Starter driving semiconductor switch apparatus
US8829710B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 2010 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/40
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A starter driving semiconductor switch apparatus energizes and de-energizes a starter according to a command from an outside. A series circuit to which semiconductor switches are connected in series is provided between a battery serving as a power supply and the starter. The starter is energized by bringing all the semiconductor switches into conduction. A voltage or a current at a predetermined point in the series circuit is monitored to make a self-diagnosis on whether the starter is allowed to start and whether there is a failure in the semiconductor switches according to a monitor output. The starter driving semiconductor switch apparatus is thus expected to have a longer useful life by energizing the starter not by using mechanical contacts but by using semiconductor switches.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.