Edge controller, edge controller system and power capacity adjusting method
By combining the main power module, the additional power module, and the isolation unit, the problem of fixed power module capacity in the edge controller is solved, enabling flexible adjustment of power capacity, reducing costs, and improving safety and reliability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-07
AI Technical Summary
The power modules in existing edge controllers are designed with fixed capacity, which is difficult to meet the power supply requirements of adding new functional modules, resulting in the need to redesign power modules with larger capacity, which is costly.
It adopts a combined design of main power module, additional power module and isolation unit. The power capacity can be flexibly adjusted through the connection of power conversion unit and isolation unit, and the overcurrent protection unit prevents the power modules from burning out in parallel.
This enables flexible adjustment of power capacity in the edge controller to meet different power requirements, reducing costs and improving system security and reliability.
Smart Images
Figure CN121814765A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of Internet device technology, and in particular to an edge controller, an edge controller system, and a power capacity adjustment method. Background Technology
[0002] With the continuous development of industrial automation technology, the manufacturing industry is gradually shifting from traditional mechanization to intelligent and networked operations. In this process, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), as the core architecture connecting terminal devices (such as various sensors) and digital systems (such as the cloud), has received increasing attention. In the IIoT, terminal devices need to use edge controllers to connect to the cloud. Edge controllers aggregate data from the terminal devices and send it to the cloud. Edge controllers typically include a power module and functional modules, with the power module supplying power to the functional modules.
[0003] However, the power modules in common edge controllers are usually designed with a fixed capacity. When the edge controller needs to add new functional modules, the fixed capacity power modules are difficult to meet the power supply requirements of the new functional modules, which leads to the need to redesign new power modules with larger capacity, resulting in higher costs. Summary of the Invention
[0004] This application provides an edge controller, an edge controller system, and a power capacity adjustment method to solve the technical problem in the prior art where the fixed capacity power module of the edge controller is unable to meet the power supply requirements of the newly added functional module when a new functional module is added.
[0005] This application provides an edge controller, comprising: The system includes a main power module, at least one additional power module, and multiple functional modules, wherein the additional power module includes a power conversion unit and an isolation unit for isolating the main power module and the additional power module. The input terminals of the main power module and the power conversion unit are respectively connected to an external power source. The output terminal of the power conversion unit is connected to the input terminal of the isolation unit. The output terminal of the main power module is connected to the output terminal of the isolation unit. Their connection points are respectively connected to multiple functional modules to supply power to the multiple functional modules.
[0006] In one embodiment of this application, the isolation unit includes at least two power diodes; The anode of the power diode is connected to the output terminal of the power conversion unit, and the cathodes of at least two power diodes are connected together, with the connection point being the output terminal of the isolation unit.
[0007] In one embodiment of this application, the newly added power module further includes an overcurrent protection unit located between the power conversion unit and the isolation unit, which detects the load current. When the detected load current is greater than or equal to a preset current threshold, the connection between the power conversion unit and the isolation unit is disconnected; when the detected load current is less than the preset current threshold, the connection between the power conversion unit and the isolation unit is restored. The load current is the current flowing to the functional module.
[0008] In one embodiment of this application, the edge controller further includes a base, the base having a plurality of slots with a spacing between adjacent slots, the slots being matched with the output terminal of the main power module, the output terminal of the isolation unit, and the power input terminal of the functional module; The output terminal of the main power module, the output terminal of the isolation unit, and the power input terminal of the functional module are each connected to any one of the card slots.
[0009] In one embodiment of this application, the edge controller further includes a housing mounted on the base to surround the main power module, the additional power module, and the functional module.
[0010] In one embodiment of this application, the main power module includes an AC / DC converter or a DC / DC converter.
[0011] In one embodiment of this application, the power conversion unit is an AC / DC converter or a DC / DC converter.
[0012] In one embodiment of this application, the power capacity of the main power module is greater than or equal to the power capacity of the newly added power module.
[0013] This application also provides an edge controller system, including: Terminal devices, cloud, and edge controllers as described in any of the above, wherein the plurality of functional modules in the edge controller include I / O modules and communication modules; The terminal device is connected to the IO module, and the cloud is connected to the communication module.
[0014] This application also provides a power capacity adjustment method for an edge controller as described in any of the foregoing claims, comprising: Obtain power capacity requirements; Based on the power capacity requirements, the number of the newly added power modules in the edge controller is adjusted.
[0015] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: This application proposes an edge controller, an edge controller system, and a power capacity adjustment method. The edge controller includes: a main power module, at least one additional power module, and multiple functional modules. The additional power module includes a power conversion unit and an isolation unit for isolating the main power module and the additional power module. The input terminals of the main power module and the power conversion unit are respectively connected to an external power source. The output terminal of the power conversion unit is connected to the input terminal of the isolation unit, and the output terminal of the main power module is connected to the output terminal of the isolation unit. These connection points are respectively connected to multiple functional modules to supply power to them. This edge controller can meet different power capacity requirements by adding the additional power module when power capacity needs change, such as when a new functional module is added to the edge controller. It offers high flexibility and low cost. Furthermore, by setting an isolation unit in the additional power module, it can effectively prevent power burnout caused by multiple power modules connected in parallel, thus ensuring high safety. Attached Figure Description
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.
[0017] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an edge controller provided in one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the isolation unit in the newly added power module of the edge controller provided in one embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an edge controller system provided in one embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a power capacity adjustment method for an edge controller provided in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0018] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of this application. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments. Various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this application. In the absence of conflict, the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.
[0019] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this application. The drawings only show the components related to this application and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.
[0020] In the following description, numerous details are explored to provide a more thorough explanation of embodiments of the present application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present application may be practiced without these specific details. In other embodiments, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form rather than in detail to avoid obscuring embodiments of the present application.
[0021] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an edge controller 330 provided in one embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the edge controller 330 includes: The system includes a main power module 110, at least one additional power module 120, and multiple functional modules 130. The additional power module 120 includes a power conversion unit and an isolation unit for isolating the main power module 110 and the additional power module 120. The input terminal of the main power module 110 and the input terminal of the power conversion unit are respectively connected to an external power source. The output terminal of the power conversion unit is connected to the input terminal of the isolation unit. The output terminal of the main power module 110 is connected to the output terminal of the isolation unit. Their connection points are respectively connected to multiple functional modules 130 to supply power to multiple functional modules 130.
[0022] In some examples of this embodiment, there are one or more main power modules 110. The number of additional power modules 120 can be set according to actual power capacity requirements, offering high flexibility. When the power capacity requirements of the edge controller 330 change, the number of additional power modules 120 can be increased or decreased to adapt to different power capacity requirements. For example, if a new functional module 130 needs to be added to the edge controller 330, and the edge controller 330 currently only has one main power module 110, the power capacity of which cannot meet the current power capacity requirements. In this case, an additional power module 120 can be added to the edge controller 330 to increase the power capacity of the edge controller 330 and meet the current power capacity requirements.
[0023] In some examples of this embodiment, the external power source may be an industrial power source, etc.
[0024] In some examples of this embodiment, the main power module 110 is used to convert the AC or DC power input from the external power source into a stable DC voltage (such as 5V, 3.3V, etc.) that meets the power supply requirements of the functional module 130.
[0025] In some examples of this embodiment, the power conversion unit is also used to convert the AC or DC power input from the external power source into a stable DC voltage (such as 5V, 3.3V, etc.) that meets the power supply requirements of the functional module 130. The main power module 110 and the additional power module 120 are connected in parallel to supply power to the functional module 130.
[0026] In some examples of this embodiment, by setting the above-mentioned isolation unit in the newly added power module 120, it is possible to effectively prevent power supply burnout caused by multiple power modules connected in parallel, thus ensuring high safety.
[0027] Understandably, the edge controller 330 in this embodiment can flexibly adjust its power capacity to meet different power capacity requirements. When a new functional module 130 is added to the edge controller 330, there is no need to redesign a new power module with a larger capacity (designing a new power module with a larger capacity means redesigning the power module's housing mold, base mold, etc., which is costly). Only one or more new power modules 120 need to be added to expand the power capacity, which is low-cost and highly secure.
[0028] In some examples of this embodiment, the volume of the newly added power module 120 may be the same as the volume of the functional module 130.
[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the isolation unit in the newly added power module 120 of the edge controller 330 provided in one embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 2 In some embodiments, the isolation unit includes at least two power diodes; The anode of the power diode is connected to the output terminal of the power conversion unit, and the cathodes of at least two power diodes are connected together, with the connection point being the output terminal of the isolation unit.
[0030] In some examples of this embodiment, at least two power diodes are connected in parallel to form a diode array, which can effectively prevent the power supply from burning out due to multiple power modules connected in parallel, thereby improving the safety and reliability of the edge controller 330. Figure 2 Taking two diodes D1-1 and D1-2 as an example, D1-1 and D1-2 are connected in parallel to form a diode array. The left side of D1-1 and D1-2 is connected to the output terminal of the power conversion unit, and the right side of D1-1 and D1-2 is the output terminal of the isolation unit, that is, the output terminal of the newly added power module 120.
[0031] In some embodiments, the additional power module 120 further includes an overcurrent protection unit located between the power conversion unit and the isolation unit, which detects the load current. When the detected load current is greater than or equal to a preset current threshold, the connection between the power conversion unit and the isolation unit is disconnected; when the detected load current is less than the preset current threshold, the connection between the power conversion unit and the isolation unit is restored. The load current is the current flowing to the functional module 130.
[0032] In some examples of this embodiment, the overcurrent protection unit can be an existing overcurrent protection chip or a self-resetting fuse, such as a PPTC (Polymeric Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistor.
[0033] Understandably, by incorporating the aforementioned overcurrent protection unit into the new power module 120, it can self-protect against increased power consumption when it cannot power the load, thus preventing device damage. For example, if the new power module 120 is inserted into the slot before the main power module 110 is, the new power module 120 will be unable to power the load (multiple functional modules 130). In this case, its internal overcurrent protection unit detects that the load current is greater than or equal to a preset current threshold, and therefore disconnects the connection between the power conversion unit and the isolation unit, i.e., disconnects the power path between the new power module 120 and the functional modules 130, thereby achieving self-protection for the new power module 120. When the load current is less than the preset current threshold, the connection between the power conversion unit and the isolation unit is restored, resulting in a high degree of automation and requiring no human intervention.
[0034] It is also understandable that, through the above design, the main power module 110 and the additional power module 120 can be inserted side by side into the base, that is, connected to the slots on the base, to jointly power multiple functional modules 130. The different power modules do not affect each other.
[0035] In some examples of this embodiment, the preset current threshold can be set according to the actual situation, such as 15A (Amperes).
[0036] In some embodiments, the edge controller 330 further includes a base, the base having a plurality of slots with a spacing between adjacent slots, the slots being matched with the output terminal of the main power module 110, the output terminal of the isolation unit, and the power input terminal of the functional module 130; The output terminal of the main power module 110, the output terminal of the isolation unit, and the power input terminal of the functional module 130 are respectively connected to any one of the card slots.
[0037] In some examples of this embodiment, all card slots on the base are interconnected via power cables. When the main power module 110 and the additional power module 120 are connected to the card slots, the main power module 110 and the additional power module 120 can output power. When the functional module 130 is connected to the card slot, it is in a power receiving state.
[0038] Understandably, by providing slots on the base that match the output terminals of the main power module 110, the isolation unit (output terminal of the new power module 120), and the power input terminal of the functional module 130, it is easy to flexibly add new power modules 120 and new functional modules 130. When it is necessary to expand the power capacity of the edge calculator 330, the new power module 120 can be placed in any position on the base, i.e., any slot, offering high flexibility. For example, when it is necessary to add a new functional module 130, it can be fixed in any empty slot on the base. At this time, the power capacity requirement of the edge controller 330 changes, and a new power module 120 can be added and fixed in any remaining empty slot on the base to complete the power supply.
[0039] In some embodiments, the edge controller 330 further includes a housing mounted on the base to surround the main power module 110, the additional power module 120, and the functional module 130.
[0040] Understandably, by setting up this enclosure, protection can be achieved for the various hardware components within the edge controller 330.
[0041] In some embodiments, the main power module 110 includes an AC / DC converter or a DC / DC converter.
[0042] In some embodiments, the power conversion unit is an AC / DC converter or a DC / DC converter.
[0043] In some embodiments, the power capacity of the main power module 110 is greater than or equal to the power capacity of the additional power module 120.
[0044] Understandably, by designing a new power module 120 with a smaller power capacity, it is easier to make the size of the new power module 120 as small as possible, or as close as possible to the size of the functional module 130, thereby facilitating the subsequent addition of new power modules 120 to the base.
[0045] Please refer to Figure 3 This embodiment also provides an edge controller system, including: Terminal device 310, cloud 320, and edge controller 330 as described in any of the above, wherein the plurality of functional modules 130 in the edge controller 330 include IO (input / output) modules and communication modules; The terminal device 310 is connected to the IO module, and the cloud 320 is connected to the communication module.
[0046] It is understood that the edge controller system in this embodiment can achieve the same technical effect as the edge controller 330 in the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here.
[0047] In some examples of this embodiment, functional module 130 may also include a 4G module, a network switching module, etc.
[0048] Please refer to Figure 4 This embodiment also provides a power capacity adjustment method for the edge controller 330 as described in any of the above claims, comprising: S410: Obtain power capacity requirements.
[0049] In some examples of this embodiment, the power capacity requirement may be determined based on the functional module 130 in the edge controller 330.
[0050] S420: Based on the power capacity requirement, adjust the number of the newly added power modules 120 in the edge controller 330.
[0051] For example, adding or removing a new power module 120 from the edge controller 330.
[0052] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this application should still be covered by the claims of this application.
Claims
1. An edge controller, characterized in that, include: The system includes a main power module, at least one additional power module, and multiple functional modules, wherein the additional power module includes a power conversion unit and an isolation unit for isolating the main power module and the additional power module. The input terminals of the main power module and the power conversion unit are respectively connected to an external power source. The output terminal of the power conversion unit is connected to the input terminal of the isolation unit. The output terminal of the main power module is connected to the output terminal of the isolation unit. Their connection points are respectively connected to multiple functional modules to supply power to the multiple functional modules.
2. The edge controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The isolation unit includes at least two power diodes; The anode of the power diode is connected to the output terminal of the power conversion unit, and the cathodes of at least two power diodes are connected together, with the connection point being the output terminal of the isolation unit.
3. The edge controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The newly added power module also includes an overcurrent protection unit located between the power conversion unit and the isolation unit. This unit detects the load current and disconnects the connection between the power conversion unit and the isolation unit when the detected load current is greater than or equal to a preset current threshold. When the detected load current is less than the preset current threshold, the connection between the power conversion unit and the isolation unit is restored. The load current is the current flowing to the functional module.
4. The edge controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edge controller also includes a base with multiple slots and a spacing between adjacent slots. The slots are matched with the output terminal of the main power module, the output terminal of the isolation unit, and the power input terminal of the functional module. The output terminal of the main power module, the output terminal of the isolation unit, and the power input terminal of the functional module are each connected to any one of the card slots.
5. The edge controller according to claim 4, characterized in that, The edge controller also includes a housing mounted on the base to enclose the main power module, the additional power module, and the functional module.
6. The edge controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main power module includes an AC / DC converter or a DC / DC converter.
7. The edge controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power conversion unit is an AC / DC converter or a DC / DC converter.
8. The edge controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power capacity of the main power module is greater than or equal to the power capacity of the newly added power module.
9. An edge controller system, characterized in that, include: The terminal device, the cloud, and the edge controller as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of functional modules in the edge controller include an I / O module and a communication module; The terminal device is connected to the IO module, and the cloud is connected to the communication module.
10. A method for adjusting the power capacity of an edge controller as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, include: Obtain power capacity requirements; Based on the power capacity requirements, the number of the newly added power modules in the edge controller is adjusted.