control device

Abstract

To enable detection of abnormality of a signal wire connecting a driver circuit to a relay.SOLUTION: A control apparatus includes: a computer; and a driver circuit that is connected to the computer via a first signal wire and a second signal wire, and connected to a relay signal wire via a third signal wire, the relay signal wire being connected to a relay. The driver circuit controls a relay excitation signal of the third signal wire on the basis of an input signal of the first signal wire, and controls a status signal of the second signal wire depending on whether the excitation signal is normal, disconnection-abnormal or shorting-abnormal. In the case of detecting abnormality in a given circuit including an inverter, a battery, a first power line, a second power line, the relay, the relay signal line and the third signal wire, the computer identifies a category of abnormality in the given circuit on the basis of the combination of the input signal and status signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as a control device of this type, a master control unit has been proposed for use in a drive unit including an inverter that drives a motor, a power storage device having two battery modules connected in series via a fuse, and a relay that connects and disconnects a first power line to which the inverter is connected and a second power line to which the power storage device is connected, and that controls the relay (see, for example, Patent Document 1).This master control unit determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the relay, the fuse, or the two electromagnetic modules based on a combination of the voltage of the power storage device and the voltage of the inverter. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-327001 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned control device cannot detect (identify) an abnormality when it occurs in the signal line connecting the relay driver circuit and the relay excitation coil, etc. Therefore, there is a demand for a device that can detect abnormalities in such signal lines.

[0005] The main object of the control device of the present invention is to be able to detect abnormalities in the signal line connecting the driver circuit and the relay. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control device of the present invention employs the following means to achieve the above-mentioned main object.

[0007] The control device of the present invention comprises: A control device used in a drive device including an inverter that drives a motor, a power storage device, and a relay that connects and disconnects a first power line to which the inverter is connected and a second power line to which the power storage device is connected, the control device controlling the relay, a computer; and a driver circuit connected to the computer via a first signal line and a second signal line, and connected via a third signal line to a relay signal line connected to the relay; the driver circuit controls an excitation signal for the relay on the third signal line based on an input signal on the first signal line, and controls a status signal on the second signal line based on whether the excitation signal indicates normal, a wire breakage abnormality, or a short circuit abnormality; when the computer detects an abnormality in a predetermined circuit including the inverter, the power storage device, the first power line, the second power line, the relay, the relay signal line, and the third signal line, it identifies the type of abnormality in the predetermined circuit based on a combination of the input signal and the status signal. The gist of this is as follows.

[0008] The control device of the present invention includes a computer and a driver circuit connected to the computer via a first signal line and a second signal line, and connected via a third signal line to a relay signal line connected to the relay. The driver circuit controls a relay excitation signal on the third signal line based on an input signal on the first signal line, and controls a status signal on the second signal line based on whether the excitation signal indicates normal, an open circuit abnormality, or a short circuit abnormality. When the computer detects an abnormality in a predetermined circuit including the inverter, the power storage device, the first power line, the second power line, the relay, the relay signal line, and the third signal line, the computer identifies the type of abnormality in the predetermined circuit based on a combination of the input signal and the status signal. In this way, the type of abnormality in the predetermined circuit can be identified. That is, abnormalities in the third signal line, the relay signal line, etc. can be detected.

[0009] In the control device of the present invention, the driver circuit sets the status signal to be the same as the input signal when the excitation signal is normal, sets the status signal to be an ON signal when the excitation signal is abnormal due to a wire break, sets the status signal to be an ON signal regardless of whether the input signal is an ON signal or an OFF signal, and sets the status signal to be an OFF signal when the excitation signal is abnormal due to a short circuit, sets the status signal to be an OFF signal regardless of whether the input signal is an ON signal or an OFF signal, and when the input signal is an OFF signal and the status signal is an ON signal, the computer determines whether the third signal line is abnormal due to a wire break, the relay signal line is abnormal due to a wire break, or the relay signal line is abnormal due to a wire break. It may be possible to determine that either a short circuit abnormality in the third signal line, or a connection abnormality between the third signal line and the relay signal line has occurred, and when the status signal is an off signal when the input signal is an on signal, it may be determined that either a short circuit abnormality in the third signal line, a short circuit abnormality in the relay signal line, or a short circuit abnormality in the relay has occurred, and when the status signal is an off signal when the input signal is an off signal and the status signal is an on signal when the input signal is an on signal, it may be determined that either an abnormality in the relay, an abnormality in the first power line, or an abnormality in the second power line has occurred.

[0010] In the control device of the present invention, the relay may include a positive relay connected to the positive line of the first power line and the positive line of the second power line, a negative relay connected to the negative line of the first power line and the negative line of the second power line, and a precharge resistor and a precharge relay connected in parallel to the negative relay and in series with each other for the negative line of the first power line and the negative line of the second power line, the driver circuit may include a first driver circuit for the positive relay, a second driver circuit for the negative relay, and a third driver circuit for the precharge relay, and when the computer detects an abnormality in a portion of the predetermined circuit related to the precharge relay, the computer may identify the type of abnormality in the portion related to the precharge relay based on a combination of the input signal and the status signal related to the third driver, and when the computer detects an abnormality in a portion of the predetermined circuit related to the negative relay, the computer may identify the type of abnormality in the portion related to the negative relay based on a combination of the input signal and the status signal related to the second driver.

[0011] In this case, the drive device may further include a DC / DC converter that steps down the power of the first power line and supplies the power to a third power line, and the computer may determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in a portion of the specified circuit related to the pre-charge relay using a voltage of the inverter when the positive relay is turned on and then the pre-charge relay is turned on, and then determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in a portion of the specified circuit related to the negative relay using a voltage of the inverter after the negative relay is turned on and then the pre-charge relay is turned off and driving of the DC / DC converter is started. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a drive device 20 equipped with a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]4 is a flowchart showing an example of a system startup sequence executed by a microcomputer 52 of an electronic control unit 50. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a first identification process executed by a microcomputer 52. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a second identification process executed by a microcomputer 52. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Example]

[0014] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a drive device 20 equipped with a control device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the drive device 20 of the embodiment includes a motor 22, an inverter 24, a DC / DC converter 27, a battery 30 as a power storage device, a system main relay SMR, and an electronic control unit 50. The drive device 20 may be mounted on an electric vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle equipped with a traction motor, or on a hybrid vehicle equipped with a traction motor and an engine. The electronic control unit 50 serves as the control device of the embodiment.

[0015] Motor 22 is configured as, for example, a synchronous generator motor. Inverter 24 is connected to motor 22 via a three-phase power line and is also connected to power line 26 (positive line 26p and negative line 26n). Inverter 24 drives motor 22 by switching a plurality of switching elements. Capacitor 26c is connected to positive line 26p and negative line 26n of power line 26. DC / DC converter 27 is connected to power line 26 and to power line 28, which is connected to an auxiliary battery (not shown) and the like having a rated voltage lower than that of battery 30, and steps down the power of power line 26 and supplies it to power line 28.

[0016] The battery 30 and the system main relay SMR are housed in a battery pack 34. The battery 30 is configured as, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery or a nickel-metal hydride secondary battery, and is connected to power lines 32 (positive line 32p and negative line 32n).

[0017] The system main relay SMR includes a positive relay SMRB connected to the positive line 26p of the power line 26 and the positive line 32p of the power line 32, a negative relay SMRG connected to the negative line 26n of the power line 26 and the negative line 32n of the power line 32, and a precharge resistance element RP and a precharge relay SMRP connected in parallel to the negative relay SMRG and in series with each other for the negative line 26n of the power line 26 and the negative line 32n of the power line 32.

[0018] The positive electrode relay SMRB has an excitation coil 34a and a movable part 35a. One end of the excitation coil 34a is connected to a driver circuit 56a of the electronic control unit 50 via a signal line 36a and terminals 58a and 57a of the electronic control unit 50, and the other end of the excitation coil 34a is grounded. When current is applied to the excitation coil 34a (input of an excitation signal) begins, the movable part 35a moves toward and contacts the fixed contact, turning the positive electrode relay SMRB ON (connecting the positive electrode line 26p of the power line 26 and the positive electrode line 32p of the power line 32). When current is removed, the movable part 35a moves away from the fixed contact, turning the positive electrode relay SMRB OFF (disconnecting the positive electrode line 26p of the power line 26 and the positive electrode line 32p of the power line 32).

[0019] The negative electrode relay SMRG has an excitation coil 34b and a movable part 35b. One end of the excitation coil 34b is connected to a driver circuit 56b of the electronic control unit 50 via a signal line 36b and terminals 58b and 57b of the electronic control unit 50, and the other end of the excitation coil 34b is grounded. When current is applied to the excitation coil 34b (input of an excitation signal) begins, the movable part 35b moves toward and contacts the fixed contact, turning the negative electrode relay SMRG ON (connecting the negative electrode line 26n of the power line 26 and the negative electrode line 32n of the power line 32). When current is removed, the movable part 35b moves away from the fixed contact, turning the negative electrode relay SMRG OFF (disconnecting the negative electrode line 26n of the power line 26 and the negative electrode line 32n of the power line 32).

[0020] The precharge relay SMRP has an exciting coil 34c and a movable part 35c. One end of the exciting coil 34c is connected to a driver circuit 56c of the electronic control unit 50 via a signal line 36c and terminals 58c and 57c of the electronic control unit 50, and the other end of the exciting coil 34c is grounded. When current is applied to the exciting coil 34c (input of an excitation signal) begins, the movable part 35c moves toward and contacts the fixed contact, turning the precharge relay SMRP ON (connecting the negative line 26n of the power line 26 and the negative line 32n of the power line 32). When current is removed, the movable part 35c moves away from the fixed contact, turning the relay OFF (disconnecting the negative line 26n of the power line 26 and the negative line 32n of the power line 32).

[0021] The electronic control unit 50 includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "MIC") 52, driver circuits 56a, 56b, and 56c, and terminals 58a, 58b, and 58c.

[0022] The driver circuit 56a is connected to the microcomputer 52 via signal lines 53a and 54a and to a terminal 58a via a signal line 57a. The signal line 53a is grounded via a resistor element. The signal line 57a is grounded via a capacitor and also via a diode. The diode is connected to the signal line 57a and ground so that the direction from ground to the signal line 57a is the forward direction. As described above, the signal line 36a, which is connected to one end of the excitation coil 34a of the positive relay SMRB, is connected to the terminal 58a.

[0023] When the input signal (IN) input via signal line 53a is a Hi signal (on signal, e.g., a 5V signal), the driver circuit 56a outputs an output signal (OUT) to signal line 57a, i.e., an excitation signal output to excitation coil 34a via signal line 57a and signal line 36a, as a Hi signal. This causes positive relay SMRB to be turned on or held in an on state. Furthermore, when the input signal is a Lo signal (off signal, e.g., a 0V signal), the driver circuit 56a sets the output signal, i.e., the excitation signal, as a Lo signal. This causes positive relay SMRB to be turned off or held in an off state. Furthermore, the driver circuit 56a has a disconnection detection section and a short-circuit detection section (not shown) that detect disconnections and short circuits in the output signal, i.e., the excitation signal; when the excitation signal is normal (no disconnection or short circuit is detected), the status signal (ST) output to the signal line 54a is the same as the input signal; when the excitation signal has a disconnection abnormality, the status signal is set to a Hi signal regardless of whether the input signal is a Hi signal or a Lo signal; and when the excitation signal has a short-circuit abnormality, the status signal is set to a Lo signal regardless of whether the input signal is a Hi signal or a Lo signal.

[0024] The driver circuit 56b is connected to the microcomputer 52 via signal lines 53b and 54b and to a terminal 58b via a signal line 57b. The signal line 53b is grounded via a resistor element. The signal line 57b is grounded via a capacitor and also via a diode. The diode is connected to the signal line 57b and ground so that the direction from ground to the signal line 57b is the forward direction. As described above, the signal line 36b, which is connected to one end of the excitation coil 34b of the negative relay SMRG, is connected to the terminal 58b.

[0025] When the input signal (IN) input via signal line 53b is a Hi signal (on signal), driver circuit 56b outputs an output signal (OUT) to signal line 57b, i.e., an excitation signal output to excitation coil 34b via signal line 57b and signal line 36b, as a Hi signal. This causes negative relay SMRG to be turned on or held in an on state. On the other hand, when the input signal is a Lo signal (off signal), driver circuit 56b sets the output signal, i.e., the excitation signal, as a Lo signal. This causes negative relay SMRG to be turned off or held in an off state. Furthermore, the driver circuit 56b has a disconnection detection unit and a short-circuit detection unit (not shown) that detect disconnections and short circuits in the output signal, i.e., the excitation signal; when the excitation signal is normal (no disconnection or short circuit is detected), the status signal (ST) output to the signal line 54b is the same as the input signal; when the excitation signal has a disconnection abnormality, the status signal is set to a Hi signal regardless of whether the input signal is a Hi signal or a Lo signal; and when the excitation signal has a short-circuit abnormality, the status signal is set to a Lo signal regardless of whether the input signal is a Hi signal or a Lo signal.

[0026] The driver circuit 56c is connected to the microcomputer 52 via signal lines 53c and 54c and to a terminal 58c via a signal line 57c. The signal line 53c is grounded via a resistor element. The signal line 57c is grounded via a capacitor and also via a diode. The diode is connected to the signal line 57c and ground so that the direction from ground to the signal line 57c is the forward direction. As described above, the signal line 36c, which is connected to one end of the exciting coil 34c of the precharge relay SMRP, is connected to the terminal 58c.

[0027] When the input signal (IN) input via signal line 53c is a Hi signal (on signal), driver circuit 56c outputs an output signal (OUT) to signal line 57c, i.e., an excitation signal output to excitation coil 34c via signal line 57c and signal line 36c, as a Hi signal. This causes precharge relay SMRP to be turned on or held in an on state. Furthermore, when the input signal is a Lo signal (off signal), driver circuit 56c sets the output signal, i.e., the excitation signal, as a Lo signal. This causes precharge relay SMRP to be turned off or held in an off state. Furthermore, the driver circuit 56c has a disconnection detection unit and a short-circuit detection unit (not shown) that detect disconnections and short circuits in the output signal, i.e., the excitation signal; when the excitation signal is normal (no disconnection or short circuit is detected), the status signal (ST) output to the signal line 54c is the same as the input signal; when the excitation signal has a disconnection abnormality, the status signal is set to a Hi signal regardless of whether the input signal is a Hi signal or a Lo signal; and when the excitation signal has a short-circuit abnormality, the status signal is set to a Lo signal regardless of whether the input signal is a Hi signal or a Lo signal.

[0028] The microcomputer 52 includes a CPU 52a, a ROM 52b, a RAM 52c, a flash memory 52d, and input / output ports. Various signals are input to the microcomputer 52 via the input ports. Examples of signals input to the microcomputer 52 include the rotational position θm of the rotor of the motor 22 from a rotational position sensor that detects the rotational position of the rotor of the motor 22, the phase currents Iu and Iv of the motor 22 from current sensors that detect the phase currents of the motor 22, and the voltage (inverter voltage Vi) of the power line 26 from a voltage sensor 26v connected to the positive line 26p and the negative line 26n of the power line 26. Other examples of signals include status signals from driver circuits 56a, 56b, and 56c via signal lines 54a, 54b, and 54c. Other examples of signals include an ignition signal from an ignition switch 60.

[0029] The signals output from the microcomputer 52 include various control signals output via an output port. Examples of the signals output from the microcomputer 52 include switching control signals for the multiple switching elements of the inverter 24 and control signals for the DC / DC converter 27. Examples of the signals output from the microcomputer 52 include input signals to the driver circuits 56a, 56b, and 56c via signal lines 53a, 53b, and 53c. Each time the input signal on the signal line 53a is switched, the microcomputer 52 stores (overwrites) in the flash memory 52d a combination of the input signal on the signal line 53a and the status signal on the signal line 54a. Each time the input signal on the signal line 53b is switched, the microcomputer 52 stores in the flash memory 52d a combination of the input signal on the signal line 53b and the status signal on the signal line 54b. Each time the input signal on the signal line 53c is switched, the microcomputer 52 stores in the flash memory 52d a combination of the input signal on the signal line 53c and the status signal on the signal line 54c.

[0030] Next, the operation of the drive device 20 of this embodiment configured as described above will be described, particularly the operation when the ignition switch 60 is turned on to start up the system. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a system startup sequence executed by the microcomputer 52 of the electronic control unit 50. This routine is executed when the ignition switch 60 is turned on. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the parts related to the positive relay SMRB (positive relay SMRB, signal line 57a, signal line 36a, positive line 26p of power line 26, positive line 32p of power line 32, etc.) of the predetermined circuit including the inverter 24, battery 30, power line 26, power line 32, system main relay SMR, signal lines 36a, 36b, 36c, and signal lines 57a, 57b, 57c are normal.

[0031] 2, the CPU 52a of the microcomputer 52 first turns on the positive relay SMRB (step S100). In this process, the CPU 52a sets the input signal on the signal line 53a to a Hi signal, and accordingly, the driver circuit 56a sets the excitation signal on the signal line 57a to a Hi signal, turning on the positive relay SMRB.

[0032] Subsequently, the precharge relay SMRP is turned on (step S110). In this process, the CPU 52a sets the input signal on the signal line 53c to a Hi signal, and accordingly, the driver circuit 56c sets the excitation signal on the signal line 57c to a Hi signal, turning on the precharge relay SMRP.

[0033] Next, after waiting for a certain period of time to elapse, the inverter voltage Vi from the voltage sensor 26v is input (step S120), and it is determined whether the input inverter voltage Vi is equal to or greater than the threshold value Viref1 (step S130). Here, the threshold value Viref1 is set to a voltage somewhat lower than the voltage of the battery 30. The process of step S130 is a process of determining whether the portion of the predetermined circuit related to the precharge relay SMRP (precharge relay SMRP, signal line 57c, signal line 36c, negative electrode line 26n of the power line 26, negative electrode line 32n of the power line 32, etc.) is normal. Since the case is considered where the positive electrode relay SMRB is turned on and then the precharge relay SMRP is turned on, if the portion of the predetermined circuit related to the precharge relay SMRP is normal, the inverter voltage Vi rises to near the voltage of the battery 30. On the other hand, if an abnormality occurs in the portion of the predetermined circuit related to the precharge relay SMRP (precharge relay SMRP is not turned on), the increase in the inverter voltage Vi is limited. The process of step S130 is based on this.

[0034] When it is determined in step S130 that the inverter voltage Vi is equal to or greater than the threshold value Viref1, it is determined that the portion of the predetermined circuit related to the precharge relay SMRP is normal, and the negative relay SMRB is turned on (step S140), and then the precharge relay SMRP is turned off (step S150). In the processing of step S140, the CPU 52a sets the input signal on the signal line 53b to a Hi signal, and accordingly, the driver circuit 56b sets the excitation signal on the signal line 57b to a Hi signal, and the negative relay SMRG is turned on. In the processing of step S150, the CPU 52a sets the input signal on the signal line 53c to a Lo signal, and accordingly, the driver circuit 56b sets the excitation signal on the signal line 57b to a Lo signal, and the precharge relay SMRP is turned off.

[0035] Next, the DC / DC converter 27 starts to operate (step S155). After a certain time has elapsed, the inverter voltage Vi from the voltage sensor 26v is input (step S160). It is then determined whether the input inverter voltage Vi is equal to or greater than the threshold value Viref2 (step S170). Here, the threshold value Viref2 may be, for example, the same as or slightly lower than the threshold value Viref1. The process of step S170 determines whether the components of the predetermined circuit related to the negative relay SMRG (e.g., the negative relay SMRG, signal line 57b, signal line 36b, the negative line 26n of the power line 26, and the negative line 32n of the power line 32) are normal. Since the inverter voltage Vi is equal to or greater than the threshold value Viref1 in step S130 and the negative relay SMRG is subsequently turned on and then the precharge relay SMRP is turned off, if the components of the predetermined circuit related to the negative relay SMRG are normal, the inverter voltage Vi is maintained near the voltage of the battery 30. On the other hand, if an abnormality occurs in a portion of the predetermined circuit related to the negative relay SMRG (the negative relay SMRG does not turn on), the inverter voltage Vi drops as the DC / DC converter 27 is driven. The process of step S170 is based on this. If it is determined in step S170 that the inverter voltage Vi is equal to or greater than the threshold value Viref, it is determined that the portion of the predetermined circuit related to the negative relay SMRG is normal, and the predetermined circuit is determined to be normal (step S180), and this routine ends.

[0036] If it is determined in step S130 that the inverter voltage Vi is less than the threshold value Viref, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in a portion of the predetermined circuit related to the precharge relay SMRP (step S190). To identify the type of abnormality in the predetermined circuit, specifically, the type of abnormality in the portion related to the precharge relay SMRP, the first identification process of FIG. 3 is executed (step S200), and this routine ends. When an abnormality in the portion of the predetermined circuit related to the precharge relay SMRP is detected and the type of abnormality is identified in this manner, it is preferable to store the information in flash memory 52d or display it on a display (not shown). The former is to allow a worker at a dealer or repair shop, etc., to check the information when inspecting, repairing, or replacing parts, and the latter is to allow a user to recognize the abnormality.

[0037] If it is determined in step S170 that the inverter voltage Vi is less than the threshold value Viref, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the portion of the predetermined circuit related to the negative relay SMRG (step S210). To identify the type of abnormality in the predetermined circuit, specifically, the type of abnormality in the portion related to the negative relay SMRG, the second identification process of FIG. 4 is executed (step S220), and this routine ends. When an abnormality in the portion of the predetermined circuit related to the negative relay SMRG is detected and the type of abnormality is identified, the information is preferably stored in the flash memory 52d or displayed on a display (not shown). Furthermore, if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the portion of the predetermined circuit related to the negative relay SMRG, it is also possible to stop the operation of the DC / DC converter 27.

[0038] The first identification process of Fig. 3 and the second identification process of Fig. 4 will be described below in order. In the first identification process of Fig. 3, the CPU 52a of the microcomputer 52 first inputs a signal history related to the driver circuit 56c stored in the flash memory 52d, specifically, a combination history of the input signal of the signal line 53c and the status signal of the signal line 54c (step S300). Then, when the input signal of the signal line 53c is a low signal, the CPU 52a determines whether the status signal of the signal line 54c is a low signal (step S310), and when the input signal of the signal line 53c is a high signal, the CPU 52a determines whether the status signal of the signal line 54c is a high signal (step S320). The processes of steps S310 and S320 determine whether the excitation signal output to the excitation coil 34c of the precharge relay SMRP via the signal lines 57c and 36c is normal, indicates a disconnection abnormality, or indicates a short-circuit abnormality.

[0039] If it is determined in step S310 that the input signal of signal line 53c is a Lo signal and the status signal of signal line 54c is a Hi signal, it is determined that the excitation signal has a disconnection abnormality (step S330), and it is determined that one of the following has occurred: a disconnection abnormality in signal line 57c, a disconnection abnormality in signal line 36c, or a connection abnormality between signal line 36c and terminal 58c (step S340), and this routine is terminated.

[0040] If it is determined in step S320 that the input signal of signal line 53c is a Hi signal and the status signal of signal line 54c is a Lo signal, it is determined that the excitation signal has a short circuit abnormality (step S350), and it is determined that any one of a short circuit abnormality of signal line 57c, a short circuit abnormality of signal line 36c, or a short circuit abnormality of precharge relay SMRP (for example, a short circuit abnormality between one end and the other end of excitation coil 34c) has occurred (step S360), and this routine is terminated.

[0041] If it is determined in step S310 that the status signal of signal line 54c is a Lo signal when the input signal of signal line 53c is a Lo signal, and if it is determined in step S320 that the status signal of signal line 54c is a Hi signal when the input signal of signal line 53c is a Hi signal, it is determined that the excitation signal (energization) is normal (step S370), and it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the precharge relay SMRP (an abnormality other than a short circuit abnormality, for example, an abnormality in the movable part 35c), an abnormality in the negative line 26n of the power line 26 (an open circuit abnormality or a short circuit abnormality), or an abnormality in the negative line 32n of the power line 32 (an open circuit abnormality or a short circuit abnormality) (step S380), and this routine is terminated.

[0042] In this way, in the first identification process, by checking the combination of the input signal on signal line 53c and the status signal on signal line 54c, it is possible to identify the type of abnormality in the portion of the predetermined circuit related to precharge relay SMRP (precharge relay SMRP, signal line 57c, signal line 36c, negative line 26n of power line 26, negative line 32n of power line 32, etc.). In other words, it is possible to detect abnormalities in signal line 57c, signal line 36c, etc.

[0043] Next, the second identification process of FIG. 4 will be described. In this second identification process, the CPU 52a of the microcomputer 52 first inputs a signal history related to the driver circuit 56b stored in the flash memory 52d, specifically, a history of combinations of the input signal value of the signal line 53b and the status signal of the signal line 54b (step S400). Then, when the input signal of the signal line 53b is a low signal, the CPU 52a determines whether the status signal of the signal line 54b is a low signal (step S410), and when the input signal of the signal line 53b is a high signal, the CPU 52a determines whether the status signal of the signal line 54b is a high signal (step S420). The processes of steps S410 and S420 determine whether the excitation signal output to the excitation coil 34b of the negative relay SMRG via the signal lines 57b and 36b is normal, indicates a disconnection abnormality, or indicates a short-circuit abnormality.

[0044] If it is determined in step S410 that the input signal of signal line 53b is a Lo signal and the status signal of signal line 54b is a Hi signal, it is determined that the excitation signal has a disconnection abnormality (step S430), and it is determined that one of the following has occurred: a disconnection abnormality in signal line 57b, a disconnection abnormality in signal line 36b, or a connection abnormality between signal line 36b and terminal 58b (step S440), and this routine is terminated.

[0045] If it is determined in step S420 that the input signal of signal line 53b is a Hi signal and the status signal of signal line 54b is a Lo signal, it is determined that the excitation signal has a short circuit abnormality (step S450), and it is determined that any one of a short circuit abnormality of signal line 57b, a short circuit abnormality of signal line 36b, or a short circuit abnormality of negative relay SMRG (for example, a short circuit abnormality between one end and the other end of excitation coil 34b) has occurred (step S460), and this routine is terminated.

[0046] If it is determined in step S410 that the status signal of signal line 54b is a Lo signal when the input signal of signal line 53b is a Lo signal, and if it is determined in step S420 that the status signal of signal line 54b is a Hi signal when the input signal of signal line 53b is a Hi signal, it is determined that the excitation signal (energization) was normal (step S470), and it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the negative relay SMRG (an abnormality other than a short circuit abnormality, for example, an abnormality in the movable part 35b), an abnormality in the negative line 26n of the power line 26 (an open circuit abnormality or a short circuit abnormality), or an abnormality in the negative line 32n of the power line 32 (an open circuit abnormality or a short circuit abnormality) (step S480), and this routine is terminated.

[0047] In this way, in the second identification process, by checking the combination of the input signal on signal line 53b and the status signal on signal line 54b, it is possible to identify the type of abnormality in the portion of the predetermined circuit related to the negative relay SMRG (negative relay SMRG, signal line 57b, signal line 36b, negative line 26n of power line 26, negative line 32n of power line 32, etc.). In other words, it is possible to detect abnormalities in signal line 57b, signal line 36b, etc.

[0048] In the drive device 20 of the embodiment described above, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in a portion of the predetermined circuit related to the precharge relay SMRP (such as the precharge relay SMRP, signal line 57c, signal line 36c, the negative line 26n of the power line 26, or the negative line 32n of the power line 32), the type of abnormality in the portion related to the precharge relay SMRP can be identified by checking the combination of the input signal on signal line 53c and the status signal on signal line 54c. That is, it is possible to detect abnormalities in the signal line 57c, the signal line 36c, or the like. Furthermore, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in a portion of the predetermined circuit related to the negative relay SMRG (such as the negative relay SMRG, signal line 57b, signal line 36b, the negative line 26n of the power line 26, or the negative line 32n of the power line 32), the type of abnormality in the portion related to the negative relay SMRG can be identified by checking the combination of the input signal on signal line 53b and the status signal on signal line 54b. That is, it is possible to detect abnormalities in the signal line 57b, the signal line 36b, and the like.

[0049] The correspondence between the main elements of the embodiment and the main elements of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" section will be explained below. In the embodiment, the electronic control unit 50 corresponds to the "controller", the microcomputer 52 corresponds to the "computer", and the driver circuits 56a, 56b, and 56c correspond to the "driver circuits".

[0050] The correspondence between the main elements of the Examples and the main elements of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" section does not limit the elements of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" section, since the Examples are examples for specifically explaining the mode for implementing the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" section. In other words, the interpretation of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" section should be based on the description in that section, and the Examples are merely specific examples of the invention described in the "Means for Solving the Problem" section.

[0051] The above describes the form for carrying out the present invention using examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples in any way, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be carried out in various forms within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0052] The present invention can be used in the control device manufacturing industry and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 20 drive unit, 22 motor, 24 inverter, 25 DC / DC converter, 26, 32 power line, 26c capacitor, 26n, 32n negative line, 26p, 32p positive line, 26v voltage sensor, 30 battery, 34 battery pack, 34a, 34b, 34c excitation coil, 35a, 35b, 35c moving part, 36a, 36b, 36c, 53a, 53b, 53c, 54a, 54b, 54c, 57a, 57b, 57c signal line, 50 electronic control unit, 52 microcomputer, 52a CPU, 52b ROM, 52c RAM, 52d flash memory, 56a, 56b, 56c driver circuit, 58a, 58b, 58c terminal, 60 ignition switch, RP precharge resistor element, SMRB Positive relay, SMRG negative relay, SMRP precharge relay.

Claims

1. A control device used in a drive device including an inverter that drives a motor, a power storage device, and a relay that connects and disconnects a first power line to which the inverter is connected and a second power line to which the power storage device is connected, the control device controlling the relay, a computer; and a driver circuit connected to the computer via a first signal line and a second signal line, and connected via a third signal line to a relay signal line connected to the relay; the first signal line is a signal line for transmitting an input signal from the computer to the driver circuit as an ON signal or an OFF signal; the second signal line is a signal line for transmitting a status signal as an ON signal or an OFF signal from the driver circuit to the computer; the third signal line is a signal line for transmitting an excitation signal for the relay from the driver circuit to the relay signal line as an ON signal or an OFF signal, The driver circuit When the input signal is an ON signal, the excitation signal is set to an ON signal; When the input signal is an OFF signal, the excitation signal is set to an OFF signal; When the excitation signal is normal, the status signal is set to be the same as the input signal; When the excitation signal is abnormal due to a wire break, the status signal is set to an ON signal regardless of whether the input signal is an ON signal or an OFF signal. When the excitation signal is short-circuited, the status signal is set to an OFF signal regardless of whether the input signal is an ON signal or an OFF signal; When the computer detects an abnormality in a predetermined circuit including the inverter, the power storage device, the first power line, the second power line, the relay, the relay signal line, and the third signal line, When the input signal is an OFF signal and the status signal is an ON signal, it is determined that any one of a disconnection abnormality in the third signal line, a disconnection abnormality in the relay signal line, and a connection abnormality between the third signal line and the relay signal line has occurred; When the input signal is an ON signal and the status signal is an OFF signal, it is determined that a short-circuit abnormality has occurred in the third signal line, the relay signal line, or the relay; When the status signal is an off signal when the input signal is an off signal and when the status signal is an on signal when the input signal is an on signal, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the relay, the first power line, or the second power line. Control device.

2. The control device according to claim 1, the relay includes a positive relay connected to the positive line of the first power line and the positive line of the second power line, a negative relay connected to the negative line of the first power line and the negative line of the second power line, and a precharge resistor and a precharge relay connected in parallel to the negative relay and in series with each other for the negative line of the first power line and the negative line of the second power line, the driver circuit includes a first driver circuit for the positive relay, a second driver circuit for the negative relay, and a third driver circuit for the precharge relay; The computer when an abnormality is detected in a portion of the predetermined circuit that is related to the precharge relay, identifying the type of abnormality in the portion that is related to the precharge relay based on a combination of the input signal and the status signal that are related to the third driver circuit; when an abnormality is detected in a portion of the predetermined circuit that is related to the negative relay, the type of abnormality in the portion that is related to the negative relay is identified based on a combination of the input signal and the status signal related to the second driver circuit. Control device.

3. 3. The control device according to claim 2, the drive device further includes a DC / DC converter that reduces the voltage of the first power line and supplies the reduced power to a third power line; The computer determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in a portion of the predetermined circuit related to the pre-charge relay using a voltage of the inverter when the positive electrode relay is turned on and then the pre-charge relay is turned on; Thereafter, the negative relay is turned on, the precharge relay is turned off, and then driving of the DC / DC converter is started, and then a voltage of the inverter is used to determine whether or not an abnormality has occurred in a portion of the predetermined circuit related to the negative relay. Control device.

Images