초록 ▼

Pulsed-energy controllers and methods of operation thereof for driving inductive loads such as the actuator coil or coils of electromechanical actuators. The controllers utilize an inductor through which an initial current is established through a first circuit. The inductor is then switched across

Pulsed-energy controllers and methods of operation thereof for driving inductive loads such as the actuator coil or coils of electromechanical actuators. The controllers utilize an inductor through which an initial current is established through a first circuit. The inductor is then switched across the actuator coil or other inductive load in a second circuit and the first circuit is opened. The back EMF of the inductor, limited by a high voltage protective device, causes a rapid rise in the current through the actuator coil, the rise being much faster than could be achieved by merely coupling the supply voltage, as used to establish the current in the inductor, directly to the actuator coil. By proper selection of the controller circuit and its parameters, the initial rapid current rise may continue to a current higher than a steady state current, after which the current will decrease to or toward the lower steady state current until the current pulse is terminated. Various embodiments are disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of rapidly energizing an electromagnetic actuator having at least one energizing coil having first and second coil leads comprising:providing an inductor having first and second inductor leads;coupling the first coil lead and the first inductor lead to a first po

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of rapidly energizing an electromagnetic actuator having at least one energizing coil having first and second coil leads comprising:providing an inductor having first and second inductor leads;coupling the first coil lead and the first inductor lead to a first power supply terminal;coupling the second inductor lead through a first diode to the first coil lead and through a first switch to a second power supply terminal;coupling the second coil lead through a second switch to the second power supply terminal;coupling a third switch and a third diode in series across the first and second inductor leads; and,turning on the first and third switches to establish a predetermined current in the inductor, followed by alternately turning off and turning on of the first switch to maintain the predetermined current in the inductor, and setting the first switch to being on and the third switch to being off; and,turning on the second switch and turning off the first switch to couple the inductor in series with the coil.