A type of aviation connector for power distribution automation terminal PCB board

Abstract

This invention discloses an aviation connector for a power distribution automation terminal PCB board, comprising: a plug, with an electrically controlled locking unit and a PCB board disposed inside the plug housing, and a first electrical connection port installed in a mounting hole on the plug housing; a socket, with a locking member rotatably fitted to the left end of the socket housing, and a locking hole provided on the left side of the locking member; and a locking / unlocking control device comprising an insulating housing, a control circuit board, a power supply unit, and a second electrical connection port; the locking / unlocking control device can send a control signal to the electrically controlled locking unit through the PCB board, controlling the drive end of the electrically controlled locking unit to extend and enter the locking hole to achieve locking, or controlling the drive end to retract and leave the locking hole to release locking. The beneficial effect is that only authorized operators can perform locking or unlocking operations on the connector, solving the security risk that traditional threaded locking connectors can be easily unlocked manually by anyone, making it particularly suitable for scenarios with extremely high connection security requirements, such as power distribution automation terminals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of connector technology, and in particular to an aviation connector for a power distribution automation terminal PCB board. Background Technology

[0002] Connectors are fundamental components in the field of electrical connections, enabling the transmission of current or signals. They typically consist of a plug and a socket that mate together. In power distribution automation terminal equipment, PCB board to aviation connectors are widely used for signal and power connections between internal PCB boards and external cables or equipment.

[0003] To prevent the plug and socket from loosening under vibration or external force after insertion, existing aviation connectors typically employ two anti-loosening structures: First, a snap-fit ​​and slot structure is installed between the plug and socket, with the snap-fit ​​elastically engaging the slot to achieve axial locking; second, a locking element (commonly known as a connecting nut) is rotatably fitted onto the socket housing, and an external thread is provided on the plug housing. By rotating the locking element, its internal thread engages with the external thread of the plug housing, thereby axially locking the plug and socket. The second method is widely used in the aviation connector field due to its reliable locking and ease of operation. However, after connection using either of these methods, the connection can be easily manually disconnected by others. If unauthorized personnel disconnect the connector, it may lead to interruption of power distribution line monitoring data, inability to issue automated control commands, or even serious consequences such as relay protection malfunctions. Therefore, how to design a connector that requires a specific authorized device for locking and unlocking, and is suitable for the high requirements of connection security and anti-misoperation in power distribution automation terminals, has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the existing technical defects, the purpose of this invention is to provide an aviation connector for a power distribution automation terminal PCB board to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve the technical problem is as follows: A power distribution automation terminal PCB board connection aviation connector was designed, including: The plug includes a plug housing and a plurality of conductive pins fixed inside the plug housing. The right end of the plug housing is provided with an external thread, and an electric locking unit and a PCB board electrically connected to the electric locking unit are provided inside. A first electrical connection port electrically connected to the PCB board is installed in the mounting hole on the plug housing. A socket includes a socket housing and a plurality of conductive components disposed within the socket housing. The conductive components are used to be inserted into the conductive pins one by one. A locking component is rotatably fitted on the left end of the socket housing. A locking hole is provided on the left side of the locking component. The locking component is threadedly engaged with the external threaded part through its internal thread to lock the plug and the socket in a secure connection. The lock-on control device includes an insulating housing, a control circuit board disposed within the insulating housing, and a power supply unit and a second electrical connection port electrically connected to the control circuit board, wherein the second electrical connection port is used for pluggable electrical connection with the first electrical connection port. When the second electrical connection port is plugged into the first electrical connection port and supplies power to the PCB board, the lock-open control device can send a control signal to the electronically controlled locking unit through the PCB board to control the drive end of the electronically controlled locking unit to extend and enter the locking hole to achieve locking, or control the drive end to retract and leave the locking hole to release the lock.

[0006] To better address the aforementioned technical deficiencies, the present invention also provides a more advanced technical solution: In some embodiments, the electrically controlled locking unit is an electric push rod or an electric cylinder.

[0007] In some embodiments, the lock / unlock control device is provided with a switch button, a lock control button, and an unlock control button that are electrically connected to the control circuit board.

[0008] In some embodiments, the PCB board is provided with a main control chip and a voltage detection module electrically connected to the main control chip. The voltage detection module is used to detect the power supply voltage of the PCB board. When the lock-open control device supplies power to the PCB board and the control circuit board sends a lock command or unlock command to the main control chip, the main control chip only controls the electronic lock unit to perform the corresponding lock or unlock action when the power supply voltage detected by the voltage detection module meets the preset voltage range.

[0009] In some embodiments, the PCB board is provided with a main control chip and a current detection module electrically connected to the main control chip. The current detection module is used to detect the power supply current of the PCB board. When the lock-open control device supplies power to the PCB board and the control circuit board sends a lock command or unlock command to the main control chip, the main control chip only controls the electronically controlled locking mechanism to perform the corresponding lock or unlock action when the power supply current detected by the current detection module meets the preset current range.

[0010] In some embodiments, the PCB board is provided with a main control chip, and a voltage detection module and a current detection module electrically connected to the main control chip. The voltage detection module is used to detect the power supply voltage of the PCB board, and the current detection module is used to detect the power supply current of the PCB board. When the lock-on control device supplies power to the PCB board and the control circuit board sends a lock command or unlock command to the main control chip, the main control chip only controls the electronic lock unit to perform the corresponding lock or unlock action when the power supply voltage detected by the voltage detection module meets the preset voltage range and the power supply current detected by the current detection module meets the preset current range.

[0011] In some embodiments, a guide protrusion is provided on one of the plug housing and the socket housing, and a guide groove is provided on the other. When the plug is inserted into the socket, the guide protrusion engages with the guide groove.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first electrical connection port is a first terminal installed in a mounting hole on the plug housing, and the open portion of the mounting hole is detachably connected to a sealing cap.

[0013] In some embodiments, the electrically controlled locking unit has a power-off retention function; when the locking / unlocking control device stops supplying power to the PCB board, the electrically controlled locking unit maintains its current locked or unlocked state. The control circuit board and the PCB board transmit control signals via wired communication through the first electrical connection port and the second electrical connection port.

[0014] Compared to existing technologies, this invention offers the following advantages: By incorporating an electrically controlled locking unit within the plug, and coordinating it with a locking / unlocking control device for power supply and control signal transmission, only authorized personnel can lock or unlock the connector. This effectively solves the security risk of traditional threaded locking connectors being easily unlocked manually by anyone, making it particularly suitable for scenarios with extremely high connection security requirements, such as power distribution automation terminals. Furthermore, by incorporating a voltage detection module and / or current detection module on the PCB board, when the locking / unlocking control device is powered, the main control chip only performs locking or unlocking actions when the power supply voltage and / or current meet preset ranges, effectively preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting to forcibly unlock the connector using incompatible power supply devices. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a power distribution automation terminal PCB board connected to an aviation connector according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the PCB board for power distribution automation terminals connected to aviation connectors Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the socket; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the control circuit board, PCB board, and electronic locking unit; Figure label: 1. Plug; 11. Conductive pin; 12. External thread; 13. First electrical connection port; 14. Guide protrusion; 2. Socket; 21. Conductive component; 22. Locking component; 221. Locking hole; 23. Guide groove; 3. Locking and unlocking control device; 31. Control circuit board; 32. Second electrical connection port; 4. Electrically controlled locking unit; 5. PCB board; 6. Silicone sealing cover; Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and techniques are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of the invention.

[0017] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0018] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as setting, installing, connecting, and fixing should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0019] Example 1

[0020] refer to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the present invention provides a power distribution automation terminal PCB board to aviation connector, including: plug 1, socket 2 and lock / unlock control device 3.

[0021] The plug 1 includes a plug housing and several conductive pins 11 fixed inside the plug housing. The right end of the plug housing has an external thread 12. Inside the plug housing is an electrically controlled locking unit 4 and a PCB board 5 electrically connected to the electrically controlled locking unit 4. A first electrical connection port 13 is installed in a mounting hole on the plug housing and is electrically connected to the PCB board 5. A silicone sealing cap 6 is detachably connected to the open portion of the mounting hole. The silicone sealing cap 6 prevents dust and moisture from entering the mounting hole, thus providing a sealing function.

[0022] The electronically controlled locking unit 4 is a miniature electric push rod with a locking function. The electric push rod maintains the current locked or unlocked state through its internal worm gear self-locking mechanism.

[0023] The socket 2 includes a socket housing and several conductive parts 21 disposed within the socket housing. These conductive parts 21 are used to connect and engage with conductive pins 11 in a one-to-one manner to achieve signal and / or power transmission. The conductive pins 11 are rod-shaped, and the conductive parts 21 are cylindrical; both are made of copper alloy and have a gold-plated surface. A locking part 22 (commonly known as a connecting nut) is rotatably fitted to the left end of the socket housing. The inner wall of the locking part 22 has an internal thread that engages with the external thread 12 on the plug housing. A locking hole 221 is provided on the left side of the locking part 22. The locking hole 221 is either a blind hole or a through hole. The diameter of the locking hole 221 is 0.8-2mm larger than the diameter of the driving end of the electronic locking unit 4. The opening of the locking hole 221 has a chamfered bevel to facilitate insertion of the driving end. The depth of the locking hole 221 is greater than 3mm and less than 10mm. The locking element 22 is cylindrical, and the annular protrusion on the inner wall of the right end rotates and engages with the annular groove on the outer wall of the socket housing.

[0024] The lock / unlock control device 3 includes an insulating housing, a control circuit board 31 housed within the insulating housing, and a power supply unit and a second electrical connection port 32 electrically connected to the control circuit board 31. The insulating housing is injection molded from flame-retardant ABS plastic. The power supply unit is a rechargeable lithium battery housed within the insulating housing. The second electrical connection port 32 is mounted on the bottom of the insulating housing. One of the first electrical connection port 13 and the other of the second electrical connection port 32 is a male terminal, and they employ a hybrid pin design (power supply pins and signal pins) to accommodate both power supply and signal transmission functions. The insulating housing of the lock / unlock control device 3 also includes a switch button, a lock control button, and an unlock control button electrically connected to the control circuit board 31, used to control the switch of the lock / unlock control device 3, and to send lock and unlock commands to the plug 1, respectively.

[0025] When the right end of plug 1 is inserted into the left end of socket 2, the internal thread of the locking member 22 is engaged with the external thread 12 by rotating the locking member 22. During the rotation, the locking member 22 moves to the left relative to plug 1 and drives plug 1 to continue to be inserted into socket 2. After the rotation is in place, plug 1 and socket 2 are fully engaged, and plug 1 and socket 2 are axially locked together. At this time, the locking end of the electric locking unit 4 corresponds to the locking hole 221 on the left and right. After removing the silicone sealing cap 6 from the open mounting hole, the movable lock-opening control device 3 allows the second electrical connection port 32 to connect with the first electrical connection port 13 and supply power to the PCB board 5. The lock-opening control device 3 can then send control signals to the electrically controlled locking unit 4 via the PCB board 5, controlling the drive end of the electrically controlled locking unit 4 to extend and enter the locking hole 221 for locking, or controlling the drive end of the electrically controlled locking unit 4 to retract and leave the locking hole 221 to release the lock. The length L of the drive end of the electrically controlled locking unit 4 inserted into the locking hole 221 is 3mm < L ≤ 10mm. Control signals are transmitted between the control circuit board 31 and the PCB board 5 via wired communication through the first electrical connection port 13 and the second electrical connection port 32. The control circuit board 32 integrates a main control chip, a communication interface circuit, and a power management circuit. The main control chip uses a low-power microcontroller (such as the STM32 series). The communication interface circuit converts the control signals generated by the main control chip into level signals suitable for transmission between the first electrical connection port 13 and the second electrical connection port 32. The power management circuit regulates the output voltage of the power supply unit 33 to power the main control chip and the communication interface circuit. When the operator presses the lock or unlock control button, the main control chip generates a corresponding control command in response to the button operation. This control command is processed by the communication interface circuit and sent to the PCB board 15 through the second electrical connection port 32. The communication protocol uses I²C or UART serial communication protocol. The control signal includes the operation type (lock / unlock) and a checksum to prevent false triggering. The PCB board integrates a main control chip, a communication interface circuit, and a drive circuit that is connected to the electric locking unit 14. The communication interface circuit is used to receive control signals from the locking and unlocking control device 3 and transmit them to the main control chip. After the main control chip parses and verifies the control signals, it controls the electric locking unit 14 to perform corresponding locking or unlocking actions through the drive circuit.

[0026] One or two guide protrusions 14 are provided on one of the plug housing and the socket housing, and one or two guide grooves 23 are provided on the other. In this embodiment, the plug housing is preferably provided with one guide protrusion 14, and the inner wall of the socket housing is provided with a corresponding guide groove 23. When the plug 1 and the socket 2 are plugged in, the guide protrusion 14 and the guide groove 23 slide to ensure that the conductive pin 11 and the conductive component 21 are accurately plugged in the correct position.

[0027] Example 2

[0028] refer to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this invention provides another power distribution automation terminal PCB board connected to an aviation connector. The difference between this embodiment and embodiment one is that the PCB board 5 is equipped with a main control chip and a voltage detection module electrically connected to the main control chip. The voltage detection module is used to detect the power supply voltage of the PCB board 5. The main control chip uses an STM32 series low-power microcontroller, and the voltage detection module uses a conventional resistor divider network combined with an ADC sampling circuit. When the lock / unlock control device 3 supplies power to the PCB board 5 and the control circuit board 31 sends a lock or unlock command to the main control chip, the main control chip only controls the electronic lock unit 4 to perform the corresponding lock or unlock action when the power supply voltage detected by the voltage detection module meets the preset voltage range. For example, the preset voltage range is 4.5V to 5.5V, corresponding to the rated output voltage of 5V of the power supply unit of the lock / unlock control device 3. When the supply voltage is below 4.5V, it indicates insufficient power supply, and the electronically controlled locking unit 4 may not be able to provide enough driving force. In this case, the main control chip refuses to execute the operation and sends an alarm signal to the host computer. When the supply voltage is above 5.5V, it indicates an abnormal power supply, which may damage the electronically controlled locking unit 4. In this case, the main control chip also refuses to execute the operation. Through the above voltage verification mechanism, it is effective to prevent unauthorized personnel from attempting to forcibly unlock the device using an incompatible power supply, and it is also effective to prevent malfunctions or equipment damage caused by abnormal power supply.

[0029] Example 3 refer to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this invention provides another type of power distribution automation terminal PCB board 5 connected to an aviation connector. The difference between this embodiment and embodiment one is that the PCB board 5 is equipped with a main control chip and a current detection module electrically connected to the main control chip. The current detection module is used to detect the power supply current of the PCB board 5. The current detection module uses a conventional precision sampling resistor in conjunction with a differential amplifier circuit. When the lock / unlock control device 3 supplies power to the PCB board 5 and the control circuit board 31 sends a lock or unlock command to the main control chip, the main control chip only controls the electronic lock unit 4 to perform the corresponding lock or unlock action when the power supply current detected by the current detection module meets the preset current range. For example, the preset current range is 100mA to 500mA, which is determined based on the rated operating current of the electronic lock unit 4. When the power supply current is below 100mA, it indicates that there may be poor contact or an open circuit in the circuit; when the power supply current is above 500mA, it indicates that there may be a short circuit or the electronic lock unit 4 may be stalled. In the above-mentioned abnormal situations, the main control chip refuses to perform any operation, effectively preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting to forcibly unlock the device using an incompatible power supply, while protecting the electronic locking unit 4 and the PCB board 5 from damage.

[0030] Example 4

[0031] refer to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this invention provides another type of power distribution automation terminal PCB board 5 connected to an aviation connector. The difference between this embodiment and embodiment one is that the PCB board 5 is equipped with a main control chip, and a voltage detection module and a current detection module electrically connected to the main control chip. The voltage detection module is used to detect the supply voltage of the PCB board 5, and the current detection module is used to detect the supply current of the PCB board 5. When the lock / unlock control device 3 supplies power to the PCB board 5 and the control circuit board 31 sends a lock or unlock command to the main control chip, the main control chip only controls the electronic lock unit 4 to perform the corresponding lock or unlock action when the supply voltage detected by the voltage detection module meets the preset voltage range and the supply current detected by the current detection module meets the preset current range. This embodiment further improves the safety and reliability of the system through dual verification of voltage and current, effectively preventing potential vulnerabilities in single-parameter verification (e.g., normal supply voltage but abnormal supply current, or normal supply current but abnormal supply voltage).

[0032] In other embodiments, the electronically controlled locking unit is an electric cylinder with a locking function.

[0033] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An aviation connector for a power distribution automation terminal PCB board, characterized in that, include: The plug includes a plug housing and a plurality of conductive pins fixed inside the plug housing. The right end of the plug housing is provided with an external thread, and an electric locking unit and a PCB board electrically connected to the electric locking unit are provided inside. A first electrical connection port electrically connected to the PCB board is installed in the mounting hole on the plug housing. A socket includes a socket housing and a plurality of conductive components disposed within the socket housing. The conductive components are used to be inserted into the conductive pins one by one. A locking component is rotatably fitted on the left end of the socket housing. A locking hole is provided on the left side of the locking component. The locking component is threadedly engaged with the external threaded part through its internal thread to lock the plug and the socket in a secure connection. The lock-on control device includes an insulating housing, a control circuit board disposed within the insulating housing, and a power supply unit and a second electrical connection port electrically connected to the control circuit board, wherein the second electrical connection port is used for pluggable electrical connection with the first electrical connection port. When the second electrical connection port is plugged into the first electrical connection port and supplies power to the PCB board, the lock-open control device can send a control signal to the electronically controlled locking unit through the PCB board to control the drive end of the electronically controlled locking unit to extend and enter the locking hole to achieve locking, or control the drive end to retract and leave the locking hole to release the lock.

2. The aviation connector for a power distribution automation terminal PCB board according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrically controlled locking unit is an electric push rod or an electric cylinder.

3. The aviation connector for a power distribution automation terminal PCB board according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lock / unlock control device is equipped with a switch button, a lock control button, and an unlock control button that are electrically connected to the control circuit board.

4. The aviation connector for a power distribution automation terminal PCB board according to claim 1, characterized in that, The PCB board is equipped with a main control chip and a voltage detection module electrically connected to the main control chip. The voltage detection module is used to detect the power supply voltage of the PCB board. When the lock-open control device supplies power to the PCB board and the control circuit board sends a lock command or unlock command to the main control chip, the main control chip only controls the electronic lock unit to perform the corresponding lock or unlock action when the power supply voltage detected by the voltage detection module meets the preset voltage range.

5. The aviation connector for a power distribution automation terminal PCB board according to claim 1, characterized in that, The PCB board is equipped with a main control chip and a current detection module electrically connected to the main control chip. The current detection module is used to detect the power supply current of the PCB board. When the lock-open control device supplies power to the PCB board and the control circuit board sends a lock command or unlock command to the main control chip, the main control chip only controls the electronically controlled locking mechanism to perform the corresponding lock or unlock action when the power supply current detected by the current detection module meets the preset current range.

6. The aviation connector for a power distribution automation terminal PCB board according to claim 1, characterized in that, The PCB board is equipped with a main control chip, as well as a voltage detection module and a current detection module electrically connected to the main control chip. The voltage detection module is used to detect the power supply voltage of the PCB board, and the current detection module is used to detect the power supply current of the PCB board. When the lock-open control device supplies power to the PCB board and the control circuit board sends a lock command or unlock command to the main control chip, the main control chip only controls the electronic lock unit to perform the corresponding lock or unlock action when the power supply voltage detected by the voltage detection module meets the preset voltage range and the power supply current detected by the current detection module meets the preset current range.

7. The aviation connector for a power distribution automation terminal PCB board according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the plug housing and the socket housing is provided with a guide protrusion, and the other is provided with a guide groove. When the plug is inserted into the socket, the guide protrusion cooperates with the guide groove.

8. The aviation connector for a power distribution automation terminal PCB board according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first electrical connection port is a first terminal installed in a mounting hole on the plug housing, and a sealing cap is detachably connected to the open part of the mounting hole.

9. The aviation connector for a power distribution automation terminal PCB board according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electronically controlled locking unit has a power-off retention function. When the locking and unlocking control device stops supplying power to the PCB board, the electronically controlled locking unit maintains the current locked or unlocked state.

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