Patent Publication Number: US-2022224043-A1

Title: High current terminal assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a U.S. National Stage Application pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2020/034774, filed on May 28, 2020, which application claims the benefit U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/901,580, filed on Sep. 17, 2019, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to electrical connectors, and more particularly, to high current terminals for use in electric vehicles and other high current environments. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A terminal is the point at which a conductor from a component, device, or network comes to an end. Terminal may also refer to an electrical connector at this endpoint, acting as the reusable interface to a conductor and creating a point where external circuits can be connected. A terminal may simply be the end of a wire or it may be fitted with a connector or fastener. 
     As the electric vehicles industry grows, so does the demand for high current terminal technology. Generally, electric vehicles are powered by a direct current (DC) battery, which is used to power a motor. Electric cars use an inverter to convert the DC power from the battery to alternating current (AC) power. The inverter can change the speed at which the motor rotates by adjusting the frequency of the alternating current. Thus, a power inverter is a key component in electric vehicles. Additionally, since electric vehicles use high current circuitry, damage to the terminals can be extremely dangerous. If, for example, a scratch, gouge, dent, etc. exists in the nickel plated finish of a high current terminal of the inverter, an arc can occur at the location of that imperfection leading to a burned out connection or even a fire. Therefore, protecting the integrity of the plated finish of high current terminals is essential, especially during manufacturing and assembly of electric vehicles when damage to the finish is likely to occur. 
     Thus, there has been a long-felt need for a high current terminal assembly that has improved durability and safety. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a high current terminal assembly, comprising a terminal including a first end, a second end, and a radially outward facing surface, and a shroud at least partially surrounding the terminal, the shroud including a third end arranged proximate to the first end, a fourth end forming a first flange, and a first hole forming a radially inward facing surface, wherein the terminal is arranged in the first hole and the radially inward facing surface is operatively arranged to engage the radially outward facing surface. 
     In some embodiments, the radially outward facing surface comprises a first groove proximate the first end, the radially inward facing surface comprises a protrusion proximate the third end and extending radially inward in a first radial direction therefrom, and the protrusion is operatively arranged to engage the first groove to connect the shroud to the terminal. In some embodiments, the engagement of the protrusion with the first groove prevents axial displacement of the shroud with respect to the terminal in a first axial direction. In some embodiments, the protrusion forms a frusto-conical surface extending in the first radial direction (i.e., radially inward) in a first axial direction. In some embodiments, the radially outward facing surface further comprises a second groove and a first seal is arranged in the second groove and operatively arranged to engage the radially inward facing surface to fluidly seal the terminal and the shroud. In some embodiments, the first flange comprises a second hole. In some embodiments, the high current terminal assembly further comprises a bushing arranged in the second hole, wherein the bushing comprises a first material having a first hardness, the shroud comprises a second material having a second hardness, and the first hardness is greater than the second hardness. In some embodiments, the terminal further comprises a radial surface that traverses the radially outward facing surface. In some embodiments, the shroud further comprises a second flange extending radially inward in a first radial direction from the radially inward facing surface, the second flange operatively arranged to engage the radial surface. In some embodiments, the terminal further comprises an axial surface, the axial surface operatively arranged to engage the second flange to prevent displacement of the shroud with respect to the terminal in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction. In some embodiments, the radially outward facing surface further comprises a groove, and a seal is arranged in the groove and operatively arranged to engage a hole of an inverter housing to fluidly seal the shroud and the inverter housing. In some embodiments, the terminal further comprises a second hole arranged proximate the first end, and a third hole arranged proximate the second end. 
     According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a high current terminal assembly, comprising a shroud, comprising a first end, a second end forming a first flange, a first hole extending at least partially from the first end to the second end, the first hole forming a radially inward facing surface, and a second flange arranged between the first end and the second end, the second flange extending radially inward in a first radial direction from the radially inward facing surface. 
     In some embodiments, the shroud further comprises a protrusion arranged proximate the first end, the protrusion extending from the radially inward facing surface in the first radial direction. In some embodiments, the shroud further comprises a portion extending radially from the first flange, the portion including a second hole. In some embodiments, the radially inward facing surface forms a partial circle ending at a first axial surface. In some embodiments, the high current terminal assembly further comprises a terminal operatively arranged to engage the first hole, the terminal comprising a third end having a groove, the groove operatively arranged to engage the protrusion to prevent displacement of the terminal with respect to the shroud in a first axial direction, a fourth end, a radially outward facing surface operatively arranged at least proximate to the radially inward facing surface, and a second axial surface operatively arranged to engage second flange to prevent displacement of the terminal with respect to the shroud in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction. 
     According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a high current terminal assembly, comprising a terminal, comprising a first end including a groove, a second end, a radially outward facing surface, a radial surface that traverses the radially outward facing surface, and an axial surface arranged between the first end and the second end, the axial surface being arranged perpendicular to the radial surface. 
     In some embodiments, the terminal further comprises a first hole arranged proximate the first end, the first hole extending in a radial direction, and a second hole extending axially from the second end. In some embodiments, the high current terminal assembly further comprises a shroud operatively arranged to at least partially surround the terminal, the shroud comprising a third end, a fourth end forming a first flange, a first hole forming a radially inward facing surface, the terminal arranged in the first hole, a second flange arranged between the first end and the second end, the second flange extending radially inward from the radially inward facing surface and operatively arranged to engage the axial surface to prevent displacement of the terminal with respect to the shroud in a first axial direction, and a protrusion extending radially inward from the radially inward facing surface and operatively arranged to engage the groove to prevent displacement of the terminal with respect to the shroud in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the disclosure, in view of the drawings and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of a high current terminal assembly; 
         FIG. 1B  is a rear perspective view of the high current terminal assembly shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2A  is a front perspective view of the high current terminal assembly shown in  FIG. 1A  connected to a busbar; 
         FIG. 2B  is a rear perspective view of the high current terminal assembly shown in  FIG. 2A  connected to the busbar; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the high current terminal assembly connected to the busbar taken generally along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2B ; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the high current terminal assembly connected to the busbar taken generally along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 2B ; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of the high current terminal assembly and the busbar shown in  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a side elevational view of the terminal shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 6B  is a top elevational view of the terminal shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a side elevational view of the shroud shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 7B  is a bottom elevational view of the shroud shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 7C  is a front elevational view of the shroud shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 7D  is a rear elevational view of the shroud shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a rear partial perspective view of the high current terminal assembly installed in an inverter housing; and, 
         FIG. 8B  is a front partial perspective view of the high current terminal assembly installed in the inverter housing shown in in  FIG. 8A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects. 
     Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments. The assembly of the present disclosure could be driven by hydraulics, electronics, and/or pneumatics. 
     It should be appreciated that the term “substantially” is synonymous with terms such as “nearly,” “very nearly,” “about,” “approximately,” “around,” “bordering on,” “close to,” “essentially,” “in the neighborhood of,” “in the vicinity of,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “nearby,” “close,” “adjacent,” “neighboring,” “immediate,” “adjoining,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term “approximately” is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value. 
     By “non-rotatably connected” elements, we mean that: the elements are connected so that whenever one of the elements rotate, all the elements rotate; and relative rotation between the elements is not possible. Radial and/or axial movement of non-rotatably connected elements with respect to each other is possible, but not required. 
     Adverting now to the figures,  FIG. 1A  is a front perspective view of high current terminal assembly  10 .  FIG. 1B  is a rear perspective view of high current terminal assembly  10 .  FIG. 2A  is a front perspective view of high current terminal assembly  10  connected to busbar  20 .  FIG. 2B  is a rear perspective view of high current terminal assembly  10  connected to busbar  20 .  FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of high current terminal assembly  10  connected to busbar  20  taken generally along line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 2B .  FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of high current terminal assembly  10  connected to busbar  20  taken generally along line  4 - 4  in  FIG. 2B .  FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of high current terminal assembly  10  and busbar  20 . High current terminal assembly  10  generally comprises terminal  40  and shroud or cover  70 . High current terminal assembly  10  is operatively arranged to be secured to an inverter housing (see  FIGS. 8A-B ). Specifically, terminal  40  is connected to shroud  70 . Shroud  70  is arranged to be connected to the inverter housing, specifically the inside surface of the inverter housing, with end  74  extending out of an aperture therein. Busbar  20  is connected to terminal  40  on the exterior of the inverter housing, as will be described in greater detail below with respect to  FIGS. 8A-B . The following description should be read in view of  FIG. 1A-5 . 
     Busbar  20  generally comprises section  22 , and section  26 . Section  26  comprises surface  28  and hole  30 . Section  22  comprises hole  24 . Busbar  20  is operatively arranged to be connected to terminal  40 . Specifically, section  26  is arranged to be connected to end  44  of terminal  40  such that surface  28  abuts against surface  60  of terminal  40 . In some embodiments, bolt or fastener  34  secures busbar  20  to terminal  40 . For example, bolt  34  extends through hole  30  and is threadably engaged with hole  56  of terminal  40 . It should be appreciated that any means for electrically connecting busbar  20  to terminal  40  may be used, for example, screws, rivets, welding, soldering, adhesives, clamps, retaining rings, etc. Busbar  20  is arranged to connect terminal  40  to an external component such as, for example, a motor in an electric vehicle. In some embodiments, and as shown, section  22  is arranged at angle α with respect to section  26 . In some embodiments, angle α is greater than or equal to 0 degrees. In some embodiments, section  22  is substantially perpendicular to section  26  (i.e., angle α is 90 degrees). It should be appreciated that while holes  30  and  24  are illustrated as being circular, in some embodiments, hole  30  and/or hole  24  may be any geometry suitable for electrically connecting components, for example, square, rectangular, ovular, triangular, trapezoidal, etc. In some embodiments, bolt  34  connects busbar  20  to terminal  40  using a nut (i.e., in such embodiments hole  56  of terminal  40  may not be threaded). 
       FIG. 6A  is a side elevational view of terminal  40 .  FIG. 6B  is a top elevational view of terminal  40 . The following description should be read in view of  FIGS. 1A-6B and 8A-8B . 
     Terminal  40  generally comprises end  42 , end  44 , radially outward facing surface  46 , radially outward facing surface  48 , radially outward facing surface  52 , radially outward facing surface  54 , radially outward facing surface  64 , surface  60 , and surface  62 . End  42  comprises hole  43  extending in axial direction AD 1  therefrom. In some embodiments, end  42  is operatively arranged to be connected to a power module of an inverter, for example, via a busbar  110 . In such embodiments, bolt  114  is fed through hole  112  of busbar  110  and threadably engaged with hole  43 . In some embodiments, hole  43  comprises a counterbore. In some embodiments, hole  43  comprises a countersink. In some embodiments, hole  43  is threaded. Radially outward facing surface  46  is connected to end  42 . Radially outward facing surface  48  is connected to radially outward facing surface  46 . In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface  48  comprises a diameter that is larger than the diameter of radially outward facing surface  46 ; thus, radially outward facing surface  48  is arranged radially outward from radially outward facing surface  46  (i.e., stepped radially outward). In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface  46  and radially outward facing surface  48  are one continuous constant diameter surface. Radially outward facing surface  52  is separated from radially outward facing surface  48  by annular groove  50 . Seal  66  is operatively arranged to be positioned in groove  50  such that it engages shroud  70 , specifically radially inward facing surface  94  of shroud  70  thereby providing a seal between terminal  40  and shroud  70  (see  FIGS. 3-4 ). Radially outward facing surface  54  is connected to radially outward facing surface  52 . In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface  54  comprises a diameter that is less than the diameter of radially outward facing surface  52 ; thus, radially outward facing surface  52  is arranged radially outward from radially outward facing surface  54  (i.e., stepped radially outward). In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface  52  and radially outward facing surface  54  are one continuous constant diameter surface. Surface  60  is connected to radially outward facing surface  54  and extends in axial direction AD 2  from end  44  to surface  62 . Surface  60  is a radial surface which faces radial direction RD 1  and traverses radially outward facing surface  54  (i.e., travels across or passes through radially outward facing surface  54 ). Put another way, surface  60  forms a secant as it intersects radially outward facing surface  54  at two points. As is known in the art, a secant is a line that intersects a circle in exactly two point. Here, surface  60  is a plane that intersects radially outward facing surface  54  at two points. In some embodiments, surface  60  is a midline that divides radially outward facing surface  54  in half such that distance D 1  is equal to distance D 2  (see  FIG. 6A ). In some embodiments, distance D 1  is greater than distance D 2 . In some embodiments, distance D 1  is less than distance D 2 . Surface  60  is operatively arranged to connect to and/or abut against surface  28  of busbar  20 . Hole  56  is a through-bore that extends from surface  60  to radially outward facing surface  54 . In some embodiments, hole  56  is threaded and is arranged to engage with bolt  34  to secure busbar  20  to terminal  40 . In some embodiments, and as shown, hole  56  is centered on radially outward facing surface  54  (see  FIG. 6B ). In some embodiments, hole  56  is not centered on radially outward facing surface  54 . Surface  62  is arranged parallel to end  44 . In some embodiments, surface  62  is non-parallel to end  44 . Surface  62  is operatively arranged to engage and/or abut against surface  98  of shroud  70 . Radially outward facing surface  54  comprises annular groove  58  arranged proximate end  44 . In some embodiments, groove  58  is arranged axially between hole  56  and radially outward facing surface  64 . Groove  58  is operatively arranged to engage protrusion  92 . Radially outward facing surface  64  is generally a frusto-conical surface that is connected to groove  58  and end  44 . End  44  protrudes from hole  126  of inverter housing  120  such that busbar  20  can be secured to surface  60  of terminal  40  (see  FIGS. 8A-8B ), thereby connecting terminal  40  to an external component such as a motor. 
       FIG. 7A  is a side elevational view of shroud  70 .  FIG. 7B  is a bottom elevational view of shroud  70 .  FIG. 7C  is a front elevational view of shroud  70 .  FIG. 7D  is a rear elevational view of shroud  70 . The following description should be read in view of  FIGS. 1A-8B . 
     Shroud  70  generally comprises end  72 , end  74 , flange  78  having portion  79  extending radially therefrom, radially outward facing surface  82 , radially outward facing surface  86 , surface  90 , and flange  96 . End  72  comprises hole  76  extending therefrom in axial direction AD 1 . Flange  78  forms end  72  and includes surface  73 , which is operatively arranged to engage and/or abut against inner surface  122  of inverter housing (see  FIG. 8B ). Portion  79  extends radially from flange  78  and comprises hole  80 . Hole  80  is arranged to be aligned with one of holes  128  in inverter housing  120  such that shroud  70  may be secured to inverter housing  120  via bolt  104  (see  FIG. 8B ). In some embodiments, bolt  104  extends through hole  80  and is threadably engaged with hole  128  of inverter housing  120  (see  FIG. 8B ). In some embodiments, the centerline of hole  80  is parallel to the center line of hole  76 . In some embodiments, the centerline of hole  80  is non-parallel to the center line of hole  76 . Shroud  70  may further comprise bushing or compression limiter  102 . Bushing  102  is arranged in hole  80  by any suitable means, for example, adhesives, friction fit, press fit, etc. Bushing  102  is operatively arranged to prevent overtightening of bolt  104  such that portion  79  is damaged. For example, in some embodiments, inverter housing  120  comprises a metal, bolt  104  comprises a metal, and shroud  70  comprises a polymer or other insulative material. Overtightening bolt  104  could result in plastic deformation of portion  79  and thus an unsecure connection of shroud  70  to inverter housing. Thus, the inclusion of a metal bushing  102  prevents any such plastic deformation or damage to shroud  70 . Radially outward facing surface  82  is connected to flange  78 . In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface  82  comprises a diameter that is less than the diameter of the radially outward facing surface of the flange; thus, radially outward facing surface  82  is arranged radially inward from the radially outward facing surface of flange  78  (i.e., stepped radially inward). In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface  82  comprises annular groove  84 . Seal  100  is operatively arranged to be positioned in groove  84  such that it engages inverter housing  120 , specifically, the radially inward facing surface of hole  126 , thereby providing a seal between shroud  70  and inverter housing (see  FIGS. 8A-B ). Radially outward facing surface  86  is connected to radially outward facing surface  82 . In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface  86  comprises a diameter that is less than the diameter of radially outward facing surface  82 ; thus, radially outward facing surface  86  is arranged radially inward from radially outward facing surface  82  (i.e., stepped radially inward). In some embodiments, radially outward facing surface  82  and radially outward facing surface  86  are one continuous constant diameter surface. 
     Surface  90  is connected to radially outward facing surface  86  and extends in axial direction AD 2  from end  74  to flange  96 . In some embodiments, surface  90  is a midline that divides radially outward facing surface  86  in half such that distance D 3  is equal to distance D 4  (see  FIG. 7A ). In some embodiments, distance D 3  is greater than distance D 4 . In some embodiments, distance D 3  is less than distance D 4 . In some embodiments, when high current terminal assembly is assembled, surface  90  is substantially aligned with surface  60 . In some embodiments, when high current terminal assembly  10  is assembled, surface  90  is not aligned with surface  60 . Hole  88  is arranged proximate end  74  and extends through radially outward facing surface  86 . Hole  88  is operatively arranged to be aligned with hole  56  to allow engagement of bolt  34  with terminal  40 . In some embodiments, and as shown, hole  88  extends to end  74 . In some embodiments, and as shown, hole  88  is centered on radially outward facing surface  86  (see  FIG. 7B ). In some embodiments, hole  88  is not centered on radially outward facing surface  86 . In some embodiments, shroud  70  does not comprise hole  88 . Flange  96  is arranged parallel to end  74 . In some embodiments, flange  96  is non-parallel to end  74 . Flange  96 , specifically surface  98  of flange  96 , is operatively arranged to engage and/or abut against surface  62  of terminal  40  (see  FIG. 3 ). Furthermore, flange  96 , specifically surface  97 , is operatively arranged to engage and/or abut against surface  60 . The engagement of surface  97  with surface  60  provides an anti-rotation/alignment feature when assembling terminal  40  to shroud  70  (i.e., the engagement of surface  97  with surface  60  prevents terminal  40  from displacing circumferentially within shroud  70 ). Without flange  96 , terminal  40  would be able to rotate circumferentially in shroud  70  causing alignment issues during installation. Flange  96  guarantees correct positioning and alignment of terminal  40  within shroud  70 . Protrusion  92  is arranged at or proximate to end  74  and extends radially inward from radially inward facing surface  94  (see  FIG. 7B ). Protrusion  92  is connected to radially inward facing surface  94  and extends in radial direction RD 1  (see  FIGS. 7B-D ). Protrusion  92  is operatively arranged to engage with groove  58  of terminal  40 . In some embodiments, protrusion  92  includes a frusto-conical surface and extends radially inward in axial direction AD 1  (see  FIGS. 3-4 ). In some embodiments, radially inward facing surface  94  is frusto-conical and is arranged at angle β relative to radially outward facing surface  86  (see  FIG. 7B ). In some embodiments, radially inward facing surface  94  and radially outward facing surface  86  are arranged at angle β relative to radially outward facing surface  82 . In some embodiments, protrusion  92  is a cylindrical surface extending radially inward (i.e., constant diameter). In some embodiments, flange  96  is at least partially separated from surface  90  by one or more slits  91 . Slits  91  allow circumferential displacement of surface  90  with respect to flange  96  as terminal  40  is being assembled in shroud  70 . Similarly, slits  91  allow circumferential displacement of surface  90  with respect to flange  96  as terminal  40  is being disassembled (i.e., to disengage protrusion  92  from groove  58 ). 
     Furthermore, it should be appreciated that while bolt  34  is arranged to secure busbar  20  to terminal  40 , it could be used for an additional purpose. For example, in some embodiments, bolt  34  is used in combination with a nut (not shown), and when secured, the two components clamp radially outward facing surface  86  and surface  60  together, thereby preventing protrusion  92  from disengaging groove  58  (i.e., securing a nut to bolt  34  would prevent radial displacement of protrusion  92  in radial direction RD 2  with respect to terminal  40 ). In some embodiments, hole  88  is threaded and is operatively arranged to threadably engage threading on bolt  34 . Such threaded engagement between hole  88  and bolt  34  prevents radial displacement of protrusion  92  in radial direction RD 2  with respect to terminal  40 . In some embodiments, hole  88  is circular and is completely enclosed within shroud  70  (i.e., hole  88  does not open up to end  74 ). 
     The abutment of the extension of bolt  34  past terminal  40  (i.e., bolt  34  extends through hole  56 ) and engagement with shroud  70  provides additional securement, or a secondary retention means. For example, if protrusion  92  were to disengage from groove  58 , the engagement of bolt  34  with shroud  70 , via hole  88 , prevents displacement of terminal  40  in axial direction AD 1  with respect to shroud  70 . Thus, both the engagement of protrusion  92  with groove  58  and the engagement of bolt  34  with hole  88  prevents displacement of terminal  40  in axial direction AD 1  with respect to shroud  70 . 
     To assemble high current terminal assembly  10 , end  44  of terminal  40  is inserted in hole  76  of shroud  70  in axial direction AD 1  until protrusion  92  engages groove  58  (see  FIG. 3 ). As terminal  40  is displaced in axial direction AD 1  within shroud  70 , radially outward facing surface  64  will engage protrusion  92  forcing end  74  radially outward until protrusion  92  aligns with groove  58 , at which point protrusion  92  will snap radially inward and engage groove  58 . Once engaged with groove  58 , protrusion  92  prevents terminal  40  from displacing in axial direction AD 2  with respect to shroud  70  (see  FIGS. 3-4 ). Also, surface  62  of terminal  40  is engaged with, abutting against, or arranged proximate to surface  98  of flange  96  of shroud  70 . The engagement of surface  62  and flange  96  prevents terminal  40  from displacing in axial direction AD 1  with respect to shroud  70  (see  FIG. 3 ). As such, the specific design of terminal  40  and shroud  70  allow the two components to easily lock or snap together with very easy assembly. 
       FIG. 8A  is a rear partial perspective view of high current terminal assembly  10  installed in inverter housing  120 .  FIG. 8B  is a front partial perspective view of high current terminal assembly  10  installed in inverter housing  120 . It should be appreciated that, for viewing purposes, only a partial view of inverter housing  120  is shown. Inverter housing  120  generally comprises inner surface  122 , outer surface  124 , one or more holes  126 , and one or more holes  128 . Holes  126  extend from inner surface  122  to outer surface  124  and are arranged to engage high current terminal assembly  10 . Specifically, end  44  of terminal and end  74  are inserted through hole  126  in axial direction AD 1  from the interior of inverter housing  120  until surface  73  of shroud  70  engages inner surface  122 . Bolt  104  is then inserted through hole  80  and engages hole  128  to fixedly secure shroud  70 , and thus terminal  40 , to inverter housing  120 . Once fixedly secured, and as shown, surface  60  is exposed on the exterior of inverter housing  120  allowing connection of a busbar, for example busbar  20 . Additionally, busbar  110  can be connected to end  42  of terminal  40  via bolt  114 , as previously described. Shroud  70  is specifically arranged to cover as much of terminal  40  as possible while still allowing electrical connection. As previously mentioned, the present disclosure aims to prevent possible damage to terminal  40  (e.g., scratches, gouges, dents, etc.) which could result in catastrophic failure due to high current running therethrough. Thus, by covering the top portion of terminal  40  that is arranged outside of inverter housing  120 , there is a much less likelihood of damaging terminal  40  during manufacturing, for example, of an electric vehicle (i.e., shroud  70  would protect the exposed portion of terminal  40  during installation of other components in the electric vehicle). Furthermore, seal  66  arranged between terminal  40  and shroud  70 , and seal  100  arranged between shroud  70  and hole  126  of inverter housing, prevents water or other fluid from entering or exiting inverter housing  120 . 
     It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure above and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           10  High current terminal assembly 
           20  Busbar 
           22  Section 
           24  Hole 
           26  Section 
           28  Surface 
           30  Hole 
           34  Bolt (or fastener) 
           40  Terminal 
           42  End 
           43  Hole 
           44  End 
           46  Radially outward facing surface 
           48  Radially outward facing surface 
           50  Groove 
           52  Radially outward facing surface 
           54  Radially outward facing surface 
           56  Hole 
           58  Groove 
           60  Surface 
           62  Surface 
           64  Radially outward facing surface 
           66  Seal 
           70  Shroud (or cover) 
           72  End 
           73  Surface 
           74  End 
           76  Flange 
           78  Flange 
           79  Portion 
           80  Hole 
           82  Radially outward facing surface 
           84  Groove 
           86  Radially outward facing surface 
           88  Hole 
           90  Surface 
           91  Slits 
           92  Protrusion 
           94  Radially inward facing surface 
           96  Flange 
           97  Surface 
           98  Surface 
           100  Seal 
           102  Bushing (or compression limiter) 
           104  Bolt 
           110  Busbar 
           112  Hole 
           114  Bolt 
           120  Inverter housing 
           122  Inner surface 
           124  Outer surface 
           126  Holes 
           128  Holes 
         α Angle 
         β Angle 
         AD 1  Axial direction 
         AD 2  Axial direction 
         RD 1  Radial direction 
         RD 2  Radial direction 
         D 1  Distance 
         D 2  Distance 
         D 3  Distance 
         D 4  Distance