US 11,929,698 B2
Short circuit protection for a BLDC motor
Michael T. Rajzer, Kenosha, WI (US); and Jason Genz, Kenosha, WI (US)
Assigned to Snap-on Incorporated, Kenosha, WI (US)
Filed by Snap-on Incorporated, Kenosha, WI (US)
Filed on Mar. 14, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/694,249.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/164,696, filed on Mar. 23, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0311372 A1, Sep. 29, 2022
Int. Cl. G01R 31/34 (2020.01); B25B 21/00 (2006.01); H02K 7/14 (2006.01); H02P 29/024 (2016.01)
CPC H02P 29/024 (2013.01) [B25B 21/004 (2013.01); G01R 31/343 (2013.01); H02K 7/145 (2013.01)] 22 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A tool having a motor, a power source adapted to supply power to the motor, and switching elements, the tool comprising:
a controller adapted to:
individually activate and deactivate the switching elements;
measure a first current corresponding to at least one of the switching elements when activated; and
indicate a short circuit fault has occurred in at least one of the switching elements when the measured first current meets or exceeds a first threshold current.