Electrical connector

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrical connector. The electrical connector comprising a first connector part releasably connected to a second connector part. The first connector part is for connection to a first component and the second connector part for connection to a second component. The first connector part comprises a first electrical contact extending parallel with a first axis of the first connector part and a first guide wall extending parallel with the first axis and extending around the first electrical contact. The second connector part comprises a second electrical contact extending parallel with a second axis of the second connector part and a second guide wall extending parallel with the second axis and extending around the second electrical contact. The first connector part and second connector part are arranged such that, when connected, the first axis is substantially parallel with the second axis, the first electrical contact is in electrical contact with the second electrical contact, and engagement of the first guide wall and second guide wall align the first connector part and second connector part in directions perpendicular to, and around, the first axis such that the first connector part can only be moved relative to the second connector part parallel with the first axis. The first connector part is formed by moulding, and first electrical contact is overmoulded in the first connector part, and the second connector part is formed by moulding and the second electrical contact is overmoulded in the second connector part.

Description

[0001] Electrical Connector

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrical connector, particularly to an electrical connector for use in a vehicle. The invention extends to an assembly comprising such an electrical connector and to a method of creating such an assembly.

[0003] Electrical connectors may employ pairs of inter-engaging connector parts for interconnecting one, or more, circuits or wires through mated electrical contacts. In some connectors the connector parts are referred to as male and female connector parts and may employ a pin and socket arrangement. Electrical connectors are used in many different environments and are used to create reliable and robust electrical connections that can be disconnected when required.

[0004] The present invention provides an electrical connector, the electrical connector comprising a first connector part releasably connected to a second connector part, the first connector part being for connection to a first component and the second connector part for connection to a second component; the first connector part comprising a first electrical contact extending parallel with a first axis of the first connector part and a first guide wall extending parallel with the first axis and extending around the first electrical contact; the second connector part comprising a second electrical contact extending parallel with a second axis of the second connector part and a second guide wall extending parallel with the second axis and extending around the second electrical contact; the first connector part and second connector part are arranged such that, when connected, the first axis is substantially parallel with the second axis, the first electrical contact is in electrical contact with the second electrical contact, and engagement of the first guide wall and second guide wall align the first connector part and second connector part in directions perpendicular to, and around, the first axis such that the first connector part can only be moved relative to the second connector part parallel with the first axis; wherein the first connector part is formed by moulding, and the first electrical contact is overmoulded in the first connector part, and the second connector part is formed by moulding and the second electrical contact is overmoulded in the second connector part.

[0005] Each of the first and second connector parts comprises an electrical contact that is overmoulded in the respective connector part. The overmoulding can provide a reliable coupling between a body of the connector part and the associated electrical contact which may help to fix the electrical contact in place relative to the body of the connector part. This fixing may reduce the potential for the electrical contact to move, for example vibrate, relative to the body of the connector part. Reducing the movement of the electrical contact relative to the body of the connector part can reduce wear and I or particulate creation may result in a connection which is more reliable when in use. The overmoulding may extend to overmoulding other components that are connected to the electrical contact, for example a bus bar, connection cable, or other electrically conductive element, that can connect the electrical contact to other components that may be coupled to the respective connector part.

[0006] The overmoulding process may also create one or more features of the body of the connector parts, for example the guide walls, and the position of the electrical connector relative to the feature is determined by the overmoulding process and this may reduce dimensional variabilities between connector parts that could arise if electrical connectors are added to a pre-formed connector part body. This reduction of dimensional variability and the inclusion of guide walls in connector parts may facilitate the rapid and reliable connection of the connector parts, and may allow other components to be aligned based on the alignment of the guide walls.

[0007] The electrical connector may be any form of electrical connector and may include a male and a female connector part, or a plug and a socket connector part. The electrical connector may be a high voltage electrical connector which may be capable of handling voltages of over 100V, over 200V, over 300V, over 400V, or over 800V. The electrical connector may be a connector for carrying direct current, or for carrying alternating current.

[0008] The first connector part is releasably connected to the second connector part. This releasable connection may be a friction, or interference, fit so that separation of the connector parts can be achieved by pulling the connector parts apart, for example along the first and second axes. The releasable connection may be secured in a connected configuration by a releasable or removable element or fixing, for example a clip or catch, or a screw or pin.

[0009] The first connector part and second connector part may be any suitable shape and configuration. One, or both, of the connector parts may comprise a connector body. The connector body is overmoulded onto at least a part of the electrical contact. The first component and a second component may be any component that could carry an electrical connector part. The first component and second component may comprise an electrically powered component and an electrical power supply, for example the electrically powered component may be a compressor and the electrical power supply may be an inverter.

[0010] The electrical contact is arranged in the respective connector part such that it extends along a respective axis of the connector part. Each connector part also comprises a respective guide wall which also extends parallel with the respective axis of the connector part.

[0011] The guide wall extends around the respective electrical contact. The guide wall may be substantially continuous or may include one or more breaks or discontinuities.

[0012] To connect the connector parts, the first axis and second axis are arranged so that they are substantially parallel. The connector parts are moved towards each other along the first and second axes. Engagement of the first guide wall with the second guide wall aligns the first connector part and second connector part in directions perpendicular to the first axis, and around the first axis. This limits the freedom of movement of the connector parts relative to one another such that the first connector part can only be moved relative to the second connector part along the first axis. Once the connector parts are fully engaged, the first electrical contact is in electrical contact with the second electrical contact so that electrical current can pass between the connector parts.

[0013] During connection of the connector parts the electrical contacts may make electrical contact before the guide walls make contact, the electrical contacts may make electrical contact after the guide walls make contact, or the electrical contacts may make electrical contact at substantially the same time as the guide walls make contact.

[0014] The relative position of the electrical contact and the guide wall is substantially fixed by the overmoulding process, the electrical contacts may provide an alignment guide. However, it is the engagement of the first guide wall and second guide wall that aligns the first connector part and second connector part in directions perpendicular to, and around, the first axis.

[0015] Moulding and overmoulding processes are known and may involve an injection moulding process. In an overmoulding process, a pre-formed component, in this case the electrical contact, is arranged in a mould and a liquid material is added to the mould over and around at least part of the pre-formed component to form a moulded body of the component.

[0016] This may be referred to as an insert moulding process, with the insert being the pre-formed component. The liquid material may be a molten plastic which is injected into, or otherwise added to, the mould, or may be a resin which is injected, poured, or otherwise added into the mould. This may allow the material to bond, or adhere, directly to the pre-formed component.

[0017] The electrical contact is made from a material which is electrically conductive and may be a metal. The material added to the mould in the overmoulding or insert moulding, process may be non-conductive such that is acts as an electrical insulator.

[0018] The electrical connector may be fabricated from a metallic material. The metallic material may be a bare metal or may be coated, for example with another metallic material. For example, the material may be a copper material, and the copper material may be coated with silver. The housing material may be a plastic material. The housing material may comprise a reinforcing fibre, for example a glass fibre, within the plastic matrix. The reinforcing fibre may make up at least 20%, at least 30% or at least 35% of the weight of the housing material. The plastic may be a polypropylene, a polyphenylene sulfide, a polycarbonate, or a polyamide. The material may be classified as GF-40 which refers to a glass fibre reinforced material with 40% w / w glass fibres.

[0019] The first electrical contact may comprise a first contact element comprising one of a socket and a pin, and the second electrical contact comprises a cooperating contact element comprising the other of a socket and a pin to engage with the first contact element. The contact elements can be in any suitable form, but a socket and pin arrangement provides a convenient and reliable connection. The pin may be substantially cylindrical, and the socket may be a cylindrical shape to accept a cylindrical pin to provide a radial connection. Suitable connectors are commercially available under the trademark RADSOK®.

[0020] The first electrical contact and the second electrical contact each comprise two or three contact elements which are overmoulded in the respective connector part. This may allow the transfer of two-, or three-phase high voltage electrical power. The contact elements may be arranged along a line which is perpendicular to the respective axis. The first electrical contact may be spaced apart from the first guide wall. The second electrical contact is spaced from the second guide wall. This may help to electrically isolate the electrical contacts from the guide walls and may create a longer creepage path.

[0021] The first guide wall and the second guide wall may be substantially continuous. The guide walls may substantially surround the respective electrical contact. This may mean that the guide walls, when the first connector part is connected to the second connector part, together define a connection chamber within which the first electrical contact is in electrical contact with the second electrical contact. The creation of a defined connection chamber within the electrical connection is made may allow the environment within the connection chamber to be controlled or protected. The guide walls may help to prevent ingress of dust, particulates, water, or other contaminants. The connection chamber may be substantially sealed. The guide walls and I or the connector parts may include sealing elements around the connection chamber which may contribute to the environmental sealing of the connection chamber. The sealing elements may be integrally moulded with the connector part, or may be separate components such as flexible elements such as ‘O’ rings which may be made from, for example, silicone, or rubber. The first and I or second connector part may include one or more grooves into which a sealing element can be arranged.

[0022] The first connector part may be to be attached to an electrically powered component. The electrically powered component may comprise am electric motor, for example, the electrically powered component may be an e-compressor, or e-turbo, and may form part of a fuel cell fuel supply, for example in a vehicle. The second connector part may be to be connected to an electrical power supply, for example an inverter or other AC power source, such that electrical power can be provided from the power supply to the electrically powered component through the electrical connector.

[0023] The second connector part may further comprise a mounting plate. The mounting plate may provide a location onto which components can be secured and I or onto which components can be mounted. The mounting plate may comprise at least one mounting plate feature which may be arranged such that, when the electrical connected is connected to the electrically powered component and the power supply, the mounting plate feature is aligned with a corresponding feature on the electrically powered component. The mounting plate may be formed by moulding. The mounting plate may be formed in the same process step as the overmoulding, or insert moulding so that the mounting plate is integrally formed with the second connector part body. The mounting plate feature may comprise any suitable feature, the alignment of which with a corresponding feature on the electrically powered component would be beneficial. For example, the mounting plate feature may comprise a fluid port, either an inlet or an outlet, and the corresponding feature may comprise a corresponding fluid port thereby facilitating alignment of the ports during assembly. The mounting plate feature may comprise a mounting point, and the corresponding feature may comprise a corresponding mounting point thereby facilitating alignment of the mounting points during assembly. The mounting plate feature may comprise an exposed region of a bus bar, connection cable, or other electrically conductive element.

[0024] The electrically powered component may be a compressor. The electrical power supply may be an inverter. The mounting plate feature may comprise a coolant port so that coolant can flow between the inverter and the compressor.

[0025] The invention also provides an assembly comprising an electrically powered component, an electric power supply and an electrical connector, the electrical connector being as described above, the first connector part being a terminal block connected to the electrically powered component in a predetermined position, and the power supply comprising the second connector part, the second connector part comprising a mounting plate, the first connector part and second connector part being coupled together such that the power supply can provide electrical power to the electrically powered component, the electrically powered component being coupled to the mounting plate in a position determined by the engagement of the first guide wall and second guide wall of the electrical connector.

[0026] The electrically powered component the electrically powered component may comprise an electric motor. The electrically powered component may be a compressor. The electrical power supply may be an inverter, corresponding feature may comprise a coolant port so that coolant can flow between the inverter and the compressor.

[0027] The terminal block may a component that is secured to the electrically powered component so that the electrical contact of the first connector part is electrically connected to electrical contacts of the electrically powered component. The terminal block may be secured to the electrically powered component in a predetermined position and orientation such that features of the electrically powered component are in a predetermined position relative to the guide wall and electrical contact of the first connector part. The terminal block may be connected to the electrically powered component using fixings that are inserted in a direction perpendicular to the first axis. The fixings may be any suitable fixings, they may be releasable and may be screws or bolts. The fixings may be electrically conductive and may provide an electric connection between electrical contacts of the electrically powered component and the electrical contact of the first connector part.

[0028] Components of the inverter may be coupled to the mounting plate in locations defined by the mounting plate. The components may include, for example, a cover plate, mounting columns, coolant inlet port or other components.

[0029] The inverter may comprise a coolant outlet and a plurality of fixing points. The position of the coolant outlet and the fixing points may be defined by the mounting plate. The electrically powered component may be fixed to the fixing points and may include a coolant inlet aligned with the coolant outlet.

[0030] The electrically powered component may be a compressor including an electric motor, and the electrical power supply may comprise an inverter.

[0031] The invention also provides a method of creating an assembly, the assembly being substantially as described above, the method comprising: providing the electrically powered component and the power supply, the electrically powered component having a first connector part attached thereto and the power supply comprising a second connector part having a mounting plate, the first connector component and the second connector component together forming an electrical connector; arranging the electrically powered component and inverter such that the first axis of first connector part and the second axis of the second connector part are substantially parallel; moving the electrically powered component and power supply towards one another in a direction parallel with the first and second axes such that the first guide wall engages with the second guide wall and the first electrical contact is in electrical contact with the second electrical contact, thereby aligning the electrically powered component and power supply.

[0032] The method may further comprise attaching the first connector part to the electrically powered component using fixings that are inserted in a direction perpendicular to the first axis. Providing an electrical connector as described herein facilitates alignment of components during assembly. Using an overmoulding or insert moulding process to mould the connector parts around the respective electrical contacts fixes the position of the electrical contacts relative to the connector part and therefore allows the guide walls to be used to align not only the connector parts, but also other components. The overmoulding or insert moulding of the electrical contacts also reduces the possibility of relative movement between the electrical contact and the moulded body of the connector part, which can reduce wear on the parts, reducing particulate formation and increasing lifespan of the components.

[0033] By incorporating such an electrical connector, the formation of the assembly can be simplified. As the components are moved towards one another along an axis parallel with the first and second axes, alignment of the components attached to the connector parts is achieved by the interaction of the guide walls of the electrical connector.

[0034] The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following figures in which:

[0035] Figure 1 shows an exploded schematic cross section through an electrical connector comprising a first connector part and a second connector part;

[0036] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross section through the electrical connector of Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross section through an electrical connector having three contact elements in each connector part;

[0038] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of parts of an assembly;

[0039] Figure 5 shows a schematic view of an assembly assembled from the parts of Figure 4;

[0040] Figure 6 shows a view of a first connector part and a second connector part;

[0041] Figure 7 shows a view of the underside of the first connector part of Figure 6;

[0042] Figure 8 shows a view of parts of an assembly comprising a compressor and an inverter; and

[0043] Figure 9 shows a vehicle with the assembly of Figure 9.

[0044] Figure 1 shows an exploded schematic cross section through an electrical connector 1 comprising a first connector part 2 and a second connector part 4. The first connector part 2 and second connector part 4 being releasably connectable to one another. The first connector part 2 is for connection to a first component and the second connector part 4 is for connection to a second component and this will be shown in later figures.

[0045] The first connector part 2 comprises a first electrical contact 6 extending parallel with a first axis 8 of the first connector part 2. The first connector part 2 comprises a first guide wall 10 that extends parallel with the first axis 8, is spaced from, and extends around the first electrical contact 6. The first guide wall 10 is a substantially continuous structure around the first electrical contact 6.

[0046] The first connector part 2 also comprises a first connector body 12 which is overmoulded onto the first electrical contact 6 in an overmoulding or insert moulding process in which the first electrical contact 6 is arranged in a mould and then material 14 which is to form the first connector body 12 is introduced into the mould. During the moulding process, the material 14 which is to form the first connector body 12 contacts at least a portion of the first electrical contact 6 so that the first electrical contact 6 is secured into the first connector body 2.

[0047] The first electrical contact 6 of the first connector part 2 comprises first contact element 16 which, in this case, comprises a substantially cylindrical pin. The first contact element 16 is exposed within the first guide wall 10. The first electrical contact 6 comprises a connection head 18 which includes a fixing hole 20 though which a fixing can be passed to secure the first connector part 2 to another component.

[0048] The first guide wall 10 includes a seal element 22, in this case an ‘O’-ring seal on a sealing surface 24. The sealing surface 24 may include a recess 26 into which the seal element 22 can be located.

[0049] The second connector part 4 comprises a second electrical contact 28 extending parallel with a second axis 30 of the second connector part 4 and a second guide wall 32 extending parallel with the second axis 30. The second guide wall is spaced from and extends around the second electrical contact 28.

[0050] The second connector part 4 also comprises a second connector body 34 which is overmoulded onto the first electrical contact 28 in an overmoulding or insert moulding process in which the electrical contact 28 is arranged in a mould and then material 36 which is to form the second connector body 34 is introduced into the mould. During the moulding process, the material 36 which is to form the second connector body 34 contacts at least a portion of the second electrical contact 28 so that the second electrical contact 28 is secured into the second connector body 4.

[0051] The second electrical contact 28 of the second connector part 4 comprises second contact element 38 which, in this case, comprises a substantially cylindrical socket. The second contact element 38 is exposed within the second guide wall 32. The second electrical contact 28 is electrically connected to a bus bar 40 which is also overmoulded into the second connector body 34.

[0052] The bus bar extends into a mounting plate 41 which is integrally moulded with the second connector body 34. The bus bar 40 includes a bus connection location 42 in which a surface of the bus bar 40 is exposed to allow components to be electrically connected thereto and so to the second electrical contact 28.

[0053] The second connector body 34 of the second connector part 4 also includes a connection feature 42, in this case, a post, which can support or locate a component during an assembly process. Since the connection feature is formed in the same moulding process as the second connector body 34, the position of the connection feature 44 relative to the second guide wall 32 and the electrical contact 28 is well defined.

[0054] The second guide wall 32 includes a seal element 42, in this case an ‘O’-ring seal on a sealing surface 44. The sealing surface 44 may include a recess 46 into which the seal element 22 can be located.

[0055] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross section through the electrical connector 1 of Figure 1 in which the first axis 8 of the first connector part 2 and the second axis 30 of the second connector part 4 have been arranged (in this example the axes 8,30 overlie one another) so that they are parallel, and the first and second guide walls 10,32 have been aligned and the first and second connector parts 2,4 moved together along the first and second axes 8,30.

[0056] The first contact element 16 of the first electrical contact 6 is in electrical contact with the second contact element 30 of the second electrical contact 28. Engagement of the first guide wall 10 and second guide wall 32 align the first connector part 2 and second connector part 4 in directions perpendicular to, and around, the first axis such that the first connector 2 part can only be moved relative to the second connector part 4 parallel with the first axis 8. Relative rotation of the first connector part and the second connector part 2,4 is prevented by the non-circular shape or features of the first and second guide walls 10,32.

[0057] The first and second connector parts 2,4 together define a connection chamber 46. The seals 22,42 provide environmental sealing for the connection chamber 46. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a schematic cross section through an electrical connector 101 having three contact elements 116,138 in each contact part 102,104. The electrical connector is similar in structure to the electrical connector 1 of Figure 2 and like parts are labelled with the same reference numerals incremented by 100.

[0058] The first electrical contact 106 of the first connector part 102 comprises three contact elements 116, each of which, in this example, comprises a cylindrical pin. The second electrical contact 128 of the first connector part 104 comprises three contact elements 138, each of which, in this example, comprises a cylindrical socket.

[0059] In this example a further housing component 48 is arranged between the first connector part 102 and the second connector part 104 and seals 50,142 carried by the first and second connector parts 102,104 respectively engage with that housing component 48 to provide environmental sealing for the connection chamber 146.

[0060] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of parts of an assembly 52. The assembly 52 comprises an electrically powered component 54 including an electric motor 56, an electric power supply 58 and an electrical connector 201. The electrical connector 201 being substantially as described in connection with Figure 2 or Figure 3.

[0061] The first connector part 201 of this example is a terminal block connected to the electrically powered component 54 in a predetermined position. The first connector part 201 is electrically connected to the electrically powered component 54 and the associated electric motor 56. The first connector part 201 is connected to the electrically powered component 54 using fixings 66 which are inserted substantially perpendicular to the first axis 208 of the first connector part 202. During assembly, at least part of the first connector part 202 may be covered by a cover component 68.

[0062] The power supply 58 comprises the second connector part 204. The second connector part comprising a mounting plate 60 to which other parts 62,64 of the power supply 58 are connected.

[0063] In this example the electrically powered component 54 is an electrically powered compressor, and the power supply 58 is an inverter. In this example, the mounting plate 60 comprises a mounting plate feature 70. During assembly, the mounting plate feature 70 is aligned with a corresponding feature 72 on the electrically powered component 54 by engagement between the first and second guide walls (not shown in this figure) of the electrical connector parts 202,204. The mounting plate 60 also comprises fixing features 74 which are aligned with corresponding fixing features 76 of the electrically powered component 54 in the same way.

[0064] Figure 5 shows a schematic view of an assembly 52 assembled from the parts of Figure 4. The first connector part 202 and second connector part 204 are releasably coupled together such that the power supply 58 can provide electrical power to the electrically powered component 54 through the electrical connector 201. As set out above, the electrically powered component is coupled to the mounting plate in a position determined by the engagement of the first guide wall and second guide wall (not shown in this figure) of the electrical connector 201.

[0065] Figure 6 shows a view of a first connector part 302 and a second connector part 304 and Figure 7 shows a view of the underside of the first connector part 302 of Figure 6.

[0066] In line with the discussion above, the first connector part 302 comprises a first electrical contact 306 comprising three first contact elements 316 each of which comprise a cylindrical pin.

[0067] The second connector part 304 comprises a mounting plate 360 and a second electrical contact 328 which comprises three second contact elements 338 which, in this case, each comprise a substantially cylindrical socket.

[0068] Bus bars 340 connected to the contact elements 338 are overmoulded into the second connector part 304 and are exposed on the mounting plate for connection to electrical components.

[0069] The engagement of the guide walls 310 and 332 aligns the first connector part 302 with the second connector part 304.

[0070] Figure 8 shows a view of parts of an assembly 452 comprising a compressor 454 and an inverter 458. The compressor 454 includes a first connector part 402 coupled thereto and the inverter includes a second connector part 404; and The inverter 458 includes a coolant inlet 78, a coolant outlet 472 and a plurality of fixing features 474. The compressor 454 comprises a coolant inlet 470 and a plurality of fixing features 476. The engagement of the respective guide walls aligns the first connector part 402 with the second connector part 404 and thereby aligns the coolant inlet 470 and coolant outlet 472, and the fixing features 474 and 476 to facilitate assembly.

[0071] The assembly 452 may be an assembly of an inverter and e-compressor for use in the fuel supply system of a fuel cell powered vehicle.

[0072] Figure 9 shows a vehicle 80 which comprises a fuel cell 82 and a fuel source 84. The assembly 452 supplies fuel from the fuel source 84 to the fuel cell 82. The electricity produced by the fuel cell may be used to power the vehicle 80 and may power the inverter 458 of the assembly.

Claims

Claims1. An electrical connector, the electrical connector comprising a first connector part releasably connected to a second connector part, the first connector part being for connection to a first component and the second connector part for connection to a second component; the first connector part comprising a first electrical contact extending parallel with a first axis of the first connector part and a first guide wall extending parallel with the first axis and extending around the first electrical contact; the second connector part comprising a second electrical contact extending parallel with a second axis of the second connector part and a second guide wall extending parallel with the second axis and extending around the second electrical contact; the first connector part and second connector part are arranged such that, when connected, the first axis is substantially parallel with the second axis, the first electrical contact is in electrical contact with the second electrical contact, and engagement of the first guide wall and second guide wall align the first connector part and second connector part in directions perpendicular to, and around, the first axis such that the first connector part can only be moved relative to the second connector part parallel with the first axis; wherein the first connector part is formed by moulding, and the first electrical contact is overmoulded in the first connector part, and the second connector part is formed by moulding the second electrical contact is overmoulded in the second connector part.

2. An electrical connector as claimed in claim 1, in which the first electrical contact comprises a first contact element comprising one of a socket and a pin, and the second electrical contact comprises a cooperating contact element comprising the other of a socket and a pin to engage with the first contact element.

3. An electrical connector as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact each comprise three contact elements which are overmoulded in the respective connector part.

4. An electrical connector as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first electrical contact is spaced apart from the first guide wall, and the second electrical contact is spaced from the second guide wall.

5. An electrical connector as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first guide wall and the second guide wall are substantially continuous, substantially surround the respective electrical contact and, when the when the first connector part is connected to the second connector part, together define a connection chamber within which the first electrical contact is in electrical contact with the second electrical contact.

6. An electrical connector as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first connector part is to be attached to an electrically powered component and the second connector part is to be connected to an electrical power supply such that electrical power can be provided from the power supply to the electrically powered component through the electrical connector, the second connector part further comprising a mounting plate, the mounting plate comprising at least one mounting plate feature, the mounting plate feature arranged such that, when the electrical connected is connected to the electrically powered component and the power supply, the mounting plate feature is aligned with a corresponding feature on the electrically powered component.

7. An electrical connector as claimed in claim 6, in which the electrically powered component is a compressor, the power supply is an inverter, and the mounting plate feature comprises a coolant port so that coolant can flow between the inverter and the compressor.

8. An electrical connector as claimed in any preceding claims, in which the first connector part and I or the second connector part carry sealing members which, when the first connector part is connected to the second connector part, contribute to the environmental sealing of a connection chamber within which the first electrical contact is in electrical contact with the second electrical contact.

9. An assembly comprising an electrically powered component, an electric power supply and an electrical connector, the electrical connector being as claimed in any preceding claim, the first connector part being a terminal block connected to the electrically powered component in a predetermined position, and the power supply comprising the second connector part, the second connector part comprising a mounting plate, the first connector part and second connector part being coupled together such that the power supply can provide electrical power to the electrically powered component, the electrically powered component being coupled to the mounting plate in a position determined by the engagement of the first guide wall and second guide wall of the electrical connector.

10. An assembly as claimed in claim 9, in which the terminal block is connected to the electrically powered component using fixings that are inserted in a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

11. An assembly as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, in which components of the inverter are coupled to the mounting plate in locations defined by the mounting plate.

12. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11 , in which the inverter comprises a coolant outlet and a plurality of fixing points, the position of the coolant outlet and the fixing points being defined by the mounting plate, the electrically powered component being fixed to the fixing points and including a coolant inlet aligned with the coolant outlet.

13. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12, in which the electrically powered component is a compressor including an electric motor, and the electrical power supply comprises an inverter.

14. A method of creating an assembly, the assembly being as claimed in any of claims 9 to 13, the method comprising: providing the electrically powered component and the power supply, the electrically powered component having a first connector part attached thereto and the power supply comprising a second connector part having a mounting plate, the first connector component and the second connector component together forming an electrical connector; arranging the electrically powered component and inverter such that the first axis of first connector part and the second axis of the second connector part are substantially parallel; moving the electrically powered component and power supply towards one another in a direction parallel with the first and second axes such that the first guide wall engages with the second guide wall and the first electrical contact is in electrical contact with the second electrical contact, thereby aligning the electrically powered component and power supply.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14, in which the method further comprises attaching the first connector part to the electrically powered component using fixings that are inserted in a direction perpendicular to the first axis.

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