초록 ▼

The microprocessor based controller for the fractional horsepower actuator motor includes a capacitive power backup system. The motor is used as an actuator and is coupled to an air damper or valve. In the event of a loss of power to the controller, the controller must drive the air damper or valve

The microprocessor based controller for the fractional horsepower actuator motor includes a capacitive power backup system. The motor is used as an actuator and is coupled to an air damper or valve. In the event of a loss of power to the controller, the controller must drive the air damper or valve to a predetermined, failsafe position. The capacitive energy source stores sufficient power to drive the motor and the coupled air damper or valve to the predetermined failsafe position. The controller includes a sensor for determining the presence or absence of power and generating a failsafe control signal. A switch receives the failsafe control signal and passes power from either the main power supply or the capacitive energy storage unit. The controller includes a microprocessor and a memory. During a failsafe operation, the microprocessor drives the motor and hence the air damper or valve to the failsafe position at full power. When the position of the air damper or valve falls within a predetermined position band near the failsafe position, the microprocessor reduces the drive signal applied to the motor in order to achieve a soft landing at the failsafe position. In another embodiment, the microprocessor will reverse the direction of the air damper or valve if the position of the damper or valve is within a further predetermined position band near the failsafe position. Thereafter, the microprocessor drives the air damper or valve via the motor to the failsafe position through the soft landing system.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A microprocessor-based controller for a fractional horsepower motor used as an actuator and adapted to be coupled to an air damper or a valve, said controller receiving power and control input signals and comprising:a microprocessor coupled to and operating in conjunction

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A microprocessor-based controller for a fractional horsepower motor used as an actuator and adapted to be coupled to an air damper or a valve, said controller receiving power and control input signals and comprising:a microprocessor coupled to and operating in conjunction with a memory;a power and control input signal converter for regulating said power and converting said control input signals;a capacitive energy storage unit coupled to said converter and receiving power therefrom, said capacitive energy storage unit storing sufficient power to drive said fractional horsepower motor and move said coupled air damper or valve to a predetermined fail safe position upon a loss of said power;means for sensing a presence and said loss of said power and generating a fail safe control signal upon said loss of said power;a switch receiving said fail safe control signal and passing power from one of said converter and said capacitive energy storage unit based upon the absence or presence of said fail safe control signal, respectively;a driver controlled by and coupled to said microprocessor, said driver receiving said power from said switch and driving said fractional horsepower motor based thereon;means, coupled to said microprocessor, for continually monitoring a position of said coupled air damper or said valve and for generating a position indicative signal;said microprocessor having means for driving said air damper or valve via said driver to said fail safe position in the presence of said fail safe control signal and including means for reducing said power applied to said fractional horsepower motor via said driver when said position indicative signal falls within a predetermined position band near said predetermined fail safe position and in the presence of said fail safe control signal; and,said microprocessor having means for generating position control signals based upon said control input signals from said converter, said microprocessor applying said position control signals to said driver and thereby affecting said position of said coupled air damper or valve.