Control device

Abstract

To provide a control device having high map accuracy.SOLUTION: A control device 100 for controlling a motor 50 which drives a pump to circulate a refrigerant comprises a storage device 230 and a calculation processing device 290. The storage device stores a power map 231 in which a motor rotational speed and estimated power consumption which is estimated to be consumed by the motor at each rotational speed are stored in association with each other. The calculation processing device comprises: a rotational speed acquisition unit 220; a power calculation unit 210 for calculating an actual power consumption; a comparison unit 240 which acquires the estimated power consumption from the power map, compares the acquired estimated power consumption with the actual power consumption, and can determine whether or not a power difference is equal to or larger than a prescribed value; a command acquisition unit 260 for acquiring a power-map rewrite command; and a control unit 270 for rewriting the power map on the basis of the actual power consumption when the command acquisition unit acquires a rewrite command and the power difference is equal to or larger than the prescribed value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure provided herein relates to a control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a fuel cell system equipped with a cooling system having a coolant pump for circulating coolant inside the fuel cell. The fuel cell system stores in memory a map showing the relationship between coolant temperature, water pump rotation speed, valve opening, and power consumption of the water pump. The ECU that controls the fuel cell system compares the estimated power consumption of the water pump, calculated from the map, with the actual power consumption of the water pump, calculated based on the supply current and supply voltage, to determine whether there is an abnormality in the flow rate of the coolant. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5194827 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The memory in Patent Document 1 only stores maps that correspond to standard cases. It is not possible to obtain a map that corresponds to the actual state of the cooling system, and the accuracy of the map is low.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a control device with a highly accurate map. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: A control device (100) for controlling a motor (50) that drives a pump (60) that circulates a refrigerant (40) through a pipe (30) connected to a cooling device (20) that cools a heat-generating component (10), A storage device (230) and a processing unit (290) are provided, The storage device includes: a power map (231) is stored in which the rotation speed of the motor and the estimated power consumption estimated to be consumed by the motor for circulating the refrigerant by the pump driven by the motor are associated with each other for each rotation speed; The processing unit a rotation speed acquisition unit (220) that acquires a rotation speed; a power calculation unit (210) that calculates actual power consumption of the motor when the rotation speed is acquired based on the voltage applied to the motor from the battery (11) and the current flowing through the motor; a comparison unit (240) that acquires, from the power map, estimated power consumption associated with the rotation speed acquired by the rotation speed acquisition unit, compares the acquired estimated power consumption with actual power consumption, and determines whether the power difference between the estimated power consumption and the actual power consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; a command acquisition unit (260) for acquiring a command to rewrite the power map input from the outside; The power map is rewritten based on the actual power consumption when the command acquisition unit acquires a rewrite command and the comparison unit determines that the power difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0007] This makes it possible to obtain an electric power map (231) suited to each actual situation even when there is variation in the performance of the pump (60) or the motor (50), when there is some difference in the layout of the pipes (30), or when the performance of the pump (60) or the motor (50) has deteriorated due to aging, etc. Therefore, the accuracy of the electric power map (231) can be improved compared to the electric power map (231) determined for a standard case.

[0008] The reference numbers in parentheses above merely indicate the corresponding relationship with the configurations described in the embodiments below, and do not in any way limit the technical scope. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cooling system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a control device. [Figure 3] 10 is a table illustrating valve opening and closing patterns. [Figure 4] 10 is a graph illustrating a first power map and a corrected first power map. [Figure 5] 10 is a graph illustrating a second power map and a corrected second power map. [Figure 6] 10 is a graph illustrating a third power map and a corrected third power map. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating correction of a power map and detection of a piping abnormality. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modified example of the cooling system. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a determination of entrained rotation of a pump. [Figure 10] 10 is a timing chart illustrating the timing of stopping the motor when it is determined that the motor is rotating together with the other motor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, several embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to matters described in the preceding embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted. In each embodiment, when only a part of the configuration is described, the other previously described embodiments may be applied to the other parts of the configuration.

[0011] In addition, it is not only possible to combine parts that are explicitly stated as being possible in each embodiment, but it is also possible to partially combine embodiments, embodiments and variants, and variants even if not explicitly stated, as long as there are no particular problems with the combination.

[0012] (First embodiment) The cooling system 1 is mounted on a vehicle and can be used as a system for cooling heat-generating components 10 of the vehicle. For example, in an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, a refrigerant 40 such as coolant is circulated inside a pipe 30 to cool the heat-generating components 10 and a heat storage device 13. Examples of the heat-generating components 10 include a battery 11, a drive motor, an inverter, and a power control unit. Examples of the heat storage device 13 include a heater core. In the drawings, the battery 11 is abbreviated as BATT, the drive motor as M1, the inverter as INV1, and the power control unit as PCU. The heater core is abbreviated as HC.

[0013] The cooling system 1 can be used in engine-driven vehicles as well as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. In engine-driven vehicles, a refrigerant 40 such as engine coolant is circulated through the cooling system 1 to cool heat-generating components 10 such as the engine. In addition to being used in vehicles, the cooling system 1 can also be used in home air conditioners and servers.

[0014] 1, the cooling system 1 includes a cooling device 20, piping 30, and a pump device 80. In the drawings, the cooling device 20 is abbreviated as CS.

[0015] The cooling device 20 is a device that exchanges heat between the refrigerant 40 flowing inside the pipe 30 and a fluid such as air flowing over the surface of the cooling device 20. When the cooling system 1 is mounted on a vehicle, the cooling device 20 is exposed to the wind generated by the vehicle traveling, thereby promoting heat exchange.

[0016] The piping 30 includes a main path 31, a first branch path 32, and a second branch path 33. In the drawings, the boundary between the main path 31 and the first branch path 32 and the boundary between the main path 31 and the second branch path 33 are indicated by dashed lines. A pump device 80 is provided in the main path 31. A pump 60 of the pump device 80 is provided inside the main path 31. Operation of the pump 60 enables the refrigerant 40 to circulate inside the piping 30. For ease of explanation, the refrigerant 40 flowing inside the main path 31, the first branch path 32, and the second branch path 33 will be simply referred to as the refrigerant 40.

[0017] The first branch path 32 has a first inlet 32a connected to the main path 31 and a first outlet 32b connected to the main path 31. The first inlet 32a is provided at one end of the first branch path 32. The first outlet 32b is provided at the other end of the first branch path 32. The first inlet 32a and the first outlet 32b are connected to the main path 31. The refrigerant 40 flowing in from the main path 31 flows into the first branch path 32 via the first inlet 32a. The refrigerant 40 flowing out from the first branch path 32 flows into the main path 31 via the first outlet 32b. The refrigerant 40 can circulate between the main path 31 and the first branch path 32.

[0018] The second branch path 33 has a second inlet 33a connected to the main path 31 and a second outlet 33b connected to the main path 31. The second inlet 33a is provided at one end of the second branch path 33. The second outlet 33b is provided at the other end of the second branch path 33. The second inlet 33a and the second outlet 33b are connected to the main path 31. The refrigerant 40 flowing in from the main path 31 flows into the second branch path 33 via the second inlet 33a. The refrigerant 40 flowing out from the second branch path 33 flows into the main path 31 via the second outlet 33b. The refrigerant 40 can circulate between the main path 31 and the second branch path 33.

[0019] The refrigerant 40 flowing through the main path 31 can be divided into a first branch path 32 and a second branch path 33. The refrigerant 40 flowing through the first branch path 32 and the second branch path 33 can join together in the main path 31. The flow rate of the refrigerant 40 flowing through the main path 31 is the sum of the flow rate of the refrigerant 40 flowing through the first branch path 32 and the flow rate of the refrigerant 40 flowing through the second branch path 33.

[0020] A first valve 32c is also provided in the first branch path 32. The first valve 32c is an adjustment valve that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant 40 flowing through the first branch path 32. When the first valve 32c is fully open, the flow rate of the refrigerant 40 flowing through the first branch path 32 is 100, and when the first valve 32c is fully closed, the flow rate is 0. The opening and closing of the first valve 32c can be adjusted by an opening / closing unit 250, which will be described later.

[0021] A second valve 33c is provided in the second branch path 33. The second valve 33c is an adjustment valve that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant 40 flowing through the second branch path 33. When the second valve 33c is fully open, the flow rate of the refrigerant 40 flowing through the second branch path 33 is 100, and when the second valve 33c is fully closed, the flow rate is 0. The opening and closing of the second valve 33c can be adjusted by an opening / closing unit 250, which will be described later.

[0022] The pump device 80 is a device that circulates the refrigerant 40 inside the pipe 30. The pump device 80 is supplied with power from a battery 11. The pump device 80 includes a motor 50, a pump 60, and a control device 100. The pump 60 is attached to the motor 50. The motor 50 is controlled by the control device 100.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the control device 100 is electrically connected to a host ECU 70. A target rotation speed of the motor 50 is transmitted from the host ECU 70 to the control device 100. The control device 100 rotates the motor 50 according to the target rotation speed. The pump 60 operates according to the target rotation speed of the motor 50. The refrigerant 40 circulates within the piping 30 in response to the operation of the pump 60. In the drawing, the motor 50 is abbreviated as M2, and the control device 100 is abbreviated as MC.

[0024] <Control device> Next, a description will be given of the electrical connection between the battery 11, the control device 100, and the host ECU 70. The battery 11 and the motor 50 are electrically connected via the control device 100. The host ECU 70 and the motor 50 are electrically connected via the control device 100.

[0025] The control device 100 includes a microcomputer 200, a driver circuit 300, a voltage detection circuit 400, a current detection circuit 500, and a communication circuit 600. In the drawings, the driver circuit 300 is abbreviated as DC, the voltage detection circuit 400 as VDC, the current detection circuit 500 as CDC, and the communication circuit 600 as CC.

[0026] The driver circuit 300 is provided between the battery 11 and the motor 50. The driver circuit 300 converts DC current supplied from the battery 11 into AC current for driving the motor 50. The driver circuit 300 includes an inverter 310 capable of converting DC current into AC current. In the drawings, the inverter 310 is abbreviated as INV2. The driver circuit 300 is also electrically connected to the microcomputer 200.

[0027] The voltage detection circuit 400 is provided between the battery 11 and the microcomputer 200. The voltage detection circuit 400 is a circuit capable of detecting the voltage applied to the motor 50. The voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 400 is input to the microcomputer 200. An ignition switch 12 that controls the on / off of the microcomputer 200 is provided on the electrical wiring that electrically connects the battery 11 and the driver circuit 300. In the drawings, the ignition switch 12 is abbreviated as IG.

[0028] The current detection circuit 500 is provided between the driver circuit 300 and the motor 50. The current detection circuit 500 is a circuit that can detect the current supplied from the driver circuit 300 to the motor 50. The current detected by the current detection circuit 500 is input to the microcomputer 200.

[0029] The communication circuit 600 is provided between the host ECU 70 and the microcomputer 200. The communication circuit 600 is a circuit that can transmit information between the microcomputer 200 and the host ECU 70. The information that is transmitted will be described later.

[0030] The microcomputer 200 includes a processing unit 290 such as a CPU, a storage device 230 such as a ROM or RAM, an IO interface, etc. The ROM stores a program executed by the CPU and a power map 231. The power map 231 is stored information that associates the rotation speed of the motor 50 with the estimated power consumption of the motor 50 for each rotation speed. The ROM stores a power map 231 for each opening / closing pattern shown in FIG. 3.

[0031] Specifically, a first power map 231a, which is the power map 231 for a first opening / closing pattern in which the first valve 32c is fully open and the second valve 33c is fully closed, is stored in the ROM. A second power map 231b, which is the power map 231 for a second opening / closing pattern in which the first valve 32c is fully closed and the second valve 33c is fully open, is stored in the ROM. A third power map 231c, which is the power map 231 for a third opening / closing pattern in which the first valve 32c is fully open and the second valve 33c is fully open, is stored in the ROM.

[0032] The RAM temporarily stores the results of calculations performed by the arithmetic processing unit 290 and signals acquired through the IO interface. The arithmetic processing unit 290 executes programs stored in the ROM while utilizing the temporary storage function of the RAM, thereby enabling the microcomputer 200 to perform various functions.

[0033] The control device 100 includes, as functions, a driver control unit 205, a power calculation unit 210, a rotational speed acquisition unit 220, a comparison unit 240, a switching unit 250, a command acquisition unit 260, a correction unit 270, and a determination unit 280. The functions are also referred to as functional blocks. It can also be said that the program includes the driver control unit 205, the power calculation unit 210, the rotational speed acquisition unit 220, the comparison unit 240, the switching unit 250, the command acquisition unit 260, the correction unit 270, and the determination unit 280.

[0034] In the drawings, the driver control unit 205 is abbreviated as DCC, the power calculation unit 210 as PCC, the rotation speed acquisition unit 220 as RSAC, the comparison unit 240 as CPC, the opening / closing unit 250 as OPC, the command acquisition unit 260 as CAC, the correction unit 270 as CRC, and the judgment unit 280 as JC. The storage device 230 is abbreviated as MD.

[0035] The driver control unit 205 performs vector control of the driver circuit 300 based on information from the communication circuit 600. Vector control allows the current component to be separated into one that generates torque and one that generates magnetic flux in the rotor, and each current component can be controlled independently. The control device 100 can calculate the actual power consumption based on the current component that generates torque and the voltage applied from the battery 11. The functions of the power calculation unit 210, rotational speed acquisition unit 220, comparison unit 240, switching unit 250, command acquisition unit 260, correction unit 270, and determination unit 280 will be described later.

[0036] The control device 100 in this specification may also be referred to as an electronic control unit (ECU). The control device 100, or the control system, is provided by (a) an algorithm as multiple logics called an if-then-else format, or (b) a trained model tuned by machine learning, for example, an algorithm.

[0037] The control device 100 is provided by a control system including at least one computer. The control system may include multiple computers linked by data communication devices. The computer includes at least one processor that is hardware (a hardware processor). The hardware processor can be provided by the following (i), (ii), or (iii):

[0038] (i) A hardware processor may be at least one processor core that executes a program stored in at least one memory. In this case, a computer is provided with at least one memory and at least one processor core. The processor core is called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a RISC-CPU, etc. Memory is also called a storage medium. Memory is a non-transitory, tangible storage medium that non-temporarily stores "programs and / or data" that can be read by a processor. Storage media are provided by semiconductor memory, magnetic disks, optical disks, etc. Programs may be distributed independently or as storage media on which the programs are stored.

[0039] (ii) A hardware processor may be a hardware logic circuit. In this case, a computer is provided by a digital circuit including a large number of programmed logic units (gate circuits). The digital circuit is also called a logic circuit array, for example, ASIC: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, SoC: System on a Chip, PGA: Programmable Gate Array, CPLD: Complex Programmable Logic Device, etc. The digital circuit may include a memory that stores programs and / or data. A computer may be provided by an analog circuit. A computer may be provided by a combination of digital and analog circuits.

[0040] (iii) The hardware processor may be a combination of (i) and (ii) above. (i) and (ii) may be located on different chips or on a common chip. In these cases, the part (ii) is also called an accelerator.

[0041] The control device 100, the signal sources, and the controlled objects provide various elements, at least some of which may be referred to as blocks, modules, or sections. Furthermore, the elements included in the control system are referred to as functional means only when this is intentional.

[0042] The control device 100 and the techniques described in this disclosure may be implemented by a special purpose computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the control device 100 and the techniques described in this disclosure may be implemented by a special purpose computer provided by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits.

[0043] The control device 100 and its methods may be implemented by a special-purpose computer configured by combining a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions with a processor configured with hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the computer program may be stored as instructions executed by the computer on a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium.

[0044] <Actual and estimated motor power consumption> Pump 60 is provided midway through the flow path of refrigerant 40, and plays a role in circulating refrigerant 40 inside pipe 30. Accordingly, the actual power consumption of motor 50 can be considered to be the amount of work motor 50 does to circulate refrigerant 40 inside pipe 30. If an abnormality such as clogging or a leak occurs in pipe 30, the flow rate of refrigerant 40 flowing inside pipe 30 decreases. This in turn reduces the flow rate of refrigerant 40 passing through motor 50. Accordingly, the amount of work done by motor 50, i.e., the actual power consumption of motor 50, decreases.

[0045] At that time, the amount of AC current flowing through the electrical wiring electrically connecting the driver circuit 300 and the motor 50 decreases. The actual power consumption of the motor 50 is calculated based on the voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 400 and the amount of AC current detected by the current detection circuit 500. If an abnormality such as clogging or leakage occurs in the piping 30, the actual power consumption of the motor 50 decreases. When an abnormality such as clogging or leakage occurs in the piping 30, the actual power consumption is likely to be smaller than the estimated power consumption estimated from the power map 231.

[0046] <Power map correction> In vehicles to which the pump device 80 is applied, there may be variations in the performance of the motor 50 and the pump 60, and differences in the routing of the piping 30, depending on the vehicle model. Even within the same vehicle model, there may be differences in the condition of the piping 30 due to aging or other factors. Furthermore, even within the same vehicle, the actual power consumption of the motor 50 may differ depending on the opening and closing pattern of the valves 32c and 33c. Therefore, in this embodiment, the pre-stored standard power map 231 is rewritten to correct the power map 231 to one that is appropriate for the actual situation. The pre-stored standard power map 231 corresponds to the first power map 231a, second power map 231b, and third power map 231c described above.

[0047] The corrected power maps 231 are referred to as a first corrected power map 231d, a second corrected power map 231e, and a third corrected power map 231f, respectively. As shown in Fig. 4, the first power map 231a indicated by the solid line is corrected to a first corrected power map 231d indicated by the dashed line. As shown in Fig. 5, the second power map 231b indicated by the solid line is corrected to a second corrected power map 231e indicated by the dashed line. As shown in Fig. 6, the third power map 231c indicated by the solid line is corrected to a third corrected power map 231f indicated by the dashed line.

[0048] <Correction flow> Next, the correction of the power map 231 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 7. In this description, in order to clarify which component included in the control device 100 performs the process, the subject of a sentence describing the process will be written as the component of the control device 100 that executes the process, instead of the control device 100.

[0049] As an example, when the ignition switch 12 is turned on, the control device 100 starts executing the flowchart. In step S710, the command acquisition unit 260 acquires a rewrite command for the power map 231, for example, as an external input. In step S720, the opening / closing unit 250 controls the opening and closing of the valves 32c and 33c based on the rewrite command. Note that the command acquisition unit 260 may acquire a rewrite command when the vehicle is being assembled or when the vehicle is being serviced by a dealer, when it is assumed that there is no abnormality in the piping 30.

[0050] The rewrite command includes a command to obtain a correlation between rotation speed and actual power consumption for each predetermined rotation speed for each switching pattern. The rewrite command includes a first rewrite command, a second rewrite command, and a third rewrite command. The first rewrite command is a command to obtain a correlation between rotation speed and actual power consumption for each predetermined rotation speed for the first switching pattern, and to rewrite the first power map 231a into a first corrected power map 231d. The second rewrite command is a command to obtain a correlation between rotation speed and actual power consumption for each predetermined rotation speed for the second switching pattern, and to rewrite the second power map 231b into a second corrected power map 231e. The third rewrite command is a command to obtain a correlation between rotation speed and actual power consumption for each predetermined rotation speed for the third switching pattern, and to rewrite the third power map 231c into a third corrected power map 231f.

[0051] When the command acquisition unit 260 acquires the first to third rewrite commands, in step S720, the opening / closing unit 250 first controls the opening and closing of the valves 32c and 33c based on the first rewrite command, for example. Based on the first rewrite command, the opening / closing unit 250 opens the first valve 32c and closes the second valve 33c.

[0052] Next, in step S730, the rotational speed acquisition unit 220 acquires the rotational speed of the motor 50. As an example, the rotational speed acquisition unit 220 acquires the rotational speed of the motor 50 based on a predetermined calculation formula from the frequency of the alternating current flowing through the electrical wiring that electrically connects the driver circuit 300 and the motor 50, using the calculation processing unit 290.

[0053] Next, in step S740, the comparison unit 240 acquires the estimated power consumption of the motor 50 corresponding to the rotation speed of the motor 50 acquired in step S730, based on the power map 231 corresponding to the opening and closing pattern. Specifically, in step S740, the comparison unit 240 acquires the estimated power consumption of the motor 50 corresponding to the rotation speed of the motor 50 acquired in step S730, based on the first power map 231a. The acquired estimated power consumption is temporarily stored in the RAM of the storage device 230. Note that, as an example, the comparison unit 240 can select the power map 231 corresponding to the opening and closing pattern by acquiring the opening and closing signal of the opening and closing unit 250.

[0054] Next, in step S750, the power calculation unit 210 calculates the actual power consumption actually consumed by the motor 50 based on the voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 400 and the AC current detected by the current detection circuit 500.

[0055] Next, in step S760, comparison unit 240 determines whether the power difference between the estimated power consumption obtained in step S740 and the actual power consumption obtained in step S750 is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value. Note that the power difference is the absolute value of the value calculated by subtracting the actual power consumption from the estimated power consumption, or the absolute value of the value calculated by subtracting the estimated power consumption from the actual power consumption.

[0056] If the power difference is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S770. In step S770, the correction unit 270 corrects the power map 231. Specifically, the correction unit 270 corrects the first power map 231a in step S770 receives a first rewrite command from the command acquisition unit 260 and acquires the actual power consumption of the motor 50 for each predetermined rotation speed. The correction unit 270 then creates a new first corrected power map 231d based on the correlation between the rotation speed and the actual power consumption. The correction unit 270 then rewrites the first power map 231a with the first corrected power map 231d. The rewritten first corrected power map 231d is stored in the ROM of the storage device 230. The flow then ends.

[0057] If the power difference is less than the first predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S780. In step S780, the correction unit 270 maintains the first power map 231a. The process then ends. Note that the control device 100 repeats the process while the ignition switch 12 is on.

[0058] In the second flow, if the command acquisition unit 260 maintains the state of having acquired the rewrite command in step S710, the opening / closing unit 250 controls the opening and closing of the valves 32c and 33c based on the rewrite command in step S720. As an example, in the second flow, the opening / closing unit 250 closes the first valve 32c and opens the second valve 33c based on the second rewrite command. Thereafter, as in the first flow, the second power map 231b is rewritten into the second corrected power map 231e based on steps S730 to S770. The rewritten second corrected power map 231e is stored in the ROM of the storage device 230. The flow then ends.

[0059] Also, as in the first flow, if the power difference is less than the first predetermined value, the process proceeds from step S760 to step S780. In step S780, the correction unit 270 maintains the second power map 231b. The flow then ends. While the ignition switch 12 is on, the control device 100 repeats the flow.

[0060] In the third flow, if the command acquisition unit 260 maintains the state of having received the rewrite command in step S710, the opening / closing unit 250 controls the opening and closing of the valves 32c and 33c based on the rewrite command in step S720. For example, in the third flow, the opening / closing unit 250 opens the first valve 32c and the second valve 33c based on the third rewrite command. Thereafter, as in the first and second flows, the third power map 231c is rewritten to the third corrected power map 231f based on steps S730 to S770. The rewritten third corrected power map 231f is stored in the ROM of the storage device 230. The flow then ends. Also, as in the first and second flows, if the power difference is less than the first predetermined value, the flow proceeds to step S780. In step S780, the correction unit 270 maintains the third power map 231c. The flow then ends.

[0061] <Pipe abnormality detection flow> If the command acquisition unit 260 has not acquired a rewrite command in step S710, the rotational speed acquisition unit 220 acquires the rotational speed of the motor 50 in step S830. Next, in step S840, the comparison unit 240 acquires the estimated power consumption of the motor 50 corresponding to the rotational speed of the motor 50 acquired in step S830 from the power map 231 corresponding to the opening and closing pattern. Note that, as an example, the comparison unit 240 can select the power map 231 corresponding to the opening and closing pattern by acquiring the opening and closing signal of the opening and closing unit 250. Next, in step S850, the power calculation unit 210 calculates the actual power consumption actually consumed by the motor 50 based on the voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit 400 and the AC current detected by the current detection circuit 500.

[0062] In step S860, the comparison unit 240 determines whether the power difference between the estimated power consumption obtained in step S840 and the actual power consumption obtained in step S850 is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value. The power difference is the absolute value of the value calculated by subtracting the actual power consumption from the estimated power consumption, or the absolute value of the value calculated by subtracting the estimated power consumption from the actual power consumption. The second predetermined value is the power difference between the estimated power consumption and the actual power consumption when an abnormality in the piping 30 causes a problem such as a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the heat-generating component 10. The second predetermined value is expected to be greater than the first predetermined value.

[0063] If the power difference is equal to or greater than the second predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S870. In step S870, the determination unit 280 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the piping 30 that reduces the cooling efficiency between the heat-generating component 10 and the refrigerant 40. The flow then ends. If the power difference is less than the second predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S880. In step S880, the determination unit 280 determines that no abnormality has occurred in the piping 30. The flow then ends.

[0064] When an abnormality determination is performed on the piping 30 based on the flowchart of FIG. 7 , the comparison unit 240 transmits the determination result to the communication circuit 600. The communication circuit 600 is electrically connected to the host ECU 70. The determination result is transmitted from the communication circuit 600 to the host ECU 70. In addition, information on the motor 50, such as actual power consumption and actual rotation speed, may be transmitted to the host ECU 70 via the communication circuit 600. The host ECU 70 may also determine an abnormality or output adjustment. In addition to the abnormality determination result, refrigerant temperature information may also be transmitted to the host ECU 70. The refrigerant temperature is acquired, for example, by a temperature sensor in step S730 or step S830. The refrigerant temperature acquired in step S730 or step S830 may be transmitted to the host ECU 70 via the communication circuit 600.

[0065] <Action and effect> When command acquisition unit 260 acquires a command to rewrite power map 231, for example, via an external input, rotation speed acquisition unit 220 acquires the rotation speed of motor 50. Comparison unit 240 acquires estimated power consumption of motor 50 corresponding to the acquired rotation speed of motor 50 based on power map 231, and compares the estimated power with actual power consumption calculated by power calculation unit 210. Comparison unit 240 determines whether the power difference between the estimated power consumption and actual power consumption is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value. If the power difference is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value, correction unit 270 corrects power map 231 based on the actual power consumption.

[0066] Even if there are variations in the performance of the motor 50 and the pump 60 or differences in the routing of the piping 30 between vehicle types, it is possible to obtain a power map 231 that suits each actual situation. Furthermore, even if there are differences in the state of the piping 30 due to aging or the like, even for the same vehicle type, it is possible to obtain a power map 231 that suits each actual situation. The accuracy of the power map 231 can be improved compared to a pre-stored power map 231. Furthermore, the power map 231 is corrected only when the command acquisition unit 260 acquires a rewrite command. This prevents the power map 231 from being unintentionally corrected when the command acquisition unit 260 does not normally acquire a rewrite command, such as while the vehicle is traveling.

[0067] The command acquisition unit 260 acquires a command to rewrite the power map 231. The correction unit 270 receives a rewrite command from the rewrite command unit and acquires the actual power consumption of the motor 50 for each predetermined rotation speed. The correction unit 270 corrects the power map 231 based on the correlation between the rotation speed and the actual power consumption. The correction unit 270 then rewrites the power map 231. This makes it possible to accurately obtain a power map that matches the actual situation. Furthermore, even when the command acquisition unit 260 acquires a command to rewrite the power map 231, the correction unit 270 maintains the power map 231 if the power difference is less than the first predetermined value. If no correction is necessary, the power map 231 can be maintained.

[0068] The piping 30 includes a main path 31, a first branch path 32, and a second branch path 33. A first valve 32c is provided in the first branch path 32. A second valve 33c is provided in the second branch path 33. When the command acquisition unit 260 acquires a rewrite command, the opening / closing unit 250 controls the opening and closing of the valves 32c and 33c based on the rewrite command. The opening / closing unit 250 controls the opening and closing of the valves 32c and 33c based on the opening / closing pattern included in the rewrite command. The comparison unit 240 acquires estimated power consumption of the motor 50 corresponding to the acquired rotation speed of the motor 50 based on a power map 231 corresponding to the opening / closing pattern, and compares the estimated power with the actual power consumption calculated by the power calculation unit 210. If the power difference is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, the correction unit 270 corrects the power map 231 corresponding to the opening / closing pattern based on the actual power consumption. This allows the power map 231 to be corrected for each opening / closing pattern.

[0069] The correction unit 270 corrects the power map 231 for each opening and closing pattern included in the rewrite command. While the command acquisition unit 260 maintains the state in which it has acquired the rewrite command, the control device 100 repeats the flow of steps S710 to S780 and corrects the power map 231 for each opening and closing pattern. This makes it possible to correct the power map 231 for any opening and closing pattern.

[0070] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, the piping 30 includes the main path 31, the first branch path 32, and the second branch path 33. However, the paths included in the piping 30 are not limited to the above three. The piping 30 may include the main path 31 and three or more branch paths, as shown in FIG. 8 .

[0071] The third branch path shown in FIG. 8 is referred to as a third branch path 34. The third branch path 34 has a third inlet 34a and a third outlet 34b connected to the main path 31. The third inlet 34a is provided at one end of the third branch path 34. The third outlet 34b is provided at the other end of the third branch path 34. The third inlet 34a and the third outlet 34b are connected to the main path 31. The refrigerant 40 flowing in from the main path 31 via the third inlet 34a flows into the third branch path 34. The refrigerant 40 flowing out from the third branch path 34 via the third outlet 34b flows into the main path 31. The refrigerant 40 can circulate between the main path 31 and the third branch path 34. The third branch path 34 is also provided with a third valve 34c that adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant 40 flowing therethrough.

[0072] In the second embodiment as well, a power map 231 for each opening and closing pattern is stored in the storage device 230. In the second embodiment, seven opening and closing patterns are possible, excluding a pattern in which all of the valves 32c, 33c, and 34c are closed. In the second embodiment, a power map 231 for each of the seven opening and closing patterns is stored in the storage device 230. In other words, the storage device 230 in the second embodiment has seven power maps 231. In the second embodiment as well, it is possible to correct the seven power maps 231 using a flow similar to that in the first embodiment.

[0073] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 , after determining an abnormality in the piping 30, a determination of co-rotation of the pump 60 may be made. The pump 60 may operate at a rotation speed higher than the commanded motor rotation speed due to the refrigerant 40 circulating through the piping 30, which is called co-rotation. In the third embodiment, after steps S870 and S880, in step S910, the comparison unit 240 determines whether the power difference between the actual power consumption and the estimated power consumption is equal to or greater than a third predetermined value that is greater than the second predetermined value. The third predetermined value is a power difference value that allows it to be estimated that co-rotation is occurring in the pump 60. Note that the power difference is the absolute value of the value calculated by subtracting the actual power consumption from the estimated power consumption.

[0074] When co-rotation occurs, the operation of the pump 60 tends to become faster. In step S910, the comparison unit 240 determines whether the estimated power consumption is greater than the actual power consumption by at least a third predetermined value. If it is determined that the estimated power consumption is greater than the actual power consumption by at least the third predetermined value, the determination unit 280 determines in step S920 that co-rotation is occurring in the pump 60. The flow then ends. If it is determined that the estimated power consumption is not greater than the actual power consumption by at least the third predetermined value, the determination unit 280 determines in step S930 that co-rotation is not occurring in the pump 60. The flow then ends.

[0075] If co-rotation occurs, the pump 60 may be over-operated, resulting in a problem of reduced durability of the pump 60. In the third embodiment, if the determination unit 280 determines in step S930 that co-rotation is occurring in the pump 60, the determination unit 280 notifies the host ECU 70 of the co-rotation state as soon as the determination result is issued. The determination unit 280 continuously monitors the power difference between the actual power consumption and the estimated power consumption and continues to notify the host ECU 70 of the transition of the power difference between the actual power consumption and the estimated power consumption. Then, as shown in FIG. 10 , when the difference between the actual power consumption and the estimated power consumption becomes less than a third predetermined value, the host ECU 70 instructs the motor 50 to stop rotating. The driver control unit 205 stops the rotation of the motor 50 via the communication circuit 600. In the third embodiment, the rotation of the motor 50 can be stopped when the difference between the actual power consumption and the estimated power consumption becomes large enough to determine that co-rotation has been eliminated.

[0076] When entrained rotation occurs in the pump 60, the control device 100 prioritizes stopping the rotation of the motor 50 over opening and closing the valves 32c, 33c, and 34c. When entrained rotation occurs in the pump 60, the control device 100 stops the rotation of the motor 50 and then opens and closes the valves 32c, 33c, and 34c. In response to a command from the host ECU 70, the driver control unit 205 stops the rotation of the motor 50, and then the opening and closing unit 250 switches the opening and closing of each of the valves 32c, 33c, and 34c. When the power difference between the actual power consumption and the estimated power consumption becomes less than a third predetermined value at which it can be determined that entrained rotation has been released, the rotation of the motor 50 is stopped, and then the opening and closing unit 250 becomes able to control the opening and closing of the valves 32c, 33c, and 34c.

[0077] The drag-rotation determination described in the third embodiment can also be applied to the piping 30 described in the second embodiment. In the piping 30 described in the second embodiment, a heat-generating component 10 is provided in each of the first branch path 32, the second branch path 33, and the third branch path 34. When the power difference between the actual power consumption and the estimated power consumption becomes less than a third predetermined value, the motor 50 is stopped, and the valves 32c, 33c, and 34c can then be controlled to open and close. This configuration accelerates the timing of switching the valves 32c, 33c, and 34c compared to a configuration in which the motor 50 waits until its rotation speed decreases enough to stop the motor 50 and then switches the valves 32c, 33c, and 34c. While the pump 60 is in a drag-rotation state, the refrigerant 40 can be quickly supplied to the heat-generating component 10 provided in the branch paths 32, 33, and 34 through which the refrigerant 40 does not flow. Note that the heat-generating component 10 is abbreviated as "HGP" in the drawings.

[0078] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments or structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and modifications within the scope of equivalents. In addition, although various combinations and forms are shown in the present disclosure, other combinations and forms including only one element, more, or less than one element are also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0079] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses multiple technical ideas described in the following multiple clauses. Some clauses may be written in a multiple dependent form, with the subsequent clause referring to the preceding clause as an alternative. Furthermore, some clauses may be written in a multiple dependent form, referring to another multiple dependent clause. These multiple dependent clauses define multiple technical ideas.

[0080] Technical thought 1 A control device (100) for controlling a motor (50) that drives a pump (60) that circulates a refrigerant (40) through a pipe (30) connected to a cooling device (20) that cools a heat-generating component (10), A storage device (230) and a processing unit (290) are provided, The storage device includes: a power map (231) is stored in which a rotation speed of the motor and an estimated power consumption estimated to be consumed by the motor for circulating the refrigerant by the pump driven by the motor are associated with each other for each rotation speed; The arithmetic processing device a rotation speed acquisition unit (220) that acquires the rotation speed; a power calculation unit (210) that calculates actual power consumption by the motor when the rotation speed is acquired based on a voltage applied to the motor from a battery (11) and a current flowing through the motor; a comparison unit (240) that acquires from the power map the estimated power consumption associated with the rotation speed acquired by the rotation speed acquisition unit, compares the acquired estimated power consumption with the actual power consumption, and determines whether a power difference between the estimated power consumption and the actual power consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; a command acquisition unit (260) that acquires a command to rewrite the power map input from outside; a correction unit (270) that rewrites the power map based on the actual power consumption when the command acquisition unit acquires the rewrite command and the comparison unit determines that the power difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0081] Technical thought 2 When the command acquisition unit acquires the rewrite command, the command acquisition unit instructs the correction unit to acquire a correlation between the rotation speed and the actual power consumption for each predetermined rotation speed; The control device described in Technical Idea 1, in which when the comparison unit determines that the power difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the correction unit acquires the correlation and rewrites the power map based on the acquired correlation.

[0082] Technical thought 3 The control device according to Technical Idea 1 or 2, wherein the correction unit maintains the power map when the comparison unit determines that the power difference is less than the predetermined value, even if the command acquisition unit acquires the rewrite command.

[0083] Technical thought 4 the piping includes a plurality of branch flow paths (32, 33, 34) each provided with a valve (32c, 33c, 34c), and a main path (31) communicating with each of the branch flow paths and increasing or decreasing a flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the main path (31) depending on an opening / closing pattern of the valve; The pump is provided in the main path, the storage device further stores the power map for each of the opening and closing patterns, The rewrite command includes an instruction for the opening and closing pattern, A control device described in any one of technical ideas 1 to 3, wherein the correction unit rewrites the power map in the opening and closing pattern when the command acquisition unit acquires the rewrite command and the comparison unit determines that the power difference in the opening and closing pattern is greater than or equal to the predetermined value.

[0084] Technical thought 5 The rewrite command includes instructions for a plurality of the opening and closing patterns, The control device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 4, wherein the correction unit repeatedly rewrites each of the power maps in accordance with each of the opening and closing patterns.

[0085] technical thought 6 The control device described in any one of technical ideas 1 to 5, wherein the arithmetic processing device further includes a judgment unit (280) that judges that there is an abnormality in the piping when the command acquisition unit does not acquire the rewrite command and the power difference is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value that is greater than the first predetermined value, which is the predetermined value.

[0086] Technical thought 7 The control device according to Technical Idea 6 further comprises a communication circuit (600) that transmits the determination result of the determination unit to a host ECU (70).

[0087] Technical thought 8 The control device described in Technical Idea 7, wherein the judgment unit further determines that the pump is rotating entrained by the refrigerant circulating through the piping when the power difference is greater than or equal to a third predetermined value that is greater than the second predetermined value, and notifies the host ECU of the entrained rotation of the pump via the communication circuit.

[0088] Technical thought 9 The control device described in technical idea 8, wherein the judgment unit continuously notifies the host ECU of the power difference, and when the power difference becomes less than the third predetermined value, the host ECU instructs the control device to stop the rotation of the motor.

[0089] Technical thought 10 the piping includes a plurality of branch flow paths (32, 33, 34) each having a valve (32c, 33c, 34c) and the heat generating component provided therein; The arithmetic processing device further includes an opening / closing unit (250) that controls opening and closing of each of the valves, The control device according to any one of Technical Ideas 7 to 9, wherein the opening and closing unit switches the opening and closing of each of the valves after the rotation of the motor is stopped in response to an instruction from the host ECU. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10 Heat-generating component, 100 Control device, 11 Battery, 20 Cooling device, 210 Power calculation unit, 220 Rotational speed acquisition unit, 230 Storage device, 231 Power map, 240 Comparison unit, 250 Opening / closing unit, 260 Command acquisition unit, 270 Correction unit, 280 Determination unit, 290 Processing device, 30 Piping, 31 Main path, 32 Branch flow path, 32c Valve, 33 Branch flow path, 33c Valve, 34 Branch flow path, 34c Valve, 40 Refrigerant, 50 Motor, 60 Pump, 600 Communication circuit, 70 Upper ECU.

Claims

1. A control device (100) for controlling a motor (50) that drives a pump (60) that circulates a refrigerant (40) through a pipe (30) connected to a cooling device (20) that cools a heat-generating component (10), A storage device (230) and a processing unit (290) are provided, The storage device includes: a power map (231) is stored in which a rotation speed of the motor and an estimated power consumption estimated to be consumed by the motor for circulating the refrigerant by the pump driven by the motor are associated with each other for each rotation speed; The arithmetic processing device a rotation speed acquisition unit (220) for acquiring the rotation speed; a power calculation unit (210) that calculates actual power consumption of the motor when the rotation speed is acquired based on the voltage applied to the motor from a battery (11) and the current flowing through the motor; a comparison unit (240) that acquires from the power map the estimated power consumption associated with the rotation speed acquired by the rotation speed acquisition unit, compares the acquired estimated power consumption with the actual power consumption, and determines whether or not a power difference between the estimated power consumption and the actual power consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; a command acquisition unit (260) for acquiring a command to rewrite the power map input from outside; a correction unit (270) that rewrites the power map based on the actual power consumption when the command acquisition unit acquires the rewrite command and the comparison unit determines that the power difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

2. When the command acquisition unit acquires the rewrite command, the command acquisition unit instructs the correction unit to acquire a correlation between the rotation speed and the actual power consumption for each predetermined rotation speed; The control device according to claim 1 , wherein when the comparison unit determines that the power difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the correction unit acquires the correlation and rewrites the power map based on the acquired correlation.

3. The control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the correction unit maintains the power map when the comparison unit determines that the power difference is less than the predetermined value, even when the command acquisition unit acquires the rewrite command.

4. The piping includes a plurality of branch flow paths (32, 33, 34) each provided with a valve (32c, 33c, 34c), and a main path (31) communicating with each of the branch flow paths and increasing or decreasing the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through it depending on the opening and closing pattern of the valves, The pump is provided in the main path, the storage device further stores the power map for each of the opening and closing patterns, The rewrite command includes an instruction for the opening and closing pattern, 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein when the command acquisition unit acquires the rewrite command and the comparison unit determines that the power difference in the opening and closing pattern is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the correction unit rewrites the power map in the opening and closing pattern.

5. The rewrite command includes instructions for a plurality of the opening and closing patterns, The control device according to claim 4 , wherein the correction unit repeatedly rewrites each of the power maps in accordance with each of the opening and closing patterns.

6. The control device described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the arithmetic processing device further includes a judgment unit (280) that judges that there is an abnormality in the piping when the command acquisition unit does not acquire the rewrite command and the power difference is equal to or greater than a second predetermined value that is greater than the first predetermined value, which is the predetermined value.

7. The control device according to claim 6, further comprising a communication circuit (600) that transmits the determination result of the determination unit to a host ECU (70).

8. The control device according to claim 7, wherein the determination unit further determines that the pump is rotating together with the refrigerant circulating through the piping when the power difference is greater than or equal to a third predetermined value that is greater than the second predetermined value, and notifies the host ECU of the rotating together with the pump via the communication circuit.

9. 9. The control device according to claim 8, wherein the determination unit continuously notifies the host ECU of the power difference, and when the power difference becomes less than the third predetermined value, the host ECU instructs the control device to stop the rotation of the motor.

10. The piping includes a plurality of branch flow paths (32, 33, 34) each having a valve (32c, 33c, 34c) and the heat generating component provided therein, The arithmetic processing device further includes an opening / closing unit (250) that controls opening and closing of each of the valves, The control device according to claim 9 , wherein the opening / closing unit switches the opening and closing of each of the valves after the rotation of the motor is stopped in response to an instruction from the host ECU.

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