Technical Field

The invention, is related to an automatic circuit breaker switching system that enables to inform users when the circuit breaker has tripped and provides remote switching on, of the circuit breaker.

Prior Art

Circuit breakers are security elements that cut off the connection of the fuse with the circuit if the current passing a circuit exceeds a certain value, thereby preventing damage to circuit elements and connected receivers. This function of these circuit breakers provides protection against accidents and breakdowns that may arise due to high currents.

When the circuit breaker trips, it can be switched back on manually, however in the cases where the numbers of circuit breakers are multiple, or if the user is remote from the circuit breaker, the manual process may take a long time to be carried out. Due to this reason, remote switching systems for circuit breakers are suggested in the prior art.

In this application these switching systems are Wi-Fi based. When the circuit breaker trip, this information is submitted to the user, over the internet, via the Wi-Fi module and as a result the circuit breaker may again be switched on very quickly. However a system that both uses the Wi-Fi module and can remotely switch the circuit breaker back on is not available in the prior art.

In places or at times where the users are having problem in accessing the internet, the submission of the information that the circuit breaker has tripped and the Wi-Fi module on its own is not sufficient. Instead of this, when the circuit breaker trips, systems that can submit this information via SMS are also not available in the prior art.

In the prior art, applications are available where the circuit breakers are automatically switched off via mechanical systems. For example the patent document numbered GB 1171301 (A) discloses a mechanical system that can automatically switch off the circuit breaker that can be used in circuit breaker systems. However in these applications communication with the user via SMS and the switching on, of the circuit breaker after a detecting element such as a sensor or switch determines that the circuit breaker has tripped, is mentioned.

As a result, due to the disadvantages mentioned above, because the present solutions are inadequate the development in the related field has been seen to be a necessity.

Aim of the Invention

The invention has been formed by being inspired from disadvantages and it aims to solve the disadvantages mentioned above.

The main aim of the invention is to enable early and remote intervention by informing users when the circuit breaker has tripped; thereby minimizing material and immaterial damages and facilitating human life.

Another aim of the invention is to submit the information that the circuit breaker has tripped, to the user via SMS.

Another aim of the invention is for the user to be able to obtain remote information such as ambient temperature and illumination by means of an SMS query.

In order to reach the aims mentioned above, the system subject to the invention comprises a circuit breaker module having at least a sensor element located on the circuit breaker that detects that the circuit breaker has tripped, and at least a moveable element in order to switch the circuit breaker back on and a main circuit having a GSM module and an antenna that obtains the information that the circuit breaker has tripped, from the circuit breaker module and submits this information via SMS over a satellite to the mobile device of the user.

The structural and characteristic features of the invention and its advantages can be clearly understood by means of the figures and the detailed description which references the below mentioned figures and therefore if an evaluation regarding the invention is to be carried out, it is advised for said evaluation to be carried out by taking into consideration the figures and the below mentioned detailed description.

The figures illustrating the invention

Figure 1, view of the automatic circuit breaker switching system subject to the invention.

Description of the Part References

10. Circuit breaker 20. Circuit breaker module

30. Main circuit

31. Antenna 40. Satellite

50. Mobile device 60. User

Detailed Description of the Invention

In this detailed description the preferred embodiments of the automatic circuit breaker switching system has been described only in order to better explain the subject matter and such that it does not create any kind of limiting effect.

As it can be seen in Figure 1, the automatic circuit breaker (10) switching system subject to the invention basically comprises a circuit breaker module (20) having at least a sensor element located on the circuit breaker (10) that detects that the circuit breaker (10) has tripped, and at least a moveable element in order to switch the circuit breaker (10) back on and a main circuit (30) having a GSM module and an antenna (31) that obtains the information that the circuit breaker (10) has tripped, from the circuit breaker module (20) and submits this information via SMS over a satellite (40) to the mobile device (50) of the user (60). Said at least one sensor element is a motion sensor or distance sensor according to one example. In another example the key, button or limit switch is selected as the sensor element.

The operation principle of the system subject to the invention is basically as follows:

In the system of the invention, when the circuit breaker trips, the motion of the latch is detected by the sensor element. The detection process can be carried out with a sensor or by means of a switch. On an example of the invention as a sensor element a colour sensor, a motion sensor or a distance sensor can be selected. By this means, when the circuit breaker trips, it is detected by means of the motion of the latch or due to distance change that the circuit breaker has tripped. In another example elements such as a key, button or limit switch are used. In this example, as soon as the circuit breaker trips, it is detected that the circuit breaker has tripped by the activation of the key, button or limit switch. Besides this, by means of the cables that can be connected to the input-outputs of the circuit breaker, the disconnection of the circuit breaker can be detected by means of the voltage change that shall occur between the input-output. In another example, both the sensor and the switching element are used. For example, in a system where a motion sensor is used as a sensor and a button is used as a switching element, it is perceived that the circuit breaker has tripped when at least one of the motion sensor or button becomes active. In the case that the circuit breaker (10) trips, this information received from the sensor elements is submitted (30) to the main circuit. The GSM module and antenna (31) located on the main circuit (30) allow the user (60) to be notified by SMS. When an SMS to switch the circuit breaker (10) back on is received by the user, the main circuit (30) re-sends this information back to the circuit breaker module (20). The circuit breaker module (20) shall switch the circuit breaker (10) back on in accordance with this information and by means of at least one moveable element attached thereon. Said at least one moveable element can be used separately for each circuit breaker but it can be used to switch back on, a plurality of circuit breakers.

According to a preferred embodiment of the automatic circuit breaker (10) switching system subject to the invention, a Wi-Fi module is provided in the main circuit (30). By the addition of the Wi-Fi module, as the system can be connected the internet, in the case of the tripping of a circuit breaker (10), information such which one of the circuit breakers (10) have tripped, the time of the tripping of the circuit breaker, its history, and the momentary battery charge condition shall be able to be submitted to the user (60) via the internet and/or mobile application. Moreover in the case that the circuit breaker (10) keeps tripping, the information of the nearest technical service to the user (60) can be shared from the information obtained from the internet in order to provide rapid and safe information and intervention for the user. Besides this, by means of the web-site that is to be established for users (60), it shall be enabled for the users to reach detailed information in relation to the products that the users (60) have been using and for them to have access to detailed reports on every circuit breaker (10) tripping incident. Moreover it shall be enabled for users (60) to record their GSM numbers via this web site.

The communication of the circuit breaker module (20) and the main circuit (30) within the automatic circuit breaker (10) switching system can be carried out by several methods such as wired, wireless and both wired and wireless methods. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the circuit breaker module (20) and the main circuit (30) can communicate wirelessly with each other by means of the Bluetooth module located in both of them. In another example, both wired and wireless communication with a Bluetooth module can be carried out.

The user (60) needs to track the battery charge rate of the system in order for the automatic circuit breaker (10) switching system subject to the invention to operate continuously. In a preferred embodiment of the invention an indicator that indicates the battery charge rate is available on the main circuit (30) for the users (60) to track the charge rate. In an example, this indicator is formed of 4 LED’s wherein each LED represents 25% charge. In this example; the users can track the quarter charge rate of the battery when each LED lights up.

The possibility of a fire is dangerous for every electric system. Moreover approximately 25% of the fires in Turkey arise due to electrical contact. A gas/fire sensor has been foreseen to be provided on the main circuit (30) and the circuit breaker module (20) due to the risk of a fire in the preferred embodiment of the circuit breaker (10) switching system subject to the invention.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention a temperature sensor has also been provided on the main circuit (30) against the risk of a fire. When both the gas/fire sensor and the temperature sensor are activated, this notifies to the user that the possibility of a fire is very high.

In the cases that the circuit breaker (10) switching system is remotely controlled by the user (60), the information related to the illumination of the environment is important. This information can be queried via SMS by the user through the illumination sensor provided on the main circuit (30) in the preferred embodiment of the invention.

The circuit breaker (10) switching on method subject to the invention basically comprises the below mentioned steps: a. at least a sensor located on the circuit breaker module (20) is activated, the circuit breaker module (20) submits this information to the main circuit (30) and the main circuit (30) sends an SMS containing this information to the user (60), b. if the user (60) responds to the SMS in order to switch the circuit breaker back on, the circuit breaker (10) switching on process is carried out via at least a mobile element within the circuit breaker module (20), c. in the case that the user (60) does not respond to the received SMS, the main circuit

(30) resends the SMS that was sent before the user at periodical intervals, d. Following the switching on process of the circuit breaker (10), the main circuit (30) sends this information to the user (60) by an SMS, e. Following the switching on process of the circuit breaker (10), if the circuit breaker trips again in a brief period of time shorter than the predetermined time, the main circuit (30) sends this information to the user by an SMS, f. If the user (60) does not respond to the received SMS, the main circuit (30) resends the SMS that was sent before the user at periodical intervals, g. The user (60) responds to the received SMS that he/she will be handling the issue.

In an embodiment of the method according to the invention; following the process of switching on the circuit breaker (10) if the circuit breaker (10) trips again in a shorter time interval than the specified time interval, this shows that the tripping is not caused by mildly dangerous situations such as lightning, thunderbolts, and the low-high voltage of the mains electricity. In this case; even if the user (60) responds to the received SMS regarding the switching on of the circuit breaker (10), the circuit breaker module (20) cannot perform the switching on process of the circuit breaker (10). Therefore a risky situation where the circuit breaker (10) is needlessly switched on, again and again is prevented.

In a preferred embodiment of the method subject to the invention, information such as the battery charge rate, risk of fire, and user SMS query are controlled both before the initial operation of the system, once and continuously during the operation of the system. a. If the main circuit (30) battery charge level is higher than 10% but lower than 20%, this information is submitted to the user (60) by an SMS, b. If the main circuit (30) battery charge level is lower than 10%, this information is submitted to the user (60) by an SMS, c. In the case that the gas/fire sensor provided on the main circuit (30) becomes active; this information is submitted to the user (60) by an SMS, d. In the case that the temperature sensor provided on the main circuit (30) becomes active; this information is submitted to the user (60) by an SMS, e. In the case that both the gas/fire sensor and the temperature sensor provided on the main circuit (30) become active at the same time, the fire intervention system is activated and this information is submitted to the user, f. In the case that an SMS is received from the user (60) asking about the ambient temperature, this information is sent to the user (60) by an SMS, g. In the case that an SMS is received from the user (60) asking about the illumination degree of the environment, this information is sent to the user (60) by an SMS, h. In the case that an SMS is received from the user (60) asking about the battery charge levels, this information is sent to the user (60) by an SMS,

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the information such as the temperature, illumination level of the environment, battery charge level etc., shall be submitted to the user via the Web or mobile applications. By means of said interfaces, the user (60) can track the information regarding to operation of the system in real time.

When the fire system is activated the notification to the user (60) can both be carried out by SMS and by a GSM call. In another application, the notification is carried out both by SMS and a GSM call.

Exemplary Application

An exemplary operation of the invention is as follows: When the system is operated for the first time, initial adjustments need to be performed. The green light on the main circuit (30) shall blink during the initial operation of the system. Following the controlling of the system, if a problem is not encountered this light shall stop blinking and it shall continuously light. Following the successful controlling of the system, an alert stating“Please insert SIM card” shall be seen on the LCD screen located on the main circuit. After the SIM card is inserted by the user into the slot located on the main circuit, an alert instructing the user to record his/her GSM number into the system such as“Please enter number” shall be seen on the LCD screen. After the user enters his/her number, this time a second number shall be requested from the user in case the first number cannot be reached. If the screen is a touch screen the number shall be entered by tapping on the screen and if the screen is not a touch screen the numbers shall be entered by a keyboard located on the screen. In another example, this process is carried out again by a mobile device by entering a number on the screen. In this example, the user (60) shall enter the number by means of the application interface that is downloaded into the mobile device.

Following the instruction to“Please enter the 2nd number” that can be seen on the LCD screen, the user shall enter another number and then the instruction to“Please shut down and restart the system” shall be seen on the screen. When the user shall shut down and restart the system, the green light will be blinking similar to the initial operation of the system and after the controls are successfully carried out, the light will stop blinking and it will continuously light. From this point on, both the numbers entered into the system by the user (60) shall be recoded and the system is in working order.

After the system submits a notification SMS to the user (60) stating“System is on”, the communication installation of the user between the circuit breaker module (20) and main circuit (30) shall be conducted. If the circuit breaker module (20) - main circuit (30) communication is to be wired, a wiring procedure is carried out for this process. If the communication is to be carried out with a wireless system such as a Bluetooth device, this time, the Bluetooth connection needs to be established. Besides this, both wired and wireless connection can be carried out. Following these connections the system is restarted.

After the system is successfully restarted, an SMS will be sent to the user (60) by the system, stating“System turned on. X number of circuit breakers is being checked”. The expression “X” stated herein defines the number of sensor elements and moveable elements provided within the circuit breaker module. The system shall operate in a routine manner from this point on.

If the battery charge level of the system that is continuously checked before the initial start up of the system and during the operation of the system is higher than 10% but lower than 20%, an SMS will be sent with the warning“Battery charge level has dropped below 20%. Please plug into charge.” If the charge level is below 10%, this time the user shall receive the SMS,“Battery charge level has dropped below 10%. Please plug into charge.”

Following the controlling of the battery, controls against the risk of fire are carried out. First of all if the gas/fire sensor has been activated the user (60) shall receive the SMS alert, stating “Gas/fire threat detected. Please check”. After this control if the temperature sensor has been activated the user (60) shall receive the SMS alert, stating“High temperature threat detected. Please check”. When both the gas/fire sensor and the temperature sensor are activated, as this situation indicates a serious fire risk, the system shall activate the fire intervention system and following this the user (60) shall be sent an SMS, with the warning“Fire threat detected. The fire intervention system has been activated. Please check”. In another example instead of sending an SMS, in case of a fire threat, the user shall be called by the system from the mobile number that is registered in the system. In another example, notification can be carried out both by SMS and a GSM call.

The fire intervention system mentioned above is formed of a minimized and highly effective fire extinguishing balloons and/or again minimized fire extinguishing system.

If an SMS has been received in the meantime by the user (60) asking about the ambient temperature, this information shall be obtained from the temperature sensor located on the main circuit (30) and an SMS stating“Ambient temperature is X degrees” is submitted to the user.

Additionally an SMS can be received from the user (60) asking about the illumination situation of the environment. In this case this information is sent by SMS to the user (60) via the illumination sensor located on the main circuit (30).

In the case that the system is in working condition and a fire threat is not present, if the circuit breaker (10) trips, the sensor element on the circuit breaker module (20) becomes active and as a result the information that the circuit breaker has tripped is created. This information is transferred from the circuit breaker module (20) to the main circuit (30) via the Bluetooth module and/or by means of a wired communication between the main circuit- circuit breaker modules. A notification SMS stating“X numbered circuit breaker has tripped” is submitted to the user (60) via the satellite (40) by means of the GSM module and antenna (31) located on the main circuit (30). The user must respond to the SMS in order to switch the circuit breaker back on. When the main circuit (30) receives the command to“Switch X back on” from the user (60) by an SMS, this information shall be processed and the information is submitted to the circuit breaker module (20) in order to switch the circuit breaker back on. The circuit breaker module (20) switches the X numbered circuit breaker back on via the moveable elements located therein. In the cases where the circuit breaker (10) has tripped but an SMS has not been received from the user (60) to switch the circuit breaker (10) back on, the notification message shall be re-sent at certain intervals by means of the main circuit (30).

The switching of the circuit breaker (10) back on shall be carried out only once during a certain time interval. If the circuit breaker (10) trips again at a short period of time that is shorter than the predetermined period of time, the main circuit (30) shall send an SMS to the user (60), with the warning, “X numbered circuit breaker has tripped. Please check”. Following this SMS the user must recheck the system personally instead of sending an SMS message to switch the circuit breaker (10) back on. After this point, even if the user (60) sends and SMS to switch the circuit breaker (10) back on, the system will not take an action.

If any kind of message from the user (60) is not received by the system, the notification that the circuit breaker has tripped shall be resent by SMS at intervals.

The user (60) must send an SMS to the system stating“I am checking” in response to the SMS stating that the circuit breaker (10) has tripped again. As a result the manual controlling of the circuit breaker (10) by the user (60) shall be carried out.

If the circuit breaker (10) has not tripped within the determined short period of time, the system than shall act as if the circuit breaker (10) is tripping for the first time and the above mentioned procedures shall be carried out.

In this example, the entire communication of the user (60) with the system, such as sending an SMS as mentioned above, is carried out by means of an application downloaded into the mobile device. Moreover in this exemplary application the system used for low power consumption comprises software that enables it to operate in sleep mode when the circuit breaker has not tripped. By means of the low power consumption, the usage life and the battery life of the product is prolonged.