US 12,278,586 B2
Voltage-based braking methodology for a power tool
Timothy J. Bartlett, Waukesha, WI (US); Zachary J. Evans, Waukesha, WI (US); and Jacob R. McDonald, Ixonia, WI (US)
Assigned to Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation, Brookfield, WI (US)
Filed by MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION, Brookfield, WI (US)
Filed on Jan. 5, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/150,308.
Application 18/150,308 is a continuation of application No. 17/342,879, filed on Jun. 9, 2021, granted, now 11,557,989.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/037,731, filed on Jun. 11, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2023/0147317 A1, May 11, 2023
Int. Cl. H02P 27/06 (2006.01); H02P 3/18 (2006.01)
CPC H02P 3/18 (2013.01) [H02P 27/06 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A power tool comprising:
a motor;
a power source configured to provide operating power to the motor;
a power switching network between the power source and the motor and configured to drive the motor, the power switching network including a plurality of high side switching elements and a plurality of low side switching elements; and
an electronic controller connected to the power switching network, the electronic controller configured to:
monitor, during driving of the motor, a phase voltage of the motor,
receive an indication to cease driving of the motor,
determine whether the phase voltage of the motor is equal to or less than a phase voltage threshold,
control, in response to determining the phase voltage is greater than the phase voltage threshold, the power switching network to allow the motor to coast,
control, in response to determining the phase voltage is equal to or less than the phase voltage threshold, the power switching network to apply a braking force to the motor, and
ignore, after receiving the indication to cease driving of the motor, an indication to drive the motor.