Method for resetting the life diagnosis alarm of the contact of the contactor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for resetting the life diagnosis alarm of a contactor, comprising the following steps: step A: detecting a reset signal through a microcontroller; step B: when the microcontroller detects the reset signal, checking the state of the diagnosis alarm through the microcontroller; when the diagnosis alarm is in an activated state, the microcontroller: step C: controlling an indicator to give a first indication signal confirming the reset operation of the diagnosis alarm; step D: resetting life diagnosis data; step E: controlling the opening and closing of the contactor contacts through an actuator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for resetting a life diagnosis alarm of a contact of a contactor. Background Art

[0002] The life diagnosis of the contact of the contactor can predict the life of the contact so as to send an alarm to the user when the contact reaches the end of its life cycle, so that the user can plan to maintain and replace the contactor and field equipment, maximize the function of the contactor, and reduce the number of user equipment shutdowns. It can also avoid accidents caused by the exhaustion of the contact life, maximize the cost savings for the user, and protect the user's assets and personal safety. After the user maintains the contactor and replaces the contact, the historical data of the life diagnosis needs to be cleared or initialized, that is, reset, to allow the contactor to restart the life diagnosis based on the newly replaced contact, thereby ensuring the effectiveness and correctness of the life diagnosis.

[0003] Aiming at the resetting operation of various life diagnosis alarms in the contact life diagnosis of a contactor, the present invention proposes a corresponding method and process for resetting the life diagnosis alarms. Summary of the invention

[0004] To this end, the present invention proposes a method for resetting a life diagnosis alarm of a contactor of a contactor. According to a first embodiment, the method comprises the following steps:

[0005] Step A: Detecting a reset signal through a microcontroller;

[0006] Step B: When the microcontroller detects the reset signal, checking the status of the diagnostic alarm by the microcontroller;

[0007] When the diagnostic alarm is active, the microcontroller:

[0008] Step C: controlling the indicator to give a first indication signal for confirming the diagnostic alarm reset operation;

[0009] Step D: Reset life diagnostic data;

[0010] Step E: Controlling the opening and closing of the contacts of the contactor by means of an actuator.

[0011] That is, according to the method of the present invention, resetting the historical data of life diagnosis needs to meet two conditions: first, the reset signal is detected by the microcontroller; second, the diagnostic alarm of the microcontroller is in an activated state. And when both conditions are met, the microcontroller also controls the indicator to give a first indication signal to clearly indicate to the user that the reset operation has been confirmed. After that, the microcontroller resets the life diagnosis data by clearing the historical data of life diagnosis and / or initializing the life diagnosis data, and then controls the opening and closing of the contactor through the actuator as needed, so that after the contactor contacts are working again, a new contact life diagnosis cycle can be started in the initialized state, thereby ensuring the effectiveness and accuracy of the contact life diagnosis.

[0012] According to a first variation of the first embodiment, the method comprises, before step A:

[0013] Step G: When the contactor is powered off, the reset signal may be provided by changing the position of a first reset switch integrated in the contactor;

[0014] Step H: When the contact of the contactor is disconnected, re-energizing the contactor;

[0015] And wherein, step A is performed when step H occurs.

[0016] That is, in the first variant, the contactor includes an integrated first reset switch, and the reset signal is provided by changing the position of the first reset switch, so that the entire product is compact and easy to reset. In this case, since the first reset switch is directly integrated in the contactor, in order to ensure safe operation, the contactor should be powered off before operating the first reset switch; and the detection of the reset signal requires the contactor to be powered on again, and the detection of the reset signal occurs when the power is turned on again. At this time, in order to ensure the safety of the operator and the associated equipment, the contactor will keep the contacts disconnected before the reset is completed.

[0017] According to a second variation of the first embodiment, the method comprises, before step A:

[0018] Step J: The reset signal may be provided by changing the position of a second reset switch on a remote diagnostic indication and operation module connected to the contactor;

[0019] Step K: if step J occurs when the contactor is powered off, the contactor is powered on again after confirming that the contactor is disconnected; if step J occurs when the contactor is powered on, the contactor is first powered off, and then powered on again after confirming that the contactor is disconnected;

[0020] And wherein, step A is performed when the contactor is powered on again in step K.

[0021] That is, in this second variant, the contactor includes a remote diagnosis indication and operation module electrically connected thereto, and a second reset switch is provided on the remote diagnosis indication and operation module, and a reset signal is provided by changing the position of the second reset switch. By providing a remote diagnosis indication and operation module, a reset signal can be provided more conveniently and safely to start a reset operation. In this case, since the second reset switch is provided on the remote diagnosis indication and operation module, rather than directly on the contactor, the second reset switch can be operated when the contactor is powered on without involving safety issues. However, regardless of whether the contactor is in a powered-on state or a powered-off state when operating the second reset switch, the contactor should be powered on again when the contactor contacts are disconnected, and the reset signal should be detected when the power is turned on again. This ensures that the reset operation is safe.

[0022] In a more specific implementation of the first variant and the second variant of the first embodiment, the step E is to close the contactor contacts by the actuator.

[0023] That is, when resetting the contact life diagnosis data, the user already knows the occurrence of the life diagnosis alarm and may have performed related contact replacement or maintenance work, so the contactor contacts can be closed after resetting to allow the contactor to continue working.

[0024] In a more specific implementation of the first variation and the second variation of the first embodiment, in the step A, if the microcontroller does not detect a reset signal, the method proceeds to the step E.

[0025] In a more specific implementation of the first variant and the second variant of the first embodiment, in the step B, if the microcontroller detects that the diagnostic alarm is in an inactive state: the method performs the step E; or the method performs the step E and the following step I simultaneously: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a second indication signal regarding the malfunction of the first reset switch or the second reset switch;

[0026] And wherein the second indication signal is different from the first indication signal.

[0027] If the reset signal is detected in step A, but the microcontroller detects that the diagnostic alarm is in an inactive state, it means that the life diagnostic alarm has not occurred. At this time, the reset signal is issued as a result of incorrect operation of the first reset switch or the second reset switch. Therefore, the indicator can be used to indicate to the user that such an erroneous operation has occurred, and such an erroneous operation should not affect the normal operation of the contactor.

[0028] In a more specific implementation of the first variant and the second variant of the first embodiment, the first indication signal and the second indication signal are both selected from a flashing pattern or manner of an indicator light, a sound, or any combination thereof.

[0029] According to a third variant of this first embodiment, the method comprises, before step A, a step L: receiving the reset signal from a remote system through a communication interface of a remote communication module of the contactor, possibly when the contactor is powered on.

[0030] That is, in the third variant, the contactor includes a remote communication module capable of communicating with the remote system, and the reset signal is sent from the remote system to the remote communication module via the communication interface. With this arrangement, the reset signal can be provided more conveniently and safely to start the reset operation without disconnecting the contacts of the contactor in advance or without powering off the contactor.

[0031] In a more specific embodiment of the third variant, if the contacts of the contactor are in a closed state when performing step L, the method also includes a step M between step L and step A or between step A or step B: the microcontroller controls the actuator to disconnect the contacts of the contactor.

[0032] This ensures the safety and effectiveness of the reset operation.

[0033] In a more specific implementation of the third variant, the step E is to keep the contacts of the contactor open by the actuator.

[0034] In a more specific implementation of the third variant, if the microcontroller detects that the diagnostic alarm is in an inactive state, the method proceeds to step E after step B.

[0035] This condition may indicate a failure or malfunction of the remote communication module or remote system.

[0036] In a more specific embodiment of the third variant, the method further comprises the following steps after step E:

[0037] Step X: the remote communication module receives a closing signal for closing the contacts of the contactor from the remote system through the communication interface;

[0038] Step Y: the remote communication module transmits the closing signal to the microcontroller;

[0039] Step Z: The microcontroller controls the actuator to close the contacts of the contactor.

[0040] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a method for resetting a life diagnosis alarm of a contactor is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0041] Step J: When the contact of the contactor is disconnected, providing the reset signal by changing the position of a second reset switch on a remote diagnostic indication and operation module connected to the contactor;

[0042] Step A: Detecting a reset signal through a microcontroller;

[0043] Step O: When the microcontroller detects the reset signal, checking by the microcontroller whether step A occurs when the contactor is re-energized;

[0044] Step B: In the step O, if it is detected that the step A occurs when the contactor is re-energized, the state of the diagnostic alarm is checked by the microcontroller;

[0045] When the diagnostic alarm is active, the microcontroller:

[0046] Step C: controlling the indicator to give a first indication signal for confirming the diagnostic alarm reset operation;

[0047] Step D: Reset the historical data of life diagnosis;

[0048] Step E: Controlling the opening and closing of the contactor contacts by an actuator.

[0049] In a more specific implementation of this second embodiment, if it is checked in step O that step A does not occur when the contactor is re-energized, step G is performed: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a third indication signal about a reset operation error, and wherein the third indication signal is different from the first indication signal.

[0050] It can be seen that the most critical difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that before checking the status of the diagnostic alarm through the microcontroller, it is necessary to first check whether the detection of the reset signal occurs when the contactor is powered on again. This is because in the second embodiment, since the second reset switch is arranged on the remote diagnostic indication and operation module, the second reset switch can be operated when the contactor is powered on or off. Regardless of the situation, the detection of the reset signal should occur when the contactor is powered on again, so that the subsequent reset operation can be performed correctly and safely, otherwise the indicator should report an error.

[0051] In a more specific implementation of the second embodiment, the step E is to close the contactor contacts by the actuator.

[0052] In a more specific implementation of the second embodiment, in the step A, if the microcontroller does not detect a reset signal, the method proceeds to the step E.

[0053] In a more specific implementation of the second embodiment, in step B, if the microcontroller detects that the diagnostic alarm is in an inactive state: the method performs step E; or the method performs step E and step I simultaneously: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a second indication signal regarding the malfunction of the second reset switch;

[0054] And wherein the first indication signal, the second indication signal and the third indication signal are different from each other.

[0055] In a more specific implementation of the second embodiment, the first indication signal, the second indication signal and the third indication signal are all selected from flashing patterns or modes of indicator lights, sounds, or any combination thereof.

[0056] In all the embodiments of the present invention, a step N may be included between the step D and the step E: the microcontroller causes the indicator to stop giving the first indication signal.

[0057] That is, the cessation of the first indication signal can conveniently and clearly indicate the completion of the reset operation, further ensuring the safety and effectiveness of subsequent operations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate certain embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. In the drawings:

[0059] Figure 1 The relevant modules or devices included in the contactor used in the method according to the present invention are shown;

[0060] Figure 2 A flow chart showing a method according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 3 A flow chart showing a method according to a first variant of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 4 A flow chart showing a method according to a second variant of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 5A flow chart showing a method according to a third variant of the first embodiment of the present invention; and

[0064] Figure 6 A flow chart of a method according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Below, a method for resetting the life diagnosis alarm of the contact of a contactor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present utility model more clear, the technical solution in the embodiment of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiment of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiment is a part of the embodiment of the present disclosure, not all of the embodiments.

[0066] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure claimed for protection, but merely represents selected embodiments of the present disclosure. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in the field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0067] Unless otherwise defined in the context, the singular includes the plural. Throughout the specification, the terms "comprising", "having", etc. are used herein to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, parts or combinations thereof.

[0068] In addition, even though terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms, and these terms are only used to distinguish one element from other elements. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0069] The present invention relates to a method for resetting a life diagnosis alarm of a contactor, wherein: Figure 1 As shown, the contactor may include the following modules or components:

[0070] A microcontroller (MCU) has internally integrated hardware and software that can store life diagnostic data and optionally perform contact life diagnostics, and can provide diagnostic alarms, detect and receive reset signals and perform reset of diagnostic alarm data. In addition, the microcontroller can also control the operation of other modules or devices;

[0071] The indicator is used to give a corresponding indication signal under the control of the microcontroller, and the indication signal can be in different forms when the indication content is different;

[0072] An actuator is used to control the opening and closing of the contactor's contacts under the control of the microcontroller. Specifically, the actuator can generate electromagnetic force under the control of the microcontroller to control the movement of the relevant mechanism components of the contactor to achieve the opening and closing control of the contactor's contacts;

[0073] A first reset switch integrated in the contactor is associated with the microcontroller, and a reset signal can be provided by changing the position of the first reset switch.

[0074] In addition, the contactor may optionally include one or more of the following:

[0075] A remote diagnosis indication and operation module electrically connected to the contactor, associated with the microcontroller, and provided with a second reset switch on the remote diagnosis indication and operation module, and capable of providing an indication signal by changing the position of the second reset switch; and optionally, the remote diagnosis indication and operation module may further include a normally open contact, and the diagnosis alarm may be remotely indicated by closing the normally open contact; and

[0076] The remote communication module is associated with the microcontroller and can communicate with the remote system via the communication interface to receive a reset signal from the remote system; optionally, the remote communication module can also provide a diagnostic alarm to the remote system via the communication interface.

[0077] Various implementations of the method according to the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0078] First embodiment

[0079] like Figure 2 As shown, in a first embodiment of the method for resetting the life diagnosis alarm of the contact of the contactor according to the present invention, the following steps are included:

[0080] Step A: Detecting a reset signal through a microcontroller;

[0081] Step B: When the microcontroller detects a reset signal, the microcontroller checks the status of the diagnostic alarm;

[0082] When the diagnostic alarm is active, the microcontroller:

[0083] Step C: controlling the indicator to give a first indication signal for confirming the diagnostic alarm reset operation;

[0084] Step D: Reset life diagnostic data;

[0085] Step E: Control the opening and closing of the contactor contacts through the actuator.

[0086] That is, according to the first embodiment of the method of the present invention, resetting the historical data of life diagnosis needs to meet two conditions: first, the reset signal is detected by the microcontroller; second, the diagnostic alarm of the microcontroller is in an activated state. In this way, the effectiveness and correctness of the reset operation can be ensured, thereby avoiding the wrong resetting of the life diagnosis data and interfering with the life diagnosis of the contact. When both conditions are met, the microcontroller also controls the indicator to give a first indication signal, which can be a flashing pattern, mode or indicative sound of the indicator light or any combination thereof, to clearly indicate to the user that the diagnostic alarm reset operation has been confirmed. After that, the microcontroller resets the life diagnosis data by clearing the historical data of life diagnosis and / or initializing the life diagnosis data, and then controls the contactor's contacts to be opened or closed by the actuator as needed, so that after the contactor's contacts are put back into use, a new contact life diagnosis cycle can be started in the initialized state, thereby ensuring the effectiveness and accuracy of the contact life diagnosis.

[0087] In a specific implementation according to the first embodiment, the method may further include a step N between step D and step E: the microcontroller causes the indicator to stop giving the first indication signal. That is, the stopping of the first indication signal can conveniently and clearly indicate the completion of the reset operation, further ensuring the safety and effectiveness of subsequent operations.

[0088] Of course, the first indication signal may also be set to be provided within a certain period of time and automatically stop after the period of time.

[0089] In this first embodiment, the reset signal can be generated by a first reset switch integrated in the contactor, a remote diagnostic indication and operation module electrically connected to the contactor, or a remote communication module of the contactor connected to communicate with a remote system, and according to the way of generating the reset signal, a first variant, a second variant and a third variant of the first embodiment are formed, as will be described in detail below.

[0090] First Modification of the First Embodiment

[0091] like Figure 3 As shown, in a first variation of the first embodiment according to the present invention, the reset signal is provided by changing the position of a first reset switch integrated in the contactor, and the method comprises at least the following steps:

[0092] Step G: When the contactor is powered off, providing a reset signal by changing the position of a first reset switch integrated in the contactor;

[0093] Step H: When the contactor contacts are disconnected, re-energize the contactor;

[0094] Step A: When the contactor is re-energized, a reset signal is detected by the microcontroller;

[0095] Step B: If the microcontroller detects a reset signal in step A, the status of the diagnostic alarm is checked by the microcontroller;

[0096] When the diagnostic alarm is active, the microcontroller:

[0097] Step C: controlling the indicator to give a first indication signal for confirming the diagnostic alarm reset operation;

[0098] Step D: Reset life diagnostic data;

[0099] Step E: Closing the contacts of the contactor by the actuator; then the method ends.

[0100] That is, in this first variant, the contactor includes an integrated first reset switch, and a reset signal is provided by changing the position of the first reset switch. This arrangement makes the entire product compact and easy to reset. In this case, since the first reset switch is directly integrated in the contactor, in order to ensure safe operation, the contactor should be powered off before operating the first reset switch; and the detection of the reset signal requires the contactor to be powered on again, and the reset signal is detected by the microcontroller when the power is turned on again. At this time, in order to ensure the safety of the operator and the associated equipment, the contactor contacts should be disconnected before the reset is completed. When resetting the contact life diagnostic data, the user already knows the occurrence of the life diagnostic alarm and may have performed related contact replacement or maintenance work, so the contactor contacts can be closed after the reset to allow the contactor to continue working.

[0101] In a more specific implementation of this first variant, if in step A, the microcontroller does not detect a reset signal, then Figure 3 As shown, the method directly proceeds to step E, ie, the microcontroller closes the contacts of the contactor via the actuator, after which the method ends.

[0102] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, if in step B, the microcontroller detects that the diagnostic alarm is in an inactive state, the method may also directly proceed to step E, that is, the microcontroller closes the contact of the contactor through the actuator, and then the method ends; or the method may also proceed to step I while performing step E: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a second indication signal about the erroneous operation of the first reset switch, and then the method ends. It should be noted that the second indication signal may also adopt the flashing pattern, mode or indication sound of the indicator light or a combination thereof, but the second indication signal should be different from the first indication signal so that the user can easily distinguish and correctly identify the content indicated by the indicator each time.

[0103] That is, in this case, if the reset signal is detected in step A, but the microcontroller detects that the diagnostic alarm is in an inactive state, it means that the life diagnostic alarm has not occurred. At this time, the issuance of the reset signal may be the result of incorrect operation of the first reset switch. Therefore, the indicator can be used to indicate to the user that such an erroneous operation has occurred, and such an erroneous operation should not affect the normal operation of the contactor.

[0104] Thus, the method according to each embodiment of the first variant may include at least a part of the following processes:

[0105] Step G: When the contactor is powered off, providing a reset signal by changing the position of a first reset switch integrated in the contactor;

[0106] Step H: When the contactor contacts are disconnected, re-energize the contactor;

[0107] Step A: Detecting a reset signal by a microcontroller; wherein:

[0108] If the microcontroller does not detect the reset signal in step A, step E is performed: the microcontroller controls the actuator to close the contact of the contactor; then the method ends;

[0109] If the microcontroller detects a reset signal in step A, then proceed to step B: check the status of the diagnostic alarm by the microcontroller; wherein:

[0110] When the diagnostic alarm is in an inactive state, the method performs the above step E; or the method performs the above step E and the following step I simultaneously: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a second indication signal regarding the malfunction of the first reset switch; and then the method ends;

[0111] When the diagnostic alarm is active, the method proceeds as follows:

[0112] Step C: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a first indication signal confirming the diagnostic alarm reset operation;

[0113] Step D: The microcontroller resets the life diagnostic data;

[0114] Step N: the microcontroller indicator stops giving the first indication signal;

[0115] Step E; then the method ends.

[0116] Second Modification of the First Embodiment

[0117] like Figure 4As shown, in the second variation of the first embodiment according to the present invention, the most important difference from the first variation is that a reset signal is provided by changing the position of a second reset switch on a remote diagnosis indication and operation module electrically connected to the contactor, and the method includes at least the following steps:

[0118] Step J: providing a reset signal by changing the position of a second reset switch on a remote diagnostic indication and operation module connected to the contactor;

[0119] Step K: if step J occurs when the contactor is powered off, the contactor is powered on again while the contactor's contacts are disconnected; if step J occurs when the contactor is powered on, the contactor is first powered off, and then powered on again while the contactor's contacts are disconnected;

[0120] Step A: When the contactor is re-energized, a reset signal is detected by the microcontroller;

[0121] Step B: If the microcontroller detects a reset signal in step A, the status of the diagnostic alarm is checked by the microcontroller;

[0122] When the diagnostic alarm is active, the microcontroller:

[0123] Step C: controlling the indicator to give a first indication signal for confirming the diagnostic alarm reset operation;

[0124] Step D: Reset life diagnostic data;

[0125] Step E: Closing the contacts of the contactor by the actuator; then the method ends.

[0126] That is, in the second variant, the contactor includes a remote diagnosis indication and operation module electrically connected thereto, and a second reset switch is provided on the remote diagnosis indication and operation module, and a reset signal is provided by changing the position of the second reset switch. By setting the remote diagnosis indication and operation module, a reset signal can be provided more conveniently and safely to start the reset operation. In this case, since the second reset switch is provided on the remote diagnosis indication and operation module, rather than directly on the contactor, the second reset switch can be operated when the contactor is powered on without involving safety issues. However, regardless of whether the contactor is in a powered-on state or a powered-off state when operating the second reset switch, the contactor should be powered on again when the contactor contacts are disconnected, and the reset signal should be detected by the microcontroller when the power is turned on again, so that the reset operation can be ensured to be safe and the reset signal detection is reliable. When resetting the contact life diagnosis data, the user already knows the occurrence of the life diagnosis alarm and may therefore have performed related contact replacement or maintenance work, so the contactor contacts can be closed after the reset to allow the contactor to continue working, and then the method ends.

[0127] In a more specific implementation of the second variation of the first embodiment, similar to the first variation, if in step B, the microcontroller detects that the diagnostic alarm is in an inactive state, the method may also directly proceed to step E, that is, the microcontroller closes the contact of the contactor through the actuator, and then the method ends; or the method may also proceed to step I while performing step E: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a second indication signal about the malfunction of the second reset switch, and then the method ends. That is, the second indication information here gives an indication about the malfunction of the second reset switch.

[0128] In a more specific implementation of the second variant of the first embodiment, the remote diagnosis indication and operation module is further provided with a normally open contact, and the execution of step J is based on the closing of the normally open contact. In this case, the reason for the closing of the normally open contact may be that the remote diagnosis indication and operation module receives a diagnosis alarm and gives an indication by closing the normally open contact in response to the diagnosis alarm.

[0129] Thus, the method according to each embodiment of the second variant may include at least a part of the following processes:

[0130] Step J: providing a reset signal by changing the position of a second reset switch on a remote diagnostic indication and operation module connected to the contactor;

[0131] Step K: if step J occurs when the contactor is powered off, the contactor is powered on again while the contactor's contacts are disconnected; if step J occurs when the contactor is powered on, the contactor is first powered off, and then powered on again while the contactor's contacts are disconnected;

[0132] Step A: When the contactor is powered on again, a reset signal is detected by the microcontroller; wherein:

[0133] If the microcontroller does not detect the reset signal in step A, step E is performed: the microcontroller controls the actuator to close the contact of the contactor; then the method ends;

[0134] If the microcontroller detects a reset signal in step A, then proceed to step B: check the status of the diagnostic alarm by the microcontroller; wherein:

[0135] When the diagnostic alarm is in an inactive state, the method performs the above step E; or the method performs the above step E and the following step I simultaneously: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a second indication signal regarding the malfunction of the second reset switch; and then the method ends;

[0136] When the diagnostic alarm is active, the method proceeds as follows:

[0137] Step C: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a first indication signal confirming the diagnostic alarm reset operation;

[0138] Step D: The microcontroller resets the life diagnostic data;

[0139] Step N: the microcontroller controls the indicator to stop giving the first indication signal;

[0140] Step E; then the method ends.

[0141] Third Modification of the First Embodiment

[0142] like Figure 5 As shown, the main difference between the third variant and the first variant and the second variant is that the reset signal is received from the remote system connected to the remote communication module through the communication interface of the remote communication module of the contactor. According to the third variant, the method includes at least the following steps:

[0143] Step L: When the contactor is powered on, the reset signal may be received from the remote system through the communication interface of the remote communication module of the contactor;

[0144] Step A: Detecting a reset signal through a microcontroller;

[0145] Step B: If the microcontroller detects a reset signal in step A, the status of the diagnostic alarm is checked by the microcontroller;

[0146] When the diagnostic alarm is active, the microcontroller:

[0147] Step C: controlling the indicator to give a first indication signal for confirming the diagnostic alarm reset operation;

[0148] Step D: Reset life diagnostic data;

[0149] Step E: Control the opening and closing of the contactor contacts through the actuator.

[0150] That is, in the third variant, the contactor includes a remote communication module capable of communicating with the remote system, and the reset signal is sent from the remote system to the remote communication module via the communication interface. With this arrangement, the reset signal can be provided more conveniently and safely to start the reset operation without disconnecting the contacts of the contactor in advance or without powering off the contactor.

[0151] In a more specific embodiment of the third variant, if the contacts of the contactor are in a closed state when performing step L, the method further includes step M between step L and step A or between step A or step B: the microcontroller controls the actuator to disconnect the contacts of the contactor. This ensures the safety and effectiveness of the reset operation. More specifically, step E may be to keep the contacts of the contactor disconnected by the actuator. Afterwards, the closing of the contacts of the contactor is commanded by a remote system, so the method may further include the following steps after step E:

[0152] Step X: the remote communication module receives a closing signal of the contact of the closing contactor from the remote system through the communication interface;

[0153] Step Y: the remote communication module transmits a closing signal to the microcontroller;

[0154] Step Z: The microcontroller controls the actuator to close the contacts of the contactor.

[0155] In a more specific implementation of the third variant, if the microcontroller detects that the diagnostic alarm is in an inactive state, the method directly proceeds to step E after step B, i.e., the contacts of the contactor are kept disconnected by the actuator. This situation may indicate a failure or malfunction of the remote communication module or the remote system. Optionally, in this case, the microcontroller may also control the indicator to give a related erroneous operation indication signal.

[0156] Thus, the method according to each embodiment of the second variant may include at least a part of the following processes:

[0157] Step L: When the contactor is powered on, the reset signal may be received from the remote system through the communication interface of the remote communication module of the contactor;

[0158] Step M: If the contacts of the contactor are in a closed state when performing step L, the microcontroller controls the actuator to open the contacts of the contactor;

[0159] Step A: Detecting a reset signal through a microcontroller;

[0160] Step B: Check the status of the diagnostic alarm via the microcontroller; wherein:

[0161] When the diagnostic alarm is inactive, the method performs the following steps:

[0162] Step E: maintaining the contacts of the contactor open by the actuator; or the method simultaneously performs step E and step I: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give an indication signal about the operation error of the remote communication module;

[0163] Step X: the remote communication module receives a closing signal of the contact of the closing contactor from the remote system through the communication interface;

[0164] Step Y: the remote communication module transmits a closing signal to the microcontroller;

[0165] Step Z: The microcontroller controls the actuator to close the contacts of the contactor.

[0166] When the diagnostic alarm is active, the method proceeds as follows:

[0167] Step C: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a first indication signal confirming the diagnostic alarm reset operation;

[0168] Step D: The microcontroller resets the life diagnostic data;

[0169] Step N: the microcontroller controls the indicator to stop giving the first indication signal;

[0170] Step E: The microcontroller keeps the contacts of the contactor open through the actuator;

[0171] Step X: the remote communication module receives a closing signal of the contact of the closing contactor from the remote system through the communication interface;

[0172] Step Y: the remote communication module transmits a closing signal to the microcontroller;

[0173] Step Z: The microcontroller controls the actuator to close the contacts of the contactor; the method then ends.

[0174] Second embodiment

[0175] like Figure 6 As shown, in the second embodiment, a method for resetting the life diagnosis alarm of the contact of the contactor is proposed, comprising the following steps:

[0176] Step J: When the contact of the contactor is disconnected, providing the reset signal by changing the position of a second reset switch on a remote diagnostic indication and operation module connected to the contactor;

[0177] Step A: Detecting a reset signal through a microcontroller;

[0178] Step O: In the case where the microcontroller detects a reset signal, the microcontroller checks whether step A occurs when the contactor is re-energized;

[0179] Step B: In step O, if it is detected that step A occurs when the contactor undergoes re-energization, the status of the diagnostic alarm is checked by the microcontroller;

[0180] When the diagnostic alarm is active, the microcontroller:

[0181] Step C: controlling the indicator to give a first indication signal for confirming the diagnostic alarm reset operation;

[0182] Step D: Reset the historical data of life diagnosis;

[0183] Step E: Control the opening and closing of the contactor contacts through the actuator.

[0184] That is, the second embodiment is similar to the second variant of the first embodiment, except that in step O, before the microcontroller checks the status of the diagnostic alarm, it is necessary to first check whether the microcontroller detects the reset signal when the contactor is re-energized.

[0185] In a more specific implementation of this second embodiment, if it is checked in step O that step A does not occur when the contactor is re-energized, step G is performed: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a third indication signal about a reset operation error, and wherein the third indication signal is different from the first indication signal.

[0186] It can be seen that the most critical difference between the second embodiment and the second variant of the first embodiment is that before checking the state of the diagnostic alarm through the microcontroller, it is necessary to first check whether the detection of the reset signal occurs when the contactor is re-energized. This is because in the second embodiment, since the second reset switch is set on the remote diagnostic indication and operation module, the second reset switch can be operated when the contactor is powered on or when the contactor is powered off. In either case, the detection of the reset signal should occur when the contactor is powered on again, so that the subsequent reset operation can be performed correctly and safely, otherwise the indicator should report an error. More specifically, if a reset signal is provided by changing the position of the second reset switch when the contactor is powered off, the reset signal should be detected by the microcontroller when the contactor is powered on; if a reset signal is provided by changing the position of the second reset switch when the contactor is powered on, the contactor should be powered off first and then the reset signal should be detected by the microcontroller when it is powered on again. If the contactor is not powered off first, this operation method may lead to errors or incompleteness in the reset operation. Therefore, if this situation is detected in step O, an error operation indication will be given through the indicator.

[0187] Other specific implementations of the second embodiment may refer to the corresponding implementations of the second variant of the first embodiment, for example, step E is to close the contactor contacts by the actuator; in step A, if the microcontroller does not detect the reset signal, the method proceeds to step E, and then the method ends.

[0188] In addition, in a more specific implementation of the second embodiment, in step B, if the microcontroller detects that the diagnostic alarm is in an inactive state: the method proceeds to step E, after which the method ends; or the method simultaneously performs step E and step I: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a second indication signal regarding the misoperation of the first reset switch. It should be noted that the first indication signal, the second indication signal, and the third indication signal are different from each other, and can all be selected from the flashing pattern or mode of the indicator light, the sound, or any combination thereof.

[0189] In a more specific implementation of the second embodiment, similar to the second variation of the first embodiment, the remote diagnosis indication and operation module is further provided with a normally open contact, and the execution of step J is based on the closing of the normally open contact. In this case, the reason for the closing of the normally open contact may be that the remote diagnosis indication and operation module receives a diagnosis alarm and gives an indication by closing the normally open contact in response to the diagnosis alarm.

[0190] Similar to the first embodiment, in a more specific implementation of the second embodiment, a step N may be included between step D and step E: the microcontroller causes the indicator to stop giving the first indication signal. That is, the stopping of the first indication signal can conveniently and clearly indicate the completion of the reset operation, further ensuring the safety and effectiveness of subsequent operations.

[0191] Therefore, the method according to each implementation of the second embodiment may include at least a part of the following processes:

[0192] Step J: providing the reset signal by changing the position of a second reset switch on a remote diagnostic indication and operation module connected to the contactor;

[0193] Step A: Detecting a reset signal by a microcontroller; wherein:

[0194] If the microcontroller does not detect the reset signal in step A, step E is performed: the microcontroller controls the actuator to close the contact of the contactor; then the method ends;

[0195] If the microcontroller detects a reset signal in step A, then step O is performed: the microcontroller checks whether step A occurs when the contactor is re-energized; wherein:

[0196] If the microcontroller detects in step O that step A does not occur when the contactor is re-energized, step G is performed: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a third indication signal about a reset operation error;

[0197] If the microcontroller detects in step O that step A occurs when the contactor undergoes re-energization, then step B is performed: the microcontroller checks the status of the diagnostic alarm; wherein:

[0198] When the diagnostic alarm is in an inactive state, the method performs the above step E; or the method performs the above step E and the following step I simultaneously: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a second indication signal regarding the malfunction of the second reset switch; and then the method ends;

[0199] When the diagnostic alarm is active, the method proceeds as follows:

[0200] Step C: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a first indication signal regarding the occurrence of a life diagnosis alarm;

[0201] Step D: The microcontroller resets the life diagnostic data;

[0202] Step N: the microcontroller controls the indicator to stop giving the first indication signal;

[0203] Step E; then the method ends.

[0204] The exemplary implementation of the method for resetting the life diagnosis alarm of the contactor contact proposed in the present invention is described in detail above with reference to the preferred embodiments. However, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that, without departing from the concept of the present invention, various modifications and variations can be made to the above-mentioned specific embodiments, and various technical features and structures proposed in the present invention can be combined in various ways without exceeding the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0205] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the above-described embodiments but by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for resetting a life diagnosis alarm of a contactor, comprising the following steps: Step A: Detecting a reset signal through a microcontroller; Step B: When the microcontroller detects the reset signal, checking the status of the diagnostic alarm by the microcontroller; When the diagnostic alarm is active, the microcontroller: Step C: controlling the indicator to give a first indication signal for confirming the diagnostic alarm reset operation; Step D: Reset life diagnostic data; Step E: Controlling the opening and closing of the contacts of the contactor by means of an actuator. in, The method comprises, before step A: Step J: providing the reset signal by changing the position of a second reset switch on a remote diagnostic indication and operation module connected to the contactor; Step K: if step J occurs when the contactor is powered off, then the contactor is powered on again when the contactor's contacts are disconnected; if step J occurs when the contactor is powered on, then the contactor is powered off first, and then powered on again when the contactor's contacts are disconnected; And wherein, step A is performed when the contactor is powered on again in step K.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The method comprises, before step A: Step G: When the contactor is powered off, providing the reset signal by changing the position of a first reset switch integrated in the contactor; Step H: When the contact of the contactor is disconnected, re-energizing the contactor; And wherein, step A is performed when step H occurs.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The step E is to close the contactor contacts by the actuator.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: In the step A, if the microcontroller does not detect a reset signal, the method proceeds to the step E.

5. The method according to claim 2, wherein: In the step B, if the microcontroller detects that the diagnostic alarm is in an inactive state: the method proceeds to the step E; or the method simultaneously proceeds to the step E and the following step I: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a second indication signal regarding the malfunction of the first reset switch or the second reset switch; And wherein the second indication signal is different from the first indication signal.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The first indication signal and the second indication signal are both selected from a flashing pattern or manner of an indicator light, a sound, or any combination thereof.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The method comprises, before step A, step L: when the contactor is powered on, receiving the reset signal from a remote system through a communication interface of a remote communication module of the contactor.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: If the contacts of the contactor are in a closed state when performing step L, the method further includes step M between step L and step A or between step A and step B: the microcontroller controls the actuator to open the contacts of the contactor.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The step E is to keep the contacts of the contactor open by the actuator.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: In step B, if the microcontroller detects that the diagnostic alarm is in an inactive state, the method proceeds to step E after step B.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The method further comprises the following steps after step E: Step X: the remote communication module receives a closing signal for closing the contacts of the contactor from the remote system through the communication interface; Step Y: The remote communication module transmits the closing signal to the microcontroller: Step Z: The microcontroller controls the actuator to close the contacts of the contactor.

12. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Also included between step D and step E is step N: the microcontroller causes the indicator to stop giving the first indication signal.

13. A method for resetting a life diagnosis alarm of a contactor, comprising the following steps: Step J: When the contact of the contactor is disconnected, providing the reset signal by changing the position of a second reset switch on a remote diagnostic indication and operation module connected to the contactor; Step A: Detecting a reset signal through a microcontroller; Step O: When the microcontroller detects the reset signal, checking by the microcontroller whether step A occurs when the contactor is re-energized; Step B: In the step O, if it is detected that the step A occurs when the contactor is re-energized, the state of the diagnostic alarm is checked by the microcontroller; When the diagnostic alarm is active, the microcontroller: Step C: controlling the indicator to give a first indication signal for confirming the diagnostic alarm reset operation; Step D: Reset the historical data of life diagnosis; Step E: Controlling the opening and closing of the contactor contacts by means of an actuator.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: If it is checked in step O that step A does not occur when the contactor is re-energized, step G is performed: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a third indication signal about a reset operation error, and wherein the third indication signal is different from the first indication signal.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The step E is to close the contactor contacts by the actuator.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein: In the step A, if the microcontroller does not detect a reset signal, the method proceeds to the step E.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: In the step B, if the microcontroller detects that the diagnostic alarm is in an inactive state: the method proceeds to the step E; or the method simultaneously proceeds to the step E and the following step I: the microcontroller controls the indicator to give a second indication signal regarding the malfunction of the second reset switch; And wherein the first indication signal, the second indication signal and the third indication signal are different from each other.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The first indication signal, the second indication signal and the third indication signal are all selected from flashing patterns or modes of indicator lights, sounds, or any combination thereof.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein: Also included between step D and step E is step N: the microcontroller causes the indicator to stop giving the first indication signal.

Images