Patents Examined by Thai Dinh
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Patent number: 9991840Abstract: A method for controlling and/or protecting an actuator of a piece of mobile equipment of a building, the actuator comprising a motor, comprises the steps consisting of: (E1) providing an instantaneous signal representative of the electrical power provided to the motor, (E2) carrying out a sampling of values of the instantaneous signal, (E3) performing a control of each sampled value according to a first protection criterion of the actuator, and issuing a first piece of anomaly information for each sampled value that does not satisfy the first criterion, (E3?) acquiring a set of values from the sampled values, (E4?) performing a control according to a second protection criterion of the actuator applied to all of the acquired sampled values, and issuing a second piece of anomaly information for all of the acquired sampled values that do not satisfy the second protection criterion.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: SOMFY SASInventors: Nicolas Terrier, David Mugnier
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Patent number: 9975433Abstract: An electric vehicle controller includes an inverter that drives a motor by receiving power supplied from an overhead line, a brake chopper circuit that includes a switching device and a braking resistor and is connected in parallel with the inverter, a voltage detector that detects a bus voltage applied to DC buses, and a control unit that performs power consumption control of causing the braking resistor to consume regenerative power supplied from the motor and overvoltage suppression control of suppressing the bus voltage from being excessive. The control unit controls the switching device such that a second duty ratio used at the time of performing the overvoltage suppression control is lower than a first duty ratio used at the time of performing the power consumption control.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2014Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroshi Fujiwara, Yuri Yamamoto, Yu Hirayama
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Patent number: 9973136Abstract: A method for controlling a motor based on a variable current controller gain may include a temperature function current applying mode in which when a torque command for the motor is detected by an inverter, 3-phase current to be applied to the motor is output to the motor in consideration of a motor temperature of the motor as a function.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jae-Sang Lim, Kil-Young Youn, Jin-Ho Kim, Jeong-Bin Yin
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Patent number: 9973118Abstract: A motor drive circuit including a back electromotive force detecting module and a processing module is disclosed herein. The back electromotive force detecting module is electrically connected to a single phase DC motor and is configured to detect a back electromotive force of the single phase DC motor and to output a detecting signal correspondingly. The processing module is electrically connected to the back electromotive force detecting module and the single phase DC motor. The processing module is configured to determine the rotation direction of the single phase DC motor according to the detecting signal and a hall signal outputted by a hall element located in the single phase DC motor, and is configured to control the single phase DC motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Yu-Liang Lin, Chung-Hung Tang, Cheng-Chieh Liu, Chien-Sheng Lin, Chun-Lung Chiu
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Patent number: 9973138Abstract: A brushless motor includes: a motor including a stator around which a winding wire is wound and a rotor holding a permanent magnet; a motor control microcomputer; an inverter circuit in which a power element is incorporated and controls an amount of a voltage applied to the winding wire; a temperature detecting element which detects a temperature of the power element; and a current detecting element which detects a power supply current or a current of the winding wire. A first current limit value is defined by current limit value which is set such that a junction temperature of the power element does not exceed a predetermined value, the brushless motor sets a second current limit value which is higher than the first current limit value, and the brushless motor operates, based on the second current limit value only in a predetermined period after start-up of the brushless motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2015Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshikazu Sengokudani, Mitsuhiro Sakamoto, Hideharu Hiwaki
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Patent number: 9963166Abstract: A steering power system for an electric vehicle and a method for controlling same are provided. The steering power system includes: a steering motor; a steering motor controller, configured to control the steering motor; a high voltage power battery, configured to output a first voltage; a low voltage storage battery, configured to output a second voltage; a buck DC-DC converter, configured to convert the first voltage into the second voltage for being supplied to the low voltage storage battery when a high voltage system works; and a boost DC-DC converter, configured to convert the second voltage into the first voltage. When the high voltage system has an abnormal power failure, the boost DC-DC converter converts the second voltage outputted from the low voltage storage battery into the first voltage for being supplied to the steering motor controller.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: BYD Company LimitedInventors: Jinze Xu, Xingchi Wu, Wengang Luo, Chao Zhang, Hongjun Wang, Zhenpai Luan
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Patent number: 9960716Abstract: Described embodiments provide an electronic circuit for controlling a motor. The electronic circuit includes a magnetic field sensing circuit responsive to magnetic field sensing elements disposed to sense rotation of the motor. The magnetic field sensing elements generate magnetic field signals, each having a state indicative of at least one of the rotational position and a rotation speed of the motor. A position and speed sensing circuit generates a signal representative of the rotational position of the motor and tracks state changes of the magnetic field signals. A gate driver circuit generates motor drive signals that drive the motor based upon the sensed rotational position. The position and speed sensing circuit generates a qualified control signal based upon a determined valid state change of the magnetic field signals. The gate driver circuit generates the motor drive signals based, at least in part, upon the qualified control signal.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLCInventors: Lyndon Ambruson, Robert Stoddard
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Patent number: 9948216Abstract: Systems and methods for pre-aligning rotors of synchronous motors on a synchronous AC grid prior to startup of the motors are provided. A partial power converter may provide an alignment current through an n-phase supply line to a synchronous AC motor. The synchronous AC motor may be configured to receive polyphase AC power through the n-phase supply line from the synchronous AC grid, whereas the partial power converter is powered by a power source isolated from the synchronous AC grid. The alignment current may cause a rotor of the synchronous AC motor to move to and stop at a target angular position.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Inc.Inventors: Mark Jon Blackwelder, Paul M. Rancuret
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Patent number: 9948224Abstract: A system and method for position sensorless control of an AC electric machine is disclosed. A drive system for driving an AC electric machine provides a primary current excitation to drive the AC electric machine, the primary current excitation comprising a current vector having a magnitude and angle. The drive system injects a carrier signal to the AC electric machine that is superimposed onto the current vector, with the carrier signal being selected to generate a carrier response signal that has sensitivity to magnetic alignment information of the AC electric machine at its operating point. The drive system measures at least one magnetic alignment signature of the AC electric machine from the generated carrier response signal and controls an orientation of the current vector using the measured at least one magnetic alignment signature, so as to achieve a desired magnetic operation of the AC electric machine.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2016Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kum-Kang Huh, Di Pan
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Patent number: 9941807Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes a rectifier to rectify a voltage of an input alternating current (AC) power source and a voltage drop device to output a dropped voltage using the voltage from the rectifier, and the voltage drop device includes a transformer and a communication voltage output device provided at a secondary side of the transformer to output a first direct current (DC) voltage for operation of a communication device. The communication voltage output device includes a first resistor provided at the secondary side of the transformer to reduce an output change rate of the first DC voltage and first and second zener diodes connected between the first resistor and ground to limit an upper limit of the first DC voltage. Accordingly, it is possible to stably supply a voltage to a communication unit while reducing standby power.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jongwan Lee, Eungho Kim, Gwigeun Park
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Patent number: 9941829Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the operating speed and the torque of an electric motor using an operational model are described. An operational model for the electric motor, including a plot of engine performance parameters, is used for reference, and a most efficient output path, which may pass through an optimal operation region in the operational model, is selected. The most efficient output path may be determined, for example, according to locations of a current output state and a to-be-reached target state in the operational model, enabling the operating state of the motor to reach the target state from the current operating state. By selecting a more efficient output path, the operating efficiency of the motor may be optimized, the life of a battery improved and/or the operating mileage of the vehicle may be increased, without significantly reducing the driving experience.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: THUNDER POWER NEW ENERGY VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITEDInventor: Sheng-Fu Lai
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Patent number: 9935572Abstract: Control of alternator/starters for providing electrical power to a vehicle and rotating an engine is disclosed. In one example, the alternator/starter provides a differential action whereby torque on an input side of the alternator may be maintained while speed of an output side of the alternator may be varied. The alternator/starter includes two armature windings and two field windings.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Larry Dean Elie
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Patent number: 9932067Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus that calculates a current command value based on at least a steering torque, performs a PWM-control of a brushless motor by an inverter based on the current command value, performs a current control by detecting a rotational angle of the brushless motor, and performs an assist-control of a steering system. The apparatus includes three rotational angle detecting systems to detect three rotational angles of the brushless motor; and an angle diagnosing section that compares absolute values of differences on respective angles outputted from the three rotational angle detecting systems with a threshold, and performs a process by diagnosing whether the rotational angle detecting systems are normal or abnormal; wherein the assist control is continuously performed by using output angles outputted from systems diagnosed as being normal.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventors: Kyosho Uryu, Shin Kumagai
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Patent number: 9935575Abstract: Provided are a power conversion device, relating to control of detecting a bus current in operation, and capable of acquiring an average current through a small amount of calculation and being implemented by an inexpensive microcomputer. A variation in a winding current flowing through a multi-phase winding of an AC rotating machine, namely, a phase current, is small at a timing at which voltage vectors on both sides of an axis having a larger inductance out of d and q axes of the AC rotating machine are output. Thus, switching signals are generated at timings at which the voltage vectors on both sides of the axis having the larger inductance out of the d and q axes are output, and the bus current is detected in accordance with the switching signals, thereby acquiring a value close to an average of the winding current.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Tatsuya Mori, Akira Furukawa
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Patent number: 9929684Abstract: In various embodiments, a method of controlling a motor and motor control system may be provided. The method may include applying exciting pulse-width-modification (PWM) or continuous sinusoidal voltages to a motor. The method may further include measuring one or more the applied exciting voltages to the motor. The method may further include measuring one or more currents from the motor. The method may also include calculating one or more back electromotive force (BEMF) voltages based on the one or more currents. The method may include adjusting the exciting voltages based on the one or more back electromotive force (BEMF) voltages and the phase angle difference between the calculated back EMF voltages and the measured currents. The motor control system may include the various detecting circuits of the exciting voltages and the motor currents from the motor with low pass filters.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.Inventor: Quan Jiang
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Patent number: 9912281Abstract: A motor driving apparatus includes a motor driving unit for converting DC voltage on a DC link into AC voltage when a switching device is turned on/off and outputting the AC voltage to an AC motor side, a gate driving circuit for turning on/off the switching device, a gate driving command generation unit for outputting either one of an ON command and an OFF command to the gate driving circuit, and an overcurrent detection unit for detecting an overcurrent with respect to a DC link current or an alternating current on the AC motor side, wherein, when the overcurrent detection unit detects the overcurrent, the gate driving command generation unit alternately outputs the ON command and the OFF command while gradually increasing a ratio of the OFF command to the ON command and ultimately outputs only the OFF command.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2016Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: FANUC CORPORATIONInventors: Nobuo Hirayama, Taku Sasaki, Kiichi Inaba
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Patent number: 9912260Abstract: A drive signal generating unit generates a drive signal used to alternately deliver a positive current and a negative current to a coil. A driver unit generates the drive current in response to the drive signal generated by the drive signal generating unit and supplies the drive current to the coil. After the drive termination of a linear vibration motor, the drive signal generating unit generates a drive signal whose phase is opposite to the phase of the drive signal generated during the motor running. The driver unit quickens the stop of the linear vibration motor by supplying to the coil the drive current of opposite phase according to the drive signal of opposite phase.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2014Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventor: Tsutomu Murata
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Patent number: 9906182Abstract: A three-phase switched reluctance motor torque ripple two-level suppression method. A first set of torque thresholds at rotor position interval [0°, ?r/3]. A second set of torque thresholds at rotor position interval [?r/3, ?r/2]. Power is supplied for excitation. The power supplied for excitation to phase A leads the power supplied for excitation to phase B by ?r/3. Phase A is turned off, while phase B is turned on. An entire commutation process from phase A to phase B is divided. In rotor position interval [0°, ?1], phase A uses the second set of torque thresholds while phase B uses the first set. Critical position ?1 automatically appears in the commutation process. Total torque is controlled. In rotor position interval [?1, ?r/3], phase A uses the second set of torque thresholds, phase B uses the first set, and the total torque is controlled, suppressing torque ripples of a three-phase switched reluctance motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2015Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF MINING AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Hao Chen, Jiaotong Shi
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Patent number: 9902270Abstract: Disclosed is a motor-driven vehicle including: a first and second battery; a voltage converter that includes a plurality of switching elements configured to perform voltage conversion between an electric power output path and the first and second battery, and to switch the connection of the first battery and the second battery between an in-series connection and an in-parallel connection; a motor-generator; and a control device configured to turn on and off the switching elements, in which the control device switches connection to either of connection between the electric power output path and both the first battery and the second battery, and connection between the first battery and the second battery based on the switching element temperature, and the operating point of the motor-generator.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Toshiya Hashimoto
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Patent number: 9895984Abstract: Deterioration of a power storage unit included in a vehicle is prevented or the power storage unit that has deteriorated is repaired, and the charge and discharge performance of the power storage unit is maximized to be maintained for a long time. Attention has focused on a reaction product formed on an electrode surface which causes malfunction or deterioration of a power storage unit such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. In the power storage unit used for a vehicle that runs on the power of an electric motor, rapid discharge occurring in the acceleration of the vehicle or the like tends to promote the solidification of the reaction product. The reaction product is removed by application of an electrical stimulus, specifically, an inversion pulse voltage.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2017Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shunpei Yamazaki