Motor drive device, motor system, and vehicle

Abstract

A motor driving apparatus (1) includes: an inspection execution unit (3) configured to perform inspection of a second main electrode in a state in which the second main electrode is pulled up or down by setting one of a second main electrode pull-down switch (61, 62, 63) and a second main electrode pull-up switch (51, 52, 53) in a conductive state, the inspection execution unit (3) being configured to perform inspection of the second main electrode in a state in which the second main electrode is pulled up or down by setting one of the second main electrode pull-down switch (61, 62, 63) and the second main electrode pull-up switch (51, 52, 53) in a conductive state; performing an abnormality check operation on at least one of the upper transistors (M1, M3, and M7), the lower transistors (M2, M4, and M8), and the motor (10); and a control circuit (3) configured to control a combination of on / off states of the upper transistor, the lower transistor, and motor relays (M9, M10, and M11) connected to the motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a motor drive device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a brushless DC (direct current) motor is installed in various devices. Since the brushless DC motor does not have a current transmission mechanism using brushes, it is necessary to switch the direction of the current supplied to the coil according to the position of the rotor. A three-phase brushless DC motor is driven by a motor drive device including half-bridges corresponding to the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-40404 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In the motor drive device as described above, a short circuit or an open circuit may occur in the transistors of the half-bridge. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a function for checking such a short circuit and an open circuit at startup before performing motor operation.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a motor drive device capable of checking for abnormalities at startup.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] For example, a motor drive device according to the present disclosure is a motor drive device configured to drive a motor using at least one half-bridge including an upper transistor and a lower transistor, and wherein the motor can be connected to a node to which the upper transistor and the lower transistor are connected. The motor drive device includes at least one of a second main electrode pull-down switch and a second main electrode pull-up switch, the second main electrode pull-down switch being configured to be able to pull down a second main electrode corresponding to the node in the upper transistor, the lower transistor including a first main electrode configured to be able to apply a power supply voltage, and the second main electrode pull-up switch being configured to be able to pull up the second main electrode; an inspection execution unit configured to perform an abnormality inspection operation on at least one of the upper transistor, the lower transistor, and the motor in a state where the second main electrode is pulled up or pulled down by setting one of the second main electrode pull-down switch and the second main electrode pull-up switch to an on state; a control circuit configured to control a combination of on / off states of a motor relay, the upper transistor, and the lower transistor connected to the motor, and the inspection execution unit being configured to inspect at least one of a short circuit and an open circuit of the upper transistor, a short circuit and an open circuit of the lower transistor, a short circuit to the power supply and a ground fault of the motor, and a short circuit and an open circuit of the motor relay at startup.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] In the motor drive device according to the present disclosure, an abnormality can be inspected at startup. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a motor system according to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the internal structure of a motor drive device;

[0015] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the priority order of various inspections hierarchically;

[0016] Figure 4 is a table showing the order of inspection contents in the inspection operation performed at startup;

[0017] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during a short circuit inspection of a power relay;

[0018] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the current flowing normally during a short circuit inspection of a power relay;

[0019] Figure 7It is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the open - circuit inspection of the power relay;

[0020] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the short - circuit inspection of the first upper - side transistor;

[0021] Figure 9 It is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the short - circuit inspection of the first lower - side transistor;

[0022] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the short - circuit inspection of the second upper - side transistor;

[0023] Figure 11 It is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the short - circuit inspection of the second lower - side transistor;

[0024] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the short - circuit inspection of the third upper - side transistor;

[0025] Figure 13 It is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the short - circuit inspection of the third lower - side transistor;

[0026] Figure 14 It is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the open - circuit inspection of the first upper - side transistor;

[0027] Figure 15 It is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the open - circuit inspection of the first lower - side transistor;

[0028] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the open - circuit inspection of the second upper - side transistor;

[0029] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the open - circuit inspection of the second lower - side transistor;

[0030] Figure 18 It is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the open - circuit inspection of the third upper - side transistor;

[0031] Figure 19 It is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the open - circuit inspection of the third lower - side transistor;

[0032] Figure 20 It is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the short - circuit - to - power inspection of the motor;

[0033] Figure 21 It is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the ground - fault inspection of the motor;

[0034] Figure 22 is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the short - circuit check of the first motor relay;

[0035] Figure 23 is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the short - circuit check of the second motor relay;

[0036] Figure 24 is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the short - circuit check of the third motor relay;

[0037] Figure 25 is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the open - circuit check of the first motor relay;

[0038] Figure 26 is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the open - circuit check of the second motor relay;

[0039] Figure 27 is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system during the open - circuit check of the third motor relay; and

[0040] Figure 28 is an external view showing a configuration example of a vehicle including the motor system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] <1. Configuration of the Motor System>

[0043] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the motor system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The illustrated motor system 100 includes a motor drive device 1 and a brushless DC motor (hereinafter simply referred to as a motor) 10. The motor drive device 1 is configured to drive the three - phase (U - phase, V - phase, and W - phase) motor 10.

[0044] The motor drive device 1 is a semiconductor device obtained by integrating the internal configuration to be described later. The motor drive device 1 includes a VB terminal (power supply terminal), a VCPH terminal (charge pump output terminal), a VCPL terminal (charge pump output terminal), a DRN terminal (drain terminal), a G3H terminal (third upper gate output terminal), an S3H terminal (third upper source terminal), a GR3 terminal (third relay gate terminal), a G3L terminal (third lower gate output terminal), and an S3L terminal (third lower source terminal) as external terminals for establishing electrical connection with the outside.

[0045] The motor drive device 1 further includes a G2H terminal (second upper gate output terminal), an S2H terminal (second upper source terminal), a GR2 terminal (second relay gate terminal), a G2L terminal (second lower gate output terminal), and an S2L terminal (second lower source terminal) as external terminals.

[0046] The motor drive device 1 further includes a G1H terminal (first upper gate output terminal), an S1H terminal (first upper source terminal), a GR1 terminal (first relay gate terminal), a G1L terminal (first lower gate output terminal), and an S1L terminal (first lower source terminal) as external terminals.

[0047] The motor drive device 1 further includes an AIN3P terminal (third current sensing positive input terminal), an AIN3N terminal (third current sensing negative input terminal), an AIN2P terminal (second current sensing positive input terminal), an AIN2N terminal (second current sensing negative input terminal), an AIN1P terminal (first current sensing positive input terminal), and an AIN1N terminal (first current sensing negative input terminal) as external terminals.

[0048] The motor system 100 includes a first half-bridge 1HB corresponding to the U-phase of the motor 10, a second half-bridge 2HB corresponding to the V-phase of the motor 10, and a third half-bridge 3HB corresponding to the W-phase of the motor 10. The first half-bridge 1HB, the second half-bridge 2HB, and the third half-bridge 3HB are arranged outside the motor drive device 1.

[0049] The first half-bridge 1HB includes a first upper-side transistor (U-phase upper-side transistor) M1, a first lower-side transistor (U-phase lower-side transistor) M2, and a first shunt resistor Rsh1. Each of the first upper-side transistor M1 and the first lower-side transistor M2 is formed of an N-channel MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor). The drain of the first upper-side transistor M1 is connected to the DRN terminal. The source of the first upper-side transistor M1 is connected to the drain of the first lower-side transistor M2. The source of the first lower-side transistor M2 is connected to one end of the first shunt resistor Rsh1. The other end of the first shunt resistor Rsh1 is connected to the applied end of the ground potential.

[0050] The second half-bridge 2HB includes a second upper-side transistor (V-phase upper-side transistor) M3, a second lower-side transistor (V-phase lower-side transistor) M4, and a second shunt resistor Rsh2. Each of the second upper-side transistor M3 and the second lower-side transistor M4 is formed with an N-channel MOSFET. The drain of the second upper-side transistor M3 is connected to the DRN terminal. The source of the second upper-side transistor M3 is connected to the drain of the second lower-side transistor M4. The source of the second lower-side transistor M4 is connected to one end of the second shunt resistor Rsh2. The other end of the second shunt resistor Rsh2 is connected to the applied end of the ground potential.

[0051] The third half-bridge 3HB includes a third upper transistor (W-phase upper transistor) M7, a third lower transistor (W-phase lower transistor) M8, and a third shunt resistor Rsh3. Each of the third upper transistor M7 and the third lower transistor M8 is formed of an N-channel MOSFET. The drain of the third upper transistor M7 is connected to the DRN terminal. The source of the third upper transistor M7 is connected to the drain of the third lower transistor M8. The source of the third lower transistor M8 is connected to one end of the third shunt resistor Rsh3. The other end of the third shunt resistor Rsh3 is connected to the applied end of the ground potential.

[0052] Each of the shunt resistors Rsh1, Rsh2, and Rsh3 is a current detection unit configured to convert a current into a voltage signal to detect the current.

[0053] The motor 10 includes a stator that includes a first coil L1 of the U-phase, a second coil L2 of the V-phase, and a third coil L3 of the W-phase. The motor 10 includes a rotor (not shown) configured to include magnets and capable of rotating relative to the stator.

[0054] The motor system 100 includes a first motor relay M9 corresponding to the U-phase, a second motor relay M10 corresponding to the V-phase, and a third motor relay M11 corresponding to the W-phase. Each of the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 is a switch disposed outside the motor drive device 1 and switches between supplying current to and blocking current from the motor 10. Each of the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 is formed of an N-channel MOSFET.

[0055] A first node N1 to which the source of the first upper transistor M1 and the drain of the first lower transistor M2 are connected is connected to the source of the first motor relay M9. The drain of the first motor relay M9 is connected to one end of the first coil L1. A second node N2 to which the source of the second upper transistor M3 and the drain of the second lower transistor M4 are connected is connected to the source of the second motor relay M10. The drain of the second motor relay M10 is connected to one end of the second coil L2. A third node N3 to which the source of the third upper transistor M7 and the drain of the third lower transistor M8 are connected is connected to the source of the third motor relay M11. The drain of the third motor relay M11 is connected to one end of the third coil L3. The other ends of the coils L1, L2, and L3 are connected together. Thus, in the motor 10, a so-called star wiring is formed.

[0056] The motor system 100 includes a first power relay M5 and a second power relay M6. The power relays M5 and M6 are arranged outside the motor drive device 1. Each of the power relays M5 and M6 is formed of an N-channel MOSFET and is a switch for switching between supply and interruption of the battery voltage VB to the half-bridges HB1, HB2, and HB3. The drain of the first power relay M5 is connected to the application terminal of the battery voltage VB. The source of the first power relay M5 is connected to the source of the second power relay M6. The drain of the second power relay M6 is connected to the drains of the upper-side transistors M1, M3, and M7.

[0057] The motor system 100 includes first resistors R7 and R8, capacitors C5 and C6, second resistors R5 and R6, and diodes D5 and D6, and these components are arranged outside the motor drive device 1.

[0058] The VCPH terminal is connected to one ends of the first resistors R7 and R8. The other ends of the first resistors R7 and R8 are connected to the gates of the power relays M5 and M6. The capacitors C5 and C6, the second resistors R5 and R6, and the diodes D5 and D6 are connected between the gates and sources of the power relay M5 and between the gates and sources of the power relay M6.

[0059] As will be described later Figure 2 As shown, the motor drive device 1 includes a charge pump 2. The charge pump 2 raises the battery voltage VB applied to the VB terminal to generate a charge pump output voltage VCPH. The charge pump output voltage VCPH is output from the VCPH terminal and is applied to one ends of the first resistors R7 and R8. When the charge pump 2 is in the on state, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state due to the charge pump output voltage VCPH, and the battery voltage VB is applied to the drains of the upper-side transistors M1, M3, and M7. On the other hand, when the charge pump 2 is in the off state, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the off state. In this case, the bidirectional current is blocked by the body diodes of the power relays M5 and M6.

[0060] Pre-drivers and external terminals for drive signals output from the pre-drivers can be provided in the motor drive device 1 according to the power relays M5 and M6, and the gates of the power relays M5 and M6 can be driven based on the drive signals output from the external terminals. However, as in the Figure 1 configuration shown, the VCPH terminal is used to drive the power relays M5 and M6, so the number of external terminals can be reduced.

[0061] Capacitors C5 and C6 are provided for noise suppression. Second resistors R5 and R6 are provided to prevent the gate-source voltage from becoming unstable when the power relays M5 and M6 are in the off state. Diodes D5 and D6 are provided for surge protection. Each of the second resistors R5 and R6 has a high resistance value to suppress the influence when the power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state.

[0062] As Figure 1 shown, the upper-side transistors M1, M3, and M7, the lower-side transistors M2, M4, and M8, and the capacitors, resistors, and diodes connected between the gates and sources of the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are provided for the same purposes as the capacitors C5 and C6, the second resistors R5 and R6, and the diodes D5 and D6.

[0063] The voltage across the first shunt resistor Rsh1 is input between the AIN1P terminal and the AIN1N terminal. The voltage across the second shunt resistor Rsh2 is input between the AIN2P terminal and the AIN2N terminal. The voltage across the third shunt resistor Rsh3 is input between the AIN3P terminal and the AIN3N terminal.

[0064] <2. Internal Structure of Motor Drive Device>

[0065] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the motor drive device 1. As Figure 2 shown, the motor drive device 1 includes a charge pump 2, a control logic unit 3, pre-drivers 41 to 49, pull-up switches 51 to 53, pull-down switches 60 to 63, pull-up resistors 71 to 73, pull-down resistors 80 to 83, and comparators 90 to 93.

[0066] The charge pump 2 outputs a charge pump output voltage VCPH for turning on the power relays M5 and M6 as described above, and for turning on the upper-side transistors M1, M3, and M7 and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11. The charge pump output voltage VCPH is supplied to the pre-drivers 41, 42, 44, 45, 47, and 48. The charge pump 2 also generates a charge pump output voltage VCPL (<VCPH) for setting the lower-side transistors M2, M4, and M8 to the on state. The charge pump output voltage VCPL is supplied to the pre-drivers 43, 46, and 49.

[0067] The control logic unit 3 controls the units in the motor system 100. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the control logic unit 3 controls the inspection operation described later.

[0068] The pre-driver 41 controls the voltage between the G3H terminal and the S3H terminal (i.e., the voltage between the gate and the source of the third upper-side transistor M7) based on the drive signal from the control logic unit 3, thereby controlling the conduction and cutoff of the third upper-side transistor M7.

[0069] The pre-driver 42 outputs the gate signal from the GR3 terminal to the gate of the third motor relay M11 based on the drive signal from the control logic unit 3, thereby controlling the conduction and cutoff of the third motor relay M11.

[0070] The pre-driver 43 controls the voltage between the G3L terminal and the S3L terminal, i.e., the voltage between the gate and the source of the third lower-side transistor M8, based on the drive signal from the control logic unit 3, thereby controlling the conduction and cutoff of the third lower-side transistor M8.

[0071] The pre-driver 44 controls the voltage between the G2H terminal and the S2H terminal, i.e., the voltage between the gate and the source of the second upper-side transistor M3, based on the drive signal from the control logic unit 3, thereby controlling the conduction and cutoff of the second upper-side transistor M3.

[0072] The pre-driver 45 outputs the gate signal from the GR2 terminal to the gate of the second motor relay M10 based on the drive signal from the control logic unit 3, thereby controlling the conduction and cutoff of the second motor relay M10.

[0073] The pre-driver 46 controls the voltage between the G2L terminal and the S2L terminal, i.e., the voltage between the gate and the source of the second lower-side transistor M4, based on the drive signal from the control logic unit 3, thereby controlling the conduction and cutoff of the second lower-side transistor M4.

[0074] The pre-driver 47 controls the voltage between the G1H terminal and the S1H terminal, i.e., the voltage between the gate and the source of the first upper-side transistor M1, based on the drive signal from the control logic unit 3, thereby controlling the conduction and cutoff of the first upper-side transistor M1.

[0075] The pre-driver 48 outputs the gate signal from the GR1 terminal to the gate of the first motor relay M9 based on the drive signal from the control logic unit 3, thereby controlling the conduction and cutoff of the first motor relay M9.

[0076] The pre-driver 49 controls the voltage between the G1L terminal and the S1L terminal, i.e., the voltage between the gate and the source of the first lower-side transistor M2, based on the drive signal from the control logic unit 3, thereby controlling the conduction and cutoff of the first lower-side transistor M2.

[0077] Pull-up switches 51 to 53, pull-down switches 61 to 63, pull-up resistors 71 to 73, and pull-down resistors 81 to 83 are provided for the inspection operation to be described later.

[0078] Each of the pull-up switches 51 to 53 is formed of an N-channel MOSFET. The source of the first pull-up switch 51 is connected to the terminal to which the battery voltage VB is applied. The drain of the first pull-up switch 51 is connected to one end of the first pull-up resistor 71. The other end of the first pull-up resistor 71 is connected to the S1H terminal. In this way, the first pull-up switch 51 and the first pull-up resistor 71 can pull up the source of the first upper-side transistor M1.

[0079] Each of the pull-down switches 61 to 63 is formed of an N-channel MOSFET. The source of the first pull-down switch 61 is connected to the terminal to which the ground potential is applied. The drain of the first pull-down switch 61 is connected to one end of the first pull-down resistor 81. The other end of the first pull-down resistor 81 is connected to the S1H terminal. In this way, the first pull-down switch 61 and the first pull-down resistor 81 can pull down the source of the first upper-side transistor M1.

[0080] The control logic unit 3 drives the gates of the first pull-up switch 51 and the first pull-down switch 61 to control the conduction and cutoff of the first pull-up switch 51 and the first pull-down switch 61.

[0081] The connection relationships of the second pull-up switch 52, the second pull-down switch 62, the second pull-up resistor 72, and the second pull-down resistor 82 with the S2H terminal are the same as those of the first pull-up switch 51, the first pull-down switch 61, the first pull-up resistor 71, and the first pull-down resistor 81, so the details are omitted. The second pull-up switch 52 and the second pull-up resistor 72 can pull up the source of the second upper-side transistor M3, and the second pull-down switch 62 and the second pull-down resistor 82 can pull down the source of the second upper-side transistor M3. The control logic unit 3 drives the gates of the second pull-up switch 52 and the second pull-down switch 62 to control the conduction and cutoff of the second pull-up switch 52 and the second pull-down switch 62.

[0082] The connection relationships of the third pull-up switch 53, the third pull-down switch 63, the third pull-up resistor 73, and the third pull-down resistor 83 with the S3H terminal are the same as those of the first pull-up switch 51, the first pull-down switch 61, the first pull-up resistor 71, and the first pull-down resistor 81, so the details are omitted. The third pull-up switch 53 and the third pull-up resistor 73 can pull up the source of the third upper-side transistor M7, and the third pull-down switch 63 and the third pull-down resistor 83 can pull down the source of the third upper-side transistor M7. The control logic unit 3 drives the gates of the third pull-up switch 53 and the third pull-down switch 63 to control the conduction and cutoff of the third pull-up switch 53 and the third pull-down switch 63.

[0083] Comparators 90 to 93 are provided for the inspection operations to be described later. Comparator 90 compares the voltage at the DRN terminal with the reference voltage V90 and outputs the comparison result to the control logic unit 3. Comparator 91 compares the voltage at the S1H terminal with the reference voltage V91 and outputs the comparison result to the control logic unit 3. Comparator 92 compares the voltage at the S2H terminal with the reference voltage V92 and outputs the comparison result to the control logic unit 3. Comparator 93 compares the voltage at the S3H terminal with the reference voltage V93 and outputs the comparison result to the control logic unit 3.

[0084] <3. Inspection Operations>

[0085] Then, the inspection operations performed in the motor system 100 will be described. The inspection operations are performed before the motor 10 operates when the motor system 100 is started. Specifically, abnormalities in the upper transistors M1, M3, and M7, the lower transistors M2, M4, and M8, the power relays M5 and M6, the motor relays M9, M10, and M11, and the motor 10 can be inspected.

[0086] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the priority order of various inspections hierarchically. Figure 3 The higher the level shown, the higher the priority of the inspection. Specifically, the short - circuit / open - circuit inspection of the power relays M5 and M6 is at the topmost level, the short - circuit inspection of the upper transistors M1, M3, and M7 and the lower transistors M2, M4, and M8 (6 - arm FET short - circuit inspection) is at a level lower than this, the ground - fault inspection of the motor 10, the open - circuit inspection of the upper transistors M1, M3, and M7 and the lower transistors M2, M4, and M8 (6 - arm FET open - circuit inspection), and the short - circuit - to - power inspection of the motor 10 are at levels lower than this, and the short - circuit / open - circuit inspection of the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 is at a level lower than the level where the ground - fault inspection of the motor 10 is located.

[0087] Figure 3 The levels shown in indicate that in order to perform an inspection correctly at a certain level, the inspections at levels higher than that certain level must be performed first. For example, in order to correctly perform the short - circuit / open - circuit inspection of the motor relays M9, M10, and M11, the power - relay inspection of the motor, the 6 - arm FET short - circuit inspection, and the ground - fault inspection must be performed first.

[0088] As long as it is observed that Figure 3With the priority order of the inspections shown, all inspection items can be inspected, or only a part of the inspection items can be inspected. For example, in order to perform the short - circuit / open - circuit inspection of the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 as described above, it is preferable to perform the power relay inspection of the motor, the 6 - arm FET short - circuit inspection, and the ground - fault inspection, and it is not necessary to perform the 6 - arm FET open - circuit inspection and the power - short - circuit inspection of the motor. As a result, the inspection time can be reduced.

[0089] Figure 4 is a table showing the order of inspection items in the inspection operations performed at startup. In Figure 4 the inspection items shown, Figure 3 all the inspection items shown are performed. Specifically, the short - circuit inspection of the power relays M5 and M6, the open - circuit inspection of the power relays M5 and M6, the short - circuit inspection of the transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, and M8 (6 - arm FET short - circuit inspection), the open - circuit inspection of the transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, and M8 (6 - arm FET open - circuit inspection), the power - short - circuit inspection of the motor 10, the ground - fault inspection of the motor 10, the short - circuit inspection of the motor relays M9, M10, and M11, and the open - circuit inspection of the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are performed in this order, and the Figure 3 shown priority order is observed.

[0090] In Figure 4 , for each inspection item, the on - and off - states of the charge pump 2, the on - and off - states of the power relays M5 and M6, the on - and off - states of the transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, and M8, and the on - and off - states of the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are shown. Figure 4 The shading in

[0091] indicates the inspection target corresponding to the inspection item. Figure 4 The inspection operations will be specifically described for each inspection item in the inspection order shown below.

[0092] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system 100 during the short - circuit inspection of the power relays M5 and M6. In this case, in order to set the charge pump 2 to the off - state, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the off - state, the transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, and M8 are in the off - state, and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the off - state. The pull - down switch 60 is set to the on - state in order to pull down the DRN terminal. In Figure 5 and the subsequent figures, the dashed arrows indicate the path of the inspection target, and the dashed circles indicate the elements of the inspection target.

[0093] When in Figure 5When in the operating state shown, power relays M5 and M6 are both in the off state during normal conditions, as Figure 6 shown, current I flows along a path from the VCPH terminal to the first resistors R7 and R8, to the second resistors R5 and R6, to the body diode of power relay M6, to the DRN terminal, to the pull-down resistor 80, and then to the pull-down switch 60. On the other hand, when a short circuit (leakage) occurs in each of power relays M5 and M6, the voltage at the DRN terminal is the battery voltage VB. Therefore, when the reference voltage V90 of comparator 90 ( Figure 2 ) is set between the voltage at the DRN terminal generated by current I during normal conditions and the voltage at the DRN terminal during a short circuit, the output of comparator 90 can be used to perform a short-circuit check of power relays M5 and M6.

[0094] Figure 7 FIG. is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system 100 during an open-circuit check of power relays M5 and M6. In this case, to set the charge pump 2 to the on state, power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state, transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, and M8 are in the off state, and motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the off state. The pull-down switch 60 is set to the on state to pull down the DRN terminal. After the Figure 7 inspection operation shown, the charge pump 2 remains in the on state.

[0095] When in Figure 7 the operating state shown, power relays M5 and M6 are both in the on state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the DRN terminal is the battery voltage VB. On the other hand, when an open circuit occurs in at least power relay M6 among power relays M5 and M6, the voltage at the DRN terminal is the ground potential. Therefore, the output of comparator 90 ( Figure 2 ) can be used to perform an open-circuit check of power relays M5 and M6.

[0096] Figure 8 FIG. is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system 100 during a short-circuit check of the first upper-side transistor M1. In this case, power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state, transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, and M8 are in the off state, and motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the off state. The pull-down switch 61 is set to the on state to pull down the S1H terminal.

[0097] When in Figure 8When in the operation state shown, the first upper transistor M1 is in the off state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the S1H terminal is the ground potential. On the other hand, when a short circuit occurs in the first upper transistor M1, the voltage at the DRN terminal is the battery voltage VB. Therefore, the reference voltage V91 of the comparator 91 ( Figure 2 ) is set between the ground potential and the battery voltage VB, and thus the output of the comparator 91 can be used to perform a short-circuit check of the first upper transistor M1.

[0098] Figure 9 FIG. is a diagram showing the operation state of the motor system 100 during a short-circuit check of the first lower transistor M2. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state, the transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, and M8 are in the off state, and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the off state. The pull-up switch 51 is set to the on state to pull up the S1H terminal.

[0099] When in Figure 9 the operation state shown, the first lower transistor M2 is in the off state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the S1H terminal is the battery voltage VB. On the other hand, when a short circuit occurs in the first lower transistor M2, the voltage at the S1H terminal is the ground potential. Therefore, the output of the comparator 91 can be used to perform a short-circuit check of the first lower transistor M2.

[0100] Figure 10 FIG. is a diagram showing the operation state of the motor system 100 during a short-circuit check of the second upper transistor M3. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state, the transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, and M8 are in the off state, and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the off state. The pull-down switch 62 is set to the on state to pull down the S2H terminal.

[0101] When in Figure 10 the operation state shown, the second upper transistor M3 is in the off state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the S2H terminal is the ground potential. On the other hand, when a short circuit occurs in the second upper transistor M3, the voltage at the S2H terminal is the battery voltage VB. Therefore, the reference voltage V92 of the comparator 92 ( Figure 2 ) is set between the ground potential and the battery voltage VB, and thus the output of the comparator 92 can be used to perform a short-circuit check of the second upper transistor M3.

[0102] Figure 11FIG. 0 is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system 100 during a short-circuit check of the second lower transistor M4. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the ON state, the transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, and M8 are in the OFF state, and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the OFF state. The pull-up switch 52 is set to the ON state to pull up the S2H terminal.

[0103] When in Figure 11 the operating state shown, the second lower transistor M4 is in the OFF state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the S2H terminal is the battery voltage VB. On the other hand, when a short circuit occurs in the second lower transistor M4, the voltage at the S2H terminal is the ground potential. Therefore, the output of the comparator 92 can be used to perform a short-circuit check of the second lower transistor M4.

[0104] Figure 12 FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system 100 during a short-circuit check of the third upper transistor M7. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the ON state, the transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, and M8 are in the OFF state, and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the OFF state. The pull-down switch 63 is set to the ON state to pull down the S3H terminal.

[0105] When in Figure 12 the operating state shown, the third upper transistor M7 is in the OFF state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the S3H terminal is the ground potential. On the other hand, when a short circuit occurs in the third upper transistor M7, the voltage at the S3H terminal is the battery voltage VB. Therefore, the reference voltage V93 of the comparator 93 ( Figure 2 ) is set between the ground potential and the battery voltage VB, and thus the output of the comparator 93 can be used to perform a short-circuit check of the third upper transistor M7.

[0106] Figure 13 FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system 100 during a short-circuit check of the third lower transistor M8. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the ON state, the transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, and M8 are in the OFF state, and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the OFF state. The pull-up switch 53 is set to the ON state to pull up the S3H terminal.

[0107] When in Figure 13When in the operation state shown, the third lower transistor M8 is in the off state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the S3H terminal is the battery voltage VB. On the other hand, when a short circuit occurs in the third lower transistor M8, the voltage at the S3H terminal is the ground potential. Therefore, the output of the comparator 93 can be used to perform a short circuit check of the third lower transistor M8.

[0108] Figure 14 FIG. is a diagram showing the operation state of the motor system 100 during an open circuit check of the first upper transistor M1. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state, the transistor M1 is in the on state, the transistors M2, M3, M4, M7, and M8 are in the off state, and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the off state. The pull - down switch 61 is set to the on state to pull down the S1H terminal.

[0109] When in Figure 14 the operation state shown, the first upper transistor M1 is in the on state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the S1H terminal is the battery voltage VB. On the other hand, when an open circuit occurs in the first upper transistor M1, the voltage at the S1H terminal is the ground potential. Therefore, the output of the comparator 91 can be used to perform an open circuit check of the first upper transistor M1.

[0110] Figure 15 FIG. is a diagram showing the operation state of the motor system 100 during an open circuit check of the first lower transistor M2. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state, the transistor M2 is in the on state, the transistors M1, M3, M4, M7, and M8 are in the off state, and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the off state. The pull - up switch 51 is set to the on state to pull up the S1H terminal.

[0111] When in Figure 15 the operation state shown, the first lower transistor M2 is in the on state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the S1H terminal is the ground potential. On the other hand, when an open circuit occurs in the first lower transistor M2, the voltage at the S1H terminal is the battery voltage VB. Therefore, the output of the comparator 91 can be used to perform an open circuit check of the first lower transistor M2.

[0112] Figure 16 FIG. is a diagram showing the operation state of the motor system 100 during an open circuit check of the second upper transistor M3. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state, the transistor M3 is in the on state, the transistors M1, M2, M4, M7, and M8 are in the off state, and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the off state. The pull - down switch 62 is set to the on state to pull down the S2H terminal.

[0113] When in Figure 16 the operation state shown, the second upper transistor M3 is in the on state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the S2H terminal is the battery voltage VB. On the other hand, when an open circuit occurs in the second upper transistor M3, the voltage at the S2H terminal is the ground potential. Therefore, the output of the comparator 92 can be used to perform an open circuit check on the second upper transistor M3.

[0114] Figure 17 is a diagram showing the operation state of the motor system 100 during an open circuit check of the second lower transistor M4. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state, the transistor M4 is in the on state, the transistors M1, M2, M3, M7, and M8 are in the off state, and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the off state. The pull-up switch 52 is set to the on state to pull up the S2H terminal.

[0115] When in Figure 17 the operation state shown, the second lower transistor M4 is in the on state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the S2H terminal is the ground potential. On the other hand, when an open circuit occurs in the second lower transistor M4, the voltage at the S2H terminal is the battery voltage VB. Therefore, the output of the comparator 92 can be used to perform an open circuit check on the second lower transistor M4.

[0116] Figure 18 is a diagram showing the operation state of the motor system 100 during an open circuit check of the third upper transistor M7. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state, the transistor M7 is in the on state, the transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, and M8 are in the off state, and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the off state. The pull-down switch 63 is set to the on state to pull down the S3H terminal.

[0117] When in Figure 18 the operation state shown, the third upper transistor M7 is in the on state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the S3H terminal is the battery voltage VB. On the other hand, when an open circuit occurs in the third upper transistor M7, the voltage at the S3H terminal is the ground potential. Therefore, the output of the comparator 93 can be used to perform an open circuit check on the third upper transistor M7.

[0118] Figure 19FIG. is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system 100 during an open-circuit check of the third lower-side transistor M8. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state, the transistor M8 is in the on state, the transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, and M7 are in the off state, and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the off state. The pull-up switch 53 is set to the on state to pull up the S3H terminal.

[0119] When in Figure 19 the operating state shown, the third lower-side transistor M8 is in the on state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the S3H terminal is the ground potential. On the other hand, when an open circuit occurs in the third lower-side transistor M8, the voltage at the S3H terminal is the battery voltage VB. Therefore, the output of the comparator 93 can be used to perform an open-circuit check of the third lower-side transistor M8.

[0120] Figure 20 FIG. is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system 100 during a short-circuit-to-power check of the motor 10. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state, the transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, and M8 are in the off state, and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the on state. The pull-down switches 61, 62, and 63 are set to the on state to pull down the S1H, S2H, and S3H terminals.

[0121] When in Figure 20 the operating state shown, no short circuit to power occurs in the motor 10, and all the voltages at the S1H, S2H, and S3H terminals are the ground potential. On the other hand, when a short circuit to power occurs in the motor 10, at least one of the voltages at the S1H, S2H, and S3H terminals is the battery voltage VB. Therefore, the outputs of the comparators 91, 92, and 93 can be used to perform a short-circuit-to-power check of the motor 10. Figure 20 FIG. shows a case where a short circuit to power occurs at the U-phase terminal of the motor 10. In particular, since all the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are set to the on state, even if an open circuit occurs in one of the motor relays M9, M10, and M11, when a short circuit to power occurs in the motor 10, at least one of the voltages at the S1H, S2H, and S3H terminals is the battery voltage VB.

[0122] Figure 21 FIG. is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system 100 during a ground fault check of the motor 10. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state, the transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, and M8 are in the off state, and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the on state. The pull-up switches 51, 52, and 53 are set to the on state to pull up the S1H, S2H, and S3H terminals.

[0123] When in Figure 21 the operating state shown, no ground fault occurs in the motor 10, and all voltages at the S1H, S2H, and S3H terminals are the battery voltage VB. On the other hand, when a ground fault occurs in the motor 10, at least one of the voltages at the S1H, S2H, and S3H terminals is the ground potential. Therefore, the output of the comparators 91, 92, and 93 can be used to perform a ground fault check on the motor 10. Figure 21 The situation where a ground fault occurs at the U-phase terminal of the motor 10 is shown. In particular, since all the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are set to the conducting state, even if an open circuit occurs in one of the motor relays M9, M10, and M11, when a ground fault occurs in the motor 10, at least one of the voltages at the S1H, S2H, and S3H terminals is the ground potential.

[0124] Figure 22 is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system 100 during the short-circuit check of the first motor relay M9. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the conducting state, the transistors M1, M2, M4, and M8 are in the off state, the transistors M3 and M7 are in the conducting state, the motor relay M9 is in the off state, and the motor relays M10 and M11 are in the conducting state. The pull-down switch 61 is set to the conducting state to pull down the S1H terminal.

[0125] When in Figure 22 the operating state shown, the first motor relay M9 is in the off state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the S1H terminal is the ground potential. On the other hand, when a short circuit occurs in the first motor relay M9, the voltage at the S1H terminal is the battery voltage VB. Therefore, the output of the comparator 91 can be used to perform a short-circuit check on the first motor relay M9. In particular, even if an open circuit occurs in one of the motor relays M10 and M11, when a short circuit occurs in the first motor relay M9, the voltage at the S1H terminal is also the battery voltage VB.

[0126] Figure 23 is a diagram showing the operating state of the motor system 100 during the short-circuit check of the second motor relay M10. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the conducting state, the transistors M2, M3, M4, and M8 are in the off state, the transistors M1 and M7 are in the conducting state, the motor relay M10 is in the off state, and the motor relays M9 and M11 are in the conducting state. The pull-down switch 62 is set to the conducting state to pull down the S2H terminal.

[0127] When in Figure 23When in the operation state shown, the second motor relay M10 is in the off state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the S2H terminal is the ground potential. On the other hand, when a short circuit occurs in the second motor relay M10, the voltage at the S2H terminal is the battery voltage VB. Therefore, the output of the comparator 92 can be used to perform a short circuit check of the second motor relay M10. In particular, even if an open circuit occurs in one of the motor relays M9 and M11, when a short circuit occurs in the second motor relay M10, the voltage at the S2H terminal is also the battery voltage VB.

[0128] Figure 24 FIG. is a diagram showing the operation state of the motor system 100 during a short circuit check of the third motor relay M11. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state, the transistors M2, M4, M7, and M8 are in the off state, the transistors M1 and M3 are in the on state, the motor relay M11 is in the off state, and the motor relays M9 and M10 are in the on state. The pull-down switch 63 is set to the on state to pull down the S3H terminal.

[0129] When in Figure 24 When in the operation state shown, the third motor relay M11 is in the off state under normal conditions, and the voltage at the S3H terminal is the ground potential. On the other hand, when a short circuit occurs in the third motor relay M11, the voltage at the S3H terminal is the battery voltage VB. Therefore, the output of the comparator 93 can be used to perform a short circuit check of the third motor relay M11. In particular, even if an open circuit occurs in one of the motor relays M9 and M10, when a short circuit occurs in the third motor relay M11, the voltage at the S3H terminal is also the battery voltage VB.

[0130] Figure 25 FIG. is a diagram showing the operation state of the motor system 100 during an open circuit check of the first motor relay M9. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state, the transistors M1, M2, M4, and M8 are in the off state, the transistors M3 and M7 are in the on state, and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the on state. The pull-down switch 61 is set to the on state to pull down the S1H terminal.

[0131] When in Figure 25When in the operation state shown, the first motor relay M9 is in the on state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the S1H terminal is the battery voltage VB. On the other hand, when an open circuit occurs in the first motor relay M9, the voltage at the S1H terminal is the ground potential. Therefore, the output of the comparator 91 can be used to perform an open circuit check of the first motor relay M9. In particular, even if an open circuit occurs in one of the motor relays M10 and M11, when the first motor relay M9 is normal, the voltage at the S1H terminal is also the battery voltage VB.

[0132] Figure 26 FIG. is a diagram showing the operation state of the motor system 100 during an open circuit check of the second motor relay M10. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state, the transistors M2, M3, M4, and M8 are in the off state, the transistors M1 and M7 are in the on state, and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the on state. The pull-down switch 62 is set to the on state to pull down the S2H terminal.

[0133] When in Figure 26 When in the operation state shown, the second motor relay M10 is in the on state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the S2H terminal is the battery voltage VB. On the other hand, when an open circuit occurs in the second motor relay M10, the voltage at the S2H terminal is the ground potential. Therefore, the output of the comparator 92 can be used to perform an open circuit check of the second motor relay M10. In particular, even if an open circuit occurs in one of the motor relays M9 and M11, when the second motor relay M10 is normal, the voltage at the S2H terminal is also the battery voltage VB.

[0134] Figure 27 FIG. is a diagram showing the operation state of the motor system 100 during an open circuit check of the third motor relay M11. In this case, the power relays M5 and M6 are in the on state, the transistors M2, M4, M7, and M8 are in the off state, the transistors M1 and M3 are in the on state, and the motor relays M9, M10, and M11 are in the on state. The pull-down switch 63 is set to the on state to pull down the S3H terminal.

[0135] When in Figure 27 When in the operation state shown, the third motor relay M11 is in the on state during normal conditions, and the voltage at the S3H terminal is the battery voltage VB. On the other hand, when an open circuit occurs in the third motor relay M11, the voltage at the S3H terminal is the ground potential. Therefore, the output of the comparator 93 can be used to perform an open circuit check of the third motor relay M11. In particular, even if an open circuit occurs in one of the motor relays M9 and M10, when the third motor relay M11 is normal, the voltage at the S3H terminal is also the battery voltage VB.

[0136] In the present embodiment as described above, at startup, it is possible to perform a short - circuit / open - circuit check of power relays M5 and M6, a short - circuit / open - circuit check of transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, and M8, a short - circuit to power / ground - fault check of motor 10, and a short - circuit / open - circuit check of motor relays M9, M10, and M11.

[0137] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the on - resistance value of each of pull - down switches 60 to 63 and pull - up switches 51 to 53 for the check operation is set to be higher than the on - resistance value of each of transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, and M8. If transistors M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, and M8 are used to perform pull - down or pull - up, a direct - through current can flow through half - bridges 1HB, 2HB, and 3HB to affect the transistors of the half - bridges or cause motor 10 to operate. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the on - resistance values of pull - down switches 60 to 63 and pull - up switches 51 to 53 are set high, so the current flowing during the check operation is restricted.

[0138] In the present embodiment, pull - down resistors 80 to 83 and pull - up resistors 71 to 73 are further provided, and thus the current flowing during the check operation is further restricted. The pull - down resistors and pull - up resistors can include a plurality of resistor elements connected in series to increase the resistance. When the on - resistance values of pull - down switches 60 to 63 and pull - up switches 51 to 53 are high enough, the pull - down resistors and pull - up resistors can be omitted.

[0139] <4. Application to Vehicles>

[0140] Figure 28 is an external view showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle including the above - mentioned motor system 100. In Figure 28 it, as an example of the application of motor 10, various types of motors X11 to X17 incorporated in vehicle X are shown.

[0141] Motor X11 is an electric power steering motor. Motor X12 is an electric oil pump motor. Motor X13 is a headlight drive motor. Motor X14 is an electric parking brake motor. Motor X15 is a seat cooling fan motor. Motor X16 is a door opening / closing motor. Motor X17 is a door lock motor.

[0142] <5. Others>

[0143] In addition to the above-described embodiments, various changes can be made to the various technical features disclosed in this specification without departing from the spirit of the technical creation of this specification. In other words, it should be considered that the embodiments are illustrative in all aspects rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and includes all changes in meaning and the scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

[0144] <6. Attachment Note>

[0145] As described above, for example, a motor drive device (1) according to one aspect of the present disclosure is configured to drive a motor using at least one half-bridge (1HB, 2HB, and 3HB), the half-bridge including upper-side transistors (M1, M3, and M7) and lower-side transistors (M2, M4, and M8), and wherein the motor (10) can be connected to nodes (N1, N2, and N3) where the upper-side transistors and the lower-side transistors are connected. The motor drive device includes: at least one of second main electrode pull-down switches (61, 62, and 63) and second main electrode pull-up switches (51, 52, and 53). The second main electrode pull-down switches (61, 62, and 63) are configured to be able to pull down the second main electrode corresponding to the node in the upper-side transistors, the upper-side transistors including first main electrodes configured to be able to apply a power supply voltage (VB). The second main electrode pull-up switches (51, 52, and 53) are configured to be able to pull up the second main electrode; an inspection execution unit (3), configured to perform an abnormality inspection operation on at least one of the upper-side transistors, the lower-side transistors, and the motor in a state where the second main electrode is pulled up or pulled down by setting one of the second main electrode pull-down switch and the second main electrode pull-up switch to a conducting state; and a control circuit (3), configured to control the combination of the on / off states of motor relays (M9, M10, and M11), upper-side transistors, and lower-side transistors connected to the motor, and the inspection execution unit is configured to inspect at least one of a short circuit and an open circuit of the upper-side transistors, a short circuit and an open circuit of the lower-side transistors, a short circuit to the power supply and a ground fault of the motor, and a short circuit and an open circuit of the motor relays at startup (first configuration).

[0146] Preferably, in the above first configuration, the inspection execution unit is configured to identify an abnormality by performing operations in the following order: a transistor short-circuit inspection operation, including: an upper-side short-circuit inspection operation for inspecting a short circuit of the upper-side transistor in a state where the second main electrode is pulled down by the second main electrode pull-down switch; a lower-side short-circuit inspection operation for inspecting a short circuit of the lower-side transistor in a state where the second main electrode is pulled up by the second main electrode pull-up switch; a transistor open-circuit inspection operation, including: an upper-side open-circuit inspection operation for inspecting an open circuit of the upper-side transistor in a state where the second main electrode is pulled down by the second main electrode pull-down switch; a lower-side open-circuit inspection operation for inspecting an open circuit of the lower-side transistor in a state where the second main electrode is pulled up by the second main electrode pull-up switch; a power supply short-circuit inspection operation for inspecting a short circuit of the motor to the power supply in a state where the second main electrode is pulled down by the second main electrode pull-down switch; a ground fault inspection operation for inspecting a ground fault of the motor in a state where the second main electrode is pulled up by the second main electrode pull-up switch; and a motor relay inspection operation for inspecting a short circuit and an open circuit of the motor relay in a state where the second main electrode is pulled down by the second main electrode pull-down switch (second configuration).

[0147] Preferably, in the above second configuration, the motor driving device further includes: a first main electrode pull-down switch (60) configured to be able to pull down the first main electrode; and a power relay control unit (2) configured to control the on / off state of a power relay (M5, M6) arranged between the first main electrode and an application end of a power supply voltage. The inspection execution unit is configured to inspect a short circuit and an open circuit of the power relay in a state where the first main electrode pull-down switch is set to an on state, and perform the inspection of the short circuit and the open circuit of the power relay before the transistor short-circuit inspection operation (third configuration).

[0148] Preferably, in the above third configuration, the on-resistance value of the first main electrode pull-down switch is higher than each of the on-resistance values of the upper-side transistor and the lower-side transistor (fourth configuration).

[0149] Preferably, in the above third or fourth configuration, the motor driving device further includes: a first main electrode pull-down resistor (80) configured to be connected in series to the first main electrode pull-down switch (fifth configuration).

[0150] Preferably, in the above fifth configuration, the first main electrode pull-down resistor is configured to include a plurality of resistor elements connected in series (sixth configuration).

[0151] Preferably, in any one of the above-described third to sixth configurations, the power relay includes: a first N-channel MOSFET (M5) having a drain connected to an application terminal of a power supply voltage; and a second N-channel MOSFET (M6) having a source connected to the source of the first N-channel MOSFET and a drain connected to the first main electrode. A first end of first resistors (R7 and R8) provided according to the first N-channel MOSFET and the second N-channel MOSFET can be connected to an output terminal of a charge pump (2) serving as a power relay control unit via an external terminal (VCPH terminal), and a first end of second resistors (R5 and R6) connected between the gate and the source of the first N-channel MOSFET and between the gate and the source of the second N-channel MOSFET can be connected to a second end of the first resistor (seventh configuration).

[0152] Preferably, in any one of the above-described third to seventh configurations, the inspection execution unit can sequentially execute inspections of short circuits and open circuits of the power relay, a transistor short-circuit inspection operation, a ground short-circuit inspection operation of the motor, and inspections of short circuits and open circuits of the motor relay (eighth configuration).

[0153] Preferably, in any one of the above-described first to eighth configurations, the on-resistance value of the second main electrode pull-down switch is higher than each of the on-resistance values of the upper-side transistor and the lower-side transistor, and the on-resistance value of the second main electrode pull-up switch is higher than each of the on-resistance values of the upper-side transistor and the lower-side transistor (ninth configuration).

[0154] Preferably, in the above-described ninth configuration, the inspection execution unit is configured to execute an inspection in a state where the motor is connected to the node (tenth configuration).

[0155] Preferably, in any one of the above-described first to tenth configurations, the motor drive device further includes at least one of second main electrode pull-down resistors (81, 82, and 83) connected in series with the second main electrode pull-down switch and second main electrode pull-up resistors (71, 72, and 73) connected in series with the second main electrode pull-up switch (eleventh configuration).

[0156] Preferably, in the above-described eleventh configuration, at least one of the second main electrode pull-down resistor and the second main electrode pull-up resistor is configured to include a plurality of resistor elements connected in series (twelfth configuration).

[0157] Preferably, in any one of the first to twelfth configurations described above, each of the plurality of motor relays, each of which is a motor relay, can be connected between each of the plurality of input terminals provided in the motor and a node in each of the plurality of half-bridges, each of which is a half-bridge, and when checking for a short circuit to the power supply and a ground fault of the motor, all of the plurality of motor relays are set to the conducting state (thirteenth configuration).

[0158] Preferably, in any one of the first to thirteenth configurations described above, each of three or more motor relays, each of which is a motor relay, can be connected between each of the three or more input terminals provided in the motor and a node in each of the three or more half-bridges, each of which is a half-bridge, and when checking for a short circuit of the motor relay, the motor relay to be checked is set to the off state, and the remaining motor relays are set to the conducting state (fourteenth configuration).

[0159] Preferably, in any one of the first to fourteenth configurations described above, each of three or more motor relays, each of which is a motor relay, can be connected between each of the three or more input terminals provided in the motor and a node in each of the three or more half-bridges, each of which is a half-bridge, and when checking for an open circuit of the motor relay, all of the three or more motor relays are set to the conducting state (fifteenth configuration).

[0160] A motor system (100) according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a motor driving device (1) of any one of the first to fifteenth configurations described above; and a motor (10) configured to be drivable by the motor driving device (sixteenth configuration).

[0161] A vehicle (X) according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: the motor system of the sixteenth configuration (seventeenth configuration).

[0162] Industrial Applicability

[0163] For example, the present disclosure can be used for an in-vehicle motor system.

[0164] List of Reference Numerals

[0165] 1 Motor driving device

[0166] 1HB First half-bridge

[0167] 2HB Second half-bridge

[0168] 3HB Third half-bridge

[0169] 2 Charge pump

[0170] 3 Control logic unit

[0171] 10 Motors

[0172] 41 to 49 Pre-drivers

[0173] 51 First Pull-up Switch

[0174] 52 Second Pull-up Switch

[0175] 53 Third Pull-up Switch

[0176] 60 Pull-down Switch

[0177] 61 First Pull-down Switch

[0178] 62 Second Pull-down Switch

[0179] 63 Third Pull-down Switch

[0180] 71 First Pull-up Resistor

[0181] 72 Second Pull-up Resistor

[0182] 73 Third Pull-up Resistor

[0183] 80 Pull-down Resistor

[0184] 81 First Pull-down Resistor

[0185] 82 Second Pull-down Resistor

[0186] 83 Third Pull-down Resistor

[0187] 90 to 93 Comparators

[0188] 100 Motor System

[0189] C5, C6 Capacitors

[0190] D5, D6 Diodes

[0191] L1 First Coil

[0192] L2 Second Coil

[0193] L3 Third Coil

[0194] M1 First Upper Transistor

[0195] M2 First Lower Transistor

[0196] M3 Second Upper Transistor

[0197] M4 Second Lower Transistor

[0198] M5 First Power Relay

[0199] M6 Second Power Relay

[0200] M7 Third upper transistor

[0201] M8 Third lower transistor

[0202] M9 First motor relay

[0203] M10 Second motor relay

[0204] M11 Third motor relay

[0205] R5, R6 Second resistor

[0206] R7, R8 First resistor

[0207] Rsh1 First shunt resistor

[0208] Rsh2 Second shunt resistor

[0209] Rsh3 Third shunt resistor

[0210] X Vehicle

Claims

1. A motor driving device configured to drive a motor using at least one half-bridge, the half-bridge including an upper-side transistor and a lower-side transistor, and wherein the motor can be connected to a node to which the upper-side transistor and the lower-side transistor are connected. The motor driving device includes: At least one of a second main electrode pull-down switch and a second main electrode pull-up switch. The second main electrode pull-down switch is configured to be able to pull down a second main electrode corresponding to the node in the upper-side transistor. The upper-side transistor includes a first main electrode configured to be able to apply a power supply voltage. The second main electrode pull-up switch is configured to be able to pull up the second main electrode; An inspection execution unit configured to perform an abnormality inspection operation on at least one of the upper-side transistor, the lower-side transistor, and the motor in a state where the second main electrode is pulled up or pulled down by setting one of the second main electrode pull-down switch and the second main electrode pull-up switch to a conducting state; And A control circuit configured to control a combination of on / off states of a motor relay connected to the motor, the upper-side transistor, and the lower-side transistor, wherein the inspection execution unit is configured to inspect at least one of a short circuit and an open circuit of the upper-side transistor, a short circuit and an open circuit of the lower-side transistor, a short circuit to the power supply and a ground fault of the motor, and a short circuit and an open circuit of the motor relay at startup.

2. The motor driving device according to claim 1, Among them, The inspection execution unit is configured to identify an abnormality by performing operations in the following order: A transistor short-circuit inspection operation, including: an upper-side short-circuit inspection operation for inspecting a short circuit of the upper-side transistor in a state where the second main electrode is pulled down by the second main electrode pull-down switch; and a lower-side short-circuit inspection operation for inspecting a short circuit of the lower-side transistor in a state where the second main electrode is pulled up by the second main electrode pull-up switch; A transistor open-circuit inspection operation, including: an upper-side open-circuit inspection operation for inspecting an open circuit of the upper-side transistor in a state where the second main electrode is pulled down by the second main electrode pull-down switch; and a lower-side open-circuit inspection operation for inspecting an open circuit of the lower-side transistor in a state where the second main electrode is pulled up by the second main electrode pull-up switch; A short circuit to the power supply inspection operation for inspecting a short circuit to the power supply of the motor in a state where the second main electrode is pulled down by the second main electrode pull-down switch; A ground fault inspection operation for inspecting a ground fault of the motor in a state where the second main electrode is pulled up by the second main electrode pull-up switch; and A motor relay inspection operation for inspecting a short circuit and an open circuit of the motor relay in a state where the second main electrode is pulled down by the second main electrode pull-down switch.

3. The motor driving device according to claim 2, further including: A first main electrode pull-down switch configured to be able to pull down the first main electrode; And A power relay control unit configured to control an on / off state of a power relay arranged between the first main electrode and an application end of the power supply voltage. Among them, the inspection execution unit is configured to inspect for short - circuit and open - circuit of the power relay in a state where the first main - electrode pull - down switch is set to the on - state, and before the transistor short - circuit inspection operation, perform an inspection for short - circuit and open - circuit of the power relay.

4. The motor drive device according to claim 3, wherein the on - resistance value of the first main - electrode pull - down switch is higher than each of the on - resistance values of the upper - side transistor and the lower - side transistor.

5. The motor drive device according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising: A first main - electrode pull - down resistor configured to be connected in series to the first main - electrode pull - down switch.

6. The motor drive device according to claim 5, wherein the first main - electrode pull - down resistor is configured to include a plurality of resistor elements connected in series.

7. The motor drive device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the power relay includes: A first N - channel MOSFET including a drain connected to the application terminal of the power supply voltage; and A second N - channel MOSFET including a source connected to the source of the first N - channel MOSFET and a drain connected to the first main - electrode, According to the first end of the first resistor provided by the first N - channel MOSFET and the second N - channel MOSFET, it can be connected to the output terminal of a charge pump serving as the power - relay control unit via an external terminal, and The first end of the second resistor connected between the gate and the source of the first N - channel MOSFET and between the gate and the source of the second N - channel MOSFET can be connected to the second end of the first resistor.

8. The motor drive device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, Among them, The inspection execution unit can sequentially perform an inspection for short - circuit and open - circuit of the power relay, the transistor short - circuit inspection operation, the motor ground - short - circuit inspection operation, and an inspection for short - circuit and open - circuit of the motor relay.

9. The motor drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the on - resistance value of the second main - electrode pull - down switch is higher than each of the on - resistance values of the upper - side transistor and the lower - side transistor, and the on - resistance value of the second main - electrode pull - up switch is higher than each of the on - resistance values of the upper - side transistor and the lower - side transistor.

10. The motor drive device according to claim 9, Among them, the inspection execution unit is configured to perform the inspection in a state where the motor is connected to the node.

11. The motor drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: At least one of a second main - electrode pull - down resistor connected in series with the second main - electrode pull - down switch and a second main - electrode pull - up resistor connected in series with the second main - electrode pull - up switch.

12. The motor drive device according to claim 11, At least one of the second main electrode pull-down resistor and the second main electrode pull-up resistor is configured to include a plurality of resistor elements connected in series.

13. The motor drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, Among them, each of a plurality of motor relays each serving as the motor relay can be connected between each input terminal among a plurality of input terminals provided in the motor and a node in each of a plurality of half-bridges each serving as the half-bridge, and when checking for a short circuit to the power supply and a ground fault of the motor, all of the plurality of motor relays are set to an on state.

14. The motor drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, Among them, each of three or more motor relays each serving as the motor relay can be connected between each input terminal among three or more input terminals provided in the motor and the node in each of three or more half-bridges each serving as the half-bridge, and when checking for a short circuit of the motor relay, the motor relay to be checked is set to an off state, and the remaining motor relays are set to an on state.

15. The motor drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, Among them, each of three or more motor relays each serving as the motor relay can be connected between each input terminal among three or more input terminals provided in the motor and the node in each of three or more half-bridges each serving as the half-bridge, and when checking for an open circuit of the motor relay, all of the three or more motor relays are set to an on state.

16. A motor system, comprising: the motor drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 15; and a motor configured to be driven by the motor drive device.

17. A vehicle, comprising: the motor system according to claim 16.

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