Patents by Inventor Tsutomu Tominaga

Tsutomu Tominaga 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: 9676408
    Abstract: Reduction in costs and size of an electric driving device is achieved and reliability of electrical connection thereof is enhanced. The device comprises: an electric motor; a controller that is disposed coaxially with the axis of the electric motor rotation shaft and takes control of driving the electric motor; a motor terminal whose end extends from the electric motor toward the controller; and an output terminal whose end extends from the controller toward the electric motor; wherein a portion of the motor terminal including the end thereof and that of the output terminal including the end thereof each are formed to extend in parallel to an axial direction of the electric motor, and overlappingly connected with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tominaga, Katsuhiko Ohmae
  • Patent number: 9045156
    Abstract: A control device (3) controlling an electric motor (2) is disposed on an axial line of a rotor shaft (30) of the electric motor (2). The control device (3) includes semiconductor switching devices (15) forming a three-phase bridge circuit that controls a current of the electric motor (2) and capacitors (13) that suppresses a ripple component of a current flowing to the electric motor (2). The semiconductor switching devices (15) and the capacitors (13) are provided in pairs for respective arms of the three-phase bridge circuit and disposed concentrically. Hence, impedance across the three-phase circuit controlling a current flowing to the electric motor is reduced. Consequently, not only can ripples be absorbed efficiently but also power efficiency of a driving device can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Omae, Tsutomu Tominaga, Shinichi Ito
  • Patent number: 8363420
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a housing, a heat sink arranged in the housing, semiconductor switching elements mounted on the heat sink and having terminals, a circuit board arranged in opposition to the heat sink and having an electronic circuit formed thereon including a control circuit for controlling the semiconductor switching elements, and a plurality of conductive plates electrically connecting the circuit board and the semiconductor switching elements to each other. The individual conductive plates are arranged along a lead-out direction in which the individual terminals of the semiconductor switching elements lead out, so that they are bonded to the individual terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tominaga, Masahiro Kimata, Takayuki Kifuku, Shuzo Akiyama, Tadayuki Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 8339801
    Abstract: Provided is an electric power steering apparatus which allows a reduction in apparatus size as well as in noise. A controller (20) includes: a metal board (22), on which a bridge circuit including a plurality of semiconductor switching elements (Q1 to Q6) for switching a current of an electric motor (1) is mounted; capacitors (31) for absorbing a ripple of the current; a control board (29), on which a microcomputer (33) for generating a drive signal for controlling the bridge circuit is mounted; and a connection member formed by insert molding high-current conductive plates (24 and 25), through which a high current flows, and signal conductive plates (26), to/from which a low-current signal is input/output, with a frame (23a) made of an insulating resin provided in proximity to an outer periphery of the metal board (22), in which the capacitors (31) are arranged in a row along an end surface of one side of the metal board (22) and are electrically connected to the high-current conductive plates (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tominaga, Masahiro Kimata, Tadayuki Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20120313467
    Abstract: A control device (3) controlling an electric motor (2) is disposed on an axial line of a rotor shaft (30) of the electric motor (2). The control device (3) includes semiconductor switching devices (15) forming a three-phase bridge circuit that controls a current of the electric motor (2) and capacitors (13) that suppresses a ripple component of a current flowing to the electric motor (2). The semiconductor switching devices (15) and the capacitors (13) are provided in pairs for respective arms of the three-phase bridge circuit and disposed concentrically. Hence, impedance across the three-phase circuit controlling a current flowing to the electric motor is reduced. Consequently, not only can ripples be absorbed efficiently but also power efficiency of a driving device can be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Omae, Tsutomu Tominaga, Shinichi Ito
  • Publication number: 20120229005
    Abstract: Reduction in costs and size of an electric driving device is achieved and reliability of electrical connection thereof is enhanced. The device comprises: an electric motor; a controller that is disposed coaxially with the axis of the electric motor rotation shaft and takes control of driving the electric motor; a motor terminal whose end extends from the electric motor toward the controller; and an output terminal whose end extends from the controller toward the electric motor; wherein a portion of the motor terminal including the end thereof and that of the output terminal including the end thereof each are formed to extend in parallel to an axial direction of the electric motor, and overlappingly connected with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tominaga, Katsuhiko Ohmae
  • Publication number: 20100295498
    Abstract: Provided is an electric power steering apparatus which allows a reduction in apparatus size as well as in noise. A controller (20) includes: a metal board (22), on which a bridge circuit including a plurality of semiconductor switching elements (Q1 to Q6) for switching a current of an electric motor (1) is mounted; capacitors (31) for absorbing a ripple of the current; a control board (29), on which a microcomputer (33) for generating a drive signal for controlling the bridge circuit is mounted; and a connection member formed by insert molding high-current conductive plates (24 and 25), through which a high current flows, and signal conductive plates (26), to/from which a low-current signal is input/output, with a frame (23a) made of an insulating resin provided in proximity to an outer periphery of the metal board (22), in which the capacitors (31) are arranged in a row along an end surface of one side of the metal board (22) and are electrically connected to the high-current conductive plates (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tominaga, Masahiro Kimata, Tadayuki Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7791888
    Abstract: An electronic control apparatus can be reduced in size and cost by eliminating certain parts such as a power board, etc. The apparatus includes a housing, a heat sink attached to one end of the housing, semiconductor switching elements mounted on the heat sink, a circuit board arranged in opposition to the heat sink, and a plurality of conductive plates electrically connecting the circuit board and the semiconductor switching elements. The heat sink is composed of a heat sink main body, and an anodized aluminum film formed at least on a surface of the heat sink main body at a side at which the power device is mounted thereon, and the heat sink main body has outer peripheral end faces arranged in opposition to inner wall surfaces of an opening portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tominaga, Masahiro Kimata, Takayuki Kifuku, Shuzo Akiyama, Tadayuki Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7751193
    Abstract: An electronic control apparatus can be reduced in size and cost by eliminating certain component parts such as a power board, etc. The apparatus includes a housing, a heat sink, semiconductor switching elements having terminals and mounted on the heat sink, a circuit board arranged in opposition to the heat sink, conductive plates connecting between the circuit board and the semiconductor switching elements, and a cover receiving the semiconductor switching elements and the circuit board in cooperation with the heat sink. The conductive plates have the press-fit terminal portions press-fitted into the through holes in the circuit board, and the individual conductive plates are arranged along a lead-out direction in which the individual terminals of the semiconductor switching elements lead out, and are bonded to the individual terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tominaga, Masahiro Kimata, Takayuki Kifuku, Shuzo Akiyama, Tadayuki Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7667971
    Abstract: Provided is an electronic control device, including: a housing (3) which includes opening portions at both end portions thereof and is made of insulating resin; a heat sink (5) attached to one of the end portions of the housing (3); a power device (2) provided to the heat sink (5); a circuit board (4) which is provided so as to be opposed to the heat sink (5) and formed with an electronic circuit including a control circuit for controlling the power device (2); and a plurality of first conductive plates (6) held in the housing (3), for electrically connecting the circuit board (4) with the power device (2), in which each of the plurality of first conductive plates (6) includes a press fit terminal (6bp) press-fitted into a through hole (4a) formed in the circuit board (4) to be bonded to the circuit board (4) on a surface opposed to the circuit board (4) and to be bonded to respective terminals of the power device (2) on a surface opposed to the heat sink (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tominaga, Takayuki Kifuku, Shuzo Akiyama, Masaaki Tanigawa
  • Patent number: 7643297
    Abstract: An electronic control apparatus can be reduced in size and cost by removing a metal substrate part. The apparatus includes a housing having a pair of opening portions at its opposite sides, a heat sink attached to one of the opening portions of the housing, a pair of semiconductor switching elements mounted on the heat sink, a circuit board arranged in opposition to the heat sink, a plurality of conductive plates electrically connecting the circuit board and the semiconductor switching elements to each other, and a plate spring urging the semiconductor switching elements against the heat sink. The plate spring has engagement portions press-fitted to and engaged with inner sides of holding portions which are formed on the housing, and the housing has engagement portions engaged with protruded portions of the heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tominaga, Takayuki Kifuku, Shuzo Akiyama, Tadayuki Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7635046
    Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus requires no external connecting member connecting between a power main body and a control main body, and hence can be reduced in size and cost, and the reliability of electrical connection between the power main body and the control main body can be improved. High current parts constituting the power main body and low current parts constituting the control main body are mounted on opposite sides of a circuit board, and are electrically connected with one another via conductor layers of the circuit board and through holes formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tominaga, Yasushi Yamaguchi, Tadayuki Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7621367
    Abstract: A control unit including a plurality of boards is formed of a single multilayer metal substrate, whereby an electric power steering apparatus can be obtained in which connection members for connecting between the boards are made unnecessary, so the size and cost of the apparatus can be reduced, and the reliability of bonding can be improved. In the electric power steering apparatus, a power main body (20a) and a control main body (20b) are mounted on a metal substrate (22), and the power main body (20a) and the control main body (20b) are electrically connected to each other by wiring patterns (26a through 26e) and metal columns 28a through 28d in the metal substrate 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tominaga, Tohru Hohtani, Yasushi Yamaguchi, Tadayuki Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20090122489
    Abstract: Provided is an electronic control device, including: a housing (3) which includes opening portions at both end portions thereof and is made of insulating resin; a heat sink (5) attached to one of the end portions of the housing (3); a power device (2) provided to the heat sink (5); a circuit board (4) which is provided so as to be opposed to the heat sink (5) and formed with an electronic circuit including a control circuit for controlling the power device (2); and a plurality of first conductive plates (6) held in the housing (3), for electrically connecting the circuit board (4) with the power device (2), in which each of the plurality of first conductive plates (6) includes a press fit terminal (6bp) press-fitted into a through hole (4a) formed in the circuit board (4) to be bonded to the circuit board (4) on a surface opposed to the circuit board (4) and to be bonded to respective terminals of the power device (2) on a surface opposed to the heat sink (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tominaga, Takayuki Kifuku, Shuzo Akiyama, Masaaki Tanigawa
  • Publication number: 20080278918
    Abstract: An electronic control apparatus can be reduced in size and cost by removing a metal substrate part. The apparatus includes a housing having a pair of opening portions at its opposite sides, a heat sink attached to one of the opening portions of the housing, a pair of semiconductor switching elements mounted on the heat sink, a circuit board arranged in opposition to the heat sink, a plurality of conductive plates electrically connecting the circuit board and the semiconductor switching elements to each other, and a plate spring urging the semiconductor switching elements against the heat sink. The plate spring has engagement portions press-fitted to and engaged with inner sides of holding portions which are formed on the housing, and the housing has engagement portions engaged with protruded portions of the heat sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tominaga, Takayuki Kifuku, Shuzo Akiyama, Tadayuki Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 7445081
    Abstract: In an electric power steering apparatus, a metal substrate and connector terminals arranged in a peripheral portion of the metal substrate are electrically connected to each other by metal elements, and conductor layers of the metal substrate and the metal elements are bonded to each other by laser welding, whereby the number of parts and a space for connection can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Tsutomu Tominaga
  • Publication number: 20080158823
    Abstract: An electronic control apparatus can be reduced in size and cost by eliminating certain parts such as a power board, etc. The apparatus includes a housing, a heat sink attached to one end of the housing, semiconductor switching elements 2 mounted on the heat sink, a circuit board arranged in opposition to the heat sink, and a plurality of conductive plates electrically connecting the circuit board and the semiconductor switching elements. The heat sink is composed of a heat sink main body, and an anodized aluminum film formed at least on a surface of the heat sink main body at a side at which the power device is mounted thereon, and the heat sink main body has outer peripheral end faces arranged in opposition to inner wall surfaces of an opening portion of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tominaga, Masahiro Kimata, Takayuki Kifuku, Shuzo Akiyama, Tadayuki Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20080157680
    Abstract: An electronic control apparatus can be reduced in size and cost, and also improved in the reliability of electrical connection by eliminating certain parts such as a power board, etc. The apparatus includes a housing, a heat sink arranged in the housing, semiconductor switching elements mounted on the heat sink and having terminals, a circuit board arranged in opposition to the heat sink and having an electronic circuit formed thereon including a control circuit for controlling the semiconductor switching elements, and a plurality of conductive plates electrically connecting the circuit board and the semiconductor switching elements to each other. The individual conductive plates are arranged along a lead-out direction in which the individual terminals of the semiconductor switching elements lead out, so that they are bonded to the individual terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsutomu Tominaga, Masahiro Kimata, Takayuki Kifuku, Shuzo Akiyama, Tadayuki Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20080158830
    Abstract: An electronic control apparatus can be reduced in size and cost by eliminating certain component parts such as a power board, etc. The apparatus includes a housing, a heat sink, semiconductor switching elements having terminals and mounted on the heat sink, a circuit board arranged in opposition to the heat sink, conductive plates connecting between the circuit board and the semiconductor switching elements, and a cover receiving the semiconductor switching elements and the circuit board in cooperation with the heat sink. The conductive plates have the press-fit terminal portions press-fitted into the through holes in the circuit board, and the individual conductive plates are arranged along a lead-out direction in which the individual terminals of the semiconductor switching elements lead out, and are bonded to the individual terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsutomu TOMINAGA, Masahiro Kimata, Takayuki Kifuku, Shuzo Akiyama, Tadayuki Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20070246289
    Abstract: In an electric power steering apparatus, a metal substrate and connector terminals arranged in a peripheral portion of the metal substrate are electrically connected to each other by metal elements, and conductor layers of the metal substrate and the metal elements are bonded to each other by laser welding, whereby the number of parts and a space for connection can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventor: Tsutomu Tominaga