Electrical connection and interlock circuit system for vehicle electric drive

摘要

An electrical connection and interlock circuit system (20) operates between a battery (14) and a drive motor (16) of a vehicle electric drive. Circuit system (20) includes a connection circuit (22) having first and second connectors (24) and (26) for energizing the drive motor (16) by the battery (14) and also includes an interlock circuit (28) that operates to electrically disconnect the connection circuit when either connector is in a partially connected position. The circuit system (20) also includes a power connector housing (46) at which the second connector (26) is located along with a third connector (66) that is connected to the drive motor (16), and a mechanical interlock (66) prevents disconnection of the third connector until after the second connector is disconnected so that there is no power at the third connector during its connection or disconnection.