Motor Load, Armature Current Or Force Control During Starting And/or Stopping Patents (Class 318/430)
  • Patent number: 8222848
    Abstract: A starter for an auxiliary power unit includes a direct current motor operably connectable to an auxiliary power unit. A clutch is arranged in an electrically parallel relationship and configured to operably connect the motor to the auxiliary power unit when engaged, the motor and the clutch powered by a common input line. A time delay switching element is located and configured to delay power delivery to the direct current motor thus providing for full engagement of the clutch prior to initiation of rotation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Poisson
  • Patent number: 8193746
    Abstract: An automotive electric motor speed control system may include at least one electric motor adapted to cause a moveable element to move, a DC/DC power converter configured to output a voltage to the at least one electric motor that increases to a desired value and subsequently decreases to control the movement of the moveable element, and a controller configured to control the rate of voltage increase and voltage decrease output by the converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Rafael Jimenez Pino, Juan Luis Castilla
  • Patent number: 8179082
    Abstract: The invention relates to a soft starting method and system thereof in the way of wave-skipping with stepped frequency and stepless voltage regulating for a motor which can be applied to the large torque starting of AC motor under the condition of a power supply of a industrial frequency supply source and the safe starting of higher load. Trigger signals generated by a control system, in the soft starting method of the invention, act on five sets of anti-parallel thyristor valves connected between the power supply and the motor to conduct a pair of thyristors thereof according to a set frequency and sequence, and the motor is started from a standstill status to full speed in the way of wave-skipping by controlling the sets of the thyristor valves. The method may improve the starting torque for more than 10 times of the traditional motor soft starting of the voltage reduction and control the starting current for about two times of the rated current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Rongxin Power Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Xing Li, Qiang Zuo, Yingsheng Xu, Mingqi Si
  • Patent number: 8179069
    Abstract: An electric power tool includes a direct current motor, at least one switching device, a trigger switch, a control unit, and a drive unit. The control unit sets a driving duty ratio for PWM controlling the direct current motor so as to increase the driving duty ratio in a stepwise manner in accordance with an operation continuation time of the trigger switch during a period from when an operation of the trigger switch is started until when a predetermined start-up time has elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Matsunaga, Hirokatsu Yamamoto, Takuya Kusakawa
  • Patent number: 8174224
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for producing a commanded torque in an electric motor in a vehicle. A method comprises obtaining a torque command, obtaining a speed of the electric motor, and operating the inverter based at least in part on a voltage command that corresponds to minimal current through the electric motor for producing the commanded torque at the instantaneous speed of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Sibaprasad Chakrabarti, Mengwei Campbell
  • Patent number: 8175836
    Abstract: A method of estimating airflow for a characterized blower system including a motor. The method includes running the motor, estimating a torque and a speed of the running motor, and assuming a starting airflow estimate. Torque is calculated based on the estimated speed and the estimated airflow. A torque error is calculated as a function of the calculated torque and the estimated torque. Estimated airflow is revised based on the calculated torque error. The method also includes repeating the calculating and revising steps using the revised estimated airflow until the torque error is within a predetermined acceptable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Prakash B. Shahi
  • Patent number: 8164298
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting loss of isolation of a motor, connections, or phase cables while an AC motor is operating. The system includes a power supply that is substantially isolated from the ground or chassis having a power supply voltage, and a power inverter electrically coupled to the power supply. The power inverter is configured to provide AC current from the power supply in an AC phase at an AC terminal, with the phase having current at a fundamental frequency that controls the motor speed. An electric motor is electrically coupled to the AC terminal of the power inverter and has a chassis that is substantially electrically isolated from the AC terminal of the power inverter under normal operating conditions. A processor is configured to control the AC current provided by the power inverter. The processor is configured to receive a first voltage signal related to current flowing through a motor chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad N. Anwar, Bryan M. Ludwig, S.M. N. Hasan, Sean E. Gleason, Bon Ho Bae
  • Patent number: 8159163
    Abstract: A phase current estimation device of a motor includes: an inverter which uses a pulse width modulation signal to sequentially commutate an electric flow to a motor of a three-phase alternating current; a pulse width modulation signal generation unit generating the pulse width modulation signal from a carrier signal; a control unit performing a startup control and a self control of the motor using the inverter; a direct current sensor detecting a direct current of the inverter; and a phase current estimation unit estimating a phase current based on the direct current detected by the direct current sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiko Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8159159
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program for controlling the tension in roll-based print media. The apparatus comprises: a motor arranged to apply torque to the roll of print media to create tension in the print media; and processing means arranged to detect first and second electrical drive parameters applied to the motor when the print media is displaced at a substantially constant velocity with a substantially zero tension and a predetermined tension created therein, respectively, and to determine a print media tension value based on a difference between the first and second detected electrical drive parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Chanclon Fernandez, Eduardo Martin
  • Patent number: 8149587
    Abstract: A modular industrial drive system includes a base that receives one or more control modules as a face template. The control modules provide a set of functionalities to the drive system, and the face template serves as a user interface to the drive system. The drive system can include a power module and a control module which define desired functionalities for the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Baran, Michael J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8138702
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electric motor with a softstarter. A softstarter device for control of electric motors. Motor torque is controlled in dependence of a torque error signal, based on a calculated difference between the motor torque and a reference torque value, so that the motor torque displays a rate of change with respect to time, during a stopping or starting time interval, that is adapted to follow a rate of change of the reference torque value, with respect to time, that varies between at least a first part of the time interval and a second part of the time interval, and thereby changing the speed of the motor. A system includes an electric motor, a device driven by the electric motor and a softstarter device for controlling the electric motor. A computer program product includes a computer readable medium and a computer program recorded thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Abb Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Jan-Anders Nolemo, Magnus Ek, Heinz Lendenmann, Jesper Kristensson
  • Patent number: 8125171
    Abstract: A method for operating an electric machine with a driver system is provided, in which an operating variable of the electric machine and/or of the driver system is monitored. The validity of the input variables is checked with regard to their checksum and whether the input variables are up-to-date, and the permissibility of an actual moment (Mist2) of the electric machine depending on the operating state of the electric machine is checked. In case of invalid input variables or invalidity of the actual moment (Mist2), a fault reaction is initiated. In addition, the implementability of the planned change of rotary speed is checked and, in case of non-implementability, changed over into a more favorable mode of operation of the electric machine. An electric machine used as a starter/generator in a motor vehicle can be monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Lothar Rehm, Thomas Von Raumer
  • Patent number: 8125169
    Abstract: A rotating electrical machine control system includes a frequency converting portion that is interposed between a rotating electrical machine for driving a vehicle and a DC power source for supplying electric power to the rotating electrical machine, and that converts an output of the DC power source to an AC output at least during powering operation of the rotating electrical machine; a voltage converting portion that is interposed between the DC power source and the frequency converting portion, and that boosts the output of the DC power source based on a boost command value which is set according to a target torque and a rotational speed of the rotating electrical machine; and a control portion for controlling the frequency converting portion and the voltage converting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Ogino, Takashi Yoshida, Subrata Saha, Jin Izawa, Norio Tomiya
  • Patent number: 8102138
    Abstract: A motor control apparatus includes a steering column having inserted therein a steering shaft to which steering torque is transmitted, a reduction gear box coupled to the steering shaft, and an electric motor that transmits a steering assisting force to the steering shaft via a reduction mechanism in the reduction gear box. The electric motor and its control unit including a control board mounted with a control circuit, are provided side by side in the reduction gear box. A connection terminal of the electric motor is electrically connected to the control unit directly. This minimizes a connection distance between the control unit and the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Sekine, Atsushi Ooshima, Tetsuya Kodama, Seiichi Kobayashi, Yasuhiro Shimizu, Naoki Hyoudou, Shigeru Endo, Atsushi Horikoshi, Keiji Kashimoto, Tamotsu Oumi, Hideaki Kawada, Shigeo Shinohara, Takeshi Senba, Mitsuo Shimoda
  • Patent number: 8084975
    Abstract: A brushless motor control system according to the present invention detects a rotor stop position when activating the brushless motor including a stator having coils of three phases U, V, and W, and controls a phase voltage for energizing the coils of the respective phases U, V, and W, and the brushless motor includes the stator having coils of phases U, V, and W of N (N?2) poles, in which any one phase coil among the coils of the phases U, V, and W is removed in one of the N poles, and the brushless motor control system includes: a current rise detecting circuit that, when the brushless motor is in a stop state, sequentially selects coils of two phases from the coils of the respective phases U, V, and W, applies a predetermined direct current voltage between the selected coils of the two phases, and detects a value of an electric current flowing to the selected coils of the two phases; and a rotor stop position detecting unit that determines a rotor stop position of the brushless motor based on information o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Shindengen Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomomi Harada
  • Patent number: 8074731
    Abstract: An impact tool (100) includes a spindle (11), a motor (1), a rotational impact system (10), a current detecting unit (32), and a current control unit (31). The spindle extends in an axial direction thereof. The motor provides the spindle with a rotational power in accordance with a motor current flowing therethrough. The rotational power rotates the spindle about the axis at an rpm value. The rotational impact system provides the spindle with an impact force in the axial direction, thereby transmitting both the rotational power and the impact force to an end bit. The current detecting unit detects a current value of the motor current. The current control unit reduces the current value if the current value detected by the current detecting unit exceeds a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Iwata, Shinji Watanabe, Nobuhiro Takano
  • Patent number: 8063590
    Abstract: Both a method and a use by this method of an apparatus for detecting blocking of a direct current motor (10), in particular a direct current motor (10) for a blower of a motor vehicle, is presented. The direct current motor (10) is deactivated by a computer unit (20) with the aid of a switching means (18) for a defined time period (Toff). Within the defined time period (Toff), at least one subsequent time (ta, tb), an induced voltage (U) of the direct current motor (10) is measured and forwarded to the computer unit (20). The direct current motor (10) remains deactivated if the induced voltage (U) undershoots a predetermined threshold value (Uth), or the direct current motor (10) is reactivated if the induced voltage (U) of the direct current motor (10) does not undershoot the predetermined threshold value (Uth).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Knab, Nikolas Haberl, Frank Fischer, Joerg Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 8054609
    Abstract: System to control, protect and monitor the status of forced cooling motors for power transformers and similar, is preferably applied to power transformers and auto-transformers, and this system turns conventional (1) cooling motors into “intelligent” motors, operating in a totally autonomous manner, whose electronic module (2) is installed on the actual motor cover, more specifically on the connection box (3) and is interconnected by a communication network to a digital system (4) without the need to use any external control, protection and monitoring elements or exaggerated panels for functioning thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Inventor: Eduardo Pedrosa Santos
  • Patent number: 8049446
    Abstract: A motor control device includes a dq-axis current control unit for generating a dq-axis voltage reference based on a dq-axis current reference and a dq-axis current signal, an initial magnetic pole position estimation unit for estimating a magnetic pole position of the motor upon power-on to generate a magnetic pole position signal, and a magnetic pole position estimation precision confirming unit for supplying a current in a d-axis direction after generation of the magnetic pole position signal with the initial magnetic pole position estimation unit, and checking an error of the magnetic pole position signal based on an angle of movement of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa Denki
    Inventor: Junichi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8044624
    Abstract: A load control apparatus outputs a PWM signal to a switching element to control a load. The switching element is connected between a power supply and a grand in series with the load. An abnormal increase detecting unit outputs an abnormal increase detection signal when detecting abnormal increase in applied voltage, which is applied to the load, relative to target voltage. An abnormal decrease detecting unit outputs an abnormal decrease detection signal when detecting abnormal decrease in the applied voltage relative to the target voltage. An operating state monitoring unit outputs a normally operating signal when the load normally operates. A signal combining unit generates a combined signal by combining the abnormal increase detection signal, the abnormal decrease detection signal, and the normally operating signal and outputs the combined signal via a common signal output terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yosuke Matsuo, Shigeru Takeuchi, Taketoshi Sato
  • Patent number: 8040091
    Abstract: Stall detection apparatus for an electric motor controller has an input for receiving a drive error flag indicating if the controller is unable to achieve the required motor velocity and an input for receiving a signal in order to measure, directly or indirectly, the actual motor velocity. The actual motor velocity is determined in order to indicate whether the motor is stationary and, only if so, a stall signal is outputted in order to indicate that said motor has stalled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: PG Drives Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard Trevor Gears
  • Publication number: 20110248654
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-propelled working machine, especially in the form of a surface milling machine, such as asphalt-milling machine or snow-milling machine comprising a main operating unit and/or a drive unit, which is operable in a steady-state or near steady-state operating status and is drivable by a drive device comprising at least an electrical motor, the electrical motor being associated with a start-up including a frequency converter for the limitation of starting current. The invention also relates to a process for operating such a self-propelled working machine. According to the invention an operating circuit for steady-state operation is provided, comprising a jumper for bridging the frequency converter following starting or reaching steady-state operational status. Optionally, the jumper is switchable to activate or inactivate the frequency converter of the start-up circuit, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Graner, Oliver Fenker, Johann Lis
  • Patent number: 8035328
    Abstract: A state memorizing device for a movable member, includes a lock state determining portion for determining whether or not the movable member, driven by a motor, is in a locked state, based on a motor current, an initial positional information memorizing portion for memorizing an initial positional information indicative of a current position of the movable member before the motor is started, a current positional information calculating portion for calculating a current positional information indicative of the current position of the movable member on the basis of the position indicated by the initial positional information and the motor current, and a current positional information correcting portion for determining the current position of the movable member based on the initial positional information in a case where the locked state of the movable member is detected and an electrification of the motor is stopped after the motor has just been started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kohei Noda, Soichiro Hozumi, Hideyuki Kanie
  • Publication number: 20110241595
    Abstract: A method for decelerating a motor in a computer numerical controlled machine tool is provided. The method includes calculating a present rate of deceleration DP, for a motor of a motor drive system, based on a present speed SP of the motor, a reference speed SR of the motor, and a reference rate of deceleration DR of the motor. The method also includes decelerating the motor from SP according to DP. The motor drive system comprises a maximum power rating that defines a maximum power, generated by the motor while decelerating, that can be dissipated without overloading the motor drive system. DR is a rate of deceleration such that power, generated by the motor while decelerating from SR according to DR, is equal to the maximum power rating. Power, generated while decelerating the motor from SP according to DP, is equal to or less than the maximum power rating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: HAAS AUTOMATION, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph V. Soliman, German M. Chistokhodov, Barry D. Johnson, Robert M. Weston, Razmik G. Petrossians
  • Patent number: 8022654
    Abstract: A power tool has an electric motor with field windings. Each field winding includes two coils. When the motor is first energized, the two coils of each field winding are connected in series, reducing in-rush current. Upon expiration of a soft start period, the two coils of each field winding are connected in parallel. In another aspect, the field windings that are connected in series with a separate start winding when the motor is first energized. Upon expiration of the soft start period, the start winding is bypassed. In another aspect, the field windings are connected in series with a start impedance when the motor is first energized and a time delay relay having a set of delay contacts coupled across the start impedance energized. Upon expiration of the soft start period, the time delay contacts close, bypassing the start impedance. In an aspect, the motor is a universal motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Zhao, Hung T. Du, Garrett P. McCormick
  • Publication number: 20110199032
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a series-connected multi-level matrix converter includes each voltage commanding device provided for each of single-phase matrix converters to generate a voltage reference to each of the single-phase matrix converters. The series-connected multi-level matrix converter includes the single-phase matrix converters. Each of the single-phase matrix converters includes a snubber circuit and a DC voltage detecting section configured to detect a DC voltage of the snubber circuit to output a DC voltage detection value. ADC over-voltage detector is configured to output a DC over-voltage signal when the DC voltage detection value exceeds a set voltage value. A voltage modifying device is, when the DC over-voltage signal is outputted, configured to decrease the voltage reference to a corresponding single-phase matrix converter among the single-phase matrix converters based on a deviation between the DC voltage detection value and the set voltage value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Yozo UEDA, Kenichi Imanishi, Ryuji Suenaga
  • Patent number: 7994744
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a circuit of controlling a speed of a brushless motor of a ceiling fan. The circuit includes a motor PWM duty consumption sampling unit and a motor speed sampling to sense a PWM duty and a speed of the brushless motor. A central processing unit is provided to compare the PWM duty and the speed of the brushless motor to a preset maximum PWM duty and a preset maximum speed. When the PWM duty reaches to the preset maximum PWM duty first, the central processing unit sets the current speed to be a maximum speed, and speeds of each level are calculated according to the maximum speed. If the speed reaches to the preset maximum speed first, a constant-speed control will take over to control the brushless motor, and speeds of each level are according to the preset speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Rhine Electronic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Hsun Chen
  • Patent number: 7990099
    Abstract: A power converting device for an electric train includes a power converter, an alternating-current motor, a primary control unit, and a control unit. The power converter converts direct-current power into alternating-current power. The alternating-current motor is driven by the alternating-current power output from the power converter. The primary control unit outputs a power-running notch command that determines an acceleration speed for the electric train. The control unit controls an amount of the alternating-current power based on the power-running notch command. The control unit sets the amount of the alternating-current power to zero without a delay after receiving an OFF signal of the power-running notch command during power running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Kono, Keita Hatanaka
  • Publication number: 20110181222
    Abstract: A highly efficient and reliable motor control system and motor control method are provided. The motor control system includes a motor having a plurality of sets of armature windings, a plurality of inverters which drive the plurality of sets of armature windings, and a plurality of control devices which control the inverters individually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicants: AIDA ENGINEERING, LTD., HITACHI INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi NAGASE, Shigeki Morinaga, Yasuhiko Tanaka, Masataka Yahara, Tetsuro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7948202
    Abstract: A starting circuit for a single-phase AC motor, comprising a main winding, a detecting circuit, a rectifying and filtering circuit, a triggering circuit, a switching circuit and a starting winding. The detecting circuit is connected in series to the main winding for transforming current parameters thereof into detecting signals. The switching circuit is connected in series to the starting winding. The rectifying and filtering circuit processes the detecting signals and the processed detecting signals to the triggering circuit. The triggering circuit enables or disables the switching circuit according to the detecting signals, so as to energize or deenergize the starting winding. The starting circuit features high reliability, long lifetime, simple circuit structure, low cost, and small size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Zhongshan Broad-Ocean Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuping Lu
  • Patent number: 7919944
    Abstract: A motor driving circuit for controlling a current amount flowing through a motor coil includes: a comparator configured to output a comparison signal indicating a comparison result between a set current amount and a current amount based on an inputted set current signal according to the set current amount and a current signal according to the current amount flowing through the motor coil; a current control signal update circuit configured to update a current control signal for controlling the current amount flowing through the motor coil in a stepwise manner so that the current amount flowing through the motor coil is changed to the set current amount in a stepwise manner, based on the comparison signal outputted from the comparator; and a driving circuit configured to drive the motor coil based on the current control signal outputted from the current control signal update circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Ishii, Takashi Tsukagoshi, Akira Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7919943
    Abstract: A fan system includes a connecting device, a controlling device and a fan device. The connecting device includes a first pin receiving at least one driving signal, and a second pin receiving a start signal, wherein a length of the first pin is greater than a length of the second pin. The controlling device is electrically connected with the connecting device and includes an enabling unit. The enabling unit generates at least one first enabling signal according to the start signal, and the controlling device outputs the driving signal and the first enabling signal. The fan device is electrically connected with the controlling device and includes at least one fan. The fan device transmits the driving signal to the fan and drives the fan according to the first enabling signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chien-Hua Chen, Chia-Pin Wei, Wei-Shuo Tseng
  • Patent number: 7902779
    Abstract: A system and method for limiting input voltage to a power delivery system having regeneration capability. According to various embodiments, the system includes a regulator having a multiple input variables and at least one output variable; and an accumulator in communication with the regulator wherein the accumulator presets the output of the regulator to facilitate a quick output as well as accumulates error values related to the multiple input variables and facilitates a change by the regulator to the at least one output variable based upon the accumulated values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: John Channing Bousfield, III, Xuan Zhang, Ronald Gaillot
  • Patent number: 7868572
    Abstract: This seatbelt apparatus includes: a belt reel around which a belt is wound; a motor which rotationally drives the belt reel; a transmitting device which transmits a driving power between the belt reel and the motor; a controller which drives the motor while controlling an electricity to be supplied to the motor; a rotation-detection device which detects a rotation status of the belt reel. The rotation-detection device outputs, in accordance with a rotation of the belt reel, a plurality of outputs including signals indicating a first state in which a current consumption by the rotation-detection device is larger than a predetermined value, and a second state in which the current consumption by the rotation-detection device is smaller than the predetermined value. The controller executes a first motor-driving process in which the motor is driven based on an output from the rotation-detection device until reaching the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shotaro Odate
  • Patent number: 7863843
    Abstract: A control system for controlling an electric machine (EM) of a hybrid electric vehicle is provided. The system includes: an enable module that selectively enables a motoring mode of the EM based on ambient air temperature; and an EM control module that commands the EM to provide motoring torque as a function of engine speed during the motoring mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventors: Goro Tamai, Frank W. Schipperijn, William L. Aldrich, III, Dean A. Hauersperger, Steven A. Tervo, David J. Hajdyla
  • Publication number: 20100327790
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electric motor with a softstarter. A softstarter device for control of electric motors. Motor torque is controlled in dependence of a torque error signal, based on a calculated difference between the motor torque and a reference torque value, so that the motor torque displays a rate of change with respect to time, during a stopping or starting time interval, that is adapted to follow a rate of change of the reference torque value, with respect to time, that varies between at least a first part of the time interval and a second part of the time interval, and thereby changing the speed of the motor. A system includes an electric motor, a device driven by the electric motor and a softstarter device for controlling the electric motor. A computer program product includes a computer readable medium and a computer program recorded thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: ABB RESEARCH LTD.
    Inventors: Jan-Anders Nolemo, Magnus Ek, Heinz Lendemann, Jesper Kristensson
  • Patent number: 7848067
    Abstract: A method of controlling in-rush current to a DC motor is disclosed. The method may include operating the DC motor in a first mode including applying back-EMF across a relay coil to maintain the relay in an open configuration when the back-EMF is below a predetermined voltage. The method may also include operating the DC motor in a second mode including applying the back-EMF across the relay coil to maintain the relay in a closed configuration when the back-EMF is equal to or above the predetermined voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Robert Quincy Elliott, Michael Scott Britton, Mark Andrew Sporer
  • Patent number: 7839104
    Abstract: A motor drive circuit includes: a pulse generation circuit configured to generate a pulse signal whose duty ratio of one logic level is increased as a drive voltage is increased in accordance with a target rotation speed of a motor; and a drive control circuit that configured to drive the motor with the drive voltage using a duty ratio higher than the duty ratio of the pulse signal when the motor starts rotating from the stopped state, and configured to drive the motor with the drive voltage during a period when the pulse signal is at the one logic level after the motor starts rotating, based on a rotation signal corresponding to the rotation of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Sanyo Semiconductor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Imai, Tetsuya Yoshitomi, Joji Noie
  • Patent number: 7835887
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for determining real-time performance in a sub-assembly device that is driven by a dc motor. In one example embodiment, an electric motor is energized such that a sub-assembly driven by the motor achieves a target operating speed. Pulse width modulation data is captured and plotted along a time axis. A time duration when the sub-assembly device ended a startup operation and achieved a steady state operation is determined. A portion of the plotted data is then compared to an ideal plot defined for that sub-assembly device. Based on the result of that comparison, a determination is made whether the sub-assembly device is performing within accepted operational parameters. A maintenance operation is signaled to be performed in response to the determined sub-assembly operational performance. The data is stored in a historical database from which a preventative maintenance schedule can be derived.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Salvatore A. Abbata, Stephen O'Leyar, Kevin M. Carolan
  • Patent number: 7834578
    Abstract: When an ECU determines that the motor count of a motor generator exceeds a predetermined limit value, control is effected to set the torque of motor generator to zero. Further, when the ECU determines that motor count exceeds the predetermined limit value, voltage control of inverter input voltage is reduced by a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryoji Sato
  • Publication number: 20100270961
    Abstract: A method and a device for controlling and/or regulating an electric motor. Such electric motors are used for example in motor vehicles in the form of pump motors. In general, the electric motor is supplied with electrical energy from a battery and/or using a generator. The controlling and regulation take place using a high-frequency pulse width modulation (PWM). When the electric motor is started, the PWM is used to continuously increase the motor current required for the operation of the electric motor, e.g. beginning from 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2006
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Matthias Schanzenbach, Juergen Hachtel, Markus Baumert
  • Patent number: 7821217
    Abstract: A power tool may include an electronically commutated motor such as, for example, a brushless DC permanent magnet motor with a rotor having internally mounted magnets and/or cavities filled with air or other non-magnetic materials. A control system may be used to control the motor in a manner that implements field weakening when the speed of the motor increases beyond its rated motor speed, or when the torque demands on the motor continue to increase after the maximum power output of the motor is reached. The field weakening may offset the growing back EMF and may enable a constant power and constant efficiency to be achieved by the motor over a wide speed range, rather than at just a single predetermined operating speed. Pulse width modulation control of the motor may be used up until the motor reaches its maximum power output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Mehdi Abolhassani, Shailesh P. Waikar, Ren H. Wang, Uday S. Deshpande
  • Patent number: 7821214
    Abstract: An ECU estimates an output allowable power of a power storage device based on the temperature and SOC of the power storage device. The ECU also calculates a threshold power based on the power required to start an engine. When the ECU determines that the output allowable power is lower than the threshold power, the up-converter is controlled such that the boosting rate of the up-converter is restricted to be below a prescribed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideaki Yaguchi
  • Patent number: 7821215
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of detecting a fault condition in a motor of a pump. The method includes sensing a first current value and a speed of the motor, attempting a recovery operation if the first current value is greater than a current threshold and if the speed of the motor is less than a motor speed low threshold, and sensing a second current value during the recovery operation and shutting down a drive to the motor if the second current value is also greater than the current threshold. The method also includes performing the recovery operation for a time period if the second current value is less than the current threshold and attempting to operate the motor in a normal mode after the time period has elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Sta-Rite Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Robert M. Koehl
  • Patent number: 7812555
    Abstract: An electric powertrain for use with an engine and a traction device is disclosed. The electric powertrain has a DC motor/generator operable to receive at least a portion of a first mechanical output from the engine and produce a DC power output. The DC motor/generator is also operable to receive DC power and produce a second mechanical output. The electric powertrain further has a drivetrain operable to receive the DC power output and use the DC power output to drive the traction device. The drivetrain is also operable to generate DC power when the traction device is operated in a dynamic braking mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Rodwan Tarek Adra
  • Patent number: 7800328
    Abstract: A fan motor driving circuit controls an energized state of a fan motor by performing on and off control of a switching circuit connected to a coil of the fan motor of a driving object. A variable reference voltage circuit generates a voltage whose voltage level changes with time by charging or discharging a capacitor at the start of starting up the fan motor. A drive signal combining unit generates drive signals on the basis of the voltage when at least starting up, and performs on and off control of the switching circuit by the drive signals. An initialization circuit initializes the capacitor before starting up with a transition from off to on of a power supply voltage to be supplied to the fan motor driving circuit as a turning point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7795826
    Abstract: A brushless motor driving circuit includes a deviation detector for receiving a PWM input signal, which issues an instruction for rpm control, and detecting a deviation from duty ratio 50% of the PWM input signal, a determiner for detecting a comparison result at a threshold of duty ratio 50%, and a PWM output circuit for receiving a PWM reference signal having a duty ratio 50%, and producing a PWM driving signal, to be used for driving a brushless motor, in response to the deviation and the comparison result. The PWM driving signal is produced by adding the deviation to the PWM reference signal when the duty ratio of the PWM input signal is over 50%, and by subtracting the deviation from the PWM reference signal when the duty ratio is less than 50%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Tomohiro Inoue
  • Publication number: 20100225263
    Abstract: A motor driving circuit receives a control pulse signal pulse-width modulated according to a target rotational speed, and drives a fan motor. A start pulse signal generating unit generates a start pulse signal having a predetermined duty ratio. A driving unit drives the fan motor by pulse width modulation according to the driving pulse signal received from a control unit. When the duty ratio of the control pulse signal is switched from zero to a nonzero value when the fan motor is in the stopped state, the control unit commences the driving operation for the fan motor. The control unit outputs, as the driving pulse signal, the start pulse signal, in a predetermined start period Ts from the commencement of the driving operation. After the start period elapses, the control unit outputs the control pulse signal as the driving pulse signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tomofumi MISHIMA
  • Patent number: 7791309
    Abstract: The present invention relates a motor controller and a motor control method of controlling a motor having a stator coil and a rotator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sun Ho Hwang, Han Su Jung, Chung Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 7791307
    Abstract: A system, method, and device for monitoring an AC induction motor are disclosed. The exemplary system provides the architecture of an intelligent motor controller. On one hand, the controller has self-commission and adaptive tuning capability and can provide smooth start and stop for motor driven systems. On the other hand, the controller can provide fault detection, power metering, and history data logging, to ensure motor operates under optimal conditions. The exemplary system may have one or more sensors for monitoring characteristics of the AC induction motor and producing one or more inputs from the characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Bilac, Chun Fan, Paul Terricciano