Connector and connector assembly

Abstract

To provide a connector capable of simplifying a structure, reducing a volume, and improving safety in use.SOLUTION: The connector comprises a housing 1 having a mounting opening 101, a power terminal provided on the housing for electrically connecting to a high voltage load circuit, a threaded fastener used for fastening the power terminal to a mating power terminal of a mating connector, two signal terminals provided on the housing, a cover 2 movable between an open position for opening the mounting opening and a closed position for closing the mounting opening, and a mating signal terminal 41 provided on the cover. When the cover is moved from the open position to the closed position, the mating signal terminal is moved from a separated position where the mating signal terminal is electrically separated from the two signal terminals to a bridge position where the mating signal terminal electrically connects the two signal terminals. The high-voltage load circuit is powered on after the counterpart signal terminal moves to the bridging position, and the high-voltage load circuit is powered off after the counterpart signal terminal moves to the separated position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202411074756.0, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on August 6, 2024, 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 generally includes a housing and power and signal terminals disposed within the housing. The power terminals are used for electrical connection to a high-voltage load circuit, and the signal terminals are used for electrical connection to a low-voltage control circuit. The low-voltage control circuit is used to control the on- and off-state of the power supply to the high-voltage load circuit. After the low-voltage control circuit is connected, the power supply to the high-voltage load circuit is turned on, and after the low-voltage control circuit is disconnected, the power supply to the high-voltage load circuit is turned off. In the prior art, this low-voltage control circuit is generally referred to as a high-voltage interlock loop or simply HVIL (Hazardous Voltage Interlock Loop or High-Voltage Interlock Loop). High-voltage interlock circuits are primarily used to prevent energization operations such as clamping the power terminals of two high-voltage power connectors together when energized, and separating the power terminals of two high-voltage connectors when energized, thereby improving safety and preventing problems such as electric shock and arc erosion.

[0004] In the prior art, when a high-voltage connector is mated with a mating connector, the signal terminals of the high-voltage connector are mated with the mating signal terminals of the mating connector and connected to a low-voltage control circuit to control the power supply to a high-voltage load circuit via the low-voltage control circuit. In the prior art, the signal terminals and the mating signal terminals are separately arranged in the two connectors, which may result in a lack of compactness in the structure and a larger volume.

[0005] Additionally, in the prior art, during the process of tightening the power terminals of the high-voltage connector and the mating power terminals of the mating connector with threaded fasteners, the signal terminals may inadvertently move into a position where they mate with the mating signal terminals, which may inadvertently energize the high-voltage load circuit, thereby creating a risk of energizing operation. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made to overcome or mitigate at least one aspect of the above disadvantages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector comprising: a housing having a mounting port, a power terminal provided on the housing for electrical connection to a high-voltage load circuit, a threaded fastener adapted to be tightened or loosened by a tool inserted into the mounting port and used to fasten the power terminal to a mating power terminal of a mating connector, two signal terminals provided on the housing, a cover movable between an open position for opening the mounting port and a closed position for closing the mounting port, and the mating signal terminal provided on the cover. When the cover moves from the open position to the closed position, the mating signal terminal moves from a separated position, in which it is electrically isolated from the two signal terminals, to a bridge position, in which it electrically connects (bridges) the two signal terminals, and after the mating signal terminal moves to the bridge position, the power to the high-voltage load circuit is turned on, and after the mating signal terminal moves to the separated position, the power to the high-voltage load circuit is turned off.

[0008] In accordance with 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 fasteners.

[0009] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the threaded fastener is configured to move between a pre-installation position in which the power terminal and the mating power terminal are loosened, and a final installation position in which the power terminal and the mating power terminal are tightened, and when the threaded fastener is in the pre-installation position, the threaded fastener is in a position that interferes with the cover, preventing the cover from moving to the closed position before the power terminal is tightened to the mating power terminal.

[0010] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a pre-lock structure is formed on the housing and configured to engage a flange portion of the threaded fastener to pre-lock the threaded fastener in a pre-installed position.

[0011] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pre-lock structure includes an upper elastic buckle configured to abut an upper side of a flange portion of the threaded fastener and a lower elastic buckle configured to abut a lower side of the flange portion of the threaded fastener. When the threaded fastener is in a pre-installed position, the flange portion of the threaded fastener is clamped between the upper elastic buckle and the lower elastic buckle, and thus the threaded fastener is pre-locked in the pre-installed position.

[0012] In accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a cover is removably attached to the housing and is rotatable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position.

[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connection is formed on one side of the cover, and the connection is movably connected to the housing, so that the cover can rotate between an open position and a closed position relative to the housing.

[0014] 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 configured to engage with a snap slot formed in the buckle, and when the cover is in a closed position, the protrusion engages with the snap slot of the buckle to lock the cover in the closed position.

[0015] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further includes a seal ring attached to an outer peripheral wall of the cover and configured to be compressed between the outer peripheral wall of the cover and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting opening of the housing, and when the cover is in the closed position, the seal ring is compressed between the outer peripheral wall of the cover and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting opening of the housing to achieve a seal between the outer peripheral wall of the cover and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting opening of the housing.

[0016] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further includes two signal cables electrically connected to the two signal terminals, respectively, and extending from the housing for electrical connection to a low-voltage control circuit, the low-voltage control circuit being used to control the power on and off of the high-voltage load circuit.

[0017] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the connector further comprises an insulator for holding the two signal terminals, wherein an insertion slot is formed in the housing, and the insulator is removably inserted into the insertion slot.

[0018] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the insulator, two signal terminals, and two signal cables are pre-assembled together to form a separate signal module, which is removably mounted in the housing.

[0019] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a mating portion suitable for insertion into an insertion slot of the housing is formed on the inside of the cover, an internal cavity suitable for fitting onto one end of the insulator is formed in the mating portion, and a mating signal terminal is fixedly disposed in the mating portion of the cover and is suitable for insertion into the insulator so as to electrically contact the two signal terminals of the insulator.

[0020] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, two mounting holes are formed in the insulator, and two signal terminals are inserted into the two mounting holes of the insulator, respectively, and / or a mounting groove is formed in the fitting portion of the cover, and the mating signal terminal is inserted into the mounting groove with an interference fit.

[0021] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power terminal has a first connecting end located in the housing, and a connecting hole is formed in the first connecting end of the power terminal to allow a threaded fastener to pass through, so that the power terminal can be fastened to a mating power terminal by the threaded fastener.

[0022] 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 electrically connecting to a high-voltage load circuit.

[0023] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connection nut is fixed to the second connection end of the power terminal, and thus the second connection end of the power terminal can be tightened to the connection terminal of the high-voltage load circuit by a bolt screwed into the connection nut.

[0024] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a connector includes two power terminals and two threaded fasteners used to fasten the two power terminals to two mating power terminals of a mating connector, respectively.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes the above-mentioned connector and a mating connector that mates with the connector. The mating connector includes a mating housing, a mating power terminal provided in the mating housing, and a nut provided on the mating housing. A threaded fastener of the connector passes through the power terminal and the mating power terminal and is threaded onto the nut to fasten the power terminal and the mating power terminal together.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mating connector further includes a cable electrically connected to the mating power terminal, the cable being led out of the mating housing for electrical connection to a high voltage load circuit.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector includes a housing, a power terminal provided on the housing for electrically connecting to a high-voltage load circuit, two signal terminals provided on the housing, a movable part movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position, and a mating signal terminal provided on the movable part. When the movable part moves from the first position to the second position, the mating signal terminal moves from a separated position where it is electrically separated from the two signal terminals to a bridge position where it electrically connects (bridges) the two signal terminals. After the mating signal terminal moves to the bridge position, power to the high-voltage load circuit is turned on, and after the mating signal terminal moves to the separated position, power to the high-voltage load circuit is turned off.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving part is an independent part separate from the housing and is movable from a first position separate from the housing to a second position engaged with the housing.

[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving part is movably connected to the housing and is movable between a first position and a second position.

[0030] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving part and the housing are integrally formed, and there is a flexible connection between the moving part and the housing, allowing the moving part to be moved between the first position and the second position.

[0031] In the above exemplary embodiment according to the present invention, the signal terminal and the mating signal terminal 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.

[0032] In addition, in the above exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when operating the threaded fastener through the mounting hole of the housing, the cover must be in the open position, thereby reliably preventing the mating signal terminal from accidentally moving to the bridge position that electrically connects (bridges) the two signal terminals when operating the threaded fastener. Therefore, the present invention can ensure that the power supply to the high-voltage load circuit is turned off during operation of the threaded fastener, effectively avoiding energization and improving safety in use.

[0033] These and other features of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with the cover in an open position; [Figure 2] 1 is 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] 1 is a pictorial perspective view of a signal module and cover of a connector in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the cover in an open position; [Figure 4] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a signal module and cover of a connector in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the cover in an open position. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of two signal terminals and a mating signal terminal of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the mating signal terminal in a separated position in which it is electrically isolated from the two signal terminals; [Figure 6] 1 is 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 a pre-mounted position and the cover in an open position. [Figure 7] 1 is 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 a final installed position for clamping the power terminal and the mating power terminal together; [Figure 8] 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a connector and a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the power terminals and mating power terminals fastened together and the cover in a closed position; [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a connector and a mating connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the power terminal and the mating power terminal clamped together and the cover in a closed position. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of two signal terminals and a mating signal terminal of a connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the mating signal terminal in a bridge position that electrically connects (bridges) the two signal terminals. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings. 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.

[0036] 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 diagrammatically shown to simplify the drawings.

[0037] In accordance with a general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector comprising: a housing having a mounting opening, a power terminal provided on the housing for electrically connecting to a high-voltage load circuit, a threaded fastener adapted to be tightened or loosened by a tool inserted into the mounting opening and used to fasten the power terminal to a mating power terminal of a mating connector, two signal terminals provided on the housing, a cover movable between an open position for opening the mounting opening and a closed position for closing the mounting opening, and the mating signal terminal provided on the cover. When the cover moves from the open position to the closed position, the mating signal terminal moves from a separated position, in which it is electrically isolated from the two signal terminals, to a bridge position, in which it electrically connects (bridges) the two signal terminals, and after the mating signal terminal moves to the bridge position, the power to the high-voltage load circuit is turned on, and after the mating signal terminal moves to the separated position, the power to the high-voltage load circuit is turned off.

[0038] According to another general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes the connector described above and a mating connector for mating with the connector. The mating connector includes a mating housing, a mating power terminal provided in the mating housing, and a nut provided in the mating housing. A threaded fastener of the connector passes through the power terminal and the mating power terminal and is threaded onto the nut to fasten the power terminal and the mating power terminal together.

[0039] According to another general aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connector. The connector includes a housing, a power terminal provided on the housing for electrically connecting to a high-voltage load circuit, two signal terminals provided on the housing, a moving part movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position, and a mating signal terminal provided on the moving part. When the moving part moves from the first position to the second position, the mating signal terminal moves from a separated position where it is electrically separated from the two signal terminals to a bridge position where it electrically connects (bridges) the two signal terminals. After the mating signal terminal moves to the bridge position, power to the high-voltage load circuit is turned on, and after the mating signal terminal moves to the separated position, power to the high-voltage load circuit is turned off.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the cover 2 in an open position. FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the cover 2 in an open position. FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a signal module 3 and a cover 2 of the connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the cover 2 in an open position. FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a signal module 3 and a cover 2 of the connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the cover 2 in an open position. FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view of two signal terminals 31 and a mating signal terminal 41 of the connector 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with the mating signal terminal 41 in a separated position in which it is electrically isolated from the two signal terminals 31. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of connector 100 and mating connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with threaded fasteners 6 in a pre-mounted position and cover 2 in an open position. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of connector 100 and mating connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with threaded fasteners 6 in a final assembly position for fastening power terminals 5 and mating power terminals 5′ together. FIG. 8 is an illustrative perspective view of connector 100 and mating connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with power terminals 5 and mating power terminals 5′ fastened together and cover 2 in a closed position. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of connector 100 and mating connector 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, with power terminals 5 and mating power terminals 5′ fastened together and cover 2 in a closed position. Figure 10 is an explanatory 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, in which the mating signal terminal 41 is in a bridge position in which the two signal terminals 31 are electrically connected (bridged).

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 , a connector 100 is disclosed in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 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. The housing 1 has a mounting opening 101. The power terminal 5 is provided on the housing 1 for electrical connection to a high-voltage load circuit (not shown). The threaded fastener 6 is suitable for tightening or loosening by a tool (not shown) inserted into the mounting opening 101 and is used to fasten the power terminal 5 to a mating power terminal 5′ of a mating connector 200. The two signal terminals 31 are provided on the housing 1. The cover 2 is movable between an open position for opening the mounting opening 101 and a closed position for closing the mounting opening 101. The mating signal terminal 41 is provided on the cover 2.

[0042] 1 to 10 , in the illustrated embodiment, when the cover 2 moves from the open position to the closed position, the mating signal terminal 41 moves from a separated position where it is electrically isolated from the two signal terminals 31 to a bridge position where it electrically connects (bridges) the two signal terminals 31. After the mating signal terminal 41 moves to the bridge position where it electrically connects (bridges) the two signal terminals 31, the power to the high-voltage load circuit is turned on, and after the mating signal terminal 41 moves to the separated position where it is electrically isolated from the two signal terminals 31, the power to the high-voltage load circuit is turned off.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, 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 fasteners 6.

[0044] 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the threaded fastener 6 is configured to move between a pre-installation position (position shown in FIG. 6) in which the power terminal 5 and the mating power terminal 5' are loosened, and a final installation position (position shown in FIG. 7) in which the power terminal 5 and the mating power terminal 5' are fastened together. When the threaded fastener 6 is in the pre-installation position, the threaded fastener 6 is in a position that interferes with the cover 2, preventing the cover 2 from moving to the closed position before the power terminal 5 is fastened to the mating power terminal 5'.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, pre-lock structures 16a and 16b are formed on housing 1, and pre-lock structures 16a and 16b are configured to engage flange portion 61 of threaded fastener 6 to pre-lock threaded fastener 6 in a pre-installation position.

[0046] 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the pre-lock structures 16a and 16b include an upper elastic buckle 16a and a lower elastic buckle 16b. The upper elastic buckle 16a is configured to abut against an upper side of a flange portion 61 of the threaded fastener 6. The lower elastic buckle 16b is adapted to abut against a lower side of the flange portion 61 of the threaded fastener 6. When the threaded fastener 6 is in a pre-installation position, the flange portion 61 of the threaded fastener 6 is clamped between the upper elastic buckle 16a and the lower elastic buckle 16b, and thus the threaded fastener 6 is pre-locked in the pre-installation position.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1-10, in the illustrated embodiment, the cover 2 is removably attached to the housing 1 and is rotatable relative to the housing 1 between an open position and a closed position.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, a connection portion 21 is formed on one side of the cover, and the connection portion 21 is movably connected to the housing 1, so that the cover 2 can rotate between an open position and a closed position relative to the housing 1.

[0049] 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 being adapted to engage with a snap slot formed in the buckle 22. When the cover 2 is in the closed position, the protrusion 12 engages with the snap slot of the buckle 22 to lock the cover 2 in the closed position.

[0050] 1 to 10 , in the illustrated embodiment, the connector 100 further includes a seal ring 25, which is attached to the outer peripheral wall of the cover 2 and configured to be compressed between the outer peripheral wall of the cover 2 and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting opening 101 of the housing 1. When the cover 2 is in the closed position, the seal ring 25 is compressed between the outer peripheral wall of the cover 2 and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting opening 101 of the housing 1, thereby realizing a seal between the outer peripheral wall of the cover 2 and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting opening 101 of the housing 1.

[0051] 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector 100 further includes two signal cables 32 electrically connected to the two signal terminals 31, respectively. The two signal cables 32 are led out of the housing 1 for electrical connection to a low-voltage control circuit (not shown), which is used to control the on and off of the power supply to the high-voltage load circuit.

[0052] 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 removably inserted into the insertion slot 13.

[0053] As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, an insulator 33, two signal terminals 31, and two signal cables 32 are pre-assembled together to form a separate signal module 3, which is removably mounted in the housing 1.

[0054] 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, a mating portion 23 suitable for insertion into the insertion slot 13 of the housing 1 is formed inside the cover 2, and an internal cavity 24 suitable for fitting into one end of the insulator 33 is formed in the mating portion 23. The mating signal terminal 41 is fixedly disposed in the mating portion 23 of the cover 2 and is suitable for insertion into the insulator 33 so as to be in electrical contact with the two signal terminals 31 of the insulator 33.

[0055] 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, two mounting holes are formed in the insulator 33, and two signal terminals 31 are inserted into the two mounting holes of the insulator 33, respectively. A mounting groove is formed in the fitting portion 23 of the cover 2, and the mating signal terminal 41 is inserted into the mounting groove with an interference fit.

[0056] As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the power terminal 5 has a first connecting end 5a located in the housing 1, and a connecting hole is formed in the first connecting end 5a of the power terminal 5 to allow the threaded fastener 6 to pass through, so that the power terminal 5 can be fastened to a mating power terminal 5' by the threaded fastener 6.

[0057] 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 a high-voltage load circuit.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, a connection nut 5c is fixed to the second connection end 5b of the power terminal 5, and therefore, a bolt (not shown) screwed into the connection nut 5c can tighten the second connection end 5b of the power terminal 5 to the connection terminal of the high-voltage load circuit.

[0059] 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 fasten the two power terminals 5 to two mating power terminals 5′ of the mating connector 200, respectively.

[0060] As shown in Figures 1 to 10, a connector assembly is also disclosed in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The connector assembly includes the above-mentioned connector 100 and a mating connector 200. The mating connector 200 mates 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 provided in the mating housing 7. The nut 8 is provided in the mating housing 7. A threaded fastener 6 of the connector passes through the power terminal 5 and the mating power terminal 5' and is screwed onto the nut 8 to fasten the power terminal 5 and the mating power terminal 5' together.

[0061] 1 to 10, in the illustrated embodiment, the mating connector 200 further includes a cable 9 electrically connected to the mating power terminal 5′. The cable 9 is led out of the mating housing 7 for electrical connection to a high-voltage load circuit.

[0062] Although not shown, another exemplary embodiment of the present invention also discloses a connector. The connector includes a housing 1, a power terminal 5, two signal terminals 31, a moving part (not shown), and a mating signal terminal 41. The power terminal 5 is provided on the housing 1 for electrically connecting to a high-voltage load circuit (not shown). The two signal terminals 31 are provided on the housing 1. The moving part (e.g., a cover 2 shown in the figure, but not limited to a cover) can move between a first position and a second position relative to the housing 1. The mating signal terminal 41 is provided on the moving part. When the moving part moves from the first position to the second position, the mating signal terminal 41 moves from a separated position where it is electrically separated from the two signal terminals 31 to a bridge position where it electrically connects (bridges) the two signal terminals 31. After the mating signal terminal 41 moves to the bridge position, the power supply to the high voltage load circuit is turned on, and after the mating signal terminal 41 moves to the separation position, the power supply to the high voltage load circuit is turned off.

[0063] Although not shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the movable part is an independent part separate from the housing 1 and can be moved from a first position where it is separated from the housing 1 to a second position where it engages with the housing 1.

[0064] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, not shown, the moving part is movably connected to the housing 1 and can move between a first position and a second position.

[0065] Although not shown, in another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moving part and the housing 1 are integrally formed, and there is a flexible connection between the moving part and the housing 1, allowing the moving part to be moved between a first position and a second position.

[0066] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the above embodiments without any contradiction in structure or principle, and can freely combine various features described in different embodiments with each other.

[0067] While several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to 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.

[0068] As used herein, elements described in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding a plural of said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is expressly stated. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or elements having a particular characteristic may include additional such elements that do not have that characteristic.

Claims

1. A connector, a housing (1) having an attachment opening (101); - power terminals (5) provided on said housing (1) for electrical connection to a high voltage load circuit; - a threaded fastener (6) adapted to be tightened or loosened by a tool inserted into said mounting opening (101) and used to fasten said power terminal (5) to a mating power terminal (5') of a mating connector (200); - two signal terminals (31) provided on the housing (1); a cover (2) movable between an open position for opening the access opening (101) and a closed position for closing the access opening (101); - a mating signal terminal (41) provided on the cover (2); Equipped with When the cover (2) moves from the open position to the closed position, the mating signal terminal (41) moves from a separated position where it is electrically separated from the two signal terminals (31) to a bridge position where it electrically connects the two signal terminals (31), After the mating signal terminal (41) moves to the bridge position, the power supply to the high-voltage load circuit is turned on, and after the mating signal terminal (41) moves to the separated position, the power supply to the high-voltage load circuit is turned off.

2. 2. The connector of 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 fasteners (6).

3. The threaded fastener (6) is configured to move between a pre-installation position in which the power terminal (5) and the mating power terminal (5') are loosened, and a final installation position in which the power terminal (5) and the mating power terminal (5') are tightened, 3. The connector of claim 2, wherein when the threaded fasteners (6) are in the pre-mounting position, the threaded fasteners (6) are in a position that interferes with the cover (2) and prevents the cover (2) from moving to the closed position before the power terminals (5) are fastened to the mating power terminals (5').

4. 4. The connector of claim 3, wherein pre-lock structures (16a, 16b) are formed on the housing (1), and the pre-lock structures (16a, 16b) are configured to engage flange portions (61) of the threaded fastener (6) to pre-lock the threaded fastener (6) in the pre-mounted position.

5. The pre-lock structure (16a, 16b) an upper elastic buckle (16a) configured to abut the upper side of the flange portion (61) of the threaded fastener (6); a lower elastic buckle (16b) configured to abut the underside of the flange portion (61) of the threaded fastener (6); Including, 5. The connector of claim 4, wherein when the threaded fastener (6) is in the pre-installation position, the flange portion (61) of the threaded fastener (6) is clamped between the upper elastic buckle (16a) and the lower elastic buckle (16b), and thus the threaded fastener (6) is pre-locked in the pre-installation position.

6. 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the cover (2) is removably attached to the housing (1) and is rotatable relative to the housing (1) between the open position and the closed position.

7. 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein a connection portion (21) is formed on one side of the cover (2), the connection portion (21) being movably connected to the housing (1), so that the cover (2) can rotate between the open position and the closed position relative to the housing (1).

8. a buckle (22) is formed on the cover (2) and a protrusion (12) is formed on the housing (1), the protrusion (12) being configured to engage with a snap slot formed on the buckle (22); 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein when the cover is in the closed position, the protrusion engages with the snap slot of the buckle to lock the cover in the closed position.

9. a seal ring (25) attached to an outer peripheral wall of the cover (2) and configured to be compressed between the outer peripheral wall of the cover (2) and an inner peripheral wall of the mounting opening (101) of the housing (1); 2. The connector of claim 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 opening (101) of the housing (1) to achieve a seal between the outer peripheral wall of the cover (2) and the inner peripheral wall of the mounting opening (101) of the housing (1).

10. two signal cables (32) electrically connected to the two signal terminals (31), respectively; 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the two signal cables (32) are led out of the housing (1) for electrical connection to a low-voltage control circuit, the low-voltage control circuit being used to control the on and off of power to the high-voltage load circuit.

11. an insulator (33) for holding the two signal terminals (31); 11. The connector according to claim 10, wherein an insertion slot (13) is formed in the housing (1), and the insulator (33) is removably inserted into the insertion slot (13).

12. 12. The connector of claim 11, 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), and the signal module (3) is removably attached to the housing (1).

13. a fitting portion (23) adapted to be inserted into the insertion slot (13) of the housing (1) is formed inside the cover (2), and an internal cavity (24) adapted to be fitted onto one end of the insulator (33) is formed in the fitting portion (23); 12. The connector of claim 11, wherein the mating signal terminal (41) is fixedly disposed in the mating portion (23) of the cover (2) and is adapted to be inserted into the insulator (33) and to electrically contact the two signal terminals (31) of the insulator (33).

14. Two mounting holes are formed in the insulator (33), and the two signal terminals (31) are inserted into the two mounting holes of the insulator (33), respectively; and / or 14. The connector according to claim 13, wherein a mounting groove is formed in the fitting portion (23) of the cover (2), and the mating signal terminal (41) is inserted into the mounting groove with an interference fit.

15. 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the power terminal (5) has a first connecting end (5a) located in the housing (1), and a connecting hole is formed in the first connecting end (5a) of the power terminal (5) to allow the threaded fastener (6) to pass through, thereby allowing the power terminal (5) to be fastened to the mating power terminal (5') by the threaded fastener (6).

16. 16. The connector according to claim 15, wherein the power terminal (5) also has a second connection end (5b) located outside the housing (1), the second connection end (5b) of the power terminal (5) being used for electrical connection to the high-voltage load circuit.

17. 17. The connector according to claim 16, wherein a connecting nut (5c) is fixed to the second connecting end (5b) of the power terminal (5), so that the second connecting end (5b) of the power terminal (5) can be tightened to a connecting terminal of the high-voltage load circuit by a bolt screwed into the connecting nut (5c).

18. 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises two power terminals (5) and two threaded fasteners (6), the two threaded fasteners (6) being used to fasten the two power terminals (5) to the two mating power terminals (5') of the mating connector (200), respectively.

19. 1. A connector assembly comprising: The connector (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 18; a mating connector (200) that mates with the connector (100); Equipped with The mating connector (200) A mating housing (7), a mating power terminal (5') provided on the mating housing (7); A nut (8) provided on the mating housing (7), Including, The threaded fastener (6) of the connector passes through the power terminal (5) and the mating power terminal (5') and is screwed onto the nut (8) to fasten the power terminal (5) and the mating power terminal (5') together.

20. The mating connector (200) further includes a cable (9) electrically connected to the mating power terminal (5'); 20. A connector assembly according to claim 19, wherein the cable (9) is led out of the mating housing (7) for electrical connection to a high voltage load circuit.

21. A connector, - a housing (1); - power terminals (5) provided on said housing (1) for electrical connection to a high voltage load circuit; - two signal terminals (31) provided on the housing (1); - a moving part movable relative to said housing (1) between a first position and a second position; - a mating signal terminal (41) provided on the moving part; Equipped with When the moving part moves from the first position to the second position, the mating signal terminal (41) moves from a separated position where it is electrically separated from the two signal terminals (31) to a bridge position where it electrically connects the two signal terminals (31), After the mating signal terminal (41) moves to the bridge position, the power supply to the high-voltage load circuit is turned on, and after the mating signal terminal (41) moves to the separated position, the power supply to the high-voltage load circuit is turned off.

22. 22. The connector of claim 21, wherein the movable part is an independent part separate from the housing (1) and can be moved from the first position separated from the housing (1) to the second position engaged with the housing (1).

23. 22. The connector according to claim 21, wherein the moving part is movably connected to the housing (1) and can move between the first position and the second position.

24. 22. The connector of claim 21, wherein the moving part and the housing (1) are integrally formed, and there is a flexible connection between the moving part and the housing (1), allowing the moving part to be moved between the first position and the second position.

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