Drive control device for electric motor

Abstract

Provided is a drive control device for an electric motor, the drive control device being capable of energization without forming cross wiring in each energization phase during backup drive. This drive control device for an electric motor is provided with first and second main drive circuit units, a backup drive circuit unit, and a switching circuit unit. The first and second main drive circuit units include a drive circuit unit having three-phase drive outputs connected to the energized phase windings of the corresponding first and second winding groups of the electric motor, respectively. The backup drive circuit unit is provided with a drive circuit unit having a three-phase backup drive output connected to the energized phase windings of both the first and second winding groups, and a two-phase drive output connected to energized phase windings arranged in different orders between the first and second winding groups. The switching circuit unit selects the output of the backup drive circuit unit to be connected to the energized phase winding in place of the output from the first or second drive circuit unit.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a drive control device of an electric motor that drives a 2-system winding motor through a 1st main drive system and a 2nd main drive system, and drives by switching to a backup drive system when an abnormality occurs in one of the main drive systems. BACKGROUND

[0002] In Patent Literature 1, a motor control device that has a main motor drive circuit and a backup motor drive circuit is described. Also, when an abnormality occurs in the main motor drive circuit, the motor current of the phase output portion that has become abnormal is cut off, and the cut-off phase output portion is switched to the phase output portion of the backup motor drive circuit that is the same phase and the multi-phase electric motor is driven.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. 2015 / 129271 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] However, since the arrangement of the winding terminals of the 2-system winding motor is a prescribed phase arrangement (UVW) in the rotation direction, if applied to the backup system like Patent Literature 1, the connection positions of the winding terminals on the circuit board become asymmetric between the systems. Therefore, the wiring from the backup inverter circuit to the winding terminals can cross (cross wiring) between the energized phases of the circuit board.

[0008] There is a problem that this cross wiring becomes a cause of noise occurrence due to mutual interference of each energized phase at the time of backup drive, and leads to an increase in mounting area and board size in the circuit board design.

[0009] The present application was completed in view of the above-described circumstances, and aims to provide a drive control device of an electric motor that can energize without forming cross wiring in each energized phase at the time of backup drive.

[0010] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0011] According to an aspect of the present application, there is provided a drive control device of an electric motor for driving an electric motor having a first and a second winding group having three-phase current-carrying phase windings arranged in a prescribed order, the drive control device of the electric motor characterized by comprising: a first and a second main drive circuit section including a drive circuit section provided corresponding to each of the first and the second winding group and having three-phase drive outputs connected to the current-carrying phase windings of the corresponding winding group, respectively; a backup drive circuit section having a drive circuit section having three-phase backup drive outputs connected to the current-carrying phase windings of both the first and the second winding group, two of the three-phase backup drive outputs being connected to current-carrying phase windings arranged in an order different from that between the first winding group and the second winding group; and a switching circuit section configured to selectively connect the outputs of the first or the second main drive circuit section and the output of the backup drive circuit section to the current-carrying phase windings.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present application, by providing the backup drive circuit section having two of the three-phase drive outputs connected to current-carrying phase windings arranged in an order different from that between the first winding group and the second winding group and the switching circuit section selectively connecting the outputs from the first or the second drive circuit section and the output from the backup drive circuit section to the current-carrying phase windings, it is possible to perform current-carrying without forming a cross wiring in each current-carrying phase at the time of backup drive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a drive control device of an electric motor according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Figure 2 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of the drive circuit section and the switching circuit section of the first main drive system in Figure 1

[0016] Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of the drive circuit section and the switching circuit section of the second main drive system in Figure 1

[0017] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration example of the drive circuit section and the switching circuit section of the backup drive system in Figure 1

[0018] Figure 5 is a circuit diagram showing another configuration example of the switching circuit section in Figure 4

[0019] ​​​​Figure 6 is a circuit diagram showing another configuration example of the switching circuit section of the first main drive system in the case where the drive circuit section and the switching circuit section shown in Figure 5

[0020] Figure 7 is a circuit diagram showing another configuration example of the switching circuit section of the first main drive system in the case where the drive circuit section and the switching circuit section shown in Figure 5

[0021] Figure 8 is a circuit diagram showing another configuration example of the switching circuit section of the second main drive system in the case where the drive circuit section and the switching circuit section shown in Figure 1

[0022] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the MOSFET and the electrical connection relationship thereof in the first component arrangement example shown in Figure 8

[0023] Figure 10 is a circuit diagram showing another configuration example of the switching circuit section of the second main drive system in the case where the drive circuit section and the switching circuit section shown in Figure 1

[0024] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the MOSFET and the electrical connection relationship thereof in the second component arrangement example shown in Figure 10

[0025] Figure 12 is a circuit diagram showing another configuration example of the switching circuit section of the second main drive system in the case where the drive circuit section and the switching circuit section shown in Figure 1

[0026] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the MOSFET and the electrical connection relationship thereof in the third component arrangement example shown in Figure 12

[0027] Figure 14 is a circuit diagram showing another configuration example of the switching circuit section of the second main drive system in the case where the drive circuit section and the switching circuit section shown in Figure 1

[0028] Figure 15 is a circuit diagram showing another configuration example of the switching circuit section of the second main drive system in the case where the drive circuit section and the switching circuit section shown in Figure 1 ​​​​​​​​​A top view of an example of the arrangement of the fifth component on the circuit board of the first and second drive circuit sections and the spare drive circuit section in the drive control device of the electric motor shown.

[0029] Figure 16 It means Figure 1 A top view of an example of the arrangement of the sixth component on the circuit board of the first and second drive circuit sections and the spare drive circuit section in the drive control device of the electric motor shown.

[0030] Figure 17 It means Figure 1 A top view of an example of the arrangement of the 7th component on the circuit board of the first and second drive circuit sections and the spare drive circuit section in the drive control device of the electric motor shown.

[0031] Figure 18 It means Figure 1 A top view of an example of the configuration of the eighth component on the circuit board of the first and second drive circuit sections and the spare drive circuit section in the drive control device of the electric motor shown.

[0032] Figure 19 It means Figure 1 A top view of an example of the arrangement of the 9th component on the circuit board of the first and second drive circuit sections and the spare drive circuit section in the drive control device of the electric motor shown.

[0033] Figure 20 This is a top view showing an example of the first layout of the component arrangement and wiring pattern on the circuit board in the first and second drive circuit sections, the spare drive circuit section, and the switching circuit section.

[0034] Figure 21 This is a top view of a second layout example showing the component arrangement and wiring pattern on the circuit board in the first and second drive circuit sections, the spare drive circuit section, and the switching circuit section.

[0035] Figure 22 This is a top view of a third layout example showing the component arrangement and wiring pattern on the circuit board in the first and second drive circuit sections, the spare drive circuit section, and the switching circuit section.

[0036] Figure 23 It is a flowchart used to roughly illustrate the switching action of output between systems in a vehicle's EPS system.

[0037] Figure 24 It is a flowchart used to explain the switching action of output between systems.

[0038] Figure 25 It is used for Figure 24The flowcharts illustrate the routine diagnostics and motor drive control of the first and second main drive systems.

[0039] Figure 26 It is used for Figure 24 The flowchart illustrates the routine diagnostics and motor drive control of the backup drive system. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the schematic structure of a drive control device for an electric motor according to an embodiment of the present invention. This drive control device is used, for example, in EPS (Electric Power Steering) systems applied to vehicles, and to prevent loss of steering assistance due to malfunctions, a motor control system 3 is systematized. Specifically, with a view to its application in SBW (Steer-by-wire) systems and autonomous vehicles, it enables drive based on system 2 in the event of a malfunction in one of the motor control systems.

[0042] The drive control device 10 drives an electric motor (M) 11, which has a first and a second winding group, each having a three-phase energized winding arranged in a predetermined phase configuration. The drive control device 10 includes a first main drive system (first main drive circuit section) 12, a second main drive system (second main drive circuit section) 13, a standby drive system (standby drive circuit section) 14, and switching circuit sections 15-1 to 15-4.

[0043] The first main drive system 12 is configured including an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 16, a gate driver 17, and a drive circuit section 18. Furthermore, the second main drive system 13 is configured including an MCU 19, a gate driver 20, and a drive circuit section 21. Further, the backup drive system 14 is configured including an MCU 22, a gate driver 23, and a backup drive circuit section 24.

[0044] The drive circuit section 18 is provided corresponding to the first winding group of the electric motor 11, and has three-phase drive outputs W1, V1, U1 connected to the phase wires (energized phase windings) W-1, V-1, U-1, respectively, via the switching circuit section 15-1. Further, the drive circuit section 21 is provided corresponding to the second winding group of the electric motor 11, and has three-phase drive outputs U2, V2, W2 connected to the phase wires (energized phase windings) U-2, V-2, W-2, respectively, via the switching circuit section 15-2. Further, the drive circuit section 24 has three-phase drive outputs OU1, OV1, OW1 and OW2, OV2, OU2 connected to the phase wires W-1, V-1, U-1 and U-2, V-2, W-2 of both the first and second winding groups, respectively, two of the three-phase drive outputs being connected to energized phase windings arranged in different order between the first winding group and the second winding group.

[0045] In this example, the three-phase drive outputs OU1, OV1, OW1 are connected to the phase wires U-1, V-1, W-1, respectively, via the switching circuit section 15-3. Further, the three-phase drive outputs OW2, OV2, OU2 are connected to the phase wires W-2, V-2, U-2, respectively, via the switching circuit section 15-4. Also, in the case where an abnormality occurs in the first main drive system 12, the switching circuit section 15-1 is turned off and disconnected from the first winding group (phase wires U-1, V-1, W-1) of the electric motor 11, the switching circuit section 15-3 is turned on, the switching circuit section 15-4 is turned off, and the three-phase drive outputs OU1, OV1, OW1 of the drive circuit section 24 are connected to the first winding group of the electric motor 11. Thus, the electric motor 11 is driven by the second main drive system 13 and the backup drive system 14.

[0046] On the other hand, in the case where an abnormality occurs in the second main drive system 13, the switching circuit section 15-2 is turned off and disconnected from the second winding group (phase wires W-2, V-2, U-2) of the electric motor 11, the switching circuit section 15-4 is turned on, the switching circuit section 15-3 is turned off, and the three-phase drive outputs OW2, OV2, OU2 of the drive circuit section 24 are connected to the second winding group of the electric motor 11. Thus, the electric motor 11 is driven by the first main drive system 12 and the backup drive system 14.

[0047] As Figure 2As shown, the drive circuit section 18 is a 3-phase inverter circuit composed of N-channel MOSFETs (semiconductor switching elements) Q1 to Q6, with a smoothing capacitor C1 connected between the power supply VB1 and the ground point. The drive outputs W1, V1, and U1 of the 3-phase inverter circuit are connected to the phase wirings W-1, V-1, and U-1 of the electric motor 11 via the switching circuit section 15-1, respectively. The switching circuit section 15-1 is composed of N-channel MOSFETs (semiconductor switching elements) Q7 to Q9. Based on the control of the MCU 16, the MOSFETs Q1 to Q9 are selectively turned on / off by the gate driver 17. Thus, PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control of the first winding group of the electric motor 11 by the 3-phase inverter circuit and selection of whether to use the output of the drive circuit section 18 are performed.

[0048] In addition, the diode connected between the source and drain of MOSFETs Q1 to Q9 is a body (parasitic) diode.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the drive circuit section 21 is a 3-phase inverter circuit composed of N-channel MOSFETs (semiconductor switching elements) Q11 to Q16, with a smoothing capacitor C2 connected between the power supply VB2 and the ground point. The drive outputs U2, V2, and W2 of the 3-phase inverter circuit are connected to the phase wirings U-2, V-2, and W-2 of the electric motor 11 via the switching circuit section 15-2, respectively. The switching circuit section 15-2 is composed of N-channel MOSFETs (semiconductor switching elements) Q17 to Q19. Based on the control of the MCU 19, the MOSFETs Q11 to Q19 are selectively turned on / off by the gate driver 20. Thus, PWM control of the second winding group of the electric motor 11 by the 3-phase inverter circuit and selection of whether to use the output of the drive circuit section 21 are performed.

[0050] In addition, the diode connected between the source and drain of MOSFETs Q11 to Q19 is a body (parasitic) diode.

[0051] like Figure 4As shown, the drive circuit section 24 is composed of a 3-phase inverter circuit composed of N-channel MOSFETs (semiconductor switching elements) Q21 to Q26 and an N-channel MOSFET (semiconductor switching element) Q27 that cuts off current flowing via a body diode at the time of non-activation of the drive circuit section 24, and a smoothing capacitor C3 connected between the power supply VB3 and the ground. The drive outputs Oa, Ob, Oc of the 3-phase inverter circuit are supplied to the phase lines U-1, V-1, W-1 of the electric motor 11 via the switching circuit section 15-3, respectively. The switching circuit section 15-3 is composed of N-channel MOSFETs (semiconductor switching elements) Q28 to Q30.

[0052] Further, the drive outputs Oa, Ob, Oc of the 3-phase inverter circuit are supplied to the phase lines W-2, V-2, U-2 of the electric motor 11 via the switching circuit section 15-4, respectively. The switching circuit section 15-4 is composed of N-channel MOSFETs (semiconductor switching elements) Q31 to Q33.

[0053] Further, the diodes connected between the sources and the drains of the MOSFETs Q21 to Q33 are body (parasitic) diodes.

[0054] Here, the drive outputs Oa, Ob, Oc (energization instruction phases a, b, c) of the drive circuit section 24 are input to the phase lines U-1, V-1, W-1 of the electric motor 11 as backup drive outputs OU1, OV1, OW1, respectively. On the other hand, they are input to the phase lines W-2, V-2, U-2 of the electric motor 11 as backup drive outputs OW2, OV2, OU2, respectively.

[0055] That is, the energization control of the drive circuit section 24 energizes the a phase to the U phase, the b phase to the V phase, and the c phase to the W phase at the time of energization to the first main drive system 12. On the other hand, it energizes the a phase to the W phase, the b phase to the V phase, and the c phase to the U phase at the time of energization to the second main drive system 13.

[0056] The MOSFET Q27, the MOSFETs Q28 to Q30, and the MOSFETs Q31 to Q33 are selectively turned on / off by the gate driver 23 based on the control of the MCU 22. For example, in the case where an abnormality has occurred in the first main drive system 12, the MOSFETs Q7 to Q9 of the switching circuit section 15-1 are turned off to cut off the first main drive system 12 from the phase lines of the electric motor 11. Further, the MOSFETs Q28 to Q30 of the switching circuit section 15-3 are turned on, and the MOSFETs Q31 to Q33 of the switching circuit section 15-4 are turned off.

[0057] Then, the electric motor 11 is driven by the PWM control of the first winding group of the electric motor 11 by the 3-phase inverter circuit (drive circuit section 24) composed of MOSFETs Q21 to Q26 and the PWM control of the second winding group of the electric motor 11 by the drive circuit section 21.

[0058] On the other hand, in the event of an anomaly in the second main drive system 13, MOSFETs Q17 to Q19 of the switching circuit section 15-2 are turned off, disconnecting the second main drive system 13 from the phase wiring of the electric motor 11. Furthermore, MOSFETs Q28 to Q30 of the switching circuit section 15-3 are turned off, while MOSFETs Q31 to Q33 of the switching circuit section 15-4 are turned on.

[0059] Then, the electric motor 11 is driven by the PWM control of the second winding group of the electric motor 11 by the 3-phase inverter circuit composed of MOSFETs Q21 to Q26 and the PWM control of the first winding group of the electric motor 11 by the drive circuit section 18.

[0060] Furthermore, during normal operation, when the electric motor 11 is driven and controlled by the first main drive systems 12 and 13, MOSFETs Q28-Q30 in the switching circuit section 15-3, MOSFETs Q31-Q33 in the switching circuit section 15-4, and MOSFET Q27 are in the off state, and the backup drive system 14 is electrically disconnected from the electric motor 11. At this time, the current flowing through the body diode through the off MOSFET Q27 is also cut off.

[0061] Figure 5 It means Figure 4 Circuit diagrams of other structural examples of the switching circuit sections 15-3 and 15-4 in the circuit. Figure 5 The circuit shown is Figure 4 The circuits shown differ in the following ways: switching circuit section 15-5 is composed of MOSFETs Q28~Q30 and Q34~Q36, while switching circuit section 15-6 is composed of MOSFETs Q31~Q33 and Q37~Q39. Furthermore, MOSFET Q27 is omitted, as it interrupts the current flowing through the body diodes of MOSFETs Q21~Q26 that constitute the 3-phase inverter circuit.

[0062] The source and drain of the MOSFET Q28 in the switching circuit section 15-5 are connected in series with the source and drain of the MOSFET Q34 so that the anode and cathode of the body diode are reversed with respect to each other. The source and drain of the MOSFET Q29 are connected in series with the source and drain of the MOSFET Q35 so that the anode and cathode of the body diode are reversed with respect to each other. The source and drain of the MOSFET Q30 are connected in series with the source and drain of the MOSFET Q36 so that the anode and cathode of the body diode are reversed with respect to each other.

[0063] Likewise, the source and drain of the MOSFET Q31 in the switching circuit section 15-6 are connected in series with the source and drain of the MOSFET Q37 so that the anode and cathode of the body diode are reversed with respect to each other. The source and drain of the MOSFET Q32 are connected in series with the source and drain of the MOSFET Q38 so that the anode and cathode of the body diode are reversed with respect to each other. The source and drain of the MOSFET Q33 are connected in series with the source and drain of the MOSFET Q39 so that the anode and cathode of the body diode are reversed with respect to each other.

[0064] Since the other structures are the same as those of the circuit shown in Figure 4 The same parts are given the same symbols and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0065] In the structure described above, the MOSFETs Q28 to Q30 and Q34 to Q36 in the switching circuit section 15-5 are controlled to be turned on / off at the same time, and the MOSFETs Q31 to Q33 and Q37 to Q39 in the switching circuit section 15-6 are controlled to be turned on / off at the same time.

[0066] According to such a circuit structure, in the case where the backup drive system 14 is used, it is possible to suppress the current from flowing through the body diode of the MOSFET constituting the switching circuit section in the off state to the phase line U-1, V-1, W-1 or the phase line W-2, V-2, U-2, which causes adverse effects.

[0067] Further, in the case where the backup drive system 14 is not used, even if the structure corresponding to the MOSFET Q27 is not provided, it is possible to electrically cut off the backup drive system 14 from the electric motor 11.

[0068] Therefore, the same operation as that of the circuit shown in Figure 4 is performed, and the same effect is obtained.

[0069] Figure 6 and Figure 7 are circuit diagrams of other structural examples of the switching circuit sections 15-1, 15-2 in the case where the structures shown in Figure 5 are applied to the drive circuit section 24 and the switching circuit sections 15-5, 15-6.Figure 6 The circuit shown in Figure 2 The circuit shown in Figure 7 The circuit shown in Figure 3 The circuit shown in

[0070] That is, the orientations of the anodes and cathodes of the body diodes of the MOSFETs Q40 to Q42 and the MOSFETs Q43 to Q45 are opposite to Figure 2 and Figure 3 On the contrary. Since the other structures are the same as those of the circuit shown in Figure 1 , the same symbols are given to the same parts and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0071] Even with such a circuit structure, the same actions as those of the circuit shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 are performed, and the same effects are obtained.

[0072] Figure 8 is a plan view showing a first example of the arrangement of components on the circuit board 30 of the drive circuit section 18, 21 and the drive circuit section 24 in the drive control device 10 of the electric motor shown in Figure 1 On the upper edge section of the circular circuit board 30, winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, Tw1 connected to the phase wires U-1, V-1, W-1 of the electric motor 11, respectively, are arranged in a row in the lateral direction (X direction), and on the lower edge section, winding terminals Tw2, Tv2, Tu2 connected to the phase wires W-2, V-2, U-2, respectively, are arranged in a row in the lateral direction opposite to the winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, Tw1.

[0073] Adjacent to the winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, Tw1, MOSFETs (schematically shown by rectangles in Figure 8 ) constituting the drive circuit section 18, MOSFETs constituting the switching circuit section 15-1, and MOSFETs constituting the switching circuit section 15-3 are arranged.

[0074] Further, adjacent to the winding terminals Tw2, Tv2, Tu2, MOSFETs constituting the drive circuit section 21, MOSFETs constituting the switching circuit section 15-2, and MOSFETs constituting the switching circuit section 15-4 are arranged.

[0075] The MOSFETs constituting the drive circuit sections 18, the MOSFETs constituting the switching circuit section 15-1, and the MOSFETs constituting the switching circuit section 15-3 are arranged laterally with respect to the central portion of the circuit board 30 between the MOSFETs constituting the drive circuit sections 21, the MOSFETs constituting the switching circuit section 15-2, and the MOSFETs constituting the switching circuit section 15-4.

[0076] In the first component arrangement example described above, the drive circuit sections 18, 21 are arranged on the circuit board 30 in a manner that becomes relative or axial symmetry, and with respect to the arrangement order of the winding terminals (energization phases), the drive circuit section 18 is "UVW" from the left in the drawing, and the drive circuit section 21 is "WVU" from the left. In other words, the arrangement of the winding terminals of the drive circuit section 21 is reversed with respect to the arrangement of the winding terminals of the drive circuit section 18, and when the circuit board 30 is viewed from above, the energization phases on the both sides are arranged in reverse with respect to the arrangement of the winding terminals of the drive circuit section 18 (the U phase and the W phase are reversed).

[0077] Thus, when the drive circuit section 24 is backed up, as indicated by the dotted arrows, the a phase can be wired to the U phase of the drive circuit section 18 and the W phase of the drive circuit section 21, the b phase can be wired to the V phase of the drive circuit section 18 and the V phase of the drive circuit section 21, and the c phase can be wired to the W phase of the drive circuit section 18 and the U phase of the drive circuit section 21. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the cross wiring.

[0078] Further, since the winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, Tw1 and Tu2, Tv2, Tw2 of the electric motor 11 are arranged on the edge portion side of the circuit board 30 compared to the MOSFETs constituting each of the drive circuit sections 18, 21, the connection points of each of the energization phases are arranged along the arrangement of the energization phases of each of the drive circuit sections 18, 21, and miniaturization with efficiency of the wiring layout can also be achieved.

[0079] Further, the MOSFETs constituting the drive circuit section 24 are arranged at substantially equal distances from the winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, Tw1 and the winding terminals Tu2, Tv2, Tw2 of the electric motor 11, and thus when control is performed based on the backup drive system 14, it is possible to reduce the loss of driving force between systems.

[0080] Figure 9 is a schematic view that shows in detail the arrangement of each of the MOSFETs and the electrical connection relationship thereof in the first component arrangement example shown in Figure 8 Here, the arrangement of each of the MOSFETs and the electrical connection in the circuit structure shown in Figure 2 to Figure 4

[0081] ​In this example, the main drive systems 12 and 13 (drive circuit sections 18 and 21) and the backup drive system 14 (drive circuit section 24) are configured to operate via power supplies VB1, VB2, and VB3, respectively. In the event of an abnormality in one of the main drive systems 12 or 13, the system switches to the backup drive output from the backup drive system 14, including the power supply, and connects to the phase wiring U-1, V-1, W-1 or phase wiring W-2, V-2, U-2 of the electric motor 11.

[0082] MOSFETs Q1-Q9 and Q28-Q30 are disposed adjacent to the winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, and Tw1 arranged laterally on the outer edge of the circuit board 30. These MOSFETs Q1-Q9 and Q28-Q30 are disposed between the ground (GND) line and the power supply VB1 line. Furthermore, MOSFETs Q11-Q19 and Q31-Q33 are disposed adjacent to the winding terminals Tw2, Tv2, and Tu2 arranged laterally on the outer edge of the circuit board 30. These MOSFETs Q11-Q19 and Q31-Q33 are disposed between the power supply VB2 line and the ground line.

[0083] Furthermore, in the center of the circuit board 30, between the power supply line VB3 and the ground line, MOSFETs Q21 to Q26 are arranged in a row along the lateral direction.

[0084] In this way, each energized phase of the drive circuit section 18 and the drive circuit section 21 is arranged from the center of the circuit board 30 outwards in the order of upstream switching element and downstream switching element, and each energized phase is arranged laterally relative to this arrangement direction. Therefore, miniaturization that accompanies wiring efficiency can also be achieved.

[0085] Figure 10 It means Figure 1 A top view of an example of the second component configuration on the circuit board 30 of the drive circuit sections 18, 21 and 24 in the drive control device 10 of the electric motor shown.

[0086] The winding terminals Tw1, Tv1, and Tu1, which are connected to the phase wiring lines W-1, V-1, and U-1 of the electric motor 11, and the winding terminals Tw2, Tv2, and Tu2, which are connected to the phase wiring lines W-2, V-2, and U-2 of the electric motor 11, are arranged in a "U" shape on the side edge of the circuit board 30 adjacent to the drive circuit sections 18 and 21. Similarly, the MOSFETs constituting the drive circuit sections 18 and 21 are also arranged in a "U" shape on the circuit board 30 corresponding to the winding terminals Tw1, Tv1, and Tu1 and the winding terminals Tw2, Tv2, and Tu2. Furthermore, the MOSFETs constituting the drive circuit section 24 are arranged in two rows laterally on the circuit board 30 near the junction of the drive circuit sections 18 and 21.

[0087] In the event of an abnormality in one of the main drive systems 12, 13 (drive circuit portions 18, 21), the drive output from the backup drive system 14 (drive circuit portion 24) is switched to be connected to the phase wiring W-1, V-1, U-1 or the phase wiring W-2, V-2, U-2 of the electric motor 11.

[0088] Figure 11 is a schematic view showing the configuration of each MOSFET and the electrical connection relationship thereof in the second component arrangement example shown in Figure 10 The configuration of each MOSFET and the electrical connection in the circuit structure shown in Figure 2 to Figure 4

[0089] The drive circuit portions 18, 21 and the drive circuit portion 24 are each configured to operate by the power supply VB1, VB2, VB3. Between the ground line and the power supply VB1 line, the MOSFETs Q1 to Q9 and Q28 to Q30 are arranged adjacent to the winding terminals Tw1, Tv1, Tu1 arranged in the outer edge portion of the circuit board 30. Further, between the power supply VB2 line and the ground line, the MOSFETs Q11 to Q19 and Q31 to Q33 are arranged adjacent to the winding terminals Tw2, Tv2, Tu2 arranged in the outer edge portion of the circuit board 30. Further, in the central portion of the circuit board 30, the MOSFETs Q21 to Q26 are arranged in a manner sandwiched by the power supply VB3 line and the ground line.

[0090] Even in the present second component arrangement example, substantially the same advantageous effects as those of the above-described first component arrangement example can be obtained.

[0091] Figure 12 is a schematic view showing the configuration of each MOSFET and the electrical connection relationship thereof in the third component arrangement example on the circuit board 30 of the drive circuit portions 18, 21 and the drive circuit portion 24 in the drive control device of the electric motor shown in Figure 1

[0092] ​​The winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, Tw1 connected to the phase wires U-1, V-1, W-1 of the electric motor 11 are arranged in the lateral direction on the upper edge portion of the circuit board 30. Further, the winding terminals Tu2, Tv2, Tw2 connected to the phase wires U-2, V-2, W-2 are arranged in the longitudinal direction on the side edge portion of the circuit board 30. The MOSFETs constituting the drive circuit portion 18, the switching circuit portion 15-1, and the switching circuit portion 15-3 are arranged in the lateral direction on the circuit board 30 adjacent to the winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, Tw1. Further, the MOSFETs constituting the drive circuit portion 21, the switching circuit portion 15-2, and the switching circuit portion 15-4 are arranged in the longitudinal direction on the circuit board 30 adjacent to the winding terminals Tu2, Tv2, Tw2. The MOSFETs constituting the drive circuit portion 24 are arranged in the longitudinal direction near the center portion of the circuit board 30.

[0093] Figure 13 is a schematic view showing the configuration of each MOSFET and the electrical connection relationship thereof in the 3rd configuration example of the components shown in Figure 12 Figure 2 to Figure 4 is a schematic view showing the configuration of each MOSFET and the electrical connection in the circuit structure shown in

[0094] The drive circuit portions 18, 21, and the drive circuit portion 24 are each configured to operate by the power supply VB1, VB2, VB3. In the event of an abnormality occurring in one of the main drive systems 12, 13 (drive circuit portions 18, 21), the phase wires U-1, V-1, W-1 or the phase wires U-2, V-2, W-2 of the electric motor 11 are connected to the drive output output from the backup drive system 14 (drive circuit portion 24). At this time, two of the three-phase drive outputs are connected to the energized phase windings arranged in different order between the first winding group and the second winding group of the electric motor 11.

[0095] The MOSFETs Q1 to Q9 and Q28 to Q30 are arranged adjacent to the winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, Tw1 arranged in the lateral direction on the upper edge portion of the circuit board 30. These MOSFETs Q1 to Q9 and Q28 to Q30 are arranged between the ground line and the power supply VB1 line. Further, the MOSFETs Q11 to Q19 and Q31 to Q33 are arranged adjacent to the winding terminals Tu2, Tv2, Tw2 arranged in the longitudinal direction on the side edge portion of the circuit board 30. These MOSFETs Q11 to Q19 and Q31 to Q33 are arranged between the power supply VB2 line and the ground line. Further, the MOSFETs Q21 to Q26 are arranged in the longitudinal direction on the center portion of the circuit board 30. The power supply VB3 line and the ground line are arranged adjacent to these MOSFETs Q21 to Q26.

[0096] ​Even in this third component configuration example, the same effect as the first and second component configuration examples described above can be obtained.

[0097] Figure 14 It means Figure 1 This is a top view of an example of the fourth component arrangement on the circuit board 30 of the drive circuit sections 18, 21 and 24 in the drive control device of the electric motor shown. Winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, and Tw1 are arranged laterally along the upper edge of the circular circuit board 30. These winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, and Tw1 are connected to the phase wiring lines U-1, V-1, and W-1 of the electric motor 11, respectively. At the lower edge, winding terminals Tw2, Tv2, and Tu2 are arranged laterally opposite to the winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, and Tw1. These winding terminals Tw2, Tv2, and Tu2 are connected to the phase wiring lines W-2, V-2, and U-2, respectively.

[0098] The MOSFETs constituting the drive circuit section 18 are arranged adjacent to the winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, and Tw1. Figure 14 (Simplified representation using rectangles), the MOSFET constituting the switching circuit section 15-1, and the MOSFET constituting the switching circuit section 15-3.

[0099] In addition, MOSFETs constituting drive circuit section 21, MOSFETs constituting switching circuit section 15-2, and MOSFETs constituting switching circuit section 15-4 are disposed adjacent to winding terminals Tw2, Tv2, and Tu2.

[0100] Furthermore, MOSFETs constituting the drive circuit section 24 are arranged longitudinally along the side edge of the circuit board 30.

[0101] Although not shown, drive circuit sections 18, 21, and 24 are configured to operate via power supplies VB1, VB2, and VB3, respectively. In the event of an malfunction in one of the main drive systems 12 or 13 (drive circuit sections 18 and 21), the system switches to drive output from the backup drive system 14 (drive circuit section 24), connecting phase wiring U-1, V-1, W-1 or phase wiring W-2, V-2, U-2 of the electric motor 11. At this time, two of the three-phase drive outputs are connected to energized phase windings arranged in a different order between the first and second winding groups of the electric motor 11.

[0102] In this fourth component configuration example, the drive circuit sections 18 and 21 are arranged on the circuit board 30 in a relative or axially symmetrical manner. The drive circuit section 24 is arranged in a lateral free area relative to the arrangement direction of the MOSFETs constituting the drive circuit section 18 and the drive circuit section 21, thereby enabling miniaturization that simplifies the mounting layout.

[0103] In addition, in the 4th component arrangement example, the distances from the drive circuit section 18 to the winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, Tw1 and from the drive circuit section 24 to the winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, Tw1 are different. Further, the distances from the drive circuit section 21 to the winding terminals Tu2, Tv2, Tw2 and from the drive circuit section 24 to the winding terminals Tu2, Tv2, Tw2 are different. Therefore, in order to compensate for the loss of driving force due to the difference in wiring resistance, the driving output can also be individually corrected in the drive circuit section 24 according to the system of control. In this case, the driving output of the drive circuit section 24 becomes larger compared to the drive circuit sections 18, 21.

[0104] Figure 15 is a plan view showing a 5th component arrangement example on the circuit board 30 of the drive circuit sections 18, 21 and the drive circuit section 24 in the drive control device of the electric motor. The present 5th component arrangement example differs from the 1st component arrangement example shown in Figure 1 Figure 8 The difference from the 1st component arrangement example shown in

[0105] In the present 5th component arrangement example, the switching circuit sections 15-3, 15-4 of the backup drive system 14 are arranged near the MOSFETs constituting the drive circuit section 24 in a manner sandwiching these MOSFETs, thereby making it possible to suppress switching noise, crosstalk noise.

[0106] Figure 16 is a plan view showing a 6th component arrangement example on the circuit board 30 in the drive circuit sections 18, 21 and the drive circuit section 24. In the present 6th component arrangement example, the drive circuit sections 18, 21 and the drive circuit section 24 are the same as in the 1st component arrangement example, but the arrangement of the winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, Tw1 connected to the phase wiring U-1, V-1, W-1 of the electric motor 11 and the winding terminals Tu2, Tv2, Tw2 connected to the phase wiring W-2, V-2, U-2 are different.

[0107] ​That is, in the first component arrangement example, the winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, Tw1 connected to the phase wires U-1, V-1, W-1 of the electric motor 11 are arranged on the upper edge portion of the circuit board 30 adjacent to the drive circuit portion 18, and the winding terminals Tu2, Tv2, Tw2 connected to the phase wires W-2, V-2, U-2 are arranged on the lower edge portion of the circuit board 30 adjacent to the drive circuit portion 21. In contrast, in the present sixth component arrangement example, the side edge portions of the circuit board 30 adjacent to the drive circuit portions 18, 21 are arranged in a "ㄑ" shape.

[0108] Even with such a component arrangement, substantially the same operational effects as the first component arrangement example can be obtained.

[0109] Figure 17 is a plan view showing a seventh component arrangement example on the circuit board 30 in the drive circuit portions 18, 21, and the drive circuit portion 24. In the present seventh component arrangement example, the arrangement of the drive circuit portions 18, 21, and the drive circuit portion 24 is the same as that of the first component arrangement example, but the arrangement of the winding terminals Tu2, Tv2, Tw2 connected to the phase wires W-2, V-2, U-2 of the electric motor 11 is different.

[0110] That is, in the first component arrangement example, the winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, Tw1 connected to the phase wires U-1, V-1, W-1 of the electric motor 11 are arranged on the upper edge portion of the circuit board 30 adjacent to the drive circuit portion 18, and the winding terminals Tu2, Tv2, Tw2 connected to the phase wires W-2, V-2, U-2 are arranged on the lower edge portion of the circuit board 30 adjacent to the drive circuit portion 21. In contrast, in the present seventh component arrangement example, the side edge portions of the circuit board 30 adjacent to the drive circuit portions 18, 21 are arranged in a "ㄑ" shape.

[0111] Even with such a component arrangement, substantially the same operational effects as the first component arrangement example can be obtained.

[0112] Figure 18 is a plan view showing a seventh component arrangement example on the circuit board 30 in the drive circuit portions 18, 21, and the drive circuit portion 24. In the present seventh component arrangement example, the arrangement of the drive circuit portions 18, 21, and the drive circuit portion 24 is the same as that of the first component arrangement example, but the arrangement of the winding terminals Tu2, Tv2, Tw2 connected to the phase wires W-2, V-2, U-2 of the electric motor 11 is different.

[0113] That is, in the first component arrangement example, the MOSFETs Q21 to Q26 of the drive circuit section 24 are arranged in the lateral direction, whereas in the present eighth component arrangement example, the MOSFETs are arranged in the longitudinal direction.

[0114] Even with such a component arrangement, substantially the same operational effects as the second component arrangement example can be obtained.

[0115] Figure 19 is a plan view showing a ninth component arrangement example on the circuit board 30 in the drive circuit sections 18, 21, and the drive circuit section 24. In the present ninth component arrangement example, the arrangement of the winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, Tw1 connected to the phase wires W-1, V-1, U-1 of the electric motor 11 and the winding terminals Tu2, Tv2, Tw2 connected to the phase wires W-2, V-2, U-2 of the electric motor 11 is the same as in the third component arrangement example, but the arrangement of the MOSFETs of the drive circuit section 24 is different.

[0116] That is, in the third component arrangement example, the MOSFETs of the drive circuit section 24 are arranged in the longitudinal direction, whereas in the present ninth component arrangement example, the MOSFETs are arranged in the oblique direction from the lower left for each phase.

[0117] Even with such a component arrangement, substantially the same operational effects as the third component arrangement example can be obtained.

[0118] Figure 20 is a plan view showing a first layout example of the component arrangement and the wiring pattern on the circuit board 30 in the drive circuit sections 18, 21, the drive circuit section 24, and the switching circuit sections 15-1 to 15-4. In this Figure 20 , basically, the wiring pattern in the case where the component arrangement shown in Figure 8 and Figure 9 is used is shown.

[0119] The wiring pattern is formed on a multilayer circuit board and is realized by, for example, a 6-layer circuit board. As an example, in the case of 6 layers, the first layer is provided as a signal line (X direction), the second layer is provided as a whole layer GND, the third layer is provided as a signal line and a bus line (Y direction), the fourth layer is provided as a signal line and a bus line (X direction), the fifth layer is provided as a power supply line and a whole layer GND, and the sixth layer is provided as a signal line (Y direction).

[0120] The layer of the multilayer circuit board is not limited, but the wiring layer of the surface layer of the multilayer wiring board can be used for the wiring connecting the MOSFETs of the drive circuit sections 18, 21, and the wiring layer of the inner layer can be used for the power supply line and the ground (GND) line.

[0121] In Figure 20The MOSFETs Q1 to Q6 of the drive circuit section 18, the MOSFETs Q7 to Q9 of the switching circuit section 15-1, and the MOSFETs Q28 to Q30 of the switching circuit section 15-3 are arranged in the upper 2 layers adjacent to the winding terminals Tu1, Tv1, Tw1. The MOSFETs Q11 to Q16 of the drive circuit section 21, the MOSFETs Q17 to Q19 of the switching circuit section 15-2, and the MOSFETs Q31 to Q33 of the switching circuit section 15-4 are arranged in the lower 2 layers adjacent to the winding terminals Tw2, Tv2, Tu2. Further, the MOSFETs Q21 to Q26 of the drive circuit section 24 are arranged in the region between them.

[0122] The drain of the MOSFET Q1 is connected to the power supply VB1 of the 1st main drive system via the wiring layer L1, and the source is connected to the drain of the MOSFET Q2 and the source of the MOSFET Q7 via the wiring layer L2. The source of the MOSFET Q2 is connected to the ground of the 1st main drive system via the wiring layer L3. The drain of the MOSFET Q7 and the source of the MOSFET Q30 are connected to the winding terminal Tw1 via the wiring layer L4, which is connected to the phase wiring W-1 of the electric motor 11.

[0123] The drain of the MOSFET Q3 is connected to the power supply VB1 of the 1st main drive system via the wiring layer L5, and the source is connected to the drain of the MOSFET Q4 and the source of the MOSFET Q8 via the wiring layer L6. The source of the MOSFET Q4 is connected to the ground of the 1st main drive system via the wiring layer L7. The drain of the MOSFET Q8 and the source of the MOSFET Q29 are connected to the winding terminal Tv1 via the wiring layer L8, which is connected to the phase wiring V-1 of the electric motor 11.

[0124] The drain of the MOSFET Q5 is connected to the power supply VB1 of the 1st main drive system via the wiring layer L9, and the source is connected to the drain of the MOSFET Q6 and the source of the MOSFET Q9 via the wiring layer L10. The source of the MOSFET Q6 is connected to the ground of the 1st main drive system via the wiring layer L11. The drain of the MOSFET Q9 and the source of the MOSFET Q28 are connected to the winding terminal Tu1 via the wiring layer L12, which is connected to the phase wiring U-1 of the electric motor 11.

[0125] Further, the drain of the MOSFET Q11 is connected to the power supply VB2 of the 2nd main drive system via the wiring layer L13, and the source is connected to the drain of the MOSFET Q12 and the source of the MOSFET Q17 via the wiring layer L14. The source of the MOSFET Q12 is connected to the ground of the 2nd main drive system via the wiring layer L15. The drain of the MOSFET Q33 and the source of the MOSFET Q17 are connected to the winding terminal Tu2 via the wiring layer L16, which is connected to the phase wiring W-2 of the electric motor 11.

[0126] The drain of the MOSFET Q13 is connected to the power supply VB2 of the 2nd main drive system via the wiring layer L17, and the source is connected to the drain of the MOSFET Q14 and the source of the MOSFET Q18 via the wiring layer L18. The source of the MOSFET Q14 is connected to the ground of the 2nd main drive system via the wiring layer L19. The drain of the MOSFET Q32 and the source of the MOSFET Q18 are connected to the winding terminal Tv2 via the wiring layer L20, which is connected to the phase wiring V-2 of the electric motor 11.

[0127] The drain of the MOSFET Q15 is connected to the power supply VB2 of the 2nd main drive system via the wiring layer L21, and the source is connected to the drain of the MOSFET Q16 and the source of the MOSFET Q19 via the wiring layer L22. The source of the MOSFET Q16 is connected to the ground of the 2nd main drive system via the wiring layer L23. The drain of the MOSFET Q31 and the source of the MOSFET Q19 are connected to the winding terminal Tw2 via the wiring layer L24, which is connected to the phase wiring W-2 of the electric motor 11.

[0128] Further, the drain of the MOSFET Q25 is connected to the power supply VB3 of the backup drive system via the wiring layer L25, and the source is connected to the drains of the MOSFETs Q26, Q30, Q33 via the wiring layer L26. The source of the MOSFET Q26 is connected to the ground of the backup drive system via the wiring layer L27.

[0129] The drain of the MOSFET Q23 is connected to the power supply VB3 of the backup drive system via the wiring layer L28, and the source is connected to the drains of the MOSFETs Q24, Q29, Q32 via the wiring layer L29. The source of the MOSFET Q24 is connected to the ground of the backup drive system via the wiring layer L30.

[0130] The drain of the MOSFET Q21 is connected to the power supply VB3 of the backup drive system via the wiring layer L31, and the source is connected to the drains of the MOSFETs Q22, Q28, Q31 via the wiring layer L32. The source of the MOSFET Q22 is connected to the ground of the backup drive system via the wiring layer L33.

[0131] According to the first layout example of the configuration and the wiring pattern of the MOSFET described above, the structure in which the backup drive system and the switching circuit section provided with the backup drive system and the switching circuit section are installed without forming the crossing wiring in each energization phase at the time of the backup drive can be installed and energized, and occurrence of noise can be suppressed, in which two of the three-phase drive outputs of the backup drive system are connected to the energization phase windings configured in the order different from the first winding group and the second winding group, and the switching circuit section selectively connects the output from the first or second main drive system and the output from the backup drive system to the energization phase winding.

[0132] Further, in the circuit substrate 30 in which the first or second main drive system 12, 13 and the backup drive system 14 are installed, a part of the wiring layers (wiring layers L4, L8, L12 and wiring layers L16, L20, L24) of the wiring layers from the switching circuit section to the electric motor 11 are shared, and thus the pattern-specific area can be reduced.

[0133] Figure 21 is a plan view showing a second layout example of the component configuration and the wiring pattern on the circuit substrate 30 in the drive circuit section 18, 21, the drive circuit section 24, and the switching circuit section 15-1 to 15-4. In this Figure 21 , the wiring pattern in the case of using the component configuration shown in Figure 20 is basically shown. A part of the wiring layers from the drive circuit section 24 to the drive circuit section 18 uses the wiring layers of the inner layer of the multilayer circuit substrate, and the inner layer wiring layers are also used for the power supply lines and the ground lines.

[0134] Figure 21 The wiring layers shown by the broken line DL1 connecting the drain of the MOSFET Q30 and the drains of the MOSFETs Q26, Q33, the wiring layers shown by the broken line DL2 connecting the drain of the MOSFET Q29 and the drains of the MOSFETs Q24, Q32, and the wiring layers shown by the broken line DL3 connecting the drain of the MOSFET Q28 and the drains of the MOSFETs Q22, Q31 shown in the wiring pattern are connected by the wiring layers formed in the inner layer of the circuit substrate, respectively.

[0135] The configurations and the wiring patterns of the other MOSFETs are basically the same as Figure 20 , and thus the same symbols are given to the same parts, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0136] According to such a second layout example, the installation efficiency can be improved.

[0137] Figure 22is a plan view showing a third layout example of the component arrangement and wiring pattern on the circuit board 30 in the drive circuit sections 18, 21, the drive circuit section 24, and the switching circuit sections 15-1 to 15-4. In this Figure 22 , the wiring pattern in the case where the component arrangement shown in Figure 12 is used is basically shown. In this example, the wiring layer of the surface layer of the multilayer wiring board is used for the wiring connecting the respective MOSFETs of the drive circuit sections 18, 21, and the wiring layer of the inner layer is used for the power supply and ground wiring.

[0138] Figure 22 The wiring layer connecting the drain of the MOSFET Q28 and the drains of the MOSFETs Q22, Q31 shown by the broken line DL4, and the wiring layer connecting the drain of the MOSFET Q29 and the drains of the MOSFETs Q24, Q32 shown by the broken line DL5 are connected by the wiring layer of the inner layer of the circuit board, respectively.

[0139] The corresponding parts of the arrangement and wiring pattern of the other MOSFETs are given the same symbols as Figure 20 , Figure 21 , and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0140] According to such a structure, the mounting efficiency can be improved.

[0141] Figure 23 is a flowchart for explaining the switching operation of the output of each system in the EPS system of the vehicle. Here, a case where the primary drive system 1 and the primary drive system 2 are used to drive the electric motor for assistance (2-system winding motor) in the EPS system, and the drive system on one side has an abnormality, and the drive is switched to the backup drive system is explained as an example.

[0142] First, if the ignition switch (IGN SW) of the vehicle is turned on (step S1), the initial diagnosis of each drive system is performed (step S2). In the next step S3, it is determined whether the drive circuit sections 18, 21 (inverter circuit) are normal, and if it is determined that they are normal, the relay for power supply is turned on (step S4).

[0143] Next, the command is received (step S5), and the steering angle of the vehicle is detected (step S6). Next, the failure detection of the primary drive system 1 and the primary drive system 2 is performed (step S7). Based on the failure detection result, it is determined whether the inverter circuit is normal (step S8).

[0144] If it is determined to be normal in step S8, the feedback processing is performed (step S9), and the currents of the first and second winding groups supplied to the electric motor 11 are calculated (step S10).

[0145] In the next step Sll, operation for vector control of the electric motor for assist is performed, and in step S12, DUTY operation for generating a PWM signal is performed. Then, a PWM signal is output based on the operation results (step S13).

[0146] On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S3 or step S8 that the inverter circuit is abnormal, the main drive system of which is faulty is stopped (step S14). Next, PWM setting on the backup side is performed (step S15), and PWM switching information is transmitted (step S16). Then, control based on the backup system is started.

[0147] Thereafter, it is determined in step S18 whether the ignition switch (IGN SW) is off, and in the case where it is off, the process is ended, and in the case where it is not off, the process returns to step S5, and the operations of steps S5 to S17 are repeated until the ignition switch is off.

[0148] Figure 24 is a flowchart for explaining switching operation of output between systems. If the ignition switch (IGN SW) of the vehicle is turned on (step S21), initial diagnosis of initial diagnosis group 1 and initial diagnosis group 2 is performed (steps S22, S23). The initial diagnosis group 1 includes the first and second main drive systems 12, 13, and the initial diagnosis group 2 includes the backup drive system 14. If the initial diagnosis is ended, the initial diagnosis group 1 shifts to normal diagnosis (step S24). The normal diagnosis also includes failure diagnosis of the inverter circuit. Next, drive control of the electric motor based on the main drive systems 12, 13 is performed (step S25).

[0149] If the initial diagnosis expires, the initial diagnosis group 2 shifts to a standby state. Then, in the case where abnormality occurs in one of the main drive systems 12, 13, the standby state shifts to the normal diagnosis (step S26), and drive control of the electric motor using the backup drive system 14 and the main drive system 12 or 13 is performed (step S27).

[0150] Figure 25 is a flowchart for explaining normal diagnosis and motor drive control of the first and second main drive systems in Figure 24 Figure 24 ​diagnosis, the diagnosis of the inverter circuit is started (step S31). Here, the diagnosis other than the inverter circuit is omitted, but includes the diagnosis of the voltage monitoring and the like required for the operation of the safety of the electric motor drive control device. Next, it is determined whether the inverter circuit is normal (step S32), and if normal, the drive control of the electric motor 11 based on the first main drive system 12 (or the second main drive system 13) is executed (step S33). Then, the operation of steps S32, S33 is repeated until the ignition switch (IGN SW) is turned off (step S34).

[0151] In the case where it is determined in step S32 that the inverter circuit is abnormal (abnormal), an instruction to stop energization to the abnormal main drive system is output (step S35). This step S35 includes a failsafe process for shifting to a safe state. Then, the failure information is transmitted to the backup drive system 14.

[0152] Figure 26 is a flowchart for explaining the normal diagnosis and the motor drive control of the backup drive system in the electric motor drive control device 10. Figure 24 of the electric motor drive control device 10 surrounded by a broken line. If the normal diagnosis is started, the diagnosis of the inverter circuit is started (step S41). If the diagnosis of the inverter circuit ends, the standby state is reached (step S42). Figure 24

[0153] Then, if the failure information is transmitted from the initial diagnosis group 1 (the first and second motor drive systems), the energization phase setting (change) is executed (step S43). Thereafter, the notification of the energization phase (set value) information is performed to the operation device within the control device and the associated other control device located outside the control device (step S44).

[0154] Next, the diagnosis of the inverter circuit is started (step S45). Next, it is determined whether the inverter circuit is normal (step S46), and if normal, the drive control of the electric motor using the backup drive system is executed (step S47). Then, the operation of steps S47, S48 is repeated until the ignition switch (IGN SW) is turned off (step S48).

[0155] In the case where it is determined in step S46 that the inverter circuit is abnormal (abnormal), the energization stop instruction of the backup drive system 14 is output (step S49). This step S49 includes a failsafe process for shifting to a safe state.

[0156] ​As described above, in the present application, for 2 phases in the command energization phase (abc phase) of the drive circuit section 24, wiring is connected to different energization phases (UVW phase) in the drive circuit section 18 and the drive circuit section 21. That is, the a phase is made to correspond to the U phase of the drive circuit section 18 or the W phase of the drive circuit section 21, and the c phase is made to correspond to the W phase of the drive circuit section 18 or the U phase of the drive circuit section 21.

[0157] Further, when either of the drive circuit sections 18, 21 stops due to an abnormality, the command energization phase of the drive circuit section 24 is changed to an energization order corresponding to the energization order of the energization phase of the drive circuit section that has failed (changed from "U phase, V phase, W phase" to "a phase, b phase, c phase" in the case of the drive circuit section 18, and changed from "U phase, V phase, W phase" to "c phase, b phase, a phase" in the case of the drive circuit section 21), and energization control is performed on the winding group on the side of the drive circuit section that has failed.

[0158] Therefore, energization can be performed without crossing the energization phases at the time of backup driving, and occurrence of noise can be suppressed. Further, by suppressing crossing of the energization phases, increase in the substrate size, mounting area, and cost in substrate design can also be suppressed.

[0159] In addition, the structure, method, and the like described in the above-described embodiments are merely indicated in outline to the extent that the present application can be understood / implemented. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the described embodiments, and can be changed to various forms as long as the range of the technical idea shown in the claims is not departed from.

[0160] For example, the case where the 2-system winding motor is driven by the 1st and 2nd main drive systems, and when an abnormality occurs in one of the drive systems, the drive is switched to the backup drive system was described. However, in the case where an abnormality further occurs in the drive system, the drive can also be performed by any one of the 3 drive systems. In this case, the drive torque of the electric motor becomes about half, but in an EPS system or the like, loss of steering assist due to failure can be avoided.

[0161] Further, the case where the drive control of the 2-system winding motor is performed with the MCUs provided in the 1st and 2nd main drive systems and the backup drive system was described as an example, but each drive system can also be configured to be controlled by one MCU.

[0162] Further, for convenience, the drive systems 12, 13 are referred to as main drive systems, and the drive system 14 is referred to as a backup drive system, but for example, the drive systems 12, 14 can be set as main drive systems and the drive system 13 can be used as a backup drive system by switching the on / off of the MOSFETs constituting the switching circuit sections 15-1 to 15-4. Of course, the drive systems 13, 14 can be set as main drive systems and the drive system 12 can be used as a backup drive system.

[0163] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0164] 10 drive control device; 11 electric motor; 12 first main drive system (first main drive circuit section); 13 second main drive system (second main drive circuit section); 14 backup drive system (backup drive circuit section); 15-1 to 15-8 switching circuit section; 16 MCU; 17 gate driver; 18 drive circuit section; 19 MCU; 20 gate driver; 21 drive circuit section; 22 MCU; 23 gate driver; 24 drive circuit section; W-1, V-1, U-1, U-2, V-2, W-2 energization phase winding; Tu1, Tv1, Tw1, Tu2, Tv2, Tw2 winding terminal; W1, V1, U1, U2, V2, W2 drive output; OU1, OV1, OW1, OW2, OV2, OU2 backup drive output; Q1 to Q9, Q11 to Q19, Q21 to Q45 N-channel MOSFET (semiconductor switching element).

Claims

1. A drive control device of an electric motor for driving an electric motor provided with a first and a second winding group having three-phase current-carrying phase windings arranged in a prescribed order, characterized by comprising: a first and a second main drive circuit section including a drive circuit section provided corresponding to each of the first and the second winding group and having three-phase drive outputs respectively connected to the current-carrying phase windings of the corresponding winding group; a backup drive circuit section including a drive circuit section having three-phase backup drive outputs connected to the current-carrying phase windings of both the first and the second winding group, two of the three-phase backup drive outputs being connected to current-carrying phase windings arranged in different order between the first winding group and the second winding group; and a switching circuit section configured to selectively connect the outputs of the first or the second main drive circuit section and the output of the backup drive circuit section to the current-carrying phase windings.

2. The drive control device of an electric motor according to claim 1, wherein in a case where each phase of the backup drive outputs is connected to either of the first and the second winding group through the switching circuit section, the backup drive circuit section controls energization of each phase of the backup drive outputs at a timing corresponding to the arrangement order of the current-carrying phase windings of the connected winding group.

3. The drive control device of an electric motor according to claim 2, wherein in order to compensate for a loss of driving force due to a difference in wiring resistance, the three-phase backup drive outputs are larger than the three-phase drive outputs of the first and the second main drive circuit sections.

4. The drive control device of an electric motor according to claim 2, wherein the backup drive circuit section is arranged sandwiched by the first and the second main drive circuit sections, or in the vicinity of a central portion on a circuit board on which the first and the second main drive circuit sections are mounted.

5. The drive control device of an electric motor according to claim 2, wherein a wiring layer on a circuit board on which the first and the second main drive circuit sections and the backup drive circuit section are mounted shares a part of a wiring pattern from the switching circuit section to the electric motor.

6. The drive control device of an electric motor according to claim 2, wherein the switching circuit section includes a semiconductor switching element that selectively connects the output from the first or the second main drive circuit section and the output from the backup drive circuit section to the current-carrying phase windings of the first and the second winding group, at least a part of the semiconductor switching element being arranged in the vicinity of a terminal arrangement of the electric motor, and at least a part of the semiconductor switching element being arranged adjacent in a direction orthogonal to a line connecting the terminal arrangement of the electric motor in a straight line. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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