Patent ID: 6066931
Filing Date: 2000-05-23
Classification: H01H,H02H,H02P

Abstract:
A motor controller unit having semiconductor circuit component protection comprising:an enclosure;a plurality of semiconductor switches within said enclosure interconnecting with a switch controller circuit and a multi-phase electric motor, one of said switches being connected with one phase of said multi-phase motor;an inhibitable motor start circuit mounted within said enclosure connecting with said switch controller circuit for actuating said switch controller circuit to cause a motor start of said multi-phase motor;a first timer for measuring a time elapsed since a last motor stop, during which no said motor start has occurred;a first memory for storing at least one programmable default motor lock-out delay; anda processor for comparing said time elapsed to said at least one programmable default motor lock-out delay; said processor selectively inhibiting said motor start circuit;whereby said processor, upon sensing that no said last motor stop has occurred, does not inhibit said motor start circuit; andwhereby said processor, upon sensing that said last motor stop has occurred, inhibits said motor start circuit to said motor until said time elapsed equals or exceeds said at least one programmable default motor lock-out delay so as to protect said semiconductor switches from overheating.