, the insulating holder is inserted into one of the insertion holes in the fixed shell, and the insulating holder and the low-voltage mating terminal are adapted to be inserted into one of the cylindrical portions of the movable shell and to mate with the low-voltage terminal in that one cylindrical portion.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the low-voltage mating module further comprises a sealing ring mounted on the insulating holder and adapted to be radially compressed between the insulating holder and the inner wall of the cylindrical portion of the movable shell to provide a seal between the two.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the low voltage mating module further comprises a low voltage cable connected to the low voltage mating terminal and leading out from the fixed shell for electrical connection to the low voltage detection circuit.

[0025] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the low-voltage mating module comprises two low-voltage mating terminals and two low-voltage cables, one ends of the two low-voltage cables are respectively connected to the two low-voltage mating terminals, and the low-voltage terminals of the low-voltage module comprise two pins adapted to be respectively inserted into the two low-voltage mating terminals to electrically connect the two low-voltage mating terminals.

[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating housing comprises a flange disposed on the exterior of the mating housing for installation on an installation panel, and the fixing shell of the low-voltage mating module is integrally formed with or fixed to the flange.

[0027] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the high-voltage mating module includes a high-voltage mating terminal having a screw connection hole formed therein, and a high-voltage fastener passes through one end of the high-voltage cable and the high-voltage terminal and is screwed into the screw connection hole of the high-voltage mating terminal to fasten the high-voltage terminal and the high-voltage mating terminal to each other.

[0028] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the high-voltage mating module includes a high-voltage mating terminal and a nut secured to the high-voltage mating terminal, and a high-voltage fastener passes through one end of the high-voltage cable, the high-voltage terminal, and the high-voltage mating terminal and is threaded into the nut to fasten the high-voltage terminal and the high-voltage mating terminal together.

[0029] In the above exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the low-voltage module and the high-voltage module of the connector are two separate modules, and after the high-voltage module is fastened to the high-voltage mating module, the low-voltage module moves separately to a final installation position where it is electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module. Therefore, the present invention can accurately determine whether the high-voltage module is fastened to the high-voltage mating module based on the electrical connection status between the low-voltage module and the low-voltage mating module, thereby effectively avoiding erroneous determination and improving the safety of using the connector.

[0030] The above and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is an illustrative exploded view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the connector and mating connector separated from each other. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the connector and mating connector separated from each other. [Figure 3]1 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the housing of the connector and the mating housing of the mating connector mated and the high voltage fastener not yet screwed into the high voltage mating terminal. [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a high voltage fastener being threaded into a high voltage mating terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with a high-voltage module fastened to a mating high-voltage module and a low-voltage module in a pre-installation position electrically isolated from the low-voltage mating module. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in which a high-voltage module is fastened to a mating high-voltage module and a low-voltage module is in a pre-installation position electrically isolated from the low-voltage mating module. [Figure 7] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the low voltage module separated from the housing of the connector. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a low voltage module of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exploded view of a low voltage module of a connector in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a low voltage module of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a low-voltage mating module of a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a low-voltage mating module of a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a low-voltage module and a low-voltage mating module of a connector assembly in a final installed position, with the low-voltage module electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0033] 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 shown in schematic form to simplify the drawings.

[0034] In accordance with the general concept of the present invention, a connector is provided. The connector includes a housing adapted to mate with a mating housing of a mating connector, a high-voltage module mounted in the housing and adapted to be fastened to and electrically connected to a high-voltage mating module of the mating connector, and a low-voltage module movably mounted outside the housing for electrical connection to a low-voltage mating module of the mating connector. The low-voltage module is movable between a pre-installation position separate from the low-voltage mating module and a final installed position electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module. The low-voltage module moves separately to the final installed position electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module only after the high-voltage module has been fastened to the high-voltage mating module.

[0035] According to another general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly, comprising the connector described above and a mating connector adapted to mate with the connector.

[0036] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative exploded view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with connector 1 and mating connector 2 separated from each other. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with connector 1 and mating connector 2 separated from each other. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with housing 11 of connector 1 and mating housing 21 of mating connector 2 mated, and with high-voltage fasteners 123 not yet threaded into high-voltage mating terminals 221. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with high-voltage fasteners 123 threaded into high-voltage mating terminals 221. Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the high-voltage module 12 fastened to the mating high-voltage module 22 and the low-voltage module 13 in a pre-installed position electrically isolated from the low-voltage mating module 23. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the high-voltage module 12 fastened to the mating high-voltage module 22 and the low-voltage module 13 in a pre-installed position electrically isolated from the low-voltage mating module 23. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the low-voltage module 13 separated from the housing 11 of the connector 1. Figure 8 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of the low-voltage module 13 of the connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 shows an illustrative exploded view of low-voltage module 13 of connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of low-voltage module 13 of connector 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of low-voltage mating module 23 of mating connector 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 shows an illustrative perspective view of low-voltage mating module 23 of mating connector 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of low-voltage module 13 and low-voltage mating module 23 of a connector assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a final installed position with low-voltage module 13 electrically connected to low-voltage mating module 23.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention discloses a connector 1 including a housing 11, a high-voltage module 12, and a low-voltage module 13. The housing 11 of the connector 1 is adapted to mate with a mating housing 21 of a mating connector 2. The high-voltage module 12 is mounted in the housing 11 and adapted to be fastened to a high-voltage mating module 22 of the mating connector 2 and electrically connected to the high-voltage mating module 22. The low-voltage module 13 is fixedly mounted on the outside of the housing 11 for electrical connection to the low-voltage mating module 23 of the mating connector 2.

[0038] 1-13, in the illustrated embodiment, the low-voltage module 13 is movable between a pre-installation position where it is separated from the low-voltage mating module 23 and a final installed position where it is electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module 23. After the high-voltage module 12 is fastened to the high-voltage mating module 22, the low-voltage module 13 is moved separately to the final installed position where it is electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module 23.

[0039] 1 to 13 , in the illustrated embodiment, the low-voltage module 13 and the high-voltage module 12 of the connector 1 are two separate modules. The low-voltage module 13 moves separately to a final installation position where it is electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module 23 only after the high-voltage module 12 is fastened to the high-voltage mating module 22. Therefore, the present invention can accurately determine whether the high-voltage module 12 is fastened to the high-voltage mating module 22 based on the electrical connection status between the low-voltage module 13 and the low-voltage mating module 23, thereby effectively avoiding erroneous determination and improving the safety of the connector 1.

[0040] 1-13 , in the illustrated embodiment, the low-voltage module 13 includes a movable shell 130 and a low-voltage terminal 131. The movable shell 130 is movably mounted on the exterior of the housing 11 and is movable between a pre-installation position and a final installation position. The low-voltage terminal 131 is fixed to the movable shell 130 and is adapted to mate with a low-voltage mating terminal 231 of the low-voltage mating module 23. When the high-voltage module 12 is fastened to the high-voltage mating module 22 and the movable shell 130 is moved to the final installation position, the low-voltage terminal 131 mates with the low-voltage mating terminal 231 to electrically connect the low-voltage module 13 and the low-voltage mating module 23.

[0041] 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the low-voltage module 13 also includes a connecting bolt 132. The connecting bolt 132 is rotatably connected to the movable shell 130 and is rotatable relative to the movable shell 130. The connecting bolt 132 is used for threaded connection with a threaded hole 232 in a fixed shell 230 of the low-voltage mating module 23 to drive the movable shell 130 from a pre-installation position to a final installation position and to lock the movable shell 130 in the final installation position.

[0042] 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the connection bolt 132 has a flange portion 132a disposed on its head. A slot 130a is formed in the movable shell 130. The flange portion 132a of the connection bolt 132 rotatably engages with the slot 130a, so that the connection bolt 132 is rotatable about its axis and cannot be separated from the movable shell 130 in the axial direction.

[0043] 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, an operating hole 130d communicating with the slot 130a is formed in the movable shell 130, and an operating tool (not shown) can be inserted into the slot 130a through the operating hole 130d to engage with the head of the connecting bolt 132. This allows the connecting bolt 132 to be tightened or loosened by operating the tool.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable shell 130 includes a pair of cylindrical portions 130c adapted to be inserted into a pair of insertion holes 230c in the fixed shell 230, respectively, to position the movable shell 130 in the fixed shell 230.

[0045] 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, a guide slot 130b is defined between a pair of cylindrical portions 130c, and a guide wall 110 is formed on the outside of the housing 11. The guide wall 110 is fitted into the guide slot 130b to guide the movement of the movable shell 130 along the axial direction of the connecting bolt 132.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, a through hole 101 is formed in the guide wall 110 to allow the connection bolt 132 to pass through, and the connection bolt 132 passes through the through hole 101 in the guide wall 110.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the low-voltage terminal 131 is provided on one cylindrical portion 130c of the movable shell 130 and is suitable for mating with a low-voltage mating terminal 231 inserted into the one cylindrical portion 130c.

[0048] 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the high-voltage module 12 includes a high-voltage cable 121, a high-voltage terminal 122, and a high-voltage fastener 123. One end of the high-voltage cable 121 extends into the housing 11. The high-voltage terminal 122 is installed in the housing 11 and is electrically connected to one end of the high-voltage cable 121. For example, the high-voltage terminal 122 may be riveted, crimped, or welded to one end of the high-voltage cable 121. The high-voltage fastener 123 is used to fasten the high-voltage terminal 122 to a high-voltage mating terminal 221 of the mating connector 2, thereby electrically connecting the high-voltage module 12 and the high-voltage mating module 22.

[0049] 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the high-voltage fastener 123 is adapted to be threaded into the high-voltage mating terminal 221 to fasten the high-voltage terminal 122 and the high-voltage mating terminal 221 together. The connecting bolt 132 is threaded into the fixing shell 230 of the low-voltage mating module 23 after the high-voltage fastener 123 is threaded into the high-voltage mating terminal 221.

[0050] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, the high-voltage fastener 123 may be threaded into a nut (not shown) inside the mating connector 2 to fasten the high-voltage terminal 122 and the high-voltage mating terminal 221 together. The connecting bolt 132 is threaded into the fixing shell 230 of the low-voltage mating module 23 after the high-voltage fastener 123 is threaded into the nut inside the mating connector 2.

[0051] 1 to 13, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector assembly is also disclosed. The connector assembly includes the connector 1 described above and a mating connector 2 that mates with the connector 1.

[0052] 1-13 , in the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector 2 includes a mating housing 21, a high-voltage mating module 22, and a low-voltage mating module 23. The mating housing 21 of the mating connector 2 mates with the housing 11 of the connector 1. The high-voltage mating module 22 is mounted in the mating housing 21 for electrical connection to the high-voltage module 12 of the connector 1. The low-voltage mating module 23 is fixedly mounted on the outside of the mating housing 21 for electrical connection to the low-voltage module 13 of the connector 1. The low-voltage module 13 of the connector 1 is moved separately to a final installed position where it is electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module 23 after the high-voltage module 12 is fastened to the high-voltage mating module 22.

[0053] 1 to 13 , in the illustrated embodiment, the low-voltage mating module 23 includes a fixed shell 230, an insulating holder 233, and a low-voltage mating terminal 231. The fixed shell 230 is formed integrally with the mating shell 21. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, the fixed shell 230 may be a separate component and may be fixed to the outside of the mating shell 21. The insulating holder 233 is fixedly installed in the fixed shell 230. The low-voltage mating terminal 231 is fixedly installed in the insulating holder 233. The low-voltage mating terminal 231 is used to mate with the low-voltage terminal 131 of the low-voltage module 13 to electrically connect the low-voltage module 13 and the low-voltage mating module 23.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, screw holes 232 used for screw connection with the connection bolts 132 of the low-voltage module 13 are formed in the fixing shell 230 of the low-voltage mating module .

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, a pair of insertion holes 230c are formed in the fixed shell 230 of the low-voltage mating module 23, and a pair of cylindrical portions 130c in the movable shell 130 of the low-voltage module 13 are suitable for being inserted into the pair of insertion holes 230c, respectively, to position the movable shell 130 in the fixed shell 230.

[0056] 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the screw hole 232 in the fixed shell 230 is disposed between a pair of insertion holes 230c. The insulating holder 233 is inserted into the insertion hole 230c of the fixed shell 230. The insulating holder 233 and the low-voltage mating terminal 231 are adapted to be inserted into one cylindrical portion 130c of the movable shell 130 and to mate with the low-voltage terminal 131 in that one cylindrical portion 130c.

[0057] 1-13, in the illustrated embodiment, the low-voltage mating module 23 also includes a sealing ring 235. The sealing ring 235 is attached to the insulating holder 233 and is adapted to be radially compressed between the insulating holder 233 and the inner wall of one cylindrical portion 130c of the movable shell 130 to provide a seal between the two.

[0058] 1 to 13 , in the illustrated embodiment, the low-voltage mating module 23 further includes a low-voltage cable 234 connected to the low-voltage mating terminal 231 and drawn out from the fixed shell 230 for electrical connection to a low-voltage detection circuit (not shown). This low-voltage detection circuit is used to detect the electrical connection status between the low-voltage terminal 131 and the low-voltage mating terminal 231. When the low-voltage detection circuit detects that the low-voltage terminal 131 and the low-voltage mating terminal 231 are electrically connected to each other, a power control device (not shown) controls the power supply to supply power to the high-voltage module and the high-voltage mating module; otherwise, it does not supply power to the high-voltage module and the high-voltage mating module.

[0059] 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the low-voltage mating module 23 includes two low-voltage mating terminals 231 and two low-voltage cables 234. One ends of the two low-voltage cables 234 are connected to the two low-voltage mating terminals 231, respectively. The low-voltage terminal 131 of the low-voltage module 13 includes two pins 131a suitable for being inserted into the two low-voltage mating terminals 231, respectively, to electrically connect the two low-voltage mating terminals 231. In the illustrated embodiment, when the two low-voltage mating terminals 231 are bridge-connected to each other by the low-voltage terminal 131, the low-voltage detection circuit sends a control command to the power control device to supply power to the high-voltage module and the high-voltage mating module.

[0060] 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating housing 21 includes a flange 210 disposed on its exterior. The flange 210 is used for installation on an installation panel (not shown), and the fixing shell 230 of the low-voltage mating module 23 is integrally formed with the flange 210 of the mating housing 21. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the fixing shell 230 may be a separate component that is fixed to the flange 210.

[0061] 1 to 13, in the illustrated embodiment, the high-voltage mating module 22 includes a high-voltage mating terminal 221. A screw connection hole 22a is formed in the high-voltage mating terminal 221, and a high-voltage fastener 123 passes through one end of the high-voltage cable 121 and the high-voltage terminal 122 and is screwed into the screw connection hole 22a of the high-voltage mating terminal 221 to fasten the high-voltage terminal 122 and the high-voltage mating terminal 221 together.

[0062] However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the high-voltage mating module 22 includes a high-voltage mating terminal 221 and a nut (not shown) secured to the high-voltage mating terminal 221. The nut may be riveted, crimped, or welded to the high-voltage mating terminal 221. The high-voltage fastener 123 passes through one end of the high-voltage cable 121, the high-voltage terminal 122, and the high-voltage mating terminal 221 and is threaded into the nut to fasten the high-voltage terminal 122 and the high-voltage mating terminal 221 together.

[0063] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. For example, numerous modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments by those skilled in the art, and various features described in the various embodiments may be freely combined with each other as long as they are not inconsistent in structure or principle.

[0064] While several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood 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 present disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the following claims and their equivalents.

[0065] As used herein, elements described in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding a plurality of such elements or steps, unless such exclusion is expressly 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. In addition, unless expressly stated otherwise, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or elements having a particular property may include additional such elements that do not have that property.

Claims

1. a housing (11) suitable for mating with a mating housing (21) of a mating connector (2); a high-voltage module (12) provided in the housing (11) and adapted to be fastened to a high-voltage mating module (22) of the mating connector (2) and electrically connected to the high-voltage mating module (22); a low-voltage module (13) movably mounted outside the housing (11) for electrical connection to a low-voltage mating module (23) of the mating connector (2); A connector comprising: the low-voltage module (13) is movable between a pre-installation position separated from the low-voltage mating module (23) and a final installation position electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module (23); The low-voltage module (13) moves separately to the final installation position where it is electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module (23) only after the high-voltage module (12) has been fastened to the high-voltage mating module (22). connector.

2. The low voltage module (13) a movable shell (130) movably mounted on the outside of the housing (11) and movable between the pre-installation position and the final installation position; a low-voltage terminal (131) fixed to the movable shell (130) and adapted to mate with a low-voltage mating terminal (231) of the low-voltage mating module (23); Equipped with When the high-voltage module (12) is fastened to the high-voltage mating module (22) and the movable shell (130) is moved to the final installation position, the low-voltage terminal (131) mates with the low-voltage mating terminal (231) to electrically connect the low-voltage module (13) and the low-voltage mating module (23). The connector according to claim 1 .

3. The low voltage module (13) a connecting bolt (132) rotatably connected to the movable shell (130) and rotatable relative to the movable shell (130); Furthermore, the connecting bolts (132) are used for threaded connection with threaded holes (232) in the fixed shell (230) of the low-voltage mating module (23) to drive the movable shell (130) to move from the pre-installation position to the final installation position and lock the movable shell (130) in the final installation position; The connector according to claim 2 .

4. The connecting bolt (132) has a flange portion (132a) disposed on the head of the connecting bolt (132), a slot (130a) is formed in the movable shell (130), and the flange portion (132a) of the connecting bolt (132) is rotatably engaged with the slot (130a). Therefore, the connecting bolt (132) is rotatable around the axis of the connecting bolt (132) and cannot be separated from the movable shell (130) in the axial direction of the connecting bolt (132). The connector according to claim 3 .

5. An operating hole (130d) communicating with the slot (130a) is formed in the movable shell (130), and an operating tool can be inserted through the operating hole (130d) into the slot (130a) to engage with the head of the connecting bolt (132). The connector according to claim 4.

6. The movable shell (130) includes a pair of cylindrical portions (130c) adapted to be inserted into a pair of insertion holes (230c) in the fixed shell (230), respectively, to position the movable shell (130) on the fixed shell (230). The connector according to claim 4.

7. a guide slot (130b) is defined between the pair of cylindrical portions (1302), and a guide wall (110) is formed on the outside of the housing (11), and the guide wall (110) is engaged with the guide slot (130b) to guide the movable shell (130) to move along the axial direction of the connecting bolt (132); The connector according to claim 6.

8. a through hole (101) is formed in the guide wall (110) to allow the connecting bolt (132) to pass through, and the connecting bolt (132) passes through the through hole (101) in the guide wall (110); The connector according to claim 7.

9. The low-voltage terminal (131) is provided on one cylindrical portion (130c) of the movable shell (130) and is suitable for mating with the low-voltage mating terminal (231) inserted into the one cylindrical portion (130c). The connector according to claim 6.

10. The high voltage module (12) a high voltage cable (121) having one end extending into the housing (11); a high-voltage terminal (122) provided in the housing (11) and electrically connected to one end of the high-voltage cable (121); a high-voltage fastener (123) used to fasten the high-voltage terminal (122) to the high-voltage mating terminal (221) of the mating connector (2) to electrically connect the high-voltage module (12) and the high-voltage mating module (22); Equipped with A connector according to any one of claims 3 to 9.

11. The high-voltage fastener (123) is suitable for being screwed into a nut inside the high-voltage mating terminal (221) or the mating connector (2) to fasten the high-voltage terminal (122) and the high-voltage mating terminal (221) together; the connecting bolt (132) is screwed into the fixing shell (230) of the low-voltage mating module (23) after the high-voltage fastener (123) is screwed into the nut inside the high-voltage mating terminal (221) or the mating connector (2); The connector of claim 10.

12. The connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; A mating connector (2) that mates with the connector (1), A connector assembly comprising:

13. The mating connector (2) is a mating housing (21) that mates with the housing (11) of the connector (1); a high-voltage mating module (22) provided in the mating housing (21) for electrical connection to the high-voltage module (12) of the connector (1); a low-voltage mating module (23) fixedly provided on the outside of the mating housing (21) for electrical connection to the low-voltage module (13) of the connector (1); Equipped with The low-voltage module (13) of the connector (1) moves separately to the final installation position where it is electrically connected to the low-voltage mating module (23) after the high-voltage module (12) is fastened to the high-voltage mating module (22).

13. The connector assembly of claim 12.

14. The low voltage mating module (23) a fixed shell (230) that is formed integrally with the mating shell (21) or that is fixed to the outside of the mating shell (21); an insulating holder (233) fixedly installed on the fixed shell (230); A low-voltage mating terminal (231) fixed to the insulating holder (233) Equipped with The low-voltage mating terminal (231) is used to mate with the low-voltage terminal (131) of the low-voltage module (13) to electrically connect the low-voltage module (13) and the low-voltage mating module (23).

14. The connector assembly of claim 13.

15. a threaded hole (232) formed in the fixed shell (230) of the low-voltage mating module (23) for threaded connection with the connecting bolt (132) of the low-voltage module (13); 15. The connector assembly of claim 14.

16. A pair of insertion holes (230c) are formed in the fixed shell (230) of the low-voltage mating module (23), and a pair of cylindrical portions (130c) of the movable shell (130) of the low-voltage module (13) are adapted to be inserted into the pair of insertion holes (230c), respectively, to arrange the movable shell (130) on the fixed shell (230).

16. The connector assembly of claim 15.

17. The screw hole (232) in the fixed shell (230) is disposed between the pair of insertion holes (230c), and the insulating holder (233) is inserted into one of the insertion holes (230c) of the fixed shell (230); The insulating holder (233) and the low-voltage mating terminal (231) are adapted to be inserted into one cylindrical portion (130c) of the movable shell (130) and to be fitted with the low-voltage terminal (131) in the one cylindrical portion (130c).

17. The connector assembly of claim 16.

18. The low voltage mating module (23) a sealing ring (235) attached to the insulating holder (233) and adapted to be radially compressed between the insulating holder (233) and the inner wall of the cylindrical portion (130c) of the movable shell (130) to achieve a seal between the insulating holder (233) and the inner wall; Further provided with 18. The connector assembly of claim 17.

19. The low voltage mating module (23) a low-voltage cable (234) connected to the low-voltage mating terminal (231) and extending from the fixed shell (230) for electrical connection to a low-voltage detection circuit; Further provided with 15. The connector assembly of claim 14.

20. The low-voltage mating module (23) includes two low-voltage mating terminals (231) and two low-voltage cables (234), one ends of the two low-voltage cables (234) being connected to the two low-voltage mating terminals (231), respectively; The low-voltage terminal (131) of the low-voltage module (13) includes two pins (131a) adapted to be inserted into the two low-voltage mating terminals (231), respectively, to electrically connect the two low-voltage mating terminals (231).

20. The connector assembly of claim 19.

21. The mating housing (21) has a flange (210) disposed on the outside of the mating housing (21) and used for installation on an installation panel, and the fixing shell (230) of the low-voltage mating module (23) is integrally formed with or fixed to the flange (210).

14. The connector assembly of claim 13.

22. The high-voltage mating module (22) includes a high-voltage mating terminal (221) having a screw connection hole (22a) formed therein, and the high-voltage fastener (123) passes through one end of the high-voltage cable (121) and the high-voltage terminal (122) and is screwed into the screw connection hole (22a) of the high-voltage mating terminal (221) to fasten the high-voltage terminal (122) and the high-voltage mating terminal (221) together.

21. A connector assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 20.

23. The high-voltage mating module (22) includes a high-voltage mating terminal (221) and a nut fixed to the high-voltage mating terminal (221), and the high-voltage fastener (123) passes through one end of the high-voltage cable (121), the high-voltage terminal (122), and the high-voltage mating terminal (221) and is screwed into the nut to fasten the high-voltage terminal (122) and the high-voltage mating terminal (221) together.

21. A connector assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 20.

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