Motor control device and motor control method

Abstract

According to the present disclosure, the motor control device is a motor control device for controlling a motor, comprising: a rotation control unit that controls the rotational torque of the motor to a predetermined torque to rotate the motor, and controls the rotational torque to a low torque lower than the predetermined torque from the start of the motor until a predetermined period has elapsed; and an abnormality detection unit that detects an abnormality of the motor based on the rotational state of the motor when the rotational torque is controlled to the low torque and the rotational state of the motor when the rotational torque is controlled to the predetermined torque.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a motor control device and a motor control method. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-146715 discloses an electronic device equipped with a fan motor. A rotation malfunction was detected when the fan motor did not rotate after the electronic device was powered on. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The goal is to detect motor deterioration before it actually causes a rotational failure.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] The first aspect of this disclosure is a motor control device for controlling a motor, comprising: a rotation control unit that controls the rotational torque of the motor to a predetermined torque to rotate the motor, and controls the rotational torque to a low torque lower than the predetermined torque from the start of the motor until a predetermined period has elapsed; and an anomaly detection unit that detects an anomaly of the motor based on the rotational state of the motor when the rotational torque is controlled to the low torque and the rotational state of the motor when the rotational torque is controlled to the predetermined torque.

[0006] The second aspect of this disclosure is a motor control method for controlling a motor, comprising: a rotation control step, wherein the rotational torque of the motor is controlled to a predetermined torque to rotate the motor, and from the start of the motor until a predetermined period has elapsed, the rotational torque is controlled to a low torque lower than the predetermined torque; and an anomaly detection step, wherein an anomaly of the motor is detected based on the rotational state of the motor when the rotational torque is controlled to the low torque and the rotational state of the motor when the rotational torque is controlled to the predetermined torque. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of an electronic device having a motor and a motor control device according to one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the changes in the rotational state of the motor at different times.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a diagram used to illustrate anomaly detection based on the rotational state of a motor.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing sequence of a motor control method according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5This is a diagram illustrating the changes in the rotational state of the motor at different times.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a diagram used to illustrate anomaly detection based on motor speed.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the changes in the rotational state of the motor at different times.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a diagram used to illustrate anomaly detection based on motor speed. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The electronic device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-146715, upon power-on, detects a rotational fault when the fan motor does not rotate. Upon detecting this rotational fault, the fan motor torque is increased after the electronic device is restarted. The degree of fan motor degradation is determined based on the time required until the fan motor rotates and the torque generated by the fan motor rotation.

[0016] If the fan motor does not rotate after the electronic device is powered on, it is considered that the fan motor has deteriorated significantly. When the torque returns to normal after a torque boost, or when the electronic device is powered on again after a temporary shutdown, the fan motor may again fail to rotate.

[0017] Therefore, it may hinder work processes that utilize electronic equipment. There may also be a need for immediate replacement or repair of the fan motor, which could further impede work processes. It is preferable to detect motor deterioration before it actually causes a rotational failure.

[0018] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the structure of an electronic device 40 having a motor 10 and a motor control device 20 according to one embodiment. The electronic device 40 is, for example, a personal computer. The electronic device 40 includes the motor 10, the motor control device 20, a storage device 50, a sensor 60, and a switch 70. The electronic device 40 is activated when powered by a power supply 80. The electronic device 40 is connected to a display device 90 for displaying information output from the motor control device 20. The electronic device 40 may also include the display device 90.

[0019] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, motor 10 is configured as a fan motor in electronic device 40. The fan motor exhausts heat generated inside electronic device 40 along with fluid to the outside, thereby cooling the interior of electronic device 40. Motor 10 rotates according to the rotational torque M determined by motor control device 20.

[0020] Sensor 60 detects the rotational state of motor 10. Sensor 60 outputs a sensor signal related to the detected rotational state of motor 10 to motor control device 20. In this embodiment, sensor 60 is a lock-in sensor. Sensor 60 detects whether motor 10 is rotating as the rotational state of motor 10.

[0021] Switch 70 switches the power supply from power source 80 to electronic device 40. When switch 70 is in the ON state, power is supplied from power source 80 to various parts of electronic device 40, such as motor control device 20 and storage device 50. When switch 70 is in the OFF state, the power supply from power source 80 to various parts of electronic device 40 is cut off.

[0022] The motor control device 20 controls the motor 10. The motor control device 20 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). That is, the motor control device 20 includes processing circuitry. Furthermore, the processor of the electronic device 40 is not limited to the control function of the motor 10 as the motor control device 20, but can realize various functions of the electronic device 40.

[0023] Storage device 50 includes volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), or flash memory. The volatile memory is used as the processor's working memory. The non-volatile memory stores the programs executed by the processor and other necessary data.

[0024] The motor control device 20 includes a rotation control unit 110, a rotation state determination unit 120, an abnormality detection unit 130, a power supply control unit 140, and a display control unit 150. The rotation control unit 110, the rotation state determination unit 120, the abnormality detection unit 130, the power supply control unit 140, and the display control unit 150 are implemented by the motor control device 20 executing a program stored in the storage device 50.

[0025] At least a portion of the rotation control unit 110, rotation state determination unit 120, abnormality detection unit 130, power supply control unit 140, and display control unit 150 may also be implemented by integrated circuits such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or electronic circuits including discrete devices.

[0026] The rotation control unit 110 controls the rotational torque M of the motor 10 to a predetermined torque Ms, thereby causing the motor 10 to rotate. However, if using... Figure 2 As will be described later, from the start of motor 10 until the predetermined period Tx has elapsed, rotation control unit 110 controls the rotation torque M to a low torque Mi, which is lower than the predetermined torque Ms. The control of rotation torque M is achieved through PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control. The timing of the predetermined period Tx is performed using a clock circuit and a timer circuit (not shown).

[0027] A sensor signal output from the sensor 60 is input to the rotation state determination unit 120. The rotation state determination unit 120 determines the rotation state of the motor 10 based on the sensor signal. In this embodiment, the rotation state determination unit 120 determines whether the motor 10 is rotating.

[0028] The rotation state determination unit 120 determines that the rotation state of the motor 10 is such that the rotation torque M is controlled to the aforementioned low torque Mi after the motor 10 starts. The rotation state determination unit 120 also determines that the rotation state of the motor 10 is such that after a predetermined period Tx has elapsed since the motor 10 started, the rotation torque M is controlled to the aforementioned predetermined torque Ms.

[0029] The anomaly detection unit 130 detects anomalies in the motor 10 based on the rotational states of the motor 10 when the rotational torque M is controlled to a low torque Mi and when the rotational torque M is controlled to a predetermined torque Ms. The anomalies detected by the anomaly detection unit 130 include a first type of anomaly indicating a potential rotational fault in the motor 10 and a second type of anomaly indicating a rotational fault in the motor 10. Regarding the anomaly detection of the motor 10 based on its rotational state, using... Figure 3 To be described later.

[0030] The power supply control unit 140 cuts off the power supply from the power source 80 to the electronic device 40 by turning the switch 70 to the open state. In the event of a second abnormality manifesting as a rotational failure of the motor 10, the electronic device 40 cannot dissipate heat. In this case, structural components of the electronic device 40 may fail due to overheating. To prevent such a failure, the power supply control unit 140 turns the switch 70 to the open state in the event of the second abnormality.

[0031] The display control unit (report control unit) 150 can output notifications related to the maintenance of the motor 10 to the display device 90. The display device 90 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic EL display. The notifications related to the maintenance of the motor 10 are displayed on the display unit (notification unit) of the display device 90, or are announced from the speaker (notification unit) of the display device 90. If the display device 90 is an indicator or other light (notification unit), the notifications can be output by changing the illumination state of the light.

[0032] During normal operation of the electronic device 40, the rotational torque M of the motor 10 is controlled to a predetermined torque Ms. If the motor 10 rotates in this state, no rotational fault of the motor 10 occurs.

[0033] However, in reality, there is a possibility that the deterioration of the motor 10 is progressing. In this case, for example, when the motor 10 is restarted after the next and subsequent rotation stops, a rotational failure of the motor 10 may occur. That is, even when the motor 10 is rotating, there is a possibility that a rotational failure of the motor 10 may occur. The anomaly detection unit 130 detects the deterioration progress of the motor 10 and the state of potential rotational failure of the motor 10 as the first type of anomaly of the motor 10 described above.

[0034] For example, suppose the following situation occurs: Motor 10 stops rotating overnight, for several days, or for an extended period due to a power outage on electronic device 40. Motor 10 then restarts by re-energizing electronic device 40. Typically, the static friction coefficient is greater than the dynamic friction coefficient. Therefore, the friction in the bearings within motor 10 during startup is greater than the friction during rotation.

[0035] Furthermore, while the motor 10 is stopped, the viscosity of the grease injected into the bearing may increase due to the decrease in temperature. Also, if the motor 10 has been stopped for an extended period, dirt may accumulate inside the motor 10 and solidify. For these various reasons, when the rotating motor 10 is restarted after stopping, it may fail to rotate.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first type of abnormality can be detected by the abnormality detection unit 130 during the rotation of the motor 10. That is, before the actual rotational failure of the motor 10 occurs, the deterioration of the motor 10 that may cause the rotational failure is detected. In this case, the display control unit 150 outputs a notification related to the maintenance of the motor 10 to the display device 90.

[0037] Notifications output from the display control unit 150 to the display device 90 may include warnings urging the replacement or repair of the motor 10. Thus, the user of the electronic device 40 can take countermeasures such as repairing or replacing the motor 10 before a rotational failure occurs.

[0038] As described above, during the normal operation of the electronic device 40, the rotational torque M of the motor 10 is controlled to a predetermined torque Ms. If the motor 10 does not rotate in this state, a rotational fault of the motor 10 occurs. As the deterioration of the motor 10 continues to progress, this rotational fault of the motor 10 may manifest. The fault detection unit 130 detects the manifestation of the rotational fault of the motor 10 as the second type of fault of the motor 10 described above.

[0039] In the event of a rotational failure of motor 10, electronic device 40 cannot dissipate heat. Therefore, power supply control unit 140 cuts off the power supply from power source 80 to electronic device 40 by turning switch 70 to the open state. This protects the structural components of electronic device 40. If countermeasures such as repairing or replacing motor 10 are taken, electronic device 40 can still be used afterwards.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a graph illustrating the change in the rotational state of motor 10 at time T. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the rotational speed R of a normal motor 10N, the rotational speed R of a motor 10P that has detected the first type of abnormality, and the rotational speed R of a motor 10E that has detected the second type of abnormality.

[0041] At time zero, motor 10 starts. From the start of motor 10 until a predetermined period Tx has elapsed, rotation control unit 110 controls the rotational torque M of motor 10 to a low torque Mi, which is lower than a predetermined torque Ms. After time Tc following the predetermined period Tx, rotation control unit 110 controls the rotational torque M of motor 10 to a predetermined torque Ms. During normal operation of electronic device 40, the rotational torque M of motor 10 is controlled to the predetermined torque Ms.

[0042] Figure 2 The exemplified normal motor 10N's rotational speed R rises from zero within a predetermined period Tx until it reaches a rotational value Ri at time Ti. Afterward, the rotational speed R remains at the rotational value Ri until the predetermined period Tx has elapsed. Therefore, sensor 60 detects that motor 10 is rotating. Sensor 60 outputs a sensor signal indicating that motor 10 is rotating to rotation state determination unit 120. Rotation state determination unit 120 determines that motor 10 is rotating.

[0043] Figure 2 In the illustrated motor 10P, which detected the first type of abnormality, and motor 10E, which detected the second type of abnormality, both had a rotational speed R that remained at zero throughout the predetermined period Tx. Therefore, sensor 60 detected that motor 10 was not rotating. Sensor 60 outputs a sensor signal indicating that motor 10 is not rotating to rotation state determination unit 120. Rotation state determination unit 120 determines that motor 10 is not rotating.

[0044] Figure 2 The rotational speed R of the normally exemplified motor 10N increases further from the rotational value Ri after a predetermined period Tx and a time Tc, until it reaches the rotational value Rs at time Ts. Afterward, the rotational speed R remains at the rotational value Rs. Therefore, the sensor 60 detects that the motor 10 is rotating. The sensor 60 outputs a sensor signal indicating that the motor 10 is rotating to the rotational state determination unit 120. The rotational state determination unit 120 determines that the motor 10 is rotating.

[0045] Figure 2 The illustrated motor 10P, which detects the first type of anomaly, has its rotational speed R increasing from zero after a predetermined period Tx until it reaches a rotational value Rs at time Ts. Afterward, the rotational speed R remains at the rotational value Rs. Therefore, sensor 60 detects that motor 10 is rotating. Sensor 60 outputs a sensor signal indicating that motor 10 is rotating to rotation state determination unit 120. Rotation state determination unit 120 determines that motor 10 is rotating.

[0046] Figure 2 The illustrated motor 10E, which detects the second type of anomaly, maintains a rotational speed R of zero after a predetermined period Tx. Therefore, sensor 60 detects that motor 10 is not rotating. Sensor 60 outputs a sensor signal indicating that motor 10 is not rotating to rotation state determination unit 120. Rotation state determination unit 120 determines that motor 10 is not rotating.

[0047] The anomaly detection unit 130 detects anomalies in the motor 10 based on the determination results of the rotation state of the motor 10 by the rotation state determination unit 120 after a predetermined period Tx. Figure 3 This is used to illustrate the anomaly detection based on the rotational state of motor 10.

[0048] Assume that motor 10 is rotating during a period when the rotational torque M is controlled to a low torque Mi, and also during a period when the rotational torque M is controlled to a predetermined torque Ms. That is, if motor 10 is rotating during a predetermined period Tx, and is still rotating after the predetermined period Tx, the fault detection unit 130 detects that motor 10 is normal. Figure 2 The motor shown in the example has a normal 10N test result.

[0049] Assume that the motor 10 does not rotate during the period when the rotational torque M is controlled to a low torque Mi, and is rotating during the period when the rotational torque M is controlled to a predetermined torque Ms. That is, if the motor 10 does not rotate during the predetermined period Tx and is rotating after the predetermined period Tx, the abnormality detection unit 130 detects the first abnormality of the motor 10.

[0050] exist Figure 2In the case of the exemplified motor 10P, the first type of abnormality is detected. Upon detecting the first type of abnormality, the display control unit 150 outputs a notification related to the maintenance of the motor 10 to the display device 90.

[0051] In the first abnormal condition, the motor 10 is rotating during the period when the rotational torque M is controlled at the predetermined torque Ms. Because a rotational failure of the motor 10 is potential, the user of the electronic device 40 may not notice the possibility of deterioration of the motor 10 during the period when the rotational torque M is controlled at the predetermined torque Ms.

[0052] When the stopped motor 10 is started, due to the aforementioned reasons such as the high friction of the bearings inside the motor 10, the motor 10 is more difficult to rotate than during the operation of the electronic device 40. Furthermore, when the rotational torque M of the motor 10 at startup is controlled to a low torque Mi, the motor 10 is even more difficult to rotate.

[0053] Therefore, in addition to the rotational state of motor 10 where the rotational torque M is controlled to a predetermined torque Ms, the rotational state of motor 10 where the rotational torque M is controlled to a low torque Mi during a predetermined period Tx from the start of motor 10 is also used for abnormal detection of motor 10. Thus, by detecting the first type of abnormality, the user can easily notice the possibility of deterioration of motor 10.

[0054] Assume that the motor 10 does not rotate during the period when the rotational torque M is controlled to a low torque Mi, and also does not rotate during the period when the rotational torque M is controlled to a predetermined torque Ms. That is, if the motor 10 does not rotate during the predetermined period Tx, and also does not rotate after the predetermined period Tx has elapsed, the abnormality detection unit 130 detects a second abnormality of the motor 10.

[0055] exist Figure 2 In the case of the illustrated motor 10E, a second abnormality is detected. When the second abnormality is detected, the power supply control unit 140 cuts off the power supply from the power source 80 to the electronic device 40 by turning the switch 70 to the open state.

[0056] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the motor control method of this embodiment. This processing procedure is performed, for example, by the motor control device 20 of the electronic device 40. When this processing procedure begins, power is supplied to the electronic device 40, and the motor 10 is started. In step S1, the rotation control unit 110 controls the rotational torque M of the motor 10 to a low torque Mi, which is lower than a predetermined torque Ms.

[0057] In step S2, the rotation state determination unit 120 determines the rotation state of the motor 10 based on the sensor signal output from the sensor 60. In step S3, the rotation control unit 110 determines whether a predetermined period Tx has elapsed. If yes in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4. If no in step S3, the process repeats step S3.

[0058] In step S4, the rotation control unit 110 controls the rotational torque M of the motor 10 to a predetermined torque Ms. In step S5, the rotational state determination unit 120 determines the rotational state of the motor 10 based on the sensor signal output from the sensor 60. In step S6, the anomaly detection unit 130 detects an anomaly in the motor 10 based on the rotational state of the motor 10 determined in step S2 and the rotational state of the motor 10 determined in step S5.

[0059] In step S7, the anomaly detection unit 130 determines whether the anomaly detection process of the motor 10 in step S6 has detected that the motor 10 is normal. If the result in step S7 is "yes", the motor 10 is detected as normal, and the process ends. If the result in step S7 is "no", the process proceeds to step S21.

[0060] In step S21, the anomaly detection unit 130 determines whether the anomaly detection process of the motor 10 in step S6 has detected a first type of anomaly in the motor 10. If yes in step S21, the process proceeds to step S22. If no in step S21, the process proceeds to step S41.

[0061] In step S22, the display control unit 150 outputs a notification related to the maintenance of the motor 10 to the display device 90. The process ends when step S22 is completed.

[0062] In step S41, the power supply control unit 140 cuts off the power supply from the power source 80 to the electronic device 40 by turning the switch 70 to the open state. When the processing of step S41 is completed, the process ends.

[0063] According to this embodiment, a first type of abnormality in the motor 10 is detected based on the rotational states of the motor 10 when the rotational torque M is controlled to a low torque Mi and the rotational states of the motor 10 when the rotational torque M is controlled to a predetermined torque Ms. Therefore, an abnormality in the motor 10 that may cause a rotational failure can be detected before the actual rotational failure of the motor 10 occurs.

[0064] The above-described embodiments can also be modified as follows. In the following modifications, descriptions that are repeated in the embodiments are omitted.

[0065] (Variation Example 1)

[0066] In the above embodiment, sensor 60 is a locking sensor. However, sensor 60 is not limited to this. In this modified example 1, sensor 60 is a pulse sensor. Sensor 60 outputs a pulse signal corresponding to the rotational speed R of motor 10 as a sensor signal related to the rotational state of motor 10 to rotational state determination unit 120.

[0067] The rotation state determination unit 120 calculates the rotational speed R of the motor 10 based on sensor signals. The anomaly detection unit 130 detects anomalies in the motor 10 based on the rotational speed R of the motor 10 during a predetermined period Tx and the rotational speed R of the motor 10 after the predetermined period Tx.

[0068] Figure 5 The change in the rotational state of motor 10 at time T is illustrated. Figure 5 The changes in rotational torque M and the rotational speeds R of motors 10N, 10P, and 10E with time T are shown. Figure 2 The example shown is the same. In Figure 5 In, with Figure 2 The first threshold R1 and the second threshold R2 for the rotational speed R are shown differently. The first threshold R1 and the second threshold R2 are used by the anomaly detection unit 130 to detect a first type of anomaly and a second type of anomaly in the motor 10, respectively. Regarding the detection of the first and second anomalies, the following methods are used... Figure 6 To be described later.

[0069] If motor 10 is functioning normally, it is expected that at time Ti within a predetermined period Tx from the start of motor 10, the rotational speed R has reached the rotational value Ri. The rotational value Ri is greater than the first threshold R1. The rotational state determination unit 120 calculates the rotational speed R of motor 10 based on the pulse signal at time Ti when motor 10 is controlled with low torque Mi.

[0070] At time Ti within the predetermined period Tx, Figure 5 The illustrated normal motor 10N has a rotational speed R greater than the first threshold R1. Figure 5 The speed R of both the motor 10P, which detected the first type of abnormality, and the motor 10E, which detected the second type of abnormality, is less than the first threshold R1.

[0071] If motor 10 is functioning normally, it is expected that the rotational speed R will reach the rotational value Rs at a time Ts later than the time Tc, which is after a predetermined period Tx since motor 10 started. The rotational value Rs is greater than the second threshold R2. The rotational state determination unit 120 calculates the rotational speed R of motor 10 based on the pulse signal at time Ts when motor 10 is controlled with a predetermined torque Ms.

[0072] At time Ts after the predetermined period Tx, Figure 5The rotational speed R of the normal motor 10N and the motor 10P that was detected to have the first abnormality is greater than the second threshold R2. Figure 5 The illustrated motor 10E, which was found to have a second type of anomaly, had a rotational speed R that was less than the second threshold R2.

[0073] The anomaly detection unit 130 detects anomalies in the motor 10 based on a predetermined period Tx and the rotational speed R of the motor 10 calculated by the rotational state determination unit 120 after the predetermined period Tx. Figure 6 This is used to illustrate the abnormal detection based on the rotational speed R of motor 10.

[0074] The motor 10's rotational speed R exceeds a first threshold R1 during a period when the rotational torque M is controlled at a low torque Mi, and exceeds a second threshold R2 during a period when the rotational torque M is controlled at a predetermined torque Ms. That is, if the motor 10's rotational speed R exceeds the first threshold R1 during a predetermined period Tx, and the motor 10's rotational speed R exceeds the second threshold R2 after the predetermined period Tx, the abnormality detection unit 130 detects that the motor 10 is normal. Thus, Figure 5 The motor shown in the example has a normal 10N test result.

[0075] The motor 10's rotational speed R is set to not exceed a first threshold R1 during the period when the rotational torque M is controlled at a low torque Mi, and exceeds a second threshold R2 during the period when the rotational torque M is controlled at a predetermined torque Ms. That is, if the motor 10's rotational speed R does not exceed the first threshold R1 during the predetermined period Tx, and the motor 10's rotational speed R exceeds the second threshold R2 after the predetermined period Tx, the anomaly detection unit 130 detects a first type of anomaly in the motor 10.

[0076] exist Figure 5 In the case of the illustrated motor 10P, the first type of abnormality is detected. Upon detecting this first type of abnormality, the display control unit 150 outputs a notification related to the maintenance of the motor 10 to the display device 90. Thus, by detecting this first type of abnormality, the user can easily notice the possibility of deterioration of the motor 10. Therefore, it is expected that countermeasures such as repairing or replacing the motor 10 will be taken.

[0077] Assuming that the rotational speed R of motor 10 does not exceed a first threshold R1 during the period when the rotational torque M is controlled to a low torque Mi, and does not exceed a second threshold R2 during the period when the rotational torque M is controlled to a predetermined torque Ms. That is, if the rotational speed R of motor 10 does not exceed the first threshold R1 during the predetermined period Tx, and the rotational speed R of motor 10 after the predetermined period Tx does not exceed the second threshold R2, the abnormality detection unit 130 detects a second abnormality of motor 10.

[0078] exist Figure 5In the case of the illustrated motor 10E, a second abnormality is detected. Upon detecting this second abnormality, the power supply control unit 140 cuts off the power supply from the power source 80 to the electronic device 40 by turning the switch 70 to the open state. This protects the structural components of the electronic device 40.

[0079] As the motor 10 deteriorates, its rotational speed R may decrease excessively after a predetermined period Tx. When the motor 10's rotational speed R decreases excessively, the electronic device 40 may not be adequately cooled. According to this modified example 1, if the motor 10's rotational speed R after the predetermined period Tx does not exceed a second threshold R2, the power supply from the power source 80 to the electronic device 40 can be cut off. Therefore, the components of the electronic device 40 are protected.

[0080] (Variation Example 2)

[0081] In the above embodiment, the rotational speed R of the first abnormal motor 10P reaches the rotational value Rs at time Ts after a predetermined period Tx. However, as the deterioration of the motor 10P progresses, this rotational speed R may not reach the rotational value Rs.

[0082] The first type of abnormality of motor 10 includes a first initial abnormality in the early stage of potential rotational failure of motor 10 and a first late abnormality in the later stage after the initial stage. In this modified example 2, the abnormality detection unit 130 detects the first initial abnormality and the first late abnormality separately.

[0083] Furthermore, in this modified example 2, the sensor 60 is a pulse sensor, just like in modified example 1. The rotation state determination unit 120 calculates the rotational speed R of the motor 10 based on the sensor signal, i.e., the pulse signal, output from the sensor 60. The abnormality detection unit 130 detects abnormalities in the motor 10 based on the rotational speed R of the motor 10 within a predetermined period Tx and the rotational speed R of the motor 10 after the predetermined period Tx.

[0084] Figure 7 The change in the rotational state of motor 10 at time T is illustrated. Figure 7 The changes in rotational torque M and the rotational speeds R of motors 10N, 10P, and 10E with time T are shown. Figure 2 and Figure 5 The example shown is the same. Figure 7 The first threshold R1 and the second threshold R2 of the rotational speed R shown are... Figure 5 The example shown is the same.

[0085] exist Figure 7 In, with Figure 2 as well as Figure 5The variation of the motor's rotational speed R at 10 Pa with time T is shown differently. Furthermore, in... Figure 7 The diagram shows a third threshold R3 for the rotational speed R. The third threshold R3 is greater than the second threshold R2. The second threshold R2 and the third threshold R3 are used to distinguish between detecting the first type of initial anomaly and the first type of later anomaly.

[0086] It is believed that the motor 10 with the first type of late-stage anomaly detected shows a higher rate of deterioration compared to the motor 10 with the first type of early-stage anomaly detected. Regarding the detection of the first type of early-stage and the first type of late-stage anomaly, the following methods were used... Figure 8 To be described later.

[0087] At time Ti within the predetermined period Tx, Figure 7 The illustrated normal motor 10N has a rotational speed R greater than the first threshold R1. Figure 7 The speed R of motors 10P and 10Pa, which were found to have the first type of abnormality, and motor 10E, which was found to have the second type of abnormality, were all less than the first threshold R1.

[0088] If motor 10 is functioning normally, it is expected that at time Ts after a predetermined period Tx, the rotational speed R will have reached the rotational value Rs. The rotational value Rs is greater than the third threshold R3.

[0089] As for the abnormal situation of motor 10, the following three scenarios can be considered. The first scenario is that at time Ts, the rotational speed R exceeds the third threshold R3. The second scenario is that the rotational speed R exceeds the second threshold R2 but does not exceed the third threshold R3. The third scenario is that the rotational speed R does not exceed the second threshold R2.

[0090] Figure 7 The illustrated example shows that the rotational speed R of motor 10P, which detects the first type of anomaly, reaches the rotational value Rs at time Ts. That is, the rotational speed R of motor 10P is greater than the third threshold R3. This corresponds to the first case described above. The rotational speed R of motor 10Pa reaches the rotational value Rsa at time Ts. That is, the rotational speed R of motor 10Pa exceeds the second threshold R2 but does not exceed the third threshold R3. This corresponds to the second case described above.

[0091] Figure 7 The illustrated motor 10E, which exhibits the second type of anomaly, maintains a rotational speed R of zero at time Ts. That is, the rotational speed R of motor 10E does not exceed the second threshold R2. This corresponds to the third case described above.

[0092] The anomaly detection unit 130 detects anomalies in the motor 10 based on the calculation results of the rotational speed R of the motor 10 during a predetermined period Tx and after the predetermined period Tx by the rotational state determination unit 120. Figure 8 This is used to illustrate the abnormal detection based on the rotational speed R of motor 10.

[0093] The motor 10's rotational speed R exceeds a first threshold R1 during a period when the rotational torque M is controlled at a low torque Mi, and exceeds a third threshold R3 during a period when the rotational torque M is controlled at a predetermined torque Ms. That is, if the motor 10's rotational speed R exceeds the first threshold R1 during a predetermined period Tx, and the motor 10's rotational speed R exceeds the third threshold R3 after the predetermined period Tx, the abnormality detection unit 130 detects that the motor 10 is normal. Thus, Figure 7 The motor shown in the example has a normal 10N test result.

[0094] Assuming that the rotational speed R of motor 10 does not exceed a first threshold R1 during the period when the rotational torque M is controlled to a low torque Mi, and exceeds a third threshold R3 during the period when the rotational torque M is controlled to a predetermined torque Ms. That is, if the rotational speed R of motor 10 does not exceed the first threshold R1 during the predetermined period Tx, and the rotational speed R of motor 10 exceeds the third threshold R3 after the predetermined period Tx (first case), the anomaly detection unit 130 detects a first type of initial anomaly of motor 10.

[0095] exist Figure 7 In the case of the illustrated motor 10P, the first initial abnormality is detected. Upon detecting the first initial abnormality, the display control unit 150 outputs a notification related to the maintenance of the motor 10 to the display device 90. Thus, by detecting the first initial abnormality, the user can easily notice that the motor 10 may be in the initial stage of deterioration. Therefore, it is desirable to take countermeasures such as repairing or replacing the motor 10.

[0096] Assume that during the period when the rotational torque M is controlled at a low torque Mi, the speed R of motor 10 does not exceed a first threshold R1. Then, assume that during the period when the rotational torque M is controlled at a predetermined torque Ms, the speed R of motor 10 exceeds a second threshold R2 but does not exceed a third threshold R3. Consider the possibility that, as the deterioration of motor 10 progresses, the speed R of motor 10 decreases and does not exceed the third threshold R3.

[0097] That is, the rotational speed R of the motor 10 within the predetermined period Tx does not exceed the first threshold R1. After the predetermined period Tx, the rotational speed R of the motor 10 exceeds the second threshold R2 but does not exceed the third threshold R3 (second case). In this case, the anomaly detection unit 130 detects the first type of late-stage anomaly of the motor 10.

[0098] exist Figure 7In the case of the illustrated motor 10Pa, the first type of late-stage abnormality is detected. Upon detection of this first type of late-stage abnormality, the display control unit 150 outputs a notification related to the maintenance of the motor 10 to the display device 90. Thus, by detecting this first type of late-stage abnormality, the user can easily notice the possibility that the motor 10 is in a late stage of deterioration. Therefore, it is expected that countermeasures such as repairing or replacing the motor 10 will be taken promptly.

[0099] Assuming that the rotational speed R of motor 10 does not exceed a first threshold R1 during the period when the rotational torque M is controlled to a low torque Mi, and does not exceed a second threshold R2 during the period when the rotational torque M is controlled to a predetermined torque Ms. That is, if the rotational speed R of motor 10 does not exceed the first threshold R1 during the predetermined period Tx, and the rotational speed R of motor 10 after the predetermined period Tx does not exceed the second threshold R2 (third case), the abnormality detection unit 130 detects a second abnormality of motor 10.

[0100] exist Figure 7 In the case of the illustrated motor 10E, a second abnormality is detected. Upon detecting this second abnormality, the power supply control unit 140 cuts off the power supply from the power source 80 to the electronic device 40 by turning the switch 70 to the open state. This protects the structural components of the electronic device 40.

[0101] According to this variation 2, the first type of abnormality of the motor 10 is classified into a first type of early abnormality and a first type of late abnormality for detection based on the degree of deterioration of the motor 10. Therefore, the user of the electronic device 40 can determine the priority of countermeasures such as repair or replacement of the motor 10 based on the degree of deterioration of the motor 10.

[0102] The following notes further disclose the above-described embodiments and variations.

[0103] (Postscript 1)

[0104] This disclosure relates to a motor control device (20) for controlling a motor (10), comprising: a rotation control unit (110) that controls the rotational torque (M) of the motor to a predetermined torque (Ms) to rotate the motor, and controls the rotational torque to a low torque (Mi) lower than the predetermined torque from the start of the motor until a predetermined period (Tx) has elapsed; and an abnormality detection unit (130) that detects an abnormality of the motor based on the rotational state of the motor when the rotational torque is controlled to the low torque and the rotational state of the motor when the rotational torque is controlled to the predetermined torque.

[0105] (Postscript 2)

[0106] In the motor control device described in Appendix 1, the abnormality of the motor detected by the abnormality detection unit can include a first abnormality of potential rotational failure of the motor and a second abnormality of apparent rotational failure of the motor. The motor control device also includes a display control unit (150) that outputs a notification related to the maintenance of the motor to a display device (90) when the first abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection unit.

[0107] (Note 3)

[0108] In the motor control device described in Appendix 2, the motor may be equipped as a fan motor of electronic device (40), and the motor control device also includes a power supply control unit (140) that cuts off the power supply from power source (80) to electronic device when the abnormality detection unit detects the second abnormality.

[0109] (Postscript 4)

[0110] In the motor control device described in Appendix 3, if the motor does not rotate during the predetermined period and then rotates after the predetermined period, the abnormality detection unit can detect the first type of abnormality; if the motor does not rotate during the predetermined period and then rotates after the predetermined period, the abnormality detection unit can detect the second type of abnormality.

[0111] (Note 5)

[0112] In the motor control device described in Appendix 3, the abnormality detection unit can detect the abnormality of the motor based on the motor speed (R) during the predetermined period and the speed after the predetermined period.

[0113] (Note 6)

[0114] In the motor control device described in Appendix 5, the anomaly detection unit can detect the first type of anomaly if the rotational speed does not exceed a first threshold (R1) during the predetermined period and exceeds a second threshold (R2) after the predetermined period, and detect the second type of anomaly if the rotational speed does not exceed the first threshold during the predetermined period and does not exceed the second threshold after the predetermined period.

[0115] (Note 7)

[0116] In the motor control device described in Appendix 6, the first type of abnormality may include a first initial abnormality in the early stage of the potential rotational failure of the motor and a first late abnormality in the later stage after the early stage. If the rotational speed exceeds a third threshold (R3) that is greater than the second threshold after the predetermined period, the abnormality detection unit detects the first type of initial abnormality. If the rotational speed exceeds the second threshold but does not exceed the third threshold after the predetermined period, the abnormality detection unit detects the first type of late abnormality.

[0117] (Postscript 8)

[0118] The motor control method disclosed herein comprises: a rotation control step, wherein the rotational torque of the motor is controlled to a predetermined torque to cause the motor to rotate, and the rotational torque is controlled to a low torque lower than the predetermined torque from the start of the motor until a predetermined period has elapsed; and an anomaly detection step, wherein an anomaly of the motor is detected based on the rotational state of the motor when the rotational torque is controlled to the low torque and the rotational state of the motor when the rotational torque is controlled to the predetermined torque.

[0119] (Note 9)

[0120] In the motor control method described in Appendix 8, the abnormality of the motor detected in the abnormality detection step may include a first abnormality of potential rotational failure of the motor and a second abnormality of apparent rotational failure of the motor. The motor control method further includes a display control step in which, when the first abnormality is detected in the abnormality detection step, a notification related to the maintenance of the motor is output to a display device.

[0121] (Postscript 10)

[0122] In the motor control method described in Appendix 9, the motor can be equipped as a fan motor of an electronic device. The motor control method also includes a power supply control step, in which the power supply control step cuts off the power supply from the power source to the electronic device when the second type of abnormality is detected in the abnormality detection step.

[0123] (Postscript 11)

[0124] In the motor control method described in Appendix 10, if the motor does not rotate during the predetermined period and then rotates after the predetermined period, the first type of abnormality can be detected in the abnormality detection step; if the motor does not rotate during the predetermined period and then rotates after the predetermined period, the second type of abnormality can be detected in the abnormality detection step.

[0125] (Postscript 12)

[0126] In the motor control method described in Appendix 10, the abnormality of the motor can be detected in the abnormality detection step based on the motor speed during the predetermined period and the speed after the predetermined period.

[0127] (Postscript 13)

[0128] In the motor control method described in Appendix 12, if the rotational speed does not exceed a first threshold during the predetermined period and the rotational speed exceeds a second threshold after the predetermined period, the first type of abnormality can be detected in the abnormality detection step; if the rotational speed does not exceed the first threshold during the predetermined period and the rotational speed does not exceed the second threshold after the predetermined period, the second type of abnormality can be detected in the abnormality detection step.

[0129] (Postscript 14)

[0130] In the motor control method described in Appendix 13, the first type of abnormality may include a first initial abnormality in the early stage of the potential rotational failure of the motor and a first late abnormality in the later stage after the early stage. If the rotational speed exceeds a third threshold greater than the second threshold after the predetermined period, the first type of initial abnormality is detected in the abnormality detection step. If the rotational speed exceeds the second threshold but does not exceed the third threshold after the predetermined period, the first type of late abnormality is detected in the abnormality detection step.

[0131] This disclosure has been described in detail, but it is not limited to the various embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, and partial deletions can be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, or from the spirit of this disclosure derived from the content described in the patent protection scope and its equivalents. Furthermore, these embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the embodiments described above, the order of each action and the order of each process are shown as an example, but are not limited thereto. The same applies to the use of numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas in the description of the embodiments described above.

[0132] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0133] 10 motors

[0134] 20 Motor Control Device

[0135] 40 electronic devices

[0136] 50 storage devices

[0137] 60 sensors

[0138] 70 switch

[0139] 80 power supply

[0140] 90 display devices

[0141] 110 Rotary Control Unit

[0142] 120° Rotational State Determination Unit

[0143] 130 Anomaly Detection Department

[0144] 140 Power Supply Control Department

[0145] 150 Display Control Unit.

Claims

1. A motor control device for controlling a motor, characterized in that, The motor control device includes: A rotation control unit controls the rotational torque of the motor to a predetermined torque to rotate the motor, and from the start of the motor until a predetermined period has elapsed, controls the rotational torque to a low torque lower than the predetermined torque; and The anomaly detection unit detects anomalies in the motor based on the motor's rotational state when the rotational torque is controlled to the low torque and the motor's rotational state when the rotational torque is controlled to the predetermined torque.

2. The motor control device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The abnormality of the motor detected by the abnormality detection unit includes a first abnormality of latent rotational fault of the motor and a second abnormality of manifest rotational fault of the motor. The motor control device also includes a display control unit, which outputs a notification related to the maintenance of the motor to the display device when the first type of abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection unit.

3. The motor control device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The motor is equipped as a fan motor for an electronic device. The motor control device also includes a power supply control unit, which cuts off the power supply from the power source to the electronic device when the abnormality detection unit detects the second abnormality.

4. The motor control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, If the motor does not rotate during the predetermined period and then rotates after the predetermined period, the anomaly detection unit detects the first type of anomaly. If the motor does not rotate during the predetermined period and then rotates after the predetermined period, the anomaly detection unit detects the second type of anomaly.

5. The motor control device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The anomaly detection unit detects the anomaly of the motor based on the motor's rotational speed during the predetermined period and the rotational speed after the predetermined period.

6. The motor control device according to claim 5, characterized in that, If the rotational speed does not exceed a first threshold during the predetermined period, but exceeds a second threshold after the predetermined period, the anomaly detection unit detects the first type of anomaly. If the rotational speed does not exceed the first threshold during the predetermined period, and the rotational speed does not exceed the second threshold after the predetermined period, the anomaly detection unit detects the second type of anomaly.

7. The motor control device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first type of anomaly includes a first initial anomaly in the early stage of the potential rotational failure of the motor and a first late anomaly in the later stage after the early stage. If the rotational speed exceeds a third threshold greater than the second threshold after the predetermined period, the anomaly detection unit detects the first type of initial anomaly. If the rotational speed exceeds the second threshold but does not exceed the third threshold after the predetermined period, the anomaly detection unit detects the first type of late-stage anomaly.

8. A motor control method for controlling a motor, characterized in that, The motor control method comprises: The rotation control step involves controlling the rotation torque of the motor to a predetermined torque to make the motor rotate, and from the start of the motor until a predetermined period has elapsed, controlling the rotation torque to a low torque lower than the predetermined torque. as well as The anomaly detection step detects anomalies in the motor based on the motor's rotational state when the rotational torque is controlled to the low torque and the motor's rotational state when the rotational torque is controlled to the predetermined torque.

9. The motor control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The anomalies detected in the anomaly detection step include a first anomaly indicating a potential rotational fault in the motor and a second anomaly indicating a manifest rotational fault in the motor. The motor control method further includes a display control step, in which, when the first type of abnormality is detected in the abnormality detection step, a notification related to the maintenance of the motor is output to a display device.

10. The motor control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The motor is equipped as a fan motor for an electronic device. The motor control method further includes a power supply control step, in which the power supply control step cuts off the power supply from the power source to the electronic device when the second type of abnormality is detected in the abnormality detection step.

11. The motor control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, If the motor does not rotate during the predetermined period and then rotates after the predetermined period, the first type of abnormality is detected in the abnormality detection step. If the motor does not rotate during the predetermined period and then rotates after the predetermined period, the second type of abnormality is detected in the abnormality detection step.

12. The motor control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, In the anomaly detection step, the anomaly of the motor is detected based on the motor speed during the predetermined period and the motor speed after the predetermined period.

13. The motor control method according to claim 12, characterized in that, If the rotational speed does not exceed a first threshold during the predetermined period, but exceeds a second threshold after the predetermined period, the first type of anomaly is detected in the anomaly detection step. If the rotational speed does not exceed the first threshold during the predetermined period, and the rotational speed does not exceed the second threshold after the predetermined period, the second type of abnormality is detected in the abnormality detection step.

14. The motor control method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first type of anomaly includes a first initial anomaly in the early stage of the potential rotational failure of the motor and a first late anomaly in the later stage after the early stage. If the rotational speed exceeds a third threshold greater than the second threshold after the predetermined period, the first type of initial anomaly is detected in the anomaly detection step. If the rotational speed exceeds the second threshold but does not exceed the third threshold after the predetermined period, the first type of late-stage anomaly is detected in the anomaly detection step.

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