US4449080A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electric vehicle protection scheme
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1982-05-27
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Granted: 1984-05-15
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Expires: 2002-05-27
Abstract
Abstract A fault detection and inhibit circuit for a power control unit in an electric traction motor propelled vehicle of the type wherein the power control unit includes a chopper circuit and a bypass contactor for shunting the chopper circuit when its percent conduction exceeds a relatively high value and a main contactor for connecting the chopper circuit and motor to a power source. The circuit assures that neither the main contactor, the bypass contactor nor the chopper circuit are in a shorted condition before permitting the application of power to the system. In the event of a running failure, the circuit prevents restarting until the failed condition has recovered.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles E. Konrad
- 👤 Robert C. Clark, deceased
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 02:19
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02H; H02H7/00; H02H7/08; H02H7/0833; H02H7/0838; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S388/00; Y10S388/90; Y10S388/903; Y10S388/907; Y10S388/917; Y10S388/92
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
155 words
A fault detection and inhibit circuit for a power control unit in an electric traction motor propelled vehicle, the control unit including a chopper circuit for regulating power to the motor and a bypass contactor for shunting the chopper circuit when the percent conduction time of the chopper circuit exceeds a predetermined value, and a main contactor for connecting the motor, the chopper circuit and a power source in a series current path, comprising; (a) a first voltage divider connected in parallel with the power source; (b) means for connecting an intermediate point of said first voltage divider to a point intermediate the main contactor and the bypass contactor; (c) means for comparing the voltage at said intermediate point of said first voltage divider to a predetermined range of voltage values; and (d) means for inhibiting the operation of the main contactor when said intermediate point voltage is outside said predetermined range of voltage values.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
155 words
A fault detection and inhibit circuit for a power control unit in an electric traction motor propelled vehicle, the control unit including a chopper circuit for regulating power to the motor and a bypass contactor for shunting the chopper circuit when the percent conduction time of the chopper circuit exceeds a predetermined value, and a main contactor for connecting the motor, the chopper circuit and a power source in a series current path, comprising; (a) a first voltage divider connected in parallel with the power source; (b) means for connecting an intermediate point of said first voltage divider to a point intermediate the main contactor and the bypass contactor; (c) means for comparing the voltage at said intermediate point of said first voltage divider to a predetermined range of voltage values; and (d) means for inhibiting the operation of the main contactor when said intermediate point voltage is outside said predetermined range of voltage values.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
The circuit of claim 1 wherein: said traction motor is a separately excited motor having parallel connected armature and field windings; said chopper circuit is connected in series with the armature winding; and a current regulator, for regulating field winding current, is connected in series with the field winding between the point intermediate the main contactor and the bypass contactor and a terminal of the power source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
161 words
The circuit of claim 1 or 2 wherein said comparing means comprises: (a) a second voltage divider connected across the power source; (b) a first voltage comparator having a first input terminal connected to a relatively high voltage top point on said second voltage divider and having a second input terminal connected to said intermediate point on said first voltage divider, said first comparator providing a set signal when said intermediate point voltage exceeds the voltage at said first input terminal; (c) a second voltage comparator having a first input terminal connected to a relatively low voltage top point on said second voltage divider and having a second input terminal connected to said intermediate point on said first voltage divider, said second comparator providing a set signal when said intermediate point voltage is less than the voltage at said first input terminal; and (d) means for coupling said set signal from said first and said second comparators to said inhibiting means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-05-15 | 1987-11-14 | 1988-05-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-05-15 | 1991-11-14 | 1992-05-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-05-15 | 1995-11-14 | 1996-05-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |