A pincer-type line tracer

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a clamp-type line finder, comprising a clamp and a driving circuit, the clamp arm of the clamp contains a magnetic core, the outer side of at least one magnetic core is provided with a second inductor, and the second inductor is connected in series with a first capacitor; the driving circuit comprises a level conversion unit and a line search signal generation unit; the line search signal generation unit comprises a first voltage source, the first voltage source is grounded through a first switch and a second switch connected in series, the first switch and the second switch are turned on or turned off according to the level output by the level conversion unit; and a third switch, one end of the third switch is connected at the connection of the first switch and the second switch; when the clamp is connected to the driving circuit, the other end of the third switch is grounded through a second inductor, a first capacitor and a third resistor connected in series; when the clamp is not connected to the driving circuit, the other end of the third switch is grounded through a second capacitor, a first inductor and a fourth resistor connected in series. The clamp and the driving circuit of the present disclosure are independent of each other, the clamp can be replaced, and different use scenarios can be adapted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a clamp-type cable finder, belonging to the field of cable finder technology. Background Technology

[0002] Cable finders can quickly and efficiently locate the required cable from a large number of cable harnesses. They are a useful tool for finding cables during construction and routine maintenance of network cables, communication cables, and various metal lines.

[0003] Existing cable finders include inductive transmission and clamp transmission methods. Clamp transmission, in particular, can control the transmission signal to be concentrated on the target area, improving the accuracy and efficiency of cable finding. However, different application scenarios have different requirements for the shape and size of the clamps, necessitating the selection of different clamp-type cable finders based on the specific scenario. This limits the application range of a single clamp-type cable finder and increases the cost of using the tool. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the above problems, this disclosure provides a clamp-type cable finder.

[0005] The technical solution disclosed herein is as follows: A clamp-type cable finder includes clamps and a drive circuit. At least one clamp arm of the clamp contains a magnetic core, and a second inductor is wound around the outside of the magnetic core. The second inductor is connected in series with a first capacitor. The driving circuit includes a level conversion unit and a line-following signal generation unit; The level conversion unit converts the external input level into the level required by the line-following signal generation unit; The line-finding signal generation unit includes a first voltage source, which is grounded via a first switch and a second switch connected in series. The first switch and the second switch are turned on or off according to the level output by the level conversion unit; and The third switch, one end of which is connected to the connection point between the first switch and the second switch; When the clamp is connected to the drive circuit, the other end of the third switch is grounded through the second inductor, the first capacitor and the third resistor connected in series. When the clamp is not connected to the drive circuit, the other end of the third switch is grounded through the second capacitor, the first inductor and the fourth resistor connected in series.

[0006] Furthermore, both arms of the clamp contain a magnetic core, which is a semi-circular ring. When the clamp is closed, the two magnetic cores form a ring, and the end faces of the two magnetic cores may or may not be in contact.

[0007] Furthermore, the inductance is obtained by a single wire wound around the magnetic core.

[0008] Furthermore, the level conversion unit can simultaneously convert two external input levels into the levels required by the line-finding signal generation unit; The first switch is turned off when it receives a high level and turned on when it receives a low level. The second switch is turned on when it receives a high level and turned off when it receives a low level. The high level is the voltage of the first voltage source.

[0009] Furthermore, the first switch is a P-channel enhancement-mode field-effect transistor, the second switch is an N-channel enhancement-mode field-effect transistor, the gates of the first switch and the second switch are connected to the output terminal of the level conversion unit, the source of the first switch is connected to the first voltage source, the drain of the first switch is connected to the drain of the second switch, and the source of the second switch is grounded.

[0010] Furthermore, the output of the level conversion unit is input to the first switch via a first resistor, and the output of the level conversion unit is input to the second switch via a second resistor.

[0011] Furthermore, the level conversion unit includes an MC34152 chip.

[0012] This disclosure has the following beneficial effects: This disclosed clamp-type cable finder injects a transmitted signal into the clamp via a drive circuit. Each clamp independently contains a complete circuit for generating a resonant current. Upon receiving the transmitted signal, it induces a current in the circuit under test, thus achieving the cable finding function. Because each clamp independently contains a complete circuit, different clamps can be used for different application scenarios, avoiding the need to replace the entire cable finder and reducing tool usage costs. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a circuit diagram of the clamps being connected to the drive circuit according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of the clamps in an embodiment of this disclosure when they are not connected to the drive circuit.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the clamp structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships, and these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described object changes. To keep the following description of the embodiments of this disclosure clear and concise, detailed descriptions of some known functions and components are omitted.

[0018] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0019] refer to Figure 1-3 A clamp-type cable finder includes clamps and a drive circuit. At least one clamp arm of the clamp contains a magnetic core, and a second inductor is wound around the outside of the magnetic core. The second inductor is connected in series with a first capacitor. The driving circuit includes a level conversion unit and a line-following signal generation unit; The level conversion unit converts the external input level into the level required by the line-following signal generation unit; The line-finding signal generation unit includes a first voltage source, which is grounded through a first switch and a second switch connected in series. The first switch and the second switch are turned on or off according to the level output by the level conversion unit. And a third switch, one end of which is connected to the connection between the first switch and the second switch; like Figure 1 As shown, when the clamp is connected to the drive circuit, the other end of the third switch is grounded through the second inductor, the first capacitor and the third resistor connected in series.

[0020] like Figure 2 As shown, when the clamp is not connected to the drive circuit, the other end of the third switch is grounded through the second capacitor, the first inductor and the fourth resistor connected in series.

[0021] In one embodiment of this disclosure, such as Figure 1As shown, the second inductor is L2, the first capacitor is C1, the first switch is Q1, the second switch is Q2, the third switch is J1, the third resistor is R3, the second capacitor is C2, the first inductor is L1, the fourth resistor is R4, and the first voltage source is a +12V voltage source.

[0022] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the clamp and the drive circuit are connected by a plug-in connection.

[0023] In one embodiment of this disclosure, both arms of the clamp contain a magnetic core, which is a semi-circular ring. When the clamp is closed, the two magnetic cores form a ring, and the end faces of the two magnetic cores may or may not be in contact.

[0024] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the inductance is obtained by a single wire wound around the magnetic core.

[0025] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the level conversion unit is capable of simultaneously converting two external input levels into the level required by the line-finding signal generation unit; The first switch is turned off when it receives a high level and turned on when it receives a low level. The second switch is turned on when it receives a high level and turned off when it receives a low level. The high level is the voltage of the first voltage source.

[0026] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first switch is a P-channel enhancement-mode field-effect transistor (EMT), the second switch is an N-channel enhancement-mode field-effect transistor (EMT), the gates of the first switch and the second switch are connected to the output terminal of the level conversion unit, the source of the first switch is connected to the first voltage source, the drain of the first switch is connected to the drain of the second switch, and the source of the second switch is grounded.

[0027] refer to Figure 1 The external input levels include BroadCast1 and BroadCast0, which are a set of in-phase square wave signals with dead time. When BroadCast1 = 3.3V, the first switch Q1 is off; otherwise, it is on. When BroadCast0 = 3.3V, the second switch Q2 is on; otherwise, it is off. Using two signals to control the conduction of Q1 and Q2 separately achieves "dead-time protection." Specifically, "dead-time protection" means separate control to prevent Q1 and Q2 from conducting simultaneously (or slightly conducting), avoiding +12V power supply grounding, reducing the operating current of the MOSFET, and improving circuit lifespan.

[0028] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the output of the level conversion unit is input to the first switch via a first resistor, and the output of the level conversion unit is input to the second switch via a second resistor.

[0029] refer to Figure 1-2 In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first resistor is R1 and the second resistor is R2. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the level conversion unit includes an MC34152 chip.

[0030] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0031] The units described in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in software or hardware. The names of the units are not, in some cases, intended to limit the specific unit.

[0032] The functions described above in this document can be performed at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, exemplary types of hardware logic components that can be used, without limitation, include: field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), system-on-a-chip (SoCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and so on.

[0033] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the above-described concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features disclosed in this disclosure that have similar functions.

[0034] Furthermore, while the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring these operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order. In certain environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0035] Although the subject matter has been described using language specific to structural features and / or methodological logic, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are merely illustrative examples of implementing the claims.

[0036] The following points should be noted regarding this disclosure: (1) The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this disclosure only involve the structures involved in the embodiments of this disclosure. Other structures can be referred to the general design.

[0037] (2) Where there is no conflict, the embodiments of this disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other to obtain new embodiments.

[0038] The above description is merely an embodiment of this disclosure and does not limit the patent scope of this disclosure. Any equivalent structure made using the content of this disclosure and its drawings, or directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, is similarly included within the patent protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A clamp-type cable finder, characterized in that, It includes a clamp and a drive circuit. The clamp arm contains a magnetic core, and a second inductor is wound around the outside of at least one magnetic core. The second inductor is connected in series with a first capacitor. The driving circuit includes a level conversion unit and a line-following signal generation unit; The level conversion unit converts the external input level into the level required by the line-following signal generation unit; The line-finding signal generation unit includes a first voltage source, which is grounded through a first switch and a second switch connected in series. The first switch and the second switch are turned on or off according to the level output by the level conversion unit. as well as The third switch, one end of which is connected to the connection point between the first switch and the second switch; When the clamp is connected to the drive circuit, the other end of the third switch is grounded through the second inductor, the first capacitor and the third resistor connected in series. When the clamp is not connected to the drive circuit, the other end of the third switch is grounded through the second capacitor, the first inductor and the fourth resistor connected in series.

2. The clamp-type cable finder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic core is a semi-circular ring. When the clamp is closed, the two magnetic cores form a ring, and the end faces of the two magnetic cores may or may not be in contact.

3. The clamp-type cable finder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inductance is obtained by a single wire wound around the magnetic core.

4. The clamp-type cable finder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The level conversion unit can simultaneously convert two external input levels into the level required by the line-finding signal generation unit; The first switch is turned off when it receives a high level and turned on when it receives a low level. The second switch is turned on when it receives a high level and turned off when it receives a low level. The high level is the voltage of the first voltage source.

5. The clamp-type cable finder according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first switch is a P-channel enhancement-mode MOSFET, the second switch is an N-channel enhancement-mode MOSFET, the gates of the first switch and the second switch are connected to the output of the level shifting unit, the source of the first switch is connected to the first voltage source, the drain of the first switch is connected to the drain of the second switch, and the source of the second switch is grounded.

6. The clamp-type cable finder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output of the level conversion unit is input to the first switch via a first resistor, and the output of the level conversion unit is input to the second switch via a second resistor.

7. The clamp-type cable finder according to claim 1, characterized in that, The level conversion unit includes an MC34152 chip.

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