Black Decker Inc.

Daniel R Beers

Michael Kenneth Forster

John Charles Vanko

Robert Alan Usselman

Jason K Leh

Samuel G Woods

William F Gallagher

Zollie W Privett, Jr

William G Kalbfleisch

Zoran Mihailovic

A motor control module designed to control operation of a plurality of different motors in a plurality of different tools a power tool uses an electronic clutch in the module in conjunction with a mechanical clutch in the tool to protect the tool against an overload event. The module is adapted to implement methods to provide aural and/or tactile feedback to a tool user as a warning of an impending or current fault condition in the tool. The module can prevent power from inadvertently turning on either after an overload event has cleared with the tool plugged in and its power switch on, or after plugging in the tool within the power switch on. The control module is adapted to provide torque control for the power tool, to estimate tool motor temperature and to inform a tool user when a servicing need in the tool is required.

Control and protection methodologies for a motor control module

A motor control module for a power tool includes a controller and a triac for controlling current to the given tool motor. The module includes a circuit within the controller for implementing a plurality of control methodologies related to synchronizing the module to the AC input signal, estimating average current flowing through the triac, compensating for amplifier offset to improve accuracy of current measurements in the module, and providing speed measurement and control for the tool motor using principles of hysteresis in a comparator of the controller. Additionally, the controller is configured to calibrate an oscillation calibration register therein.

Control methodologies for a motor control module

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Dallastown, PA, United States of America

Daniel R Beers