Electrical device and method for controlling electrical device

Abstract

The invention provides an electric device and a control method of the electric device, which can suppress the generation of impact sound caused by the vibration of a rotor during AC charging. An electrical apparatus (10) is provided with a power storage device (11), a rotating electrical machine (16), a power control means, and an angle sensor (51) that acquires the phase of a rotor of the rotating electrical machine (16). The power control unit acquires a target DC component of a current flowing through a beta-phase first coil and a beta-phase second coil of the rotating electric machine (16) by power supplied from an external AC power source on the basis of a stop phase of a rotor acquired by an angle sensor (51) when the rotating electric machine (16) is stopped. And charges the power storage device (11) by a power conversion operation based on the target DC component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical device and a control method for the electrical device. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, research and development related to charging and discharging of mobile devices equipped with secondary batteries that contribute to energy efficiency has been conducted to ensure that more people have access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and advanced energy.

[0003] Conventionally, for example, electric vehicles are known that convert AC power supplied from an external power source into DC power using a combination of a motor's multi-phase stator windings and a multi-phase bridge circuit using switching elements (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication Nos. 2009-65808 and 2021-5944). In these electric vehicles, to suppress torque generated in the motor during AC charging from an external power source, the rotor position (rotation angle) is controlled to a predetermined position when the motor is stopped. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In technologies related to charging and discharging of mobile devices equipped with secondary batteries, a challenge is to suppress the impact noise, or so-called rattling noise, caused by the torque generated by the motor during AC charging from an external power source. For example, even when the rotor position is controlled to a predetermined position when the motor is stopped, as in the conventional electric vehicle described above, proper control of the rotor position can be difficult due to factors such as the driver's intentions, the surrounding environment, and other vehicle controls. Furthermore, even when the rotor position is set to a predetermined position, rotor vibrations can occur depending on the frequency of the charging current during AC charging, potentially causing rattling noise in the gears connected to the rotor.

[0005] An object of the present application is to suppress the generation of impact noise caused by vibration of a rotor during AC charging.

[0006] An electric device according to a first aspect of the present invention (e.g., electric device 10 in the embodiment) includes: a power storage device (e.g., power storage device 11 in the embodiment); a rotating electric machine (e.g., rotating electric machine 16 (M) in the embodiment) having a rotor (e.g., rotor 41 in the embodiment) and a plurality of coils (e.g., β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and β-phase second coil 34 (β2) in the embodiment); a power control unit (e.g., power control unit 10a in the embodiment) connected to at least one of the plurality of coils and the power storage device and controlling power transfer between the power storage device and the rotating electric machine; and a phase acquisition unit (e.g., angle sensor 51 in the embodiment) that acquires the phase of the rotor. The power control unit acquires a target DC component of current flowing through the coils by power supplied from an external power supply based on the stop phase of the rotor acquired by the phase acquisition unit when the rotating electric machine is stopped, and charges the power storage device through a power conversion operation based on the target DC component.

[0007] The second option is based on the electrical equipment described in the above-mentioned first option, and it is possible that at least any one of the multiple coils forms an AC power input phase connected to an external AC power supply, and the electrical equipment has a power connection component (for example, the AC power connection part 15 in the embodiment) that connects the power control unit and the at least any one of the coils to the external AC power supply, and the power control unit causes the target DC component to change with an increasing tendency as the angle between the AC power input phase and the q-axis of the rotor increases.

[0008] A third aspect is the electrical device according to the first aspect, and may include a restriction mechanism (for example, the restriction mechanism 52 in the embodiment) that restricts power transmission of a power transmission mechanism connected to the rotor.

[0009] A fourth embodiment is an electrical device according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein at least one of the plurality of coils is a first-phase coil forming an AC power input phase connected to an external AC power source (for example, the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) in the embodiment), and the plurality of coils have a plurality of second-phase coils forming a DC conversion phase for conversion between DC powers (for example, the α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2) in the embodiment), and the power control unit controls the conversion between DC powers by combining with the plurality of second-phase coils.

[0010] A fifth solution is an electrical device according to the fourth solution, wherein the electrical device includes a power supply connection member (for example, the AC power supply connection portion 15 in the embodiment) for connecting the power control unit and at least one of the coils to an external AC power supply, the plurality of second-phase coils include a first coil with an open end (for example, the α-phase first coil 23 (α1) in the embodiment) and a second coil (for example, the α-phase second coil 24 (α2) in the embodiment), the rotating electrical machine includes a stator core (for example, the stator core 42 in the embodiment), the stator core is formed with a slot shared by the first coil and the second coil (for example, the slot 43 in the embodiment), and the power control unit includes: a first full-bridge circuit (for example, the first full-bridge circuit 12a in the embodiment), which is connected to both ends of the first coil; and a second full-bridge circuit. circuit (for example, the second full-bridge circuit 12b in the embodiment), which is connected to the two ends of the second coil; at least one third full-bridge circuit (for example, the third full-bridge circuit 13a and the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b in the embodiment), which is connected to the two ends of at least one first-phase coil; a first circuit breaker (for example, the first circuit breaker 25 in the embodiment), which is connected to the positive poles of the first full-bridge circuit and the second full-bridge circuit; a second circuit breaker (for example, the second circuit breaker 26 in the embodiment), which is connected to the negative poles of the first full-bridge circuit and the second full-bridge circuit; and at least one third circuit breaker (for example, the third circuit breaker 35 and the fourth circuit breaker 36 in the embodiment), which is connected between one end of at least one first-phase coil and at least one third full-bridge circuit, and the power connection component is connected to the two ends of the third circuit breaker.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to a control method for an electrical device, the electrical device comprising: an electrical storage device (e.g., the electrical storage device 11 in the embodiment); a rotating electrical machine (e.g., the rotating electrical machine 16 (M) in the embodiment) having a rotor (e.g., the rotor 41 in the embodiment) and a plurality of coils (e.g., the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) in the embodiment); a power control unit (e.g., the power control unit 10a in the embodiment) connected to at least one of the plurality of coils and the electrical storage device, and controlling power transfer between the electrical storage device and the rotating electrical machine; and a phase acquisition unit (e.g., the angle sensor 51 in the embodiment) for acquiring the phase of the rotor. The control method of (for example, the electrical device 10 in the embodiment) includes the following steps: when power is supplied from an external AC power supply to the power storage device via at least any one of the multiple coils and the power control unit, obtaining the stop phase of the rotor when the rotating electric machine stops by the phase acquisition unit (for example, step S01 in the embodiment); obtaining a target DC component superimposed on the target current of the current flowing through the coil due to the power supplied from the external AC power supply based on the stop phase of the rotor (for example, step S05 in the embodiment); and charging the power storage device through a power conversion action based on the target current superimposed with the target DC component (for example, step S06 in the embodiment).

[0012] According to the first aspect, when alternating current is flowing through the coils of the rotating electrical machine, during a stop phase where the rotor generates positive or negative torque, an offset is provided in the current value. This allows the generation of impact noises such as gear rattling caused by torque pulsation to be suppressed. On the other hand, during a stop phase where the rotor does not generate significant positive or negative torque, no offset is provided in the current value. This allows the reduction in charging efficiency to be suppressed without increasing the effective current value.

[0013] In the case of the second aspect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of impact noise such as tooth rattling noise of gears due to torque pulsation caused by the alternating current flowing through a part of the rotating electrical machine.

[0014] In the case of the third aspect, by providing the restriction mechanism, it is possible to suppress the rotation caused by the target DC component in the power transmission mechanism connected to the rotor.

[0015] In the fourth embodiment, the rectified DC voltage can be converted to charge the power storage device. For example, in a step-up operation, the power storage device can be quickly charged at a voltage higher than the charging voltage of the external power supply.

[0016] In the fifth embodiment, when the power storage device drives the rotating electrical machine, it can function as an inverter of a multiple full-bridge circuit. When the power storage device is charged with AC power from an external AC power source, the combination of the first and second coils of the rotating electrical machine and the first and second full-bridge circuits can function as an isolated, bidirectional DC-DC converter, while the combination of the first phase coil and the third full-bridge circuit can function as a rectifier circuit. For example, during a voltage step-up operation during AC charging, rapid charging can be achieved at a voltage higher than the charging voltage of the external AC power source.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect, when AC current is flowing through the coils of the rotating electrical machine and the rotor generates large positive and negative torque during a stop phase, an offset is provided in the current value, thereby suppressing the occurrence of impact noises such as gear rattling caused by torque pulsation. On the other hand, when the rotor does not generate large positive and negative torque during a stop phase, no offset is provided in the current value, thereby suppressing a decrease in charging efficiency without increasing the effective current value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the configuration of an electric device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of each full-bridge circuit and rotating electrical machine in the electric device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a partial configuration of an electric device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a graph showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the rotor phase, the torque amplitude, and the average torque when no target DC component is superimposed during AC charging in the electric device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a graph showing an example of temporal changes in torque of a drive shaft in each of the embodiment of the present invention and a comparative example.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 7 It is a configuration diagram of a rotating electrical machine of an electric device according to a modification of the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Hereinafter, electric equipment according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the configuration of an electric device 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 1 is a configuration diagram of the full-bridge circuits 12 a , 12 b , 13 a , and 13 b and the rotating electrical machine 16 in the electric device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0027] The electrical device 10 of the embodiment is mounted on, for example, an electric vehicle, an electric mobile object, an electric machine, or a power supply unit. Examples of electric vehicles include electric vehicles, saddle-type vehicles, and electric scooters that use a rotating electric machine as a power source, hybrid vehicles that combine a rotating electric machine with an internal combustion engine, and fuel cell vehicles that combine a power storage device with a fuel cell. Examples of electric mobile objects include robots, flying objects, and mobile objects on and in water. Examples of electric machines include construction machinery that uses a rotating electric machine as a power source. Examples of power supplies include stationary or mobile power supply units that discharge and charge power storage devices.

[0028] (Electrical Equipment)

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electric device 10 of the embodiment includes, for example, a power storage device 11, a first power conversion unit 12, a second power conversion unit 13, a DC power supply connection unit 14, an AC power supply connection unit 15 (power supply connection means), a rotating electric machine 16 (M), a gate drive unit 17, and an electronic control unit 18. For example, the first power conversion unit 12, the second power conversion unit 13, the DC power supply connection unit 14, the AC power supply connection unit 15, the gate drive unit 17, and the electronic control unit 18 constitute a power control unit 10a.

[0030] The power storage device 11 is connected to a first power conversion unit 12 and a second power conversion unit 13 to be described later.

[0031] The power storage device 11 includes, for example, a plurality of battery cells connected in series or in parallel. Each battery cell may be, for example, a secondary battery such as a lead-acid battery, a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or an all-solid-state battery, a capacitor such as an electric double-layer capacitor, or a composite battery comprising a combination of a secondary battery and a capacitor. Each battery cell repeatedly charges and discharges. The power storage device 11 exchanges power with the rotating electric machine 16 via the power control unit 10a. The power storage device 11 is charged by an external power source (an external DC power source and an external AC power source).

[0032] The first power conversion unit 12 includes a first full-bridge circuit 12 a and a second full-bridge circuit 12 b .

[0033] Each of the first full-bridge circuit 12a and the second full-bridge circuit 12b includes, for example, a so-called H-bridge circuit formed by a plurality of switching elements connected in a two-phase bridge. Each switching element is, for example, a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor) such as SiC (Silicon Carbide) or a transistor such as an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor). Each switching element is, for example, an N-channel MOSFET.

[0034] The switching elements are, for example, a pair of transistors in the element parts 21a and 21b forming a pair of high-side arms and low-side arms in each phase. The pair of transistors in each element part 21a and 21b are connected in parallel, for example.

[0035] In addition, each of the full-bridge circuits 12 a and 12 b may include, for example, a rectifier element such as a freewheeling diode connected in parallel in a forward direction from the emitter to the collector between the collector and the emitter of each transistor.

[0036] The first power converter 12 includes, for example, a first switch 22 connected between midpoints Q2 and Q3 of the first and second full-bridge circuits 12a and 12b. The midpoint Q2 of the first full-bridge circuit 12a is, for example, the connection point between the high-side arm component 21a (a2H) and the low-side arm component 21b (a2L), which are connected in series with each other in the first and second phases of the first full-bridge circuit 12a. For example, the midpoint Q2 is the connection point between the source of the high-side arm component 21a (a2H) and the drain of the low-side arm component 21b (a2L). The midpoint Q3 of the second full-bridge circuit 12b is, for example, the connection point between the high-side arm component 21a (a3H) and the low-side arm component 21b (a3L), which are connected in series with each other in the first and second phases of the second full-bridge circuit 12b. For example, the midpoint Q3 is a connection point between the source of the element portion 21 a ( a3H) of the high-side arm and the drain of the element portion 21 b ( a3L) of the low-side arm.

[0037] The first switch 22 is, for example, a bidirectional switch formed by two switching elements. Each switching element is a transistor such as a MOSFET or an IGBT, for example, an N-channel MOSFET. The first switch 22 includes, for example, two transistors connected in anti-series connection. The two transistors are connected in anti-series connection, for example, by having their sources connected to each other. The first switch 22 switches the conduction and blocking of the current between midpoints Q2 and Q3 by switching the two transistors on (conducting) and off (cutting off).

[0038] In addition, each transistor may include a rectifying element such as a freewheeling diode connected in parallel in a forward direction from the emitter toward the collector between the collector and the emitter.

[0039] The first power converter 12 is connected to the α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2) of the rotating electrical machine 16, described later. The α-phase first coil 23 is connected between the midpoints Q1 and Q2 of the first full-bridge circuit 12a. The α-phase second coil 24 (α2) is connected between the midpoints Q3 and Q4 of the second full-bridge circuit 12b. The midpoint Q1 of the first full-bridge circuit 12a is, for example, the connection point of the high-side arm element 21a (a1H) and the low-side arm element 21b (a1L), which are connected in series in the first phase of the first full-bridge circuit 12a. For example, the midpoint Q1 is the connection point between the source of the high-side arm element 21a (a1H) and the drain of the low-side arm element 21b (a1L). The midpoint Q4 of the second full-bridge circuit 12b is, for example, the connection point between the high-side arm component 21a (a4H) and the low-side arm component 21b (a4L) connected in series in the second phase of the second full-bridge circuit 12b. For example, the midpoint Q4 is the connection point between the source of the high-side arm component 21a (a4H) and the drain of the low-side arm component 21b (a4L).

[0040] The first power converter 12 includes a first circuit breaker 25 connected between the positive electrodes of the first full-bridge circuit 12a and the second full-bridge circuit 12b, and a second circuit breaker 26 connected between the negative electrodes of the first full-bridge circuit 12a and the second full-bridge circuit 12b.

[0041] The first circuit breaker 25 and the second circuit breaker 26 are each, for example, a contactor, and switch between connection (conduction) and disconnection (blocking) between the first full-bridge circuit 12 a and the second full-bridge circuit 12 b .

[0042] The first power converter 12 includes, for example, a capacitor 27 connected between the positive and negative electrodes. The capacitor 27 smoothes voltage fluctuations caused by switching the switching elements of the first power converter 12 between on (conduction) and off (cutoff).

[0043] The first power conversion unit 12 includes, for example, a first current sensor 28 a arranged between the α-phase first coil 23 ( α1 ) and the midpoint Q2 , a second current sensor 28 b arranged between the α-phase second coil 24 ( α2 ) and the midpoint Q4 , and a third current sensor 28 c arranged between the power storage device 11 and the first power conversion unit 12 .

[0044] For example, the first current sensor 28 a detects the current flowing through the α-phase first coil 23 ( α1 ), and the second current sensor 28 b detects the current flowing through the α-phase second coil 24 ( α2 ).

[0045] The third current sensor 28 c detects the current flowing between the first power conversion unit 12 and the power storage device 11 .

[0046] The second power conversion unit 13 includes a third full-bridge circuit 13 a and a fourth full-bridge circuit 13 b .

[0047] Each of the third full-bridge circuit 13a and the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b includes a so-called H-bridge circuit formed of a plurality of switching elements connected in a two-phase bridge. Each switching element is, for example, a SiC MOSFET or an IGBT transistor. Each switching element is, for example, an N-channel MOSFET.

[0048] The switching elements are, for example, a pair of transistors in each of the element portions 31a and 31b forming a pair of high-side and low-side arms in each phase. Each pair of transistors in each element portion 31a and 31b is connected in parallel, for example.

[0049] In addition, each of the full-bridge circuits 13 a and 13 b may include, for example, a rectifier element such as a freewheeling diode connected in parallel in a forward direction from the emitter toward the collector between the collector and the emitter of each transistor.

[0050] The second power converter 13 includes, for example, a second switch 32 connected between the midpoints R2 and R3 of the third and fourth full-bridge circuits 13a and 13b. The midpoint R2 of the third full-bridge circuit 13a is, for example, the connection point between the high-side arm component 31a (b2H) and the low-side arm component 31b (b2L), which are connected in series with each other in the first and second phases of the third full-bridge circuit 13a. For example, the midpoint R2 is the connection point between the source of the high-side arm component 31a (b2H) and the drain of the low-side arm component 31b (b2L). The midpoint R3 of the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b is, for example, the connection point between the high-side arm component 31a (b3H) and the low-side arm component 31b (b3L), which are connected in series with each other in the first and second phases of the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b. For example, the midpoint R3 is a connection point between the source of the element portion 31 a ( b3H) of the high-side arm and the drain of the element portion 31 b ( b3L) of the low-side arm.

[0051] The second switch 32 is, for example, a bidirectional switch formed by two switching elements. Each switching element is a transistor such as a MOSFET or an IGBT, for example, an N-channel MOSFET. The second switch 32 includes, for example, two transistors connected in anti-series connection. The two transistors are connected in anti-series connection, for example, by having their sources connected to each other. The second switch 32 switches the conduction and blocking of the current between the midpoints R2 and R3 by switching the two transistors on (conducting) and off (blocking).

[0052] In addition, each transistor may include a rectifying element such as a freewheeling diode connected in parallel in a forward direction from the emitter toward the collector between the collector and the emitter.

[0053] The second power converter 13 is connected to the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) of the rotating electric machine 16, described later. The β-phase first coil 33 is connected between the midpoints R1 and R2 of the third full-bridge circuit 13a. The β-phase second coil 34 (β2) is connected between the midpoints R3 and R4 of the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b. The midpoint R1 of the third full-bridge circuit 13a is, for example, the connection point between the high-side arm element 31a (b1H) and the low-side arm element 31b (b1L) connected in series in the first phase of the third full-bridge circuit 13a. For example, the midpoint R1 is the connection point between the source of the high-side arm element 31a (b1H) and the drain of the low-side arm element 31b (b1L). The midpoint R4 of the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b is, for example, the connection point between the high-side arm component 31a (b4H) and the low-side arm component 31b (b4L), which are connected in series in the second phase of the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b. For example, the midpoint R4 is the connection point between the source of the high-side arm component 31a (b4H) and the drain of the low-side arm component 31b (b4L).

[0054] The second power converter 13 includes a third breaker 35 connected between one end of the β-phase first coil 33 ( β1 ) and the third full-bridge circuit 13 a , and a fourth breaker 36 connected between one end of the β-phase second coil 34 ( β2 ) and the fourth full-bridge circuit 13 b .

[0055] The third circuit breaker 35 and the fourth circuit breaker 36 are each, for example, contactors. The third circuit breaker 35 is connected, for example, between one end of the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the midpoint R1 of the first phase of the third full-bridge circuit 13a, and switches the connection between the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the midpoint R1 between ON (conducting) and OFF (blocking). The fourth circuit breaker 36 is connected, for example, between one end of the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) and the midpoint R4 of the second phase of the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b, and switches the connection between the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) and the midpoint R4 between ON (conducting) and OFF (blocking).

[0056] The second power converter 13 includes, for example, a capacitor 37 connected between the positive and negative electrodes. The capacitor 37 smoothes voltage fluctuations caused by switching the switching elements of the second power converter 13 between on (conducting) and off (blocking).

[0057] The second power converter 13 includes, for example, a fourth current sensor 38 a disposed between the β-phase first coil 33 ( β1 ) and the midpoint R2 , and a fifth current sensor 38 b disposed between the β-phase second coil 34 ( β2 ) and the midpoint R4 .

[0058] For example, the fourth current sensor 38 a detects the current flowing through the β-phase first coil 33 ( β 1 ), and the fifth current sensor 38 b detects the current flowing through the β-phase second coil 34 ( β 2 ).

[0059] The DC power supply connection portion 14 and the AC power supply connection portion 15 include, for example, connectors for DC power and AC power of a specified standard. The DC power supply connection portion 14 and the AC power supply connection portion 15 are connected to, for example, an external DC power supply (external DC power supply) and an external AC power supply (external AC power supply) based on a commercial power supply connected to the power system.

[0060] The DC power supply connection unit 14 is connected to, for example, the negative electrode of the second power conversion unit 13 and the midpoint between the first switch 22 and the second switch 32 (ie, between the two transistors connected in anti-series).

[0061] The AC power supply connection portion 15 is connected to, for example, the first midpoint R1 and the fourth midpoint R4 of the second power conversion portion 13 , the connection point between the β-phase first coil 33 ( β1 ) and the third circuit breaker 35 , and the connection point between the β-phase second coil 34 ( β2 ) and the fourth circuit breaker 36 .

[0062] The rotating electric machine 16 (M) is, for example, a two-phase AC brushless DC motor. The rotating electric machine 16 includes, for example, an α-phase first coil 23 ( α1 ), an α-phase second coil 24 ( α2 ), a β-phase first coil 33 ( β1 ), a β-phase second coil 34 ( β2 ), a rotor 41 , and a stator core 42 .

[0063] The rotor 41 includes permanent magnets for excitation. The stator core 42 is provided with coils α1, α2, β1, and β2 for generating a rotating magnetic field for rotating the rotor 41.

[0064] The α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2), the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) are so-called open-end coils, and the ends of the coils α1, α2, β1, and β2 are not connected to each other (that is, the coils α1, α2, β1, and β2 are separated from each other) and are led to the outside of the rotating electric machine 16.

[0065] The α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2) are wound in the same direction around different teeth of the stator core 42, for example, with their spatial phase difference being zero. The α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2) are arranged to share a portion of a slot 43 formed in the stator core 42, for example, and are magnetically coupled to each other with the same polarity.

[0066] The β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) are wound in the same direction around different teeth of the stator core 42, for example, with their spatial phase difference being zero. The β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) are arranged to share a portion of a slot 43 formed in the stator core 42, for example, and are magnetically coupled to each other with the same polarity.

[0067] The α-phase first coil 23 ( α1 ) and the α-phase second coil 24 ( α2 ) and the β-phase first coil 33 ( β1 ) and the β-phase second coil 34 ( β2 ) are arranged so as to avoid magnetic interference by making the spatial phase difference between them 90°.

[0068] For example, the coils α1 , α2 , β1 , and β2 are mounted on the stator core 42 by concentrated winding or distributed winding, and the coils α1 , α2 , β1 , and β2 have the same number of turns.

[0069] The rotating electric machine 16 (M) generates rotational power by performing a traction operation using the electric power supplied from the first power conversion unit 12 and the second power conversion unit 13. For example, when coupled to the wheels of a vehicle, the rotating electric machine 16 (M) generates driving force for travel using the electric power supplied from the first power conversion unit 12 and the second power conversion unit 13. The rotating electric machine 16 (M) can also generate electric power by performing a regenerative operation using the rotational power input from the vehicle's wheels. For example, when coupled to the vehicle's internal combustion engine, the rotating electric machine 16 (M) can also generate electric power using the power of the internal combustion engine.

[0070] The gate drive unit 17 switches the switching elements of the first power conversion unit 12 and the second power conversion unit 13 and the circuit breakers 25, 26, 35, and 36 between on (conducting) and off (cutting) based on control signals received from the electronic control unit 18. For example, the gate drive unit 17 switches the switching elements of the full-bridge circuits 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b between on (conducting) and off (cutting) by outputting gate signals generated by amplifying and level-shifting the control signals.

[0071] The electronic control unit 18 centrally controls the operations of the power control unit 10a and the rotating electric machine 16 (M). For example, the electronic control unit 18 is a software unit that functions by executing a predetermined program on a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). This software unit is an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) equipped with a processor such as a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing data, and electronic circuits such as a timer. It should be noted that at least a portion of the electronic control unit 18 may be an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration).

[0072] The electronic control unit 18 generates control signals indicating the timings for driving the switching elements and circuit breakers 25, 26, 35, and 36 of the first and second power conversion units 12 and 13 to be turned on (conducting) and off (blocking). The electronic control unit 18 inputs the generated control signals to the gate drive unit 17.

[0073] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of an electric device 10 according to an embodiment.

[0074] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the electrical device 10 includes, for example, an angle sensor 51 (phase acquisition unit) that detects the phase (rotation angle) θ of the rotor 41 of the rotating electrical machine 16 (M); and a limiting mechanism 52 that limits power transmission in a power transmission mechanism coupled to the rotor 41. The limiting mechanism 52 is, for example, an electric parking brake or parking lock mechanism in a vehicle.

[0075] (Control actions of electrical equipment)

[0076] When the rotating electric machine 16 (M) is in power running or regenerative operation, the electronic control unit 18 sets the first and second circuit breakers 25 and 26 to the closed (conductive) state. By switching the first and second switches 22 and 32 between the closed (conductive) and open (cut-off) positions, the electronic control unit 18 switches between the series connection of the α-phase coils α1 and α2 and the series connection of the β-phase coils β1 and β2, and the parallel connection of the α-phase coils α1 and α2 and the parallel connection of the β-phase coils β1 and β2.

[0077] The electronic control unit 18 generates a control signal instructing driving of each switching element of the first power conversion unit 12 and the second power conversion unit 13 by, for example, performing current feedback control using a current detection value of the rotating electric machine 16 (M) and a current target value corresponding to a torque command value of the rotating electric machine 16 (M).

[0078] During DC charging, that is, when the power storage device 11 is being charged by an external DC power supply connected to the DC power supply connection unit 14, the electronic control unit 18 sets the first circuit breaker 25 and the second circuit breaker 26 to the closed (conductive) state. For example, when the external DC power supply has a voltage lower than that of the power storage device 11, the electronic control unit 18 causes the combination of the α-phase coils α1 and α2 and the first power conversion unit 12, and the combination of the β-phase coils β1 and β2 and the second power conversion unit 13, to function as non-insulated DC-DC converters that perform a so-called chopper-controlled voltage-boosting operation.

[0079] During AC charging, that is, when the power storage device 11 is charged by the external AC power source connected to the AC power source connection portion 15 , the electronic control unit 18 sets the first and second circuit breakers 25 and 26 to an open (off) state for insulation.

[0080] For example, the electronic control unit 18 uses the α-phase first coil 23 (α1) and the α-phase second coil 24 (α2), which are magnetically coupled to each other with the same polarity, as coils for the DC conversion phase (α-phase) used for DC power conversion. For example, the electronic control unit 18 causes the combination of the α-phase coils α1 and α2 and the first power conversion unit 12 to function as an isolated bidirectional (step-up and step-down) converter, known as a DAB (Dual Active Bridge) DC-DC converter.

[0081] For example, the electronic control unit 18 uses the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2), which are magnetically coupled to each other with the same polarity, as the coils for the AC power input phase (β-phase) connected to the external AC power source. For example, the electronic control unit 18 causes the combination of the β-phase coils β1 and β2 and the second power converter 13 to function as a so-called full-bridge (or bridgeless or totem-pole) power factor correction (PFC) circuit that converts AC power into DC power. Bridgeless PFC is a PFC circuit that does not include a bridge rectifier using multiple diodes connected in a bridge. Totem-pole PFC is a PFC circuit that includes a pair of switching elements of the same conductivity type connected in series in the same direction (totem-pole connection). For example, by controlling the switching of the switching elements in the full-bridge circuits 13a and 13b of the second power converter 13, the electronic control unit 18 rectifies and boosts the AC power received from the external AC power source into DC power, while also improving the power factor of the input voltage Vac and input current Iac.

[0082] The electronic control unit 18 obtains a target DC component, superimposed on the target charging current, of the current flowing from the external AC power supply to the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2), based on the stop phase (stop angle) of the rotor 41 obtained by the angle sensor 51 relative to the rotating electric machine 16 (M) during AC charging. The target DC component is set based on, for example, the stop phase (stop angle) of the rotor 41 and the target charging current, and prevents the average torque of the rotor 41 from reaching a value close to zero.

[0083] Figure 4 This is a graph showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the rotor phase, the torque amplitude, and the average torque when no target DC component is superimposed during AC charging in the electric device 10 according to the embodiment. Figure 4 The torque amplitude and average torque of the rotor 41 shown correspond to a predetermined target charging current when, for example, the efficiency of AC charging is maximized.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown, the average torque is, for example, the average value of the torque generated in rotor 41 when a charging current flows from an external AC power supply to each of β-phase coils 33 (β1) and 34 (β2), and varies depending on the charging current and the stop phase of rotor 41. For example, when the average torque reaches a value close to zero, as shown in first stop phase d1, second stop phase d2, and third stop phase d3, torque reversal occurs due to vibration of rotor 41.

[0085] For example, when the average torque corresponding to the stop phase (stop angle) of the rotor 41 and the target charging current becomes a value close to zero, the electronic control unit 18 superimposes a target DC component corresponding to the stop phase (stop angle) of the rotor 41 and the target charging current on the target charging current.

[0086] Figure 5 Graphs showing examples of temporal changes in torque of the drive shaft in each of the embodiment and the comparative example. Figure 5 The torque shown is, for example, the torque of left and right drive shafts connected to rotor 41 in a vehicle equipped with electric device 10. The embodiment is a case where a target DC component is superimposed during AC charging, while the comparative example is a case where a target DC component is not superimposed during AC charging.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown, the torque of the comparative example periodically crosses zero, whereas the torque of the embodiment is set so as not to cross zero due to the superposition of the target DC component. In the embodiment, by preventing torque reversal, even when rotor 41 vibrates, impact noises such as rattling noises of gears in the power transmission mechanism connected to rotor 41 can be suppressed.

[0088] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the electric device 10 according to the embodiment.

[0089] First, in Figure 6 In step S01 shown, the electronic control unit 18 obtains the stop phase (stop angle) of the rotor 41 output from the angle sensor 51 when the rotary electric machine 16 (M) stops.

[0090] Next, in step S02 , the electronic control unit 18 obtains a target charging current corresponding to, for example, a case where the efficiency of AC charging is maximized.

[0091] Next, in step S03 , the electronic control unit 18 obtains an average torque corresponding to the stop phase of the rotor 41 and the target charging current by referring to a pre-stored average torque map, for example.

[0092] Next, in step S04, the electronic control unit 18 determines whether DC superposition is necessary based on the obtained average torque. If the result of this determination is "No," the electronic control unit 18 ends the process. On the other hand, if the result of this determination is "Yes," the electronic control unit 18 proceeds to step S05.

[0093] Next, in step S05 , the electronic control unit 18 acquires a target DC component by, for example, searching a predetermined map of the stop phase of the rotor 41 and the target charging current.

[0094] Next, in step S06, the electronic control unit 18 activates the limiting mechanism 52 that limits the power transmission in the power transmission mechanism coupled to the rotor 41, and charges the power storage device 11 through a power conversion operation based on a target charging current with a target DC component superimposed thereon. The process then terminates.

[0095] As described above, according to the electric device 10 of the embodiment, when AC current is flowing through the β-phase coils 33 (β1) and 34 (β2) of the rotating electric machine 16 (M), an offset is provided to the current value during a stop phase where the rotor 41 generates significant positive and negative torque. This allows suppressing the occurrence of impact noises such as gear rattling noises caused by torque pulsation. On the other hand, by not providing an offset to the current value during a stop phase where the rotor 41 does not generate significant positive and negative torque, a decrease in charging efficiency can be suppressed without increasing the effective current value.

[0096] By providing the restriction mechanism 52 , it is possible to suppress the rotation caused by the target DC component from occurring in the power transmission mechanism connected to the rotor 41 .

[0097] The power storage device 11 can be charged by converting the DC voltage rectified by the AC power supply input phase into a DC voltage by DC conversion. For example, in the case of a boost operation, the power storage device 11 can be quickly charged to a voltage higher than the charging voltage of the external AC power supply.

[0098] When the power storage device 11 drives the rotating electric machine 16 (M), the power control unit 10a can function as an inverter for a quadruple full-bridge circuit. When the power storage device 11 is charged with direct current (DC) by an external power supply, the combination of the coils of the rotating electric machine 16 (M) and the full-bridge circuits can function as a non-insulated DC-DC converter. When the power storage device 11 is charged with alternating current (AC) by an external power supply, the combination of the α-phase coils 23 (α1) and 24 (α2) of the rotating electric machine 16 (M) with the first and second full-bridge circuits 12a and 12b can function as an isolated, bidirectional DC-DC converter. The combination of the β-phase coils 33 (β1) and 34 (β2) with the third and fourth full-bridge circuits 13a and 13b can function as a rectifier circuit. For example, during a voltage step-up operation during AC charging, the voltage of the power storage device 11, which is higher than the charging voltage of the external power supply, can be quickly charged.

[0099] (Variation)

[0100] Hereinafter, a modification of the embodiment will be described. It should be noted that the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the α-phase first coil 23 ( α1 ) and the α-phase second coil 24 ( α2 ), and the β-phase first coil 33 ( β1 ) and the β-phase second coil 34 ( β2 ) are respectively wound around different teeth of the stator core 42 , but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0102] Figure 7 It is a configuration diagram of a rotating electrical machine 16A of an electric device 10 according to a modification of the embodiment.

[0103] like Figure 7 As shown, the α-phase first coil 23 ( α1 ) and the α-phase second coil 24 ( α2 ) and the β-phase first coil 33 ( β1 ) and the β-phase second coil 34 ( β2 ) are respectively wound around the same teeth of the stator core 42 .

[0104] In the above-described embodiment, the electronic control unit 18 may change the target DC component so as to increase as the angle between the AC power supply input phase and the q-axis of the rotor 41 increases, for example.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) are magnetically coupled to each other with the same polarity, but this is not limiting. The β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) may also be magnetically coupled to each other with opposite polarity. In this case, for example, a circuit breaker may be provided between one end of the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the midpoint R2 of the second phase of the third full-bridge circuit 13a, or between one end of the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) and the midpoint R3 of the first phase of the fourth full-bridge circuit 13b.

[0106] In the above embodiment, during AC charging, current flows from the external AC power source to the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2). However, this is not limiting. For example, at least one of a circuit breaker that switches between connecting (conducting) and disconnecting (cutting off) the AC power source connection portion 15 and the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) and a circuit breaker that switches between connecting (conducting) and disconnecting (cutting off) the AC power source connection portion 15 and the β-phase second coil 34 (β2) may be provided. In this case, current may be set to flow only through the β-phase first coil 33 (β1) or the β-phase second coil 34 (β2).

[0107] In the above embodiment, the DC power supply connection unit 14 is connected in parallel mode between the negative electrode of the second power converter 13 and the midpoints of the first and second switches 22 and 32 (i.e., between the two transistors connected in anti-series). However, this is not limiting. For example, the DC power supply connection unit 14 may be connected in series mode between the negative electrode of the second power converter 13 and the midpoints Q4 and R4 of the first and second power converters 12. For example, the DC power supply connection unit 14 may be connected in other parallel modes between the negative electrode of the second power converter 13 and the midpoints Q2 and Q4 of the first and second power converters 12, as well as the midpoints R2 and R4 of the second power converter 13.

[0108] The embodiments of the present invention are provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms and can be omitted, replaced, or modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention and are included in the invention described in the technical solution and its equivalents.

Claims

1. An electrical device, wherein: The electrical equipment has: power storage device; A rotating electric machine having a rotor and a plurality of coils; a power control unit connected to at least one of the plurality of coils and the power storage device, and controlling power transfer between the power storage device and the rotating electric machine; as well as a phase acquisition unit that acquires the phase of the rotor, The power control unit obtains a target DC component of the current flowing through the coil by the power supplied from the external power supply based on the stop phase of the rotor obtained by the phase acquisition unit when the rotating electric machine stops, and charges the power storage device through a power conversion operation based on the target DC component.

2. The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein At least one of the plurality of coils forms an AC power input phase connected to an external AC power source. The electric device includes a power supply connection member for connecting the power control unit and the at least one coil to the external AC power supply. The power control unit changes the target DC component in an increasing trend as the angle between the AC power supply input phase and the q-axis of the rotor increases.

3. The electrical device according to claim 1, wherein The electrical device includes a restriction mechanism that restricts power transmission of a power transmission mechanism connected to the rotor.

4. The electrical device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: At least one of the plurality of coils is a first phase coil forming an AC power input phase connected to an external AC power source. The plurality of coils include a plurality of second phase coils forming a DC conversion phase for converting DC power. The power control unit controls conversion between DC powers in combination with the plurality of second-phase coils.

5. The electrical device according to claim 4, wherein The electric device includes a power supply connection member for connecting the power control unit and the at least one coil to an external AC power supply. The plurality of second-phase coils include a first coil and a second coil with open ends. The rotating electrical machine includes a stator core having a slot formed therein that is shared by the first coil and the second coil. The power control unit comprises: a first full-bridge circuit connected to both ends of the first coil; a second full-bridge circuit connected to both ends of the second coil; at least one third full-bridge circuit connected to both ends of at least one first-phase coil; a first circuit breaker connected to the positive electrodes of the first full-bridge circuit and the second full-bridge circuit; a second circuit breaker connected to the negative electrodes of the first full-bridge circuit and the second full-bridge circuit; as well as at least one third circuit breaker connected between one end of at least one first phase coil and at least one third full-bridge circuit, The power connection member is connected to both ends of the third circuit breaker.

6. A method for controlling an electrical device, wherein: The electrical equipment has: power storage device; A rotating electric machine having a rotor and a plurality of coils; a power control unit connected to at least one of the plurality of coils and the power storage device, and controlling power transfer between the power storage device and the rotating electric machine; and a phase acquisition unit that acquires the phase of the rotor, The control method of the electrical equipment comprises the following steps: When power is supplied from an external AC power source to the power storage device via at least one of the plurality of coils and the power control unit, acquiring, by the phase acquiring unit, a stop phase of the rotor when the rotating electrical machine is stopped; obtaining a target DC component superimposed on a target current of a current flowing through the coil by the power supplied from the external AC power supply, based on a stop phase of the rotor; and The power storage device is charged by a power conversion operation based on the target current with the target DC component superimposed thereon.

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