Systems and methods for overtemperature protection of motor-driven devices

Abstract

A device is disclosed comprising a motor and a motor protection system. The motor protection system includes a relay that allows current to be supplied to the motor when the relay is activated and prevents current from being supplied to the motor when the relay is deactivated. The motor protection system also includes a power electronics (PEC) that is communicatively coupled to the relay and configured to deactivate the relay upon detection of a fault condition and to activate the relay upon detection of no fault condition. The fault condition exists when a voltage generated based on a detected temperature of the motor is less than a first predetermined voltage threshold or greater than a second predetermined voltage threshold.

Description

Reference to related registration

[0001] This application claims priority over the concurrently pending US preliminary patent application No. 63 / 504,908, filed on May 30, 2023, entitled “Systems And Methods For Over-Temperature Protection For Motor-Operated Appliances”, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety, including the drawings, by reference. Technical field

[0002] The present description generally relates to systems and methods for protecting a motor-driven device when the temperature of the motor exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold, and in particular to systems and methods for protecting an insulation system of a motor during such high temperature events. State of the art

[0003] Currently, various devices are used to prevent the motor of an electrical device from overheating, so that the motor shuts down when the temperature is detected exceeding a predetermined threshold. For example, a thermal cut-off (TCO) is an electrical safety component designed to interrupt an electrical circuit after a predetermined temperature is reached. A TCO can be either a one-way device or resettable, for example, by manual or automatic reset. In motor protection applications, a TCO is connected in series with the motor and mounted directly on the motor. Other solutions include a PTC thermistor (positive temperature coefficient component). A PTC thermistor is an electrical component whose resistance depends on the operating temperature of the motor.More precisely, there is a positive relationship between resistance and temperature; that is, a higher temperature leads to a higher resistance. The PTC thermistor uses this higher resistance to reduce the current drawn by the motor. In motor protection applications, a PTC thermistor is also connected in series with the motor and mounted directly on the motor. Additionally, a temperature sensor with microcontroller-based motor protection control can be used to shut down a motor if its temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. A temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, an integrated circuit, a thermocouple, or similar device, can be used to measure the motor's temperature.A microcontroller, which receives the measured temperature from the temperature sensor, performs a specific safety operation, such as stopping control signals to the motor, if it is detected that the measured motor temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. Brief description

[0004] In one embodiment, a device comprises: a motor; and a motor protection system comprising: a relay that allows current to be supplied to the motor when activated and prevents current from being supplied to the motor when deactivated; and an electronic protection circuit (PEC) that is communicatively coupled to the relay and configured to: deactivate the relay in response to the detection of a fault condition; and activate the relay in response to the detection of no fault condition, wherein a fault condition exists when a voltage generated based on a detected temperature of the motor is less than a first predetermined voltage threshold or greater than a second predetermined voltage threshold.

[0005] In another embodiment, a motor protection system comprises: a relay that allows current to be supplied to a motor when the relay is activated and prevents current from being supplied to the motor when the relay is deactivated; and an electronic protection circuit (PEC) that is communicatively coupled to the relay and configured to: deactivate the relay in response to the detection of a fault condition; and activate the relay in response to the detection of no fault condition.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, a method comprises: sensing the temperature of a motor of a device; deactivating a relay supplying power to the motor of the device in response to the detection of a fault condition; and switching on the relay so that the relay supplies power to the motor of the device in response to the detection of no fault condition, wherein a fault condition exists when it is determined that the detected temperature is less than a first predetermined voltage threshold range or greater than a second predetermined voltage threshold range.

[0007] These and additional features of the embodiments described herein will become even more clearly understandable in connection with the following detailed description and the drawings. Brief description of the drawings

[0008] The embodiments shown in the drawings are for illustrative and exemplary purposes and are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments can be understood in conjunction with the subsequent drawings, where identical structures are identified by the same reference numerals. Fig. Figure 1 shows a front view of an exemplary device according to one or more aspects shown and described herein; Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a block diagram of components of the device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a circuit diagram of components of the device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and Fig. Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for avoiding overheating of the device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Detailed description

[0009] The embodiments described herein relate to overtemperature protection systems and methods for motor-driven equipment. The equipment comprises a motor and a motor protection system with a relay that allows power to be supplied to the motor when the relay is activated and prevents power to the motor when the relay is deactivated. The motor protection system also includes a power electronics (PEC) that is communicatively coupled to the relay and configured to deactivate the relay when a fault condition is detected and to activate the relay when no fault condition is detected. The fault condition exists when a voltage generated based on a detected temperature of the motor is less than a first predetermined voltage threshold or greater than a second predetermined voltage threshold.Various embodiments of the device and its operation are described in more detail below. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate identical or similar parts.

[0010] Unless expressly stated otherwise, it is in no way intended that any method described herein should be interpreted as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order, nor as requiring any particular orientation of an apparatus. Accordingly, unless a method claim expressly specifies an order of its steps, or an apparatus claim expressly specifies an order or orientation of individual components, or unless otherwise expressly stated in the claims or description that the steps must be performed in a particular order or that a particular arrangement or orientation of components of an apparatus is required, no order or orientation whatsoever shall be implied in any way.This applies to any possible basis of interpretation not expressly stated, including: logical considerations regarding the arrangement of steps, the sequence of operations, the order of components or the orientation of components; the literal meaning resulting from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or nature of the embodiments mentioned in the description.

[0011] As used herein, the singular forms "ein", "eine", and "der / die / das" also include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, referring to "eine Bauteil" includes statements with two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0012] Fig. Figure 1 shows a general example of a device 100 according to various embodiments. As in Fig. Figure 1 illustrates device 100 as a mixer. However, it should be understood that device 100 can be any appliance, such as air fryers, microwaves, food processors, coffee makers, hand mixers, stand mixers, and the like. The in Fig. The device shown in 100 may contain one or more sound-absorbing components, as described in detail herein. Fig. The device 100 shown is for illustrative purposes only, and the sound-dampening components described herein are not limited to this implementation. For example, the device 100 may include a large-volume container or any other mixing container described herein. Furthermore, the device 100 may allow the use of interchangeable containers.

[0013] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the device 100 comprises a mixer base 102 and a container 104, which can be operatively attached to the mixer base 102.

[0014] The mixer base 102 has a housing 106 comprising an upper surface 108, a lower surface 110 opposite the upper surface 108, and an outer wall 112 extending between the upper surface 108 and the lower surface 110. The housing 106 includes a container receiving element 114 on the upper surface 108 of the housing 106 to allow engagement with the container 104. In some embodiments, the housing 106 includes one or more feet 116 on the lower surface 110 of the housing 106.

[0015] The housing 106 contains various electronic components, such as a motor 118, which is described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the mixer base 102 includes a display device 120 and a tactile control device 122, which are arranged in the outer wall 112 of the housing 106 so that they are visible and accessible to an operator from the outside. The display device 120 and the tactile control device 122 are described in more detail below. It should be understood, however, that the display device 120 provides a visual indicator of the operating states of the device 100, such as an operating mode, a fault status, and the like. Furthermore, the tactile control device 122 can include any number of moving elements, each of which converts a physical movement into a data signal, such as a button, a switch, a rotary knob, a microphone, or the like.In some embodiments, the display device 120 and the tactile operating device 122 are combined into a single module.

[0016] The container 104 has a base 124, an open top 126 opposite the base 124, and a wall 128 between the base 124 and the open top 126. The container 104 can be made of one or more materials, such as plastic, glass, metal, or the like. The base 124 and the wall 128 define an internal cavity 130 of the container 104. The container 104 includes a container engagement element 132 on the base 124 of the container 104, which engages with the container receiving element 114 of the mixer base 102 to couple the container 104 to the mixer base 102.

[0017] The container 104 includes a lid 134 at its open upper end 126, which can be attached to the container 104 to cover the inner cavity 130. In some embodiments, the container 104 includes a handle 136 to facilitate removal of the container 104 from the mixer base 102. In some embodiments, the mixer base 102 can detect or determine whether the container 104 is connected to the mixer base 102, for example, by mechanical detection (e.g., push pins), user input, image recognition, magnetic detection (e.g., reed switches), electronic detection (e.g., induction coils, an NFC component), or the like.

[0018] The container 104 includes a blade 138 within the inner cavity 130. In some embodiments, the blade 138 is detachably coupled to the container 104. Furthermore, the container 104 can be detachably coupled to the mixer base 102, and the blade 138 extends through the bottom surface 124 of the container 104 into the inner cavity 130. The blade 138 can be set in rotation or motion by an external source, such as the motor 118 or the like. Consequently, food can be placed in the inner cavity 130 of the container 104 for mixing. By operating the motor 118, which drives the blade 138, the blade 138 can mix, heat, or otherwise interact with the contents within the inner cavity 130.In some aspects, the operation of the device 100 can introduce heat into the contents of the inner cavity 130, for example through a magnet and an exciter, which induce heat by rotating the magnet relative to the exciter.

[0019] Although the container 104 in Fig. Figure 1 is depicted as a large-format system, and the container 104 can be a single-portion container, for example, a container of the type where the container 104 is filled, the mixer base 102 with the blade 138 is attached to the container 104, and the container 104 is inverted and placed on the mixer base 102 for mixing. As can be seen, the container 104 is depicted as a large-format system. Fig. Container 104 shown is only an exemplary embodiment, and container 104 may have a different size and / or shape without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] Now, with regard to Fig. Figure 2 schematically depicts various components of the device 100. Specifically, the device 100 comprises a control unit 200, a communication path 202, the motor 118, the display device 120, and the tactile operating device 122. The various components of the device 100 and their interaction are described in detail below. It should be noted, however, that in some embodiments the device 100 need not include every component discussed here, and that in other embodiments it may include additional components not discussed here.

[0021] As mentioned above, the device 100 includes the communication path 202. The communication path 202 can be formed from any medium capable of transmitting a signal, such as conductive wires, conductors, optical waveguides, or the like. Furthermore, the communication path 202 can consist of a combination of media capable of transmitting signals. In one embodiment, the communication path 202 comprises a combination of conductors, conductors, connectors, and bus lines that together enable the transmission of electrical data signals to components such as processors, memory, sensors, input devices, output devices, and communication devices. The term "signal" also refers to a waveform (e.g., electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical, or electromagnetic—direct current, alternating current, sine wave, triangle wave, square wave, vibration, etc.) that can propagate through a medium.The communication path 202 connects the various components of the device 100 for communication purposes. As used herein, the term "communicatively coupled" means that coupled components are able to exchange data signals with each other, for example, electrical signals via a conductive medium, electromagnetic signals through the air, optical signals via optical waveguides, and the like.

[0022] As mentioned above, the device 100 comprises the control unit 200 with one or more processors 204 and one or more non-transitory memory modules 206. Each of the processors 204 can be any device capable of executing machine-readable instructions. Accordingly, each of the processors 204 can be an integrated circuit, a microchip, a computer, or any other computing device. The processors 204 are communicatively coupled to the other components of the device 100 via the communication path 202. Thus, the communication path 202 can connect any number of processors and enable the modules connected to the communication path 202 to operate in a distributed computing environment. In particular, each of these modules can act as a node that sends and / or receives data.

[0023] Each of the one or more memory modules 206 of the device 100 is coupled to the communication path 202 and communicatively connected to the processors 204. The memory modules 206 can comprise RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disks, or any other device capable of storing machine-readable instructions so that these instructions can be retrieved and executed by the processors 204. The machine-readable instructions can comprise logic or algorithm(s) in any programming language of any generation (e.g., 1GL, 2GL, 3GL, 4GL, or 5GL), such as machine language that can be executed directly by the processor, or assembly language, object-oriented programming (OOP), scripting languages, microcode, etc., which are compiled or assembled and stored as machine-readable instructions on the memory modules 206.In some embodiments, the machine-readable instructions may be written in a hardware description language (HDL), for example, as logic implemented by a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) configuration or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or equivalents. Accordingly, the methods described herein may be implemented in any conventional programming language as pre-programmed hardware elements or as a combination of hardware and software components. In some embodiments, the memory modules 206 contain machine-readable instructions which, when executed by the processors 204, cause the device 100 to perform the actions described below, including those in [reference to relevant section]. Fig. to perform the 4 described steps.

[0024] The device 100 includes the display device 120 to provide a visual output, such as notifications, alerts, or a combination thereof. The display device 120 is connected to the communication path 202 and communicates with the processors 204. Consequently, the communication path 202 connects the display device 120 to other modules of the device 100. The display device 120 can comprise any medium capable of transmitting an optical output, such as a cathode ray tube, light-emitting diodes, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like. Furthermore, the display device 120 can be a touchscreen that, in addition to providing optical information, detects the presence and position of a tactile input on or near a surface of the display device 120.Consequently, the display device 120 can directly receive mechanical inputs on the optical output provided by the display device 120.

[0025] The device 100 comprises the tactile control device 122, which is connected to the communication path 202, such that the communication path 202 connects the tactile control device 122 to other modules of the device 100. The tactile control device 122 can be any device capable of converting mechanical, optical, or electrical signals into a data signal that can be transmitted via the communication path 202. In particular, the tactile control device 122 can comprise any number of moving objects, each of which converts a physical movement into a data signal that can be transmitted via the communication path 202, such as a button, a switch, a rotary control, a microphone, or the like. In some embodiments, the display device 120 and the tactile control device 122 are combined into a single module.

[0026] Now, with regard to Fig. Figure 3 shows various electronic components of device 100. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the device 100 comprises the motor 118 and a motor protection system 300, which controls the supply of power to the motor 118 to ensure over-temperature protection, thus preventing, for example, damage to the motor 118 or other components of the device 100 in the event of a fault condition. More precisely, the motor protection system 300 comprises an NTC thermistor 302, an electronic protection circuit (PEC) 304, a reset device 306, and a relay 308, which is communicatively coupled to the PEC 304 to selectively enable or prevent power from being supplied to the motor 118 from a power supply, either external or internal to the device 100.

[0027] It should be understood that the determination steps described below can be performed by the hardware explained above. In other embodiments, the motor protection system 300 can include one or more processors 204 and one or more memory modules 206 ( Fig. 2) comprise components configured to perform the determination steps described below. More specifically, the PEC 304 of the motor protection system 300 comprises an overheating shutdown path 310, an open circuit shutdown path 312, and a latch path 314. As will be described in more detail later, the relay 308 is communicatively coupled to the overheating shutdown path 310, the open circuit shutdown path 312, and the latch path 314, so that the PEC 304 can selectively deactivate the relay 308 and thus prevent the motor 118 from operating when detected (e.g., by the control unit 200, Fig. 2) that a fault condition exists. In some embodiments, a fault condition exists when it is determined that a detected voltage is outside a predetermined voltage threshold range, as described in more detail below. The motor 118 cannot be operated as long as the fault condition exists. As soon as the fault condition no longer exists, for example, because the detected voltage is within the predetermined voltage threshold range, the PEC 304 can allow the relay 308 to be reactivated so that the motor 118 can be operated. Although a predetermined voltage threshold range is mentioned here, it should be understood that a single value can also be used instead of a range.

[0028] More precisely, the NTC thermistor 302 is attached to the motor 118 to detect the temperature of the motor's windings. Based on the detected temperature of the motor windings, the NTC thermistor 302 generates a resistance that is inversely proportional to the detected temperature. Consequently, when the temperature of the motor's windings rises, the resistance of the NTC thermistor 302 decreases. Conversely, when the temperature of the motor's windings falls, the resistance generated by the NTC thermistor 302 increases.

[0029] The overheating shutdown path 310 includes a first voltage divider 316, which is communicatively coupled to the NTC thermistor 302. The first voltage divider 316 generates a voltage, referred to herein as the input voltage C, based on the resistance of the NTC thermistor 302. Based on the resistance generated by the NTC thermistor 302, the first voltage divider 316 generates a voltage that is proportional to the generated resistance. Consequently, when the resistance generated by the NTC thermistor 302 decreases in response to a reduced detected temperature at the motor 118 ( Fig. 2) If the temperature of the motor 118 increases, the voltage generated by the first voltage divider 316 also increases. Conversely, if the resistance generated by the NTC thermistor 302 decreases in response to an increased detected temperature at the motor 118, the voltage generated by the first voltage divider 316 also decreases.

[0030] The overheating shutdown path 310 comprises a first setpoint voltage divider 318, which provides a first predetermined voltage threshold range D. The first voltage divider 316 and the first setpoint voltage divider 318 are coupled to a first comparator 320 to compare the input voltage C supplied by the first voltage divider 316 with the first voltage threshold range D supplied by the first setpoint voltage divider 318. In some embodiments, the first comparator 320 comprises one or more digital comparators with one or more resistor networks tuned to input-specific thresholds. In such embodiments, the digital comparator is used in place of any operational amplifiers. In some embodiments, the first comparator 320 uses hysteresis to mitigate the effects of noise on the input voltage C supplied by the first voltage divider 316.

[0031] If the first comparator 320 detects that the input voltage C is less than the first predetermined voltage threshold range D, a fault condition exists, and the first comparator 320, which is communicatively coupled to the relay 308, sends a signal to deactivate the relay 308. In particular, the fault condition detected by the first comparator 320 indicates an overtemperature of the motor 118 ( Fig. 2) It should be understood that the overheating shutdown path 310 is a redundant path, so that the first voltage divider 316 continuously detects a resistance from the NTC thermistor 302 and repeatedly compares the input voltage C with the first predetermined voltage threshold range D. Accordingly, the first comparator 320 is implemented repeatedly and redundantly to provide fault tolerance to the PEC 304.

[0032] The interruption shutdown path 312 includes a second voltage divider 322, which is similarly coupled to the first voltage divider 316 to obtain the voltage from the first voltage divider 316. In some embodiments, the first voltage divider 316 and the second voltage divider 322 are a single voltage divider. The second voltage divider 322 generates a voltage, which is referred to herein as the input voltage E.

[0033] The interrupt shutdown path 312 includes a second setpoint voltage divider 324, which provides a second predetermined voltage threshold range F. In some embodiments, the first setpoint voltage divider 318 and the second setpoint voltage divider 324 are a single setpoint voltage divider. Consequently, the first predetermined voltage threshold range D and the second predetermined voltage threshold range F can be identical.

[0034] The second voltage divider 322 and the second setpoint voltage divider 324 are coupled to a second comparator 326 to compare the input voltage E supplied by the second voltage divider 322 with the second voltage threshold range F supplied by the second setpoint voltage divider 324. In some embodiments, the second comparator 326 comprises one or more digital comparators with one or more resistor networks tuned to input-divider-specific thresholds. In such embodiments, the digital comparator is used instead of operational amplifiers. In some embodiments, the second comparator 326 uses hysteresis to mitigate the effects of noise on the input voltage E supplied by the second voltage divider 322.

[0035] If the second comparator 326 detects that the input voltage E is greater than the second predetermined voltage threshold range F, a fault condition exists, and the second comparator 326, which is communicatively coupled to the relay 308, sends a signal to deactivate the relay 308. In particular, the fault condition detected by the second comparator 326 indicates that the motor 118 ( Fig. 2) or another component of the PEC 304 malfunctions, for example, a connection is missing, broken, or loose. If relay 308 is deactivated, thus preventing current from being supplied to motor 118, the indicator device ( Fig. 1) The device 100 may, for example, display an error code, a light or the like to indicate that the motor 118 is not ready for operation.

[0036] It should be understood that the interrupt-switch-off path 312 is a redundant path, so that the second voltage divider 322 continuously detects a resistance from the NTC thermistor 302 via the first voltage divider 316 and repeatedly compares the input voltage E with the second predetermined voltage threshold range F. Accordingly, the second comparator 326 is implemented repeatedly and redundantly to provide fault tolerance to the PEC 304. In some embodiments, the first comparator 320 and the second comparator 326 are a single comparator.

[0037] The latch path 314 includes a diode OR gate 328 coupled to the first comparator 320 and the second comparator 326. The diode OR gate 328 serves to isolate the voltages provided by the overheating shutdown path 310 and the open-circuit shutdown path 312. As mentioned above, the motor protection system 300 includes the reset device 306, which causes the relay 308 to be held in a disabled state as soon as a fault condition exists (determined by the overheating shutdown path 310 and / or the open-circuit shutdown path 312) until a reset condition is fulfilled. In some embodiments, a reset condition exists when the reset device 306 is actuated by a user input via software. In other embodiments, the reset device 306 is a mechanical button of the tactile control device 122 on the mixer base 102 ( Fig. 1) of the device 100. In further embodiments, a reset condition is provided by a current reset cycle of the device 100, i.e. by switching the device 100 off and on again.

[0038] Latch path 314 includes a third setpoint voltage divider 330, which is coupled to a third comparator 332. The third comparator 332 performs a binary comparison between a static function A and an operating input B. In some embodiments, the static function A is set to the value 0. In some embodiments, the operating input B is set to the value 1 when a fault condition is detected, even if it is no longer present. Accordingly, when either of the above conditions is met, such that a fault condition has been detected (even if it is no longer present) and the operating input B is set to 1, which is greater than the static function A with the value 0, the third comparator 332 sends a signal to relay 308 to keep relay 308 in the disabled state.As described in more detail below, the operating input B is only set to 0 when a reset condition is met, for example by a power reset of the device 100 or by actuating the reset device 306, so that the third comparator 332 allows the relay 308 to be reactivated, provided that there is no longer a fault condition.

[0039] Now, with regard to Fig. 4 and taking into account the Fig.Figures 1-3 of the device 100 illustrate a method 400 for over-temperature protection of the device 100. First, in step 402, the device 100 is powered on and operated in a normal operating mode, i.e., without interrupting the power supply to the motor 118 of the device 100. During operation, in step 404, the NTC thermistor 302 attached to the motor 118 detects the temperature of the motor windings. In step 406, the NTC thermistor 302 generates a resistance based on the detected temperature of the motor windings. As mentioned above, the resistance generated by the NTC thermistor 302 is inversely proportional to the temperature. Consequently, if the temperature of the motor windings 118 increases, the resistance of the NTC thermistor 302 decreases. Conversely, if the temperature of the motor windings 118 decreases, the resistance generated by the NTC thermistor 302 increases.

[0040] In step 408, the NTC thermistor 302 transmits the resistance to the first voltage divider 316, which then generates a voltage. As mentioned above, the voltage generated by the first voltage divider 316 is proportional to the resistance it generates. Consequently, if the resistance generated by the NTC thermistor 302 increases in response to a lower detected temperature at the motor 118, the voltage generated by the first voltage divider 316 also increases. Conversely, if the resistance generated by the NTC thermistor 302 decreases in response to a higher detected temperature at the motor 118, the voltage generated by the first voltage divider 316 also decreases.

[0041] In step 410, the first comparator 320 compares the voltage generated by the first voltage divider 316 with the first voltage threshold range D provided by the first setpoint voltage divider 318. Additionally, in step 410, the second comparator 326 compares the voltage generated by the second voltage divider 322 with the second voltage threshold range F defined by the second setpoint voltage divider 324. In some embodiments, the voltage generated by the second voltage divider 322 is equal to the voltage generated by the first voltage divider 316. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the voltage range defined by the second setpoint voltage divider 324 is equal to the voltage range defined by the first setpoint voltage divider 318.

[0042] As mentioned above, the first and second predetermined voltage threshold ranges are specific to the particular device 100. Accordingly, different predetermined voltage threshold ranges are provided for other devices. In some embodiments, the upper and lower values ​​of the predetermined voltage threshold range may each be lower or higher. Additionally, in some embodiments, the difference between the upper and lower values ​​of the predetermined voltage threshold range may be smaller or larger.

[0043] In step 412, the first comparator 320 and the second comparator 326 determine whether the voltage generated by the first voltage divider 316 or the voltage generated by the second voltage divider 322 is outside the predetermined voltage thresholds, i.e., whether a fault condition exists. If both the first and second voltages are within their respective predetermined voltage thresholds, no fault condition exists, and the procedure 400 proceeds to step 414, in which a signal is sent to relay 308 to activate it. Relay 308 then allows current to be supplied to motor 118, enabling it to operate (or continue operating if relay 308 is already activated). Afterward, the procedure 400 returns to step 402, in which device 100 continues to operate.Accordingly, steps 404-412 are repeated redundantly to continuously monitor whether relay 308 should be deactivated if a fault condition occurs.

[0044] Alternatively, if in step 412 it is determined that the first or second voltage is outside the predetermined voltage threshold ranges, a fault condition exists, and procedure 400 proceeds to step 416, in which a signal is sent to relay 308 to deactivate it. Thus, relay 308 prevents current from being supplied to motor 118, and motor 118 is deactivated (or remains deactivated if relay 308 was already deactivated).

[0045] In step 418, it is then determined whether a reset condition exists so that relay 308 can be reactivated and motor 118 can be supplied with power again. As explained herein, a reset condition exists when it is determined that a power reset cycle of device 100 has been performed or that the reset device 306 has been actuated. As noted above, in some embodiments, the reset device 306 is controlled by software in response to user input.

[0046] Consequently, if step 418 detects that a reset condition exists (e.g., a power reset has been performed or the reset device 306 has been activated), procedure 400 proceeds to step 420, in which relay 308 is allowed to be reactivated. Thus, procedure 400 returns to step 402, in which device 100 continues to operate, and subsequently, step 412 confirms that no fault condition exists.

[0047] Alternatively, if step 418 detects that no reset condition exists (i.e., no power reset was performed and the reset device 306 was not actuated), procedure 400 proceeds to step 422 to leave relay 308 in the disabled state. Procedure 400 then returns to step 418, keeping relay 308 in the disabled state even though no fault condition exists, until step 418 detects that a reset condition exists. The loop between step 418 and step 422 terminates as soon as a reset condition exists, and procedure 400 returns to step 402, where device 100 continues to operate, and then step 412 confirms that no fault condition exists.

[0048] It is evident from the foregoing that this defines a device comprising a motor and a motor protection system, which includes a relay that allows current to be supplied to the motor when activated and prevents current from being supplied to the motor when deactivated, as well as a PEC that is communicatively coupled to the relay and configured to deactivate the relay when a fault condition is detected and to activate the relay when no fault condition is detected. A fault condition exists when a voltage generated based on a detected temperature of the motor is less than a first predetermined voltage threshold or greater than a second predetermined voltage threshold.

[0049] Further aspects of the embodiments described herein are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses.

[0050] A device comprising: a motor; and a motor protection system comprising: a relay that allows current to be supplied to the motor when the relay is activated and prevents current from being supplied to the motor when the relay is deactivated; and an electronic protection circuit (PEC) that is communicatively coupled to the relay and configured to: deactivate the relay in response to the detection of a fault condition; and activate the relay in response to the detection of no fault condition, the fault condition being present when a voltage generated based on a detected temperature of the motor is less than a first predetermined voltage threshold or greater than a second predetermined voltage threshold.

[0051] The device according to any preceding clause, further comprising: an NTC thermistor (negative temperature coefficient) attached to the motor, the NTC thermistor generating a resistance based on a detected temperature of the motor.

[0052] The device according to any preceding clause, further comprising: an overheating shutdown path, comprising: a first voltage divider communicatively coupled to the NTC thermistor, the first voltage divider generating a voltage based on the resistance generated by the NTC thermistor; and a first comparator determining whether the voltage generated by the first voltage divider is less than the first predetermined voltage threshold range.

[0053] The device according to any preceding clause, wherein the first comparator sends a signal to disable the relay in response to the finding that the voltage produced by the first voltage divider is less than the first predetermined voltage threshold.

[0054] The device according to any preceding clause, further comprising: an interrupt / switch-off path, comprising: a second voltage divider communicatively coupled to the NTC thermistor, the second voltage divider generating a voltage based on the resistance generated by the NTC thermistor; and a second comparator determining whether the voltage generated by the second voltage divider is greater than the second predetermined voltage threshold range.

[0055] The device according to any preceding clause, wherein the second comparator sends a signal to disable the relay in response to the finding that the voltage produced by the second voltage divider is greater than the second predetermined voltage threshold.

[0056] The device according to any preceding clause, further comprising: a latch path communicatively coupled to the overheat shutdown path and the interruption shutdown path, the latch path comprising: a reset device; and a third comparator that determines whether a reset condition exists.

[0057] The device according to any preceding clause, wherein the third comparator sends a signal to allow the relay to be reactivated in response to the finding that the reset condition is present.

[0058] The device according to any preceding clause, wherein the reset device is actuated in response to receiving an instruction from software or performing a power reset cycle.

[0059] A motor protection system comprising: a relay that allows current to be supplied to a motor when the relay is activated and prevents current from being supplied to the motor when the relay is deactivated; and an electronic protection circuit (PEC) that is communicatively coupled to the relay and configured to: deactivate the relay in response to the detection of a fault condition; and activate the relay in response to the detection of no fault condition.

[0060] The motor protection system according to any preceding clause, wherein the fault condition exists when a voltage generated based on a detected temperature of the motor is less than a first predetermined voltage threshold range.

[0061] The motor protection system according to any preceding clause, further comprising: an overheating shutdown path, comprising: a first voltage divider communicatively coupled to an NTC thermistor attached to the motor, wherein the first voltage divider generates a voltage based on a resistance generated by the NTC thermistor; and a first comparator that determines whether the voltage generated by the first voltage divider is less than the first predetermined voltage threshold, wherein the first comparator sends a signal to disable the relay in response to the finding that the voltage generated by the first voltage divider is less than the first predetermined voltage threshold.

[0062] A method comprising: sensing the temperature of a motor of a device; disabling a relay supplying power to the motor of the device in response to the detection of a fault condition; and activating the relay so that the relay supplies power to the motor of the device in response to the detection of no fault condition, wherein the fault condition exists in response to the detection of the detected temperature being less than a first predetermined voltage threshold or greater than a second predetermined voltage threshold.

[0063] The method according to any preceding clause, further comprising: sensing the temperature of the motor using an NTC thermistor (negative temperature coefficient) attached to the motor, wherein the NTC thermistor generates a resistance based on the sensed temperature of the motor.

[0064] The procedure according to any preceding clause, further comprising: generating a voltage across a first voltage divider based on the resistance generated by the NTC thermistor; and determining whether the voltage generated by the first voltage divider is less than the first predetermined voltage threshold range.

[0065] The procedure according to any preceding clause, further comprising sending a signal to disable the relay in response to the finding that the voltage produced by the first voltage divider is less than the first predetermined voltage threshold range.

[0066] The procedure according to any preceding clause, further comprising: generating a voltage across a second voltage divider based on the resistance generated by the NTC thermistor; and determining whether the voltage generated by the second voltage divider is greater than the second predetermined voltage threshold range.

[0067] The procedure according to any preceding clause, further comprising sending a signal to disable the relay in response to the finding that the voltage generated by the second voltage divider is greater than the second predetermined voltage threshold range.

[0068] The procedure according to any preceding clause, further comprising holding the relay in a disabled state until a reset condition is met.

[0069] The procedure according to any preceding clause, further comprising sending a signal to activate the relay in response to the finding that the reset condition is present.

[0070] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and adaptations can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. It is therefore intended that the description also includes such modifications and adaptations of the various embodiments described herein, provided that these modifications and adaptations fall within the scope of protection of the appended claims and their equivalents. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 504,908

[0001]

Claims

[1] Device, comprising: an engine; and an engine protection system, including: a relay that allows current to be supplied to the motor when the relay is activated, and prevents current from being supplied to the motor when the relay is deactivated; and an electronic protection circuit (PEC) that is communicatively coupled to the relay and configured to: to deactivate the relay in response to the detection of a fault condition; and to activate the relay in response to the detection that no fault condition exists, The fault condition exists when a voltage generated based on a detected temperature of the motor is less than a first predetermined voltage threshold range or greater than a second predetermined voltage threshold range. [2] Device according to claim 1, further comprising: an NTC thermistor (negative temperature coefficient) attached to the motor, wherein the NTC thermistor generates a resistance that depends on a detected temperature of the motor. [3] Device according to claim 2, further comprising: an overheating shutdown path with: a first voltage divider coupled to the NTC thermistor, wherein the first voltage divider generates a voltage based on the resistance generated by the NTC thermistor; and a first comparator that determines whether the voltage generated by the first voltage divider is less than the first predetermined voltage threshold range. [4] Device according to claim 3, wherein the first comparator sends a signal to deactivate the relay when it detects that the voltage generated by the first voltage divider is less than the first predetermined voltage threshold range. [5] Device according to claim 4, further comprising: an interrupt shutdown path with: a second voltage divider coupled to the NTC thermistor, wherein the second voltage divider generates a voltage based on the resistance generated by the NTC thermistor; and a second comparator that determines whether the voltage generated by the second voltage divider is greater than the second predetermined voltage threshold range. [6] Device according to claim 5, wherein the second comparator sends a signal to deactivate the relay when it detects that the voltage generated by the second voltage divider is greater than the second predetermined voltage threshold range. [7] Device according to claim 6, further comprising: a latch path that is communicatively coupled to the overheat shutdown path and the interrupt shutdown path, wherein the latch path includes the following: a reset device; and a third comparator that determines whether a reset condition exists. [8] Device according to claim 7, wherein the third comparator sends a signal to reactivate the relay when it detects that the reset condition is present. [9] Device according to claim 7, wherein the reset device is actuated in response to receiving an instruction from software or by performing a current reset cycle. [10] Engine protection system, comprising: a relay that allows current to be supplied to a motor when the relay is activated, and prevents current from being supplied to the motor when the relay is deactivated; and an electronic protection circuit (PEC) that is communicatively coupled to the relay and configured to: to deactivate the relay in response to the detection of a fault condition; and to activate the relay in response to the detection that no fault condition exists. [11] Motor protection system according to claim 10, wherein the fault condition exists when a voltage generated based on a detected temperature of the motor is less than a first predetermined voltage threshold range. [12] Engine protection system according to claim 11, further comprising: an overheating shutdown path with: a first voltage divider coupled to an NTC thermistor attached to the motor, wherein the first voltage divider generates a voltage based on a resistance generated by the NTC thermistor; and a first comparator that determines whether the voltage generated by the first voltage divider is less than the first predetermined voltage threshold range, wherein the first comparator sends a signal to deactivate the relay when it detects that the voltage generated by the first voltage divider is less than the first predetermined voltage threshold range. [13] Procedures, including: measuring the temperature of a motor or device; deactivating a relay that supplies power to the device's motor in response to the detection of a fault condition; and switching on the relay so that the relay supplies power to the device's motor, in response to the detection that no fault condition exists, A fault condition exists if it is determined that the detected temperature is less than a first predetermined voltage threshold range or greater than a second predetermined voltage threshold range. [14] The method of claim 13, further comprising: Detecting the temperature of the motor using an NTC thermistor attached to the motor, wherein the NTC thermistor generates a resistance based on the detected temperature of the motor. [15] The method of claim 14, further comprising: generating a voltage across a first voltage divider based on the resistance generated by the NTC thermistor; and Determining whether the voltage generated by the first voltage divider is less than the first predetermined voltage threshold range. [16] Method according to claim 15, further comprising sending a signal to deactivate the relay when it is determined that the voltage generated by the first voltage divider is less than the first predetermined voltage threshold range. [17] The method of claim 16, further comprising: generating a voltage across a second voltage divider based on the resistance generated by the NTC thermistor; and Determining whether the voltage generated by the second voltage divider is greater than the second predetermined voltage threshold range. [18] Method according to claim 17, further comprising sending a signal to deactivate the relay when it is determined that the voltage generated by the second voltage divider is greater than the second predetermined voltage threshold range. [19] Method according to claim 18, further comprising holding the relay in a deactivated state until a reset condition is met. [20] Method according to claim 19, further comprising sending a signal to reactivate the relay when it is determined that the reset condition is present.

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