Non-contact voltage measurement using an adjustable-size Rogowski coil

Abstract

To provide a non-contact voltage sensor with an adjustable-size rogowski coil.SOLUTION: A sensor probe 10 includes a body 12 having first and second channels that are spaced and extend through the body 12 approximately parallel to each other. A first end of a Rogowski coil 14 is fixed within the first channel. The Rogowski coil 14 passes through the second channel and loops back to the first channel where a second end of the Rogowski coil 14 is selectively insertable into the first channel opposite the first end of the Rogowski coil 14. A non-contact sensor 20 coupled to the body 12 is positioned between the first and second channels to measure a parameter of an insulated conductor situated within the loop formed by the Rogowski coil. The size of an interior region within the loop is selectively adjustable by sliding movement of the Rogowski coil 14 within the second channel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an electrical parameter measuring device, and more particularly to a sensor probe for an electrical parameter measuring device.

Background Art

[0002] A voltmeter is an instrument used to measure the voltage in an electrical circuit. An instrument that measures two or more electrical characteristics is called a multimeter and operates to measure several parameters commonly required for troubleshooting, inspection, and maintenance applications. Such parameters typically include alternating current (AC) voltage and current, direct current (DC) voltage and current, and resistance or continuity. Other parameters such as power characteristics, frequency, capacitance, and temperature can also be measured to meet the requirements of specific applications.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional voltmeters or multimeters for measuring AC voltage require at least two measuring electrodes or probes to be in galvanic contact with the conductor, often necessitating the disconnection of the insulation from the insulated wire or the provision of pre-existing measuring terminals. Besides requiring exposed wires or terminals for galvanic contact, the process of applying the voltmeter probe to the stripped wires or terminals can be relatively dangerous due to the risk of shock or electrocution. "Non-contact" voltage measuring devices are sometimes used to detect the presence of alternating current (AC) voltage without requiring galvanic contact with the circuit. When voltage is detected, the user is alerted by an indication such as light, a buzzer, or a vibration motor. However, such non-contact voltage detectors only indicate the presence or absence of AC voltage, not its actual magnitude (e.g., RMS value).

[0005] General-purpose multimeters using an internal current shunt may be limited to a maximum of 10 amperes, for example, due to the capacity of the multimeter test wire and the circuit for carrying the current. Furthermore, multimeters generally need to be protected by an internal fuse to prevent excessive current levels from flowing through them. This is for both safety reasons and to prevent damage to the multimeter. The difficulty of removing blown fuses, coupled with the time and cost required to obtain replacement fuses, makes it desirable to have non-contact current measuring instruments that do not require an internal fuse.

[0006] Clamp-on multimeters improve the ability of a general-purpose multimeter to measure current by using an integrated current clamp that senses the current in a live conductor without requiring the disconnection of the conductor or the interruption of the circuit containing the conductor. The current clamp is typically housed within the same housing as the multimeter, which conventionally measures other parameters such as voltage and resistance using separate test probes. The current clamp is enclosed around the live conductor to sense the magnetic field created by the current flow. The current clamp provides a voltage signal for measurement by the multimeter, which calculates and displays the measured current level. Since there is no current diverted from the live conductor through the clamp-on multimeter, limitations on the maximum measurable current are largely eliminated. Similarly, internal fuses are eliminated in clamp-on multimeters.

[0007] To obtain a valid current measurement, the magnetic core within the current clamp must surround the current-carrying conductor so that the current clamp closes. The current clamp must be mechanically operated to open the jaws, the current-carrying conductor must be inserted, and then the jaws must close around the current-carrying conductor. In confined physical spaces such as electrical cabinets, inserting a clamp-on multimeter and performing current measurements using this technique can be inconvenient and difficult. Furthermore, the jaws must be aligned to complete the magnetic core in order to obtain a valid current measurement. Thus, clamp-on multimeters are difficult to use in confined spaces and require a large physical space to open the jaws of the current clamp. Clamp-on multimeters also tend to be physically heavy because a considerable amount of iron is used in the magnetic core. Furthermore, high levels of current can saturate the magnetic core. Therefore, the current-measuring capacity of a clamp-on multimeter is limited to current levels that do not saturate the magnetic core.

[0008] A Rogowski coil can sense alternating current flowing through a conductor surrounded by it. There are many differences between a Rogowski coil and a clamp. For example, a Rogowski coil is more flexible and has a smaller cross-section than the substantially rigid clamp of a multimeter. Therefore, a Rogowski coil can be used in confined spaces that are excessively tight and / or excessively small for a clamp-type multimeter. Furthermore, the loop of a Rogowski coil can be reshaped to surround a conductor with a cross-section that a clamp cannot surround. Another difference is the greater current-measuring capability of a Rogowski coil compared to a clamp. Specifically, the air core of a Rogowski coil does not saturate at current levels that saturate the magnetic material at the center of a clamp.

[0009] U.S. Pre-Grant Publication No. 2019 / 0346492, assigned to the assignee of this disclosure, discloses a length-adjustable Rogowski coil measuring device having non-contact voltage measurement capability. The measuring device models the appearance of a conventional Rogowski coil and includes a Y-shaped body having channels spaced apart at one end and adjacent at the other end. One of the channels includes a lateral opening extending between the two ends, thereby allowing lengths of the Rogowski coil to be inserted into and removed from the channel. A user can grasp the ends of the Rogowski coil and pull these ends down to wrap the loop around an insulating conductor located within the loop of the Rogowski coil. However, with a curved Y-shaped channel set, it can be difficult for the user to pull the Rogowski coil through the channels, and the branched, spaced-apart ends of the channels, which orient the Rogowski coil somewhat in opposite directions, prevent the loop from being crimped around the conductor, as the loop would need to be bent to wrap around the insulating conductor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This specification discloses a sensor probe that operates to sense electrical parameters within an insulated conductor. In various embodiments, the sensor probe may be summarized as comprising a body, a Rogowski coil, and a non-contact sensor. The body has a first channel and a second channel defined therein. The first channel and the second channel each have a first open end and a second open end, respectively, spaced apart from each other. In addition, the first channel and the second channel extend substantially parallel to each other through the body.

[0011] The Rogowski coil has a first end and a second end, the first end of the Rogowski coil being fixed in a first channel of the body. The Rogowski coil extends from the first end of the first channel, passes through the first and second ends of the second channel, and folds back to the second end of the first channel, into which the second end of the Rogowski coil can be selectively inserted into the first channel opposite to the first end of the Rogowski coil.

[0012] The non-contact sensor is connected to the main body and positioned between the second ends of the first channel and the second channel, respectively.

[0013] The second channel of the main body is sized and sized to slidably accommodate the length of the Rogowski coil inside the second channel of the main body, such that the first loop of the Rogowski coil is formed between the first open ends of the first channel and the second channel. When the second end of the Rogowski coil is inserted into the second end of the first channel, the second loop of the Rogowski coil is formed between the second open ends of the first channel and the second channel.

[0014] The size of the internal regions within the first and second loops can be selectively adjusted by the sliding motion of the Rogowski coil within the second channel. When the insulated conductor is located within the second loop formed by the Rogowski coil, the non-contact sensor operates to sense at least one electrical parameter of the insulated conductor without requiring galvanic contact with the conductor.

[0015] Some embodiments of the sensor probe may include the following features or aspects: namely, the second end of the first channel of the body includes a fastener that operates to releasably secure the second end of the Rogowski coil within the first channel when the second end of the Rogowski coil is selectively inserted into the first channel; when the second end of the Rogowski coil is selectively inserted into the second end of the first channel, the side wall of the first channel abuts against the Rogowski coil, securing the second end of the Rogowski coil releasably within the first channel by a press-fit; the Rogowski coil cannot be removed from the second channel during normal use of the sensor probe; and a second non-contact voltage sensor connected to the Rogowski coil, wherein the second non-contact voltage sensor detects electricity in the insulating conductor when the insulating conductor is within the second loop formed by the Rogowski coil. An interface connector operably connected to a non-contact sensor and a Rogowski coil, the interface connector being detachably connected to a corresponding interface connector on the body of the measuring device; the non-contact sensor comprising at least one of a non-contact voltage sensor, a non-contact current sensor, a Hall effect sensor, a fluxgate sensor, an anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) sensor, or a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor; a locking mechanism operating in an open position that allows free sliding of the Rogowski coil within a second channel and a closed position that fixes the Rogowski coil in a detachable position and prevents sliding movement of the Rogowski coil within the second channel; the body comprising an internal cavity sized to surround a first loop of the Rogowski coil.

[0016] Furthermore, this specification discloses an apparatus for measuring electrical parameters within an insulated conductor. In various embodiments, the apparatus may be summarized as including a sensor probe as described above and a control circuit that can be communicatively coupled to a non-contact sensor and a Rogowski coil. The control circuit is configured to receive sensor data indicating a signal detected by at least one of the non-contact sensor or the Rogowski coil during operation, and to process the received sensor data to determine at least one electrical parameter of the insulated conductor.

[0017] In various embodiments, some embodiments of the apparatus may include the following features or aspects: a measuring instrument having a body including a control circuit; the body including at least one interface connector to which a sensor probe can be detachably connected to at least one interface connector of the body; the body further including a body for the sensor probe; the control circuit configured to process received sensor data during operation to determine a voltage in an insulated conductor; the control circuit further configured to process received sensor data during operation to determine a current in an insulated conductor; a wireless communication subsystem operably coupled to the control circuit, configured to wirelessly transmit the determined electrical parameters to an external system during operation; a display configured to visually present the determined electrical parameters to a user of the apparatus during operation; and a non-contact sensor comprising at least one of a non-contact voltage sensor, a non-contact current sensor, a Hall effect sensor, a fluxgate sensor, an anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) sensor, or a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor.

[0018] In a further embodiment, a sensor probe that operates to detect electrical parameters within an insulating conductor includes a Rogowski coil having a first end and a second end, and a body fixedly connected to the first end of the Rogowski coil, the body having a channel sized and dimensioned such that when the length of the Rogowski coil slidably passes through the channel and the second end of the Rogowski coil is inserted into the body, the size of the loop formed by the Rogowski coil can be selectively adjusted, the size of the loop being adjusted by the sliding movement of the Rogowski coil relative to the body through the channel, a body, and a non-contact sensor connected to the body, the non-contact sensor operating to sense at least one electrical parameter within the insulating conductor without requiring galvanic contact with the insulating conductor when the insulating conductor is within the loop of the Rogowski coil.

[0019] The sensor probe may further include a locking mechanism positioned within the channel, the locking mechanism operating in an open position that allows free sliding of the Rogowski coil within the channel and a closed position that releasably fixes the Rogowski coil and prevents sliding movement of the Rogowski coil within the channel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front right perspective view of at least one non-limiting embodiment of an electrical parameter sensor probe including a body, a Rogowski coil, and a non-contact sensor. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear right perspective view of the sensor probe of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front right perspective view of the sensor probe of FIG. 1 with the front half of the body of the sensor probe removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear right perspective view of the sensor probe of FIG. 1 with the rear half of the body of the sensor probe removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the sensor probe as shown in FIG. 3 with the Rogowski coil stored within the body of the sensor probe. [Figure 6]The back view of a sensor probe as shown in FIG. 5, where the Rogowski coil extends from the body of the sensor probe. [Figure 7] The back view of a sensor probe as shown in FIG. 6, where the second end of the Rogowski coil is pulled out from the body of the sensor probe to provide access to the internal region of the Rogowski coil. [Figure 8] The back view of a sensor probe as shown in FIG. 6, where an insulating conductor is positioned within the internal region of the Rogowski coil and the Rogowski coil is partially stored within the body of the sensor probe. [Figure 9] The front right perspective view of another non - limiting embodiment of an electrical parameter sensor probe including a body, a Rogowski coil, and a non - contact sensor. [Figure 10] The back right perspective view of the sensor probe of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] The front right perspective view of the sensor probe of FIG. 9, where the front half of the body of the sensor probe is removed. [Figure 12] The back right perspective view of the sensor probe of FIG. 9, where the back half of the body of the sensor probe is removed. [Figure 13] The front view of the sensor probe of FIG. 9. [Figure 14] The front view of a sensor probe as shown in FIG. 13, where the second end of the Rogowski coil is pulled out from the body of the sensor probe to provide access to the internal region of the Rogowski coil. [Figure 15] The front view of a sensor probe as shown in FIG. 13, where an insulating conductor is positioned within the internal region of the Rogowski coil. [Figure 16] The front view of a sensor probe as shown in FIG. 15, where the Rogowski coil is stored towards the insulating conductor.

[0021] In the drawings, the same reference number identifies the same element. The dimensions and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles, as well as the spaces between elements, are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some of these elements may be arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve the clarity of the drawing. Furthermore, the specific shapes of elements shown are not necessarily intended to convey information about any required shape of the element, but may simply be selected for ease of recognition in the drawing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] One or more embodiments of this disclosure relate to electrical parameter sensor probes, apparatus and methods for measuring electrical parameters (e.g., voltage, current) within an insulated conductor (e.g., an insulated wire) without requiring galvanic contact with the conductor. As described herein, an electrical parameter measuring apparatus is configured to measure one or more electrical parameters within an insulated conductor. Such an apparatus is a non-contact apparatus that does not require galvanic contact with the conductor to measure the parameters. When used herein, a “non-contact” apparatus or sensor operates to detect electrical parameters within an insulated conductor without requiring galvanic contact with the conductor.

[0023] In various embodiments, a non-contact electrical parameter sensor probe is provided that operates to accurately measure both current and voltage within an insulated conductor under test. The sensor probe includes a body, a Rogowski coil connected to the body, and a non-contact voltage sensor connected to at least one of the body or the Rogowski coil. The size of the loop of the Rogowski coil is selectively adjustable, and as a result, the loop can be tightened around the insulated conductor under test until the conductor is positioned adjacent to a portion of the body or Rogowski coil containing the non-contact sensor. Thus, when the loop of the Rogowski coil is tightened, the loop helps maintain the position of the insulated conductor adjacent to the non-contact sensor to obtain accurate measurements (e.g., voltage measurements), while the Rogowski coil obtains accurate current measurements. One or more electrical parameters, such as power or phase angle, may be derived using the obtained voltage and current measurements. The measured electrical parameters may be provided to the user, for example, via a display, or transmitted to one or more external systems via a suitable wired or wireless connection.

[0024] The following description will include specific details to ensure a full understanding of the various embodiments of the disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that further embodiments may be carried out without using one or more of these specific details, or using other methods, components, materials, etc.

[0025] In addition, any reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “a certain embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in relation to that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Furthermore, any appearance of the phrase “in at least one embodiment” in this specification does not necessarily refer to only one embodiment. The particular features, structures, or characteristics of the various embodiments described herein may be combined in any preferred manner in further additional embodiments.

[0026] Figure 1 is a front right perspective view of at least one non-limiting embodiment of an electrical parameter sensor probe 10, which includes a body 12, a Rogowski coil 14, and a non-contact sensor 20. Figure 2 is a rear right perspective view of the sensor probe 10 of Figure 1. Located adjacent to the Rogowski coil 14 and along the side of the body 12 is a concave saddle 16, which, together with the loop of the Rogowski coil, provides an internal region 18 in which an insulating conductor can be positioned adjacent to the non-contact sensor 20, as shown, for example, in Figure 8.

[0027] In some embodiments, the body 12 consists of two halves 12a and 12b that can be fixedly or detachably connected to each other. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, screws or other fastening mechanisms are inserted through an opening 22 to fasten the rear half 12b to the front half 12a of the body 12. A protective shell 24 protrudes from the rear half 12b of the body 12, which receives a cable (not shown) that can be used to connect the sensor probe 10 to an external device, such as a measuring instrument that can receive and process measurement signals or data transmitted by the sensor probe 10. The cable may be located in a trough 26 defined within the body 12 that fits into the crimping of the cable into the body 12.

[0028] The Rogowski coil 14 is flexible and has a length extending between a first end 50 and a second end 52. Similar to conventional Rogowski coils, the Rogowski coil 14 may include a toroidal coil having a central wire spirally wound around a flexible nonmagnetic core and surrounded by the same wire covered with a flexible sheath. As a result, one end of the coil is drawn out from the other side through the coil itself, so that both ends of the coil are on the same side (e.g., first end 50, second end 52). The ends of the coil may be electrically connected to a cable as described above, so that signals from the Rogowski coil 14 are transmitted to an external measuring instrument for processing. The nonmagnetic core may include, for example, air. The sheath of the Rogowski coil 14 may be sufficiently rigid to protect the form of the toroidal coil, and may be even more sufficiently flexible so that the Rogowski coil can be formed into a loop of adjustable size and shape, as will be discussed further below.

[0029] The body 12 of the sensor probe 10 includes a non-contact sensor 20 (e.g., a non-contact voltage sensor) coupled to the body 12, which operates to sense electrical parameters (e.g., voltage) within an insulated conductor under test without requiring galvanic contact with the conductor. Additionally or alternatively, one or more non-contact sensors may be coupled to the Rogowski coil 14 in addition to, or instead of, the body 12 of the sensor probe. The non-contact sensor 20 may be electrically connected to a cable so that signals from the sensor 20 are transmitted to a measuring instrument for processing. In various embodiments, the non-contact sensor 20 may include a non-contact voltage sensor, a non-contact current sensor, a Hall effect element, a current transformer, a fluxgate sensor, anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) sensor, a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor, or other types of sensors that operate to sense electrical parameters of an insulated conductor (e.g., the conductor 80 shown in Figure 8) without requiring galvanic contact. Various non-limiting examples of non-contact sensors are disclosed in U.S. Patent Provisional Application No. 62 / 421,124 (filed November 11, 2016), U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 345,256 (filed November 7, 2016), U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 413,025 (filed January 23, 2017), U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 412,891 (filed January 23, 2017), U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 604,320 (filed May 24, 2017), and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 625,745 (filed June 16, 2017), which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0030] The sensor probe 10 may also include a processing circuit or control circuit 28 operably connected to the non-contact sensor 20 and / or the Rogowski coil 14. The processing circuit or control circuit 28 processes the sensor signal received from the sensor 20 and / or the Rogowski coil 14 and operates to transmit sensor data indicating such sensor signal to a control circuit in an external measuring instrument. The control circuit 28 may additionally or alternatively include a regulating circuit or conversion circuit that operates to adjust or convert the signal to a form receivable by the measuring instrument, such as an analog form (e.g., 0 to 1V) or a digital form (e.g., 8-bit, 16-bit, 64-bit).

[0031] To obtain measurements using a non-contact voltage sensor, it may be beneficial, for example, that the sensor 20 be as close as possible to the conductor under test 80 (see Figure 8). In at least some embodiments, it may also be beneficial that the conductor 80 be positioned in a specific orientation (e.g., perpendicular) to the non-contact sensor 20. In conventional Rogowski coils with relatively large, non-adjustable loops (e.g., 10 inches, 18 inches), the Rogowski coil is suspended from the conductor under test at a distance from the body of the sensor probe. It may be difficult or impossible for the non-contact voltage sensor to obtain accurate voltage measurements of the conductor under test from this position. As will be further discussed below, in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the loop of the Rogowski coil 14 is selectively adjustable, as shown in Figures 8 and 16, so that the loop is tightened around the conductors 80, 180 to position the conductors adjacent to the non-contact sensors 20, 120, and as a result, accurate measurements can be obtained.

[0032] Figures 3 to 8 show the arrangement of components inside the main body 12 of the sensor probe 10. Figure 3 is a front right perspective view of the sensor probe 10 with the front half 12a of the main body 12 removed, and Figure 4 shows the rear half 12b of the main body 12 removed. Figure 5 is a rear view of the sensor probe 10 as shown in Figure 3, with the Rogowski coil 14 housed inside the main body 12 of the sensor probe 10.

[0033] The body 12 of the sensor probe 10 includes a first channel 30 and a second channel 40. The first channel 30 and the second channel 40 each have spaced-apart first open ends 34, 44 and second open ends 32, 42, respectively. The first channel 30 and the second channel 40 extend through the body 12 substantially parallel to each other.

[0034] The Rogowski coil 14 has a first end 50 and a second end 52. The first end 50 of the Rogowski coil 14 is fixed within the first channel 30 of the body 12. The Rogowski coil 14 extends from the first end 34 of the first channel 30, passes through the first end 44 and second end 42 of the second channel 40, and folds back to the second end 32 of the first channel 30, which allows for selective insertion of the second end 52 of the Rogowski coil 14 into the first channel 30 on the opposite side of the first end 50 of the Rogowski coil 14. The non-contact sensor 20 is connected to the body 12 and positioned between the second ends 32, 42 of the first channel 30 and the second channel 40, respectively.

[0035] The second channel 40 of the body 12 is sized and sized to accommodate the length L1 of the Rogowski coil 14 inside the second channel 40 of the body, such that the first loop of the Rogowski coil 14 is formed between the first open ends 34, 44 of the first channel 30 and the second channel 40, respectively. The first channel 30 of the body 12 is substantially parallel to the second channel 40 and may have the same length L1 as the second channel 40. When the second end of the Rogowski coil 52 is inserted into the second end 32 of the first channel 30, the second loop of the Rogowski coil is formed between the second open ends 32, 42 of the first channel 30 and the second channel 40, respectively. As can be understood from the disclosure herein, the sizes of the first and second loops are selectively adjustable by the sliding motion of the Rogowski coil 14 within the second channel 40. When the insulated conductor 80 is located within the second loop formed by the Rogowski coil 14 (see Figure 8), the non-contact sensor 20 operates to sense at least one electrical parameter of the insulated conductor 80 without requiring galvanic contact with the insulated conductor 80.

[0036] Figure 6 is a rear view of the sensor probe 10 as shown in Figure 5, with the Rogowski coil 14 extending from the body 12. In Figure 7, the second end 52 of the Rogowski coil 14 is withdrawn from the first channel 30, providing a gap 70 that allows the insulating conductor 80 to access and enter the internal region 18 of the Rogowski coil 14. Figure 8 is a front view of the sensor probe 10 with the insulating conductor 80 positioned within the internal region 18 of the Rogowski coil 14. Furthermore, in Figure 8, the Rogowski coil 14 is partially housed within the body 12 of the sensor probe 10, thus tightening the Rogowski coil 14 against the insulating conductor 80 and holding the insulating conductor 80 in close proximity to the non-contact sensor 20.

[0037] In some embodiments, the second end 32 of the first channel 30 of the main body 12 may include a fastener that operates to releasably secure the second end 52 of the Rogowski coil 14 within the first channel 30 when the second end 52 of the Rogowski coil 14 is selectively inserted into the first channel 30. Such a fastener may be a conventional fastener used in typical Rogowski coil fixtures having detachable coil ends. In other embodiments, when the second end 52 of the Rogowski coil 14 is selectively inserted into the second end 32 of the first channel 30, the side wall of the first channel 30 may abut the Rogowski coil 14, releasably securing the second end 52 of the Rogowski coil 14 within the first channel 30 by a press-fit. Generally, the Rogowski coil is not expected to be removable from the second channel 40 during normal use of the sensor probe 10.

[0038] In some embodiments, the sensor probe 10 may further include a second non-contact sensor connected to a portion of the Rogowski coil 14. In such embodiments, when the insulating conductor 80 is within the internal region 18 of the second loop formed by the Rogowski coil 14, the second non-contact sensor may operate to sense electrical parameters within the insulating conductor 80.

[0039] In some embodiments, the sensor probe 10 may further include an interface connector operably connected to a non-contact sensor 20 and a Rogowski coil 14 via cables and / or wires (e.g., extending through a protective shell 24), typically by circuitry 28 within the sensor probe 10. Such an interface connector is expected to be configured to be detachably connected to a corresponding interface connector of a measuring device (not shown) configured to receive signals and data from the sensor probe 10.

[0040] In some embodiments, the sensor probe 10 may further include a locking mechanism 60 that operates in an open position, allowing free sliding of the Rogowski coil 14 within the second channel 40, as shown, for example, in Figures 5 to 7. As shown in Figure 6, the locking mechanism 60 has a channel 64 that coincides with the second channel 40. Thus, the Rogowski coil 14 can slide freely within the channel 64 and channel 40. In the closed position, as shown, for example in Figure 8, the user releases the locking mechanism 60, which is shifted slightly outward. When the locking mechanism 60 is released, a biasing element (e.g., a spring) 62 presses the inner wall of the channel 64 against a portion of the Rogowski coil 14 within the channel 6. Now the inner wall of the channel 64 is in contact with the Rogowski coil 14, and friction helps to lock the position of the Rogowski coil 14 in place. In this way, the locking mechanism 60 securely fixes the Rogowski coil 14 in a releaseable position, preventing the Rogowski coil 14 from sliding within the second channel 40, thereby helping the Rogowski coil 14 to contact the non-contact sensor 20 and hold the insulating conductor 80.

[0041] The body 12 of the sensor probe 10 includes an internal cavity 36 that is sized to receive, and preferably enclose, the first loop of the Rogowski coil 14. The internal cavity 36 is defined by inner walls 54, 56 within the body 12 and laterally defined by the inner walls of the front 12a and rear 12b of the body 12. As shown in Figure 8, once the insulating conductor 80 is positioned within the internal region 18 of the first loop, the Rogowski coil may be tightened against the insulating conductor 80 by sliding the Rogowski coil 14 through a second channel 40 (thus reducing the size of the internal region 18). In this process, the balance of the Rogowski coil 14 sliding through the second channel 40 is received within the cavity 36.

[0042] Figure 9 is a front right perspective view of another non-limiting embodiment of an electrical parameter sensor probe 100, which includes a body 112, a Rogowski coil 114, and a non-contact sensor 120. Figure 10 is a rear right perspective view of the sensor probe 100 shown in Figure 9. Similar to the sensor probes 10 shown in Figures 1 to 8, the Rogowski coil 114 of the sensor probes 100 shown in Figures 9 to 16 may be looped around an insulating conductor (e.g., a conductor 180 shown in Figure 16) and slide through a second channel within the sensor probe 100 to contact the conductor 180, tightening the Rogowski coil 114 and holding the conductor 180 in close proximity to the non-contact sensor 120.

[0043] Regarding Figures 11 to 13, Figure 11 is a front right perspective view of the sensor probe 110 with the front half 112a of the sensor probe body 112 removed, showing the interior of the rear half 112b of the body. Figure 12 is a rear right perspective view with the rear half 112b of the body 112 removed, showing the interior of the front half 112a of the body 112. Figure 13 is a front view of the sensor probe 110 shown in Figure 9.

[0044] As shown in the figure, the sensor probe 100 includes a locking mechanism 160 that can be screwed onto a portion of the Rogowski coil 114 in a second channel 140 within the main body 112. When the screw 162 of the locking mechanism 160 is in contact with the Rogowski coil 140, the screw 162 fixes the Rogowski coil 114 in place. When the locking mechanism 160 is unscrewed, the screw 162 releases the Rogowski coil 114, which can then slide freely within the second channel 140.

[0045] In some embodiments, the body 112 consists of two halves 112a and 112b that can be fixedly or detachably connected to each other. In the embodiment shown in Figure 10, screws or other fastening mechanisms may be inserted through an opening 122 to fasten the rear half 112b to the front half 112a of the body 112. Protruding from the side of the body 112 is a protective shell 124 for receiving a cable (not shown). The cable may be used to connect the sensor probe 100 to an external device, such as a measuring instrument, which receives and processes measurement signals or data transmitted by the sensor probe 100.

[0046] Similar to the Rogowski coil 14, the Rogowski coil 114 is flexible and has a length extending between the first end 150 and the second end 152. The Rogowski coil 114 may be constructed in the same manner as the Rogowski coil 14 described above.

[0047] Similar to the non-contact sensor 20, the non-contact sensor 120 (e.g., a non-contact voltage sensor) is coupled to the body 112 in a recessed saddle 116 defined on the side of the body 112. The non-contact sensor 120 operates to sense electrical parameters (e.g., voltage) within the insulated conductor under test without requiring galvanic contact with the conductor. Additionally or alternatively, one or more non-contact sensors may be coupled to the Rogowski coil 114. The non-contact sensor 120 may be electrically connected to a cable so that signals from the sensor 120 are transmitted to a measuring instrument for processing. In various embodiments, the non-contact sensor 120 may include, similar to the sensor 20, a non-contact voltage sensor, a non-contact current sensor, a Hall effect element, a current transformer, a fluxgate sensor, an anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) sensor, a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor, or other types of sensors that operate to sense electrical parameters of an insulated conductor (e.g., conductor 80 shown in Figure 8) without requiring galvanic contact.

[0048] The sensor probe 100 may also include a processing circuit or control circuit 128 operably connected to the non-contact sensor 120 and / or the Rogowski coil 114. The processing circuit or control circuit 128 processes the sensor signals received from the sensor 120 and / or the Rogowski coil 114 and operates to transmit sensor data indicating such sensor signals to a control circuit in an external measuring instrument. The control circuit 128, like the control circuit 28, may additionally or alternatively include adjustment or conversion circuits that operate to adjust or convert the signal into a form receivable by the measuring instrument, such as analog or digital form.

[0049] It may be beneficial for the sensor 120 to be as close as possible to the conductor 180 under test (see Figure 16), and in some embodiments, it may be beneficial for the conductor 180 to be positioned in a specific orientation (e.g., perpendicular) to the non-contact sensor 120. In the sensor probe 100, the loop of the Rogowski coil 114 is selectively adjustable, so that the loop can be tightened around the conductor 180 to properly position the conductor, as shown in Figure 16, and as a result, accurate measurements can be obtained.

[0050] Figures 11 to 16 show the internal components of the body 112 of the sensor probe 100. The body 112 of the sensor probe 100 includes a first channel 130 and a second channel 140. The first channel 130 and the second channel 140 have spaced-apart first open ends 134, 144 and second open ends 132, 142, respectively. The first channel 130 and the second channel 140 extend through the body 112 substantially parallel to each other.

[0051] The Rogowski coil 114 has a first end 150 and a second end 152. The first end 150 of the Rogowski coil is fixed within the first channel 130. The Rogowski coil 114 extends from the first end 134 of the first channel 130, passes through the first end 144 and second end 142 of the second channel 140, and folds back to the second end 132 of the first channel 130, which allows for selective insertion of the second end 152 of the Rogowski coil 114 into the first channel 130 on the opposite side of the first end 150 of the Rogowski coil 114. The non-contact sensor 120 is connected to the main body 112 and positioned between the second ends 132, 142 of the first channel 130 and the second channel 140, respectively.

[0052] The second channel 140 of the main body 112 is sized and sized to accommodate the length L2 of the Rogowski coil 114. The first loop of the Rogowski coil is formed between the first open ends 134, 144 of the first channel 130 and the second channel 140, respectively. If the first channel 130 is substantially parallel to the second channel 140, the first channel 130 may have the same length L2 as the second channel 140. When the second end of the Rogowski coil 152 is inserted into the second end 132 of the first channel 130, the second loop of the Rogowski coil is formed between the second open ends 132, 142 of the first channel 130 and the second channel 140, respectively. The sizes of the first and second loops are selectively adjustable by the sliding motion of the Rogowski coil 114 within the second channel 140. When the insulating conductor 80 is located within the second loop formed by the Rogowski coil 114 (see Figure 16), the non-contact sensor 120 operates to sense at least one electrical parameter of the insulating conductor 180 without requiring galvanic contact with the insulating conductor 180.

[0053] Figures 14 to 16 show front views of the sensor probe 110 in the operation of receiving the insulating conductor 180 within the internal region 118 of the Rogowski coil 114. The Rogowski coil 114 may then be tightened in contact with the conductor 180 to hold the conductor 180 in close proximity to the non-contact sensor 120, similar to the operation of the sensor probe 10 shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0054] In Figure 14, the second end 152 of the Rogowski coil 114 is withdrawn from the body 112 of the sensor probe 100, providing a gap 170 that allows the insulating conductor to access the internal region 118 of the Rogowski coil 114. Figure 15 shows a front view of the sensor probe 100 as shown in Figure 13, with the insulating conductor 180 positioned within the internal region 118 of the Rogowski coil 114.

[0055] In Figures 15 and 16, the second end 152 of the Rogowski coil 114 is reinserted into the first channel 130, thus closing the upper loop of the Rogowski coil 114 around the insulating conductor 180. The user of the sensor probe 100 may then grasp and pull the lower part 182 of the Rogowski coil 114. If the first end of the Rogowski coil 114 is secured in the first channel 130, pulling the lower part 182 effectively pulls the length of the Rogowski coil 114 through the second channel 140. The length of the Rogowski coil 114 is through the second channel 140 until the upper loop of the Rogowski coil 114 contacts the insulating conductor 180, as shown in Figure 16. In Figure 16, the Rogowski coil 114 is retracted to hold the insulating conductor 180 in place. A locking mechanism 160 may be screwed inward to assist in securing the retracted Rogowski coil 114.

[0056] When the second end 152 of the Rogowski coil 114 is positioned close to the first end 150, the gap between the ends of the Rogowski coil adjacent to the channel 126 is minimized, thereby improving the accuracy of the current measurement provided by the Rogowski coil by better suppressing the influence of nearby external wires.

[0057] As described above, it is beneficial to provide sensor probes 10, 100 having first channels 30, 130 and second channels 40, 140 that are substantially parallel to each other. When the Rogowski coils 14, 114 slide through the second channels 40, 140, there are no curved sections within the channels, and otherwise friction may reduce the free passage of the Rogowski coils 14, 114 through the second channels 40, 140. When the Rogowski coils are tightened against the edge conductors 80, 180 under test, the locking mechanisms 60, 160 are more easily performed to help hold the Rogowski coils 14, 114 in place.

[0058] In the sensor probe 10, the body 12 includes a cavity 36 that receives the portion of the Rogowski coil that has passed through the second channel 40. By maintaining this portion of the Rogowski coil 14 within the body 12, it is possible to prevent an external wire, which would interrupt the accurate measurement of the conductor 80, from inadvertently passing through the lower loop of the Rogowski coil (on the opposite side of the loop surrounding the insulated conductor 80).

[0059] In the sensor probe 100, the lower loop 182 of the Rogowski coil 114 provides an arrangement that facilitates the user of the sensor probe 102 to grasp the Rogowski coil 114 and pull the coil down to sense the Rogowski coil on the insulated conductor 180.

[0060] Although not explicitly shown in the drawings, the sensor probes 10, 100 may be communicatively connected to the measuring instrument as described above. The measuring instrument may be any preferred form and / or function. In at least some embodiments, the measuring instrument may include a body or housing. The interface connectors of the sensor probes 10, 100 are detachably connected to the corresponding interface connectors of the measuring instrument. In at least some embodiments, the interface connector of the sensor probe may be configured as one of a plug and socket, and the interface connector of the measuring instrument may be configured as the other of a plug and socket. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the sensor probe may be fixedly connected to the measuring instrument by a cable, or the sensor probe and measuring instrument may be formed together in a single housing so that no cable is required to connect them.

[0061] The main body of the measuring instrument may further include a display that shows measurement results and other information, and a user interface for inputting information such as measurement instructions or other information. The display may be any suitable type of display, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), light-emitting diode (LED) display, organic LED display, plasma display, or electronic ink display. The main body 102 may include one or more audio output units or tactile output units (not shown), such as one or more speakers, buzzers, or vibration devices. The user interface may include any of the following: multiple buttons, touchpads, touchscreens, wheels, knobs, dials, and / or microphones.

[0062] The main body of the measuring instrument may further include a power supply, such as a battery or battery pack, to supply power to the various components of the measuring instrument, and possibly to the sensor probes 10, 100. Generally, the measuring instrument also includes a control circuit that controls various operations of the combined device (sensor probe and measuring instrument), such as receiving signals from the sensor probe, determining one or more electrical parameters of the insulated conductor under test, and outputting measurement data (e.g., to a display). The control circuit may include one or more processors (e.g., microcontroller, DSP, ASIC, FPGA), one or more types of memory (e.g., ROM, RAM, flash memory, other non-temporary storage media), and / or one or more other types of processing or control-related components.

[0063] In at least some embodiments, the measuring instrument may include a wireless communication subsystem such as a Bluetooth® module, a Wi-Fi® module, a ZIGBEE® module, or a Near Field Communication (NFC) module. The measuring instrument may operate to wirelessly communicate with an external system such as a computer, smartphone, tablet, or personal digital assistant via the wireless communication subsystem in order to transmit measurement results to the external system or to receive command signals or input information from the external system. The measuring instrument may additionally or alternatively include a wired communication subsystem such as a USB interface.

[0064] It should be understood that further embodiments can be provided by combining the various embodiments described above. To the extent that they do not conflict with the teachings and definitions herein, the disclosures in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 421,124 (filed November 11, 2016), U.S. Patent No. 10,119,998 (issued November 6, 2018), U.S. Patent No. 10,139,435 (issued November 27, 2018), U.S. Patent No. 10,281,503 (issued May 7, 2019), U.S. Pre-grant Publication No. 2018 / 0136260 (published May 17, 2018), and U.S. Patent No. 10,352,967 (issued July 16, 2019), and U.S. Pre-grant Publication No. 2019 / 0346492 (published November 14, 2019) are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The embodiments may be modified as necessary to provide further embodiments using systems, circuits, and concepts from various patents, patent applications, and patent publications.

[0065] In consideration of the modes for carrying out the above invention, these and other modifications may be made to the embodiments. In general, the terms used in the following "Claims" should not be interpreted as limiting the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but rather as encompassing all possible embodiments along with the entire scope of the equivalents for which such claims are granted. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by this disclosure.

Claims

1. A sensor probe that operates to sense electrical parameters within an insulated conductor, wherein the sensor probe A body having a first channel and a second channel defined internally, wherein the first channel and the second channel each have a first end and a second end that are spaced apart from each other, and the first channel and the second channel extend through the body and have substantially parallel side walls within the body, A Rogowski coil having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the Rogowski coil is fixed in a first channel of the body, and the Rogowski coil extends from the first end of the first channel, passes through the first and second ends of the second channel, and folds back to the second end of the first channel, allowing the second end of the Rogowski coil to be selectively inserted into the first channel opposite to the first end of the Rogowski coil, The system includes a non-contact sensor connected to the main body and positioned between the second ends of the first channel and the second channel, The second channel of the body is sized and sized to slidably accommodate the length of the Rogowski coil inside the second channel of the body such that the first loop of the Rogowski coil is formed between the first ends of the first channel and the second channel, and when the second end of the Rogowski coil is inserted into the second end of the first channel and received within the first channel, the second loop of the Rogowski coil is formed between the second ends of the first channel and the second channel, The size of the internal regions within the first loop and the second loop can be selectively adjusted by the sliding motion of the Rogowski coil within the second channel. A sensor probe that, when the insulating conductor is located within the second loop formed by the Rogowski coil, operates to sense at least one electrical parameter of the insulating conductor without requiring galvanic contact with the insulating conductor.

2. The sensor probe according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the first channel of the main body includes a fastener that operates to releasably secure the second end of the Rogowski coil within the first channel when the second end of the Rogowski coil is selectively inserted into the first channel.

3. The sensor probe according to claim 1, wherein when the second end of the Rogowski coil is selectively inserted into the second end of the first channel, the side wall of the first channel abuts against the Rogowski coil, thereby releasably fixing the second end of the Rogowski coil within the first channel.

4. The sensor probe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a second non-contact voltage sensor connected to the Rogowski coil, wherein the second non-contact voltage sensor operates to sense an electrical parameter within the insulating conductor when the insulating conductor is within the second loop formed by the Rogowski coil.

5. The sensor probe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the non-contact sensor comprises at least one of a non-contact voltage sensor, a non-contact current sensor, a Hall effect sensor, a fluxgate sensor, an anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) sensor, or a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor.

6. The sensor probe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a locking mechanism that operates in an open position that allows the Rogowski coil to slide freely within the second channel and in a closed position that fixes the Rogowski coil in a releasable manner and prevents the sliding motion of the Rogowski coil within the second channel.

7. The sensor probe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body includes an internal cavity sized to surround the first loop of the Rogowski coil.

8. A device for measuring electrical parameters in an insulated conductor, It is a sensor probe, A body having a first channel and a second channel defined internally, wherein the first channel and the second channel each have a first end and a second end that are spaced apart from each other, and the first channel and the second channel extend through the body and have substantially parallel side walls within the body, A Rogowski coil having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the Rogowski coil is fixed in a first channel of the body, and the Rogowski coil extends from the first end of the first channel, passes through the first and second ends of the second channel, and folds back to the second end of the first channel, allowing the second end of the Rogowski coil to be selectively inserted into the first channel opposite to the first end of the Rogowski coil, The system includes a non-contact sensor connected to the main body and positioned between the second ends of the first channel and the second channel, The second channel of the body is sized and sized to slidably accommodate the length of the Rogowski coil inside the second channel of the body such that the first loop of the Rogowski coil is formed between the first ends of the first channel and the second channel, and when the second end of the Rogowski coil is inserted into the second end of the first channel and received within the first channel, the second loop of the Rogowski coil is formed between the second ends of the first channel and the second channel, The size of the internal regions within the first loop and the second loop can be selectively adjusted by the sliding motion of the Rogowski coil within the second channel. When the insulating conductor is located within the second loop formed by the Rogowski coil, the non-contact sensor operates to sense at least one electrical parameter of the insulating conductor without requiring galvanic contact with the insulating conductor, comprising a sensor probe, A control circuit that can be communicatively connected to the non-contact sensor and the Rogowski coil, wherein the control circuit, during operation, The system receives sensor data indicating a signal detected by at least one of the non-contact sensor or the Rogowski coil. An apparatus comprising: a control circuit configured to process the sensor data and determine at least one electrical parameter of the insulating conductor.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control circuit is configured to process the sensor data during operation to determine the voltage in the insulating conductor.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control circuit is configured to process the sensor data during operation to determine the current in the insulating conductor.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a wireless communication subsystem operably connected to the control circuit, wherein the wireless communication subsystem is configured to wirelessly transmit at least one of the electrical parameters to an external system during operation.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a display configured to visually present at least one of the electrical parameters to a user of the apparatus during operation.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the non-contact sensor comprises at least one of a non-contact voltage sensor, a non-contact current sensor, a Hall effect sensor, a fluxgate sensor, an anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) sensor, or a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor.

14. A sensor probe that operates to sense electrical parameters within an insulated conductor, wherein the sensor probe A Rogowski coil having a first end and a second end, A body comprising a first channel to which the first end of the Rogowski coil is fixed, the body further comprising a second channel having a size and dimensions such that, when the second end of the Rogowski coil passes through the second channel and is inserted into the first channel, the length of the Rogowski coil is slidably passed through and a loop is formed, the size of the loop being adjusted by the sliding motion of the Rogowski coil relative to the body through the second channel, A sensor probe comprising: a non-contact sensor connected to the main body, wherein when the insulating conductor is within the loop of the Rogowski coil, the non-contact sensor operates to sense at least one electrical parameter within the insulating conductor without requiring galvanic contact with the insulating conductor.

15. The sensor probe according to claim 14, further comprising a locking mechanism positioned within the second channel, the locking mechanism operating in an open position that allows free sliding of the Rogowski coil within the second channel and a closed position that fixes the Rogowski coil in a releasable manner and prevents sliding movement of the Rogowski coil within the second channel.

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