Charge / discharge control method, charge / discharge control device, and charge / discharge control circuit

Abstract

To provide a charge / discharge control method, a charge / discharge control device, and a charge / discharge control circuit which can make an open winding type rotary electric machine and first and second inverters driving the same function as a boost converter or a step-down converter by an additional relay whose request size (request for current performance) is smaller than the prior art.SOLUTION: When input / output voltage of external equipment 15 is equal to nominal voltage of a battery 10, the external equipment 15 is directly connected to the battery 10. On the other hand, when the input / output voltage is different from the nominal voltage, the external equipment 15 is connected to the battery 10 through a boost converter or a step-down converter configured by using a stator coil, a first inverter 23, or a second converter 24 by connecting one end of the external equipment 15 to a connection part of an upper arm (UU2, VU2, WU2) and a lower arm (UL2, VL2, WL2) of the second inverter 24.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charge / discharge control method, a charge / discharge control device, and a charge / discharge control circuit for controlling the charging or discharging of a battery. [Background technology]

[0002] In Patent Document 1, when a storage battery provided in an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle is charged by a charging facility such as an external power source, a step-up converter and a step-down converter are configured using an open-winding type electric motor and a first inverter and a second inverter that drive the motor. Specifically, Patent Document 1 discloses that a switch is provided that selectively connects or disconnects the positive electrode of the external power source and the high potential side of the upper arm of the first inverter and the high potential side of the upper arm of the second inverter in order to make the open-winding type electric motor, the first inverter, and the second inverter function as a step-up converter and a step-down converter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-144450 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, in order to configure a step-up converter or a step-down converter using an open-winding type rotating electric machine and first and second inverters that drive the machine, it has been considered to provide an additional relay (switch) in a line connecting the high-potential sides of the upper arms of the first and second inverters. However, a current flows in the line connecting the high-potential sides of the upper arms of the first and second inverters when the rotating electric machine is driven to rotate. When the torque to be output by the rotating electric machine is large, a particularly large current flows. Therefore, the additional relay provided in this position is required to have a size (particularly current performance) that can withstand a large current.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a charge / discharge control method, a charge / discharge control device, and a charge / discharge control circuit that can cause an open-winding type rotating electric machine and first and second inverters that drive it to function as a step-up converter or a step-down converter using an additional relay that requires a smaller size (requirements regarding current performance) than conventional relays. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a charge / discharge control method for controlling charging or discharging of a battery when an external device is connected to a rotating electric machine system including a battery, a rotating electric machine having independent stator coils of multiple phases, a first inverter connected to one end of the stator coil and the battery, and a second inverter connected to the other end of the stator coil and the battery. In this charge / discharge control method, when the input / output voltage of the external device is equal to the nominal voltage of the battery, the external device is directly connected to the battery. When the input / output voltage is different from the nominal voltage, one end of the external device is connected to a connection part between an upper arm and a lower arm of the second inverter, thereby connecting the external device to the battery via a step-up converter or a step-down converter configured using the stator coil, the first inverter, or the second inverter. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a charge / discharge control method, a charge / discharge control device, and a charge / discharge control circuit that can cause an open-winding type rotating electric machine and first and second inverters that drive it to function as a step-up converter or a step-down converter using an additional relay with a smaller required size (requirements regarding current performance) than conventional relays. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a rotating electrical machine system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of the rotating electric machine system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram for driving the rotating electric machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the U-phase when there is no need to configure a DC / DC converter. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the U phase when an external device is connected to a battery via a boost converter. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the U phase when the battery is connected to an external device via a step-down converter. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram of a rotating electrical machine system of a comparative example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an equivalent circuit when controlling the rotation of a rotating electric machine in a rotating electric machine system of a comparative example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows an equivalent circuit when the external equipment and the battery are directly connected in a rotating electrical machine system of the comparative example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an equivalent circuit when a DC / DC converter is configured in an electric power train in a rotating electrical machine system of a comparative example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a U-phase equivalent circuit and the position of the third external connection relay when a DC / DC converter is configured in an electric power train in the rotating electric machine system of this embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram illustrating a malfunction that occurs when the control switching relay does not turn off in the rotating electrical machine system of the comparative example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram illustrating a malfunction that occurs when the third external connection relay does not turn off in the rotating electric machine system of this embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic circuit diagram of a rotating electrical machine system according to a modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic circuit diagram of a rotating electrical machine system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram of a boost converter configured using both an additional coil and a stator coil. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram of a boost converter that does not use a stator coil but uses an additional coil. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a rotating electric machine system 100. The rotating electric machine system 100 is, for example, a vehicle drive system or a power generation system mounted on an electric vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle or an electric car. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the rotating electric machine system 100 includes a battery 10, a rotating electric machine 11, an inverter unit 12, and a controller 13. Of these, the rotating electric machine 11 and the inverter unit 12 are, for example, substantially formed as one unit, and constitute a so-called electric power train 14. In addition, an external device 15 may be connected to the rotating electric machine system 100. The electric power train 14 constitutes a charge / discharge control circuit that controls charging or discharging of the battery 10 when the external device 15 is connected to the rotating electric machine system 100.

[0011] The battery 10 is a rechargeable DC power source. The battery 10 supplies power to drive the rotating electric machine 11 via the inverter unit 12. That is, when driving the rotating electric machine 11, the battery 10 supplies a DC voltage V dc By inputting the above, electric power is supplied to the rotating electric machine 11. When the rotating electric machine 11 generates electric power, the battery 10 is charged by the electric power.

[0012] When the external equipment 15 is a quick charger or the like, the battery 10 is charged by the power supplied by the external equipment 15 via the electric power train 14. At this time, the electric power train 14 functions as a boost converter as necessary, and the input voltage V INis boosted by the electric powertrain 14 as necessary. This provides an output voltage V suitable for charging. OUT The battery 10 is charged by this.

[0013] In this embodiment, the DC voltage V dc The nominal value of the battery 10, i.e., the nominal voltage of the battery 10, is, for example, 800 V. The quick charger connected as the external equipment 15 is a DC power source, and its voltage (input voltage V IN ) is, for example, 400V or 800V. Therefore, when a 400V quick charger is connected, the output voltage V OUT is boosted to 800V.

[0014] That is, the external equipment 15 is a quick charger or the like, and the input voltage V IN When the input voltage V is smaller than the nominal voltage of the battery 10, IN The input voltage V IN is equal to the nominal voltage of the battery 10, the external equipment 15 is substantially directly connected to the battery 10, although via the electric power train 14. In this embodiment, the direct connection between the external equipment 15 and the battery 10 means that the external equipment 15 is substantially directly connected to the battery 10 without passing through the stator coils U, V, and W (see FIG. 2) of the rotating electric machine 11 or the switching elements (see FIG. 2) of the inverter unit 12.

[0015] When the external equipment 15 is a device or the like that consumes power, the battery 10 can discharge and supply power to the external equipment 15 via the electric powertrain 14. At this time, the electric powertrain 14 functions as a step-down converter, and the voltage that is actually output to the external equipment 15 is stepped down by the electric powertrain 14 as necessary. Many of the devices or the like that consume power as the external equipment 15 require power supply at a voltage lower than the nominal voltage of the battery 10. For this reason, when the external equipment 15 is a device or the like that consumes power, the electric powertrain 14 is usually controlled to function as a step-down converter.

[0016] The rotating electric machine 11 is an electric motor or a generator. When the rotating electric machine 11 is an electric motor, the rotating electric machine system 100 is a drive system for an electric vehicle or the like that mounts the rotating electric machine 11. When the rotating electric machine 11 is a generator, the rotating electric machine system 100 is a power generation system for a hybrid vehicle or the like that mounts the rotating electric machine 11. In this embodiment, the rotating electric machine 11 is an electric motor for driving a vehicle.

[0017] The rotating electric machine 11 is an AC synchronous machine having multiple phases. The rotating electric machine 11 is of a so-called open winding type. Therefore, the stator coils U, V, and W of each phase are completely independent, and the rotating electric machine 11 does not have a neutral point. The stator coils U, V, and W of each phase are connected in a Y connection (star connection) or the like, and compared to a rotating electric machine having a neutral point, the rotating electric machine 11, which is of the open winding type, can output a higher torque. In this embodiment, the rotating electric machine 11 is an open winding type three-phase AC synchronous motor.

[0018] The inverter unit 12 converts the DC power output by the battery 10 into AC power and supplies it to the rotating electric machine 11. This drives the rotating electric machine 11. On the other hand, when the rotating electric machine 11 generates power, the inverter unit 12 converts the AC power generated by the rotating electric machine 11 into DC power and supplies it to the battery 10.

[0019] When the external equipment 15 is connected to the rotating electric machine system 100, the inverter unit 12, together with the rotating electric machine 11, can configure a DC / DC converter that is a step-up converter or a step-down converter. Specifically, all or some of the switching elements and free wheel diodes (see FIG. 2) that configure the inverter unit 12 are used as elements of the DC / DC converter. For example, when the external equipment 15 is a 400V quick charger, the inverter unit 12, together with the rotating electric machine 11, configures a step-up converter, and converts the input voltage V IN The output voltage V OUT to the battery 10. Furthermore, when the external equipment 15 is a device that consumes power, the inverter unit 12 and the rotating electric machine 11 form a step-down converter. This allows the external equipment 15 to be supplied with power from the battery 10 at a required voltage.

[0020] In particular, since the rotating electric machine 11 is of an open winding type, the inverter unit 12 includes two bridge circuits (inverters) that can be controlled independently. That is, the inverter unit 12 includes two inverters, a first inverter 23 and a second inverter 24 (see FIG. 2 for both). The first inverter 23 is connected to one end of the stator coils U, V, and W of the rotating electric machine 11 and the battery 10. The second inverter 24 is connected to the other end of the stator coils U, V, and W of the rotating electric machine 11 and the battery 10.

[0021] When controlling the rotation of the rotating electric machine 11, the inverter unit 12 causes the first inverter 23 and the second inverter 24 to cooperate with each other to pass current through each of the stator coils U, V, and W of each phase. That is, when controlling the rotation of the rotating electric machine 11, the inverter unit 12 causes both the first inverter 23 and the second inverter 24 to perform switching operation.

[0022] When the electric powertrain 14 constitutes a DC / DC converter, the inverter unit 12 can drive the first inverter 23, the second inverter 24, or both. In this embodiment, when the electric powertrain 14 constitutes a DC / DC converter, the inverter unit 12 causes either the first inverter 23 or the second inverter 24 to perform a switching operation, and substantially stops the switching operation of the other inverter.

[0023] The current flowing through the coils of each of the UVW phases (hereinafter referred to as the three-phase current I UVW ), and the rotation angle θ of the rotor of the rotating electric machine 11. r In this embodiment, the three-phase current I UVW is detected by the current sensor 16. The rotation angle θ r is detected by the rotation sensor 17.

[0024] The controller 13 is a control device that comprehensively controls the operation of each part of the rotating electric machine system 100. The controller 13 is configured, for example, by one or more computers, and is programmed to cause each part to perform a predetermined operation. In this embodiment, the controller 13 is a charge / discharge control device that controls charging or discharging of the battery 10 by configuring a DC / DC converter with the rotating electric machine 11 and the inverter unit 12. A charge / discharge control program for operating the rotating electric machine 11 and the inverter unit 12 as a DC / DC converter may be provided in a form stored in a storage medium.

[0025] Specifically, the controller 13 controls the overall operation of the rotating electric machine system 100 by inputting a PWM (pulse width modulation) signal to the inverter unit 12. For example, the controller 13 generates a PWM signal for controlling the rotation of the rotating electric machine 11 (referred to as a rotation control PWM signal) and inputs this to the inverter unit 12 to control the rotation speed and torque of the rotating electric machine 11. The controller 13 controls, for example, the accelerator operation amount, the three-phase current I UVW , and the rotation angle θ r Based on the above, a PWM signal for rotation control is generated.

[0026] In this embodiment, even when external equipment 15 is connected to the rotating electric machine system 100, the controller 13 inputs a PWM signal for operating the electric power train 14 as a DC / DC converter (hereinafter referred to as a PWM signal for converter) to the inverter unit 12. This causes the rotating electric machine 11 and the inverter unit 12 to function as a step-up converter or a step-down converter. The controller 13 generates the PWM signal for converter based on, for example, a step-up ratio or a step-down ratio.

[0027] Furthermore, when the external equipment 15 is connected to the rotating electric machine system 100, the controller 13 controls an external connection relay 27 (see FIG. 2) that changes the connection state of the external equipment 15. In this way, the controller 13 switches the connection of the external equipment 15 to the battery 10 between a connection via a DC / DC converter configured by the electric power train 14 and a direct connection.

[0028] Specifically, the controller 13 determines whether the external equipment 15 is connected or not by communication with the external equipment 15 or a higher-level controller (not shown), by a user setting, or by other methods.

[0029] Furthermore, when the external equipment 15 is connected, the controller 13 determines whether or not it is necessary to configure a DC / DC converter by the electric powertrain 14 by comparing the input / output voltages of the external equipment 15 with the nominal voltage of the battery 10. Specifically, when the input / output voltages of the external equipment 15 are equal to the nominal voltage of the battery 10, the controller 13 determines that it is not necessary to configure a DC / DC converter by the electric powertrain 14. On the other hand, when the input / output voltages of the external equipment 15 are different from the nominal voltage of the battery 10, the controller 13 determines that it is not necessary to configure a DC / DC converter by the electric powertrain 14. Then, the controller 13 controls the on / off of the external connection relay 27 depending on whether or not it is necessary to configure a DC / DC converter by the electric powertrain 14.

[0030] The input / output voltage of the external equipment 15 is the input voltage V IN , or the voltage required by the external equipment 15 when the external equipment 15 is a power consuming device or the like.

[0031] The external equipment 15 is equipment, equipment, etc. that is provided separately from the vehicle on which the rotating electric machine system 100 is mounted. The external equipment 15 supplies power to the rotating electric machine system 100, or is supplied with power from the rotating electric machine system 100. The external equipment 15 that supplies power to the rotating electric machine system 100 is, for example, a quick charger or other charger installed in a charging station. The external equipment 15 to which power is supplied from the rotating electric machine system 100 is, for example, outdoor equipment, etc. In the following, it is assumed that the external equipment 15 is a quick charger. Therefore, when the external equipment 15 is connected to the rotating electric machine system 100, it charges the battery 10.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of the rotating electric machine system 100. As shown in Fig. 2, the battery 10 is connected to the inverter unit 12 by a main relay 21. The inverter unit 12 includes a smoothing capacitor 22, a first inverter 23, and a second inverter 24. The rotating electric machine 11 includes, as a multi-phase stator coil, a U-phase coil (U), a V-phase coil (V), and a W-phase coil (W) that are not connected to each other.

[0033] The main relay 21 includes a positive main relay 21p provided on the positive side of the battery 10 and a negative main relay 21n provided on the negative side of the battery 10. When both the positive main relay 21p and the negative main relay 21n are turned on, the connection between the battery 10 and the first inverter 23 and the second inverter 24 is established. When at least one of the positive main relay 21p and the negative main relay 21n is turned off, the connection between the battery 10 and the first inverter 23 and the second inverter 24 is released. In this embodiment, the controller 13 controls the on / off of the positive main relay 21p and the negative main relay 21n in response to an operation on the electric vehicle, etc. In the following, it is assumed that both the positive main relay 21p and the negative main relay 21n are on.

[0034] The smoothing capacitor 22 smoothes the power exchanged between the battery 10 and the first inverter 23 and the second inverter 24.

[0035] The first inverter 23 is connected to one end of the stator coils U, V, and W of each phase and to the battery 10. In this embodiment, the first inverter 23 is connected to the U-phase leg L U1 , V-phase leg L V1 , and W-phase leg L W1 Includes.

[0036] U-phase leg L U1 The upper arm U U1 and lower arm U L1 And the upper arm U U1 and lower arm U L1One end of the U-phase coil (U) is connected to the connection point of the upper arm U U1 The positive terminal of the battery 10 is connected to the lower arm U L1 The negative electrode of the battery 10 is connected to the upper arm U U1 and lower arm U L1 Each of these consists of a switching element and a freewheeling diode.

[0037] V-phase leg L V1 is connected to the V-phase coil (V), but is connected to the U-phase leg L U1 That is, the V-phase leg L V1 The upper arm V U1 and lower arm V L1 And the upper arm V U1 and lower arm V L1 One end of the V-phase coil (V) is connected to the connection point of the upper arm V U1 The positive pole of the battery 10 is connected to the lower arm V L1 The negative electrode of the battery 10 is connected to the upper arm V U1 and lower arm V L1 Each of these consists of a switching element and a freewheeling diode.

[0038] Similarly, W-phase leg L W1 The upper arm W U1 and lower arm W L1 And the upper arm W U1 and lower arm W L1 One end of the W-phase coil (W) is connected to the connection point of the upper arm W U1 The positive pole of the battery 10 is connected to the lower arm W L1 The negative electrode of the battery 10 is connected to the upper arm W U1 and lower arm W L1 Each of these consists of a switching element and a freewheeling diode.

[0039] The second inverter 24 is connected to the other ends of the stator coils U, V, and W of each phase and to the battery 10. In this embodiment, the second inverter 24 has three phase legs, that is, a U-phase leg L U2, V-phase leg L V2 , and W-phase leg L W2 Includes.

[0040] The legs L of each phase of the second inverter 24 U2 ,L V2 ,L W2 represents the legs L of each phase of the first inverter 23. U1 ,L V1 ,L W1 That is, the U-phase leg L of the second inverter 24 is configured in the same manner as U2 The upper arm U U2 and lower arm U L2 The other end of the U-phase coil (U) is connected to the connection point between these legs. V2 The upper arm V U2 and lower arm V L2 The other end of the V-phase coil (V) is connected to the connection point of these coils. Similarly, the W-phase leg L W2 The upper arm W U2 and lower arm W L2 The other end of the W-phase coil (W) is connected to the connection point of these legs L. U2 ,L V2 ,L W2 The upper arm of U U2 ,V U2 ,W U2 is connected to the positive pole of the battery 10, and the lower arm U L2 ,V L2 ,W L2 is connected to the negative electrode of the battery 10. The upper arm U U2 ,V U2 ,W U2 and lower arm U L2 ,V L2 ,W L2 Each of these consists of a switching element and a freewheeling diode.

[0041] In addition to the above, the rotating electrical machine system 100 of this embodiment includes an external connection terminal 25 , a smoothing capacitor 26 , and an external connection relay 27 .

[0042] The external connection terminal 25 is a terminal for connecting the external equipment 15 to the rotating electric machine system 100. The external connection terminal 25 includes a positive terminal 25p and a negative terminal 25n. The positive terminal 25p is connected to the positive electrode of the external equipment 15, and the negative terminal 25n is connected to the negative electrode of the external equipment 15.

[0043] The smoothing capacitor 26 smoothes the electric power exchanged between the electric power train 14 or the battery 10 and the external equipment 15 .

[0044] The external connection relay 27 is a relay for external connection, that is, a relay that controls the connection state between the external equipment 15 and the rotating electric machine system 100. The external connection relay 27 is provided between the smoothing capacitor 26 and the rotating electric machine 11 and the inverter unit 12 (particularly the second inverter 24). In this embodiment, the external connection relay 27 includes a first external connection relay RLY1, a second external connection relay RLY2, and a third external connection relay RLY3.

[0045] The first external connection relay RLY1 is provided on a line connecting the positive electrode of the external equipment 15 and the positive electrode of the battery 10. When the first external connection relay RLY1 is ON (conductive), the positive electrode of the external equipment 15 can be directly conductive with the positive electrode of the battery 10 without passing through the stator coils U, V, W or a switching element. That is, the first external connection relay RLY1 connects the positive terminal 25p, which is one end of the external connection terminal 25, and the positive terminal, which is one end of the battery 10.

[0046] The second external connection relay RLY2 is provided on a line connecting the negative electrode of the external equipment 15 and the negative electrode of the battery 10. When the second external connection relay RLY2 is ON (conductive), the negative electrode of the external equipment 15 can be directly conductive with the negative electrode of the battery 10 without passing through the stator coils U, V, W or a switching element. In other words, the second external connection relay RLY2 connects the negative terminal 25n, which is the other end of the external connection terminal 25, to the negative terminal, which is the other end of the battery 10.

[0047] The third external connection relay RLY3 is connected between the positive pole of the external equipment 15 and the upper arm U of the second inverter 24. U2 ,V U2 ,W U2 and lower arm U L2 ,V L2 ,W L2 and the third external connection relay RLY3 is provided on a line connecting the connection portion of and the third external connection relay RLY3 is provided on a line connecting the connection portion of and the third external connection relay RLY3 is provided on a line connecting the connection portion of and the third external connection relay RLY3 is provided on a line connecting the connection portion of and the third external connection relay RLY3 is provided on a line connecting the connection portion of and the third external connection relay RLY3 is provided on a line connecting the connection portion of and the third external connection relay RLY3 is provided on a line connecting the connection portion of and the third external connection relay RLY3 is provided on a line connecting the connection portion of and the third external connection relay RLY3 is provided on

[0048] In this embodiment, the third external connection relay RLY3 is provided for each of the UVW phases. That is, the third external connection relay RLY3 in this embodiment is a U-phase relay RLY3 that connects the positive electrode of the external equipment 15 to the U-phase. U and a V-phase relay RLY3 that connects the positive pole of the external equipment 15 to the V-phase. V and a W-phase relay RLY3 that connects the positive pole of the external equipment 15 to the W-phase. W The relays for each phase (RLY3 U ,RLY3 V ,RLY3 W ) when it is not necessary to distinguish between them, they are collectively referred to as the third external connection relay RLY3.

[0049] The DC / DC converter constituted by the rotating electric machine 11 and the inverter unit 12 is configured in parallel for each of the UVW phases. Therefore, if a DC / DC converter is configured in at least one of the UVW phases, voltage increase or decrease is possible. Therefore, it is sufficient that the line connecting the positive electrode of the external equipment 15 and the connection part between the upper arm and the lower arm of the second inverter 24, and the third external connection relay RLY3 are provided in at least one of the UVW phases, and they may be provided in any two of the UVW phases.

[0050] The first external connection relay RLY1, the second external connection relay RLY2, and the third external connection relay RLY3 are switched on (conductive) and off (non-conductive) depending on the usage scene of the rotating electrical machine system 100. Specifically, the controller 13 switches the first external connection relay RLY1, the second external connection relay RLY2, and the third external connection relay RLY3 on / off according to, for example, Table 1 below.

[0051] [Table 1]

[0052] In Table 1, "During driving" is a typical example of a situation where external equipment 15 is not connected to rotating electric machine system 100 and rotating electric machine system 100 is used to control the rotation of rotating electric machine 11. "800V charging" is a typical example of a situation where external equipment 15 is connected to rotating electric machine system 100 but step-up or step-down is not required. "400V charging" is a typical example of a situation where external equipment 15 is connected to rotating electric machine system 100 and step-up or step-down is required.

[0053] As shown in Table 1, in a scene where the external equipment 15 is not connected to the external connection terminals 25 and the rotating electric machine system 100 is normally used, such as when the vehicle is "driving," the controller 13 turns off all of the external connection relays 27. This causes the smoothing capacitor 26 and the external connection terminals 25 to be disconnected from the rotating electric machine system 100.

[0054] In a scene such as "800V charging" where the external equipment 15 is connected to the external connection terminal 25 but there is no need to configure a DC / DC converter with the electric power train 14, the controller 13 turns on the first external connection relay RLY1 and the second external connection relay RLY2 and turns off the third external connection relay RLY3. As a result, the external equipment 15 is substantially directly connected to the battery 10.

[0055] In a scene such as "400V charging" where the external equipment 15 is connected to the external connection terminal 25 and where it is necessary to configure a DC / DC converter using the electric powertrain 14, the controller 13 turns off the first external connection relay RLY1 and turns on the second external connection relay RLY2 and the third external connection relay RLY3. As a result, the external equipment 15 is connected to the battery 10 via the DC / DC converter configured using the electric powertrain 14.

[0056] That is, the first external connection relay RLY1 is turned on when the external equipment 15 is connected to the external connection terminal 25 and the input / output voltage of the external equipment 15 is equal to the nominal voltage of the battery 10. The second external connection relay RLY2 is turned on when the external equipment 15 is connected to the external connection terminal 25. The third external connection relay RLY3 is turned on when the external equipment 15 is connected to the external connection terminal 25 and the input / output voltage of the external equipment 15 is different from the nominal voltage of the battery 10. The first external connection relay RLY1 and the third external connection relay RLY3 are in a selective relationship for switching the connection path between the positive electrode of the external equipment 15 and the positive electrode of the battery 10. For this reason, only one of the first external connection relay RLY1 and the third external connection relay RLY3 is turned on when the external equipment 15 is connected.

[0057] 3 is a circuit diagram when the rotating electric machine 11 is rotationally driven. When the rotating electric machine 11 is rotationally driven without connecting the external equipment 15, all the external connection relays 27 are turned off as described above. Furthermore, the controller 13 controls the on (conducting) / off (non-conducting) of each switching element of the first inverter 23 and the second inverter 24 by the rotation control PWM. As a result, the rotating electric machine system 100 is substantially configured as shown in FIG. 3. That is, the smoothing capacitor 26 and the external connection terminal 25 are disconnected, and the rotating electric machine system 100 has a normal configuration for controlling the rotation of the open winding type rotating electric machine 11. Therefore, the controller 13 drives each switching element of the first inverter 23 and the second inverter 24, thereby supplying a three-phase current I from the battery 10 to the rotating electric machine 11. UVWis supplied, causing the rotating electric machine 11 to rotate.

[0058] Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram of the U phase when it is not necessary to configure a DC / DC converter. Note that in Fig. 4, the circuit configurations of the V phase and W phase are omitted and only the circuit configuration of the U phase is shown, but the V phase and W phase have the same circuit configuration as the U phase shown in Fig. 4 and exist in parallel with the U phase circuit.

[0059] When there is no need to configure a DC / DC converter by the electric power train 14, as described above, the first external connection relay RLY1 and the second external connection relay RLY2 are turned on, and the third external connection relay RLY3 is turned off. In addition, the controller 13 maintains the switching elements of the first inverter 23 and the second inverter 24 in an off (non-conducting) state. As a result, the rotating electrical machine system 100 is configured substantially as shown in FIG. 4. That is, the external equipment 15 is directly connected to the battery 10. For this reason, the U-phase leg L of the first inverter 23 is turned on. U1 , the U-phase leg L of the second inverter 24 U2 , and the U-phase coil (U) of the rotating electrical machine 11 are connected, but no current flows through them. Therefore, the input voltage V IN (For example, 800V) is the output voltage V OUT (For example, 800V) When power is supplied to the external equipment 15, the same applies if there is no need to configure a DC / DC converter.

[0060] Fig. 5 is a circuit diagram of the U phase when the external equipment 15 is connected to the battery 10 via a boost converter. In Fig. 5, the boost converters configured in the V and W phases are omitted and only the boost converter configured in the U phase is shown, but the boost converters configured in the V and W phases are similar to the U phase boost converter shown in Fig. 5 and exist in parallel with the U phase boost converter.

[0061] When it is necessary to configure a boost converter by the electric power train 14, as described above, the first external connection relay RLY1 is turned off, and the second external connection relay RLY2 and the third external connection relay RLY3 are turned on. Then, the controller 13 controls the lower arm U of the first inverter 23 by the converter PWM. L1 The controller 13 controls the on (conduction) / off (non-conduction) of the switching element of the upper arm U of the first inverter 23. U1 and the U-phase leg L of the second inverter 24. U2 As a result, the rotating electrical machine system 100 substantially configures a boost converter as shown in FIG. IN (for example, 400V) is boosted and the output voltage V OUT is equal to the nominal voltage of the battery 10 (for example, 800 V).

[0062] Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram of the U phase when the battery 10 is connected to the external equipment 15 via a step-down converter. In Fig. 6, the step-down converters configured for the V and W phases are omitted and only the step-down converter configured for the U phase is shown, but the step-down converters configured for the V and W phases are similar to the U-phase step-down converter shown in Fig. 5 and exist in parallel with the U-phase step-down converter.

[0063] When it is necessary to configure a step-down converter by the electric power train 14, as described above, the first external connection relay RLY1 is turned off, and the second external connection relay RLY2 and the third external connection relay RLY3 are turned on. Then, the controller 13 controls the upper arm U of the first inverter 23 by the converter PWM. U1 The controller 13 controls the on (conduction) / off (non-conduction) of the switching element of the lower arm U of the first inverter 23. L1 and the U-phase leg L of the second inverter 24. U2As a result, the rotating electrical machine system 100 essentially constitutes a step-down converter as shown in FIG. 6. Therefore, the DC voltage V dc (for example, 800V) is stepped down and output to external equipment 15.

[0064] Hereinafter, the operation of the rotating electrical machine system 100 configured as above will be described in comparison with a rotating electrical machine system 101 of a comparative example.

[0065] 7 is a schematic circuit diagram of a rotating electric machine system 101 of a comparative example. The rotating electric machine system 101 of the comparative example is a rotating electric machine system including a positive pole of an external equipment 15 and an upper arm U of a second inverter 24. U2 ,V U2 ,W U2 and lower arm U L2 ,V L2 ,W L2 Instead, the rotating electrical machine system 101 of the comparative example does not have a line connecting the connection points of the upper arm U of the second inverter 24. U2 ,V U2 ,W U2 and the positive electrode of the battery 10. The other circuit configuration is the same as that of the rotating electric machine system 100 of the present embodiment. In the rotating electric machine system 101 of the comparative example, when the external equipment 15 is connected, the first external connection relay RLY1 is always controlled to be on (conductive).

[0066] The control switching relay 102 is a relay for causing the electric powertrain 14 to function as a DC / DC converter. Specifically, the control switching relay 102 is controlled to be off (non-conductive) when the electric powertrain 14 is used as a DC / DC converter. In other situations, for example, when controlling the rotation of the rotating electric machine 11, the control switching relay 102 is always controlled to be on (conductive).

[0067] Therefore, in the rotating electric machine system 101 of the comparative example, when controlling the rotation of the rotating electric machine 11, a large current may flow through the control switching relay 102 depending on the torque to be output by the rotating electric machine 11. For this reason, the control switching relay 102 is required to have a size (particularly current resistance performance) capable of withstanding a large current.

[0068] In contrast, in the rotating electric machine system 100 of this embodiment, a third external connection relay RLY3 is provided to cause the electric power train 14 to function as a DC / DC converter. However, in the rotating electric machine system 100 of this embodiment, when the rotation of the rotating electric machine 11 is controlled during driving, for example, the third external connection relay RLY3 is controlled to be off (non-conductive), and no current flows through the third external connection relay RLY3.

[0069] Therefore, in the rotating electric machine system 100 of this embodiment, the size (current performance) required for the relay (third external connection relay RLY3) added to function as a DC / DC converter is smaller than that of the rotating electric machine system 101 of the comparative example. That is, according to the rotating electric machine system 100 of this embodiment, the open winding type rotating electric machine 11 and the first inverter 23 and second inverter 24 that drive it can be made to function as a step-up converter or a step-down converter by a relay (third external connection relay RLY3) that requires a smaller size than that of the comparative example. This also contributes to making the rotating electric machine system 100, which is also used as a DC / DC converter, small and inexpensive.

[0070] Further, below, the robustness against failure of the relay added to allow the electric powertrain 14 to function as a DC / DC converter will be described.

[0071] 8 shows an equivalent circuit when controlling the rotation of the rotating electric machine 11 in the rotating electric machine system 101 of the comparative example. In FIG. 8, the U-phase current I U8, the path through which the current flows is indicated by a solid line. Also, in FIG. 8, the position P1 where the control switching relay 102 is located is indicated by an x ​​mark.

[0072] 8, the rotating electric machine system 101 of the comparative example has a circuit configuration for controlling the rotation of the rotating electric machine 11 by turning off (non-conductive) the first external connection relay RLY1 and the second external connection relay RLY2 and turning on (conductive) the control switching relay 102. However, the rotating electric machine system 101 of the comparative example has a circuit configuration for controlling the rotation of the rotating electric machine 11 by turning on (conductive) the upper arm U of the second inverter 24. U2 ,V U2 ,W U2 and the positive electrode of the battery 10. In the rotating electric machine system 101 of the comparative example, a current flows through the control switching relay 102 when the rotation of the rotating electric machine 11 is controlled. Therefore, when the control switching relay 102 is not turned on (conductive) due to a failure and position P1 is electrically disconnected, a problem occurs in which the rotating electric machine 11 cannot be rotated. In other words, the rotation control of the rotating electric machine 11 in the rotating electric machine system 101 of the comparative example is vulnerable to a failure of the control switching relay 102 provided to configure a DC / DC converter.

[0073] In contrast, in the rotating electric machine system 100 of the present embodiment, the third external connection relay RLY3 provided to configure the DC / DC converter receives the three-phase current I UVW (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Furthermore, when controlling the rotation of the rotating electric machine 11, the third external connection relay RLY3 is off (non-conductive). For this reason, in the rotating electric machine system 100 of this embodiment, even if the third external connection relay RLY3 does not turn on (conductive) due to a failure, there is no effect on the rotation control of the rotating electric machine 11. In other words, the rotation control of the rotating electric machine 11 in the rotating electric machine system 100 of this embodiment is robust against a failure of the third external connection relay RLY3 provided to configure a DC / DC converter.

[0074] Fig. 9 shows an equivalent circuit when the external equipment 15 and the battery 10 are directly connected in a rotating electric machine system 101 of a comparative example. Fig. 9 shows an equivalent circuit when the battery 10 is charged by an 800V quick charger, particularly for the U phase. Also, in Fig. 9, the position P1 where the control switching relay 102 is located is indicated by an x ​​mark.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 9, in the rotating electric machine system 101 of the comparative example, when it is not necessary to configure a DC / DC converter by the electric power train 14, the first external connection relay RLY1 and the second external connection relay RLY2 are turned on (conductive) and the control switching relay 102 is turned on (conductive), thereby directly connecting the external equipment 15 to the battery 10. At this time, the control switching relay 102 is at a position P1 on a line connecting the positive terminal 25p, which is one end of the external connection terminal 25, and the positive electrode of the battery 10. Therefore, when the control switching relay 102 is not turned on (conductive) due to a malfunction and the position P1 is electrically disconnected, the external equipment 15 and the battery 10 are not connected, causing a malfunction in which the battery 10 cannot be charged or the like. In other words, the charging control or the like performed by the rotating electric machine system 101 of the comparative example by directly connecting the external equipment 15 and the battery 10 is vulnerable to a malfunction of the control switching relay 102 provided to configure a DC / DC converter.

[0076] In contrast, in the rotating electric machine system 100 of this embodiment, the third external connection relay RLY3 provided to configure the DC / DC converter is not on the line connecting the external connection terminal 25 and the battery 10 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). Furthermore, when the external equipment 15 and the battery 10 are directly connected, the third external connection relay RLY3 is off (non-conductive). For this reason, in the rotating electric machine system 100 of this embodiment, even if the third external connection relay RLY3 does not turn on (conductive) due to a failure, there is no effect on the charging control and the like performed by directly connecting the external equipment 15 and the battery 10. In other words, the charging control and the like performed by the rotating electric machine system 100 of this embodiment by directly connecting the external equipment 15 and the battery 10 is robust against a failure of the third external connection relay RLY3 provided to configure the DC / DC converter.

[0077] Fig. 10 shows an equivalent circuit when a DC / DC converter is configured by the electric powertrain 14 in a rotating electric machine system 101 of a comparative example. Fig. 10 shows an equivalent circuit when a boost converter is configured by the electric powertrain 14 and the battery 10 is charged, particularly for the U phase. In Fig. 10, the position P1 where the control switching relay 102 is located is indicated by an x ​​mark.

[0078] 10, in the rotating electrical machine system 101 of the comparative example, the control switching relay 102 is turned off (non-conductive) to disconnect the second inverter 24 from the battery 10. Also, in the rotating electrical machine system 101 of the comparative example, the upper arm U of the first inverter 23 is turned off (non-conductive). U1 and the lower arm U of the second inverter 24 L2 is kept off (non-conducting), and the upper arm U of the second inverter 24 is U2 is kept on (conducting), and the lower arm U of the first inverter 23 is L1 As a result, the rotating electrical machine system 101 of the comparative example switches on and off the input voltage V IN A boost converter is formed to boost the

[0079] At this time, as shown in position P1, the control switching relay 102 is not on the path through which current flows. Also, the control switching relay 102 is off (non-conductive). Therefore, in the rotating electric machine system 101 of the comparative example, even if the control switching relay 102 does not turn on (conductive) due to a failure, the electric power train 14 can form a boost converter and the battery 10 can be charged. In other words, the charging control and the like performed by the rotating electric machine system 101 of the comparative example, which forms a boost converter with the electric power train 14, is robust against failure of the control switching relay 102.

[0080] 11 shows a U-phase equivalent circuit and a position P2 of the third external connection relay RLY3 in the rotating electrical machine system 100 of this embodiment when the electric power train 14 constitutes a DC / DC converter. FIG. 11 shows an example in which a boost converter is constituted by the electric power train 14. In FIG. 11, the position P2 is particularly U Represents the position of.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 11, in the rotating electrical machine system 100 of the present embodiment, when the electric power train 14 constitutes a boost converter, the U-phase relay RLY3, which is one of the third external connection relays RLY3, U is located between the U-phase coil (U) and the positive terminal 25p of the external connection terminal 25. U A current for charging the battery 10 flows through the U-phase relay RLY3. U However, if a fault occurs and the U phase does not turn on (conduct), the U phase cannot function as a boost converter.

[0082] However, as described above, in the rotating electrical machine system 100 of this embodiment, a boost converter is formed for each of the U, U and W phases, and these are connected in parallel. U The failure of the U-phase relay RLY3 only affects the formation of the boost converter in the U phase, and has no effect on the formation of the boost converters in the V and W phases. U Even if the external equipment 15 input voltage V IN is boosted by the V-phase and W-phase boost converters. That is, the charging control and the like performed by the rotating electrical machine system 100 of the present embodiment, which configures the boost converter using the electric power train 14, is robust against a failure of the third external connection relay RLY3.

[0083] However, the third external connection relay RLY3 (RLY3 U ,RLY3 V ,RLY3 WWhen any of the third external connection relays RLY3 fails and does not turn on (conduct) as compared with the case where all the boost converters of the UVW phases function, the power transmission efficiency decreases. For this reason, when any of the third external connection relays RLY3 fails, it is preferable to increase the drive frequency of the inverter (the first inverter 23 in this embodiment) that is switched to make the electric power train 14 function as a boost converter, that is, the switching frequency (the carrier frequency of the PWM signal).

[0084] When the switching frequency of the inverter is changed to a high frequency, the current ripple is reduced, and as a result, the copper loss (ohmic loss) in the stator coils U, V, and W is reduced. On the other hand, when the switching frequency of the inverter is changed to a high frequency, the switching loss increases. However, usually, the copper loss is greater than the switching loss. For this reason, when any of the third external connection relays RLY3 does not turn on (conduct) due to a fault, the power transmission efficiency can be at least partially compensated for by changing the switching frequency of the inverter to a high frequency.

[0085] Specifically, the controller 13 is preferably configured as follows. That is, the controller 13 determines a failure of the third external connection relay RLY3 for each of the UVW phases, for example, by a sensor not shown. Then, when it is determined that none of the third external connection relays RLY3 has a failure, the controller 13 drives the first inverter 23 at a predetermined first switching frequency f1 when configuring a step-up converter or a step-down converter. On the other hand, when it is determined that any of the third external connection relays RLY3 has a failure, the controller 13 drives the first inverter 23 at a second switching frequency f2 higher than the first switching frequency f1 when configuring a step-up converter or a step-down converter using the stator coils U, V, and W and the first inverter 23. The second switching frequency f2 is determined in advance, for example, by an experiment, a simulation, or the like.

[0086] In addition, in the rotating electric machine system 101 of the comparative example, when the electric power train 14 constitutes a boost converter, the upper arm U of the second inverter 24 U2 A current always flows through the switching element of the upper arm U of the second inverter 24 in the rotating electrical machine system 101 of the comparative example (see FIG. 10). U2 In contrast, in the rotating electric machine system 100 of this embodiment, when the electric power train 14 constitutes a boost converter, no current flows through the second inverter 24 (see FIG. 5 or FIG. 11). Therefore, the rotating electric machine system 100 of this embodiment has the advantage that, when the electric power train 14 constitutes a boost converter, the power transmission efficiency is better than that of the rotating electric machine system 101 of the comparative example.

[0087] Here, a case has been described in which a relay provided to configure a DC / DC converter using the electric powertrain 14 does not turn on (conductive) due to a failure, but a case may also occur in which the relay does not turn off (non-conductive) due to a failure. Below, a malfunction that occurs when a relay provided to configure a DC / DC converter using the electric powertrain 14 does not turn off (non-conductive) due to a failure will be described.

[0088] Fig. 12 is a circuit diagram showing a malfunction when the control switching relay 102 does not turn off (non-conductive) in a rotating electrical machine system 101 of a comparative example. Fig. 12 shows a circuit of the U phase in particular, but the same applies to the V phase and W phase.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 12, if the control switching relay 102 does not turn off (non-conductive) due to a failure, a malfunction occurs when a boost converter is configured by the electric power train 14 in the rotating electrical machine system 101 of the comparative example. Specifically, if the control switching relay 102 does not turn off, position P1 remains conductive in the boost converter configured by the electric power train 14. Normally, the current input from the positive terminal 25p of the external connection terminal 25 flows through the upper arm U of the second inverter 24. U2, U-phase coil (U), and U-phase leg L of the first inverter 23 U1 However, if the control switching relay 102 remains on (conductive) due to a fault, the positive terminal 25p of the external connection terminal 25 is directly connected to the positive electrode of the battery 10. For this reason, the current input from the positive terminal 25p of the external connection terminal 25 flows through the upper arm U of the second inverter 24. U2 , U-phase coil (U), and U-phase leg L of the first inverter 23 U1 , the U phase does not function as a boost converter. And since the control switching relay 102 is at position P1 and is provided commonly to the UVW phases, the V phase and the W phase similarly do not function as boost converters. Therefore, if the control switching relay 102 does not turn off (non-conductive) due to a failure, the rotating electric machine system 101 of the comparative example has a problem in that the electric powertrain 14 cannot function as a boost converter. That is, the boost converter constituted by the electric powertrain 14 of the rotating electric machine system 101 of the comparative example is vulnerable to a failure in which the control switching relay 102 does not turn off (non-conductive).

[0090] In contrast, in the rotating electric machine system 100 of this embodiment, the third external connection relay RLY3 provided to configure a DC / DC converter should be turned on (conductive) when the electric power train 14 functions as a boost converter. Therefore, even if the third external connection relay RLY3 does not become off (non-conductive) due to a failure, the electric power train 14 functions as a boost converter without any hindrance. In other words, the boost converter configured by the electric power train 14 of the rotating electric machine system 100 of this embodiment is robust against a failure that does not turn off (non-conductive) the third external connection relay RLY3.

[0091] Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram showing a malfunction when the third external connection relay RLY3 does not turn off (non-conductive) in the rotating electric machine system 100 of this embodiment. Fig. 13 shows the circuit of the U phase in particular, but the same is true for the V phase and W phase. In addition, position P2 indicates the position of the third external connection relay RLY3.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 13, when the third external connection relay RLY3 does not become OFF (non-conductive) due to a failure, in the rotating electrical machine system 100 of this embodiment, the positive terminal 25p of the external connection terminal 25 and the upper arm U of the second inverter 24 are connected to each other. U2 and lower arm U L2 is electrically connected to the connection portion of the third external connection relay RLY3. Therefore, if the rotation of the rotating electric machine 11 is controlled while the third external connection relay RLY3 is kept on (conductive), there is a risk that the external connection terminal 25 will become live (active). For this reason, it is preferable to ensure safety of the rotating electric machine system 100 of this embodiment as follows.

[0093] Fig. 14 is a schematic circuit diagram of a rotating electric machine system 120 according to a modified example. As shown in Fig. 14, the rotating electric machine system 120 of the modified example includes an additional relay RLY4 in addition to the rotating electric machine system 100 of the above embodiment. The other circuit configurations are similar to those of the rotating electric machine system 100 of the above embodiment.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 14, the additional relay RLY4 is a fourth external connection relay, and is provided between one end (positive terminal 25p) of the external equipment 15 and the third external connection relay RLY3. The additional relay RLY4 is connected between one end of the external equipment 15 and the upper arm U of the second inverter 24. U2 ,V U2 ,W U2 and lower arm U L2 ,V L2 ,W L2The additional relay RLY4 is provided to reliably disconnect the connection between the connection portion of and the third external connection relay RLY3. The controller 13 switches the on (conductive) / off (non-conductive) of the additional relay RLY4 together with the third external connection relay RLY3. That is, when the third external connection relay RLY3 should be on (conductive), the additional relay RLY4 is also on (conductive), and when the third external connection relay RLY3 should be off (non-conductive), the additional relay RLY4 is off (non-conductive).

[0095] In this way, when the additional relay RLY4 is provided, even if any of the third external connection relays RLY3 does not turn off (non-conductive) due to a failure, the additional relay RLY4 can reliably cut off the electrical connection between the external connection terminal 25 and the connection part of the second inverter 24. As a result, even if any of the third external connection relays RLY3 does not turn off (non-conductive) due to a failure, the external connection terminal 25 is prevented from becoming live (active), ensuring safety.

[0096] In the rotating electric machine systems 100, 120, 130 of the first embodiment and the modified examples, it is preferable that the controller 13 determines a failure of the third external connection relay RLY3, and when it is determined that any of the third external connection relays RLY3 has a failure, notifies the failure of the third external connection relay RLY3. The form of the notification is arbitrary. The controller 13 can notify the failure of the third external connection relay RLY3, for example, by displaying characters or figures, or by issuing a sound or voice notification. The display of characters or figures can be performed, for example, by an instrument panel, a head-up display, a display screen of a navigation system, or a display screen of a smartphone. The sound or voice notification can be issued by a speaker of a vehicle, a smartphone, or the like. In addition, the target of the notification is, for example, a driver of a vehicle equipped with the rotating electric machine system 100, 120, 130 or other users.

[0097] Even if a part of the third external connection relay RLY3 fails, the electric power train 14 can control the rotation of the rotating electric machine 11 and also operates as a DC / DC converter, so that it is usually difficult for a user to know that the third external connection relay RLY3 has failed. As described above, if a failure of the third external connection relay RLY3 is notified, the user can be alerted to the possibility that, for example, the external connection terminal 25 may become live (active), and the user can use the vehicle safely.

[0098] It is preferable that the external connection terminal 25 is provided with an insulating cover that can be locked (prohibited from opening and closing) as necessary. When it is determined that the third external connection relay RLY3 will not be turned off (non-conductive) due to a failure, the controller 13 preferably locks the insulating cover when controlling the rotation of the rotating electric machine 11, for example, while the vehicle is running. In this way, if the insulating cover of the external connection terminal 25 is locked in a scene where there is a possibility that the third external connection relay RLY3 will be in a live state (active) when the third external connection relay RLY3 will not be turned off (non-conductive) due to a failure, the vehicle can be used particularly safely.

[0099] [Second embodiment] 15 is a schematic circuit diagram of a rotating electric machine system 130 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the rotating electric machine system 130 according to the second embodiment differs from the rotating electric machine system 100 according to the first embodiment in that a third external connection relay RLY3 and an upper arm U of the second inverter 24 are provided. U2 ,V U2 ,W U2 and lower arm U L2 ,V L2 ,W L2 An additional coil 131 is provided between the connection portion of and . The other circuit configurations are similar to those of the rotating electric machine system 100 of the first embodiment. The control mode of the external connection relay 27 in the rotating electric machine system 130 of the second embodiment is also similar to that of the rotating electric machine system 100 of the first embodiment.

[0100] When a DC / DC converter is configured by the electric powertrain 14, the additional coil 131 functions as an additional inductor for the stator coils U, V, and W in the DC / DC converter. Also, when a DC / DC converter is configured by the electric powertrain 14, the additional coil 131 functions as an inductor substituting the stator coils U, V, and W in the DC / DC converter. In this embodiment, the additional coil 131 is provided for each of the U, V, and W phases. That is, the additional coil 131 is a U-phase additional coil 131. U , V-phase additional coil 131 V , W-phase additional coil 131 W However, it is sufficient that the additional coil 131 is provided in at least one of the UVW phases.

[0101] Fig. 16 is a circuit diagram of a boost converter configured using the additional coil 131 and all of the stator coils U, V, and W. Fig. 16 shows the U-phase boost converter in particular, but the V-phase and W-phase boost converters are similar.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 16, when a boost converter is configured using both the additional coil 131 and the stator coils U, V, and W, the controller 13 controls the upper arm U of the first inverter 23. U1 is kept off (non-conducting), and the lower arm U L1 The controller 13 also controls the switching of the upper arm U of the second inverter 24. U2 and lower arm U L2 Therefore, the current flowing from the positive electrode of the external equipment 15 (the positive electrode terminal 25p of the external connection terminal 25) is supplied to the U-phase additional coil 131. U and the U-phase coil (U) and flows into the battery 10. Therefore, the combined inductance of the U-phase additional coil 131U and the U-phase coil (U) becomes the inductance of the boost converter. As a result, the current ripple is reduced and the power transmission efficiency is improved compared to when only the U-phase coil (U) is used.

[0103] 16 has been described as an example in which a boost converter is configured using both the additional coil 131 and the stator coils U, V, and W, but the present invention is not limited to this. The rotating electrical machine system 130 of the second embodiment can also configure a buck converter using both the additional coil 131 and the stator coils U, V, and W, following the example shown in FIG. 6. In this case, the controller 13 controls the lower arm U of the first inverter 23 to L1 is kept off (non-conducting), and the upper arm U U1 The controller 13 also controls the switching of the upper arm U of the second inverter 24. U2 and lower arm U L2 is kept off (non-conducting).

[0104] Fig. 17 is a circuit diagram of a boost converter configured using an additional coil 131, without using the stator coils U, V, and W. Fig. 17 shows the U-phase boost converter in particular, but the V-phase and W-phase boost converters are similar.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 17, when a boost converter is configured using only the additional coil 131, the controller 13 controls the upper arm U U2 is kept off (non-conducting), and the lower arm U L2 The controller 13 also controls the switching of the upper arm U of the first inverter 23. U1 and lower arm U L1 Therefore, the current flowing from the positive electrode of the external equipment 15 (positive electrode terminal 25p of the external connection terminal 25) does not pass through the U-phase coil (U) but passes through the U-phase additional coil 131 U Therefore, the current flows into the battery 10 through the U-phase additional coil 131. U The inductance of this becomes the inductance of the boost converter.

[0106] In FIG. 17, an example in which a boost converter is configured using only the additional coil 131 without using the stator coils U, V, and W has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. The rotating electrical machine system 130 of the second embodiment can also configure a step-down converter using only the additional coil 131, following the example shown in FIG. 6. In this case, the controller 13 controls the lower arm U of the second inverter 24 to L2 is kept off (non-conducting), and the upper arm U U2 The controller 13 also controls the switching of the upper arm U of the first inverter 23. U1 and lower arm U L1 is kept off (non-conducting).

[0107] As described above, in the rotating electrical machine system 130 of the second embodiment, when the input / output voltage of the external equipment 15 is different from the nominal voltage of the battery 10, the upper arm U of the second inverter 24 is turned on via the additional coil 131. U2 and lower arm U L2 By connecting one end of an external device 15 to this connection portion, the electric power train 14 can function as a DC / DC converter.

[0108] In particular, in the rotating electric machine system 130 of the second embodiment, the controller 13 can control the first inverter 23 and the second inverter 24 so that a DC / DC converter is configured using the additional coil 131 and the stator coils U, V, and W. In this case, compared to a DC / DC converter configured using only the stator coils U, V, and W, current ripple is reduced and power transmission efficiency is improved.

[0109] Furthermore, in the rotating electric machine system 130 of the second embodiment, the controller 13 can control the first inverter 23 and the second inverter 24 so that a DC / DC converter is configured using only the additional coil 131, without using the stator coils U, V, W. In this case, the current ripple and power transmission efficiency can be changed (adjusted) for the DC / DC converter configured using the stator coils U, V, W.

[0110] The rotating electric machine system 130 of the second embodiment can be modified in various ways, similar to the rotating electric machine system 100 of the first embodiment. For example, the rotating electric machine system 130 of the second embodiment preferably further includes an additional relay RLY4.

[0111] As described above, the charge / discharge control methods according to the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and their modified examples (hereinafter referred to as the respective embodiments and modified examples) are charge / discharge control methods for controlling charging or discharging of the battery 10 when an external equipment is connected to a rotating electric machine system 100, 120, 130 including a rotating electric machine 11 having independent stator coils (U, V, W) of multiple phases, a first inverter 23 connected to one end of the stator coil and the battery 10, and a second inverter connected to the other end of the stator coil and the battery 10. In this charge / discharge control method, when the input / output voltage of the external equipment 15 is equal to the nominal voltage of the battery 10, the external equipment 15 is directly connected to the battery 10. On the other hand, when the input / output voltage is different from the nominal voltage, one end of the external equipment 15 is connected to the upper arm (U U2 ,V U2 ,W U2 ) and the lower arm (U L2 ,V L2 ,W L2 ) to connect the external equipment 15 to the battery 10 via a step-up converter or a step-down converter formed using the stator coil, the first inverter 23, or the second inverter 24.

[0112] In this way, in the rotating electric machine systems 100, 120, 130 that control the open winding rotating electric machine 11, when a DC / DC converter is configured by connecting one end of the external equipment 15, such as a quick charger, to the connection part between the upper arm and the lower arm of the second inverter 24, the size (current performance) required for the relay (third external connection relay RLY3) added to function as a DC / DC converter is small. In other words, the open winding rotating electric machine 11 and the first inverter 23 and second inverter 24 that drive it can be made to function as a step-up converter or a step-down converter by a relay (third external connection relay RLY3) that requires a smaller size than before.

[0113] In the charge / discharge control method according to each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the rotating electrical machine systems 100, 120, 130 include an external connection relay (RLY3) for each phase that connects one end of the external equipment 15 to the connection portion, and determine a fault in the external connection relay (RLY3) for each phase. If it is determined that none of the external connection relays (RLY3) has a fault, the first inverter 23 is driven at a first switching frequency f1 when configuring a boost converter or a buck converter. On the other hand, if it is determined that any of the external connection relays (RLY3) has a fault, the first inverter 23 is driven at a second switching frequency f2 that is higher than the first switching frequency f1 when configuring a boost converter or a buck converter.

[0114] When the external connection relay (third external connection relay RLY3) for configuring the DC / DC fails, the power transmission efficiency may decrease. However, as described above, if the first inverter 23 is driven at the second switching frequency f2 that is higher than the first switching frequency f1, the power transmission efficiency can be at least partially compensated for.

[0115] In the charge / discharge control method according to each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, when it is determined that any of the external connection relays (RLY3) has a fault, the fault of the external connection relay (RLY3) is notified.

[0116] If the external connection relay (third external connection relay RLY3) for configuring the DC / DC fails, for example, the external connection terminal 25 may become live (active) while driving, but since driving and DC / DC functions are not impaired, it is difficult for the user to know of the failure of the external connection relay (RLY3). For this reason, if the failure of the external connection relay (RLY3) is notified as described above, the user can be alerted to the possibility that, for example, the external connection terminal 25 may become live (active), allowing the user to use the vehicle safely.

[0117] In the charge / discharge control methods according to the above embodiments and modified examples, the rotating electric machine systems 100, 120, 130 further include an additional relay RLY4 between one end of the external equipment 15 and the external connection relay (RLY3), and when the external equipment 15 is not connected, the external connection relay (RLY3) disconnects the connection between the external connection terminal (25p) that connects the external equipment 15 and the connection part, and the additional relay RLY4 disconnects the connection between the external connection terminal (25p) and the connection part.

[0118] In this way, by providing the additional relay RLY4 and disconnecting the electrical connection between the external equipment 15 and the second inverter 24 by the external connection relay (RLY3) and the additional relay RLY4, even when the external connection relay (RLY3) does not turn off (non-conductive) due to a failure, the additional relay RLY4 reliably disconnects the electrical connection between the external equipment 15 and the second inverter 24. Therefore, even when any of the third external connection relays RLY3 does not turn off (non-conductive) due to a failure, the external connection terminal 25 is prevented from becoming live (active), ensuring safety.

[0119] In the charge / discharge control method according to the second embodiment and the modification, when the input / output voltage is different from the nominal voltage, one end of the external equipment 15 is connected to the connection part via the additional coil 131.

[0120] In this way, the inductance of the DC / DC converter can be changed or adjusted by using the additional coil 131. As a result, the current ripple and the power transmission efficiency can be flexibly changed or adjusted as necessary.

[0121] In the charge / discharge control method according to the second embodiment and the modification, the first inverter and the second inverter are controlled so that a step-up converter or a step-down converter is configured using the additional coil 131 and the stator coils U, V, and W.

[0122] In this way, the inductance of the DC / DC converter can be increased by using both the additional coil 131 and the stator coils U, V, and W. This reduces current ripple and improves power transmission efficiency.

[0123] In the charge / discharge control method according to the second embodiment and the modified example, the first inverter and the second inverter are controlled so that the additional coil 131 constitutes a step-up converter or a step-down converter.

[0124] In this way, when the additional coil 131 is provided, there is an option to configure a DC / DC converter using only the additional coil 131 instead of the stator coils U, V, and W. In this case, compared to a DC / DC converter configured using the stator coils U, V, and W, the current ripple and power transmission efficiency can be changed (adjusted).

[0125] The charge / discharge control device according to each of the above embodiments and modifications is a charge control device (controller 13) that controls charging or discharging of the battery 10 when an external equipment 15 is connected to a rotating electric machine system 100, 120, 130 including a rotating electric machine 11 having independent stator coils (U, V, W) of multiple phases, a first inverter 23 connected to one end of the stator coil and the battery 10, and a second inverter connected to the other end of the stator coil and the battery 10. When the input / output voltages of the external equipment 15 are equal to the nominal voltage of the battery, this charge / discharge control device (controller 13) directly connects the external equipment 15 to the battery. On the other hand, when the input / output voltages are different from the nominal voltage, the charge / discharge control device (controller 13) connects one end of the external equipment 15 to the upper arm (U U2 ,V U2 ,W U2 ) and lower arm (U L2 ,V L2 ,W L2 ) to connect the external equipment 15 to the battery 10 via a step-up converter or a step-down converter formed using the stator coil, the first inverter 23, or the second inverter 24.

[0126] In this way, in the rotating electric machine systems 100, 120, 130 that control the open winding rotating electric machine 11, when a DC / DC converter is configured by connecting one end of the external equipment 15, such as a quick charger, to the connection part between the upper arm and the lower arm of the second inverter 24, the size (current performance) required for the relay (third external connection relay RLY3) added to function as this DC / DC converter is small. In other words, the open winding rotating electric machine 11 and the first inverter 23 and second inverter 24 that drive it can be made to function as a step-up converter or a step-down converter by a relay (third external connection relay RLY3) that requires a smaller size than before.

[0127] The charge / discharge control circuits of the above embodiments and modified examples are battery charge / discharge control circuits configured using a rotating electric machine system 100, 120, 130 (electric powertrain 14) including a rotating electric machine 11 having independent stator coils (U, V, W) of multiple phases, a first inverter 23 connected to one end of the stator coil and the battery 10, and a second inverter 24 connected to the other end of the stator coil and the battery 10. This charge / discharge control circuit includes an external connection terminal 25 that connects the battery 10 and the external equipment 15, a first external connection relay RLY1 that connects one end (positive terminal 25p) of the external connection terminal 25 to one end (positive electrode) of the battery when the input / output voltage of the external equipment 15 is equal to the nominal voltage of the battery 10, a second external connection relay RLY2 that connects the other end (negative terminal 25n) of the external connection terminal 25 to the other end (negative electrode) of the battery 10 when the external equipment 15 is connected to the external connection terminal 25, and a second external connection relay RLY2 that connects the one end (positive electrode terminal 25p) of the external connection terminal 25 to the upper arm (U U2 ,V U2 ,W U2 ) and the lower arm (U L2 ,V L2 ,W L2 ) to connect the external equipment 15 to the battery 10 via a step-up converter or a step-down converter formed using a stator coil, a first inverter 23, or a second inverter 24.

[0128] In this way, in the rotating electric machine systems 100, 120, 130 that control the open winding rotating electric machine 11, a DC / DC converter can be configured by connecting one end of the external equipment 15, such as a quick charger, to the connection part between the upper arm and the lower arm of the second inverter 24 via the third external connection relay RLY3. In this case, the size (current performance) required for the third external connection relay RLY3 that is added to function as a DC / DC converter is small. In other words, the open winding rotating electric machine 11 and the first inverter 23 and second inverter 24 that drive it can be made to function as a step-up converter or a step-down converter by a relay (third external connection relay RLY3) that requires a smaller size than in the past.

[0129] The charge / discharge control circuit in each of the above embodiments and modified examples further includes an additional relay RLY4 between one end (25p) of the external equipment 15 and the third external connection relay RLY3, which disconnects the connection between the external connection terminal 25 that connects the external equipment 15 and the connection part.

[0130] In this way, when the additional relay RLY4 is provided, even if any of the third external connection relays RLY3 does not turn off (non-conductive) due to a failure, the additional relay RLY4 can reliably cut off the electrical connection between the external connection terminal 25 and the connection part of the second inverter 24. As a result, even if any of the third external connection relays RLY3 does not turn off (non-conductive) due to a failure, the external connection terminal 25 is prevented from becoming live (active), ensuring safety.

[0131] The charge / discharge control circuit according to the second embodiment and the modified example further includes an additional coil 131 between one end (positive electrode terminal 25p) of the external equipment 15 and the connection part.

[0132] In this way, the inductance of the DC / DC converter can be changed or adjusted by using the additional coil 131. As a result, the current ripple and the power transmission efficiency can be flexibly changed or adjusted as necessary.

[0133] The above describes embodiments of the present invention. However, the configurations described in the above embodiments and modified examples merely illustrate some of the application examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 10: battery, 11: rotating electric machine, 12: inverter unit, 13: controller, 14: electric power train, 15: external equipment, 16: current sensor, 17: rotation sensor, 21: main relay, 21n: negative main relay, 21p: positive main relay, 22: smoothing capacitor, 23: first inverter, 24: second inverter, 25: external connection terminal, 25n: negative terminal, 25p: positive terminal, 26: smoothing capacitor, 27: external connection relay, 100: rotating electric machine system, 101: rotating electric machine system, 102: control switching relay, 120: rotating electric machine system, 130: rotating electric machine system, 131: additional coil, 131U: U-phase additional coil, 131V: V-phase additional coil, 131W: W-phase additional coil, RLY1: first external connection relay, RLY2: second external connection relay, RLY3: third external connection relay

Claims

1. A charge / discharge control method for controlling charging or discharging of a battery when an external device is connected to a rotating electric machine system including a rotating electric machine having independent stator coils of multiple phases, a first inverter connected to one end of the stator coil and a battery, and a second inverter connected to the other end of the stator coil and the battery, comprising: When an input / output voltage of the external device is equal to a nominal voltage of the battery, the external device is directly connected to the battery; When the input / output voltage is different from the nominal voltage, one end of the external equipment is connected to a connection portion between an upper arm and a lower arm of the second inverter, thereby connecting the external equipment to the battery via a step-up converter or a step-down converter configured using the stator coil, the first inverter, or the second inverter. Charge and discharge control method.

2. The charge / discharge control method according to claim 1, the rotating electric machine system includes an external connection relay for each of the phases, the external equipment being connected to one end of the external equipment at the connection portion; determining a fault in the external connection relay for each phase; When it is determined that none of the externally connected relays has a fault, when configuring the step-up converter or the step-down converter, driving the first inverter at a first switching frequency; when it is determined that any one of the external connection relays has a fault, when configuring the step-up converter or the step-down converter, the first inverter is driven at a second switching frequency higher than the first switching frequency. Charge and discharge control method.

3. The charge / discharge control method according to claim 2, When it is determined that any one of the external connection relays has a fault, the fault of the external connection relay is notified. Charge and discharge control method.

4. The charge / discharge control method according to claim 2, the rotating electric machine system further includes an additional relay between one end of the external equipment and the external connection relay; When the external equipment is not connected, the external connection relay disconnects the connection between the external connection terminal for connecting the external equipment and the connection unit, and the additional relay disconnects the connection between the external connection terminal and the connection unit. Charge and discharge control method.

5. The charge / discharge control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, When the input / output voltage is different from the nominal voltage, one end of the external equipment is connected to the connection part via an additional coil. Charge and discharge control method.

6. The charge / discharge control method according to claim 5, controlling the first inverter and the second inverter so that the boost converter or the buck converter is configured using the additional coil and the stator coil; Charge and discharge control method.

7. The charge / discharge control method according to claim 5, controlling the first inverter and the second inverter so that the additional coil constitutes the boost converter or the buck converter; Charge and discharge control method.

8. A charge / discharge control device that controls charging or discharging of a battery when an external device is connected to a rotating electric machine system including a rotating electric machine having independent stator coils of multiple phases, a first inverter connected to one end of the stator coil and a battery, and a second inverter connected to the other end of the stator coil and the battery, comprising: When an input / output voltage of the external device is equal to a nominal voltage of the battery, the external device is directly connected to the battery; When the input / output voltage is different from the nominal voltage, one end of the external equipment is connected to a connection portion of an upper arm and a lower arm of the second inverter, thereby connecting the external equipment to the battery via a step-up converter or a step-down converter configured using the stator coil, the first inverter, or the second inverter. Charge and discharge control device.

9. A charge / discharge control circuit for a battery configured using a rotating electric machine system including a rotating electric machine having independent stator coils of multiple phases, a first inverter connected to one end of the stator coil and a battery, and a second inverter connected to the other end of the stator coil and the battery, an external connection terminal for connecting the battery to an external device; a first external connection relay that connects one end of the external connection terminal and one end of the battery when an input / output voltage of the external device is equal to a nominal voltage of the battery; a second external connection relay that connects the other end of the external connection terminal and the other end of the battery when the external device is connected to the external connection terminal; a third external connection relay that connects one end of the external connection terminal to a connection portion between an upper arm and a lower arm of the second inverter when the input / output voltage is different from the nominal voltage, thereby connecting the external equipment to the battery via a step-up converter or a step-down converter configured using the stator coil, the first inverter, or the second inverter; A charge and discharge control circuit comprising:

10. 10. The charge / discharge control circuit according to claim 9, and further comprising an additional relay between one end of the external equipment and the third external connection relay, the additional relay being configured to disconnect the connection between the external connection terminal and the connection portion. Charge and discharge control circuit.

11. 11. The charge / discharge control circuit according to claim 9, Further, an additional coil is provided between one end of the external equipment and the connection part. Charge and discharge control circuit.

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