Rotating machine drive systems and vehicles

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a highly reliable rotating machine drive system equipped with a winding switching device, capable of suppressing wear of electrical contacts during switching and sliding operations with a relatively simple configuration. The system comprises: a rotating machine having multiple windings; an inverter device for operating the rotating machine at a variable speed; and a winding switching device for switching the connection between the multiple windings. The winding switching device comprises: a winding terminal; a semi-movable member having a short-circuit portion facing the winding terminal and a sliding portion having a first protrusion on a surface opposite to the surface having the short-circuit portion; and a movable member facing the sliding portion of the semi-movable member and having a second protrusion on a surface facing the sliding portion of the semi-movable member. The movable member slides relative to the semi-movable member to change the connection between the winding terminal and the short-circuit portion, thereby switching the connection between the multiple windings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure of a rotating machine drive system for driving and controlling a rotating machine such as an electric motor, and particularly to an effective technology applicable to a rotating machine drive system including a winding switching device. Background Art

[0002] The efficiency of a rotating machine operating at variable speed using an inverter is generally expressed as an efficiency curve, obtained by varying the rotational speed under constant load conditions. The efficiency peaks within a certain range of rotation within the required rotational speed range. To achieve energy savings in equipment, it is important to improve the efficiency curve over a wide rotational speed range and reduce power losses in the rotating machine.

[0003] Rotating machines have lower efficiency in the low-speed range. However, it is known that increasing the inductance of the rotating machine during the design phase can reduce the current itself and lower the harmonic components. This can improve efficiency in the low-speed range, but it also leads to reduced efficiency in the high-speed range.

[0004] To address this issue, as described in Patent Document 1, there is a technology for switching the stator winding connection between low-speed and high-speed rotation ranges. When switching the connection while the rotating machine is operating, arcing occurs at the switching contacts, reducing contact life. Patent Document 1 discloses a winding switching device constructed using a compression coil (spring) and electrodes to prevent contact arcing.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-070112

[0008] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-43831 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] Rotating machines installed in automobiles and railway vehicles require high output density to reduce weight, and this requirement is met by generating high torque through the flow of high current. When winding switching is applied to such applications, a spring mechanism or other device is required to maintain the pressing force of the switching contacts to ensure the high current is always flowing. Conventional technology has the problem of increasing the size of the switching device.

[0011] In contrast, Patent Document 1 provides multiple movable bodies with different short-circuit wiring patterns for the winding terminal contacts, and switches the connection state by actuating these movable bodies. However, in this disclosed configuration, the short-circuit wiring is complex and intertwined, making it difficult to manufacture. Furthermore, to handle high currents, the short-circuit wiring requires busbars with large conductor areas, but the complex bending and assembly of the busbars leads to a significant cost increase.

[0012] Another approach involves using relays to form a switching device. However, as the current increases, the relay device becomes larger and more expensive. Furthermore, using a movable or sliding short-circuit wiring or short-circuit plate for the winding terminals poses a problem of wear and tear due to repeated switching, shortening the mechanical lifespan. Furthermore, the need to overcome sliding friction increases the power required for the actuator.

[0013] As a solution, reducing the pressing force of the contact portion can reduce wear and reduce the actuator power. However, this increases the electrical resistance of the contact portion, leading to increased heat generation and reduced system efficiency. Therefore, extending the life of conventional switching devices has become a challenge.

[0014] Furthermore, the winding switching device of Patent Document 2 utilizes a linkage mechanism to ensure the pressing force of the switching contacts, prevent slippage, and reduce wear. However, since the spring's reaction force acts in the direction of pressing the contacts during switching, this requires a large actuator power. Furthermore, the need for a linkage mechanism increases the size of the switching device, making miniaturization difficult.

[0015] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable rotating machine drive system including a winding switching device, which can suppress wear of electric contacts during switching slip with a relatively simple structure, and a vehicle using the same.

[0016] Technical means to solve the problem

[0017] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention is characterized in that it comprises: a rotating machine having multiple windings; an inverter device which enables the rotating machine to operate at a variable speed; and a winding switching device which switches the connection of the multiple windings, the winding switching device having: a winding terminal; a semi-movable part having a short-circuit portion opposite to the winding terminal and a sliding part having a first protrusion on a surface opposite to the surface having the short-circuit portion; a movable part which is opposite to the sliding part of the semi-movable part and has a sliding part having a second protrusion on a surface opposite to the sliding part of the semi-movable part, and by sliding the movable part relative to the semi-movable part, the connection between the winding terminal and the short-circuit portion is changed, thereby switching the connection of the multiple windings.

[0018] In addition, the present invention is a vehicle comprising: a rotating motor; a battery; and a power conversion device, which converts the DC power of the battery into AC power and supplies it to the rotating motor, and the torque of the rotating motor is transmitted to the wheels via a transmission. The vehicle is characterized in that the rotating motor is equipped with a rotating machine drive system having the above-mentioned characteristics.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, in a rotating machine drive system including a winding switching device, a highly reliable rotating machine drive system capable of suppressing wear of electric contacts during switching slip and a vehicle using the system can be realized with a relatively simple configuration.

[0021] This can contribute to miniaturization, cost reduction, and high reliability (long life) of the rotary machine drive system and the vehicle.

[0022] Other problems, structures, and effects than those described above will become clear from the following description of the embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a rotary machine drive system in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2A It is a diagram showing the structure of a winding switching device in the conventional technology.

[0025] Figure 2B This is a diagram showing the characteristics of a rotating machine based on winding switching in the conventional technology.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the operation of one phase of the 1Y / 2Y switching device in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the present invention and the prior art.

[0028] Figure 5A This is a diagram showing the operation of one phase of the 1Y / 2Y switching device in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5B This is a diagram showing the operation of one phase of the 1Y / 2Y switching device in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 6A This is a diagram showing the operation of one phase of the 1Y / 2Y switching device in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6BThis is a diagram showing the operation of one phase of the 1Y / 2Y switching device in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6C This is a diagram showing the operation of one phase of the 1Y / 2Y switching device in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 1. It is a diagram showing a half movable element and a movable element of a 1Y / 2Y switching device in a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the three-phase configuration of a 1Y / 2Y switching device in a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing a vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of the overlapping components will be omitted.

[0037] In addition, in the following description, several parallel connection numbers are used as the object, but the effect of the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be applied to the configuration of switching the Y-connection with a parallel connection number different from the above, the configuration of switching the parallel connection number of Δ connection, and the configuration of switching Y connection and Δ connection.

[0038] While the winding switching device is designed for a cylindrical configuration, it is also applicable to planar or other configurations. Furthermore, the rotating machine may be an induction machine, a permanent magnet synchronous machine, a winding-type synchronous machine, a synchronous reluctance rotating machine, or the like. Furthermore, the stator winding method may be concentrated winding or distributed winding. Furthermore, the number of phases in the stator winding is not limited to that in the embodiment.

[0039] Furthermore, the semiconductor switching element of the inverter device is an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor), but the effects of the present invention are not limited thereto, and a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) or other power semiconductor element may also be used.

[0040] Furthermore, although the control method for the rotating machine is targeted at vector control that does not use a speed detector or a voltage detector, the present invention is also applicable to a control method that uses a speed detector or a voltage detector.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] Below, use Figures 1 to 4 A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the rotating machine drive system in this embodiment. Figure 2A and Figure 2B These are diagrams showing the configuration of a conventional winding switching device and the characteristics of a rotating machine. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the operation of one phase of the 1Y / 2Y switching device of this embodiment. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the present invention and the prior art.

[0043] use Figure 1 The overall structure of the rotary machine drive system of this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the inverter device 101 is composed of an inverter circuit 104, a phase current detection circuit 106 and a control device 105, wherein the inverter circuit 104 converts the DC power generated by the output of the DC power supply 102 into AC power, and outputs the AC power to the rotating machine 103, the phase current detection circuit 106 detects the current flowing in the rotating machine 103 connected to the inverter circuit 104, and the control device 105 uses the applied voltage instruction pulse signal 108A to perform inverter control (power conversion control) on the inverter circuit 104 based on the phase current information 106A detected by the phase current detection circuit 106, so that the rotating machine 103 can operate at a variable speed.

[0044] Phase current detection circuit 106 is comprised of a Hall effect CT (Current Transformer) and other components, and detects the current waveforms Iu, Iv, and Iw of the three phases: U, V, and W. However, phase current detection circuit 106 does not necessarily need to detect the currents of all three phases. It may also detect any two phases, assuming that the three phases are in a balanced state, and calculate the current of the remaining phase.

[0045] The inverter circuit 104 is composed of an inverter main circuit 107 composed of multiple semiconductor switching elements such as IGBTs and diodes (return diodes), and a gate driver 109 that generates a gate signal for the IGBT of the inverter main circuit 107 based on an applied voltage instruction pulse signal 108A from an inverter control unit 108.

[0046] The rotating machine 103 is composed of, for example, an induction machine or a permanent magnet synchronous machine having a plurality of windings. The starting and ending points of some windings are led out by switching the connection of each winding and are housed in the winding switching device 120 .

[0047] The winding switching device 120 has a circuit structure capable of switching the connection of the windings of the rotating machine 103 , and switches the winding connection based on a signal output from the winding switching instruction unit 110 when the rotation of the rotating machine 103 changes between the low speed rotation range and the high speed rotation range.

[0048] Control device 105 includes inverter control unit 108 for generating application voltage command pulse signal 108A using phase current information 106A detected by phase current detection circuit 106 , and winding switching command unit 110 for supplying a connection switching signal to winding switching device 120 .

[0049] In addition, in the present embodiment, the rotating machine drive system is configured to include at least the inverter device 101 , the rotating machine 103 , and the winding switching device 120 .

[0050] Next, use Figures 2A to 4 The structure of the winding switching device is described, and the problems and solutions of the conventional technology and the principle that can achieve the object of the present invention, that is, miniaturization and long life of the winding switching device are described.

[0051] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of the U-phase winding 150u of the stator of the rotating machine 103, which shows the starting ends (terminals) U1 and U2 and the ending ends (terminals) U3 and U4 of the two U-phase windings 150u1 and 150u2, and the switching between series and parallel connections. The V-phase and W-phase are the same, so they are omitted. Figure 2A As shown in the above figure, the starting end U1 and the starting end U2, the ending end U3 and the ending end U4 of the U-phase winding 150u are connected in parallel through the short-circuit parts 141u1 and 141u2 respectively, and the V-phase and W-phase are also connected in parallel. The structure of connecting the neutral point 151 of the three phases into a Y shape is called 2Y connection.

[0052] On the other hand, Figure 2A As shown in the figure below, the end U3 of the U-phase winding 150u1 and the starting end U2 of the U-phase winding 150u2 are connected in series through the short-circuit part 141u1, and the V-phase and W-phase are also connected in series. The structure of connecting the neutral point 151 of the three phases into a Y shape is called 1Y connection.

[0053] It is known to use the above winding switching device, such as Figure 2B As shown, switching between 1Y and 2Y connections according to the rotational speed n of rotating machine 103 improves system efficiency. Specifically, at low rotational speeds, 1Y connection increases voltage and reduces current to half of the conventional level. This halves the conduction and switching losses of the semiconductor switching elements that make up inverter circuit 104, significantly improving inverter efficiency and increasing system efficiency, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0054] However, in Figure 2A In the structure, since the winding terminals U1 to U4 and the short-circuit portion 141 slide, there is a problem that both wear due to repeated switching operations, shortening the mechanical life. In addition, since it is necessary to overcome sliding friction, there is a problem that the power of the actuator becomes large.

[0055] As a solution, reducing the pressing force of the contact portion can reduce wear and reduce actuator power. However, this increases the electrical resistance of the contact portion, leading to increased heat generation and reduced system efficiency. Therefore, extending the life of the contact portion has become a challenge in conventional technology.

[0056] Another approach involves using relays to form the switching device. However, as the current increases, the relay device becomes larger and more expensive. Furthermore, as shown in Patent Document 2, there is also a method that uses a linkage mechanism to ensure the pressing force of the switching contacts, prevent slippage, and reduce wear. However, since the spring's reaction force acts in the direction of pressing the contacts during switching, this requires a large actuator power. Furthermore, the need for a linkage mechanism increases the size of the switching device, making miniaturization difficult.

[0057] The above topics can be solved by adopting Figure 3 The following details the specific solution and the principle that enables the object of the present invention, namely, miniaturization and long life of the winding switching device.

[0058] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing the operation of one phase (U phase) of the 1Y / 2Y switching device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the configuration of the switching contact in this embodiment is described using an XYZ coordinate system in which the horizontal direction is defined as the X axis, the paper depth direction is defined as the Y axis, and the vertical direction is defined as the Z axis.

[0059] Figure 3 The structure of the winding switching device shown is similar to the conventional structure ( Figure 2A ) is that a semi-movable element 130 is disposed between the winding terminals U1 to U4 and the movable element 140. The semi-movable element 130 comprises a short-circuit portion 131 (131u1, 131u2), an insulating portion 132, and a sliding portion 133, while the movable element 140 comprises a rod 144 having a sliding portion 143.

[0060] like Figure 3As shown in (a), the starting ends U1 and U2, and the ending ends U3 and U4 of the U-phase winding 150u are connected in parallel via the short-circuit portions 131u1 and 131u2, respectively, thereby forming a 2Y connection. At this time, the portion of the semi-movable member sliding portion 133 that protrudes downward in the Z direction and the portion of the movable member sliding portion 143 that protrudes upward in the Z direction are in a facing state.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown in (b) of FIG, during switching, movable member 140 slides in the X direction, causing the convex portion of semi-movable member sliding portion 133 and the convex portion of movable member sliding portion 143 to disengage from each other, and semi-movable member 130 slides in the Z direction. This action releases the mechanical contact between coil terminals U1-U4 and short-circuit portion 131 (131u1, 131u2).

[0062] When the movable member 140 further slides in the X direction, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in (b) , the side surface of the convex portion of the semi-movable member sliding portion 133 contacts the side surface of the convex portion of the movable member sliding portion 143 , and the semi-movable member 130 and the movable member 140 slide together in the X direction.

[0063] Then, if Figure 3 As shown in (c), when the semi-movable member 130 reaches the stopper 135, only the movable member 140 continues to slide in the X direction. At the moment when the convex portion of the semi-movable member sliding portion 133 is opposite to the convex portion of the movable member sliding portion 143, the movable member 140 stops.

[0064] By this operation, the end U3 of the U-phase winding 150u1 and the start U2 of the U-phase winding 150u2 are connected in series via the short-circuit portion 131u1, thereby forming a 1Y connection.

[0065] The above-described configuration eliminates sliding movement between winding terminals U1-U4 and short-circuit section 131. Therefore, repeated switching operations prevent wear on both, extending the life of the device. Furthermore, since sliding friction is limited to the contact area between semi-movable element sliding section 133 and movable element sliding section 143, constructing these sliding sections from a material with a low coefficient of friction allows for X-direction movement of movable element 140 and Z-direction movement of the semi-movable element even with low actuator power. Consequently, both miniaturization and a longer life of the winding switching device can be achieved.

[0066] Furthermore, the convex portions of semi-movable member sliding portion 133 and movable member sliding portion 143 face each other, generating sufficient pressing force between winding terminals U1-U4 and short-circuit portion 131. This prevents reduction in life due to sliding friction and minimizes electrical resistance at the contact point. Furthermore, since both semi-movable member 130 and movable member 140 are constructed from simple cylindrical components, the increase in the number of components and size associated with a link mechanism is avoided, enabling the provision of a compact winding switching device even in applications involving high currents.

[0067] The short-circuit parts 131u1 and 131u2 of the semi-movable parts are both made of cylindrical conductors. Since they both play the role of connecting the switching terminals U1 to U4, they need to be electrically insulated from each other. Figure 3 In the embodiment, a predetermined insulation distance is provided between the short-circuit portions 131u1 and 131u2 in the X direction.

[0068] Furthermore, as the material of the semi-moving element short-circuit portions 131u1 and 131u2, it is preferable to use a low-resistance material such as brass or a plated metal material.

[0069] The semi-movable member sliding portion 133 can be made of either metal or resin, but metal is preferred for long-term durability. Furthermore, a material with a low coefficient of friction and high hardness is preferred. However, if the semi-movable member sliding portion 133 is made of metal, a semi-movable member insulating portion 132 is required to prevent the semi-movable member short-circuiting portions 131u1 and 131u2 from being electrically short-circuited via the semi-movable member sliding portion 133.

[0070] The insulating portion 132 may be formed using a cylindrical collar, or by winding a sheet-like insulator around the sliding portion 133. Alternatively, an insulator may be attached to the inner circumference of the short-circuit portion 131 and then assembled onto the sliding portion 133. If the sliding portion 133 is formed using a non-conductive material such as resin, the insulating portion 132 may not be provided.

[0071] To reduce the friction coefficient during sliding, lubricant can be applied or filled in the mechanical contact portion of the semi-movable member sliding portion 133 and the movable member sliding portion 143 or in the gap between them. This can reduce the actuator power and further miniaturize the winding switching device.

[0072] When grease is used as a lubricant, wear powder generated on the sliding portion can be adsorbed on the grease, thereby preventing problems such as seizure of the sliding portion or scattering to the terminal portion to cause an electrical short circuit.

[0073] Even in the case of a configuration in which the inner peripheral side is sealed by the semi-movable element sliding portion 133 , lubricating oil can be filled. In this case, since wear powder can be sealed in a sealed space, the problem of electrical short circuit can be eliminated.

[0074] Thus, by providing the semi-movable element 130 , the electrical short-circuiting function and the mechanical sliding function can be separated, which also has the advantage of facilitating measures for extending the life of the device.

[0075] The movable rod 140 can be driven by a direct-acting linear actuator or a drive mechanism using a ball screw. In addition, the movable member sliding portion 143 can be set as a spiral structure rotating around the X-axis, and the semi-movable member sliding portion 133 can also be set as a spiral structure rotating around the X-axis. By rotating the movable rod 140 using a rotary actuator, the relative state of the two sliding portions can be adjusted as shown in FIG. Figure 3 Changes as shown.

[0076] In other words, the rotating machine drive system of the present embodiment described above includes a rotating machine 103 having a plurality of windings, an inverter device 101 for operating the rotating machine 103 at a variable speed, and a winding switching device 120 for switching the connection of the plurality of windings of the rotating machine 103. The winding switching device 120 includes: winding terminals U1 to U4; a semi-movable member 130 having a semi-movable member short-circuit portion 131 opposite to the winding terminals U1 to U4; and a semi-movable member short-circuit portion 131 on the surface of the semi-movable member short-circuit portion 131. A semi-movable part sliding portion 133 having a first protrusion is provided on the surface on the opposite side; and a movable part 140, which is opposite to the semi-movable part sliding portion 133 of the semi-movable part 130 and has a movable part sliding portion 143 having a second protrusion on the surface opposite to the semi-movable part sliding portion 133 of the semi-movable part 130. By sliding the movable part 140 relative to the semi-movable part 130, the connection between the winding terminals U1~U4 and the semi-movable part short-circuit portion 131 is changed, thereby switching the connection of multiple windings of the rotating machine 103.

[0077] Furthermore, by making the first protrusions face the second protrusions, the winding terminals U1 to U4 are brought into mechanical contact with the half movable element short-circuit portion 131 .

[0078] Furthermore, by transitioning from the opposing state of the first and second protrusions to the non-opposing state, the winding terminals U1 to U4 and the half movable element short-circuit portion 131 transition from the mechanically contacting state to the non-contacting state.

[0079] In addition, the first convex portion and the second convex portion contact each other in the non-opposing state while the movable member 140 slides relative to the semi-movable member 130 .

[0080] The above describes the problems and solutions of the conventional technology, as well as the principle that enables the miniaturization and extension of the life of the winding switching device, which are the objects of the present invention. Figure 4 Shows the comparison of the prior art and the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, according to the present invention (this embodiment), a winding switching device with strong contact pressure, low resistance, long mechanical life and small actuator power can be realized, which can help to miniaturize, reduce costs and increase reliability (long life) of rotating machine drive systems and vehicles equipped with the winding switching device.

[0081] In addition, by constructing the rotating machine drive system of this embodiment as an integrated traction motor system that integrates the rotating machine 103, the inverter device 101, and the winding switching device 120 into one unit, the wiring between the devices can be eliminated or shortened, thereby achieving improved reliability and miniaturization of the rotating machine drive system.

[0082] Example 2

[0083] Will use Figure 5A and Figure 5B A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a diagram showing the operation of one phase of the 1Y / 2Y switching device of this embodiment.

[0084] Figure 5A and 5B Shown in more detail Figure 3 Specifically, the semi-movable element 130 comprises a short-circuit portion 131 (131u1, 131u2), an insulating portion 132, a sliding portion 133, a guide 134, and a coil spring 136. The coil spring 136 is a circumferentially extending spring housed in an annular groove provided on the outer periphery of the short-circuit portion 131. This configuration exerts a force on the short-circuit portion 131 that contracts inward.

[0085] However, if Figure 5A As shown in the right figure, short-circuit section 131 is circumferentially divided into three parts, supported integrally on guide 134 along with insulating section 132 and sliding section 133. The number of circumferential divisions is not limited to three; as long as short-circuit section 131 is radially extendable, it can be divided into two or four or more parts. Movable member 140 comprises a rod 144 having a sliding section 143.

[0086] like Figure 5AAs shown, the starting ends U1 and U2, and the ending ends U3 and U4 of the U-phase winding 150u are connected in parallel via short-circuit sections 131u1 and 131u2, respectively, thereby forming a 2Y connection. By aligning the inclined surface of the convex portion of the semi-movable member slider 133 with the inclined surface of the convex portion of the movable member slider 143, the pressing force between the coil terminals U1-U4 and the short-circuit section 131 (131u1, 131u2) is generated as a force that expands from the radial inside to the outside relative to the short-circuit section 131.

[0087] Moreover, if Figure 5B As shown, during switching, the movable member 140 slides in the X direction, the relative state between the convex portion of the semi-movable member sliding portion 133 and the convex portion of the movable member sliding portion 143 is disengaged, and the semi-movable member 130 contracts in the inner peripheral direction due to the contraction force of the coil spring 136.

[0088] By this action, the mechanical contact between the winding terminals U1 to U4 and the short-circuit portion 131 is released. Figure 5B As shown, the side of the convex portion of the semi-movable member sliding portion 133 contacts the side of the convex portion of the movable member sliding portion 143, and the semi-movable member 130 and the movable member 140 slide together in the X direction. Figure 3 same.

[0089] As described above, in winding switching device 120 of the present embodiment, semi-movable element short-circuit portion 131 is divided in the circumferential direction, and semi-movable element 130 is biased in the radial direction of movable element 140 by coil spring 136 .

[0090] The above-described configuration eliminates sliding movement between winding terminals U1-U4 and short-circuit section 131. Therefore, repeated switching operations prevent wear on both, extending the life of the device. Furthermore, since sliding friction is limited to the contact area between semi-movable element sliding section 133 and movable element sliding section 143, constructing this sliding section with a material having a low coefficient of friction allows both X-direction movement of movable element 140 and Z-direction movement of the semi-movable element to be achieved even with low actuator power. Consequently, both miniaturization and a longer life of the winding switching device can be achieved.

[0091] Furthermore, the convex portions of semi-movable member sliding portion 133 and movable member sliding portion 143 face each other, generating sufficient pressing force between winding terminals U1-U4 and short-circuit portion 131. This prevents reduction in life due to sliding friction and minimizes electrical resistance at the contact point. Furthermore, since both semi-movable member 130 and movable member 140 are constructed from simple cylindrical components, the increase in the number of components and size associated with a link mechanism is avoided, enabling the provision of a compact winding switching device even in applications involving high currents.

[0092] Example 3

[0093] Will use Figures 6A to 8 A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 6A to 6C This is a diagram showing the operation of one phase of the 1Y / 2Y switching device of this embodiment. Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing a half movable member and a movable member of the 1Y / 2Y switching device of this embodiment. Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the three-phase configuration of the 1Y / 2Y switching device of this embodiment.

[0094] The winding switching device of this embodiment is different from that of embodiment 1 ( Figure 3 ) is different from the winding switching device of the present invention in that the semi-movable member short-circuit portion 131 and the semi-movable member sliding portion 133 are integrally formed by a metal component.

[0095] More specifically, the semi-movable part 130 is composed of a short-circuit part 131u1 (also serving as a sliding part 133u1), a short-circuit part 131u2 (also serving as a sliding part 133u2), an insulating part 132u1, and an insulating part 132u2; the movable part 140 is composed of sliding parts 143u1a, 143u1b, sliding parts 143u2a, 143u2b, an insulating part 142u1, an insulating part 142u2, a movable rod 144, and a rod insulating part 145.

[0096] like Figure 7 As shown in (a), the semi-movable short-circuit portion 131 has a cylindrical shape and is composed of a leaf spring 131a, a slit 131b, and a sliding portion 133 that protrudes toward the inner circumference. By arranging multiple slits 131b along the circumference of the cylinder, the multiple leaf springs 131a arranged along the circumference of the cylinder can move radially. Therefore, by applying a force that expands the sliding portion 133 from the radial inside to the outside, the leaf spring 131a expands radially outward. On the other hand, when the force acting radially outward from the sliding portion 133 is removed, the leaf spring 131a contracts radially inward due to the restoring force.

[0097] like Figure 7 As shown in (b), the movable member 140 is composed of a sliding portion 143, an insulating portion 142, a movable rod 144, and a rod insulating portion 145. Furthermore, the movable member sliding portion 143 has a cylindrical shape and is composed of 143a and 143b protruding in the Z direction and 143c recessed in the Z direction.

[0098] That is, the semi-movable element short-circuit portion 131 is composed of at least two cylindrical conductors per phase, and a cylindrical non-conductive member (insulating portion 132 ) is provided between adjacent cylindrical conductors.

[0099] With this configuration, the winding switching device can be constructed with simple components, achieving both miniaturization and a long life.

[0100] like Figure 6A As shown, the starting ends U1 and U2, and the ending ends U3 and U4 of the U-phase winding 150u are connected in parallel via the semi-movable element short-circuit portions 131u1 and 131u2, respectively, thereby forming a 2Y connection. At this time, the semi-movable element sliders 133u1 and 133u2 and the movable element sliders 143u1b and 143u2b are facing each other.

[0101] Moreover, if Figure 6B As shown, during switching, the movable element 140 slides in the X direction, and the semi-movable element sliding parts 133u1 and 133u2 are separated from the relative states of the movable element sliding parts 143u1b and 143u2b, respectively, and the semi-movable element 130 slides in the Z direction.

[0102] By this action, the mechanical contact between the winding terminals U1 to U4 and the short-circuit portion 131 is released. Figure 6B As shown, the semi-movable member sliding portions 133u1 and 133u2 and the movable member sliding portions 143u1c and 143u2c are in contact with each other, and the semi-movable member 130 and the movable member 140 slide together in the X direction.

[0103] like Figure 6C As shown, when semi-movable element 130 reaches stopper 135, only movable element 140 continues to slide in the X direction. When semi-movable element sliding portions 133u1 and 133u2 and movable element sliding portions 143u1a and 143u2a face each other, movable element 140 stops. This action connects the end U3 of U-phase winding 150u1 and the beginning U2 of U-phase winding 150u2 in series via short-circuit portion 131u1, forming a 1Y connection.

[0104] The above-described configuration eliminates sliding movement between winding terminals U1-U4 and short-circuit section 131. Therefore, repeated switching operations prevent wear on both, extending the life of the device. Furthermore, since sliding friction is limited to the contact area between semi-movable element sliding section 133 and movable element sliding section 143, constructing this sliding section with a material having a low coefficient of friction allows both X-direction movement of movable element 140 and Z-direction movement of the semi-movable element to be achieved even with low actuator power. Consequently, both miniaturization and a longer life of the winding switching device can be achieved.

[0105] Furthermore, the opposing position of semi-movable element sliding portion 133 and movable element sliding portion 143 generates sufficient pressing force between winding terminals U1-U4 and short-circuit portion 131, thereby preventing reduction in life due to sliding friction and minimizing electrical resistance at the contact portion. Furthermore, since both semi-movable element 130 and movable element 140 can be constructed by combining simple cylindrical components, the increase in the number of components and size associated with a link mechanism is avoided, allowing for a compact winding switching device to be provided even in applications involving high currents.

[0106] The short-circuit parts 131u1 and 131u2 of the semi-movable element need to be electrically insulated from each other. Figures 6A to 6C Insulating portions 132u1 and 132u2 are provided between the two in the X direction. The movable member sliding portion 143 can be made of either metal or resin, but metal is preferred for long-term durability. However, if the movable member sliding portion 143 is made of metal, movable member insulating portions 142u1 and 142u2 are required to prevent the short-circuited semi-movable member portions 131u1 and 131u2 from being electrically short-circuited via the movable member sliding portion 143.

[0107] The movable element insulating portion 142 may be formed of a cylindrical collar or a sheet-like insulator wound around the movable rod 144. Furthermore, when the movable rod 144 is formed of metal, a movable rod insulating portion 145 is required to prevent the short-circuited portions 131u1 and 131u2 of the movable element halves from being electrically short-circuited via the movable rod 144.

[0108] When the movable element sliding portion 143 is formed of a non-conductive material such as resin, the movable element insulating portion 142 and the movable rod insulating portion 145 may not be provided.

[0109] To reduce the friction coefficient during sliding, lubricant can be applied or filled in the mechanical contact portion of the semi-movable member sliding portion 133 and the movable member sliding portion 143 or in the gap between them. This can reduce the actuator power and further miniaturize the winding switching device.

[0110] When grease is used as a lubricant, wear powder generated on the sliding portion can be adsorbed on the grease, thereby preventing problems such as seizure of the sliding portion or scattering to the terminal portion to cause an electrical short circuit.

[0111] As described above, in the present invention, since the electrical short-circuiting function and the mechanical sliding function can be separated on the outer and inner sides of the movable half 130, respectively, there is also an advantage that measures for extending the life of the movable half 130 can be easily implemented.

[0112] The movable rod 144 can be driven by a direct-acting linear actuator or a drive mechanism using a ball screw. In addition, the movable member sliding portion 143 can be set as a spiral structure rotating around the X axis, and the semi-movable member sliding portion 133 can also be set as a spiral structure rotating around the X axis. By rotating the movable rod 144 using a rotary actuator, the relative state of the two sliding portions can be adjusted as shown in FIG. Figures 6A to 6C Changes as shown.

[0113] Figure 8 Indicates that this embodiment ( Figure 6C ) of the winding switching device constitutes a three-phase switching device. The composition of each phase is the same as Figures 6A to 6C Same, so the detailed description is omitted. Figure 8 The middle configuration is 1Y wiring.

[0114] like Figure 8 As shown, in order to prevent the V-phase short-circuit half movable element 131v1 from interfering with the terminal U4 in a 1Y connection, the X-direction length of the half movable element insulating portion 132u2 is set greater than the X-direction length of the insulating portion 132u1. By using a single movable rod 144 to support three phases, the number of components can be reduced.

[0115] Example 4

[0116] use Figure 9 A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 9 This is a diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a rotating machine drive system including the winding switching device according to any one of the first to third embodiments.

[0117] The present invention is applicable to Figure 9 The rotating motors 751 and 752 are shown. Figure 9 As shown, vehicle 700 is, for example, a hybrid vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and is equipped with an engine 760 , rotating electrical machines 751 and 752 , and a battery 780 .

[0118] The battery 780 supplies DC power to the driving power converter 770 (inverter device) when driving the rotating electric machines 751 and 752. The power converter 770 converts the DC power from the battery 780 into AC power and supplies the AC power to the rotating electric machines 751 and 752.

[0119] During regenerative driving, the rotating electric machines 751 and 752 generate AC power based on the kinetic energy of the vehicle 700 and supply the power to the power converter 770. The power converter 770 converts the AC power from the rotating electric machines 751 and 752 into DC power and supplies the DC power to the battery 780.

[0120] The rotational torque generated by the engine 760 and the rotary electric machines 751 and 752 is transmitted to the wheels 710 via the transmission 740 , the differential gear 730 , and the axle 720 .

[0121] Typically, automobiles require a wide range of driving conditions, including low speed and high torque when starting on a slope, high speed and low torque on highways, and medium speed and medium torque on the streets. Within this wide operating range, the rotating electric machines 751 and 752 equipped with the rotating machine drive system including the winding switching device of the present invention can operate efficiently.

[0122] Furthermore, since heat loss is reduced, the safety and life of vehicle 700 can be improved. Furthermore, the cruising range of vehicle 700 can be extended. Furthermore, even in electric vehicles that do not have an engine 760 and are driven solely by the power of a rotating electric machine, the same effects can be achieved by applying the rotating electric machine of the present invention.

[0123] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and encompasses various variations. For example, the above-described embodiments are examples described in detail to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to examples having all of the described configurations. Furthermore, a portion of the configuration of one embodiment may be replaced with a configuration of another embodiment, and a configuration of another embodiment may be added to a configuration of one embodiment. Furthermore, other configurations may be added, deleted, or substituted for a portion of the configuration of each embodiment.

[0124] Explanation of symbols

[0125] 101: Inverter device, 102: DC power supply, 103: Rotating machine, 104: Inverter circuit, 105: Control device, 106: Phase current detection circuit, 106A: Phase current information, 107: Inverter main circuit, 108: Inverter control unit, 108A: Application voltage command pulse signal, 109: Gate driver, 110: Winding switching command unit, 120: Winding switching device, 121: Winding switching device frame, 130: Semi-movable part, 131a: Leaf spring, 131b: Slit, 131: (Semi-movable part) short-circuit portion, 132: (Semi-movable part) insulation portion, 133: (Semi-movable part) sliding part, 134: (Semi-movable part) guide part, 135: (Semi-movable part) stopper, 136: Coil spring, 140: Movable part, 141: (Movable part) short-circuit part, 142: (Movable part) insulating part, 143: (Movable part) sliding part, 144: (Movable part) rod, 145: (Movable part) rod insulating part, 150: Winding, 151: Neutral point, 700: Vehicle, 710: Wheel, 720: Axle, 730: Differential gear, 740: Transmission, 751, 752: Rotating motor, 760: Engine, 770: Power conversion device, 780: Battery.

Claims

1. A rotary machine drive system, characterized in that: have: a rotating machine having a plurality of windings; an inverter device for operating the rotating machine at a variable speed; and a winding switching device for switching the connections of the plurality of windings, The winding switching device comprises: Winding terminals; a semi-movable member having a short-circuit portion facing the winding terminal and a sliding portion having a first protrusion on a surface opposite to a surface having the short-circuit portion; as well as A movable member, which faces the sliding portion of the semi-movable member and has a sliding portion having a second protrusion on a surface facing the sliding portion of the semi-movable member. By sliding the movable member relative to the semi-movable member, the connection between the winding terminal and the short-circuit portion is changed, thereby switching the connection of the plurality of windings. The first protrusion and the second protrusion are opposed to each other, so that the winding terminal and the short-circuit portion are in mechanical contact. When the first protrusion and the second protrusion are shifted from an opposing state to a non-opposing state, the winding terminal and the short-circuit portion are shifted from a mechanically contacting state to a non-contacting state. The movable member slides while the first convex portion and the second convex portion are in contact with each other in a non-opposing state.

2. The rotary machine drive system according to claim 1, wherein: The short-circuit portion is composed of at least two cylindrical conductors, and a cylindrical non-conductive member is provided between adjacent cylindrical conductors.

3. The rotary machine drive system according to claim 1, wherein: A lubricant is applied or filled between the sliding portion of the semi-movable member and the sliding portion of the movable member.

4. The rotary machine drive system according to claim 3, wherein: A sealed structure is formed between the sliding portion of the semi-movable member and the sliding portion of the movable member.

5. The rotary machine drive system according to claim 1, wherein: The movable member is driven by a direct-acting linear actuator or a ball screw mechanism.

6. The rotary machine drive system according to claim 1, wherein: The short-circuit portion and the sliding portion of the semi-movable element are formed of an integral metal member.

7. The rotary machine drive system according to claim 1, wherein: The short-circuit portion is divided in the circumferential direction, The semi-movable element is urged toward the movable element by a spring.

8. The rotary machine drive system according to claim 1, wherein: The rotating machine drive system is an integrated traction motor system in which the rotating machine, the inverter device, and the winding switching device are integrated into one unit.

9. A vehicle comprising: Rotating electric machines; Batteries; and a power conversion device that converts the DC power of the battery into AC power and supplies the AC power to the rotating electric machine; The torque of the rotating electric machine is transmitted to the wheels via the transmission. The vehicle is characterized in that The rotating electrical machine is equipped with the rotating machine drive system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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