Apparatus and method for supplying power

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for supplying power. A power supply apparatus and method improve space utilization and reduce power consumption and cost by implementing a voltage multiplier based on a voltage of input power and driving a switching unit to optimize leakage current. The power supply apparatus includes: a first power converter that modulates a first voltage of a power supply and converts a frequency of the first voltage to output a second voltage lower than the first voltage; a second power converter converting a frequency of the second voltage to output a third voltage lower than the second voltage and a fourth voltage between the first voltage and the third voltage; a controller receiving the third voltage; a switch driver that outputs a fifth voltage higher than the first voltage using the first voltage and the fourth voltage; and a switching unit that controls a connection between the power supply and the motor in response to the fifth voltage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a power supply device and method for controlling power supplied according to a switch operation. Background Art

[0002] The power supply device of the vehicle is a power system for operating the electronic components in the vehicle. For example, the power supply device can supply a 12V DC voltage to operate the electronic components of the vehicle.

[0003] However, in recent years, a power system supplying a 48V DC voltage has been provided to increase energy capacity and improve power efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, the application of power systems that supply higher voltages such as 48V DC voltage may require replacing all conventional electronic components that operate at lower voltages (e.g., 12V DC operated vehicle electronic components) with other electronic components that operate at higher voltages such as 48V electronic components, and if not properly controlled, the circuit systems in the system may be damaged.

[0005] Therefore, the configuration of the voltage limiting circuit may be required not to exceed the maximum allowable voltage, which may lead to an increase in size and, as a result, deteriorate space utilization while increasing costs.

[0006] Furthermore, if a voltage limiting circuit is provided, the supplied voltage increases, thereby causing a leakage current, resulting in an increase in power consumption. Summary of the invention

[0007] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a power supply device and method capable of increasing space utilization and reducing cost and power consumption.

[0008] In one aspect, some current embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a power supply device, which includes: a first power converter, which receives and modulates a first voltage V1 output from a power unit, and converts the frequency of the first voltage V1 to generate and output a second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1; a second power converter, which receives the second voltage V2 output from the first power converter, and converts the frequency of the second voltage V2 to generate and output a third voltage V3 lower than the second voltage V2 and a fourth voltage V4 lower than the first voltage V1 and higher than the third voltage V3; a controller, which receives the third voltage V3 output from the second power converter for operation; a switch drive unit, which uses the first voltage V1 output from the power unit and the fourth voltage V4 output from the second power converter to generate a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1, and outputs the generated fifth voltage V5 according to a control signal of the controller; and a switch unit, which is positioned between the power unit and the motor, and controls the connection between the power unit and the motor based on the fifth voltage V5 output from the switch drive unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the switch unit according to some embodiments may include a back-to-back switch which is turned on if the fifth voltage V5 output from the switch driving unit is supplied to a gate terminal to supply the first voltage V1 output from the power unit to the motor.

[0010] In addition, the first power converter according to some embodiments may generate and output a second voltage V2 within a preset voltage range. When a fifth voltage V5 generated based on the second voltage V2 is a preset reference voltage or more, the back-to-back switch may be turned on.

[0011] In addition, according to certain embodiments, the switch driving unit may include: a first voltage input unit, which receives a first voltage V1 output from the power unit; a second voltage input unit, which receives a fourth voltage V4 output from the second power converter; a voltage generating unit, which generates a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1 using the first voltage V1 received from the first voltage input unit and the fourth voltage V4 received from the second voltage input unit; and a voltage output unit, which outputs the generated fifth voltage V5 according to a control signal of the controller.

[0012] In addition, the voltage output unit according to some embodiments may include a first output unit that outputs the generated fifth voltage V5 according to a control signal of the controller. The back-to-back switch may include a first switching element that is turned on if the fifth voltage V5 output from the first output unit is supplied to the gate terminal.

[0013] In addition, the voltage output unit according to some embodiments may include a second output unit that outputs the generated fifth voltage V5 according to a control signal of the controller. The back-to-back switch may include a second switching element that is turned on if the fifth voltage V5 output from the second output unit is supplied to the gate terminal.

[0014] In another aspect, certain embodiments may provide a power supply method, which includes the following steps: a first step, receiving and modulating a first voltage V1 output from a power unit by a first power converter, and converting the frequency of the first voltage V1 to generate and output a second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1; a second step, receiving the second voltage V2 output from the first power converter by a second power converter, and converting the frequency of the second voltage V2 to generate and output a third voltage V3 lower than the second voltage V2 and a fourth voltage V4 lower than the first voltage V1 and higher than the third voltage V3 by a second power converter; a third step, receiving the third voltage V3 output from the second power converter by a controller for operation; a fourth step, generating a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1 by a switch drive unit using the first voltage V1 output from the power unit and the fourth voltage V4 output from the second power converter, and outputting the generated fifth voltage V5 according to a control signal of the controller; and a fifth step, controlling the connection between the power unit and the motor based on the fifth voltage V5 output from the switch drive unit by a switch unit positioned between the power unit and the motor.

[0015] In addition, in the first step according to certain embodiments, the first power converter can generate and output a second voltage V2 within a preset voltage range, and in the fifth step, when the fifth voltage V5 generated based on the second voltage V2 is a preset reference voltage or greater, the back-to-back switches of the switching unit can be turned on.

[0016] In addition, in the fourth step according to some embodiments, the voltage generating unit can generate a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1 using the first voltage V1 received from the first voltage input unit and the fourth voltage V4 received from the second voltage input unit, and the first output unit outputs the generated fifth voltage V5 according to the control signal of the controller, and in the fifth step, if the fifth voltage V5 output from the first output unit is supplied to the gate terminal, the first switching element of the back-to-back switch can be turned on.

[0017] In addition, in the fourth step according to certain embodiments, the voltage generating unit can generate a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1 using the first voltage V1 received from the first voltage input unit and the fourth voltage V4 received from the second voltage input unit, and the second output unit can output the generated fifth voltage V5 according to the control signal of the controller, and in the fifth step, if the fifth voltage V5 output from the second output unit is supplied to the gate terminal, the second switching element of the back-to-back switch can be turned on.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a power supply device and method can be provided, which can improve space utilization and reduce power consumption and cost by implementing a voltage doubler based on the voltage of the input power without using a separate dedicated IC (pre-driver IC) and driving a switching unit to optimize leakage current.

[0019] Furthermore, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a power supply device and method may be provided, which are capable of preventing overcurrent by performing a cutoff function of a power unit, thereby preventing damage to electronic components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more clearly understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a power supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a switch driving unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing a power supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0024] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In the following description of examples or embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which specific examples or embodiments that can be implemented are shown in a schematic manner, and in the accompanying drawings, the same figure marks and symbols may be used to represent the same or similar parts even when the same or similar parts are shown in different drawings from each other. In addition, in the following description of examples or embodiments of the present disclosure, when it is determined that the description may make the subject matter in some embodiments of the present disclosure quite unclear, the detailed description of the well-known functions and components incorporated herein will be omitted. Terms such as "including", "having", "comprising", "constituting", "comprising" and "forming" used herein are generally intended to allow the addition of other components unless these terms are used with the term "only". As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0026] Terms such as "first", "second", "A", "B", "(A)" or "(B)" may be used herein to describe elements of the present disclosure. Each of these terms is not used to limit the nature, order, sequence or quantity of the elements, etc., but is only used to distinguish the corresponding element from other elements.

[0027] When it is mentioned that a first element is “connected or coupled to”, “contacts or overlaps”, etc. a second element, this should be interpreted that not only the first element may be “directly connected or coupled to” or “directly contact or overlaps” the second element, but also a third element may be “interposed” between the first element and the second element, or the first element and the second element may be “connected or coupled to”, “contacts or overlaps”, etc. each other via a fourth element. Here, the second element may be included in at least one of two or more elements that are “connected or coupled to”, “contacts or overlaps”, etc. each other.

[0028] When time-related terms such as "after", "subsequently", "next", "before", etc. are used to describe a process or operation of an element or configuration, or a flow or step in an operation, process, or manufacturing method, these terms may be used to describe non-sequential or non-sequential processes or operations unless the terms "directly" or "immediately" are used together.

[0029] In addition, when referring to any size, relative dimension, etc., it should be considered that the numerical value or corresponding information (e.g., level, range, etc.) for an element or feature includes a tolerance or error range that may be caused by various factors (e.g., process factors, internal or external influences, noise, etc.), even if no relevant description is specified. In addition, the term "may" fully encompasses all meanings of the term "can".

[0030] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a power supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2is a block diagram illustrating a switch driving unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing a power supply device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The power supply device may include a power unit 100 , a first power converter 200 , a second power converter 300 , a controller 500 , a switch driver or a switch driving unit 600 , a switching unit or a switch unit 700 , and an inverter 800 .

[0032] The first power converter 200 may be configured to receive a first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100, modulate the first voltage V1, convert the frequency of the first voltage V1 to generate a second voltage V2, and output the second voltage V2. The second power converter 300 may be configured to receive the second voltage V2 output from the first power converter 200, convert the frequency of the second voltage V2 to generate a third voltage V3 lower than the second voltage V2 and a fourth voltage V4 lower than the first voltage V1 and higher than the third voltage V3, and output the third voltage V3 and the fourth voltage V4. The controller 500 may be configured to receive the third voltage V3 output from the second power converter 300. The switch driving unit 600 may be configured to generate a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1 using the first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100 and the fourth voltage V4 output from the second power converter 300, and output the generated fifth voltage V5 according to a control signal of the controller 500. The switch unit 700 may be positioned or connected between the power unit 100 and the motor 900 , and configured to control the connection between the power unit 100 and the motor 900 based on the fifth voltage V5 output from the switch driving unit 600 .

[0033] The power unit 100 may include a power source of at least one of a direct current (DC) voltage and an alternating current (AC) voltage. The power unit 100 may supply a first voltage V1 to the first power converter 200 , the switch driving unit 600 , and the inverter 800 .

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the first voltage V1 may be a DC voltage, and the DC voltage may be battery power, although not required. The first voltage V1 includes any power source that can supply a DC voltage.

[0035] For example, the power unit 100 may generate and output a 48V DC voltage from a battery as the first voltage V1.

[0036] The filter 110 may receive a voltage from a battery of the power unit 100 and filter the received voltage to output a filtered first voltage V1 .

[0037] For example, the filter 110 may include, but is not limited to, one or more of an inductor (reactor), a capacitor, and the like.

[0038] The first power converter 200 may receive the first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100 and modulate the received first voltage V1 , and convert the frequency of the first voltage V1 to generate and output a second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1 .

[0039] The first power converter 200 may be connected to the power unit 100 , and may receive the first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100 .

[0040] In this case, the first power converter 200 may receive a DC voltage from the power unit 100 .

[0041] The first power converter 200 may modulate the first voltage V1 supplied from the power unit 100 and convert the frequency of the first voltage V1 to generate a second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1 .

[0042] For example, the first power converter 200 may modulate a DC voltage as the first voltage V1 supplied from the power unit 100 into a pulse wave and convert the frequency of the modulated DC voltage to generate and output a second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1 .

[0043] Here, for example, the pulse wave may include, but is not limited to, a positive pulse wave.

[0044] The first power converter 200 may include a DC-DC converter. For example, the first power converter 200 may include a buck converter and a boost converter. However, the first power converter 200 may not be limited thereto, and the first power converter 200 may include any converter configured to reduce a received DC voltage to a DC voltage lower than the received DC voltage.

[0045] The first power converter 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a buck converter configured to modulate a first voltage V1 output as a DC voltage into a positive pulse wave through a switching regulator and convert the first voltage V1 into a second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the buck converter may modulate the DC voltage supplied from the power unit 100 into a positive pulse wave through a switching regulator and convert the frequency of the DC voltage to generate a second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1 .

[0047] For example, the first power converter 200 may modulate a 48VDC voltage as the first voltage V1 supplied from the power unit 100 into a pulse wave, convert the frequency of the first voltage V1, and generate and output a 12V DC voltage as the second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1.

[0048] In this case, the first power converter 200 may be configured to generate and output the second voltage V2 within a preset voltage range, and to generate and output a DC voltage of 20 V or less as the second voltage V2.

[0049] The preset voltage range may be set to a voltage range greater than 10V and less than 18V.

[0050] The second power converter 300 may receive the second voltage V2 output from the first power converter 200 and convert the frequency of the second voltage V2 to generate and output a third voltage V3 lower than the second voltage V2 and a fourth voltage V4 lower than the first voltage V1 and higher than the third voltage V3 .

[0051] The second power converter 300 may be connected to the first power converter 200 , and may receive the second voltage V2 output from the first power converter 200 .

[0052] In this case, the second power converter 300 may receive the second voltage V2 modulated into a positive pulse wave from the first power converter 200 .

[0053] The second power converter 300 may convert the frequency of the second voltage V2 supplied from the first power converter 200 to generate a third voltage V3 lower than the second voltage V2 .

[0054] In addition, the second power converter 300 may convert the frequency of the third voltage V3 to generate a fourth voltage V4 that is lower than the first voltage V1 and higher than the third voltage V3 .

[0055] In this case, the second power converter 300 may convert the frequency of the second voltage V2 supplied from the first power converter 200 to generate a fourth voltage V4 that is lower than the first voltage V1 and higher than the third voltage V3 .

[0056] For example, the second power converter 300 may include, but is not limited to, a DC-DC converter. For example, the second power converter 300 may include a buck converter and a boost converter. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the second power converter 300 may include any converter configured to reduce a received DC voltage to a DC voltage lower than the received DC voltage or to boost a reduced DC voltage to a higher DC voltage.

[0057] The second power converter 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a buck converter configured to convert a second voltage V2 output as a DC voltage into a third voltage V3 lower than the second voltage V2 through a switching regulator.

[0058] Furthermore, the second power converter 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a boost converter configured to convert the third voltage V3 output as a DC voltage into a fourth voltage V4 lower than the first voltage V1 and higher than the third voltage V3 through a switching regulator.

[0059] In other words, the buck converter may convert the frequency of the second voltage V2 modulated into a positive pulse wave in the first power converter 200 , and generate and output the third voltage V3 lower than the second voltage V2 .

[0060] The boost converter may generate and output a fourth voltage V4 which is lower than the first voltage V1 and higher than the third voltage V3 using the generated third voltage V3 .

[0061] For example, the second power converter 300 may step down a 12V DC voltage as the second voltage V2 supplied from the first power converter 200 , and generate and output a 5V or 3.3V DC voltage lower than the second voltage V2 as the third voltage V3 .

[0062] The second power converter 300 may boost the DC voltage of 5V or 3.3V as the generated third voltage V3 , and generate and output a DC voltage of 12V, which is lower than the first voltage V1 and higher than the third voltage V3 , as the fourth voltage V4 .

[0063] In this case, the second power converter 300 may output the 12 VDC voltage generated by the first power converter 200 as the fourth voltage V4.

[0064] The controller 500 may receive the third voltage V3 output from the second power converter 300 to operate.

[0065] The controller 500 may be connected to the second power converter 300 , and may receive the third voltage V3 output from the second power converter 300 to operate.

[0066] For example, the controller 500 may receive a DC voltage of 5V or 3.3V as the third voltage V3 generated by the second power converter 300 to operate.

[0067] Here, the controller 500 may be connected to the power unit 100 , the first power converter 200 , the second power converter 300 , the switch driving unit 600 , the switch unit 700 , the inverter 800 , and the motor 900 to control and monitor operations thereof.

[0068] The switch driver or switch driving unit 600 may generate a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1 using the first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100 and the fourth voltage V4 output from the second power converter 300 , and output the generated fifth voltage V5 according to a control signal of the controller 500 .

[0069] The switch driving unit 600 may be connected to the power unit 100 , and may receive the first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100 .

[0070] The switch driving unit 600 may be connected to the second power converter 300 , and may receive the fourth voltage V4 output from the second power converter 300 .

[0071] In other words, the switch driving unit 600 may receive the first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100 as a DC voltage, and may receive the fourth voltage V4 converted into a positive pulse wave from the second power converter 300 .

[0072] The switch driving unit 600 may generate a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1 using the first voltage V1 supplied from the power unit 100 and the fourth voltage V4 supplied from the second power converter 300 .

[0073] More specifically, the switch driving unit 600 may generate and output a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1 by summing the first voltage V1 as a DC voltage supplied from the power unit 100 and the fourth voltage V4 as a positive pulse wave supplied from the second power converter 300 .

[0074] The switch driving unit 600 may be connected to the controller 500 and output the generated fifth voltage V5 according to a control signal of the controller 500 .

[0075] For example, the switch driving unit 600 may generate and output a 60V DC voltage as a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1 by summing a 48V DC voltage as the first voltage V1 supplied from the power unit 100 and a 12V DC voltage as the fourth voltage V4 supplied from the second power converter 300 .

[0076] The switch driving unit 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first voltage input unit 610, a second voltage input unit 620, a voltage generating unit 650, a voltage output unit 680, a first backflow prevention unit 630, a voltage charging unit 640, a second backflow prevention unit 660, and a voltage rectifier or a voltage rectifying unit 670. The first voltage input unit 610 may be configured to receive a first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100. The second voltage input unit 620 may be configured to receive a fourth voltage V4 output from the second power converter 300. The voltage generating unit 650 may be configured to generate a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1 using the first voltage V1 received from the first voltage input unit 610 and the fourth voltage V4 received from the second voltage input unit 620. The voltage output unit 680 may be configured to output the generated fifth voltage V5 according to a control signal of the controller 500. The first backflow prevention unit 630 may be connected between the first voltage input unit 610 and the voltage generating unit 650 to prevent backflow of the fifth voltage V5 generated by the voltage generating unit 650. The voltage charging unit 640 may be connected between the second voltage input unit 620 and the voltage generating unit 650 to charge the fifth voltage V5 generated by the voltage generating unit 650. The second backflow prevention unit 660 may be connected between the voltage generating unit 650 and the voltage output unit 680 to prevent backflow of the fifth voltage V5 input to the voltage output unit 680. The voltage rectifying unit 670 may be connected between the second backflow prevention unit 660 and the voltage output unit 680 to rectify the fifth voltage V5 generated by the voltage generating unit 650 and supply the fifth voltage V5 to the voltage output unit 680.

[0077] The node or the first voltage input unit 610 may receive the first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100 , and the node or the second voltage input unit 620 may receive the fourth voltage V4 output from the second power converter 300 .

[0078] The node or first voltage input unit 610 may be connected to the output terminal of the power unit 100 , the input terminal of the first power converter 200 , and the input terminal of the switch unit 700 , and may receive the first voltage V1 as a DC voltage output from the power unit 100 .

[0079] The node or the second voltage input unit 620 may be connected to the output terminal of the second power converter 300 , and may receive the fourth voltage V4 converted into a positive pulse wave from the second power converter 300 .

[0080] The voltage generator or voltage generating unit (or node) 650 may generate a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1 using the first voltage V1 supplied from the first voltage input unit 610 and the fourth voltage V4 supplied from the second voltage input unit 620 .

[0081] The voltage output unit 680 may output the generated fifth voltage V5 according to the control signal of the controller 500 .

[0082] The voltage generating unit 650 may generate and output a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1 by summing the first voltage V1 as a DC voltage supplied from the first voltage input unit 610 and the fourth voltage V4 as a positive pulse wave supplied from the second voltage input unit 620 .

[0083] The voltage output unit 680 may be connected to the controller 500 and output the generated fifth voltage V5 according to a control signal of the controller 500 .

[0084] For example, the node or voltage generating unit 650 can generate and output a 60V DC voltage as a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1 by summing a 48V DC voltage (which is the first voltage V1 supplied from the first voltage input unit 610) and a 12V DC voltage (which is the fourth voltage V4 supplied from the second voltage input unit 620).

[0085] The first backflow prevention unit 630 may be connected between the first voltage input unit 610 and the voltage generating unit 650 , and may be configured to prevent backflow of the fifth voltage V5 generated by the voltage generating unit 650 .

[0086] The first backflow prevention unit 630 may include a unidirectional voltage or switch configured to conduct current mainly in one direction (asymmetric conductance), such as a diode D1. The first backflow prevention unit 630 may be configured to block the fifth voltage V5 generated by the voltage generating unit 650 so that the fifth voltage V5 generated by the voltage generating unit 650 cannot flow back to the first voltage input unit 610.

[0087] The voltage charger or the voltage charging unit 640 may be connected between the second voltage input unit 620 and the voltage generating unit 650 , and may charge the fifth voltage V5 generated by the voltage generating unit 650 .

[0088] For example, the voltage charging unit 640 may include a capacitor C1 and may generate the charged fifth voltage V5 by charging the fifth voltage V5 generated by the voltage generating unit 650 through a charge pump.

[0089] The second backflow prevention unit 660 may be connected between the voltage generating unit 650 and the voltage output unit 680. The second backflow prevention unit 660 may be configured to prevent backflow of the fifth voltage V5 input to the voltage output unit 680.

[0090] The second backflow prevention unit 660 may include a unidirectional voltage or switch configured to conduct current mainly in one direction (asymmetric conductance), such as a diode D2. The second backflow prevention unit 660 may be configured to block the fifth voltage V5 input to the voltage output unit 680 so that the fifth voltage V5 input to the voltage output unit 680 cannot flow back to the voltage generating unit 650.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second backflow prevention unit 660 may be connected between the voltage generating unit 650 and the voltage rectifying unit 670 , and may be configured to prevent backflow of the fifth voltage V5 input to the voltage rectifying unit 670 .

[0092] The second backflow prevention unit 660 may be configured to block the fifth voltage V5 rectified by the voltage rectifying unit 670 so that the fifth voltage V5 rectified by the voltage rectifying unit 670 cannot flow back to the voltage generating unit 650 .

[0093] The voltage rectifier or voltage rectifying unit 670 may be connected between the second backflow prevention unit 660 and the voltage output unit 680 , and may be configured to rectify the fifth voltage V5 generated by the voltage generating unit 650 and supply the rectified fifth voltage V5 to the voltage output unit 680 .

[0094] The voltage rectifying unit 670 may include a capacitor C2 , and may be configured to rectify the fifth voltage V5 generated by the voltage generating unit 650 to generate a rectified fifth voltage V5 , and supply the rectified fifth voltage V5 to the voltage output unit 680 .

[0095] The switching or switch unit 700 may be connected between the power unit 100 and the inverter 800 or the motor 900 , and may be configured to control the connection between the power unit 100 and the inverter 800 or the motor 900 based on the fifth voltage V5 output from the switch driving unit 600 .

[0096] The switching or switch unit 700 may include one or more transistors. The transistors of the switch unit 700 may include an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal.

[0097] Here, the input terminal may be connected to the power unit 100 , the output terminal may be connected to the inverter 800 or the motor 900 , and the control terminal may be connected to the switch driving unit 600 .

[0098] In this case, in response to a voltage at the control terminal being greater than a voltage at the input terminal, the input terminal and the output terminal may be connected to each other.

[0099] Thus, the control terminal may be a gate terminal of a transistor, and the input terminal and the output terminal may be a source terminal or a drain terminal of the transistor.

[0100] For example, such a transistor may include a field effect transistor (FET). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the transistor of the switch unit 700 may include any transistor in which an input terminal and an output terminal may be connected to each other in response to a voltage at a control terminal being greater than a voltage at an input terminal.

[0101] Furthermore, the switch unit 700 may include a back-to-back switch configured to be turned on if the fifth voltage V5 output from the switch driving unit 600 is supplied to a gate terminal of the back-to-back switch to supply the first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100 to the motor 900 .

[0102] For example, the back-to-back switches may include back-to-back field effect transistors FETs.

[0103] When the fifth voltage V5 generated based on the second voltage V2 is greater than or equal to a preset reference voltage, the back-to-back switch may be turned on.

[0104] For example, the predetermined reference voltage of the fifth voltage V5 may be set to a 60V DC voltage generated by summing a 48V DC voltage as the first voltage V1 supplied from the power unit 100 and a 12V DC voltage as the fourth voltage V4 supplied from the second power converter 300 .

[0105] Specifically, when the first power converter 200 generates and outputs a 12V DC voltage as the second voltage V2, and the switch driving unit 600 generates and outputs a 60V DC voltage as the fifth voltage V5 based on the second voltage V2, as a voltage difference occurs between the 60V DC voltage of the fifth voltage V5 supplied to the gate terminal of the back-to-back switch and the 48V DC voltage of the first voltage V1 supplied from the power unit and thus the voltage at the gate terminal of the switch unit 700 is 12V greater than the threshold voltage, the switch unit 700 can supply the first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100 to the inverter 800.

[0106] In other words, when the voltage at the gate terminal of the switch unit 700 is greater than the voltage at the input terminal of the switch unit 700 , the output terminal and the input terminal of the switch unit 700 may be connected to each other to supply the first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100 to the inverter 800 .

[0107] Here, the voltage output unit 680 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first output unit 681. The first output unit 681 may be configured to output the generated fifth voltage V5 according to a control signal of the controller 500. The back-to-back switch may include a first switching or switching element configured to be turned on when the fifth voltage V5 output from the first output unit 681 is supplied to the gate terminal.

[0108] The voltage output unit 680 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second output unit 682. The second output unit 682 may be configured to output the generated fifth voltage V5 according to a control signal of the controller 500. The back-to-back switch may include a second switching or switching element configured to be turned on when the fifth voltage V5 output from the second output unit 682 is supplied to the gate terminal.

[0109] When the switch SW is turned on according to the control signal of the controller 500 , the first output unit 681 may supply a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1 of the power unit 100 to the gate terminal of the first switching element, and the first switching element may be turned on by receiving the fifth voltage V5 .

[0110] Therefore, a voltage (or current) path may be formed between the power unit 100 and the inverter 800 to drive the inverter 800 or the motor 900 .

[0111] Meanwhile, when the switch SW is turned off according to the control signal of the controller 500 , the first output unit 681 may block the fifth voltage V5 supplied to the gate terminal of the first switching element, and when the supplied voltage is lower than a preset reference voltage, the first switching element may be turned off.

[0112] Therefore, since a voltage (or current) path is not formed between the power unit 100 and the inverter 800, the driving of the inverter 800 or the motor 900 may be stopped.

[0113] When the switch SW is turned on according to the control signal of the controller 500 , the second output unit 682 may supply a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1 of the power unit 100 to the gate terminal of the second switching element, and the second switching element may be turned on by receiving the fifth voltage V5 .

[0114] Therefore, a voltage (or current) path may be formed between the power unit 100 and the inverter 800 to drive the inverter 800 or the motor 900 .

[0115] Meanwhile, when the switch SW is turned off according to the control signal of the controller 500, the second output unit 682 may block the fifth voltage V5 supplied to the gate terminal of the second switching element, and when the supplied voltage is lower than a preset reference voltage, the second switching element may be turned off.

[0116] Therefore, since a voltage (or current) path is not formed between the power unit 100 and the inverter 800, the driving of the inverter 800 or the motor 900 may be stopped.

[0117] The first switching element and the second switching element can be connected between the power unit 100 and the motor 900, and if the fifth voltage V5 output from the switch driving unit 600 is supplied to the gate terminal of the switching unit 700, the first switching element and the second switching element can be turned on to supply the first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100 to the motor 900.

[0118] In this case, the first switching element and the second switching element may be simultaneously turned on or off according to a control signal of the controller 500 , and each of the first switching element and the second switching element may be selectively turned on or off according to a control signal of the controller 500 .

[0119] In this case, the back-to-back switch may be configured by a source pin back-to-back arrangement and a common gate control method or a drain pin back-to-back arrangement and a separate gate control method in the arrangement order of the RVP FET and the BCO FET.

[0120] The embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an inverter 800 connected between the switch unit 700 and the motor 900 to convert a voltage output and supplied from the switch unit 700 and supply the converted voltage to the motor 900 .

[0121] The inverter 800 may include any converter configured to receive a DC voltage from a DC-AC converter and convert the DC voltage into an AC voltage.

[0122] The inverter 800 may be connected between the switching unit 700 and the motor 900 , and may convert a voltage output and supplied from the switching unit 700 , and supply the converted voltage to the motor 900 .

[0123] Here, for example, the motor 900 may be, but is not limited to, a steering motor included in a steering device of a vehicle. However, the motor 900 may be any motor included in a vehicle, such as a motor for an electromechanical brake system.

[0124] Therefore, the controller 500 can detect at least one of the operating state of the inverter 800 and the operating state of the motor 900, generate a control signal according to the detected operating state of the inverter 800 and / or the motor 900, and output the control signal to the switch driving unit 600.

[0125] As an example, when, as a result of detection, at least one of the operating status values ​​for the inverter 800 or the operating status values ​​for the motor 900 corresponds to each preset normal operating status range, the controller 500 can generate a control signal based on the detection result and output the control signal to the switch drive unit 600.

[0126] However, when at least one of the operating state value for the inverter 800 and the operating state value for the motor 900 is outside each preset normal operating state range, the controller 500 may not output the control signal to the switch driving unit 600 .

[0127] Here, each preset normal operation state range may be set to one value, but is not limited thereto, and may be set to a plurality of values ​​or one range.

[0128] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0129] The power supply method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include: step S1010, receiving, by the first power converter 200, a first voltage V1 output from the power source or power unit 100, modulating the first voltage V1, converting the frequency of the first voltage V1 to generate a second voltage V2, and outputting the second voltage V2; step S1020, receiving, by the second power converter 300, the second voltage V2 output from the first power converter 200, converting the frequency of the second voltage V2 to generate a third voltage V3 lower than the second voltage V2 and a fourth voltage V4 lower than the first voltage V1 and higher than the third voltage V3, and outputting the third voltage V3 and the fourth voltage V4; step S1030, receiving, by the second power converter 300, the second voltage V2 output from the first power converter 200, converting the frequency of the second voltage V2 to generate a third voltage V3 lower than the second voltage V2 and a fourth voltage V4 lower than the first voltage V1 and higher than the third voltage V3, and outputting the third voltage V3 and the fourth voltage V4. The controller 500 receives a third voltage V3 output from the second power converter 300 for operation; in step S1040, a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1 is generated by a switch driver or a switch drive unit 600 using the first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100 and the fourth voltage V4 output from the second power converter 300, and the generated fifth voltage V5 is output according to a control signal of the controller 500; and in step S1050, a switch unit or a switch unit 700 positioned between the power unit 100 and the motor 900 controls the connection between the power unit 100 and the motor 900 based on the fifth voltage V5 output from the switch drive unit 600.

[0130] In step S1010 , the first power converter 200 may receive and modulate the first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100 , and generate and output a second voltage V2 lower than the first voltage V1 .

[0131] In step S1020 , the second power converter 300 may receive the second voltage V2 output from the first power converter 200 and convert the second voltage V2 to generate and output a third voltage V3 lower than the second voltage V2 and a fourth voltage V4 lower than the first voltage V1 and higher than the third voltage V3 .

[0132] In step S1030 , the controller 500 may receive the third voltage V3 output from the second power converter 300 to operate.

[0133] In step S1040 , the switch driver or switch driving unit 600 may generate a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1 using the first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100 and the fourth voltage V4 output from the second power converter 300 , and output the generated fifth voltage V5 according to a control signal of the controller 500 .

[0134] In step S1050 , the switch unit 700 connected between the power unit 100 and the motor 900 may control the connection between the power unit 100 and the motor 900 based on the fifth voltage V5 output from the switch driving unit 600 .

[0135] In an exemplary embodiment, the switch unit 700 may include a back-to-back switch configured to be turned on if the fifth voltage V5 output from the switch driving unit 600 is supplied to a gate terminal of the back-to-back switch to supply the first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100 to the motor 900 .

[0136] The back-to-back switch may be configured to be turned on when the fifth voltage V5 generated based on the second voltage V2 is greater than or equal to a preset reference voltage.

[0137] Therefore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in step S1010, the first power converter 200 can generate and output a second voltage V2 within a preset range, and in step S1050, when the fifth voltage V5 generated based on the second voltage V2 is greater than or equal to a preset reference voltage, the back-to-back switch of the switching unit 700 can be turned on.

[0138] For example, the predetermined reference voltage of the fifth voltage V5 may be set to a 60V DC voltage generated by summing a 48V DC voltage as the first voltage V1 supplied from the power unit 100 and a 12V DC voltage as the fourth voltage V4 supplied from the second power converter 300 .

[0139] For example, when the first power converter 200 generates and outputs a 12V DC voltage as the second voltage V2 and the switch driving unit 600 generates and outputs a 60V DC voltage as the fifth voltage V5 based on the second voltage V2, as a voltage difference occurs between the 60V DC voltage of the fifth voltage V5 supplied to the gate terminal of the back-to-back switch and the 48V DC voltage of the first voltage V1 supplied from the power unit and thus the voltage at the gate terminal of the back-to-back switch is 12V greater than the threshold voltage, the switch unit 700 can supply the first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100 to the inverter 800.

[0140] Here, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the voltage output unit 680 may include a first output unit 681, which is configured to output the generated fifth voltage V5 according to the control signal of the controller 500, and the back-to-back switch may include a first switching element, which is configured to be turned on when the fifth voltage V5 output from the first output unit 681 is supplied to the gate terminal of the first switching element.

[0141] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in step S1040, the voltage generating unit 650 can use the first voltage V1 supplied from the first voltage input unit 610 and the fourth voltage V4 supplied from the second voltage input unit 620 to generate a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1, the first output unit 681 can output the generated fifth voltage V5 according to the control signal of the controller 500, and in step S1050, if the fifth voltage V5 output from the first output unit 681 is supplied to the gate terminal of the first switching element of the back-to-back switch, the first switching element of the back-to-back switch can be turned on.

[0142] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the voltage output unit 680 may include a second output unit 682, which is configured to output the generated fifth voltage V5 according to the control signal of the controller 500, and the back-to-back switch may include a second switching element, which is configured to be turned on when the fifth voltage V5 output from the second output unit 682 is supplied to the gate terminal of the second switching element.

[0143] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in step S1040, the voltage generating unit 650 can use the first voltage V1 supplied from the first voltage input unit 610 and the fourth voltage V4 supplied from the second voltage input unit 620 to generate a fifth voltage V5 higher than the first voltage V1, the second output unit 682 can output the generated fifth voltage V5 according to the control signal of the controller 500, and in step S1050, if the fifth voltage V5 output from the second output unit 682 is supplied to the gate terminal of the second switching element of the back-to-back switch, the second switching element of the back-to-back switch can be turned on.

[0144] The first switching element and the second switching element can be connected between the power unit 100 and the motor 900, and if the fifth voltage V5 output from the switch driving unit 600 is supplied to the gate terminal of the switching unit 700, the first switching element and the second switching element can be turned on to supply the first voltage V1 output from the power unit 100 to the motor 900.

[0145] In this case, the first switching element and the second switching element may be simultaneously turned on or off according to the control signal of the controller 500 , and each of the first switching element and the second switching element may be selectively turned on or off according to the control signal of the controller 500 .

[0146] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, space utilization may be improved and power consumption and cost may be reduced by implementing a voltage doubler based on the voltage of input power without using a separate dedicated IC (pre-driver IC) and driving the switching unit 700 to optimize leakage current.

[0147] Furthermore, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, when an overcurrent occurs, a cutoff function of the power unit 100 may be performed to prevent the overcurrent, thereby preventing damage to electronic components of the power supply device.

[0148] The above description has been presented to enable any technician in the field to make and use the technical ideas of the present disclosure, and the description is provided in the context of specific applications and their requirements. Various modifications, additions and substitutions to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The above description and the accompanying drawings provide examples of the technical ideas of the present disclosure for illustrative purposes only. That is, the disclosed embodiments are intended to illustrate the scope of the technical ideas of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown, but should be given the widest scope consistent with the claims. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of their equivalents should be interpreted as included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0149] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0150] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0134114, filed on October 10, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

Claims

1. A power supply device, comprising: a first power converter configured to modulate a first voltage output from a power source and convert a frequency of the first voltage to output a second voltage lower than the first voltage; a second power converter configured to convert a frequency of the second voltage output from the first power converter to output a third voltage lower than the second voltage and a fourth voltage lower than the first voltage and higher than the third voltage; a controller configured to receive the third voltage output from the second power converter; a switch driver configured to generate a fifth voltage higher than the first voltage using the first voltage output from the power supply and the fourth voltage output from the second power converter according to control of the controller, and output the generated fifth voltage; as well as A switch unit is connected between the power source and the motor, and is configured to control the connection between the power source and the motor in response to the fifth voltage output from the switch driver.

2. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The switching unit includes a back-to-back switch configured to connect between the power supply and the motor in response to the fifth voltage output from the switch driver supplied to a gate terminal of the back-to-back switch to supply the first voltage output from the power supply to the motor.

3. The power supply device according to claim 2, wherein: The first power converter is configured to generate the second voltage within a preset voltage range, and The back-to-back switch is configured to connect between the power source and the motor when the fifth voltage generated based on the second voltage is equal to or greater than a preset reference voltage.

4. The power supply device according to claim 2, wherein: The switch driver comprises: a first voltage input section configured to receive the first voltage output from the power supply; a second voltage input section configured to receive the fourth voltage output from the second power converter; a voltage generator configured to generate the fifth voltage higher than the first voltage using the first voltage received from the first voltage input section and the fourth voltage received from the second voltage input section; and A voltage output unit is configured to output a fifth voltage generated according to the control of the controller.

5. The power supply device according to claim 4, wherein: The voltage output part includes a first output part configured to output a fifth voltage generated according to a control of the controller, and The back-to-back switch includes a first switching element configured to be turned on if the fifth voltage output from the first output portion is input to a gate terminal of the first switching element.

6. The power supply device according to claim 4, wherein: The voltage output part includes a second output part configured to output a fifth voltage generated according to a control of the controller, and The back-to-back switch includes a second switching element configured to be turned on if the fifth voltage output from the second output portion is input to a gate terminal of the second switching element.

7. A method for supplying electric power, comprising the following steps: modulating, by a first power converter, a first voltage output from a power source and converting a frequency of the first voltage to output a second voltage lower than the first voltage; a second power converter receiving the second voltage output from the first power converter and converting the frequency of the second voltage to output a third voltage lower than the second voltage and a fourth voltage lower than the first voltage and higher than the third voltage; Receiving, by a controller, the third voltage output from the second power converter; generating, by a switch driver, a fifth voltage higher than the first voltage using the first voltage output from the power supply and the fourth voltage output from the second power converter according to control of the controller, and outputting the generated fifth voltage; as well as The connection between the power source and the motor is controlled by a switch unit connected between the power source and the motor based on the fifth voltage output from the switch driver.

8. The power supply method according to claim 7, wherein: The step of converting the frequency of the first voltage to output the second voltage lower than the first voltage includes: generating the second voltage within a preset voltage range by the first power converter, and The step of controlling the connection between the power source and the motor includes connecting between the power source and the motor by a back-to-back switch of the switching unit when the fifth voltage generated based on the second voltage is equal to or greater than a preset reference voltage.

9. The power supply method according to claim 8, wherein: The step of generating the fifth voltage higher than the first voltage includes: generating the fifth voltage higher than the first voltage by a voltage generator using the first voltage received from the first voltage input part and the fourth voltage received from the second voltage input part; and outputting the generated fifth voltage by a first output part according to the control of the controller, and The step of controlling the connection between the power source and the motor includes turning on a first switching element of the back-to-back switch if the fifth voltage output from the first output portion is input to a gate terminal of the first switching element.

10. The power supply method according to claim 9, wherein: The step of generating the fifth voltage higher than the first voltage includes: generating the fifth voltage higher than the first voltage by the voltage generator using the first voltage received from the first voltage input part and the fourth voltage received from the second voltage input part; and outputting the generated fifth voltage by the second output part according to the control of the controller, and The step of controlling the connection between the power source and the motor includes turning on a second switching element of the back-to-back switch if the fifth voltage output from the second output portion is input to a gate terminal of the second switching element.

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