Method and device for switching operating mode of control unit of circuit breaker

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method and apparatus for switching an operation mode of a control unit of a circuit breaker are provided. The method includes, when the control unit is in a low power consumption mode, determining whether a first edge of a trigger signal for changing an operation mode of the control unit is received by the control unit; in response to the first edge being received, switching the control unit from the low power consumption mode to a normal working mode; in response to the fact that the first edge is not received, determining whether a pulse signal used for indicating that a main loop controlled by the circuit breaker is switched on is received by the control unit; responding to the received pulse signal, and switching the control unit from the low power consumption mode to the normal working mode; and keeping the control unit in the low power consumption mode in response to the pulse signal being not received. According to the embodiment of the invention, the control unit can be timely, reliably and safely switched from the low-power-consumption mode to the normal working mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of electrical equipment, and more particularly, to a method, an apparatus, a circuit breaker, and a computer-readable storage medium for switching an operation mode of a control unit of a circuit breaker. Background Art

[0002] A circuit breaker is a switching device that can close, carry and break current under normal circuit conditions and can close, carry and break current under abnormal circuit conditions within a specified time. Some circuit breakers include an electronic trip device, which will trip the circuit breaker when a current overload or short circuit occurs in the main circuit controlled by the circuit breaker or when some other internal faults (such as overtemperature or data loss, etc.) occur in the circuit breaker. When the circuit breaker trips, if the control unit of the circuit breaker is powered only by the current power supply (CPS) from the main circuit, the control unit will lose power and enter a low-power mode, and no longer provide protection functions. After the control unit enters the low-power mode, if you want to wake up the control unit from the low-power mode, you need to use a specific rising edge signal to convert the control unit into a normal working mode. However, in some cases, the control unit may not receive the rising edge signal, resulting in the inability to wake up the control unit from the low-power mode. Summary of the invention

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, an apparatus, a circuit breaker, and a computer-readable storage medium for switching an operation mode of a control unit of a circuit breaker.

[0004] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method for switching an operation mode of a control unit of a circuit breaker is provided. The method comprises: when the control unit is in a low power consumption mode, determining whether a first edge of a trigger signal for changing the operation mode of the control unit is received by the control unit; in response to the first edge being received, switching the control unit from the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode; in response to the first edge not being received, determining whether a pulse signal for indicating that a main circuit controlled by the circuit breaker is connected is received by the control unit; in response to the pulse signal being received, switching the control unit from the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode; and in response to the pulse signal not being received, keeping the control unit in the low power consumption mode.

[0005] In some embodiments, the first edge is a rising edge of the trigger signal.

[0006] In some embodiments, the method also includes: when the control unit is in a normal operating mode, determining whether a second edge of the trigger signal is received by the control unit, the second edge being opposite to the first edge; in response to the second edge being received, switching the control unit from the normal operating mode to the low power consumption mode; and in response to the second edge not being received, maintaining the control unit in the normal operating mode.

[0007] In some embodiments, the method further includes: after the control unit switches from the normal operating mode to the low power consumption mode, generating an indication signal for indicating that the control unit is in the low power consumption mode.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: in response to the control unit being maintained in the low power consumption mode for more than a predetermined time, stopping supplying power to the control unit.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second edge is a falling edge of the trigger signal.

[0010] In some embodiments, switching the control unit from the low power consumption mode to the normal operating mode includes: restarting the control unit.

[0011] In some embodiments, a pulse signal is generated as follows: when the main circuit is connected, a predetermined capacitor is charged using electric energy obtained from the main circuit via a current transformer; if the predetermined capacitor is charged to a first voltage threshold, the predetermined capacitor is discharged; if the predetermined capacitor is discharged to a second voltage threshold lower than the first voltage threshold, the predetermined capacitor is charged; and a pulse signal is generated based on the voltage of the predetermined capacitor.

[0012] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, a device for switching an operation mode of a control unit of a circuit breaker is provided. The device comprises: at least one processing unit; and at least one memory, the at least one memory being coupled to the at least one processing unit and storing instructions for execution by the at least one processing unit, the instructions causing the device to execute the method of the first aspect when executed by the at least one processing unit.

[0013] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, a device for switching the operation mode of a control unit of a circuit breaker is provided. The device includes a power supply monitoring module, configured to generate a pulse signal indicating that the main circuit is turned on when the main circuit controlled by the circuit breaker is turned on; and a processing unit, configured to: when the control unit is in a low power consumption mode, determine whether the first edge of a trigger signal for changing the operation mode of the control unit is received by the control unit; in response to the first edge being received, switch the control unit from the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode; in response to the first edge not being received, determine whether the pulse signal is received by the control unit; in response to the pulse signal being received, switch the control unit from the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode; and in response to the pulse signal not being received, keep the control unit in the low power consumption mode.

[0014] In some embodiments, the processing unit is further configured to: when the control unit is in a normal operating mode, determine whether a second edge of the trigger signal is received by the control unit, the second edge being opposite to the first edge; in response to the second edge being received, switch the control unit from the normal operating mode to the low power consumption mode; and in response to the second edge not being received, keep the control unit in the normal operating mode.

[0015] In some embodiments, the processing unit is further configured to: after the control unit switches from the normal operating mode to the low power consumption mode, generate an indication signal for indicating that the control unit is in the low power consumption mode.

[0016] In some embodiments, the processing unit is further configured to: in response to the control unit being maintained in the low power consumption mode for more than a predetermined time, stop supplying power to the control unit.

[0017] In some embodiments, the power supply monitoring module includes a predetermined capacitor, and the power supply monitoring module is configured to generate a pulse signal in the following manner: when the main circuit is connected, the predetermined capacitor is charged using the electric energy obtained from the main circuit via the current transformer; if the predetermined capacitor is charged to a first voltage threshold, the predetermined capacitor is discharged; if the predetermined capacitor is discharged to a second voltage threshold lower than the first voltage threshold, the predetermined capacitor is charged; and a pulse signal is generated based on the voltage of the predetermined capacitor.

[0018] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a circuit breaker is provided, comprising: a control unit; and the device of the second aspect or the third aspect, for switching an operation mode of the control unit.

[0019] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored. The computer program can be executed by a processor to implement the method of the first aspect.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the control unit of a circuit breaker cannot be awakened normally due to mistakenly entering a low power consumption mode, or when the control unit of a circuit breaker enters a low power consumption mode normally but cannot be awakened normally due to a problem with the input / output (IO) interface, the received pulse signal can repeatedly wake up the control unit multiple times, thereby enabling the control unit to be switched from the low power consumption mode to the normal working mode in a timely, reliable and safe manner.

[0021] It should be understood that the contents described in this content section are not intended to limit the key features or important features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above and other features, advantages and aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an example environment in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

[0024] Figure 2 A flow chart showing a process for switching an operation mode of a control unit of a circuit breaker according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 3 A flowchart showing a process for switching an operation mode of a control unit of a circuit breaker according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 A flowchart showing a process for generating a pulse signal according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 5 A schematic structural block diagram showing an apparatus for switching an operation mode of a control unit of a circuit breaker according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0028] Figure 6 A block diagram of a device capable of implementing various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although certain embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of the present disclosure are only for exemplary purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0030] In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "including" and similar terms should be understood as open inclusion, that is, "including but not limited to". The term "based on" should be understood as "based at least in part on". The term "one embodiment" or "the embodiment" should be understood as "at least one embodiment". The term "some embodiments" should be understood as "at least some embodiments". Other explicit and implicit definitions may be included below. The terms "first", "second", etc. may refer to different or the same objects. Other explicit and implicit definitions may be included below.

[0031] As briefly mentioned above, after the control unit of the circuit breaker enters the low power mode, if you want to wake up the control unit from the low power mode, you need to use a specific rising edge signal to switch the control unit to the normal working mode; however, in some cases, the control unit may not receive the rising edge signal for waking up the control unit, resulting in the failure to wake up the control unit from the low power mode. The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a solution for switching the operating mode of the control unit of the circuit breaker, so as to quickly and reliably switch the control unit from the low power mode to the normal working mode, thereby providing safety protection for the main circuit. The following will be combined with Figures 1 to 6 To describe the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an example environment in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. Figure 1 As shown, the control unit 101 of the circuit breaker can switch between a low power consumption mode and a normal working mode. When the operating condition of the main circuit controlled by the circuit breaker is good and there is no fault inside the circuit breaker, the control unit 101 can operate in the normal working mode, thereby realizing the protection function for the main circuit. When a current overload or short circuit occurs in the main circuit controlled by the circuit breaker or when some other internal faults (such as excessive temperature or data loss, etc.) occur in the circuit breaker, the electronic trip device can trip the circuit breaker, thereby disconnecting the main circuit. When the circuit breaker trips, if the control unit 101 is powered only by the power supply monitoring module 102 from the main circuit, the control unit 101 will lose power, so that the control unit 101 enters the low power consumption mode. When the control unit 101 is in the low power consumption mode, the circuit breaker will no longer provide a protection function for the main circuit.

[0033] When the circuit breaker is operating normally, the power monitoring module 102 can draw power from the main circuit controlled by the circuit breaker via the current transformer, thereby supplying power to the control unit 101 of the circuit breaker, so that the control unit 101 operates in a normal working mode. When the circuit breaker is tripped, the main circuit controlled by the circuit breaker will be disconnected, so that the power monitoring module 102 can no longer draw power from the main circuit, so that the control unit 101 enters a low power consumption mode. In the low power consumption mode, the flashing of the LED indicator powered by the battery can be used to indicate that the control unit 101 has entered the low power consumption mode, so that the operator can understand the operating status of the circuit breaker in a timely manner.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the control unit 101 can receive a trigger signal for changing the operation mode of the control unit 101 from the power monitoring module 102, and the trigger signal includes a first edge 111 and a second edge 112. The first edge 111 of the trigger signal is used to switch the control unit 101 from the low power consumption mode to the normal working mode, and the second edge 112 of the trigger signal is used to switch the control unit 101 from the normal working mode to the low power consumption mode. The second edge 112 of the trigger signal is opposite to the first edge 111. For example, when the first edge 111 of the trigger signal is as follows Figure 1 In the case of the rising edge shown, the second edge 112 of the trigger signal is as follows Figure 1 In other embodiments, Figure 1 Different from the illustrated embodiment, the first edge 111 of the trigger signal may be a falling edge, and the second edge 112 may be a rising edge.

[0035] When the control unit 101 is in the normal working mode, if the control unit 101 receives the second edge 112 of the trigger signal from the power monitoring module 102, the control unit 101 will switch from the normal working mode to the low power consumption mode. The second edge 112 of the trigger signal is usually generated when a current overload or short circuit occurs in the main circuit controlled by the circuit breaker or when some other internal faults (such as overtemperature or data loss, etc.) occur in the circuit breaker. In one embodiment, the second edge 112 of the trigger signal can be as follows: Figure 1 When the control unit 101 is in the low power consumption mode, the circuit breaker will no longer provide protection function for the main circuit.

[0036] like Figure 1As shown, when the control unit 101 is in the low power consumption mode, if the control unit 101 receives the first edge 111 of the trigger signal for changing the operation mode of the control unit 101 from the power monitoring module 102, the control unit 101 will switch from the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode. The first edge 111 of the trigger signal is usually generated when the circuit breaker is closed. In one embodiment, the first edge 111 of the trigger signal can be as follows: Figure 1 When the control unit 101 is in the normal working mode, the circuit breaker will reliably provide protection function for the main circuit.

[0037] However, in some cases, when it is desired to switch the control unit 101 from the low power mode to the normal working mode, the control unit 101 may not receive the first edge 111 of the trigger signal, resulting in the inability to wake up the control unit 101 from the low power mode, and thus the main circuit cannot be protected. For example, in one case, the power monitoring module 102 may have a detection error, causing the control unit 101 to enter the low power mode by mistake. In this case, the power monitoring module 102 will not generate the first edge 111 of the trigger signal, resulting in the inability to wake up the control unit 101 from the low power mode. In another case, when the circuit breaker is reclosed and the power monitoring module 102 is re-powered, the first edge 111 of the trigger signal may not be received due to an error in the detection of the input / output (IO) interface of the control unit 101, and thus the control unit 101 cannot be woken up from the low power mode.

[0038] In order to reliably switch the control unit 101 from the low power consumption mode to the normal working mode, the power supply monitoring module 102 provides the control unit 101 with a pulse signal 113 for indicating that the main circuit controlled by the circuit breaker is turned on. When the control unit 101 is to be switched from the low power consumption mode to the normal working mode, even if the control unit 101 cannot receive the first edge 111 of the trigger signal, the pulse signal 113 can repeatedly wake up the control unit 101, so that the control unit 101 switches from the low power consumption mode to the normal working mode. In this way, the long-term loss of the protection function of the circuit breaker can be avoided, thereby improving the robustness of the circuit breaker without increasing the cost.

[0039] The following will be combined Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example process for switching an operating mode of a control unit of a circuit breaker is described below.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, process 200 begins at block 201 .

[0041] In block 202, a trigger signal for changing the operating mode of the control unit 101 is detected. The trigger signal is, for example, Figure 1 The trigger signal described includes a first edge 111 and a second edge 112. The first edge 111 of the trigger signal is used to switch the control unit 101 from the low power consumption mode to the normal working mode. The second edge 112 of the trigger signal is used to switch the control unit 101 from the normal working mode to the low power consumption mode.

[0042] In block 203, it is detected whether the main circuit controlled by the circuit breaker is powered off. When the main circuit is powered off, the power monitoring module 102 can no longer draw power from the main circuit, so a second edge 112 of the trigger signal is generated and provided to the control unit 101. The second edge 112 of the trigger signal is, for example, a falling edge. Therefore, it can be determined whether the main circuit is powered off by determining whether the control unit 101 receives the second edge 112 of the trigger signal.

[0043] When the main circuit does not lose power, that is, when the control unit 101 does not receive the second edge 112 of the trigger signal, the process 200 proceeds to block 204. In block 204, the control unit 101 remains in the normal operation mode, so that the circuit breaker continues to provide protection for the main circuit.

[0044] When the main circuit loses power, that is, when the control unit 101 receives the second edge 112 of the trigger signal, the process 200 proceeds to box 205. In box 205, the control unit 101 switches from the normal working mode to the low power consumption mode. When the control unit 101 is in the low power consumption mode, the circuit breaker will no longer provide protection function for the main circuit.

[0045] In some embodiments, after the control unit 101 enters the low power mode, the process 200 may proceed to block 206. In block 206, an indication signal may be generated to indicate that the control unit 101 is in the low power mode. As an example, the indication signal may be provided to an LED indicator light powered by a battery, and the LED indicator light may flash to remind the operator that the control unit 101 has entered the low power mode, so that the operator may promptly understand the operating status of the circuit breaker. In other embodiments, the indication signal may be used to indicate that the control unit 101 has entered the low power mode in other ways.

[0046] In some embodiments, when the control unit 101 is in a low power consumption mode, an indication signal for indicating that the control unit 101 is in a low power consumption mode may be generated within a predetermined time. If the control unit 101 is kept in the low power consumption mode for more than a predetermined time, such as more than two hours or other time, the power supply to the control unit 101 may be stopped to prevent the control unit 101 from exhausting the battery. To this end, the process 200 may proceed to box 207. In box 207, the time the control unit 101 is kept in the low power consumption mode is counted. In box 208, it is determined whether the control unit 101 is kept in the low power consumption mode for more than a predetermined time. If the control unit 101 is kept in the low power consumption mode for more than a predetermined time, the process 200 proceeds to box 211. In box 211, the battery is powered off, the power supply to the control unit 101 is stopped, and the process 200 proceeds to box 212 to end. If it is determined at box 208 that the control unit 101 is kept in the low power consumption mode for not more than a predetermined time, the process 200 proceeds to box 209.

[0047] In block 209, it is detected whether the main circuit controlled by the circuit breaker is powered on. When the main circuit is powered on, the power monitoring module 102 will be able to draw power from the main circuit, so a first edge 111 of a trigger signal will be generated and provided to the control unit 101. The first edge 111 of the trigger signal is, for example, a rising edge. Therefore, it can be determined whether the main circuit is powered on by determining whether the control unit 101 receives the first edge 111 of the trigger signal.

[0048] When the main loop is not powered on, that is, when the control unit 101 does not receive the first edge 111 of the trigger signal, the process 200 proceeds to block 206. In block 206, an indication signal for indicating that the control unit 101 is in the low power consumption mode continues to be generated.

[0049] When the main circuit is powered on, that is, when the control unit 101 receives the first edge 111 of the trigger signal, the process 200 proceeds to box 210. In box 210, the control unit 101 is switched from the low power consumption mode to the normal working mode. In one embodiment, the control unit 101 can be restarted so that the control unit 101 enters the normal working mode. Subsequently, the process 200 returns from box 210 to box 202.

[0050] By utilizing the process 200 , when the control unit 101 normally enters the low power consumption mode, the first edge 111 of the trigger signal can be utilized to switch the control unit 101 from the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode.

[0051] However, when the control unit 101 enters the low power mode by mistake or fails to receive the first edge 111 of the trigger signal due to a detection error of the IO interface of the control unit 101, the control unit 101 may not be switched from the low power mode to the normal working mode using the process 200. To solve this problem, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide the following Figure 3 Process 300 is shown.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, process 300 begins at block 301 .

[0053] In block 302, a trigger signal for changing the operating mode of the control unit 101 is detected. The trigger signal is, for example, Figure 1 The trigger signal described includes a first edge 111 and a second edge 112. The first edge 111 of the trigger signal is used to switch the control unit 101 from the low power consumption mode to the normal working mode. The second edge 112 of the trigger signal is used to switch the control unit 101 from the normal working mode to the low power consumption mode.

[0054] In block 303, it is detected whether the main circuit controlled by the circuit breaker is powered off. When the main circuit is powered off, the power monitoring module 102 can no longer draw power from the main circuit, so a second edge 112 of the trigger signal is generated and provided to the control unit 101. The second edge 112 of the trigger signal is, for example, a falling edge. Therefore, it can be determined whether the main circuit is powered off by determining whether the control unit 101 receives the second edge 112 of the trigger signal.

[0055] When the main circuit does not lose power, that is, when the control unit 101 does not receive the second edge 112 of the trigger signal, the process 300 proceeds to block 304. In block 304, the control unit 101 remains in the normal operation mode, so that the circuit breaker continues to provide protection for the main circuit.

[0056] When the main circuit loses power, that is, when the control unit 101 receives the second edge 112 of the trigger signal, the process 300 proceeds to box 305. In box 305, the control unit 101 switches from the normal working mode to the low power consumption mode. When the control unit 101 is in the low power consumption mode, the circuit breaker will no longer provide protection function for the main circuit.

[0057] In some embodiments, after the control unit 101 enters the low power mode, the process 300 may proceed to block 306. In block 306, an indication signal may be generated to indicate that the control unit 101 is in the low power mode. As an example, the indication signal may be provided to an LED indicator light powered by a battery, and the LED indicator light may flash to remind the operator that the control unit 101 has entered the low power mode, so that the operator may promptly understand the operating status of the circuit breaker. In other embodiments, the indication signal may be used to indicate that the control unit 101 has entered the low power mode in other ways.

[0058] In some embodiments, when the control unit 101 is in a low power mode, an indication signal for indicating that the control unit 101 is in a low power mode may be generated within a predetermined time. If the control unit 101 is kept in the low power mode for more than a predetermined time, such as more than two hours or other time, the power supply to the control unit 101 may be stopped to prevent the control unit 101 from exhausting the battery. To this end, the process 300 may proceed to box 307. In box 307, the time the control unit 101 is kept in the low power mode is counted. In box 308, it is determined whether the control unit 101 is kept in the low power mode for more than a predetermined time. If the control unit 101 is kept in the low power mode for more than a predetermined time, the process 300 proceeds to box 311. In box 311, the battery is powered off, the power supply to the control unit 101 is stopped, and the process 300 proceeds to box 312 to end. If it is determined at box 308 that the control unit 101 is kept in the low power mode for not more than a predetermined time, the process 300 proceeds to box 309.

[0059] In block 309, it is detected whether the main circuit controlled by the circuit breaker is powered on. When the main circuit is powered on, the power monitoring module 102 will be able to draw power from the main circuit, so a first edge 111 of a trigger signal will be generated and provided to the control unit 101. The first edge 111 of the trigger signal is, for example, a rising edge. Therefore, it can be determined whether the main circuit is powered on by determining whether the control unit 101 receives the first edge 111 of the trigger signal.

[0060] When the main circuit is powered on, that is, when the control unit 101 receives the first edge 111 of the trigger signal, the process 300 proceeds to box 310. In box 310, the control unit 101 is switched from the low power mode to the normal working mode. In one embodiment, the control unit 101 can be restarted so that the control unit 101 enters the normal working mode. Subsequently, the process 300 returns from box 310 to box 302.

[0061] However, in one case, the power monitoring module 102 may have a detection error, causing the control unit 101 to mistakenly enter the low power mode. In this case, the power monitoring module 102 will not generate the first edge 111 of the trigger signal, resulting in the inability to wake up the control unit 101 from the low power mode. In another case, when the circuit breaker is reclosed and the power monitoring module 102 is powered again, the first edge 111 of the trigger signal may not be received due to a detection error in the IO interface of the control unit 101, and the control unit 101 cannot be woken up from the low power mode. In these cases, the control unit 101 will not receive the first edge 111 of the trigger signal, and the process 300 will proceed from box 309 to box 313. In box 313, determine whether the pulse signal used to indicate that the main circuit controlled by the circuit breaker is connected is received by the control unit 101. The pulse signal is, for example, Figure 1 . If the pulse signal 113 is not received by the control unit 101, the process 300 proceeds to box 306. At box 306, the indication signal for indicating that the control unit 101 is in the low power consumption mode continues to be generated. If the pulse signal 113 is received by the control unit 101, the process 300 proceeds to box 310. At box 310, the control unit 101 is switched from the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode.

[0062] Using process 300, when the control unit 101 cannot be awakened normally due to mistakenly entering the low power consumption mode, or when the control unit 101 normally enters the low power consumption mode but cannot be awakened normally due to problems with the IO interface, the received pulse signal 113 can repeatedly wake up the control unit 101, thereby being able to switch the control unit 101 from the low power consumption mode to the normal working mode in a timely, reliable and safe manner.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pulse signal 113 can be generated by various available methods when the main loop is turned on. Figure 4 An exemplary process for generating pulse signal 113 is described below. Figure 4 As shown, process 400 begins at block 401 .

[0064] In block 402 , when the circuit breaker is closed, a predetermined capacitor in the power monitoring module 102 is charged using power obtained from the main circuit via a current transformer.

[0065] At block 403 , the voltage across the predetermined capacitor is compared to a first voltage threshold.

[0066] In block 404, if it is determined that the voltage across the predetermined capacitor reaches the first voltage threshold, the predetermined capacitor is discharged in block 405. That is, if the predetermined capacitor is charged to reach the first voltage threshold, the predetermined capacitor is discharged.

[0067] At block 406 , the voltage across the predetermined capacitance is compared to a second voltage threshold, the second voltage threshold being lower than the first voltage threshold.

[0068] In block 407, if it is determined that the voltage across the predetermined capacitor reaches the second voltage threshold, the process returns to block 402 to discharge the predetermined capacitor. That is, if the predetermined capacitor is discharged to reach the second voltage threshold, the predetermined capacitor is charged.

[0069] Subsequently, at block 408, a high signal is output, and at block 409, a low signal is output. Based on the high signal and the low signal related to the voltage across the predetermined capacitor, the pulse signal 113 may be obtained.

[0070] By using the above method, the pulse signal 113 can be stably generated by alternately charging and discharging the predetermined capacitor when the main circuit is turned on, thereby reliably switching the control unit 101 from the low power consumption mode to the normal operation mode.

[0071] Figure 5 1 is a schematic structural block diagram of an apparatus 100 for switching an operating mode of a control unit of a circuit breaker according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be included in a circuit breaker. Figures 2 to 4 The described process may be implemented by the apparatus 100 .

[0072] like Figure 5 As shown, the device 100 includes a power supply monitoring module 102 and a processing unit 103. The power supply monitoring module 102 is configured to generate a pulse signal 113 indicating that the main circuit is connected when the main circuit controlled by the circuit breaker is connected. The processing unit 103 is configured to: when the control unit 101 is in a low power consumption mode, determine whether the first edge 111 of the trigger signal for changing the operation mode of the control unit 101 is received by the control unit 101; in response to receiving the first edge 111, switch the control unit 101 from the low power consumption mode to the normal working mode; in response to not receiving the first edge 111, determine whether the pulse signal 113 is received by the control unit 101; in response to receiving the pulse signal 113, switch the control unit 101 from the low power consumption mode to the normal working mode; and in response to not receiving the pulse signal 113, keep the control unit 101 in the low power consumption mode.

[0073] In some embodiments, the processing unit 103 is further configured to: when the control unit 101 is in a normal operating mode, determine whether a second edge 112 of the trigger signal is received by the control unit 101, the second edge 112 being opposite to the first edge 111; in response to receiving the second edge 112, switch the control unit 101 from the normal operating mode to the low power consumption mode; and in response to not receiving the second edge 112, keep the control unit 101 in the normal operating mode.

[0074] In some embodiments, the processing unit 103 is further configured to: after the control unit 101 switches from the normal operating mode to the low power consumption mode, generate an indication signal for indicating that the control unit 101 is in the low power consumption mode.

[0075] In some embodiments, the processing unit 103 is further configured to: in response to the control unit 101 being kept in the low power consumption mode for more than a predetermined time, stop supplying power to the control unit 101 .

[0076] In some embodiments, the power supply monitoring module 102 includes a predetermined capacitor, and the power supply monitoring module 102 is configured to generate a pulse signal 113 in the following manner: when the main circuit is connected, the predetermined capacitor is charged using the electric energy obtained from the main circuit via the current transformer; if the predetermined capacitor is charged to a first voltage threshold, the predetermined capacitor is discharged; if the predetermined capacitor is discharged to a second voltage threshold lower than the first voltage threshold, the predetermined capacitor is charged; and the pulse signal 113 is generated based on the voltage of the capacitor.

[0077] Figure 6 A block diagram of an electronic device 800 is shown in which one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. It should be understood that Figure 6 The electronic device 800 shown is merely exemplary and should not constitute any limitation on the functionality and scope of the embodiments described herein. Figure 6 The electronic device 800 shown can be used to implement Figure 1 The control unit 101 and at least a part of the power monitoring module 102.

[0078] like Figure 6 As shown, the electronic device 800 is in the form of a general electronic device. The components of the electronic device 800 may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units 810, a memory 820, a storage device 830, one or more communication units 840, one or more input devices 850, and one or more output devices 860. The processing unit 810 may be an actual or virtual processor and is capable of performing various processes according to a program stored in the memory 820. In a multi-processor system, multiple processing units execute computer executable instructions in parallel to improve the parallel processing capability of the electronic device 800.

[0079] The electronic device 800 typically includes a plurality of computer storage media. Such media may be any accessible media that is accessible to the electronic device 800, including but not limited to volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. The memory 820 may be a volatile memory (e.g., a register, a cache, a random access memory (RAM)), a non-volatile memory (e.g., a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory), or some combination thereof. The storage device 830 may be a removable or non-removable medium, and may include a machine-readable medium, such as a flash drive, a disk, or any other medium, which may be capable of being used to store information and / or data (e.g., training data for training) and may be accessed within the electronic device 800.

[0080] The electronic device 800 may further include additional removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile storage media. Figure 6 As shown in , a disk drive for reading or writing from a removable, non-volatile disk (e.g., a "floppy disk") and an optical drive for reading or writing from a removable, non-volatile optical disk may be provided. In these cases, each drive may be connected to the bus (not shown) by one or more data media interfaces. The memory 820 may include a computer program product 825 having one or more program modules that are configured to perform various methods or actions of various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0081] The communication unit 840 implements communication with other electronic devices through a communication medium. Additionally, the functions of the components of the electronic device 800 can be implemented with a single computing cluster or multiple computing machines that can communicate through a communication connection. Therefore, the electronic device 800 can operate in a networked environment using a logical connection with one or more other servers, a network personal computer (PC), or another network node.

[0082] The input device 850 may be one or more input devices, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a tracking ball, etc. The output device 860 may be one or more output devices, such as a display, a speaker, a printer, etc. The electronic device 800 may also communicate with one or more external devices (not shown) through the communication unit 840 as needed, such as a storage device, a display device, etc., communicate with one or more devices that allow a user to interact with the electronic device 800, or communicate with any device that allows the electronic device 800 to communicate with one or more other electronic devices (e.g., a network card, a modem, etc.). Such communication may be performed via an input / output (I / O) interface (not shown).

[0083] According to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, a device for switching an operation mode of a control unit of a circuit breaker is provided. The device includes at least one processing unit and at least one memory. The at least one memory is coupled to the at least one processing unit and stores instructions for execution by the at least one processing unit, and when the instructions are executed by the at least one processing unit, the device performs the method described above.

[0084] According to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, a circuit breaker is provided, which includes: a control unit; and a device for controlling an operation mode of the control unit.

[0085] According to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which computer-executable instructions are stored, wherein the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor to implement the method described above. According to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure, a computer program product is also provided, which is tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium and includes computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor to implement the method described above.

[0086] Various aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices, equipment, and computer program products implemented according to the present disclosure. It should be understood that each box in the flowchart and / or block diagram and the combination of each box in the flowchart and / or block diagram can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0087] These computer-readable program instructions can be provided to a processing unit of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, thereby producing a machine, so that when these instructions are executed by the processing unit of the computer or other programmable data processing device, a device that implements the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram is generated. These computer-readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and these instructions cause the computer, programmable data processing device, and / or other equipment to work in a specific manner, so that the computer-readable medium storing the instructions includes a manufactured product, which includes instructions for implementing various aspects of the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0088] Computer-readable program instructions can be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device so that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device implement the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0089] The flow chart and block diagram in the accompanying drawings show the possible architecture, function and operation of the system, method and computer program product according to multiple implementations of the present disclosure. In this regard, each square box in the flow chart or block diagram can represent a part of a module, program segment or instruction, and a part of a module, program segment or instruction includes one or more executable instructions for realizing the logical function of the specification. In some implementations as replacements, the function marked in the square box can also occur in a sequence different from that marked in the accompanying drawings. For example, two continuous square boxes can actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they can sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each square box in the block diagram and / or flow chart, and the combination of the square boxes in the block diagram and / or flow chart can be realized by a special hardware-based system that performs the function or action of the specification, or can be realized by a combination of special hardware and computer instructions.

[0090] The above descriptions of various implementations of the present disclosure are exemplary, non-exhaustive, and not limited to the disclosed implementations. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described implementations. The selection of terms used herein is intended to best explain the principles of the implementations, practical applications, or improvements to the technology in the market, or to enable other persons of ordinary skill in the art to understand the various implementations disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for switching an operation mode of a control unit of a circuit breaker, comprising: determining, when the control unit is in a low power consumption mode, whether a first edge of a trigger signal for changing an operation mode of the control unit is received by the control unit; In response to the first edge being received, switching the control unit from the low power consumption mode to a normal operating mode; In response to the first edge not being received, determining whether a pulse signal for indicating that a main circuit controlled by the circuit breaker is turned on is received by the control unit; In response to the pulse signal being received, switching the control unit from the low power consumption mode to the normal working mode; as well as In response to the pulse signal not being received, the control unit is maintained in the low power consumption mode. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first edge is a rising edge of the trigger signal.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: When the control unit is in the normal working mode, determining whether a second edge of the trigger signal is received by the control unit, the second edge being opposite to the first edge; In response to the second edge being received, switching the control unit from the normal operating mode to the low power consumption mode; as well as In response to the second edge not being received, the control unit is maintained in the normal operating mode.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: After the control unit switches from the normal operation mode to the low power consumption mode, an indication signal for indicating that the control unit is in the low power consumption mode is generated.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising: In response to the control unit being maintained in the low power consumption mode for more than a predetermined time, power supply to the control unit is stopped. The method of claim 3 , wherein the second edge is a falling edge of the trigger signal.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein switching the control unit from the low power consumption mode to the normal operating mode comprises: Restart the control unit.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pulse signal is generated as follows: When the main circuit is connected, charging a predetermined capacitor using electric energy obtained from the main circuit via a current transformer; If the predetermined capacitor is charged to a first voltage threshold, discharging the predetermined capacitor; If the predetermined capacitance is discharged to a second voltage threshold lower than the first voltage threshold, charging the predetermined capacitance; as well as The pulse signal is generated based on a voltage of the predetermined capacitance.

9. A device for switching an operation mode of a control unit of a circuit breaker, comprising: at least one processing unit; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory being coupled to the at least one processing unit and storing instructions for execution by the at least one processing unit, the instructions causing the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 when executed by the at least one processing unit.

10. A device for switching an operation mode of a control unit of a circuit breaker, comprising: a power supply monitoring module, configured to generate a pulse signal indicating that the main circuit is turned on when the main circuit controlled by the circuit breaker is turned on; as well as The processing unit is configured as follows: determining, when the control unit is in a low power consumption mode, whether a first edge of a trigger signal for changing an operation mode of the control unit is received by the control unit; In response to the first edge being received, switching the control unit from the low power consumption mode to a normal operating mode; In response to the first edge not being received, determining whether the pulse signal is received by the control unit; In response to the pulse signal being received, switching the control unit from the low power consumption mode to the normal working mode; as well as In response to the pulse signal not being received, the control unit is maintained in the low power consumption mode.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the processing unit is further configured to: When the control unit is in the normal working mode, determining whether a second edge of the trigger signal is received by the control unit, the second edge being opposite to the first edge; In response to the second edge being received, switching the control unit from the normal operating mode to the low power consumption mode; as well as In response to the second edge not being received, the control unit is maintained in the normal operating mode.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the processing unit is further configured to: After the control unit switches from the normal operation mode to the low power consumption mode, an indication signal for indicating that the control unit is in the low power consumption mode is generated.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the processing unit is further configured to: In response to the control unit being maintained in the low power consumption mode for more than a predetermined time, power supply to the control unit is stopped.

14. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the power monitoring module comprises a predetermined capacitor, and the power monitoring module is configured to generate the pulse signal in the following manner: When the main circuit is connected, the predetermined capacitor is charged by using the electric energy obtained from the main circuit via the current transformer; If the predetermined capacitor is charged to a first voltage threshold, discharging the predetermined capacitor; If the predetermined capacitance is discharged to a second voltage threshold lower than the first voltage threshold, charging the predetermined capacitance; as well as The pulse signal is generated based on a voltage of the predetermined capacitance.

15. A circuit breaker comprising: Control unit; as well as The device according to any one of claims 9 to 14, used to switch the operating mode of the control unit.

16. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program can be executed by a processor to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images