Motor device and operation method thereof
Patent Information
- Application Number
- TW114105823
- Authority / Receiving Office
- TW · TW
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-01
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-02-17
AI Technical Summary
In electric vehicle drive systems, the disconnection of the battery and motor causes a transient current surge due to back electromotive force, which can lead to overheating and reduced lifespan of power switches.
A motor device with a frequency converter, driver, and control module that employs a first and second switching module, where a control signal transitions from de-conducting both modules to conducting one module using pulse-width modulation, reducing transient current.
This approach effectively reduces transient current, preventing overheating and extending the lifespan of power switches while avoiding the need for larger, more costly components.
Smart Images
Figure TWG2TA001073675_001 
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Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] This invention relates to a motor device, and more particularly to a motor device that can reduce transient current and its operating method. [Previous Technology]
[0002] Generally speaking, in the motor drive application of electric vehicles, the battery, motor controller, and motor are the three major components that make up the electric vehicle drive system. The battery is the power source responsible for providing or storing energy, the motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, and the motor controller controls the energy conversion between the motor and the battery to control the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle.
[0003] When a drive system malfunctions, it is necessary to disconnect the energy conversion between the battery and the motor to interrupt the current flow between them. Most electric vehicles today use permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), but the internal magnets of a PMSM generate back electromotive force (EMF). This back EMF causes a transient current surge the moment the connection between the battery and the motor is disconnected. However, the maximum current of this transient current surge can be twice the steady-state current. Such a transient current surge can cause overheating of the power switch or shorten its lifespan. Therefore, effectively reducing transient current is an important current challenge. [Summary of the Invention]
[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide a motor device and its operating method, thereby effectively reducing transient current to avoid overheating or reduced lifespan of the power switch.
[0005] This embodiment of the invention provides a motor device, including a frequency converter, a driver, and a control module. The frequency converter has a first switching module and a second switching module, which are coupled together. The driver is coupled to the first switching module and the second switching module. The control module is coupled to the driver. When the motor device malfunctions, in a first short-circuit protection mode, the control module generates a first control signal to control the driver to generate a first drive signal to the first and second switching modules of the frequency converter, so that the first and second switching modules are not connected. Upon switching from the first short-circuit protection mode to the second short-circuit protection mode, the control module generates a second control signal to control the driver to generate a second drive signal to the first or second switching module of the frequency converter, so that the first or second switching module is connected. The second control signal is a pulse width modulation signal.
[0006] This embodiment of the invention provides a method including the following steps: A frequency converter is provided, having a first switching module and a second switching module, the first switching module and the second switching module being coupled together. A driver is provided, coupled to the first switching module and the second switching module. A control module is provided, coupled to the driver. When a motor malfunctions, in a first short-circuit protection mode, a first control signal is generated through the control module to control the driver to generate a first drive signal to the first switching module and the second switching module of the frequency converter, causing the first switching module and the second switching module to be de-conductive. When switching from the first short-circuit protection mode to a second short-circuit protection mode, a second control signal is generated through the control module to control the driver to generate a second drive signal to the first switching module or the second switching module of the frequency converter, causing the first switching module or the second switching module to be conductive. The second control signal is a pulse width modulation signal.
[0007] The motor device and its operating method disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention, when the motor device malfunctions, in a first short-circuit protection mode, the control module generates a first control signal to control the driver to generate a first drive signal to the first and second switching modules of the inverter, so that the first and second switching modules are not connected. Upon switching from the first short-circuit protection mode to the second short-circuit protection mode, the control module generates a second control signal to control the driver to generate a second drive signal to the first or second switching module of the inverter, so that the first or second switching module is connected. The second control signal is a pulse width modulation signal. In this way, transient current can be effectively reduced to avoid overheating or reduced lifespan of the power switches (e.g., the first and second switching modules), and the use of excessively large power switches can be avoided, thus reducing costs.
Implementation Method
[0008] The technical terms used in this specification refer to those commonly used in the field of technical expertise. Where this specification provides explanations or definitions for certain terms, the interpretation of those terms shall be based on the explanations or definitions provided in this specification. Each embodiment disclosed herein has one or more technical features. Where feasible, those skilled in the art may selectively implement some or all of the technical features in any embodiment, or selectively combine some or all of the technical features in these embodiments.
[0009] In the embodiments listed below, the same or similar elements or components will be represented by the same reference numerals.
[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a motor device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a waveform diagram of a first control signal and a second control signal according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the motor device 100 may include a frequency converter 110, a driver 120, and a control module 130.
[0011] The frequency converter 110 may have a first switching module 111 and a second switching module 112, which are coupled together. The driver 120 may be coupled to the first switching module 111 and the second switching module 112. The control module 130 may be coupled to the driver 120.
[0012] In this embodiment, the control module 130 can generate corresponding control signals to control the driver 120 to generate corresponding drive signals, so that the first switching module 111 and the second switching module 112 of the inverter 110 perform corresponding operations. For example, the first switching module 111 and the second switching module 112 can be turned on or off according to the drive signals generated by the driver 120. In addition, the control module 130 can monitor the operating information of the motor device 100 to determine whether the motor device 100 is malfunctioning. In some embodiments, the operating information of the motor device 100 may include voltage, current, speed, etc., but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the control module 130 may be a microcontroller (MCU), but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.
[0013] When the motor device 100 malfunctions, in the first short-circuit protection mode SPM1, the control module 130 can generate a first control signal CS1 to control the driver 120 to generate a first drive signal to the first switching module 111 and the second switching module 112 of the inverter 110, so that the first switching module 111 and the second switching module 112 are not connected. In this embodiment, the first control signal CS1 is, for example, a low voltage level, and the first drive signal is, for example, a low voltage level, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this. In some embodiments, the driver 120 has a signal amplification function, that is, the driver 120 can amplify the first control signal CS1 to generate a corresponding first drive signal. Therefore, the amplitude of the first control signal CS1 is, for example, different from the amplitude of the first drive signal.
[0014] Next, when switching from the first short-circuit protection mode SPM1 to the second short-circuit protection mode SPM2, the control module 130 can generate a second control signal CS2 to control the driver 120 to generate a second drive signal to the first switching module 111 or the second switching module 112 of the inverter 110, so that the first switching module 111 or the second switching module 112 is turned on. The second control signal CS2 is, for example, a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. In some embodiments, the driver 120 can also amplify the second control signal CS2 to generate a corresponding second drive signal. Therefore, the amplitude of the second control signal CS2 is, for example, different from the amplitude of the second drive signal.
[0015] That is to say, in the second short-circuit protection mode SPM2, the first switch module 111 is turned on, while the second switch module 112 remains off, or in the second short-circuit protection mode SPM2, the second switch module 112 is turned on, while the first switch module 111 remains off. In this way, transient current can be effectively reduced to avoid overheating or reduced lifespan of the power switches (e.g., the first switch module 111 and the second switch module 112).
[0016] In some embodiments, the duty cycle of the second control signal CS2 can be gradually increased from a first ratio to a second ratio, wherein the first ratio can be greater than the second ratio, as shown in Figure 2. In some embodiments, the first ratio is, for example, 0%, and the second ratio is, for example, 100%.
[0017] For example, in some embodiments, the duty cycle of the second control signal CS2 is, for example, 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% in sequence. In some embodiments, the duty cycle of the second control signal CS2 is, for example, 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% in sequence. That is, the adjustment ratio of the duty cycle of the second control signal CS2 can be adjusted by the user according to their needs, and the same technical effect can still be achieved.
[0018] In some embodiments, the first switch module 111 may include a first switch unit 113, a second switch unit 114, and a third switch unit 115. The first switch unit 113 may have a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The second terminal of the first switch unit 113 may generate a first voltage V1. The control terminal of the first switch unit 113 may be coupled to the driver 120. Further, the first switch unit 113 may include a first transistor T1 and a first diode D1.
[0019] The first transistor T1 may have a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The first terminal of the first transistor T1 may be coupled to the first terminal of the first switching unit 113. The second terminal of the first transistor T1 may be coupled to the second terminal of the first switching unit 113. The control terminal of the first transistor T1 may be coupled to the control terminal of the first switching unit 113. The first diode D1 may have a first terminal (e.g., a cathode terminal) and a second terminal (e.g., an anode terminal). The first terminal of the first diode D1 may be coupled to the first terminal of the first transistor T1. The second terminal of the first diode D1 may be coupled to the second terminal of the first transistor T1.
[0020] The second switching unit 114 may have a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The first terminal of the second switching unit 114 may be coupled to the first terminal of the first switching unit 113. The second terminal of the second switching unit 114 may generate a second voltage V2. The control terminal of the second switching unit 114 may be coupled to the driver 120. Further, the second switching unit 114 may include a second transistor T2 and a second diode D2.
[0021] The second transistor T2 may have a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The first terminal of the second transistor T2 may be coupled to the first terminal of the second switching unit 114. The second terminal of the second transistor T2 may be coupled to the second terminal of the second switching unit 114. The control terminal of the second transistor T2 may be coupled to the control terminal of the second switching unit 114. The second diode D2 may have a first terminal (e.g., a cathode terminal) and a second terminal (e.g., an anode terminal). The first terminal of the second diode D2 may be coupled to the first terminal of the second transistor T2. The second terminal of the second diode D2 may be coupled to the second terminal of the second transistor T2.
[0022] The third switching unit 115 may have a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The first terminal of the third switching unit 115 may be coupled to the first terminal of the second switching unit 114. The second terminal of the third switching unit 115 may generate a third voltage V3. The control terminal of the third switching unit 115 may be coupled to the driver 120. Further, the third switching unit 115 may include a third transistor T3 and a third diode D3.
[0023] The third transistor T3 may have a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The first terminal of the third transistor T3 may be coupled to the first terminal of the third switching unit 115. The second terminal of the third transistor T3 may be coupled to the second terminal of the third switching unit 115. The control terminal of the third transistor T3 may be coupled to the control terminal of the third switching unit 115. The third diode D3 may have a first terminal (e.g., a cathode terminal) and a second terminal (e.g., an anode terminal). The first terminal of the third diode D3 may be coupled to the first terminal of the third transistor T3. The second terminal of the third diode D3 may be coupled to the second terminal of the third transistor T3.
[0024] In some embodiments, the second switch module 112 may include a fourth switch unit 116, a fifth switch unit 117, and a sixth switch unit 118. The fourth switch unit 116 may have a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The first terminal of the fourth switch unit 116 may be coupled to the second terminal of the first switch unit 113. The control terminal of the fourth switch unit 116 may be coupled to the driver 120. Further, the fourth switch unit 116 may include a fourth transistor T4 and a fourth diode D4.
[0025] The fourth transistor T4 may have a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The first terminal of the fourth transistor T4 may be coupled to the first terminal of the fourth switching unit 116. The second terminal of the fourth transistor T4 may be coupled to the second terminal of the fourth switching unit 116. The control terminal of the fourth transistor T4 may be coupled to the control terminal of the fourth switching unit 116. The fourth diode D4 may have a first terminal (e.g., a cathode terminal) and a second terminal (e.g., an anode terminal). The first terminal of the fourth diode D4 may be coupled to the first terminal of the fourth transistor T4. The second terminal of the fourth diode D4 may be coupled to the second terminal of the fourth transistor T4.
[0026] The fifth switching unit 117 may have a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The first terminal of the fifth switching unit 117 may be coupled to the second terminal of the second switching unit 114. The second terminal of the fifth switching unit 117 may be coupled to the second terminal of the fourth switching unit 116. The control terminal of the fifth switching unit 117 may be coupled to the driver 120. Further, the fifth switching unit 117 may include a fifth transistor T5 and a fifth diode D5.
[0027] The fifth transistor T5 may have a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The first terminal of the fifth transistor T5 may be coupled to the first terminal of the fifth switching unit 117. The second terminal of the fifth transistor T5 may be coupled to the second terminal of the fifth switching unit 117. The control terminal of the fifth transistor T5 may be coupled to the control terminal of the fifth switching unit 117. The fifth diode D5 may have a first terminal (e.g., a cathode terminal) and a second terminal (e.g., an anode terminal). The first terminal of the fifth diode D5 may be coupled to the first terminal of the fifth transistor T5. The second terminal of the fifth diode D5 may be coupled to the second terminal of the fifth transistor T5.
[0028] The sixth switching unit 118 may have a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The first terminal of the sixth switching unit 118 is coupled to the second terminal of the third switching unit 115. The second terminal of the sixth switching unit 118 is coupled to the second terminal of the fifth switching unit 117. The control terminal of the sixth switching unit 118 is coupled to the driver 120. Further, the sixth switching unit 118 may include a sixth transistor T6 and a sixth diode D6.
[0029] The sixth transistor T6 may have a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The first terminal of the sixth transistor T6 may be coupled to the first terminal of the sixth switching unit 118. The second terminal of the sixth transistor T6 may be coupled to the second terminal of the sixth switching unit 118. The control terminal of the sixth transistor T6 may be coupled to the control terminal of the sixth switching unit 118. The sixth diode D6 may have a first terminal (e.g., a cathode terminal) and a second terminal (e.g., an anode terminal). The first terminal of the sixth diode D6 may be coupled to the first terminal of the sixth transistor T6. The second terminal of the sixth diode D6 may be coupled to the second terminal of the sixth transistor T6.
[0030] In addition, in this embodiment, the first transistor T1 to the sixth transistor T6 can be N-type transistors, wherein the first terminal of the first transistor T1 to the sixth transistor T6 can be the drain terminal of the N-type transistor, the second terminal of the first transistor T1 to the sixth transistor T6 can be the source terminal of the N-type transistor, and the control terminal of the first transistor T1 to the sixth transistor T6 can be the gate terminal of the N-type transistor. However, this embodiment of the invention is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the first transistor T1 to the sixth transistor T6 can also be P-type transistors or other suitable transistors.
[0031] Furthermore, in some embodiments, in the first short-circuit protection mode SPM1, the first transistor T1 to the sixth transistor T6 are simultaneously not turned on, that is, the first short-circuit protection mode SPM1 can be a mode in which all six switches are turned off simultaneously (6SO - 6 Switch Open). In the second short-circuit protection mode SPM2, the first transistor T1 to the third transistor T3 are simultaneously turned on, or the fourth transistor T4 to the sixth transistor T6 are simultaneously turned on, that is, the second short-circuit protection mode SPM2 can be an active short-circuit mode (3PS - 3 Phase Short).
[0032] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the motor device 100 may further include a battery module 140 and a motor module 150. The battery module 140 may be coupled to a first terminal of the first switching unit 113 and a second terminal of the fourth switching unit 116, that is, the battery module 140 may be coupled to the inverter 110. The battery module 140 may provide power to the inverter 110, and the inverter 110 may determine whether to provide a first voltage V1, a second voltage V2, and a third voltage V3 based on the power provided by the battery module 140, depending on the driving of the driver 120.
[0033] The motor module 150 can be coupled to the second terminal of the first switching unit 113, the second terminal of the second switching unit 114, and the second terminal of the third switching unit 115, that is, the motor module 150 can be coupled to the frequency converter 110. The motor module 150 can receive a first voltage V1, a second voltage V2, and a third voltage V3, and operate according to the first voltage V1, the second voltage V2, and the third voltage V3. In addition, the first voltage V1, the second voltage V2, and the third voltage V3 can be three-phase voltages provided for the operation of the motor module 150. In some embodiments, the motor module 150 can be a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.
[0034] In some embodiments, the current generated by the inverter 110 can be calculated by equation (1), and equation (1) is shown below:
[0035] (1)
[0036] Where, is the current generated by the inverter 110, is a constant, is the power supplied by the battery module 140, is the duty cycle of the second control signal CS2, and is the back electromotive force generated by the motor module 150. As can be seen from equation (1), the motor device 100 can adjust the duty cycle of the second control signal CS2 through the control device 130 to adjust the current generated by the inverter 110, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing transient current.
[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a motor device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a waveform diagram of a first indication signal, a second indication signal, a third control signal, and a fourth control signal according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3, the motor device 300 may include a frequency converter 110, a driver 120, a control module 130, a battery module 140, a motor module 150, and a safety logic module 310. In this embodiment, the frequency converter 110, driver 120, control module 130, battery module 140, and motor module 150 in Figure 3 are the same as or similar to the frequency converter 110, driver 120, control module 130, battery module 140, and motor module 150 in Figure 1. Please refer to the description of the embodiment in Figure 1; therefore, further details will not be repeated here.
[0038] The safety logic module 310 can be coupled to the control module 130. The safety logic module 310 can receive a first indication signal IS1 generated by the control module 130. In some embodiments, the first indication signal IS1 is generated, for example, when the control module 130 detects an abnormality in the control module 130, such as the control module 130 failing to provide the first control signal CS1 and the second control signal CS2 or failing to provide the first control signal CS1 and the second control signal CS2 correctly. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the first short-circuit protection mode SPM1, the first indication signal IS1 has a first voltage level, while in the second short-circuit protection mode SPM2, the first indication signal IS1 has a second voltage level, and the first voltage level and the second voltage level are different. In some embodiments, the first voltage level is, for example, a low voltage level, and the second voltage level is, for example, a high voltage level. The aforementioned first indication signal IS1 can be, for example, a first abnormality indication signal.
[0039] In this embodiment, after the safety logic module 310 receives the first indication signal IS1, in the first short-circuit protection mode SPM1, the safety logic module 310 can generate a third control signal CS3 to control the driver 120 to generate a third drive signal to the first switch module 111 and the second switch module 112 of the inverter 110, so that the first switch module 111 and the second switch module 112 are not turned on. Then, when switching from the first short-circuit protection mode SPM1 to the second short-circuit protection mode SPM2, the safety logic module 310 can generate a fourth control signal CS4 to control the driver 120 to generate a fourth drive signal to the first switch module 111 or the second switch module 112 of the inverter 110, so that the first switch module 111 or the second switch module 112 is turned on. In this embodiment, the third control signal CS3 can be the same as the first control signal CS1 shown in Figure 2, the fourth control signal CS4 can be the same as the second control signal CS2 shown in Figure 2, the third drive signal is the same as the first drive signal, and the fourth drive signal is the same as the second drive signal.
[0040] In this way, transient current can be effectively reduced to avoid overheating or reduced lifespan of power switches (e.g., the first switch module 111 and the second switch module 112).
[0041] In some embodiments, the priority of the security logic module 310 in generating the third control signal CS3 and the fourth control signal CS4 is greater than the priority of the control module 130 in generating the first control signal CS1 and the second control signal CS2.
[0042] In this embodiment, the motor device 300 further includes a monitoring module 320. The monitoring module 320 can be coupled to the control module 130 and the safety logic module 310. The monitoring module 320 can monitor whether the control module 130 is malfunctioning, such as a failure of the control module 130 to operate normally. When the monitoring module 320 detects an abnormality in the control module 130, the monitoring module 320 can generate a second indication signal IS2 to the safety logic module 310. In this embodiment, the second indication signal IS2 is the same as or similar to the first indication signal IS1. That is, in the first short-circuit protection mode SPM1, the second indication signal IS2 has a first voltage level, and in the second short-circuit protection mode SPM2, the second indication signal IS2 has a second voltage level. The first voltage level and the second voltage level are different. In some embodiments, the first voltage level is, for example, a low voltage level, and the second voltage level is, for example, a high voltage level. The aforementioned second indication signal IS2 can be, for example, a second abnormality indication signal.
[0043] After the safety logic module 310 receives the second indication signal IS2, in the first short-circuit protection mode SPM1, the safety logic module 310 can generate a third control signal CS3 to control the driver 120 to generate a third drive signal to the first switch module 111 and the second switch module 112 of the inverter 110, so that the first switch module 111 and the second switch module 112 are not turned on. Then, when switching from the first short-circuit protection mode SPM1 to the second short-circuit protection mode SPM2, the safety logic module 310 can generate a fourth control signal CS4 to control the driver 120 to generate a fourth drive signal to the first switch module 111 or the second switch module 112 of the inverter 110, so that the first switch module 111 or the second switch module 112 is turned on.
[0044] Figure 5 is a detailed schematic diagram of a security logic module 310 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 5, the security logic module 310 may include an error amplifier 510, a reference voltage generator 520, and a comparator 530.
[0045] The error amplifier 510 can receive a first indication signal IS1 (or a second indication signal IS2) and a first reference voltage VREF1, and generate an error signal SER based on the first indication signal IS1 (or the second indication signal IS2) and the first reference voltage VREF1. The reference voltage generator 520 can generate a second reference voltage VREF2. In some embodiments, the second reference voltage VREF2 can be a triangle wave signal, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.
[0046] Comparator 530 can be coupled to error amplifier 510 and reference voltage generator 520. Comparator 530 can receive error signal SER and second reference voltage VREF2, and generate a third control signal CS3 or a fourth control signal CS4 based on error signal SER and second reference voltage VREF2.
[0047] In some embodiments, the error amplifier 510 may include a first resistor R1, a second resistor R2, a third resistor R3, a first capacitor C1, a first operational amplifier (op amp) 511, a second capacitor C2 and a fourth resistor R4.
[0048] The first resistor R1 may have a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the first resistor R1 may receive a first indication signal IS1 (or a second indication signal IS2). That is, the first resistor R1 may be coupled to the control module 130. The second resistor R2 may have a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the second resistor R2 may receive a first reference voltage VREF1.
[0049] The third resistor R3 may have a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the third resistor R3 may be coupled to the second terminal of the second resistor R2. The second terminal of the third resistor R3 may be coupled to the ground terminal GND. The first capacitor C1 may have a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the first capacitor C1 may be coupled to the first terminal of the third resistor R3. The second terminal of the first capacitor C1 may be coupled to the second terminal of the third resistor R3.
[0050] The first operational amplifier 511 may have a first input terminal (e.g., a negative input terminal), a second input terminal (e.g., a positive input terminal), and an output terminal. The first input terminal of the first operational amplifier 511 may be coupled to the second terminal of the first resistor R1. The second input terminal of the first operational amplifier 511 may be coupled to the second terminal of the second resistor R2. The output terminal of the first operational amplifier 511 may generate an error signal SER.
[0051] The second capacitor C2 may have a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the second capacitor C2 may be coupled to the first input terminal of the first operational amplifier 511. The second terminal of the second capacitor C2 may be coupled to the output terminal of the first operational amplifier 511. The fourth resistor R4 may have a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the fourth resistor R4 may be coupled to the first input terminal of the first operational amplifier 511.
[0052] In some embodiments, the reference voltage generator 520 may include a second operational amplifier 521, a third capacitor C3, a fifth resistor R5, a sixth resistor R6, a seventh resistor R7 and a third operational amplifier 522.
[0053] The second operational amplifier 521 may have a first input terminal (e.g., a positive input terminal), a second input terminal (e.g., a negative input terminal), and an output terminal. The first input terminal of the second operational amplifier 521 may receive a third reference voltage VREF3. The output terminal of the second operational amplifier 521 may generate a second reference voltage VREF2. In some embodiments, the third reference voltage VREF3 and the first reference voltage VREF1 may be the same, for example, the system voltage.
[0054] The third capacitor C3 may have a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the third capacitor C3 may be coupled to the second input terminal of the second operational amplifier 521. The second terminal of the third capacitor C3 may be coupled to the output terminal of the second operational amplifier 521. The fifth resistor R5 may have a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the fifth resistor R5 may be coupled to the second input terminal of the second operational amplifier 521. The sixth resistor R6 may have a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the sixth resistor R6 may be coupled to the second terminal of the fifth resistor R5. The seventh resistor R7 may have a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of the seventh resistor R7 may be coupled to the second terminal of the sixth resistor R6. The second terminal of the seventh resistor R7 may be coupled to the output terminal of the second operational amplifier 521.
[0055] The third operational amplifier 522 may have a first input terminal (e.g., a positive input terminal), a second input terminal (e.g., a negative input terminal), and an output terminal. The first input terminal of the third operational amplifier 522 may be coupled to the second terminal of the sixth resistor R6. The second input terminal of the third operational amplifier 522 may receive a third reference voltage VREF3. The output terminal of the third operational amplifier 522 may be coupled to the second terminal of the fifth resistor R5.
[0056] In some embodiments, comparator 530 may include a fourth operational amplifier 531. The fourth operational amplifier 531 may have a first input terminal (e.g., a positive input terminal), a second input terminal (e.g., a negative input terminal), and an output terminal. The first input terminal of the fourth operational amplifier 531 may be coupled to the output terminal of the first operational amplifier 511 and receive an error signal SER. The second terminal of the fourth operational amplifier 531 may be coupled to the output terminal of the second operational amplifier 521 and receive a second reference voltage VREF2. The output terminal of the fourth operational amplifier 531 may be coupled to the second terminal of the fourth resistor R4 and generate a third control signal CS3 or a fourth control signal CS4.
[0057] Figure 6 is a flowchart of an operation method of a motor device according to one embodiment of the present invention. In step S602, a frequency converter is provided, having a first switching module and a second switching module, the first switching module and the second switching module being coupled together. In step S604, a driver is provided, coupled to the first switching module and the second switching module. In step S606, a control module is provided, coupled to the driver.
[0058] In step S608, when the motor device malfunctions, in the first short-circuit protection mode, a first control signal is generated through the control module to control the driver to generate a first drive signal to the first and second switching modules of the inverter, so that the first and second switching modules are not connected. In step S610, when switching from the first short-circuit protection mode to the second short-circuit protection mode, a second control signal is generated through the control module to control the driver to generate a second drive signal to the first or second switching module of the inverter, so that the first or second switching module is connected. In this embodiment, the second control signal is a pulse width modulation signal. In some embodiments, the duty cycle of the second control signal gradually increases from a first ratio to a second ratio.
[0059] Figure 7 is a flowchart of the operation method of the motor device according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, steps S602 to S610 in Figure 7 are the same as or similar to steps S602 to S610 in Figure 6, and can be referred to the description of the embodiment in Figure 5, so they will not be repeated here.
[0060] In step S702, the safety logic module receives the first indication signal generated by the control module. In step S704, after the safety logic module receives the first indication signal, in the first short-circuit protection mode, the safety logic module generates a third control signal to control the driver to generate a third drive signal to the first and second switching modules of the inverter, so that the first and second switching modules are not connected. In step S706, when switching from the first short-circuit protection mode to the second short-circuit protection mode, the safety logic module generates a fourth control signal to control the driver to generate a fourth drive signal to the first or second switching module of the inverter, so that the first or second switching module is connected. In this embodiment, the third control signal is the same as the first control signal, the third drive signal is the same as the first drive signal, the fourth control signal is the same as the second control signal, and the fourth drive signal is the same as the second drive signal.
[0061] Figure 8 is a flowchart of the operation method of a motor device according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, steps S602-S610 and S702-S706 in Figure 8 are the same as or similar to steps S602-S610 and S702-S706 in Figure 7, and can be referred to the description of the embodiment in Figure 8, so they will not be repeated here.
[0062] In step S802, the monitoring module monitors whether the control module is malfunctioning. When the monitoring module does not detect any malfunction in the control module, the process returns to step S802, and the monitoring module continues to monitor whether the control module is malfunctioning. When the monitoring module detects that the control module is malfunctioning, the process proceeds to step S804, where the monitoring module generates a second indication signal to the safety logic module.
[0063] In step S806, after the safety logic module receives the second indication signal, in the first short-circuit protection mode, the safety logic module generates a third control signal to control the driver to generate a third drive signal to the first and second switching modules of the frequency converter, so that the first and second switching modules are not connected. In step S808, when switching from the first short-circuit protection mode to the second short-circuit protection mode, the safety logic module generates a fourth control signal to control the driver to generate a fourth drive signal to the first or second switching module of the frequency converter, so that the first or second switching module is connected.
[0064] It is worth noting that the order of the steps in Figures 6, 7, and 8 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the order of steps in the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the order of the steps can be changed by the user according to their needs. Moreover, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the above flowcharts may include additional steps or use fewer steps.
[0065] In summary, the motor device and its operating method disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention, when the motor device malfunctions, in a first short-circuit protection mode, the control module generates a first control signal to control the driver to generate a first drive signal to the first and second switching modules of the inverter, so that the first and second switching modules are not conducting. Furthermore, when switching from the first short-circuit protection mode to the second short-circuit protection mode, the control module generates a second control signal to control the driver to generate a second drive signal to the first or second switching module of the inverter, so that the first or second switching module is conducting. The second control signal is a pulse width modulation signal. In this way, transient current can be effectively reduced to avoid overheating or reduced lifespan of the power switches (e.g., the first and second switching modules), and the use of excessively large power switches can be avoided, thus reducing costs.
[0066] Although the present invention has been disclosed above by way of embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art can make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]
[0067] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a motor device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a waveform diagram of a first control signal and a second control signal according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a motor device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a waveform diagram of a first indication signal, a second indication signal, a third control signal, and a fourth control signal according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a detailed schematic diagram of a safety logic module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a flowchart of an operation method of a motor device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a flowchart of an operation method of a motor device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a flowchart of an operation method of a motor device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Claims
1. A motor device, comprising: A frequency converter has a first switching module and a second switching module, the first switching module and the second switching module being coupled together; A driver is coupled to the first switching module and the second switching module; and a control module is coupled to the driver; wherein, when the motor device malfunctions, in a first short-circuit protection mode, the control module generates a first control signal to control the driver to generate a first drive signal to the first switching module and the second switching module of the frequency converter, so that the first switching module and the second switching module are not connected; and when switching from the first short-circuit protection mode to a second short-circuit protection mode, the control module generates a second control signal to control the driver to generate a second drive signal to the first switching module or the second switching module of the frequency converter, so that the first switching module or the second switching module is connected; wherein, the second control signal is a pulse width modulation signal; wherein, a duty cycle of the second control signal gradually increases from a first ratio to a second ratio; wherein, the second control signal switches the first short-circuit protection mode to the second short-circuit protection mode.
2. The motor device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first switching module comprises: A first switching unit has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The second terminal of the first switching unit generates a first voltage, and the control terminal of the first switching unit is coupled to the driver. A second switching unit has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The first terminal of the second switching unit is coupled to the first terminal of the first switching unit. The second terminal of the second switching unit generates a second voltage, and the control terminal of the second switching unit is coupled to the driver. A third switching unit has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal. The first terminal of the third switching unit is coupled to the first terminal of the second switching unit. The second terminal of the third switching unit generates a third voltage, and the control terminal of the third switching unit is coupled to the driver.
3. The motor device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second switching module comprises: A fourth switching unit has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal, wherein the first terminal of the fourth switching unit is coupled to the second terminal of the first switching unit, and the control terminal of the fourth switching unit is coupled to the driver; a fifth switching unit has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal, wherein the first terminal of the fifth switching unit is coupled to the second terminal of the second switching unit, the second terminal of the fifth switching unit is coupled to the second terminal of the fourth switching unit, and the control terminal of the fifth switching unit is coupled to the driver; a sixth switching unit has a first terminal, a second terminal, and a control terminal, wherein the first terminal of the sixth switching unit is coupled to the second terminal of the third switching unit, the second terminal of the sixth switching unit is coupled to the second terminal of the fifth switching unit, and the control terminal of the sixth switching unit is coupled to the driver.
4. The motor assembly as described in claim 3 further includes: A battery module is coupled to the first terminal of the first switching unit and the second terminal of the fourth switching unit.
5. The motor assembly as described in claim 3, further comprising: A motor module is coupled to the second terminal of the first switching unit, the second terminal of the second switching unit and the second terminal of the third switching unit, receives the first voltage, the second voltage and the third voltage, and operates according to the first voltage, the second voltage and the third voltage.
6. The motor assembly as described in claim 1, further comprising: A safety logic module is coupled to the control module and receives a first indication signal generated by the control module. After receiving the first indication signal, in the first short-circuit protection mode, the safety logic module generates a third control signal to control the driver to generate a third drive signal to the first and second switching modules of the frequency converter, causing the first and second switching modules to be de-conductive. Furthermore, when switching from the first short-circuit protection mode to the second short-circuit protection mode, the safety logic module generates a fourth control signal to control the driver to generate a fourth drive signal to the first or second switching module of the frequency converter, causing the first or second switching module to be conductive.
7. The motor device as described in claim 6, wherein the safety logic module includes: An error amplifier receives the first indication signal and a first reference voltage, and generates an error signal based on the first indication signal and the first reference voltage; a reference voltage generator generates a second reference voltage; and a comparator coupled to the error amplifier and the reference voltage generator receives the error signal and the second reference voltage, and generates the third control signal or the fourth control signal based on the error signal and the second reference voltage.
8. The motor assembly as described in claim 6, further comprising: A monitoring module is coupled to the control module and the safety logic module. The monitoring module monitors whether the control module is malfunctioning. When the monitoring module detects an malfunction in the control module, it generates a second indication signal to the safety logic module. After receiving the second indication signal, in the first short-circuit protection mode, the safety logic module generates a third control signal to control the driver to generate a third drive signal to the first and second switching modules of the frequency converter, so that the first and second switching modules are not connected. When switching from the first short-circuit protection mode to the second short-circuit protection mode, the safety logic module generates a fourth control signal to control the driver to generate a fourth drive signal to the first or second switching module of the frequency converter, so that the first or second switching module is connected.
9. A method for operating a motor device, comprising: A frequency converter is provided, having a first switching module and a second switching module, the first switching module and the second switching module being coupled together; A driver is provided, coupled to the first switching module and the second switching module; a control module is provided, coupled to the driver; when the motor device malfunctions, in a first short-circuit protection mode, the control module generates a first control signal to control the driver to generate a first drive signal to the first switching module and the second switching module of the frequency converter, so that the first switching module and the second switching module are not connected; and when switching from the first short-circuit protection mode to a second short-circuit protection mode, the control module generates a second control signal to control the driver to generate a second drive signal to the first switching module or the second switching module of the frequency converter, so that the first switching module or the second switching module is connected; wherein the second control signal is a pulse width modulation signal; wherein a duty cycle of the second control signal gradually increases from a first ratio to a second ratio; wherein the second control signal switches the first short-circuit protection mode to the second short-circuit protection mode.
10. The method of operating the motor device as described in claim 9 further includes: A first indication signal generated by the control module is received through a security logic module; After receiving the first indication signal, in the first short-circuit protection mode, the safety logic module generates a third control signal to control the driver to generate a third drive signal to the first and second switching modules of the frequency converter, so that the first and second switching modules are not connected; and when switching from the first short-circuit protection mode to the second short-circuit protection mode, the safety logic module generates a fourth control signal to control the driver to generate a fourth drive signal to the first or second switching module of the frequency converter, so that the first or second switching module is connected; wherein, the third control signal is the same as the first control signal, the third drive signal is the same as the first drive signal, the fourth control signal is the same as the second control signal, and the fourth drive signal is the same as the second drive signal.
11. The method of operating the motor device as described in claim 10 further includes: A monitoring module monitors whether the control module is malfunctioning. When the monitoring module detects an malfunction in the control module, it generates a second indication signal to the safety logic module. After receiving the second indication signal, in the first short-circuit protection mode, the safety logic module generates a third control signal to control the driver to generate the third drive signal to the first and second switching modules of the inverter, so that the first and second switching modules are not connected. When switching from the first short-circuit protection mode to the second short-circuit protection mode, the safety logic module generates a fourth control signal to control the driver to generate the fourth drive signal to the first or second switching module of the inverter, so that the first or second switching module is connected.