Power supply and motor system

Abstract

A power supply unit includes a first capacitor having a first capacitance, a second capacitor having a second capacitance, a power control, and a power-side connector having a plurality of power-side contacts including a first power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to the first capacitor, a second power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to the second capacitor, a first power-side power contact electrically connected to the power control, a second power-side power contact electrically connected to the power control, and a power-side ground contact electrically connected to a ground source. The power-side connector includes one of a plug and a socket configured for mating connection with a corresponding one of a socket and a plug of a motor for electrically connecting the power supply unit and the motor.

Description

POWER SUPPLY AND MOTOR SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and all benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 706,804, filed on October 14, 2024 and entitled POWER SUPPLY AND MOTOR SYSTEM, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND

[0002] Motors, such as those used in industrial applications, require a specific amount of power and capacitance to achieve torque and speed. Different motors require different amounts of power supplied by a power supply and capacitance supplied by capacitors depending on turn rating, horsepower, voltage rating, etc.SUMMARY

[0003] According to an exemplary aspect of the present application, a power supply unit includes a first capacitor having a first capacitance, a second capacitor having a second capacitance, a power control, and a power-side connector having a plurality of power-side contacts including a first power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to the first capacitor, a second power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to the second capacitor, a first power-side power contact electrically connected to the power control, a second powerside power contact electrically connected to the power control, and a power-side ground contact electrically connected to a ground source. The power-side connector includes one of a plug and a socket configured for mating connection with a corresponding one of a socket and a plug of a motor for electrically connecting the power supply unit and the motor.

[0004] According to another exemplary aspect of the present application, a motorized system includes a power supply unit and a motor unit. The power supply unit includes a first capacitor having a first capacitance, a second capacitor having a second capacitance, a power control, and a power-side connector having a plurality of power-side contacts including a first power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to the first capacitor, a second power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to the second capacitor, a first power-side power contact electrically connected to the power control, a second power-side power contact electrically connected to the power control, and a power-side ground contact electrically connected to a ground source, wherein the power-side connector including or forming one of a plug and a socket. The motor unit includes a motor and a motor side connector electricallyconnected with the motor and having a plurality of motor-side contacts including a motor-side capacitor contact, a first motor-side power contact, a second motor-side power contact, and a motor-side ground contact. The motor-side connector includes or forms one of a plug and socket configured for mating connection with the power-side connector, such that the motorside capacitor contact electrically couples to one of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts, the first motor-side power contact electrically couples to the first power-side power contact, the second motor-side power contact electrically couples to the second power-side power contact, and the motor-side ground contact electrically couples to the power-side ground contact. The motor-side connector further includes one of a second motor-side capacitor contact of the plurality of motor-side contacts for electrically coupling with the other of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts, and an insulating portion that aligns with the other of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts to prevent electrical coupling of the motor side connector to the other of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts.

[0005] According to another exemplary aspect of the present application, a method of preparing a motorized system is contemplated. In an exemplary method, a power supply unit is provided with a first capacitor having a first capacitance, a second capacitor having a second capacitance, a power control, and a power-side connector having a plurality of power-side contacts including a first power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to the first capacitor, a second power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to the second capacitor, a first power-side power contact electrically connected to the power control, a second powerside power contact electrically connected to the power control, and a power-side ground contact electrically connected to a ground source, with the power-side connector forming one of a plug and a socket. A motor unit is selected based on a desired voltage rating, with the motor unit including a motor electrically connected with a motor-side connector forming one of a plug and a socket configured for mating connection with the power-side connector and having a plurality of motor-side contacts including a motor-side capacitor contact, a first motor-side power contact, a second motor-side power contact, and a motor-side ground contact. The motor-side connector is coupled to the power-side connector such that the motor-side capacitor contact electrically couples to one of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts, the first motor-side power contact electrically couples to the first power-side power contact, the second motor-side power contact electrically couples to the second power-side power contact, and the motor-side ground contact electrically couples to the power-side ground contact, and one of: (a) a second motor-side capacitor contact of the plurality of capacitor contacts electrically couples to the other of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts and (b)an insulating portion of the motor-side connector aligns with the other of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts to prevent electrical coupling of the motor side connector to the other of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. l is a front view of a power supply unit and a power-side connector;

[0007] FIG. 2A is a front view of a motor and a motor-side connector;

[0008] FIG. 2B is a right-side cross-sectional view of a power-side connector connected to a motor-side connector;

[0009] FIG. 3A is a front view of a schematically illustrated motor and a motor-side connector;

[0010] FIG. 3B is a right-side cross-sectional schematic view of a power-side connector connected to a motor-side connector;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a line diagram of a power supply unit;

[0012] FIG. 4A is a wiring diagram for a power supply unit;

[0013] FIG. 4B is a wiring diagram for a first motor unit;

[0014] FIG. 4C is a wiring diagram for a second motor unit;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram that illustrates an exemplary methodology for operating a motorized system;

[0016] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a powder-coating system having a power supply unit and a motor unit; and

[0017] FIG. 6B is a partial cross-sectional side view of a powder-coating system having a power supply unit and a motor unit.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] This Detailed Description merely describes exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. Indeed, the invention as claimed is broader than and unlimited by the described embodiments, and the terms used in the claims have their full ordinary meaning.

[0019] While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within thescope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions— such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, circuits, devices and components, software, hardware, control logic, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on— may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure, however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Parameters identified as “approximate” or “about” a specified value are intended to include the specified value, values within 5% of the specified value, and values within 10% of the specified value, unless expressly stated otherwise. Further, it is to be understood that the drawings accompanying the present disclosure may, but need not, be to scale, and therefore may be understood as teaching various ratios and proportions evident in the drawings. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventions instead being set forth in the appended claims. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.

[0020] Various technologies pertaining to a motorized system are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more aspects. It may be evident, however, that such aspect(s) may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing one or more aspects. Further, it is to be understood that functionalitythat is described as being carried out by certain system components may be performed by multiple components. Similarly, for instance, a component may be configured to perform functionality that is described as being carried out by multiple components.

[0021] Moreover, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase “X employs A or B” is satisfied by any of the following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

[0022] Different motors require different levels of capacitance depending on the turn ratings, horsepower, and voltage ratings of the motors. Power supplies that provide power to the motors may include one or more capacitors that provide a desired capacitance to the motors. The capacitors help manage reactive power, improve power factor, provide a boost to the motors during startup, and limit current supplied to the motors through variable resistance. Typically, the capacitors are tied to the power supplies, meaning that each power supply can only support a specific type of motor. For example, a power supply cannot power a 230 VAC motor and a 115 VAC motor because each motor requires a different capacitance to operate correctly.

[0023] According to an exemplary aspect of the present application, a power supply may be provided with a power-side connector (e.g., socket or plug) for connecting with a motor side connector (e.g., mating plug or socket) of an associated motor, with the power side connector carrying a plurality of capacitor contacts electrically connected with a plurality of capacitors of the power supply. The motor-side connector includes a contact arrangement configured to connect with a suitable one or more of the plurality of contacts to provide a suitable capacitance for the motor with which the motor-side connector is provided.

[0024] According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a power supply unit may be provided with a power-side connector having power contacts, a ground contact, and multiple contacts connected to multiple capacitors of the power supply unit, and a motor unit may be provided with a corresponding motor-side connector that mates with the power-side connector such that the power contacts, the ground contact, and only the capacitor contact(s) that correspond to the appropriate capacitance for the motor’s voltage rating are electrically connected to the motor. The power supply unit can be used with a plurality of different motorsbecause the contacts and connections of each motor-side connector are different for each motor depending on the required capacitance of the motor.

[0025] For example, a first capacitor having a first capacitance (e.g., approximately 1.5 pF) connected to a first capacitor contact may be used for a first motor having a first voltage (e.g., approximately 230 VAC), where the motor-side connector has a motor-side capacitor contact for connection with the first capacitor contact. In some such arrangements, the first capacitor and a second capacitor having a second capacitance (e.g., approximately 2.5 pF) may both be used for a second motor having a second voltage (e.g., approximately 115 VAC) to provide a combined capacitance (e.g., 4.0 pF total capacitance) suitable for the second motor, where the motor-side connector has a first motor-side capacitor contact for connection with the first capacitor contact and a second motor-side capacitor contact for connection with the second capacitor contact. In such an arrangement, the first motor-side capacitor contact and the second motor-side capacitor contact are electrically connected within the motor-side connector to effect a combined capacitance. In still other arrangements, the motor-side connector may include only a motor-side capacitor contact for connection with the second capacitor contact, to provide a motor capacitance corresponding to the second capacitance of the second capacitor.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a power supply unit 100 comprising a first capacitor 102 having a first capacitance, a second capacitor 104 having a second capacitance, and a power control 106. The power supply unit 100 may further comprise a ground source 108. It is understood that the ground source 108 may be part of the power supply unit 100 or external to the power supply unit 100. For example, the ground source 108 is connected to or integrated with a chassis (e.g., housing or frame) of the power supply unit 100. The power supply unit 100 is any electrical device that outputs power. In an example, the power supply unit 100 outputs AC power. In another example, the power supply unit 100 outputs AC power from a battery. The power supply unit 100 can additionally or alternatively be any kind of power converter, such as a DC-AC inverter.

[0027] The first capacitor 102 and second capacitor 104 are electrical components that store energy. While not limited as such, the first capacitor 102 and second capacitor 104 can be capacitors with a defined capacitance. For example, the first capacitance is about 2.5 pF and the second capacitance is about 1.5 pF. The first capacitor 102 and the second capacitor 104 can have any suitable capacitance depending on the needs of the motorized system, e.g., 1 pF - 10 pF. It is understood that the first capacitor 102 and the second capacitor 104 can includeany electrical components that mimic the operation of a capacitor to supply a desired capacitance.

[0028] The power control 106 can be a relay, rectifier, or any other component that, when activated, provides power as an output of the power supply unit 100. In an example, the power control 106 is an AC power control. In another example, the power control 106 is a relay, wherein the relay is connected to a switch. When the switch is actuated, power is provided as an output of the power supply unit 100.

[0029] The power supply unit 100 further comprises a power-side connector 110 having a plurality of power-side contacts, including a first power-side capacitor contact 112, a second power-side capacitor contact 114, a first power-side power contact 116, a second power-side power contact 118, and a power-side ground contact 120. The power-side connector 110 is any connector configured to mate with another connector. This connection can be any typical male-female connection. In an example, the power-side connector 110 is a socket, where the first power-side capacitor contact 112, the second power-side capacitor contact 114, the first power-side power contact 116, the second power-side power contact 118, and the power-side ground contact 120 are receptacles, and where the power-side connector 110 is configured for mating connection with a plug. In another example, the power-side connector 110 is a plug, where the first power-side capacitor contact 112, the second power-side capacitor contact 114, the first power-side power contact 116, the second power-side power contact 118, and the power-side ground contact 120 are pin contacts, and where the power-side connector 110 is configured for mating connection with a socket. It is understood that the power-side connector 110 (and power-side contacts 112, 114, 116, 118, 120) can be any kind of plug, pin, prong, or any other kind of male connector and any kind of receptacle, socket, slot, or any other kind of female connector. Briefly referring to FIGS. 2B and 3B, the power supply unit 100 can further include a housing such that the electrical components and circuitry of the power supply unit 100 is at least partially enclosed within the housing, and where the power-side connector 110 is disposed on (e.g., recessed or protruding from) the exterior of the housing such that the first power-side capacitor contact 112, the second power-side capacitor contact 114, the first power-side power contact 116, the second power-side power contact 118, and the power-side ground contact 120 are contained within the power supply unit 100.

[0030] Referring back to FIG. 1, the first power-side capacitor contact 112 is electrically connected to the first capacitor 102, the second power-side capacitor contact 114 is electrically connected to the second capacitor 104, the first power-side power contact 116 is electrically connected to the power control 106, the second power-side power contact 118 iselectrically connected to the power control 106, and the power-side ground contact 120 is electrically connected to the ground source 108. Depending on the configuration of the power supply unit 100, the first power-side power contact 116 and the second power-side power contact 118 may output different levels of power. In an example, the first power-side power contact 116 outputs a first power level (e.g., 100 watts), and the second power-side power contact 118 outputs a second power level (e.g., 200 watts). In another example, the first powerside power contact 116 outputs the first power level, and the second power-side power contact 118 outputs no power (i.e., the second power-side power contact 118 is connected to ground). Such a configuration may be necessary where a motor requires a hot connection, a neutral connection, and a ground connection to operate.

[0031] The plurality of power-side contacts may additionally or alternatively include one or more additional power-side capacitor contact (not shown) electrically connected to corresponding one or more additional capacitors (not shown) provided with the power supply unit. It is understood that the operation and structure of each of the plurality of power-side contacts may be substantially the same (e.g., all pin contacts, all receptacle contacts), or may be different (e.g., one or more pin contacts and one or more receptacle contacts). It is also understood that the operation and structure of the first capacitor 102 and second capacitor 104 may be applicable to any additional capacitors, if provided.

[0032] Briefly referring to FIGS. 4 and 4A, a power supply unit 100 line diagram and wiring diagram are shown, where the first power-side capacitor contact 112 is electrically connected to the first capacitor 102, the second power-side capacitor contact 114 is electrically connected to the second capacitor 104, the first and second power-side power contacts 116, 118 are electrically connected to the power control 106, and the power-side ground contact 120 is electrically connected to the ground source 108.

[0033] It is understood that the power-side connector 110 may have one or more additional power-side contacts depending on the configuration and output requirement of the power supply unit 100.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a motor unit 200 is schematically illustrated. The motor unit 200 includes a motor 202. The motor 202 can be any suitable motor depending on the needs of the motor unit 200. For example, the motor 202 may be an AC motor, as described herein. The motor 202 may be one of many types of motors, including, for example, a stepper motor, brushless motor, hysteresis motor, reluctance motor, or universal motor. In some applications, the motor 202 can be a vibratory motor, such that the motor 202 generates vibrational energy by the rotation of a rotor of the motor 202. One exemplary application fora vibratory motor is for use as a vibratory box feed (VBF) motor for vibration of a powder container supporting platform or table, to facilitate loosening and fluidization of the powder for powder coating applications. Exemplary vibratory motor applications are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 10,525,490 and 5,690,450, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0035] The motor unit 200 further includes a motor-side connector 204 electrically connected to the motor 202. A cable may form the electrical connection between the motor 202 and the motor-side connector 204, and the motor 202 further comprises a molded-over portion (e.g., rubber or any insulative material) that extends from the cable to cover the motor-side connector 204. The motor-side connector 204 has a motor-side capacitor contact 206, a first motor-side power contact 208, a second motor-side power contact 210, and a motor-side ground contact 212. The motor-side connector 204 may include any connector configured to mate with the power-side connector 110. This connection can be any typical male-female connection. In an example, the motor-side connector 204 forms a socket, where each of the motor side contacts comprises a receptacle, and where the motor-side connector 204 is configured to mate with a plug of the power supply unit. In another example, the motor-side connector 204 forms a plug, where each of the motor-side contacts comprises a pin (e.g., JI -1 to JI -5, as schematically shown), and where the motor-side connector 204 is configured to mate with a socket of the power supply unit. It is understood that the motor-side connector 204 (and motor-side contacts 206, 208, 210, 212) can include any kind of plug, pin, prong, or any other kind of male connector and / or any kind of receptacle, socket, slot, or any other kind of female connector.

[0036] The motor-side connector 204 is configured to connect with the power-side connector 110 such that the motor-side capacitor contact 206 electrically couples to one of the first power-side capacitor contact 112 and second power-side capacitor contact 114, the first motor-side power contact 208 electrically couples to the power-side voltage contact 116, the second motor-side power contact 210 electrically couples to the second power-side power contact 118, and the motor-side ground contact 212 electrically couples to the power-side ground contact 120.

[0037] To limit connection of the motor to only one of the multiple power supply unit capacitors, the motor-side connector 204 may further include an insulating portion 214 that aligns with the other of the first power-side capacitor contact 112 and second power-side capacitor contact 114 to prevent electrical coupling of the motor-side connector 204 to the other of the first power-side capacitor contact 112 and second power-side capacitor contact 114. Theinsulating portion 214 can be a void, a plastic pin contact (or other non-conductive contact), or any other type of material or contact such that no electrical connection is made between the second power-side capacitor contact and the insulating portion 214. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, no electrical connection is made between the insulating portion 214 and, for example, the second power-side capacitor contact 114. Therefore, the second capacitor 104 is not electrically connected to the motor 202. Such a configuration allows for the proper capacitance to be supplied to the motor 202 depending on the capacitive requirements of the motor 202. For example, where the motor 202 is a 230 VAC motor requiring a capacitor having a capacitance of about 1.5 pF to operate the motor 202, the first capacitor 102 may be selected to have a first capacitance of about 1.5 pF, the proper capacitance is supplied to the motor 202 via the connection between the first power-side capacitor contact 112 and the motor-side capacitor contact 206, with no additional capacitance being required. Hence, no connection is made between the insulating portion 214 and the second power-side capacitor contact 114, and the second capacitor 104 is not electrically connected to the motor 202.

[0038] To provide for connection of the motor to two of the multiple power supply unit capacitors, the motor-side connector 204 may include a second motor-side capacitor contact instead of the above-mentioned insulating portion, to electrically couple with the other of the first power-side capacitor contact 112 and second power-side capacitor contact 114. Now referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the motor-side connector 204 comprises the second motor-side capacitor contact 302. Here, the first stated motor-side capacitor contact 206 is electrically coupled to the first power-side capacitor contact 112 and the second motor-side capacitor contact 302 is electrically coupled to the second power-side capacitor contact 114. Further, the first stated motor-side capacitor contact 206 is electrically connected to the second motor-side capacitor contact 302 within the motor-side connector 204 such that the first capacitor 102 and the second capacitor 104 are electrically connected in parallel with each other. In an example, where the motor 202 is a 115 VAC motor requiring a total capacitance of about 4.0 pF to operate the motor 202, the first capacitor 102 may be selected to provide a first capacitance of about 1.5 pF, and the second capacitor 104 may be selected to provide a second capacitance of about 2.5 pF, such that the proper capacitance is supplied to the motor 202 via the connection between the motor-side capacitor contact 206 and the second motor-side capacitor contact 302 within the motor-side connector 204 by the first capacitor 102 and second capacitor 104 electrically connected in parallel with each other for connection with the motor (i.e., 1.5 pF + 2.5 pF = 4.0 pF). In other embodiments, a motor unit requiring a greater capacitance may instead include a single motor-side capacitor contact for connecting to a second power-sidecapacitor contact that is electrically connected to a second capacitor configured to provide the full capacitance (e.g., 4.0 pF) required by the motor unit.

[0039] Where the power supply unit is provided with one or more additional capacitors (i.e., three or more total), the motor-side connector may include multiple insulating portions and / or multiple capacitor contacts arranged for connecting with the one or more power-side capacitor contacts corresponding to the desired one or more capacitors.

[0040] Now referring to FIGS. 4B and 4C, two motor units are shown. Specifically, FIG. 4B shows a first motor unit having a 230 VAC motor and a motor connector comprising a first motor-side capacitor contact, an insulating portion, a first motor-side power contact, a second motor-side power contact, and a motor-side ground contact. FIG. 4C shows a second motor unit having a 115 VAC motor and a motor connector comprising a first motor-side capacitor contact, a second motor-side capacitor contact, a first motor-side power contact, a second motor-side power contact, and a motor-side ground contact.

[0041] Briefly referring to FIGS. 6 A and 6B, an exemplary powder-coating apparatus 600 is shown. The exemplary powder-coating apparatus 600 is provided as a dolly, table, mobile station, or other structure including a power supply unit 100 and a motor unit 200. The power supply unit 100 and the motor unit 200 are electrically connected via the connection between the power-side connector 110 and the motor-side connector 204 as described above. The exemplary powder-coating apparatus 600 includes a platform 602 and a suction tube 604. The platform 602 supports a powder container (not shown) containing powder.

[0042] In operation, the power supply unit 100 is actuated, and power is supplied to the motor 202 of the motor unit 200. Here, the motor 202 is a vibratory motor (as previously described). As previously noted, the motor 202 can be a 230 VAC motor, a 115 VAC motor, or any other preferred power-rated motor. As discussed herein, different motors can be provided to the powder-coating apparatus 600 without having to change the power supply unit 100. For example, if the motor 202 required is a 230 VAC motor, the 230 VAC motor can be connected to the power supply unit 100 by a 230 VAC specific (e.g., single capacitor contact for connecting with first capacitor of power supply unit) motor connector plug that mates with a power supply unit connector socket as described above. In another example, if the motor 202 required is a 115 VAC motor, the 115 VAC motor can be connected to the power supply unit 100 by a 115 VAC specific (e.g., first and second capacitor contacts for connecting with first and second capacitors of power supply unit) motor connector plug that mates with a power supply unit connector socket as described above. The motor 202 vibrates the platform 602, which in turn vibrates the powder container and the powder contained within the powdercontainer. The vibration causes the powder contained within the powder container to act as a liquid (rather than a solid), and the powder is sucked out the powder container via the suction tube 604.

[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary methodology relating to operating a motorized system. While the methodologies are shown and described as being a series of acts that are performed in a sequence, it is to be understood and appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of the sequence. For example, some acts can occur in a different order than what is described herein. In addition, an act can occur concurrently with another act. Further, in some instances, not all acts may be required to implement a methodology described herein.

[0044] In the exemplary method 500 of FIG. 5, at 502, a power supply unit having a power-side connector is provided, where the power-side connector comprises one of a plug and a socket. It is understood that the power-side connector may be configured as described and shown in FIGS. 1-4 A of the application. The power supply unit has a first capacitor, a second capacitor, a power control, and the power-side connector has a plurality of power-side contacts including a first power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to the first capacitor, a second power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to the second capacitor, a first power-side power contact electrically connected to the power control, a second power-side power contact electrically connected to the power control, and a power-side ground contact electrically connected to a ground source. At 504, a motor is selected, where the motor has a motor-side connector configured for mating connection with the power-side connector. It is understood that the motor-side connector may be configured as described and shown in FIGS. 2-4 of the application. The motor-side connector has a plurality of motor-side contacts including a motor-side capacitor contact, a first motor-side power contact, a second motor-side power contact, and a motor-side ground contact. At 506, the motor-side connector is connected to the power-side connector such that the power supply unit and the motor are electrically connected. Specifically, the first power-side capacitor contact electrically couples to the motorside capacitor contact, the first power-side power contact electrically couples to the first motorside power contact, the second power-side power contact electrically couples to the second motor-side power contact, the power-side ground contact electrically couples to the motor-side ground contact, and one of a second motor-side capacitor contact of the plurality of capacitor contacts electrically couples to the other of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts and an insulating portion of the motor-side connector aligns with the other of the first andsecond power-side capacitor contacts to prevent electrical coupling of the motor-side connector to the other of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts.

[0045] What has been described above includes examples of one or more embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable modification and alteration of the above devices or methodologies for purposes of describing the aforementioned aspects, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further modifications and permutations of various aspects are possible. Accordingly, the described aspects are intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A power supply unit, comprising: a first capacitor having a first capacitance; a second capacitor having a second capacitance; a power control; and a power-side connector having a plurality of power-side contacts including a first power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to the first capacitor, a second power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to the second capacitor, a first power-side power contact electrically connected to the power control, a second power-side power contact electrically connected to the power control, and a power-side ground contact electrically connected to a ground source, wherein the power-side connector comprises one of a plug and a socket configured for mating connection with a corresponding one of a socket and a plug of a motor for electrically connecting the power supply unit and the motor.

2. The power supply unit of claim 1, wherein the first capacitance is about 2.5 pF.

3. The power supply unit of any of claims 1 - 2, wherein the second capacitance is about 1.5 pF.

4. The power supply unit of any of claims 1 - 3, further comprising a third capacitor, wherein the plurality of power-side contacts further comprises a third power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to the third capacitor.

5. The power supply unit of any of claims 1 - 4, wherein the power-side connector comprises a socket.

6. The power supply unit of any of claims 1 - 4, wherein the power-side connector comprises a plug.

7. The power supply unit of any of claims 1 - 6, wherein each of the plurality of powerside contacts comprises a receptacle.

8. The power supply unit of any of claims 1 - 6, wherein each of the power-side contacts comprises a pin.

9. The power supply unit of any of claims 1 - 8, wherein the second capacitance is different from the first capacitance.

10. The power supply unit of any of the claims 1 - 9, wherein the power supply unit further comprises a housing such that the power supply unit is at least partially enclosed within the housing, and further wherein the power-side connector is disposed on the exterior of the housing.

11. A motorized system, comprising: a power supply unit including: a first capacitor having a first capacitance; a second capacitor having a second capacitance; a power control; and a power-side connector having a plurality of power-side contacts including a first power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to the first capacitor, a second power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to the second capacitor, a first power-side power contact electrically connected to the power control, a second powerside power contact electrically connected to the power control, and a power-side ground contact electrically connected to a ground source, wherein the power-side connector comprises one of a plug and a socket; and a motor unit having: a motor; and a motor-side connector having a plurality of motor-side contacts including a motor-side capacitor contact, a first motor-side power contact, a second motor-side power contact, and a motor-side ground contact; wherein the motor-side connector comprises one of a plug and socket configured for mating connection with the power-side connector such that: the motor-side capacitor contact electrically couples to one of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts; the first motor-side power contact electrically couples to the first power-side power contact;the second motor-side power contact electrically couples to the second powerside power contact; and the motor-side ground contact electrically couples to the power-side ground contact; and wherein the motor-side connector further comprises one of: a second motor-side capacitor contact of the plurality of motor-side contacts for electrically coupling with the other of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts; and an insulating portion that aligns with the other of the first and second powerside capacitor contacts to prevent electrical coupling of the motor side connector to the other of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts.

12. The motorized system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of power-side contacts further comprises a third power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to a third capacitor having a third capacitance.

13. The motorized system of any of claims 11-12, wherein the plurality of motor-side contacts comprises the second motor-side capacitor contact.

14. The motorized system of claim 13, wherein the motor-side capacitor contact and the second motor-side capacitor contact are electrically connected within the motor-side connector.

15. The motorized system of any of claims 11-12, wherein the motor-side connector comprises the insulating portion.

16. The motorized system of claim 15, wherein the insulating portion comprises one of a void and a non-conductive contact for engaging the other of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts.

17. The motorized system of any of claims 11-16, wherein the motor-side connector comprises a plug.

18. The motorized system of claim 17, wherein each of the motor-side contacts comprises a pin, and each of the power-side contacts comprises a socket.

19. The motorized system of any of claims 11-16, wherein the motor-side connector comprises a socket.

20. The motorized system of claim 19, wherein each of the motor-side contacts comprises a receptacle, and each of the power-side contacts comprises a pin.

21. The motorized system of any of claims 11-20, wherein the first capacitance is about 2.5 pF.

22. The motorized system of any of claims 11-21, wherein the second capacitance is about 1.5 pF.

23. The motorized system of any of claims 11 -22, wherein the motor unit comprises a cable forming an electrical connection between the motor and the motor-side connector, and wherein the motor further comprises a molded-over portion that extends from the cable to cover the motor-side connector.

24. A method of preparing a motorized system, the method comprising: providing a power supply unit, wherein the power supply unit has a first capacitor having a first capacitance, a second capacitor having a second capacitance, a power control, and a power-side connector having a plurality of power-side contacts including a first powerside capacitor contact electrically connected to the first capacitor, a second power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to the second capacitor, a first power-side power contact electrically connected to the power control, a second power-side power contact electrically connected to the power control, and a power-side ground contact electrically connected to a ground source, wherein the power-side connector comprises one of a plug and a socket; selecting a motor based on a desired voltage rating, the motor comprising a motor-side connector having one of a plug and socket configured for mating connection with the powerside connector and having a plurality of motor-side contacts including a motor-side capacitor contact, a first motor-side power contact, a second motor-side power contact, and a motor-side ground contact; connecting the motor-side connector to the power-side connector such that:the motor-side capacitor contact electrically couples to one of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts; the first motor-side power contact electrically couples to the first power-side power contact; the second motor-side power contact electrically couples to the second powerside power contact; the motor-side ground contact electrically couples to the power-side ground contact; and one of: a second motor-side capacitor contact of the plurality of capacitor contacts electrically couples to the other of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts; and an insulating portion of the motor-side connector aligns with the other of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts to prevent electrical coupling of the motor side connector to the other of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts.

25. The method of claim 25, wherein the plurality of power-side contacts further comprises a third power-side capacitor contact electrically connected to a third capacitor having a third capacitance.

26. The method of any of claims 24-25, wherein the plurality of motor-side contacts comprises the second motor-side capacitor contact.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the motor-side capacitor contact and the second motor-side capacitor contact are electrically connected within the motor-side connector.

28. The method of any of claims 24-25, wherein the motor-side connector comprises the insulating portion.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the insulating portion comprises one of a void and a non-conductive contact for engaging the other of the first and second power-side capacitor contacts.

30. The method of any of claims 24-29, wherein the motor-side connector comprises a plug.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein each of the motor-side contacts comprises a pin, and each of the power-side contacts comprises a receptacle.

32. The method of any of claims 24-29, wherein the motor-side connector comprises a socket.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein each of the motor-side contacts comprises a receptacle, and each of the power-side contacts comprises a pin.

34. The method of any of claims 24-33, wherein the voltage rating of the motor is one of about 115 VAC and about 230 VAC.

35. A powder coating apparatus comprising: the motorized system of any of claims 11-23, wherein the motor comprises a vibratory box feed (VBF) motor; a platform for supporting a container of powder material, the motor being operatively connected with the platform for vibration of the platform; and a suction tube for withdrawal of the powder material from the container.

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