A sensor for detecting electric arc light

By designing an arc light sensor that combines near-field and long-field detection, the problems of poor performance and high cost of existing arc light protection devices in low-voltage products have been solved, achieving low-cost and highly flexible arc light detection.

CN224535793UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-21CHONGQING ZHENYUAN ELECTRICAL CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHONGQING ZHENYUAN ELECTRICAL CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-08-15
Publication Date
2026-07-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing arc flash protection devices are not very effective in low-voltage products and are expensive, making them difficult to widely promote.

Method used

A sensor for detecting electric arc light was designed, which combines a first photodetector and a second photodetector. The first detector is used for close-range detection, and the second detector is used for long-range detection via optical fiber. Combined with an STM32F103C8T6 main control unit and RS485 communication, fast signal acquisition and processing are achieved.

Benefits of technology

It enables low-cost arc light detection, is applicable to different products, enhances the flexibility and reliability of detection, and reduces the overall cost of the device.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to detection electric arc light technical field, concretely relates to a kind of sensor of detection electric arc light;Including: shell, the shell inside is preassigned installation cavity, and PCB mainboard is installed in installation cavity inside, communication unit, main control unit and acquisition unit are provided on the PCB mainboard, still include first photoelectric detector and second photoelectric detector, first photoelectric detector is located on PCB mainboard, second photoelectric detector is located at the lower end surface of shell, one end is connected with PCB mainboard and is connected to shell inside.The sensor of detection electric arc light, first photoelectric detector is aligned with the direction of the direction needing detection when using, the range of this mode detection is wide, and effective distance is short;Second photoelectric detector carries out effective detection to the signal of 5m minimum 10KV by optical fiber for long-distance, this mode is mainly used in switch cabinet small space range, and the range of detection is narrow, and distance is far, such design, not only low in manufacturing cost, simultaneously applicable to different products, and then it is favorable for popularization and use.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of arc light detection technology, and in particular to a sensor for detecting arc light. Background Technology

[0002] An electric arc is a short circuit formed by ionized gas (air) between a charged body and the ground, or between charged bodies. High-energy electric arc faults manifest as electrical explosions. They release a large amount of energy, manifesting as radiation, heat, intense light, and high-voltage waves.

[0003] The main causes of electric arc light are: 1. Improper operation due to human error; 2. Insulation aging during normal equipment operation; 3. Environmental factors such as small animals, dust, temperature, humidity, and corrosion.

[0004] There are products on the market specifically designed for arc flash protection, such as arc flash relays, which can effectively disconnect the circuit in real time to protect the circuit system and prevent damage caused by electric arc. However, they are expensive and their effectiveness is not obvious when used in low-voltage products, which hinders their widespread use. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model provides a solution that is significantly different from existing technologies, addressing the problem that existing technologies are too simplistic. To overcome the aforementioned deficiencies of existing technologies, this utility model provides a sensor for detecting electric arc light, aiming to solve the problems mentioned in the background.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a sensor for detecting electric arc light, comprising: a housing, wherein a mounting cavity is pre-set inside the housing, and a PCB motherboard is mounted inside the mounting cavity; the PCB motherboard is provided with a communication unit, a main control unit, and a data acquisition unit; and further comprising a first photodetector and a second photodetector; the first photodetector is located on the PCB motherboard, and the second photodetector is located on the lower end face of the housing, with one end penetrating into the housing and connected to the PCB motherboard.

[0007] The housing adopts a commercially available structure, its core function being to protect the core components inside the mounting cavity, namely the PCB motherboard. The PCB motherboard, also using a commercially available structure, is located within a pre-designed mounting cavity inside the housing. The communication unit uses RS485 communication with the MODBUS_RTU protocol. The hardware utilizes a RS485 digital isolated power supply module, achieving a communication speed of up to 100ms. This communication can also be multiplexed for I / O output, a method used for relay control. The main control unit is an STM32F103C8T6, whose AD detection port has a maximum sampling frequency of 1MHz. Each 2ms sample is used to calculate the generation of the arc light signal, and the program filters out interference signals based on the waveform rise time. The acquisition unit is a dedicated photodiode for arc light detection, capable of detecting light signals with wavelengths from 200nm to 1100nm. When using the first photodetector, the photosensitive surface is aligned with the direction to be detected. This method offers a wide detection range but a short effective distance, requiring a certain signal strength. The second photodetector uses optical fiber to effectively detect signals as low as 10KV at a distance of 5 meters. This method is mainly applicable to small spaces within switch cabinets, with a narrow detection range and long distance.

[0008] Preferably, one side of the housing has an open structure, and a cover plate is provided at the open position. The cover plate and the housing have one or more internal threaded connection holes pre-set at corresponding positions.

[0009] The cover plate is a maintenance cover plate. The internal threaded connection hole is used to fix the bolts, so that the cover plate and the shell form a detachable structure, which facilitates the staff to carry out inspection and maintenance procedures on the inside of the shell later.

[0010] Preferably, the PCB motherboard has one or more pre-set mounting holes.

[0011] The mounting holes are used to insert the posts to fix the PCB motherboard inside the mounting cavity.

[0012] Preferably, the outer surface of the cover plate is provided with a clearance hole, and the installation position of the clearance hole corresponds to the installation position of the first photodetector.

[0013] The radius of the clearance hole is larger than the radius of the first photodetector. The design of the clearance hole ensures the accuracy of the first photodetector. This technique is common knowledge in the field, so it will not be described in detail here.

[0014] Preferably, the device also includes a mounting plate located on the rear end face of the housing, and the mounting plate is welded to the housing, and the area of ​​the mounting plate is larger than the area of ​​the housing.

[0015] The mounting plate is used to install the housing at a designated external location. The welded design ensures the stability of the connection between the mounting plate and the housing. The design of the mounting plate having a larger area than the housing increases the contact area with the designated external location, further ensuring the stability of the housing installation.

[0016] Preferably, the mounting plate has pre-set mounting holes, and the mounting holes are of the internal thread type, and two sets of the internal thread type mounting holes are symmetrically arranged on the mounting plate.

[0017] The internal thread type mounting hole is designed to insert bolts to fix the mounting plate to a designated position on the outside. This design not only ensures the stability of the connection, but also facilitates the disassembly and assembly of the plate by staff for subsequent replacement and maintenance.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: In use, this invention employs two photodetectors, one for first detection and one for second, to provide two arc detection methods. The first photodetector, with its photosensitive surface aligned with the direction to be detected, offers a wide detection range but a short effective distance, requiring a certain signal strength. The second photodetector, via optical fiber, effectively detects signals as low as 10KV over a distance of 5 meters. This method is primarily suitable for small spaces within switchgear cabinets, offering a narrow detection range but a long distance. This design not only reduces manufacturing costs but also makes it applicable to various products, thus facilitating widespread adoption. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the entire embodiment of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a front view schematic diagram of the internal structure of the shell in a specific embodiment of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a circuit flowchart of the specific embodiment of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a circuit flowchart of the power module according to a specific embodiment of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a circuit flowchart of the communication unit according to a specific embodiment of this utility model; Figure 6This is a circuit flowchart of the main control unit in a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0021] Part Name 1. Housing; 2. PCB motherboard; 201. Mounting hole; 3. First photodetector; 4. Second photodetector; 5. Cover plate; 501. Clearance hole; 6. Connection hole; 7. Mounting plate; 8. Mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. Preferably, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0023] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "length," "width," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0024] Please see Figures 1 to 6 This utility model provides a sensor for detecting electric arc light, comprising: a housing 1, with a pre-set mounting cavity inside the housing 1, and a PCB motherboard 2 mounted inside the mounting cavity. The PCB motherboard 2 is provided with a communication unit, a main control unit, and a data acquisition unit. It also includes a first photodetector 3 and a second photodetector 4. The first photodetector 3 is located on the PCB motherboard 2, and the second photodetector 4 is located on the lower end face of the housing 1, with one end penetrating into the housing 1 and connecting to the PCB motherboard 2. One side of the housing 1 has an open structure, and a cover plate 5 is provided at the open end, with the cover plate 5 being flush with the housing 1. One or more internally threaded connection holes 6 are pre-set at corresponding positions. One or more fixing holes 201 are pre-set on the PCB motherboard 2. The outer surface of the cover plate 5 is pre-set with clearance holes 501, and the installation position of the clearance holes 501 corresponds to the installation position of the first photodetector 3. The mounting plate 7 is located on the rear end face of the housing 1, and the mounting plate 7 is welded to the housing 1. The area of ​​the mounting plate 7 is larger than the area of ​​the housing 1. The mounting plate 7 is pre-set with mounting holes 8, and the mounting holes 8 are internally threaded. Two sets of internally threaded mounting holes 8 are symmetrically arranged on the mounting plate 7.

[0025] In this embodiment: First, the housing 1 is installed in a designated external position using the mounting plate 7. During installation, bolts are screwed into the mounting holes 8 to fix the mounting plate 7 in the designated external position.

[0026] Next, start the power module to provide the necessary electrical energy for the device to operate.

[0027] Next, in use, the design of the first photodetector 3 and the second photodetector 4 forms two arc detection methods, which can be selected by the staff according to the actual needs. Specifically, when using the first photodetector 3, the photosensitive surface is aligned with the direction to be detected in conjunction with the design of the clearance hole 501. This method has a wide detection range, a short effective distance, and certain requirements for signal strength. The second photodetector 4 effectively detects signals with a minimum voltage of 10KV at a distance of 5 meters through optical fiber. This method is mainly used in small spaces in switch cabinets. It has a narrow detection range and a long distance. This design not only has low manufacturing cost, but is also suitable for different products. Finally, when not in use, the staff loosens the bolts inside the connection hole 6 and removes the cover plate 5 from the housing 1, thereby performing the inspection and maintenance procedures on the PCB motherboard 2, which increases the overall practicality of the device.

[0028] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can understand that implementing all or part of the above-described embodiments and making equivalent changes in accordance with the claims of the present utility model are still within the scope of the utility model.

Claims

1. A sensor for detecting electric arc light, comprising: The housing (1) has a pre-set installation cavity inside, and a PCB motherboard (2) is installed inside the installation cavity. The PCB motherboard (2) is provided with a communication unit, a main control unit and a data acquisition unit. The housing (1) is characterized by further including a first photodetector (3) and a second photodetector (4). The first photodetector (3) is located on the PCB motherboard (2), and the second photodetector (4) is located on the lower end face of the housing (1), with one end penetrating into the housing (1) and connected to the PCB motherboard (2).

2. The sensor for detecting electric arc light as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shell (1) has an open structure on one side, and a cover plate (5) is provided at the open. The cover plate (5) and the shell (1) have a connection hole (6) with an internal thread structure at the corresponding position.

3. The sensor for detecting electric arc light as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The PCB motherboard (2) has one or more mounting holes (201) pre-set.

4. The sensor for detecting electric arc light as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The outer surface of the cover plate (5) is provided with a clearance hole (501), and the installation position of the clearance hole (501) corresponds to the installation position of the first photodetector (3).

5. The sensor for detecting electric arc light as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mounting plate (7), which is located on the rear end face of the housing (1), and the mounting plate (7) is welded to the housing (1), and the area of ​​the mounting plate (7) is larger than the area of ​​the housing (1).

6. The sensor for detecting electric arc light as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The mounting plate (7) has mounting holes (8) pre-set, and the mounting holes (8) are internal thread type structures, and two sets of internal thread type mounting holes (8) are symmetrically arranged on the mounting plate (7).