Method of detecting connection defects of a connector and connection system providing the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of detecting a connection defect of a connector and a connection system providing the same, an embodiment of the connection system including a branch connector connected to a battery and configured to make a high voltage form a branch, a first interlock circuit within the branch connector and configured to form a closed circuit by connecting to a second interlock circuit within a load connector of a load when the load connector connected to the branch connector to transmit the branch high voltage to the load, a transmitting antenna configured to transmit a radio wave when the closed circuit is formed, and a controller configured to identify the branch connector based on a resonance frequency of the radio wave, the resonance frequency corresponding to a conductor distribution pattern formed at a predetermined position of the transmitting antenna, and determine whether a connection defect occurs in the identified branch connector based on an electric field intensity of the radio wave.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0189776, filed on December 31, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a method for detecting connection defects in connectors and a connection system that provides the method. Background Technology

[0004] The high-voltage battery installed in an electric vehicle not only supplies power to the motor that drives the vehicle, but also to various devices installed on the vehicle. For example, the electric vehicle may be equipped with a high-voltage junction box (or high-voltage terminal block), which distributes power from the high-voltage battery to each device (load) via an internal busbar. In this case, the high-voltage junction box may include multiple plugs to electrically connect to each socket of multiple devices (loads).

[0005] The connection system includes a plug on the high-voltage junction box side and a socket on the load side that is electrically connected to the plug. When the plug and socket are connected to each other under normal conditions, electrical energy is supplied from the high-voltage battery to each device (load) of the vehicle.

[0006] Furthermore, an interlocking terminal is provided for each of the plug and socket, and the interlocking circuit can be installed in a connector device including a plug and socket via the interlocking terminal between the plug and socket. Therefore, the interlocking circuit can detect accidental removal between the plug and socket.

[0007] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A traditional connection system is illustrated schematically. Figure 1 This is an example of all connections between multiple connectors being in a normal state. Figure 2 These are examples of some of the connectors being in an abnormal state (i.e., without interconnection). At this point, Figure 1 and Figure 2 This demonstrates the use of a single controller to check the connection status of multiple connectors.

[0008] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, when multiple connectors are properly connected, the interlock circuit closes to form an interlocked closed circuit, allowing current to flow. The controller can then detect the current or voltage in the interlock circuit and determine that all connectors are properly connected. Furthermore, when any one of the multiple connectors... Figure 2 When the connector shown is removed, it can be detected that the interlock circuit is open, but there is a limitation that it cannot accurately distinguish which connector is faulty.

[0009] Figure 3 A conventional connection system is illustrated schematically. Specifically, it is an example of a technique that identifies normal or abnormal connector connections by providing a controller for each of multiple connectors. In this case, because the interlocking circuitry and controllers are configured for each connector, even if an abnormal connection occurs (e.g., some of the multiple connectors are removed), the removed connectors can be detected. However, the implementation cost increases because the number of interlocking circuitry and controllers needs to correspond to the number of load connectors, and the circuitry within the junction box becomes complex.

[0010] The information disclosed in the background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the background technology of the present invention, and therefore the information it may contain does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0011] This invention relates to a method for detecting connection defects in connectors and a connection system providing the method. Specific embodiments relate to a method for easily detecting defects in the connection of a connector among multiple connectors using a single controller, and a connection system providing the method.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for detecting connection defects in connectors, and a connection system providing the method, which can easily detect defective connectors among multiple connectors using a single controller.

[0013] A connection system includes: a branch connector, a first interlock circuit, a transmitting antenna, and a controller. The branch connector is connected to a battery and branches a high voltage. The first interlock circuit is located within the branch connector and configured to form a closed circuit via a second interlock circuit connected within the load connector when the load connector, which transmits the branch high voltage, is connected to the branch connector. The transmitting antenna is configured to receive power from a power source to transmit radio waves when the closed circuit is configured. The controller is configured to identify the branch connector based on the resonant frequency of the radio waves and to determine whether a connection defect has occurred in the identified branch connector based on the electric field strength of the radio waves, wherein the resonant frequency corresponds to a conductor distribution pattern formed at a predetermined location on the transmitting antenna.

[0014] The transmitting antenna can be configured at the first end of the first interlock circuit. The resonant frequency can include the resonant frequency band or the resonant frequency bandwidth.

[0015] The connection system may further include multiple branch connectors, each branch connector including a first interlock circuit and a transmitting antenna, wherein the multiple transmitting antennas can transmit radio waves with different resonant frequency bands or different resonant frequency bandwidths.

[0016] Multiple transmitting antennas may include monopole antennas that transmit radio waves in different resonant frequency bands.

[0017] The controller can be configured to determine that a connection defect has occurred in the identified branch connector when the electric field strength of the radio wave is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value.

[0018] The controller can be configured to identify branch connectors by matching a lookup table with received radio waves and determine whether a connection defect has occurred in the identified branch connectors.

[0019] A method is provided for detecting a connector with a connection defect in a connection between a branch connector and a plurality of connectors, wherein the branch connector is connected to a battery to branch a high voltage, and the plurality of connectors includes a load connector that transmits the branched high voltage to a load. The method includes: receiving radio waves emitted by a plurality of transmitting antennas supplied with power, when the branch connector and load connector are connected, and when a closing circuit is configured such that a first interlocking circuit within the branch connector is connected to a second interlocking circuit within the load connector; identifying the plurality of connectors based on the resonant frequency of the radio waves. Furthermore, the method includes: determining whether a connection defect has occurred in each of the plurality of connectors based on the electric field strength of the radio waves. The resonant frequency may correspond to a conductor distribution pattern formed at a predetermined location of the transmitting antenna.

[0020] Multiple connectors can be identified based on the resonant frequency band or resonant frequency bandwidth of radio waves.

[0021] Identifying multiple connectors involves matching the resonant band or resonant frequency bandwidth of the radio waves with a lookup table to identify multiple connectors.

[0022] Determining whether a connection defect has occurred in each of a plurality of connectors can be done by identifying the corresponding connector when the electric field strength of the radio wave is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value.

[0023] Predetermined reference values ​​can be stored in a lookup table.

[0024] According to the implementation scheme, the resonant circuit of the antenna is installed in each connector to identify each connector by their resonant frequency and to determine the connection defect of each connector based on the electric field strength. Therefore, defective connectors in devices with multiple connectors can be easily detected at low cost. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3A traditional connection system is illustrated schematically.

[0026] Figure 4 A connection system according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0027] Figure 5 A connection system for detecting defective connectors according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0028] Figure 6 A connection system for detecting defective connectors according to another exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0029] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a reference diagram illustrating the radiation characteristics of the resonant frequency according to an exemplary embodiment when a predetermined connector is defective.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting defective connectors according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] In the following, exemplary embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, identical or similar components will be indicated by identical or similar reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted. The terms “module” and / or “unit” used for components as used in the following description are for ease of description only. Therefore, these terms do not in themselves have the meaning or function of distinguishing them from each other. When describing exemplary embodiments of this specification, detailed descriptions of well-known techniques associated with the invention will be omitted where it is determined that such descriptions might obscure the gist of the invention. The accompanying drawings are provided only to facilitate the understanding of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in this specification and are not to be construed as limiting the spirit of the disclosure herein. It should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0032] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc., will be used only to describe the various components and will not be interpreted as limiting these components. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components.

[0033] It should be understood that when a component is referred to as "connected" or "linked" to another component, it can be directly connected to or linked to the other component, or it can be connected to or linked to the other component with another component intervening between them. Furthermore, it should be understood that when a component is referred to as "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another component, it can be directly connected to or linked to the other component without any other component intervening between them.

[0034] It will be further understood that the terms “comprising” and “having” as used in this specification specify the presence of the said feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0035] Figure 4 A connection system according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 5 A connection system for detecting defective connectors according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 6 A connection system for detecting defective connectors according to another exemplary embodiment is shown. Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a reference diagram illustrating the radiation characteristics of the resonant frequency according to an exemplary embodiment when a predetermined connector is defective.

[0036] refer to Figure 4 The connection system includes: connector 100, interlock circuit 200, transmitting antenna 300, power supply 400, receiving antenna 500, and controller 600.

[0037] Connector 100 includes a branch connector 110 that connects to a battery to form a branch due to the high voltage of the battery, and a load connector 130 that transmits the high voltage of the branch to a load. The branch connector 110 and the load connector 130 are mated to each other to include a plug and a socket configuration.

[0038] The connection system may include multiple connectors 100 (i.e., 100A, 100B, and 100C). The multiple connectors 100 (i.e., 100A, 100B, and 100C) may include multiple branch connectors 110 (i.e., 110A, 110B, and 110C) and multiple load connectors 130 (i.e., 130A, 130B, and 130C) mating with the multiple branch connectors 110. For example, refer to... Figure 4 Multiple branch connectors 110 (i.e., 110A, 110B, 110C) may be included in a junction box JB that distributes power from a high-voltage battery to multiple loads.

[0039] The interlock circuit 200 may include a first interlock circuit 210 installed inside the branch connector 110 and a second interlock circuit 230 installed inside the load connector 130. According to an exemplary embodiment, a first interlock terminal (not shown) connected to the first interlock circuit 210 may be formed at a predetermined location outside the branch connector 110, and a second interlock terminal (not shown) connected to the second interlock circuit 230 may be formed at a predetermined location outside the load connector 130.

[0040] For example, when branch connector 110 and load connector 130 are interconnected (i.e., connected to each other), the first interlock terminal and the second interlock terminal are also interconnected (i.e., connected to each other). Then, the first interlock circuit 210 and the second interlock circuit 230 are interconnected, and the interlock circuit 200 can form a closed circuit.

[0041] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment, the first end of the interlocking circuit 200 forming a closed circuit can be connected to the transmitting antenna 300 located at the branch connector 110, and its second end can be connected to the power supply 400 located at the branch connector 110. (See reference...) Figure 6 According to another exemplary embodiment, the first end of the interlock circuit 200 forming a closed circuit can be connected to the transmitting antenna 300 located at the load connector 130, and its second end can be connected to the power supply 400 located at the branch connector 110. When the interlock circuit 200 forms a closed circuit, power can be supplied from the power supply 400 to the transmitting antenna 300.

[0042] The transmitting antenna 300 can receive power from the power supply 400 and transmit radio waves. (Reference) Figure 4 and Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment, the transmitting antenna 300 may be located at the first end of the first interlock circuit 210. (See reference...) Figure 6 According to another exemplary embodiment, the transmitting antenna 300 may be located at the first end of the second interlock circuit 230.

[0043] The transmitting antenna 300 can be configured to form a conductor pattern corresponding to the resonant frequency of a radio wave at a predetermined location. In this case, the resonant frequency can include a resonant band or a resonant frequency bandwidth. The resonant band or resonant frequency bandwidth can be determined based on the length or thickness of the conductor pattern.

[0044] For example, multiple transmitting antennas 300 (i.e., 300A, 300B, and 300C) can each include different conductor distributions to transmit radio waves with different resonant frequencies (resonant bands or resonant frequency bandwidths). Reference Figure 5 The transmitting antenna 300 located at the first end of the first interlocking circuit 210 is formed as a monopole antenna, and the multiple transmitting antennas 300 (i.e., 300A, 300B, and 300C) can each have conductor distributions with different lengths L1, L2, and L3. (See reference...) Figure 6The transmitting antenna 300 located at the first end of the second interlocking circuit 230 can be configured as a monopole antenna, and the multiple transmitting antennas 300 (i.e., 300A, 300B, and 300C) can each have conductor distributions with different lengths L1, L2, and L3. Then, the resonant frequency bands of the radio waves transmitted by the multiple transmitting antennas 300 (i.e., 300A, 300B, and 300C) can be different from each other.

[0045] The conductor distribution pattern can be implemented as a copper film. For example, depending on the length, shape, or thickness of the copper film, the resonant frequency band or resonant frequency bandwidth of the radio waves emitted by the transmitting antenna 300 can be different.

[0046] The power supply 400 may be located at the second end of the first interlock circuit 210 or the second interlock circuit 230 to supply power to the transmitting antenna 300 when the interlock circuit 200 forms a closed circuit. For example, the power supply 400 may include a low-voltage battery, but is not limited thereto.

[0047] The receiving antenna 500 can receive radio waves transmitted from multiple transmitting antennas 300 (i.e., 300A, 300B, and 300C) and transmit them to the controller 600. For example, the receiving antenna 500 can be configured to receive radio waves of various resonant frequencies.

[0048] The controller 600 can identify the connector 100 based on the resonant frequency of the received radio waves, and can determine the connection defects of the connector 100 based on the electric field strength of the received radio waves.

[0049] The controller 600 can identify multiple connectors 100 (i.e., 100A, 100B, and 100C) based on the resonant frequency of radio waves. Referring to Table 1 below, the controller 600 can identify the branch connectors 110 (i.e., 110A, 110B, and 110C) that constitute connector 100 by matching the resonant frequency of the received radio waves with a lookup table.

[0050] The controller 600 can detect connectors 100 with connection defects among a plurality of connectors 100 (i.e., 100A, 100B, and 100C) based on the electric field strength of radio waves. Referring to Table 1 below, the controller 600 compares the electric field strength of the radio waves matched to each resonant frequency in the lookup table with a reference value. When the electric field strength is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value, the controller 600 can determine that a connection defect has occurred in the connector 100. For example, the controller 600 can identify branch connectors 110 (i.e., 110A, 110B, and 110C) with defects in their connection to the load connector 130.

[0051] Table 1

[0052]

[0053] Referring to Table 1, electric field strength is an example of radio wave strength. For example, electric field strength can be expressed as the electric field strength of a radio wave. Electric field strength (V / m) can be expressed as the voltage level induced in an antenna with an effective length of 1 meter. Alternatively, electric field strength can be expressed in decibels (dB), with a reference value of 1 (μV / m). For example, the reference value can correspond to the electric field strength of a radio wave emitted by the transmitting antenna 300 when connector 100 is properly connected.

[0054] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 Assuming that the first connector 100A and the third connector 100C are properly connected, and the second connector 100B has a connection defect (e.g., due to incompleteness or removal), the electric field strength of the radio waves emitted by the second transmitting antenna 300B corresponding to the second connector 100B may be less than or equal to a predetermined reference value. In the following text, the first transmitting antenna 300A, the second transmitting antenna 300B, and the third transmitting antenna 300C are transmitting antennas 300 located within the first connector 100A, the second connector 100B, and the third connector 100C, respectively.

[0055] When connector 100 is properly connected, transmitting antenna 300 can receive power from power supply 400 and transmit radio waves corresponding to a predetermined electric field strength. The reflection coefficient (an indicator of the radiation performance of each radio wave) can then also be displayed at a predetermined value. (Reference) Figure 7 The reflection coefficient of the radio waves transmitted by each of the first transmitting antenna 300A, the second transmitting antenna 300B, and the third transmitting antenna 300C is shown as a predetermined value. At this time, Figure 7 Each of the frequencies 3, 2 and 1 shown can correspond to the resonant frequency of the radio waves transmitted by the first transmitting antenna 300A, the second transmitting antenna 300B and the third transmitting antenna 300C, respectively.

[0056] When the connection of connector 100 is abnormal (i.e., when a connection defect occurs), for example, specifically when the connection of the second connector 100B is abnormal, the second transmitting antenna 300B may fail to receive normal power from the power supply 400 and may fail to transmit waves corresponding to a predetermined electric field strength. Then, the reflection coefficient (an indicator of the radiation performance of radio waves) may also not show a predetermined value. Reference Figure 8 Although the reflection coefficients of the radio waves emitted by the first transmitting antenna 300A and the third transmitting antenna 300C are similar to those of the radio waves emitted by the first transmitting antenna 300A and the third transmitting antenna 300C, Figure 7 The reflection coefficients shown are the same, but the reflection coefficients of radio waves emitted by the second transmitting antenna 300B are different. Figure 7The reflection coefficient is shown, but a predetermined value cannot be displayed. At this time, Figure 8 Each of the frequencies 3, 2 and 1 shown can correspond to the resonant frequency of the radio waves transmitted by each of the first transmitting antenna 300A, the second transmitting antenna 300B and the third transmitting antenna 300C.

[0057] The reflection coefficient is the ratio of the reflected voltage to the voltage applied to a particular port, and can be an indicator of the radiation characteristics of radio waves. For example, a reflection coefficient of "0" could mean that the applied voltage is entirely radiated or dissipated within the system. A reflection coefficient of "1" could mean that the applied voltage is not radiated or dissipated within the system and is completely reflected.

[0058] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting defective connectors according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0059] In the following text, see references Figures 4 to 9 A method for detecting defective connectors is described in detail.

[0060] First, in step S100, the controller 600 can receive radio waves transmitted by multiple transmitting antennas 300 (i.e., 300A, 300B and 300C) via the receiving antenna 500.

[0061] For example, each of the plurality of transmitting antennas 300 (i.e., 300A, 300B, and 300C) may include different conductor patterns to transmit different radio waves with different resonant frequency bands. As another example, each of the plurality of transmitting antennas 300 (i.e., 300A, 300B, and 300C) may include different conductor patterns to transmit different radio waves with different resonant frequency bandwidths.

[0062] Subsequently, in step S200, the controller 600 can identify multiple connectors 100A, 100B, and 100C based on the resonant frequency of the radio waves.

[0063] Referring to Table 1, the controller 600 can identify multiple connectors 100A, 100B, and 100C by matching the resonant frequency of the received radio waves with a lookup table. The lookup table can map and store multiple connectors 100A, 100B, and 100C, multiple transmitting antennas 300A, 300B, and 300C, and multiple resonant frequencies.

[0064] Subsequently, in step S300, the controller 600 can determine the occurrence of a connection defect based on the electric field strength of the radio waves, and detect connector 100 with a connection defect among the multiple connectors 100A, 100B and 100C.

[0065] For example, when the electric field strength is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value, the controller 600 can determine that a connection defect has occurred at the corresponding connector 100. In this case, the reference value is a reference value of the electric field strength corresponding to each of a plurality of resonant frequencies, and can be stored in a lookup table.

[0066] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments now regarded as practical, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connection system, comprising: Branch connector, which is connected to the battery and configured to allow high voltage to form a branch; The first interlocking circuit is located within the branch connector and configured to form a closed circuit by means of the second interlocking circuit connected within the load connector when the load connector that transmits branch high voltage to the load is connected to the branch connector. A transmitting antenna configured to receive power from a power source to transmit radio waves when a closed circuit is formed; as well as The controller is configured to identify branch connectors based on the resonant frequency of radio waves and to determine whether a connection defect has occurred in the identified branch connectors based on the electric field strength of the radio waves, wherein the resonant frequency corresponds to a conductor distribution pattern formed at a predetermined location of the transmitting antenna.

2. The connection system according to claim 1, wherein: The transmitting antenna is connected to the first end of the first interlock circuit. The resonant frequency includes the resonant frequency band or the resonant frequency bandwidth.

3. The connection system according to claim 2, further comprising a plurality of branch connectors, each branch connector comprising a corresponding first interlock circuit and a corresponding transmitting antenna, wherein, The transmitting antennas of different branch connectors are configured to transmit radio waves with different resonant frequency bands or different resonant frequency bandwidths.

4. The connection system according to claim 3, wherein, Each transmitting antenna includes a monopole antenna configured to transmit radio waves in a resonant frequency band different from the other transmitting antennas.

5. The connection system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to determine that the identified branch connector has a connection defect when the electric field strength of the radio wave is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value.

6. The connection system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to identify branch connectors and determine whether a connection defect has occurred in the identified branch connectors by matching a lookup table with received radio waves.

7. The connection system according to claim 1, wherein: The transmitting antenna is located at the first end of the second interlock circuit. The resonant frequency includes the resonant frequency band or the resonant frequency bandwidth.

8. A method for detecting a connector with a connection defect in the connection between a branch connector and multiple connectors, wherein, The branch connector is connected to the battery to form a branch of high voltage, and each connector includes a load connector for transmitting the high voltage of the branch to the load. The method includes: When the branch connector and the load connector are connected, a closed circuit is formed by connecting the first interlock circuit in the branch connector to the second interlock circuit in the load connector, and radio waves transmitted by multiple transmitting antennas that are supplied with power are received. Multiple connectors are identified based on the resonant frequency of each radio wave, wherein the resonant frequency corresponds to a conductor distribution pattern formed at predetermined locations of each transmitting antenna. The electric field strength of each radio wave is used to determine whether a connection defect has occurred in each of the multiple connectors.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Identifying multiple connectors includes identifying multiple connectors based on the resonant frequency band or resonant frequency bandwidth of radio waves.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, Identifying multiple connectors involves matching the resonant band or resonant frequency bandwidth of the radio waves with a lookup table to identify multiple connectors.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein, Determining whether a connection defect has occurred in each of a plurality of connectors includes: determining that a connection defect has occurred at the corresponding connector when the electric field strength of the corresponding radio wave is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The predetermined reference value is stored in a lookup table.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein: Each of the transmitting antennas is located at the first end of each first interlock circuit; The resonant frequency includes the resonant frequency band or the resonant frequency bandwidth.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Each of the transmitting antennas includes a monopole antenna configured to transmit radio waves in a resonant frequency band different from the other transmitting antennas.

15. The method according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the transmitting antennas is located at the first end of each of the second interlocking circuits; The resonant frequency includes the resonant frequency band or the resonant frequency bandwidth.

16. A method for detecting connection defects, the method comprising: Connect the branch connector to the battery to allow the high voltage to form a branch; When the load connector that transmits high voltage from the branch to the load is connected to the branch connector, the first interlock circuit in the branch connector is connected to the second interlock circuit in the load connector to form a closed circuit. When a closed circuit is formed, it receives power from the power source through the transmitting antenna and transmits radio waves; Branch connectors are identified based on the resonant frequency of radio waves, wherein the resonant frequency corresponds to a conductor distribution pattern formed at a predetermined location of the transmitting antenna. The electric field strength of radio waves is used to determine whether a connection defect has occurred in the identified branch connector.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein: The transmitting antenna is located at the first end of the first interlock circuit; The resonant frequency includes the resonant frequency band or the resonant frequency bandwidth.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The transmitting antenna includes a monopole antenna and transmits radio waves in a resonant frequency band different from other transmitting antennas.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: A connection defect is determined by determining that the electric field strength of the radio waves is less than or equal to a predetermined reference value.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein, Identifying branch connectors and determining whether a connection defect has occurred in the identified branch connectors includes matching a lookup table with received radio waves.

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