Current monitoring and overload warning circuit, and plug / connector

Abstract

To provide a current monitoring and overload warning circuit and plug / connector that can significantly reduce circuit volume, the number of components, and power supply noise. [Solution] The current monitoring and overload warning circuit is electrically connected to the AC circuit and the load circuit. The current detection unit 1 is electrically connected to a live input terminal 101 connected to the live line of the AC circuit and a live output terminal 102 connected to the live load of the load circuit. The current detection unit 1 detects the load current of the load circuit and outputs a corresponding voltage signal. The microcontroller unit 2 receives the voltage signal from the current detection unit 1 and converts it into a current signal. If the current signal is greater than the overload threshold, it outputs a drive signal. The warning unit issues a warning when it receives the drive signal from the microcontroller unit 2. The power management unit 4 is electrically connected to the current detection unit 1, the microcontroller unit 2, and the warning unit and supplies DC current.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the structure of an electric circuit, and particularly to a current monitoring and overload warning circuit, a plug, and a socket connector.

Background Art

[0002] With the increasing awareness of safety regarding power usage, it has become common to install overload protection devices on power strips and extension cords. As a conventional overload protection device, a bimetal switch that utilizes the thermal effect of current to deform a metal piece and cut off the power supply is often adopted. However, its reaction speed is relatively slow, and it lacks an immediate warning function.

[0003] The applicant of the present invention previously proposed an "overload warning circuit for alternating current" as described in Patent Document 1. This includes a current detection unit, a control unit, a warning unit, and a power management unit. The current detection unit is electrically connected to the live wire of the alternating current circuit via a live wire first end point and a live wire second end point. The current detection unit detects the operating current of the alternating current circuit. When the magnitude of the operating current reaches a predetermined value, it emits a detection signal. The control unit is signal-connected to the current detection unit, the warning unit is signal-connected to the control unit. After the control unit receives the detection signal, it controls the warning unit via a bipolar transistor to generate a warning. The power management unit is electrically connected to the neutral wire of the alternating current circuit via a neutral wire end point and supplies direct current to the current detection unit, the control unit, and the warning unit. Thereby, it can react immediately and issue a warning.

[0004] However, the one described in Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement, such as a complex power circuit and a large volume. Specifically, the power management unit employs a switching regulator of model number FT8430. This type of switching power supply configuration requires the combination of an inductor (1mH), a flyback diode (ES1M), and multiple filter capacitors. Inductors are not only large in volume and tall, but their high-frequency switching operation is prone to generating electromagnetic interference (EMI), increasing the difficulty of circuit board layout and the area occupied, making them unsuitable for integration into plugs and recessed outlets where space is extremely limited.

[0005] Furthermore, this also presents the problem of high costs. Specifically, it is necessary to add an operational amplifier (LM321) between the current detection unit and the control unit to amplify the detection signal, which increases the number of components (BOM Count) and the complexity of the circuit wiring. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Taiwan Patent Publication No. TWM662591 Specification [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The objective of this invention is to provide a current monitoring and overload warning circuit, plug, and connector that can significantly reduce the volume of the circuit, decrease the number of components, and reduce power supply noise, while maintaining electrical insulation and allowing for accurate digital reading. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The current monitoring and overload warning circuit of this invention is electrically connected to an AC circuit and a load circuit, and includes a current detection unit, a microcontroller unit, a warning unit, and a power management unit. The current detection unit is electrically connected to a live input terminal and a live output terminal, the live input terminal is electrically connected to the live wire of the AC circuit, the live output terminal is electrically connected to the live load of the load circuit, the current detection unit detects the load current of the load circuit and outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the load current, the microcontroller unit is signal-connected to the current detection unit, receives the voltage signal and converts it into a current signal, and if the current signal is greater than an overload threshold as a result of the comparison, the microcontroller unit outputs a drive signal, the warning unit is signal-connected to the microcontroller unit, and when the warning unit receives the drive signal, the warning unit issues a warning, the power management unit is electrically connected to the live input terminal and electrically connected to the neutral wire of the AC circuit via a neutral wire terminal, the neutral wire is electrically connected to the neutral wire load of the load circuit, and the power management unit is electrically connected to the current detection unit, the microcontroller unit and the warning unit and supplies DC current.

[0009] Furthermore, the current detection unit is a Hall current detector.

[0010] Furthermore, if the warning unit is a sound-emitting member, and the microcontroller unit is electrically connected to at least one light-emitting element, and the microcontroller unit outputs the drive signal, the microcontroller unit simultaneously changes the light-emitting state of the light-emitting element.

[0011] Furthermore, the power management unit is a low-dropout linear regulator.

[0012] Furthermore, the current detection unit is electrically connected to the neutral wire endpoint via an electrolytic capacitor. In this case, the electrolytic capacitor may be a multilayer ceramic capacitor, and the type of electrolytic capacitor may be a liquid capacitor, a solid capacitor, or a hybrid capacitor.

[0013] Furthermore, the overload threshold may be set between 10 amperes and 17 amperes.

[0014] Furthermore, when the period during which the current signal is greater than the overload threshold reaches a predetermined period, the microcontroller unit outputs the drive signal.

[0015] The plug of this invention uses any of the above-described current monitoring and overload warning circuits and includes a plug body, a live wire plug blade, and a neutral wire plug blade. The current monitoring and overload warning circuit is installed in the plug body, the live plug blade is installed in the plug body, the live plug blade is electrically connected to the live input terminal and the live wire, the live output terminal is electrically connected to the live load, the neutral plug blade is installed in the plug body, the neutral plug blade is electrically connected to the neutral load and the neutral wire, and the neutral wire terminal is electrically connected to either the neutral plug blade or the neutral load.

[0016] The plug connector of this invention uses any of the above-described current monitoring and overload warning circuits and includes a plug connector body and a plug. The plug connector body is equipped with the current monitoring and overload warning circuit, and the plug connector body is equipped with live copper pieces connected to each other and at least one live blade receptacle, and neutral copper pieces connected to each other and at least one neutral blade receptacle, the live copper pieces are electrically connected to the live output terminal, and at least one sub-plug connector is formed by combining the live blade receptacle and the neutral blade receptacle, the plug is electrically connected to the plug connector body and is equipped with a live plug blade and a neutral plug blade, the live plug blade is electrically connected to the live line, the neutral plug blade is electrically connected to the neutral line, the live plug blade is electrically connected to the live input terminal via the live wire, the neutral plug blade is electrically connected to the neutral copper piece via the neutral wire, and the neutral terminal is electrically connected to any of the neutral plug blade, the neutral wire, the neutral copper piece, or the neutral blade receptacle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] Based on the above technical features, the present invention can achieve the following effects. 1. By using a low-dropout linear regulator as the power management unit, stable operation is possible only by connecting a small number of capacitors externally, significantly reducing the area and height occupied on the circuit board, and enabling the circuit board to be easily installed even in an extremely small and narrow space.

[0018] 2. By using a high-sensitivity or matched current detection unit and combining it with the high-resolution ADC built into the microcontroller unit, when the current detection unit outputs a voltage signal to the microcontroller unit and the microcontroller unit converts it into a corresponding current signal, there is no need to install an operational amplifier externally, shortening the working time of component assembly and reducing material costs and the failure rate during assembly.

[0019] 3. In addition, by using a low-dropout linear regulator as the power management unit, there is no high-frequency switching operation, eliminating electromagnetic interference (EMI) of the switching power supply from the source and improving the purity of the detection signal and the stability of the system.

[0020] 4. The current monitoring and overload warning circuit continuously monitors the load current. When the current signal is greater than the overload threshold as a result of verification by the microcontroller unit, the microcontroller unit outputs a drive signal, and the warning unit receives the drive signal and issues a warning to notify the user and prevent subsequent disasters.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] [[ID=2*]]It is a schematic diagram showing the circuit configuration of the current monitoring and overload warning circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. *Changed ID=26 to ID=2* for correct numbering sequence [Figure 2] It is an external view of the plug according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]It is a schematic diagram showing the electrical circuit connection of the plug according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an external view of the plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing the electrical circuit connection of the plug connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the current monitoring and overload warning circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the current monitoring and overload warning circuit 100 of the present invention is electrically connected to an AC circuit and a load circuit, the current monitoring and overload warning circuit 100 is arranged on a circuit board, and includes a current detection unit 1, a microcontroller unit 2, a warning unit, two light emitting elements 3A, and a power management unit 4.

[0024] The current monitoring and overload warning circuit 100 includes a live wire input end point 101, a live wire output end point 102, and a neutral wire end point 103.

[0025] The current detection unit 1 is electrically connected to the live wire input end point 101 and the live wire output end point 102, the live wire input end point 101 is electrically connected to the live wire L of the AC circuit, the live wire output end point 102 is electrically connected to the live wire load 203 of the load circuit, and the current detection unit 1 detects the load current of the load circuit and outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the load current. Specifically, the current detection unit 1 is a Hall current detector. Taking the current detection unit 1 with model number CC6937S8-5FB030 as an example, the current detection unit 1 has eight pins 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18. Of these, two pins 11 and 12 are connected to the live input terminal 101, two pins 13 and 14 are connected to the live output terminal 102, pin 15 is grounded, and pin 18 is connected to the power management unit 4 to receive DC current.

[0026] The microcontroller unit 2 is signal-connected to the current detection unit 1, receives a voltage signal and converts it into a current signal, and if the current signal is greater than the overload threshold as a result of the comparison, the microcontroller unit 2 outputs a drive signal. Specifically, the microcontroller unit 2 is a microcontroller with model number NY8BE62DS8 and has eight pins 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28. Pin 21 is connected to the power management unit 4 to receive DC current. Pin 24 is connected to pin 17 of the current detection unit 1 to receive voltage signals. Pin 25 is connected to the warning unit, one light-emitting element 3A is connected between pins 26 and 28, another light-emitting element 3A is connected between pins 27 and 28, and pin 28 is grounded. The overload threshold is configurable. For example, in a voltage environment of 100V to 120V, the overload threshold can be set between 15 and 16 amperes, and in a voltage environment of 200V to 240V, the overload threshold can be set between 10 and 17 amperes. The above-mentioned overload threshold values ​​are merely examples; the actual setting parameters can be adjusted according to the operating environment and are not limited to those stated above.

[0027] The warning unit is signal-connected to the microcontroller unit 2, and when the warning unit receives a drive signal, it issues a warning. The warning unit may consist of a sound-emitting member 3, a light-emitting element 3A, or a combination of the sound-emitting member 3 and the light-emitting element 3A.

[0028] The microcontroller unit 2 includes debounce logic. Specifically, when the period during which the current signal exceeds the overload threshold reaches a predetermined duration, the microcontroller unit 2 outputs a drive signal. This prevents the drive signal from being output multiple times, thereby avoiding repeated warnings to the warning unit, and also prevents the drive signal from being triggered incorrectly, thus avoiding false warnings.

[0029] The power management unit 4 is electrically connected to the live input terminal 101 and to the neutral wire N of the AC circuit via the neutral wire terminal 103, and the neutral wire N is electrically connected to the neutral wire load 204 of the load circuit. The power management unit 4 is electrically connected to the current detection unit 1, the microcontroller unit 2, and the warning unit to supply DC current. Specifically, the power management unit 4 is a low-dropout linear regulator of model number CC6937S8-5FB030, and the power management unit 4 has eight pins 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, and 48. Four pins 45, 46, 47, and 48 are connected to the live input terminal 101, pins 41 and 42 are connected to the neutral terminal 103, pin 43 is connected in series with the electrolytic capacitor 5 and is electrically connected to the neutral terminal 103 and simultaneously grounded, and is also electrically connected to pin 18 of the current detection unit 1, the sound-producing element 3, and pin 21 of the microcontroller unit 2 to output a DC current, and pin 44 is connected in series with another electrolytic capacitor 5 and is electrically connected to the neutral terminal 103. In this embodiment, the electrolytic capacitor 5 is a multilayer ceramic capacitor, and the type of electrolytic capacitor 5 is either a liquid capacitor, a solid capacitor, or a hybrid capacitor.

[0030] In this embodiment, the current monitoring and overload warning circuit 100 is installed and used on a plug 200 that supplies power to the load circuit. The plug 200 includes a plug body 206, a live-wire plug blade 201, and a neutral wire plug blade 202. The current monitoring and overload warning circuit 100, the live-wire plug blade 201, and the neutral wire plug blade 202 are installed on the plug body 206, the live-wire plug blade 201 is electrically connected to the live-wire input terminal 101, the live-wire output terminal 102 is electrically connected to the live-wire load 203, the neutral wire plug blade 202 is electrically connected to the neutral wire load 204, the neutral wire terminal 103 is electrically connected to either the neutral wire plug blade 202 or the neutral wire load 204 via the wire 205, the live-wire plug blade 201 is electrically connected to the live wire L, and the neutral wire plug blade 202 is electrically connected to the neutral wire N. Specifically, the current monitoring and overload warning circuit 100 is implemented in the form of a circuit board, with a live plug blade 201 soldered to a live input terminal 101 via another wire 205, and a live output terminal 102 soldered to a live load 203 of the load circuit.

[0031] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, the current monitoring and overload warning circuit 100 is installed and used in a plug connector 300 that is connected in combination with the load circuit, thereby detecting the overload current of the plug connector 300 and issuing an immediate warning. The plug connector 300 can be various types of plug connectors, such as wall outlets, adapter outlets, extension outlets, and power strips equipped with extension cords. In the example shown in the figures, the plug connector 300 is a power strip equipped with a plug 300B and an extension cord with multiple sub-plug connectors 300A. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, the current monitoring and overload warning circuit 100 is installed and used in the plug connector 300 which is connected in combination with the load circuit, thereby detecting the overload current of the plug connector 300 and issuing an immediate warning. The plug connector 300 can be various types of plug connectors, such as wall outlets, adapter outlets, extension outlets, and power strips equipped with extension cords. In the example shown in the figure, the plug connector 300 is a power strip equipped with a plug 300B and an extension cord with multiple sub-plug connectors 300A.

[0032] The plug connector 300 has a plug connector body 300C, and the plug 300B is electrically connected to the plug connector body 300C.

[0033] The current monitoring and overload warning circuit 100 is installed in the plug connector body 300C, which is equipped with live copper pieces 305 connected to each other and a plurality of live blade receptacles 307, and neutral copper pieces 306 connected to each other and a plurality of neutral blade receptacles 308. The live copper pieces 305 are electrically connected to the live output terminal 102, and each neutral blade receptacle 308 is combined with each live blade receptacle 307 to form each sub-plug connector 300A.

[0034] Plug 300B is equipped with a live-wire plug blade 301 and a neutral-wire plug blade 302, the live-wire plug blade 301 being electrically connected to the live wire L, and the neutral-wire plug blade 302 being electrically connected to the neutral wire N. The live-wire plug blade 301 is electrically connected to the live-wire input terminal 101 via the live wire 303. The neutral wire plug blade 302 is electrically connected to the neutral wire copper piece 306 via the neutral wire 304, and the neutral wire endpoint 103 is electrically connected to either the neutral wire plug blade 302, the neutral wire 304, the neutral wire copper piece 306, or the neutral wire plug holder 308.

[0035] Specifically, in this embodiment, the current monitoring and overload warning circuit 100 includes two sub-connectors 300A, which are used for the electrical connection of the live plug blade and the neutral plug blade of the load circuit.

[0036] Some power strips with extension cords are further equipped with switches (not shown) used to control the conduction and disconnection of current.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 6, regardless of whether the current monitoring and overload warning circuit 100 is incorporated into the aforementioned plug 200 or plug connector 300, the current detection unit 1 detects the load current driven by the load circuit and outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the load current. The microcontroller unit 2 receives a voltage signal and converts it into a current signal. If the current signal is greater than the overload threshold, for example 16 amperes, the microcontroller unit 2 outputs a drive signal. After the warning unit receives the drive signal, the warning unit issues a warning, for example, by generating sound in the sound-producing element 3 and simultaneously switching the indicator light of the light-emitting element 3A from a green lamp to a red lamp.

[0038] This warning can prompt users to immediately shut off the power or take measures to prevent a disaster from occurring (such as stopping the use of electrical appliances, unplugging loads from power strips with extension cords, or switching off the load circuit).

[0039] In the embodiments described above, the use of the current detection unit 1 (model number CC6937S8-5FB030), the microcontroller unit 2 (model number NY8BE62DS8), and the power management unit 4 (model number CC6937S8-5FB030), as well as parameters such as predetermined values ​​for current, voltage, and operating current, were used to illustrate embodiments of the present invention. The use of other electronic components with equivalent effects and changes to parameters also belong to implementable embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] The above is a description of embodiments of the present invention, and these do not limit the present invention. Any changes or modifications that do not depart from the scope of the utility model registration claims are included within the scope of the rights of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0041] 100 Current monitoring and overload warning circuit 101 Live-line input terminal 102 Live output terminal 103 Neutral line end point 1 Current detection unit 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 pins 2 Microcontroller Units 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 pins 3 Sound-producing member 3A Light-emitting element 4 Power Management Unit 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 pins 5 Electrolytic Capacitors 200 plugs 201 Live plug blade 202 Neutral wire plug blade 203 Live load 204 Neutral load 205 Electric wire 206 Plug body 300 Plug-in Connectors 300A Sub-plug Connector 300B plug 300C Plug Connector Body 301 Live plug blade 302 Neutral wire plug blade 303 Live power lines 304 Neutral wire 305 Live copper piece 306 Neutral wire copper piece 307 Live-line blade holder 308 Neutral wire blade holder L live wire N Neutral wire

Claims

1. A current monitoring and overload warning circuit, electrically connected to an AC circuit and a load circuit, comprising a current detection unit, a microcontroller unit, a warning unit, and a power management unit, The current detection unit is electrically connected to a live input terminal and a live output terminal, the live input terminal is electrically connected to the live line of the AC circuit, the live output terminal is electrically connected to the live load of the load circuit, and the current detection unit detects the load current of the load circuit and outputs a voltage signal corresponding to the load current. The microcontroller unit is signal-connected to the current detection unit, receives the voltage signal and converts it into a current signal, and if the current signal is greater than the overload threshold as a result of the comparison, the microcontroller unit outputs a drive signal. The warning unit is signal-connected to the microcontroller unit, and when the warning unit receives the drive signal, the warning unit issues a warning. The power management unit is electrically connected to the live input terminal and to the neutral wire of the AC circuit via the neutral wire terminal, the neutral wire is electrically connected to the neutral wire load of the load circuit, and the power management unit is electrically connected to the current detection unit, the microcontroller unit, and the warning unit to supply DC current. A current monitoring and overload warning circuit characterized by the following features.

2. The current monitoring and overload warning circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that the current detection unit is a Hall current detector.

3. The current monitoring and overload warning circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that the warning unit is a sound-emitting member, the microcontroller unit is electrically connected to at least one light-emitting element, and when the microcontroller unit outputs the drive signal, the microcontroller unit simultaneously changes the light-emitting state of the light-emitting element.

4. The current monitoring and overload warning circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that the power management unit is a low-dropout linear regulator.

5. The current monitoring and overload warning circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that the current detection unit is electrically connected to the neutral line endpoint via an electrolytic capacitor.

6. The current monitoring and overload warning circuit according to claim 5, characterized in that the electrolytic capacitor is a multilayer ceramic capacitor, and the type of the electrolytic capacitor is a liquid capacitor, a solid capacitor, or a hybrid capacitor.

7. The current monitoring and overload warning circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that the overload threshold is between 10 amperes and 17 amperes.

8. The current monitoring and overload warning circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that the microcontroller unit outputs the drive signal when the period during which the current signal is greater than the overload threshold reaches a predetermined period.

9. A plug using a current monitoring and overload warning circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plug includes a plug body, a live plug blade, and a neutral plug blade, The current monitoring and overload warning circuit is installed in the plug body. The live-line plug blade is installed on the plug body, the live-line plug blade is electrically connected to the live-line input terminal and the live line, and the live-line output terminal is electrically connected to the live-line load. The neutral wire plug blade is installed on the plug body, the neutral wire plug blade is electrically connected to the neutral wire load and the neutral wire, and the neutral wire endpoint is electrically connected to either the neutral wire plug blade or the neutral wire load. A plug characterized by the following features.

10. A plug connector using a current monitoring and overload warning circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plug connector includes a plug connector body and a plug, The plug connector body is equipped with the current monitoring and overload warning circuit, and the plug connector body is equipped with live copper pieces connected to each other and at least one live blade receptacle, and neutral copper pieces connected to each other and at least one neutral blade receptacle, and the live copper pieces are electrically connected to the live output terminal, and at least one sub-plug connector is formed by combining the live blade receptacle and the neutral blade receptacle, The plug is electrically connected to the plug connector body and comprises a live-line plug blade and a neutral-line plug blade, the live-line plug blade is electrically connected to the live line, the neutral-line plug blade is electrically connected to the neutral line, the live-line plug blade is electrically connected to the live-line input terminal via the live-line wire, the neutral-line plug blade is electrically connected to the neutral-line copper piece via the neutral-line wire, and the neutral-line terminal is electrically connected to either the neutral-line plug blade, the neutral-line wire, the neutral-line copper piece, or the neutral-line blade holder. A plug connector characterized by the following features.

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