Contact for detecting needle retraction and lead-through of an aviation electrical connector

Abstract

This invention discloses a contact for synchronous detection of retractable pins and continuity in an aviation electrical connector. The contact includes a housing, with a measuring element axially movable inside the housing. The measuring element extends from a first end of the housing outside the housing. An inductive displacement sensor is located at the second end of the housing. A magnetic element is located at the end of the measuring element near the inductive displacement sensor, and the magnetic element moves with the measuring element to achieve electromagnetic induction with the inductive displacement sensor. The inductive displacement sensor is connected to a circuit interface for connection to an external measurement circuit. This invention synchronizes the previously time-divided detection of retractable pins and single-circuit continuity checks in an electrical connector, significantly reducing inspection time and improving work efficiency. It has good applicability in operating conditions requiring single-contact retractable pin checks and single-circuit continuity checks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of electromechanical component testing, specifically relating to a retractable pin for aviation electrical connectors and a contact for synchronous continuity testing. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of aviation wiring harnesses, it is necessary to perform mechanical checks on the contact pins or holes of electrical connectors, as well as electrical checks on the correctness of circuit continuity. Currently, the methods for checking pin or hole reduction include applying axial pressure to the pin or hole using a holding force testing tool, or manually stretching the wire connected to the contact on the other side, to manually confirm that the contact is properly installed and fixed within the electrical connector. There are currently two methods for checking circuit continuity. One is manual self-testing, where two contacts are connected to the contacts at both ends of the wire, and an indicating device, such as a multimeter with a buzzer function, is used in the test circuit to reflect the correctness of the continuity. This method is highly flexible and suitable for on-board inspections or targeted inspections. The other is automatic continuity system testing, which uses automated testing equipment to perform full-circuit continuity testing on the entire wiring harness assembly. This method is highly efficient and suitable for batch inspections.

[0003] In conventional production, continuity checks on wire harness circuits can be performed using continuity systems, significantly improving production efficiency. For checking the pin reduction or hole reduction of electrical connector contacts, existing technologies propose using automated testing or parallel testing of multiple contacts instead of manual single-contact checks to improve efficiency. However, in certain operating conditions, such as on-machine installation of electrical connectors, on-site use and maintenance, and missing parts manufacturing, automated testing methods are not suitable for checking circuit continuity, nor are automated testing or parallel testing of multiple contacts suitable for checking pin reduction or hole reduction of electrical connector contacts. In these cases, traditional manual pin reduction or hole reduction checks, as well as circuit continuity checks performed one by one for each individual circuit, are necessary.

[0004] Currently, the checks on connector contact pin reduction or hole reduction under the aforementioned operating conditions, as well as the checks on single-circuit continuity, are performed relatively independently and separately. This results in high manpower and time consumption and low work efficiency. In some emergency scenarios, such as wire harness repair or emergency maintenance, this may cause even greater adverse effects.

[0005] Therefore, in view of the problem that the existing technology cannot simultaneously detect continuity and pin retraction of electrical connectors, the present invention proposes a contact for simultaneous detection of pin retraction and continuity of aviation electrical connectors. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention discloses a contact for synchronous detection of retractable pins and continuity of aviation electrical connectors. Based on this, the retractable pin inspection and single-circuit continuity inspection of electrical connectors, which were originally performed in a time-sharing manner, can be carried out simultaneously, significantly reducing the time required for electrical connector inspection.

[0007] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0008] A contact for synchronous detection of pin retraction and continuity in an aviation electrical connector includes a housing. An axially movable measuring element is disposed inside the housing, extending from a first end of the housing. An inductive displacement sensor is disposed at a second end of the housing. A magnetic element is disposed at the end of the measuring element near the inductive displacement sensor, the magnetic element moving with the measuring element to achieve electromagnetic induction with the inductive displacement sensor. The inductive displacement sensor is connected to a circuit interface for connection to an external measurement circuit, which includes one circuit for pin retraction detection and another circuit for continuity detection.

[0009] One end of the measuring element extends outside the housing and contacts the device under test (DUT). Pressing the measuring element applies pressure to the DUT, causing it to move inside the housing under the reaction force. This movement, in turn, causes the magnetic element at the second end to move relative to the inductive displacement sensor, generating a differential voltage within the inductive displacement sensor. If the DUT does not exhibit pin retraction, the measuring element, under a set external force, can perform a fixed-stroke displacement, resulting in a predetermined relative displacement between the magnetic element and the inductive displacement sensor. This ultimately generates the expected differential voltage through the inductive displacement sensor, which can be monitored and read by an external measuring circuit connected to the circuit interface, thus achieving pin retraction testing of the DUT. Simultaneously, the DUT, conductive contacts, continuity test wiring, circuit interface, and external measuring circuit form a loop. The external measuring circuit can monitor and determine whether the loop is continuous, achieving simultaneous testing of pin retraction and continuity of the DUT.

[0010] To better realize the present invention, an elastic element is further provided between the measuring element and the inductive displacement sensing device, and the elastic element undergoes elastic deformation as the measuring element moves.

[0011] To better realize the present invention, the measuring component further includes a measuring rod, a continuity test wire, and a fixed continuity terminal block. The measuring rod is coaxially movable inside the housing, with its first end extending to the outside of the housing and its second end provided with a magnetic element. The fixed continuity terminal block is connected to the circuit interface, and a through hole is provided at the center of the fixed continuity terminal block to slide with the measuring rod. The continuity test wire is used to connect the fixed continuity terminal block and the first end of the measuring rod.

[0012] To better realize the present invention, the first end of the measuring rod is provided with a conductive contact portion extending to the outside of the housing, an insulating partition is provided between the conductive contact portion and the measuring rod, the continuity test connection is used to connect the fixed continuity terminal block and the conductive contact portion, and an elastic element is provided between the insulating partition and the fixed continuity terminal block.

[0013] To better realize the present invention, the first end of the housing is provided with a probe mounting bracket, and the center of the probe mounting bracket is provided with an inner cavity for sliding and fitting the conductive contact part. One end of the continuity test line extends into the inner cavity and contacts and connects with the conductive contact part.

[0014] To better realize the present invention, the elastic element further includes an elastic element body, which is disposed between the insulating partition and the fixed conductive terminal plate, and the elastic element body undergoes elastic deformation as the measuring rod moves.

[0015] To better realize the present invention, a guide cylinder is further provided on the outside of the elastic element body, and the elastic element body and the guide cylinder are slidably connected.

[0016] To better realize the present invention, the inductive displacement sensing device further includes a sensing coil and a retractable needle test line. The sensing coil is disposed at the second end of the housing. The sensing coil is connected to the circuit interface through the retractable needle test line. The sensing coil is electromagnetically induced by the magnetic component.

[0017] To better realize the present invention, a sensor mounting bracket is further provided inside the second end of the housing, a sensing coil is provided at the end of the sensor mounting bracket away from the measuring component, and the end of the sensor mounting bracket close to the measuring component is connected to the fixed conductive terminal block.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0019] This invention performs connector contact pin retraction inspection and single-circuit continuity inspection simultaneously, which were originally performed in separate steps, significantly reducing the inspection time and improving work efficiency. It is well-suited for operating conditions requiring both single-contact pin retraction inspection and single-circuit continuity inspection. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the contact for synchronous detection;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the measuring component;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of an inductive displacement sensing device.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the elastic element.

[0024] Wherein: 1-Conductive contact; 2-Insulating partition; 3-Test rod; 4-Continuity test connection; 5-Circuit interface; 6-Elastic body; 7-Guide cylinder; 8-Fixed continuity connection board; 9-Magnetic component; 10-Sensing coil; 11-Sensor mounting bracket; 12-Retractable needle test line; 13-Probe mounting bracket; 14-Housing. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Example 1:

[0026] This embodiment describes an aviation electrical connector pin retraction pin and a contact for continuity synchronization detection, such as... Figures 1-4 As shown, the device includes a housing 14, inside which a measuring element is axially movable. The measuring element extends out of the housing 14 from its first end. An inductive displacement sensing device is provided at the second end of the housing 14. A magnetic element 9 is provided at the end of the measuring element near the inductive displacement sensing device. The magnetic element 9 moves with the measuring element to achieve electromagnetic induction with the inductive displacement sensing device. The inductive displacement sensing device includes a circuit interface 5 for connecting to an external measuring circuit.

[0027] When the magnetic component 9 moves along with the measuring component, it will generate displacement relative to the inductive displacement sensing device. This displacement, through electromagnetic induction, generates a differential voltage within the inductive displacement sensing device. The external measuring circuit connected to the circuit interface 5 can monitor and read this differential voltage. By observing whether a differential voltage is generated and its changes, it is possible to calculate whether the test component has experienced needle retraction. Simultaneously, the conductive contact 1 makes electrical contact with the test component and forms a loop with the continuity test connection 4, the fixed continuity terminal block 8, the circuit interface 5, and the external measuring circuit. The external measuring circuit can then monitor and read the continuity status of the test component and calculate whether it is in a conductive state. Specifically:

[0028] A predetermined external force is applied to the measuring component, causing its first end to contact the device under test (DUT). At this point, the measuring component (i.e., sensing coil 10), the DUT (i.e., retraction test lead 12), the circuit interface 5, and the external measuring circuit form a loop. If the DUT does not retract, applying the predetermined external force to the measuring component will cause it to generate a predetermined displacement under the reaction force, thereby causing the magnetic component 9 to move a predetermined distance relative to the inductive displacement sensing device. This will generate a predetermined differential voltage in the inductive displacement sensing device. By monitoring and reading the differential voltage through the external measuring circuit, the DUT can be tested for retraction. Simultaneously, the conductive contact 1 forms a stable electrical contact with the DUT in the absence of retraction, and forms a complete loop with the continuity test lead 4, the fixed continuity terminal block 8, the circuit interface 5, and the external measuring circuit. A test current is applied through the current source of the external measuring circuit, and the circuit is judged to be in an open or closed state, thus simultaneously performing retraction and continuity detection of the DUT.

[0029] If the test piece (DPT) exhibits needle retraction, when a predetermined external force is applied to the measuring piece, the retraction at the contact point between the DPT and the measuring piece will prevent the measuring piece from generating the predetermined displacement. Consequently, the magnetic component 9 cannot move relative to the inductive displacement sensing device by the predetermined stroke, ultimately causing the differential voltage generated inside the inductive displacement sensing device to fall short of the expected value. By monitoring the differential voltage through an external detection circuit, if the difference between the monitored differential voltage and the expected value exceeds the allowable error threshold, it indicates that the DPT exhibits needle retraction.

[0030] Example 2:

[0031] This embodiment discloses a shrink pin for an aviation electrical connector and a contact for continuity synchronization detection, which is further optimized based on Embodiment 1, such as... Figures 1-4 As shown, an elastic element is provided between the measuring element and the inductive displacement sensing device, and the elastic element undergoes elastic deformation as the measuring element moves.

[0032] The elastic element applies a spring force to the measuring component. When an external force is applied to the measuring component, it overcomes the elastic force, allowing the measuring component to move smoothly within the housing 14, while the elastic element undergoes elastic deformation. After the external force is removed, the measuring component springs back to its original position under the elastic force of the elastic element, ready for the next test. The elastic force of the elastic element is preset; applying a predetermined external force to the measuring component causes the elastic element to compress by a predetermined amount, which is the predetermined displacement of the measuring rod.

[0033] Furthermore, the elastic element includes an elastic element body 6, which is disposed between the insulating partition 2 and the fixed conductive terminal plate 8. The elastic element body 6 undergoes elastic deformation as the measuring rod 3 moves. A guide cylinder 7 is provided on the outside of the elastic element body 6, and the elastic element body 6 and the guide cylinder 7 are slidably connected. The inner wall of the guide cylinder 7 is in slidable contact with the elastic element body 6. When the elastic element body 6 is compressed, the guide cylinder 7 guides the compression movement of the elastic element body 6, ensuring that the elastic element body 6 and the measuring element can move smoothly.

[0034] The other parts of this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1, so they will not be described again.

[0035] Example 3:

[0036] This embodiment discloses a shrink pin for an aviation electrical connector and a contact for continuity synchronization detection, which is further optimized based on embodiment 1 or 2, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the measuring component includes a measuring rod 3, a continuity test cable 4, and a fixed continuity terminal block 8. The measuring rod 3 is coaxially movable inside the housing 14, with its first end extending to the outside of the housing 14 and its second end equipped with a magnetic element 9. The fixed continuity terminal block 8 is connected to the circuit interface 5, and a through hole is provided at the center of the fixed continuity terminal block 8 to slide with the measuring rod 3. The continuity test cable 4 is used to connect the fixed continuity terminal block 8 and the first end of the measuring rod 3.

[0037] When a predetermined external force is applied to the measuring rod 3, it moves inside the housing 14. The measuring rod 3 then moves the magnetic component 9 relative to the inductive displacement sensing device, thereby generating a differential voltage inside the inductive displacement sensing device. An external detection circuit forms a loop through the circuit interface 5, the sensing coil 10, and the retractable needle test lead 12, allowing the external detection circuit to monitor the differential voltage inside the inductive displacement sensing device.

[0038] Furthermore, the first end of the measuring rod 3 is provided with a conductive contact portion 1 extending to the outside of the housing 14. An insulating partition 2 is provided between the conductive contact portion 1 and the measuring rod 3. The continuity test connection 4 is used to connect the fixed continuity terminal block 8 and the conductive contact portion 1. An elastic element is provided between the insulating partition 2 and the fixed continuity terminal block 8.

[0039] The conductive contact 1 is made of copper alloy, which has excellent conductivity and rigidity, making it less prone to deformation during frequent contact and compression between the conductive contact 1 and the workpiece under test. By setting an insulating partition 2 between the conductive contact 1 and the measuring rod 3, insulation can be provided between the conductive contact 1 and the elastic element.

[0040] Furthermore, a probe mounting bracket 13 is provided at the first end of the housing 14, and an inner cavity is provided at the center of the probe mounting bracket 13 for sliding and fitting the conductive contact 1. One end of the continuity test line 4 extends into the inner cavity and contacts and connects with the conductive contact 1.

[0041] The other parts of this embodiment are the same as those in Embodiment 1 or 2, so they will not be described again.

[0042] Example 4:

[0043] This embodiment discloses a shrink pin for an aviation electrical connector and a contact for continuity synchronization detection, which is further optimized based on any one of embodiments 1-3, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the inductive displacement sensing device includes a sensing coil 10 and a retractable pin test line 12. The sensing coil 10 is disposed at the second end of the housing 14. The sensing coil 10 is connected to the circuit interface 5 through the retractable pin test line 12. The sensing coil 10 is electromagnetically induced by the magnetic component 9. The magnetic component 9 is disposed inside the hollow cavity of the sensing coil 10. When the magnetic component 9 moves relative to the sensing coil 10 under the action of the measuring rod 3, a differential voltage is generated inside the sensing coil 10. Through the retractable pin test line 12 connected to the circuit interface 5, an external detection circuit can be connected to monitor the differential voltage generated inside the sensing coil 10.

[0044] Furthermore, a sensor mounting bracket 11 is provided inside the second end of the housing 14. A sensing coil 10 is provided at the end of the sensor mounting bracket 11 away from the measuring component, and the end of the sensor mounting bracket 11 near the measuring component is connected to the fixed conductive terminal block 8. The sensor mounting bracket 11 is made of insulating material, such as rubber or ceramic. By setting the sensor mounting bracket 11, the sensing coil 10 can be supported and fixed, while the sensing coil 10 and the fixed conductive terminal block 8 are insulated from each other.

[0045] The other parts of this embodiment are the same as any one of embodiments 1-3, so they will not be described again.

[0046] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any simple modifications or equivalent changes made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A retractable pin and a contact for continuity synchronization detection of an aviation electrical connector, comprising a housing (14), characterized in that, A measuring element is axially movable inside the housing (14). The measuring element extends out of the housing (14) from its first end. An inductive displacement sensing device is provided at the second end of the housing (14). A magnetic element (9) is provided at the end of the measuring element near the inductive displacement sensing device. The magnetic element (9) moves with the measuring element to achieve electromagnetic induction with the inductive displacement sensing device. The inductive displacement sensing device is connected to a circuit interface (5), which is used to connect to an external measuring circuit. The measuring element includes... The test rod (3), the continuity test line (4), and the fixed continuity terminal block (8) are designed to move coaxially inside the housing (14). The first end of the test rod (3) extends to the outside of the housing (14), and the second end of the test rod (3) is provided with a magnetic element (9). The fixed continuity terminal block (8) is connected to the circuit interface (5), and the center of the fixed continuity terminal block (8) is provided with a through hole that slides with the test rod (3). The continuity test line (4) is used to connect the fixed continuity terminal block (8) and the first end of the test rod (3).

2. The aviation electrical connector retractable pin and contact for continuity synchronization detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the probe (3) is provided with a conductive contact (1) extending to the outside of the housing (14). An insulating partition (2) is provided between the conductive contact (1) and the probe (3). The continuity test line (4) is used to connect the fixed continuity terminal block (8) and the conductive contact (1). An elastic element is provided between the insulating partition (2) and the fixed continuity terminal block (8).

3. The aviation electrical connector retractable pin and contact for continuity synchronization detection according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first end of the housing (14) is provided with a probe mounting bracket (13), and the center of the probe mounting bracket (13) is provided with an inner cavity for the conductive contact part (1) to be slidably installed. One end of the continuity test line (4) extends into the inner cavity and is connected to the conductive contact part (1).

4. The aviation electrical connector retractable pin and contact for continuity synchronization detection according to claim 3, characterized in that, The elastic element includes an elastic element body (6), which is disposed between the insulating partition (2) and the fixed conductive terminal block (8). The elastic element body (6) undergoes elastic deformation as the measuring rod (3) moves.

5. The aviation electrical connector retractable pin and contact for continuity synchronization detection according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic element body (6) is provided with a guide cylinder (7) on its outside, and the elastic element body (6) and the guide cylinder (7) are slidably connected.

6. A retractable pin and a contact for continuity synchronization detection of an aviation electrical connector according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The inductive displacement sensing device includes a sensing coil (10) and a retractable needle test line (12). The sensing coil (10) is disposed at the second end of the housing (14). The sensing coil (10) is connected to the circuit interface (5) through the retractable needle test line (12). The sensing coil (10) is electromagnetically induced by the magnetic component (9).

7. The aviation electrical connector retractable pin and contact for continuity synchronization detection according to claim 6, characterized in that, A sensor mounting bracket (11) is provided inside the second end of the housing (14). A sensing coil (10) is provided at the end of the sensor mounting bracket (11) away from the measuring component. The end of the sensor mounting bracket (11) close to the measuring component is connected to the fixed conductive terminal block (8).

Images