Connector assembly with arc reduction configuration

Abstract

Connector assembly, comprising: a first connector comprising a detection circuit and a detection element, wherein the detection circuit is electrically connected to the detection element; and a second connector that can be connected to the first connector; wherein the detection element is configured to detect whether a plugging or unplugging operation is being carried out between the first connector and the second connector; wherein, when the detection element detects that the insertion process is being carried out, the first connector is switched on via the detection circuit later than at the time of insertion; and where, if the detection element detects that the plug is being unplugged, the first connector is switched off via the detection circuit earlier than at the time when the plug is unplugged.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410392378.4, filed on April 2, 2024, entitled "Connector Assembly," the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a field of connectors and, more particularly, to a connector assembly suitable for reducing arcing. BACKGROUND

[0003] The connector assembly typically includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector, which is a receptacle (or "female" connector), can be mated with the second connector, which is a plug (or "male" connector), to establish an electrical connection for signal transmission. Once the first connector is unplugged from the second connector, the contacts of the first connector are physically and electrically separated from the contacts of the second connector. The sudden change in current during insertion / removal orDuring plugging / unplugging, electrons are released from the metallic surfaces of the contacts through primary electron emission (thermal ion emission, field emission, or photoelectric emission), and the gas atoms or molecules in the gap are ionized (impact ionization, photoionization, and thermal ionization) to generate electrons and ions. If the ion concentration in the gap is large enough, the air is electrically decomposed, and an arc is formed. That is, an arc is a high-temperature and highly conductive free gas. It not only has a great destructive effect on the contacts but can also interrupt and expand the circuit between the contacts of the plug connector and the contacts of the receptacle connector. Therefore, the question of how to avoid or reduce arcing effects and reduce costs is a long-term consideration and an urgent problem for the professional. CONTENTS

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a connector assembly suitable for reducing arcing.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned goal, the present disclosure uses the following technical solution: A connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a detection circuit and a detection element. The detection circuit is electrically connected to the detection element. The second connector can be connected to the first connector. The detection element is used to detect whether a mating operation or a disconnection operation is performed between the first connector and the second connector. When the detection element detects that a mating operation is performed, the first connector is turned on via the detection circuit later than a mating moment. When the detection element detects that an unmating operation is performed, the first connector is turned off via the detection circuit earlier than a unmating moment.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned goal, the present disclosure uses the following technical solution: A connector assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, and a detection element. The female connector is mated with the male connector. The detection element detects whether a mating or unmating operation is performed between the male connector and the female connector. The female connector includes the detection element.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned goal, the present disclosure uses the following technical solution: A connector assembly includes a first connector, a second connector, and a detection element. The female connector is mated with the male connector. The detection element is used to detect whether the connector is performing a mating operation or an unmating operation on the female connector. The connector is turned on a few seconds later after the male connector performs the mating operation on the female connector. The connector is turned off a few seconds earlier after the male connector performs the unmating operation on the female connector.

[0008] Compared to the prior art, the connector assembly of the present disclosure reduces arc generation, and therefore the first connector and the second connector have a protective effect during mutual insertion / extraction. Furthermore, the connector assembly of the present disclosure reduces replacement costs when damaged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective assembled view of a connector assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a perspective, assembled view of a connector assembly according to a first specific application mode of a second embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a connector assembly according to a second specific application mode of the second embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a first circuit diagram showing Fig. 1 corresponds; Fig. 5 is a second circuit diagram showing Fig. 2; and Fig. 6 is a third circuit diagram showing Fig. 3 corresponds. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Exemplary embodiments are described in detail herein, with examples being illustrated in the drawings. When referring to the following drawings, the same numbers represent the same or similar elements in different drawings unless otherwise noted. The examples described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the application, as set forth in the appended claims.

[0010] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this application and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "said," and "the" are intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates other meanings.

[0011] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this application do not represent order, quantity, or importance, but are used only to distinguish different elements. Likewise, "a" or "an" and other similar words do not imply a limitation of quantity, but rather mean that there is at least one; "multiple" or "a plurality of" means two or more than two. Unless otherwise indicated, "front," "rear," "bottom," and / or "top" and similar words are for convenience of description only and are not limited to any one location or spatial orientation.Similar words such as "comprise" or "comprise" mean that elements or items appearing before "comprise" or "comprise" cover the elements or items listed after "comprise" or "comprise" and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or items. The term "a plurality of" mentioned in this disclosure includes two or more.

[0012] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless there is a conflict, the following embodiments and features may be combined in the embodiments.

[0013] With reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the present disclosure relates to a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector that can be connected to each other. The first connector includes a detection circuit 3 and a detection element (described in detail later). The detection circuit 3 is electrically connected to the detection element. The detection element is used to detect whether a mating operation or an unmating operation is being performed between the first connector and the second connector. When the detection element detects that a mating operation is being performed, the first connector is turned on via the detection circuit 3 later than a moment of mating. When the detection element detects that an unmating operation is being performed, the first connector is turned off via the detection circuit 3 earlier than a moment of unmating.The connector assembly of the present disclosure may contribute to the reduction of arcing.

[0014] The connector assembly of the present disclosure achieves the effects of delayed turn-on and quick turn-off through the configuration of the detection circuit 3 and the detection element. That is, it delays the power supply during insertion and quickly interrupts the power supply during withdrawal, thereby reducing arcing. It realizes the protection function during the mutual insertion / mating operation of the first connector and the second connector and the withdrawal / unplugging operation of the first connector and the second connector. Specifically, the first connector is a female connector 1, and the second connector is a male connector 2. The detection element is arranged in or on the female connector 1. Optionally, the detection circuit 3 is an electronic detection circuit or a magnetic detection circuit. That is, the detection circuit 3 includes the following two configurations.

[0015] In relation to Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, in a first embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection circuit 3 is an electronic detection circuit, wherein the detection element comprises a grounding pin 5 of the socket connector 1. Accordingly, the connector 2 has a corresponding mating pin that corresponds to the grounding pin 5 of the socket connector 1. With respect to Fig. 1, when the plug connector 2 and the socket connector 1 perform the mating operation such that the grounding pin 5 of the socket connector 1 is in contact with the corresponding mating pin of the plug connector 2, a first detection signal is generated between the grounding pin and the corresponding mating pin. The detection circuit detects the first detection signal as a low potential, thereby placing a positive current path between the plug connector 2 and the socket connector 1 in a connected state. When the plug connector 2 and the socket connector 1 perform the mating operation such that the grounding pin of the socket connector 1 does not come into contact with the corresponding mating pin of the plug connector 2, the detection circuit detects the first detection signal as a high potential, thereby placing the positive current path between the plug connector 2 and the socket connector 1 in a disconnected state.The essence of the first embodiment is to utilize the characteristics that the grounding pin 5 and the shielding shell (unnumbered) of the female connector 1 are all connected to each other to complete the connection or disconnection of the positive current path.

[0016] With reference to Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, in a second embodiment of the present disclosure (including two specific application modes), the detection circuit 3 is a magnetic detection circuit, the detection element comprises a Hall sensor 8 on the female connector 1, and the plug connector 2 has a sensor element 7. When the plug connector 2 and the female connector 1 perform the mating operation such that the detection element 7 triggers the Hall sensor 8 to generate a second detection signal, the detection circuit detects the second detection signal as a low-potential detection signal, thereby placing either a positive current path or a negative current path between the plug connector 2 and the female connector 1 in a connected state. Referring to Fig. 2 is the first specific application mode of the second embodiment: The low-potential detection signal causes the positive current path detection circuit 3 to be in a connected state. Referring to Fig. Figure 3 is the second specific application mode of the second embodiment: The low-potential detection signal causes the negative current path detection circuit 3 to be in a connected state. When the plug connector 2 and the socket connector 1 perform the mating operation, the detection circuit recognizes the second detection signal generated between the detection element 7 and the Hall sensor 8 as a high-potential detection signal, thereby placing either the positive current path or the negative current path between the plug connector 2 and the socket connector 1 in a disconnected state. Referring to Fig. 2 is the first specific application mode of the second embodiment: The high-potential detection signal causes the positive current path detection circuit 3 to be in a disconnected state. Referring to Fig. Figure 3 is the second specific application mode of the second embodiment: The high-potential detection signal causes the negative current path detection circuit 3 to be in a disconnected state. Generally speaking, in the two specific application modes of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection circuit 3 switches the positive / negative current path on or off by the detection signal (high or low potential) generated between the detection element 7 and the Hall sensor 8.

[0017] It should be emphasized that: in the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection signal output from the Hall sensor 8 can be either a high-potential detection signal or a low-potential detection signal. It should also be emphasized that: there are two ways to connect the magnetic detection circuit. The first is to connect VBUS to positive voltage, and the other is to connect VBUS to GND and negative voltage. Therefore, the disconnection of the magnetic detection circuit can be a positive current path or a negative current path. It should also be emphasized that: the detection element 7 is arranged as a constituent part of the plug connector 2, and the Hall sensor 8 is located on the socket connector 1 according to the position of the detection element 7.For example: If the sensor element 7 is arranged on an upper surface of the connector 2, then the Hall sensor 8 is also arranged on an upper surface of the socket connector 1; if the sensor element 7 is arranged on a lateral side of the connector 2, then the Hall sensor 8 is also arranged on a corresponding side of the socket connector 1; and so on. The sensor element 7 is, in particular, a magnet or other magnetic object.

[0018] The above is the entire content of a first technical solution of the present disclosure. In other words, the present disclosure also discloses a second technical solution of a connector assembly including a male connector 2 and a female connector 1. The connector assembly disclosed in the second technical solution further includes a detection element for detecting whether the male connector 2 and the female connector 1 are plugged / unplugged. Furthermore, the female connector 1 includes the detection element. The disclosed connector assembly avoids the problems of the prior art by disposing the detection element on the female connector 1 in a stable position to detect whether the male connector 2 and the female connector 1 are plugged / unplugged.This eliminates the disadvantages caused by arranging the detection element on the movable connector 2 and reduces replacement costs in the event of damage. Referring to . Fig. 4 to Fig. 6, it can be further understood that in the second technical solution, the disclosed connector assembly further includes a detection circuit 3. The detection circuit 3 is electrically connected to the detection element, and the detection circuit 3 is one of an electronic detection circuit and a magnetic detection circuit. That is, the detection circuit 3 includes the following two configurations.

[0019] In the first embodiment of the second technical solution of the present disclosure, the detection circuit 3 is an electronic detection circuit, wherein the detection element comprises a grounding pin 5 of the socket connector 1. Accordingly, the connector 2 has a corresponding mating pin corresponding to the grounding pin 5 of the socket connector 1. With respect to Fig. 1, when the plug connector 2 and the socket connector 1 perform the mating operation such that the grounding pin 5 of the socket connector 1 is in contact with the corresponding mating pin of the plug connector 2, a first detection signal is generated between the grounding pin and the corresponding mating pin. The detection circuit detects the first detection signal as a low potential, thereby placing a positive current path between the plug connector 2 and the socket connector 1 in a connected state. When the plug connector 2 and the socket connector 1 perform the mating operation such that the grounding pin of the socket connector 1 does not come into contact with the corresponding mating pin of the plug connector 2, the detection circuit detects the first detection signal as a high potential, thereby placing the positive current path between the plug connector 2 and the socket connector 1 in a disconnected state.The essence of the first embodiment is to utilize the characteristics that the grounding pin 5 and the shielding shell (unnumbered) of the female connector 1 are all connected to each other to complete the connection or disconnection of the positive current path.

[0020] In the second embodiment of the second technical solution of the present disclosure (including two specific application modes), the detection circuit 3 is a magnetic detection circuit, the detection element comprises a Hall sensor 8 on the female connector 1, and the male connector 2 has a sensor element 7. When the female connector 1 and the male connector 2 perform the mating operation such that the detection element 7 triggers the Hall sensor 8 to generate a second detection signal, the detection circuit detects the second detection signal as a low-potential detection signal, thereby placing either a positive current path or a negative current path between the male connector 2 and the female connector 1 in a connected state. Referring to Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 is the first specific application mode of the second embodiment: The low-potential detection signal causes the positive current path detection circuit 3 to be in a connected state. Referring to Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 6 is the second specific application mode of the second embodiment: The low-potential detection signal causes the negative current path detection circuit 3 to be in a connected state. When the plug connector 2 and the socket connector 1 perform the mating operation, the detection circuit recognizes the second detection signal generated between the detection element 7 and the Hall sensor 8 as a high-potential detection signal, thereby placing either the positive current path or the negative current path between the plug connector 2 and the socket connector 1 in a disconnected state. Referring to Fig. 2 is the first specific application mode of the second embodiment: The high-potential detection signal causes the positive current path detection circuit 3 to be in a disconnected state. Referring to Fig. Figure 3 is the second specific application mode of the second embodiment: The high-potential detection signal causes the negative current path detection circuit 3 to be in a disconnected state. Generally speaking, in the two specific application modes of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, the detection circuit 3 switches the positive / negative current path on or off by the detection signal (high or low potential) generated between the detection element 7 and the Hall sensor 8.

[0021] The following explanation refers to the socket connector 1 in Fig. 1 and the schematic diagram of the circuit in Fig. 4. According to the pin definition of the USB Type-C connector, the ground pins 5 of the female connector 1 are labeled as pin A1, pin B1, pin A12, and pin B12, respectively. Leave one of the ground pins 5 (e.g., pin B12 in the schematic diagram) open and ungrounded to create a non-low potential state. When the connector 2 is inserted, after the connector 2 is inserted and the gate driver 9 activates the detection circuit 3, pin B12 forms a low potential, which is coupled to the slow start circuit of the gate driver 9, allowing the two semiconductor elements 10 (e.g., NMOS in the schematic diagram) to slowly conduct the positive circuit. In contrast, unplugging the connector 2 causes the gate driver 9 to stop driving the detection circuit 3.The gate driver 9 quickly interrupts the power supply, thereby placing the two semiconductor elements 10 in the open circuit to achieve the purpose of a rapid power failure of the positive circuit.

[0022] The following explanation refers to the socket connector 1 in Fig. 2 and the schematic diagram of the circuit in Fig. 5. When the connector 2 is inserted, the Hall sensor 8 of the female connector 1 is used to detect the detection element 7 of the connector 2. The Hall sensor 8 outputs a high or low potential, and the gate driver 9 drives the detection circuit 3, which is also coupled to the slow start circuit of the gate driver 9, causing the two semiconductor elements 10 to slowly conduct the positive circuit. In contrast, unplugging the connector 2 causes the gate driver 9 to stop driving the detection circuit 3. The gate driver 9 quickly cuts off the power supply, thereby placing the two semiconductor elements 10 in the open circuit, thus achieving the purpose of quickly de-energizing the positive circuit.

[0023] The following explanation refers to the socket connector 1 in Fig. 3 and the schematic diagram of the circuit in Fig.6. When the connector 2 is plugged in, the Hall sensor 8 on the female connector 1 is used to detect the detection element 7 on the connector 2. The Hall sensor 8 outputs a high or low potential, and the gate driver 9 drives the detection circuit 3, which is also coupled to the slow start circuit of the gate driver 9, causing the two semiconductor elements 10 to slowly conduct the negative circuit. In contrast, unplugging the connector 2 causes the gate driver 9 to stop driving the detection circuit 3. The gate driver 9 quickly cuts off the power supply, thereby placing the two semiconductor elements 10 in the open circuit, thus achieving the purpose of quickly breaking the negative circuit.

[0024] The present disclosure further discloses a third technical solution of a connector assembly comprising a male connector 2, a female connector 1, and a detection element. The female connector 1 is pluggably connected to the male connector 2. The detection element is used to detect whether the female connector 1 is plugging or unplugging the female connector 1. The female connector 2 starts turning on a few seconds later than the male connector 2 performs the plugging operation on the female connector 1. The female connector 2 starts turning off a few seconds earlier than the male connector 2 is plugged into the female connector 1. The connector assembly of the third technical solution of the present disclosure achieves the effects of delayed turning on and fast turning off through the configuration of the detection element, and therefore the connector assembly can reduce arcing.

[0025] This connector assembly of the present disclosure has at least two advantages:

[0026] First, the connector assembly of the present disclosure provides a detection circuit 3 and a detection element, wherein the detection circuit 3 is electrically connected to the detection element, and the detection element is used to detect whether mating or unmating is being performed between the first connector and the second connector. When the detection element detects that the mating operation is being performed, the first connector is turned on via the detection circuit later than a moment of mating. When the detection element detects that the mating operation is being performed, the first connector is turned off via the detection circuit earlier than a moment of mating. The present disclosure effects delayed turning on and rapid turning off of the power supply path during the mating / unmating operation, thereby reducing the generation of arcs.Therefore, the first connector and the second connector have a protective effect during the mutual plugging / unplugging process.

[0027] On the other hand, the remaining problem in the prior art has a drawback caused by the arrangement of the detection element on the movable connector 2. By arranging the detection element on the female connector 1 in a stable position, the present disclosure avoids the remaining problem in the prior art and reduces the replacement cost in case of damage.

[0028] Overall, the design purpose of the three technical solutions disclosed in the present disclosure is to interrupt the momentary power supply loop during mating / unmating and to reduce the power consumption load on the loop, so as to avoid the momentary changes in the voltage difference or current at both ends during mating / unmating and so as to avoid generated sparks that could damage the two mating connectors.

[0029] The above embodiments are intended only to illustrate the present disclosure and not to limit the technical solutions described in the present disclosure. The understanding of this description should be based on that of a person skilled in the art. Although descriptions of instructions have been described in detail in the above embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood by a person skilled in the art that modifications or equivalent substitutions may be made to the application, and all technical solutions and improvements that do not deviate from the spirit and scope of the application should be covered by the claims of the application.

Claims

[1] Connector assembly, comprising: a first connector having a detection circuit and a detection element, wherein the detection circuit is electrically connected to the detection element; and a second connector connectable to the first connector; wherein the detection element is configured to detect whether a plugging or unplugging operation is performed between the first connector and the second connector; wherein, when the detection element detects that the plugging operation is being carried out, the first connector is switched on via the detection circuit later than the plugging time; and wherein, when the detection element detects that the plug is unplugged, the first connector is turned off via the detection circuit earlier than a time at which the plug is unplugged. [2] The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the first connector is a female connector and the second connector is a male connector. [3] The connector assembly of claim 2, wherein the detection element is held in the socket connector. [4] The connector assembly of claim 3, wherein the detection circuit is an electronic detection circuit or a magnetic detection circuit. [5] The connector assembly of claim 4, wherein the detection element comprises a ground pin in the female connector and the male connector has a corresponding mating pin; wherein, when the plug connector and the socket connector perform the mating operation such that the ground pin touches the corresponding mating pin and a first detection signal is generated therebetween, the detection circuit detects the first detection signal as a low potential, thereby putting a positive current path between the plug connector and the socket connector into a connected state; wherein, when the plug connector and the socket connector perform the unplugging operation such that the grounding pin does not come into contact with the corresponding mating pin, the detection circuit detects the first detection signal as a high potential, thereby putting the positive current path between the plug connector and the socket connector into a disconnected state [6] The connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein the detection element comprises a Hall sensor on the female connector and the male connector comprises a sensor element; wherein, when the plug connector and the socket connector perform the mating operation such that the sensor element triggers the Hall sensor to generate a second detection signal, the detection circuit detects the second detection signal, thereby placing either a positive or a negative current path between the plug connector and the socket connector in a connected state; wherein, when the plug connector and the socket connector perform the unplugging operation, the detection circuit detects the second detection signal generated between the sensor element and the Hall sensor, thereby putting either the positive current path or the negative current path between the plug connector and the socket connector into the disconnected state. [7] Connector assembly, comprising: a connector; a socket connector pluggably connected to the plug connector; and a detection element that detects whether a mating operation or an unmating operation is performed between the plug connector and the socket connector; wherein the socket connector has the detection element. [8] The connector assembly of claim 7, further comprising a detection circuit electrically connected to the detection element, wherein the detection circuit is an electronic detection circuit or a magnetic detection circuit. [9] The connector assembly of claim 8, wherein the detection element comprises a ground pin in the female connector and the male connector has a corresponding mating pin; wherein, when the plug connector and the socket connector perform the mating operation such that the ground pin touches the corresponding mating pin and a first detection signal is generated therebetween, the detection circuit detects the first detection signal as a low potential, thereby putting a positive current path between the plug connector and the socket connector into a connected state; wherein, when the plug connector and the socket connector perform the unplugging operation such that the grounding pin does not come into contact with the corresponding mating pin, the detection circuit detects the first detection signal as a high potential, thereby putting the positive current path between the plug connector and the socket connector into a disconnected state. [10] The connector assembly of claim 8, wherein the detection element comprises a Hall sensor on the female connector and the male connector comprises a sensor element; wherein, when the plug connector and the socket connector perform the mating operation such that the sensor element triggers the Hall sensor to generate a second detection signal, the detection circuit detects the second detection signal, thereby placing either a positive or a negative power path between the plug connector and the socket connector in a connected state; wherein, when the plug connector and the socket connector perform the unplugging operation, the detection circuit detects the second detection signal generated between the sensor element and the Hall sensor, thereby placing either the positive or negative current path between the plug connector and the socket connector in a disconnected state. [11] Connector assembly, comprising: a connector; a socket connector pluggably connected to the plug connector; and a detection element used to detect whether the connector performs a mating operation or an unmating operation on the socket connector; wherein the connector starts to be switched on a few seconds later than the connector performs the mating operation with the socket connector; and the connector begins to turn off a few seconds before the connector performs the unplugging operation on the socket connector. [12] The connector assembly of claim 11, further comprising a detection circuit, wherein the detection circuit is electrically connected to the detection element. [13] The connector assembly of claim 12, wherein the detection circuit is an electronic detection circuit or a magnetic detection circuit. [14] The connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the detection element comprises a ground pin in the female connector and the male connector has a corresponding mating pin; Wherein, when the plug connector and the socket connector perform the mating operation such that the ground pin is in contact with the corresponding mating pin and a first detection signal is generated therebetween, the detection circuit detects the first detection signal as a low potential, thereby putting a positive current path between the plug connector and the socket connector into a connected state; wherein, when the plug connector and the socket connector perform the unplugging operation such that the ground pin is not in contact with the corresponding mating pin, the detection circuit detects the first detection signal as a high potential, thereby putting the positive current path between the plug connector and the socket connector into a disconnected state. [15] The connector assembly of claim 13, wherein the detection element comprises a Hall sensor on the female connector and the male connector comprises a sensor element; wherein, when the plug connector and the socket connector perform the mating operation such that the sensor element triggers the Hall sensor to generate a second detection signal, the detection circuit detects the second detection signal, thereby placing either a positive or a negative current path between the plug connector and the socket connector in a connected state; wherein, when the plug connector and the socket connector perform the unplugging operation, the detection circuit detects the second detection signal generated between the sensor element and the Hall sensor, thereby putting either the positive current path or the negative current path between the plug connector and the socket connector into the disconnected state.

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