Patents by Inventor Tsuguo Nishimura

Tsuguo Nishimura has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10906484
    Abstract: An in-vehicle power supply device includes a first voltage conversion unit for performing at least a step-down operation to lower a voltage applied to a first conductive path electrically connected to an in-vehicle power storage unit, and apply the lowered voltage to a second conductive path; a second voltage conversion unit for performing at least the step-down operation to lower a voltage applied to a first conductive path and apply the lowered voltage to a second conductive path, a second voltage conversion unit having a smaller power capacity than the first voltage conversion unit; a driving unit that drives the first voltage conversion unit and the second voltage conversion unit, and a capacitor that is electrically connected to the second conductive path and is charged with a current flowing through the second conductive path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Kakuno, Tsuguo Nishimura, Seiji Takahashi, Takanori Itou
  • Publication number: 20190337474
    Abstract: An in-vehicle power supply device includes a first voltage conversion unit for performing at least a step-down operation to lower a voltage applied to a first conductive path electrically connected to an in-vehicle power storage unit, and apply the lowered voltage to a second conductive path; a second voltage conversion unit for performing at least the step-down operation to lower a voltage applied to a first conductive path and apply the lowered voltage to a second conductive path, a second voltage conversion unit having a smaller power capacity than the first voltage conversion unit; a driving unit that drives the first voltage conversion unit and the second voltage conversion unit, and a capacitor that is electrically connected to the second conductive path and is charged with a current flowing through the second conductive path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicants: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Kakuno, Tsuguo Nishimura, Seiji Takahashi, Takanori Itou
  • Patent number: 10224815
    Abstract: A voltage converter performs a step-up operation and step-down operation in parallel. The step-up operation raises an input voltage to a voltage that is N (N?1) times the input voltage. The step-down operation lowers the input voltage to a voltage that is M (0?M?1) times the input voltage. The voltage converter outputs the voltage transformed through the step-up operation and the step-down operation from output terminals. A current detection circuit detects an output current. A step-up adjustment circuit decreases N if the output current is higher than a reference current, and increases N if the output current is lower than the reference current. A step-down adjustment circuit decreases M if the output current is higher than a reference current, and increases M if the output current is lower than the reference current. The reference current is higher than the reference current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuguo Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20180234017
    Abstract: A transformer device 1 performs, in parallel, a step-up operation for raising an input voltage Vin that is applied between input terminals A1 and A2, and a step-down operation for lowering the input voltage Vin. The transformer device 1 outputs the voltage transformed through the step-up operation and the step-down operation from output terminals B1 and B2. The device detects an output current Iout. A step-up adjustment circuit 13 decreases N if the output current Iout is higher than a reference current Ir1, and increases N if the output current Iout is lower than the reference current Ir1. A step-down adjustment circuit 14 decreases M if the output current Iout is higher than a reference current Ir2, and increases M if the output current Iout is lower than the reference current Ir2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Applicants: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuguo Nishimura
  • Patent number: 9800151
    Abstract: In a converter, the source of a first FET and the drain of a second FET are connected to one end of an inductor while the source of a third FET and the drain of a fourth FET are connected to the other end of the inductor. The sources of the first FET and the second FET are connected to each other. The cathode and the anode of a diode are connected respectively to the drain and the source of the third FET. Then, the first FET, the second FET, the third FET and the fourth FET are turned ON/OFF individually so that a voltage applied by a battery is converted. When voltage conversion is to be terminated, OFF-state of the third FET is maintained. Then, during the time that the OFF-state of the third FET is maintained, an electric current is reduced that flows from the drain of the third FET through a storage battery to the source of the fourth FET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Tsuguo Nishimura
  • Patent number: 9537397
    Abstract: A converter having an inductor, a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch connected between the other ends of the inductor and the second switch. The converter is adapted to turn ON/OFF individually the first switch, the second switch, the third switch and the fourth switch so as to convert a voltage applied between the other ends of the first switch and the second switch. Also included is a diode, a maintaining device and a release device. The generating device generates small/large output electric current in correspondence with high/low of a voltage of a connection node between the semiconductor transistor and the resistor, and increases the output electric current by switching a voltage applied on the third end from a first voltage to a second voltage lower than the first voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LIMITED
    Inventor: Tsuguo Nishimura
  • Patent number: 9499063
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power-supply device configured to supply an operating voltage from an external battery to a control circuit via a voltage terminal. The power-supply device is also configured to supply an operating voltage from an output terminal to a driving circuit of the power-supply device via a switch. The control circuit that has received the operating voltage compares the voltage of the output terminal with a predetermined voltage, and makes a determination. If the voltage of the output terminal is not higher than the predetermined voltage, a predetermined notification is sent outside the power-supply device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Tsuguo Nishimura
  • Patent number: 9456530
    Abstract: A DC-DC converter is provided with a transformer provided with a primary coil and a secondary coil; switching elements connected to the primary coil for switching the flow of electrical current to the primary coil; rectifying elements connected to the secondary coil; a case having a first accommodating portion in which the transformer is accommodated and a second accommodating portion in which the switching elements and the rectifying elements are accommodated; and a metal heat sink mounted on the case, the metal heat sink being thermally connected to the switching elements and the rectifying elements and having a radiator portion exposed on the outer surface of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Tsuguo Nishimura, Shigeki Yamane, Kazuhide Kitagawa, Manabu Hashikura, Youzou Nishiura
  • Publication number: 20160134190
    Abstract: A voltage converter in which switching between step-down conversion and step-up conversion is performed constantly, without being affected by a voltage drop of a circuit element, and temperature change and variation of the circuit element. The voltage converter includes a step-down PWM signal generation circuit and a step-up PWM signal generation circuit and component for increasing the step-down target voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicants: AutoNetWorks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuguo NISHIMURA
  • Publication number: 20160099641
    Abstract: In a converter, the source of a first FET and the drain of a second FET are connected to one end of an inductor while the source of a third FET and the drain of a fourth FET are connected to the other end of the inductor. The sources of the first FET and the second FET are connected to each other. The cathode and the anode of a diode are connected respectively to the drain and the source of the third FET. Then, the first FET, the second FET, the third FET and the fourth FET are turned ON/OFF individually so that a voltage applied by a battery is converted. When voltage conversion is to be terminated, OFF-state of the third FET is maintained. Then, during the time that the OFF-state of the third FET is maintained, an electric current is reduced that flows from the drain of the third FET through a storage battery to the source of the fourth FET.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventor: Tsuguo NISHIMURA
  • Publication number: 20160043641
    Abstract: A converter having an inductor, a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch connected between the other ends of the inductor and the second switch. The converter is adapted to turn ON/OFF individually the first switch, the second switch, the third switch and the fourth switch so as to convert a voltage applied between the other ends of the first switch and the second switch. Also included is a diode, a maintaining device and a release device. The generating device generates small/large output electric current in correspondence with high/low of a voltage of a connection node between the semiconductor transistor and the resistor, and increases the output electric current by switching a voltage applied on the third end from a first voltage to a second voltage lower than the first voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicants: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Tsuguo NISHIMURA
  • Patent number: 9178435
    Abstract: A switching power supply is provided including a transformer that transforms an AC voltage converted by a bridge circuit, and outputs the transformed voltage from a center tap between secondary coils, and two second switches that respectively cause both ends of the secondary coils to be brought in contact with and be separated from a fixed electrical potential. By the second switches being switched on/off, the switching power supply outputs the rectified DC voltage from the center tap. The switching power supply further includes two diodes connected to the both ends of the secondary coils, and cause the currents to flow from the both ends, a capacitor that stores the currents caused to flow, and a third switch that is connected between the capacitor and the center tap, in which, by the third switch being turned on, the capacitor is discharged to the smoothing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Tsuguo Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20150084580
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power-supply device configured to supply an operating voltage from an external battery to a control circuit via a voltage terminal. The power-supply device is also configured to supply an operating voltage from an output terminal to a driving circuit of the power-supply device via a switch. The control circuit that has received the operating voltage compares the voltage of the output terminal with a predetermined voltage, and makes a determination. If the voltage of the output terminal is not higher than the predetermined voltage, a predetermined notification is sent outside the power-supply device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicants: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Tsuguo Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20140321065
    Abstract: A DC-DC converter is provided with a transformer provided with a primary coil and a secondary coil; switching elements connected to the primary coil for switching the flow of electrical current to the primary coil; rectifying elements connected to the secondary coil; a case having a first accommodating portion in which the transformer is accommodated and a second accommodating portion in which the switching elements and the rectifying elements are accommodated; and a metal heat sink mounted on the case, the metal heat sink being thermally connected to the switching elements and the rectifying elements and having a radiator portion exposed on the outer surface of the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Tsuguo Nishimura, Shigeki Yamane, Kazuhide Kitagawa, Manabu Hashikura, Youzou Nishiura
  • Publication number: 20140140103
    Abstract: A switching power supply is provided including a transformer that transforms an AC voltage converted by a bridge circuit, and outputs the transformed voltage from a center tap between secondary coils, and two second switches that respectively cause both ends of the secondary coils to be brought in contact with and be separated from a fixed electrical potential. By the second switches being switched on/off, the switching power supply outputs the rectified DC voltage from the center tap. The switching power supply further includes two diodes connected to the both ends of the secondary coils, and cause the currents to flow from the both ends, a capacitor that stores the currents caused to flow, and a third switch that is connected between the capacitor and the center tap, in which, by the third switch being turned on, the capacitor is discharged to the smoothing circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicants: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Tsuguo Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8264271
    Abstract: Semiconductor relays switch power supplied from a power source to drive loads, and further detect current values of electric currents flowing through the loads. A control section intermittently turns ON the semiconductor relays via driving circuits, thereby limiting electric power consumption of the loads. Further, the control section calculates, based on the current values detected by the semiconductor relays, load electric power consumption of the loads, and estimated electric power consumption of the loads when the semiconductor relays are continuously ON, and allows a display section to display, as a value indicative of an energy-saving effect, an electric power amount difference i.e. a saved electric energy that is based on an electric power difference obtained by subtracting the load electric power consumption from the estimated electric power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignees: Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsuguo Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20110128065
    Abstract: Semiconductor relays switch power supplied from a power source to drive loads, and further detect current values of electric currents flowing through the loads. A control section intermittently turns ON the semiconductor relays via driving circuits, thereby limiting electric power consumption of the loads. Further, the control section calculates, based on the current values detected by the semiconductor relays, load electric power consumption of the loads, and estimated electric power consumption of the loads when the semiconductor relays are continuously ON, and allows a display section to display, as a value indicative of an energy-saving effect, an electric power amount difference i.e. a saved electric energy that is based on an electric power difference obtained by subtracting the load electric power consumption from the estimated electric power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicants: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Tsuguo Nishimura