Passive temperature detection system for cable connector and cable connector assembly

Abstract

Disclosed are a passive temperature detection system for a cable connector and a cable connector assembly, the passive temperature detection system comprising: a temperature sensing unit, the temperature sensing unit comprising an RLC circuit, the RLC circuit comprising a temperature sensitive capacitor and an inductor, a temperature-sensitive capacitor in thermal contact with a conductive post disposed at an end of a cable inserted into the cable connector, and a capacitance of the temperature-sensitive capacitor varies with a temperature of the conductive post; the signal reading and processing unit comprises a coupling coil, the coupling coil excites the RLC circuit in an electromagnetic coupling mode and receives an electromagnetic signal from the RLC circuit, and the electromagnetic signal indicates that the capacitance of the temperature sensitive inductor changes along with the temperature change of the conductive column. The signal reading and processing unit determines an internal temperature of the cable connector based on the received electromagnetic signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a passive temperature detection system for a cable connector and also to a cable connector assembly. Background Art

[0002] Separable connectors are increasingly used for connecting cables and equipment, especially in new energy fields such as offshore windmills and solar energy. During use, it is usually desirable to test the working status of the connector, such as discharge, temperature anomalies, etc., to help users discover potential faults and dangers, so as to take timely action before the fault occurs. However, the closed structure of the detachable connector makes it impossible to test its working status. In the prior art, infrared temperature measurement technology is usually used to detect the temperature inside the connector, but this method detects the surface temperature rather than the internal temperature, so the accuracy of the result is low. If the temperature measuring device is set inside the connector, the temperature deviation can be reduced to a certain extent, but the power supply is a big challenge and the battery must be replaced frequently. Utility Model Content

[0003] An object of the present disclosure is to solve at least one aspect of the above-mentioned problems and defects in the prior art.

[0004] According to an embodiment of one aspect of the present disclosure, a passive temperature detection system for a cable connector is provided, the passive temperature detection system comprising: a temperature sensing unit, the temperature sensing unit comprising an RLC circuit, the RLC circuit comprising a temperature-sensitive capacitor and an inductor, the temperature-sensitive capacitor being in thermal contact with a conductive post arranged at the end of a cable inserted into the cable connector, and the capacitance of the temperature-sensitive capacitor varying with the temperature of the conductive post; and a signal reading and processing unit, the signal reading and processing unit comprising a coupling coil, the coupling coil exciting the RLC circuit by electromagnetic coupling, and receiving an electromagnetic signal from the RLC circuit indicating a capacitance change of the temperature-sensitive inductor as the capacitance changes with the temperature of the conductive post, the signal reading and processing unit determining the internal temperature of the cable connector based on the received electromagnetic signal.

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the passive temperature detection system further includes a handheld device, and the signal reading and processing unit includes a power supply, which is located at the handheld device and configured to supply power to the coupling coil.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the signal reading and processing unit further includes a controller, which is located at the handheld device and is configured to control an operating state of the passive temperature detection system.

[0007] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the passive temperature detection system further includes a display unit, which is located at the handheld device and configured to display the determined internal temperature of the cable connector.

[0008] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature-sensitive capacitor includes a capacitor body, at least a portion of which includes a temperature-sensitive dielectric material having a dielectric constant that varies with temperature.

[0009] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature sensing unit has an annular structure sleeved outside the conductive column, and the temperature-sensitive capacitor is in thermal contact with a circumferential surface of the conductive column.

[0010] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the annular structure is sleeved on an end of the conductive column away from the cable.

[0011] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling coil is sleeved on the outside of the housing of the cable connector and is located at a position corresponding to the temperature sensing unit.

[0012] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the cable connector is a detachable connector.

[0013] According to an embodiment of another aspect of the present disclosure, a cable connector assembly is also provided, which includes: a cable connector, the cable connector including a shell, the shell having an insertion cavity; a cable, one end of the cable having a conductive column and the end of the cable having the conductive column is inserted into the insertion cavity; and the passive temperature detection system as described above.

[0014] The passive temperature detection system for cable connectors described in the various embodiments of the present disclosure embeds a temperature sensing unit within the cable connector to more accurately measure the internal temperature of the cable connector. Furthermore, it utilizes a passive power supply design (i.e., no additional power source is required), eliminating the need for frequent battery replacement. This passive temperature detection system has a simple structure and is easy to install and use.

[0015] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will help to provide a comprehensive understanding of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a passive temperature detection system for a cable connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1The diagram shows a schematic diagram of a temperature sensing unit and a coupling coil in a separated state of a passive temperature detection system for a cable connector.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The figure shows an exploded schematic diagram of a temperature sensing unit and a cable connector of a passive temperature detection system for a cable connector.

[0019] Figure 4 1 is a working principle diagram of a passive temperature detection system for a cable connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] While the present invention will be fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings that contain preferred embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood before this description that one of ordinary skill in the art may modify the present invention described herein while still achieving the technical benefits of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be a broad disclosure to one of ordinary skill in the art and is not intended to limit the present invention to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0021] In addition, in the following detailed description, for ease of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it is apparent that one or more embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in diagrammatic form to simplify the accompanying drawings.

[0022] According to the overall inventive concept of the present disclosure, a passive temperature detection system for a cable connector is provided, the passive temperature detection system comprising: a temperature sensing unit, the temperature sensing unit comprising an RLC circuit, the RLC circuit comprising a temperature-sensitive capacitor and an inductor, the temperature-sensitive capacitor being in thermal contact with a conductive post arranged at an end of a cable inserted into the cable connector, and the capacitance of the temperature-sensitive capacitor varying with the temperature of the conductive post; and a signal reading and processing unit, the signal reading and processing unit comprising a coupling coil, the coupling coil exciting the RLC circuit by electromagnetic coupling and receiving an electromagnetic signal from the RLC circuit indicating a capacitance change of the temperature-sensitive inductor as the capacitance varies with the temperature of the conductive post, the signal reading and processing unit determining the internal temperature of the cable connector based on the received electromagnetic signal.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, a passive temperature detection system 10 for a cable connector 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a temperature sensing unit 11, which includes an RLC circuit. The RLC circuit includes a temperature-sensitive capacitor 111 and an inductor 112, wherein the temperature-sensitive capacitor 111 is in thermal contact with a conductive post 41 disposed at the end of a cable inserted into the cable connector 20, and the capacitance of the temperature-sensitive capacitor 111 varies with the temperature of the conductive post 41. The passive temperature detection system 10 also includes a signal reading and processing unit 12, which includes a coupling coil 121. The coupling coil 121 couples energy to the RLC circuit by electromagnetic coupling to excite the RLC circuit, and receives an electromagnetic signal from the RLC circuit indicating a change in the capacitance of the temperature-sensitive inductor 112 as the temperature of the conductive post 41 varies. During operation, power is supplied to the coupling coil 121, which couples energy to the RLC circuit of the temperature sensing unit 11 through electromagnetic coupling, causing the RLC circuit of the temperature sensing unit 11 to enter a resonant state. When the RLC circuit of the temperature sensing unit 11 reaches a steady state, the signal reading and processing unit 12 quickly cuts off power output and switches to a signal receiving state to receive electromagnetic signals from the temperature sensing unit 11. After receiving the electromagnetic signals from the temperature sensing unit 11, the signal reading and processing unit 12 calculates the changes in the temperature sensing device parameters through filtering, amplification, AD sampling, and digital signal processing, thereby determining the internal temperature of the cable connector 20.

[0024] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the passive temperature detection system 10 also includes a handheld device 30, and the signal reading and processing unit 12 also includes a power supply 122. The power supply 122 is connected to the coupling coil 121 and is configured to supply power to the coupling coil 121. When the coupling coil 121 is powered, the coupling coil 121 couples energy to the RLC circuit of the temperature sensing unit 11 through electromagnetic coupling, so that the RLC circuit of the temperature sensing unit 11 operates in a resonant state.

[0025] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the signal reading and processing unit 12 further includes a controller 123 , which is integrated on the handheld device 30 and configured to control the operating state of the passive temperature detection system 10 .

[0026] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, the passive temperature detection system 10 further includes a display unit 50, which is configured to display the determined internal temperature of the cable connector 20. In this embodiment, the display unit 50 is integrated on the handheld device 30. It should be noted that in some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the display unit 50 may also be provided separately, or the display unit 50 may be located at a remote location and connected to the signal reading and processing unit 12 via wireless (e.g., a wifi module) to display the internal temperature of the cable connector 20 determined by the signal reading and processing unit 12.

[0027] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 As shown, the temperature-sensitive capacitor 111 includes a capacitor body, at least a portion of which includes a temperature-sensitive dielectric material having a dielectric constant that varies with temperature.

[0028] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the temperature sensing unit 11 has an annular structure sleeved outside the conductive column 41, and the temperature sensitive capacitor 111 is in thermal contact with the circumferential surface of the conductive column 41, so that the temperature sensing unit 11 can obtain the temperature of the conductive column 41 more accurately and sensitively.

[0029] In some embodiments, as Figure 2 As shown, the annular structure is sleeved on the end of the conductive post 41 away from the cable. It should be noted that in some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the annular structure can also be sleeved on other positions of the conductive post 41.

[0030] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, the coupling coil 121 is sleeved on the outside of the shell of the cable connector 20 and is located at a position corresponding to the temperature sensing unit 11 to better couple energy to the RLC circuit of the temperature sensing unit 11.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1 As shown, the cable connector 20 is a detachable connector. It should be noted that in some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the cable connector 20 may also be other types of connectors.

[0032] When assembling the passive temperature detection system 10, first slide the cable adapter 40 onto the cable, then push the T-shaped body 21 of the cable connector 20 onto the cable adapter 40 through the first port; then, sequentially, put the T-shaped body 21, washer 23, elastic pad 24, fixing nut 25 and temperature sensing unit 11 of the cable connector 20 onto the conductive post 41 at one end of the cable; finally, plug the rear plug cover 26 into the second port of the T-shaped body 21 opposite to the first port, and cover the rear protective cap 9 on the second port of the T-shaped body 22. When it is necessary to test the internal temperature of the cable connector 20, the maintenance personnel can set the coupling coil 121 on the position of the cable connector 20 roughly corresponding to the temperature sensing unit 11, and power the coupling coil 121 through the power supply at the handheld device 30. The coupling coil 121 couples energy to the RLC circuit of the temperature sensing unit 11 through electromagnetic coupling, and puts the RLC circuit of the temperature sensing unit 11 into a resonant state; when the RLC circuit of the temperature sensing unit 11 reaches a steady state, the signal reading and processing unit 12 quickly cuts off the power output and switches to the signal receiving state to receive the electromagnetic signal from the temperature sensing unit 11. After the signal reading and processing unit 12 receives the electromagnetic signal from the temperature sensing unit 11, it processes it to obtain the internal temperature of the cable connector 20.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a cable connector assembly is also provided, which includes a cable connector 20, a cable, and the passive temperature detection system 10 described above. Specifically, the cable connector 20 includes a housing having an insertion cavity. One end of the cable has a conductive post 41, and the end of the cable having the conductive post 41 is inserted into the insertion cavity to electrically connect with the terminal 22 of the cable connector 20. The temperature sensing unit 11 of the passive temperature detection system 10 is embedded in the cable connector 20, and the temperature-sensitive capacitor 111 of the temperature sensing unit 11 is in thermal contact with the conductive post 41 arranged at the end of the cable inserted into the cable connector 20. The capacitance of the temperature-sensitive capacitor 111 changes with the temperature of the conductive post 41. The coupling coil 121 of the signal reading and processing unit 12 of the passive temperature detection system 10 is mounted thereon. The signal reading and processing unit 12 includes the coupling coil 121, which excites the RLC circuit by electromagnetic coupling and receives an electromagnetic signal from the RLC circuit indicating a capacitance change of the temperature-sensitive inductor 112 as the capacitance changes with the temperature of the conductive column 41. The signal reading and processing unit 12 determines the internal temperature of the cable connector 20 based on the received electromagnetic signal.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described above are exemplary and that they may be improved upon. The structures described in the various embodiments may be freely combined without causing any conflict in structure or principle.

[0035] After describing the preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims, and that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described in the specification.

Claims

1. A passive temperature detection system for a cable connector, characterized in that: The passive temperature detection system comprises: a temperature sensing unit comprising an RLC circuit including a temperature-sensitive capacitor and an inductor, the temperature-sensitive capacitor being in thermal contact with a conductive post disposed at an end of a cable inserted into the cable connector, and having a capacitance that varies with a temperature of the conductive post; and a signal reading and processing unit, the signal reading and processing unit including a coupling coil, the coupling coil exciting the RLC circuit by electromagnetic coupling and receiving an electromagnetic signal from the RLC circuit indicating a change in capacitance of the temperature-sensitive inductor as the capacitance changes with the temperature of the conductive post, the signal reading and processing unit determining the internal temperature of the cable connector based on the received electromagnetic signal.

2. The passive temperature detection system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The passive temperature detection system further includes a handheld device, and the signal reading and processing unit includes a power supply, which is located at the handheld device and configured to supply power to the coupling coil.

3. The passive temperature detection system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The signal reading and processing unit further includes a controller located at the handheld device and configured to control an operating state of the passive temperature detection system.

4. The passive temperature detection system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The passive temperature detection system further includes a display unit located at the handheld device and configured to display the determined internal temperature of the cable connector.

5. The passive temperature detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The temperature sensitive capacitor includes a capacitor body, at least a portion of which includes a temperature sensitive dielectric material having a dielectric constant that varies with temperature.

6. The passive temperature detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The temperature sensing unit has an annular structure sleeved on the outside of the conductive column, and the temperature-sensitive capacitor is in thermal contact with the circumferential surface of the conductive column.

7. The passive temperature detection system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The annular structure is sleeved on an end of the conductive column away from the cable.

8. The passive temperature detection system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The coupling coil is sleeved on the outside of the shell of the cable connector and is located at a position corresponding to the temperature sensing unit.

9. The passive temperature detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The cable connector is a detachable connector.

10. A cable connector assembly, characterized in that: The cable connector assembly comprises: A cable connector comprising a housing having an insertion cavity; a cable having a conductive post at one end thereof and the end of the cable having the conductive post being inserted into the insertion cavity; and A passive temperature detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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