Motor control device

Abstract

Disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention is a motor control device comprising: a first power source connection unit for receiving first power source; a second power source connection unit for receiving second power source that is smaller than the first power source; a driving unit connected to a motor so as to supply the first power source, thereby driving the motor; and a control unit, which transmits, to the driving unit, a pulse modulation signal for driving the motor, the first power source connection unit, the driving unit and the control unit being high-voltage units for receiving the first power source, and the second power source connection unit being a low-voltage unit for receiving the second power source; and insulating units and a conversion unit, which connect the high-voltage units and the low-voltage unit, the low-voltage unit resetting the control unit according to whether the control unit is driven.

Description

motor control unit

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

[0002] In general, a hybrid electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) refers to a vehicle that uses an efficient combination of two or more different power sources to drive it, and in most cases, it refers to a vehicle that is driven by an engine that uses fuel to drive it and an electric motor that is powered by battery power.

[0003] In response to the pressing need to improve fuel efficiency and develop more environmentally friendly products, research on hybrid vehicles is becoming increasingly active.

[0004] Hybrid vehicles are basically vehicles that have an engine, a motor, a vehicle battery, and a high-voltage battery. Recently, plug-in hybrid vehicles are being developed that have a higher capacity of high-voltage batteries than conventional hybrid vehicles, charge the high-voltage batteries from an external power source, and drive only in EV mode for short distances and drive in HEV mode when the high-voltage battery is discharged.

[0005] Also, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a vehicle that is equipped with both a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine and a battery engine like a conventional hybrid vehicle, and can be powered by one or both of them, and is equipped with a large-capacity, high-voltage battery that can be charged with electricity. Since it can be charged with electricity like charging a cell phone or filling up gasoline at home or at a charging station, it has the advantage of being able to be used continuously.

[0006] These hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles are essentially vehicles equipped with an engine, a motor, a battery, and a high-voltage battery. To meet the growing demand for these hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles, there is a growing need for technology that can power the oil pump using the high-voltage battery.

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the embodiment of the present invention is to provide a compact motor control device with improved reliability by arranging each element in a high voltage section and a low voltage section.

[0008] In addition, an embodiment of the present invention can provide a motor control device in which the driving stability of the control unit is improved by monitoring the low-voltage unit for the control unit of the high-voltage unit.

[0009] In addition, an embodiment of the present invention can provide a motor control device with improved reliability by detecting a motor or circuit abnormality in duplicate.

[0010] The problem to be solved in the embodiment is not limited to this, and it can be said that the purpose or effect that can be understood from the solution or implementation form of the problem described below is also included.

[0011] A motor control device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first power connection unit receiving a first power; a second power connection unit receiving a second power smaller than the first power; a driving unit connected to a motor and supplying the first power to drive the motor; and a control unit transmitting a pulse modulation signal for driving the motor to the driving unit; wherein the first power connection unit, the driving unit, and the control unit are high-voltage units receiving the first power, the second power connection unit is low-voltage units receiving the second power, and an insulation unit and a conversion unit connecting between the high-voltage unit and the low-voltage unit; wherein the low-voltage unit resets the control unit depending on whether the control unit is driven.

[0012] The above-mentioned converter can insulate the high voltage section and the low voltage section and provide a third power source that has boosted the second power source to the high voltage section.

[0013] The above third power source can be provided to the driving unit.

[0014] The high voltage unit may include a first regulator and a sensor power unit connected to the converter unit to reduce the third voltage.

[0015] The above first regulator can provide a reduced voltage to the control unit.

[0016] The low voltage unit may include a second regulator connected to the control unit and receiving an operation signal from the control unit; and a third regulator providing power to an external sensor.

[0017] The second regulator can depressurize the second power supply and transmit a reset signal to the control unit in response to an operation signal from the control unit.

[0018] The low voltage section may include a conversion circuit connected to each of the second power source and the ignition key, and the conversion circuit may include a triangle wave generation circuit; and a comparator connected to either the second power source or the ignition key and the triangle wave generation circuit.

[0019] The above comparator can be connected to the above control unit.

[0020] The above conversion circuit can output a signal having a duty ratio corresponding to a change in the second power source or the ignition key.

[0021] It may include an overcurrent detection circuit connected to a detection element disposed between the motor and the control unit; and a judgment unit connected to the overcurrent detection circuit and the control unit.

[0022] The above judgment unit can output an overcurrent detection signal when an overcurrent is detected in either the overcurrent detection circuit or the control unit.

[0023] The above sensing element can be connected to the above control unit.

[0024] An embodiment of the present invention implements a compact motor control device with improved reliability by arranging each element in a high-voltage section and a low-voltage section.

[0025] In addition, an embodiment of the present invention can implement a motor control device in which the driving stability of the control unit is improved by monitoring the low-voltage unit for the control unit of the high-voltage unit.

[0026] In addition, the embodiment of the present invention can implement a motor control device with improved reliability by detecting motor or circuit abnormalities in duplicate.

[0027] The various advantageous and beneficial effects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described contents, and will be more easily understood in the course of explaining specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a motor control device, a battery connected to the motor control device, a high-voltage battery, a position sensor, and a motor according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the drive confirmation function of the control unit of the high voltage section in a motor control device according to an embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of voltage monitoring in a motor control device according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 is a specific circuit diagram of the conversion circuit in Figure 3,

[0032] Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of an overcurrent detection circuit in a motor control device according to an embodiment.

[0033] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated and described in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0034] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as "second," "first," etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a second component may be referred to as "first component," and similarly, a first component may also be referred to as "second component." The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related items described herein or any of multiple related items described herein.

[0035] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0036] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0037] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a motor control device according to an embodiment, a battery connected to the motor control device, a high-voltage battery, a position sensor, and a motor, FIG. 2 is a block diagram explaining an operation confirmation function of a control unit of a high-voltage section in the motor control device according to an embodiment, FIG. 3 is a block diagram explaining operation of voltage monitoring in the motor control device according to an embodiment, FIG. 4 is a specific circuit diagram of a conversion circuit in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram explaining operation of an overcurrent detection circuit in the motor control device according to an embodiment.

[0040] First, a motor control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery connected to the motor control device, a high-voltage battery, a position sensor, and a motor can be placed in a vehicle.

[0041] And the motor control device according to the embodiment can control the motor for the oil pump applied to the vehicle. Furthermore, the motor control device according to the embodiment can be applied to various types of vehicles (e.g., hybrid, plug-in hybrid, etc.). In addition, although the present embodiment describes without distinguishing the installation location of the oil pump, the present invention can be applied to both an internal oil pump installed inside an oil pan and an external oil pump installed outside an oil pan.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the motor (300) may be a motor that drives an oil pump. For example, the motor (300) may include an LDC motor, a BLAC motor, etc. For example, the motor (300) may include a 3-phase LDC motor, a 3-phase BLAC motor, etc.

[0043] And in this embodiment, the battery (400) equipped in the vehicle (such as a hybrid vehicle) provides power (e.g., constant power, VB) to the motor control device (100), and when the ignition key is turned on, the ignition key input power (IG) can be activated. In other words, the battery (400) equipped in the vehicle (hybrid, plug-in hybrid) supplies constant power to the motor control device (100) or control unit (114) for driving the motor (300), and when the ignition key (IGN) is turned on, the ignition key input power is supplied to the driving unit (113), which is an element for driving the motor (300).

[0044] In other words, the motor control device (100) can receive a second power supply, which is a constant power supply, through the second connection unit (121). The second power supply or power supply (VB) can be provided to the conversion unit (131) through the second filter (122) and the conversion control unit (123). The conversion unit (131) can supply a predetermined voltage to the high voltage unit (110) by the conversion control unit (123). For example, the conversion unit (131) can boost the second power supply (second voltage) to a third power supply (third voltage). For example, the conversion unit (131) can output a third voltage of 15 V. And the conversion unit (131) can be connected to a converter, etc. The overcurrent detection circuit (115) can convert (e.g., step down) the third voltage to a predetermined voltage level (e.g., 5 V). Accordingly, the converted voltage can be provided to the control unit (114), the first insulation unit (132), the second insulation unit (133), the third insulation unit (134), etc.

[0045] In addition, the vehicle motor control device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a high voltage unit (110) that receives the voltage of a high voltage battery (200), a low voltage unit (120) that receives the voltage of a battery (400), for example, a low voltage of 12 V, and a conversion unit (131) that converts a low voltage signal transmitted from the low voltage unit (120) to the high voltage unit (110) into a high voltage signal and transmits the converted low voltage signal while insulating the high voltage unit (110) and the low voltage unit (120). Furthermore, the vehicle motor control device (100) according to an embodiment may further include a first insulation unit (132), a second insulation unit (133), and a third insulation unit (134) that are insulated between the high voltage unit (110) and the low voltage unit (120). In addition, the high voltage unit (110) and the low voltage unit (120) may be electrically insulated or separated. In particular, signals can be transmitted and received or voltage boosted only by the first insulation section, the second insulation section, the third insulation section, and the conversion section described above. This will be described later.

[0046] And the high-voltage battery (200) placed in the vehicle can supply a high voltage (HV) of, for example, 100 V or more or a first voltage to the gate driver (113a) and the bridge circuit (113b) of the driving unit (113) that drives the motor (300). That is, it should be noted that in the present invention, the motor (300) can be driven by a high voltage of 100 V or more. Therefore, the present invention can drive the motor normally even in an over-discharge state of the high-voltage battery (200).

[0047] The motor control device (100) may include a high voltage section (110), a low voltage section (120), a first insulation section (132), a second insulation section (133), a third insulation section (134), and a conversion section (131).

[0048] Additionally, the high voltage section (110) may include a first connection section (111), a first filter (112), a driving section (113), a control section (114), an overcurrent detection circuit (115), a first regulator (116), and a motor connection section (117).

[0049] The low voltage section (120) may include a second connection section (121), a second filter (122), a conversion control section (123), a second regulator (124), a third regulator (124'), a communication section (125), and a voltage monitoring section (126).

[0050] At this time, the first connection part (111), the second connection part (121), and the motor connection part (117) may include connectors for connection with external devices (high voltage battery, battery, motor, and position sensor) of the motor control device (100). In addition, the first connection part and the second connection part may be referred to as a 'first power connection part' and a 'second power connection part', respectively.

[0051] Specifically, in the high voltage section (110), the first connection section (111) can receive a first power source, which is a high voltage, from the high voltage battery (200).

[0052] The first filter (112) may be connected to the high voltage section (110). The first filter (112) may include an EMC filter. The first filter (112) may reduce EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) noise included in the high voltage.

[0053] The driving unit (113) is connected to the motor (300) and can drive the motor (300) by supplying a first voltage to the motor (300). The driving unit (113) may include a gate driver (113a), a bridge circuit (113b), and an error detection unit (113c).

[0054] The gate driver (113a) may include a circuit that performs switching with a signal (pulse modulation signal) received from the control unit (114). That is, the gate driver (113a) may include a switching circuit that outputs or interrupts a pulse modulation signal (PWM signal). In an embodiment, the gate driver (113a) may include a high-voltage direct circuit gate driver driven by a high voltage or a first voltage of a high-voltage battery (200).

[0055] The bridge circuit (113b) may be connected to the gate driver (113a). And the bridge circuit (113b) may be a driving means for driving the motor (300) from the gate driver (113a). The bridge circuit (113b) may include a three-phase full bridge circuit. In addition, the bridge circuit (113b) may be composed of an insulated gate bipolar transistor (hereinafter referred to as 'IGBT') element or a field effect transistor (hereinafter referred to as 'FET') element.

[0056] For example, both the high side and low side of the driving unit (113) use N-channel IGBT elements.

[0057] In vehicles such as hybrids, the motor (300) is driven using the primary power source of a high-voltage battery (200), and by configuring an IGBT element in the bridge circuit (113b), safety for high-voltage switching can be increased.

[0058] Additionally, the position sensor or Hall sensor (500) can detect changes in the magnetic field according to the position of the rotor provided inside the motor (300) and transmit a detection signal to the control unit (114) through the second connection unit and the third insulation unit.

[0059] The error detection unit (113c) can detect non-operation, errors, etc. of the driving unit (113). Through this, the control unit (114) or the driving unit (113) can stop the switching operation of the driving unit (113) when the voltage of the bridge circuit unit (113b) is higher than a preset voltage. The error detection unit (113c) can be connected to the control unit (114) and the overcurrent detection circuit (115). This will be described later.

[0060] And the driving unit (113) can receive a noise-reduced high voltage from the first filter (112).

[0061] The control unit (114) can transmit a pulse modulation signal to the drive unit (113) for driving the motor (300).

[0062] The control unit (114) can drive the motor (300) according to a command from an external device within the vehicle or the main control unit (not shown) via the communication unit (125). That is, when the target RPM of the oil pump is received, a pulse modulation signal (PWM signal) for driving the motor (300) can be output and transmitted to the driving unit (113). Thus, the motor (300) can finally be driven.

[0063] In other words, the control unit (114) can receive the RPM and target RPM of the vehicle engine from the main control unit such as the MCU or TCU. The control unit (114) outputs a PWM signal corresponding to the input target RPM, and at the same time, the control unit (114) can be connected to a sensing element (Shunt R) connected to the output of the driving unit (113) to receive a signal (e.g., current value) corresponding to the actual RPM. In particular, the control unit (114) can be directly connected to the sensing element connected to the output of the driving unit (113) without an insulating element. That is, no insulating device exists between the sensing element and the control unit (114).

[0064] Additionally, a signal corresponding to the received actual RPM can be transmitted to the main control unit through the communication unit (125) and the first and second insulation units.

[0065] Furthermore, the internal control cycle (Control Interval) of the control unit (114) can be applied in a manner having a constant time interval or in a time-variant manner. In the case of the time-variant manner, it is inversely proportional to the RPM of the motor (300). In addition, the control unit (114) can enable more precise control by performing feedback control so that the motor (300) reaches the target rotation speed using the PWM duty (Duty, %) calculated to be increased or decreased through PID control.

[0066] In addition, the control unit (114) can set the rotation speed of the motor (300) based on a detection signal transmitted from a hall sensor (500) that detects the position of the motor (300), diagnose whether an abnormality has occurred in the hall sensor (500), and determine whether the motor (300) is operating normally.

[0067] And the control unit (114) can control the operation of the motor (300) according to a command from the main control unit through the communication unit (125).

[0068] Meanwhile, a TCU connection line (not shown in the drawing) using a hard wire may be provided between the control unit (114) and the TCU of the main control unit to enable communication even when a CAN communication failure occurs.

[0069] An overcurrent detection circuit (115) can be connected to a detection element to protect the driving unit (113). This will be described later.

[0070] The conversion control unit (123) can be connected to the conversion unit (131). When the second power source (second voltage) is boosted to a third power source (third voltage) in the conversion unit (131), the first regulator (116) can convert the third voltage to a predetermined voltage level (approximately 5 V). And the predetermined voltage level (approximately 5 V) can be provided to the control unit (114).

[0071] In other words, the first regulator (116) can be connected to the conversion unit (131). Accordingly, the first regulator (116) can receive the third voltage output from the conversion unit (131). The voltage level of the third power source can be converted to a specific voltage level (e.g., 5 V) and output to the control unit (114), etc.

[0072] Additionally, the motor connection unit (117) can receive power (e.g., three-phase, U / V / W) output from the drive unit (113). And the motor connection unit (117) can supply the received power to the connected motor (300). Thus, motor driving for the oil pump can be achieved.

[0073] Additionally, in the low voltage section (120), the second connection section (121) can receive a second power from the battery (400). At this time, as described above, the second power may be smaller than the first power.

[0074] The second filter (122) may be connected to the second connection (121). The second filter (122) may include an EMC filter. The second filter (122) may reduce EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) noise included in the second power supply.

[0075] The conversion control unit (123) may be connected to the second connection unit (121) or the second filter (122). The conversion control unit (123) may be a pulse width modulation signal controller (PWM controller). The conversion control unit (123) may be connected to the conversion unit (131) and transmit a PWM signal to the conversion unit (131). The conversion unit (131) may perform voltage boosting in response to the PWM signal.

[0076] The second regulator (124) can be connected to the second connection (121) or the second filter (122).

[0077] The second regulator (124) can receive the second power and convert it to a specific voltage level (e.g., 5 V). The converted voltage can be supplied to a communication unit (125) connected to the second regulator (124).

[0078] Furthermore, a third regulator (124') may be included. The third regulator (124') may be connected to the second regulator (124) to convert the second voltage to a specific voltage level (e.g., 5 V) and supply it to an external sensor or device.

[0079] The communication unit (125) may be formed of a component for CAN communication. Furthermore, the communication unit (125) may perform communication with an external main control unit through the second connection unit (121). Furthermore, the communication unit (125) may be connected to any one of the first insulation unit (132), the second insulation unit (133), and the third insulation unit (134) to communicate with the control unit (114), etc. In other words, the communication unit (125) may perform communication between the control unit (114) and the external control unit through the third insulation unit (134).

[0080] The voltage monitoring unit (126) is connected to the control unit (114) through the second insulation unit and can monitor or detect the operation of the control unit (114). A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0081] The first insulating portion (132), the second insulating portion (133), and the third insulating portion (134) may be positioned between the high voltage portion (110) and the low voltage portion (120). The first insulating portion (132), the second insulating portion (133), and the third insulating portion (134) may transmit a communication signal of the low voltage portion to an element (e.g., a control portion) of the high voltage portion (110). In addition, the first insulating portion (132), the second insulating portion (133), and the third insulating portion (134) may also receive a communication signal of the low voltage portion from the control portion (114) of the high voltage portion (110).

[0082] The first insulating portion (132), the second insulating portion (133), and the third insulating portion (134) can insulate the high voltage portion (110) and the low voltage portion (120). For example, the first insulating portion (132), the second insulating portion (133), and the third insulating portion (134) can include a digital isolator. For example, the third insulating portion (134) can be an insulating element that transmits a CAN communication signal between the high voltage portion (110) and the low voltage portion (12).

[0083] Furthermore, the control unit (114) can control the on / off of the first insulation unit (132), the second insulation unit (133), and the third insulation unit (134). For example, if a malfunction or failure of any one of the first insulation unit (132), the second insulation unit (133), and the third insulation unit (134) is detected, the control unit (114) can operate the other one of the first insulation unit (132), the second insulation unit (133), and the third insulation unit (134). Furthermore, if the control unit (114) determines that the first insulation unit (132), the second insulation unit (133), and the third insulation unit (134) are all malfunctioning or failing, the control unit (114) can turn off all of the first insulation unit (132), the second insulation unit (133), and the third insulation unit (134).

[0084] The second insulation unit (133) and the third insulation unit (134) can connect the communication unit (125) (or voltage monitoring unit) and the control unit (114). The third insulation unit (134) can perform CAN communication. The third insulation unit (134) can transmit and receive signals (CAN_TXD, CAN_RXD) from the communication unit (125). Furthermore, the third insulation unit (134) can transmit and receive signals (CAN_TXD, CAN_RXD) from the control unit (114).

[0085] The conversion unit (131) can insulate between each region (low voltage section and high voltage section) between the low voltage section (120) and the high voltage section (110) and convert only the voltage level.

[0086] The conversion unit (131) can boost the second power source (second voltage) to a third power source (third voltage). In addition, the conversion unit (131) can provide the third voltage to the high voltage unit (110). In other words, the third voltage can be the power source of the high voltage unit (110). For example, the conversion unit (131) can convert the 5 V power source of the low voltage unit to a 15 V power source.

[0087] The conversion unit (131) may include a flyback converter. Accordingly, between the high voltage unit (110) and the low voltage unit (120), the only power supply element is the conversion unit (131), excluding the elements for communication (the first and second insulation units).

[0088] The first insulation unit (132) can connect each element of the low voltage unit (e.g., including the second insulation unit) and the control unit (114).

[0089] The second insulation unit (133) can connect the voltage monitoring unit (126) and the control unit (114). The third insulation unit (134) can connect the communication unit (125) and the control unit (114). In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the first to third insulation units can transmit and receive signals between the low voltage unit and the high voltage unit.

[0090] In this way, by applying the elements arranged in the high-voltage section (110) and the low-voltage section (120) as described above, no additional insulating elements (e.g., integrated circuits (ICs)) are required. In other words, power efficiency can be improved. In addition, a large-sized DC-DC converter for reducing the high voltage can become unnecessary. In other words, a miniaturized motor control device can be provided.

[0091] In this way, the motor control device (100) according to the embodiment can optimally achieve the separation distance and the arrangement of the insulation elements for insulation according to the voltage difference between the battery (400) and the high-voltage battery (200) through the configuration in which the first power connection unit, the driving unit, and the control unit are high-voltage units that receive the first power, and the second power connection unit and the communication unit are low-voltage units that receive the second power. That is, the present invention can provide an efficient and compact motor control device through a conversion unit that converts one power level by arranging each element in the above-described high-voltage unit and low-voltage unit.

[0092] Referring further to FIG. 2, the first regulator (116) may be connected to the control unit (114). The first regulator (116) may provide a reduced voltage to the control unit (114). For example, the first regulator (116) may receive a portion of the voltage boosted from the conversion unit (131). The first regulator (116) may reduce a portion of the boosted voltage and provide it to the control unit.

[0093] And the control unit (114) can be connected to the second regulator (124) through the insulation unit. For example, the control unit (114) can be connected to the second regulator (124) through the third insulation unit (134). The control unit (114) can provide an operation signal for driving to the second regulator (124). That is, the second regulator (124) can be connected to the control unit (114) in the low voltage unit (120) and receive the operation signal of the control unit (114). And the second regulator (124) can reduce the pressure of the second power supply and transmit a reset signal (Reset) to the control unit (114) in response to the operation signal of the control unit (114).

[0094] For example, the control unit (114) can provide a clock frequency to the second regulator (124). The second regulator (124) can include a watchdog and an output. The watchdog of the second regulator (124) can receive an operation signal (e.g., clock frequency, LCK) from the control unit (114) through the third insulator (134). The operation signal can include an arbitrary frequency signal generated for monitoring the control unit (114). In addition, the watchdog can provide a reset signal to the control unit (114) when the control unit (114) is not input with an abnormal operation of the clock signal. In this case, the reset signal can be transmitted from the second regulator (124) to the control unit (114) through the third insulator (134). And the second regulator (124) can be driven by receiving the on or drive (IGN Enable) of the ignition key (IGN). By this configuration, the normal operation of the control unit (114) is monitored in the low voltage section, so that the operation of the control unit can be monitored normally even in the event of an electrical issue in the high voltage section. Furthermore, the second regulator (124) can provide a reduced voltage to other components of the low voltage section (120).

[0095] In addition, the third regulator (124') of the low voltage unit (120) can supply power to an external sensor by reducing the second power supply. That is, the third regulator (124') can include an output unit (Output) that outputs a reduced voltage. The output unit (Output) of the third regulator (124') can supply power to an external element, etc. (LDO_EXT). In addition, the third regulator (124') can receive a drive or on signal (LDO_5V Enable) from the output unit of the second regulator (124). As a result, the circuit of the low voltage unit (120) can be electrically protected against malfunction or damage of the external sensor.

[0096] Referring further to FIGS. 3 and 4, the voltage monitoring unit (126) in the low voltage section may include a first conversion circuit. The conversion circuit may be connected to a second power source (VBAT or VB) and an ignition key (IGN), respectively. For example, each of the conversion circuits may be connected to a second power source (VBAT or VB) and an ignition key (IGN), respectively.

[0097] As an example, the conversion circuit may include a first conversion circuit (126a) and a second conversion circuit (126b).

[0098] The first conversion circuit (126a) may be connected to a second power source (VBAT). The second conversion circuit (126b) may be connected to an ignition key (IGN). Each of the conversion circuits may be connected to the second power source (VBAT or VB) and the ignition key (IGN) through voltage distribution, etc.

[0099] The conversion circuit can be connected to the high voltage control unit (114) through an insulating unit (e.g., a second insulating unit). In particular, the conversion circuit can convert an analog signal of the low voltage unit into a digital signal and provide it to the control unit (114) through the second insulating unit.

[0100] The conversion circuit may include a triangle wave generator circuit and a comparator. The following description will be based on the second conversion circuit (126b). However, the following description may also be applied to the first conversion circuit (126a). That is, the conversion circuit may include a comparator and an additive triangle wave generator circuit connected to either the second power source or the ignition key and the triangle wave generator circuit.

[0101] And the comparator can be connected to the control unit. For example, the output of the comparator can be provided to the control unit.

[0102] In addition, the conversion circuit according to the embodiment can output a signal having a duty ratio corresponding to the conversion of the second power source or the ignition key. Accordingly, the control unit can receive a signal (OUTPUT) having a duty ratio for the conversion of the second power source or the ignition key. In other words, the control unit can easily determine the voltage value of the second power source (VBAT) or the ignition key (IGN) based on the duty ratio information of the digital signal. At this time, the period of the triangle wave can be smaller than the period of the second power source or the ignition key. Accordingly, a signal having a more accurate duty ratio can be provided to the control unit.

[0103] Furthermore, the conversion circuit may eliminate the need for bulky circuit components (e.g., isolated OP-AMPs), thereby enabling miniaturization. Furthermore, by detecting the secondary power supply or ignition key based on the duty cycle, voltage generation in the low-voltage region can be easily monitored.

[0104] The second conversion circuit (126b) may include a triangle wave generation circuit (126bb) and a comparator (126ba). The triangle wave generation circuit (126bb) may be connected to one of the inverting terminal and the non-inverting terminal of the comparator (126ba), and an ignition key (IGN) may be connected to the other of the inverting terminal and the non-inverting terminal.

[0105] For example, an ignition key (IGN) may be connected to the non-inverting terminal. A triangle wave generator circuit may be connected to the inverting terminal or the reference voltage terminal (INPUT).

[0106] And the period of the ignition key (IGN) may be greater than the period of the triangle wave input from the triangle wave generator circuit (126bb). If the ignition key (IGN, red) is greater than 4.5 V, the area where the size of the triangle wave or triangle waveform is smaller than the ignition key may decrease. Accordingly, the duty ratio may be greater than 90%.

[0107] Conversely, if the ignition key (IGN, red) is less than 0.5 V, the area where the triangle wave or triangle waveform is larger than the ignition key may decrease. Therefore, the duty ratio may be less than 10%.

[0108] As a variation, an ignition key (IGN) may be connected to the inverting terminal or the reference voltage terminal (INPUT). A triangle wave generator circuit may be connected to the non-inverting terminal. In addition, the period of the ignition key (IGN) may be greater than the period of the triangle wave input from the triangle wave generator circuit (126bb).

[0109] And when the ignition key (IGN, red) is greater than 4.5 V, the area where the triangle wave or triangle waveform is smaller than the ignition key may decrease. Therefore, the duty ratio may be less than 10%.

[0110] Conversely, if the ignition key (IGN, red) is less than 4.5 V, the area where the triangle wave or triangle waveform is larger than the ignition key may decrease. Therefore, the duty ratio may be greater than 90%.

[0111] In this way, the size or change in the size of the ignition key or the second power supply can be easily detected through the value or change in the duty ratio through the triangle wave and the comparator.

[0112] Referring further to FIG. 7, the vehicle control device according to the embodiment may further include a judgment unit (OR). The judgment unit (OR) may be connected to an overcurrent detection circuit and a control unit. In addition, the overcurrent detection circuit (115) may be connected to a detection element (Shunt R) arranged between the control unit and the motor.

[0113] In an embodiment, the judgment unit (OR) may output an overcurrent detection signal when an overcurrent is detected in either the overcurrent detection circuit (115) or the control unit (114). For example, when an overcurrent or a short is detected, the overcurrent detection signal may be provided to the error detection unit (113c). In this case, the error detection unit (113c) may stop the operation of the driving unit.

[0114] The overcurrent detection circuit (115) and the control unit (114) can be connected in parallel with the detection element (Shunt R). For example, a three-phase voltage can be provided from the detection element (Shunt R) to each of the control unit and the overcurrent detection circuit.

[0115] The overcurrent detection circuit (115) may include a plurality of comparators (115a, 115b, 115c) and a gate portion (115d).

[0116] Each of the plurality of comparators (115a, 115b, 115c) can be connected to a respective three-phase voltage from the sensing element. For example, each of the three-phase voltages from the sensing element can be input to each comparator. The comparator can receive a reference voltage corresponding to an overcurrent or a short circuit.

[0117] The gate unit (115d) can be connected to a plurality of comparators (115a, 115b, 115c). The gate unit (115d) can receive output signals from the plurality of comparators (115a, 115b, 115c). Accordingly, the gate unit (115d) can output an overcurrent detection signal to the judgment unit (OR) when an output corresponding to overcurrent is input from any one of the plurality of comparators (115a, 115b, 115c).

[0118] And the judgment unit (OR) can output a fault (e.g., an overcurrent detection signal) to the error detection unit (113c) when either a fault detection signal of the control unit (SW fault detection signal) or an overcurrent detection signal of the gate unit (HW overcurrent detection signal) is received. In response, the operation of the driving unit can be stopped. By this configuration, damage to the driving unit (113) can be prevented for a time (e.g., several ms) after the occurrence of an overcurrent due to the calculation time and signal transmission delay of the control unit. In other words, the operation of the driving unit can be stopped more accurately and quickly through the monitoring of the control unit and the overcurrent detection circuit for any one of the three phases connected to the motor. Thereby, the reliability of the motor control device can be further improved.

[0119] Although the above description focuses on examples, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. For example, each component specifically shown in the examples can be modified and implemented. In addition, differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A first power connector that receives the first power; A second power connection unit receiving a second power smaller than the first power; A driving unit connected to a motor and supplying the first power to drive the motor; and A control unit that transmits a pulse modulation signal for driving the motor to the driving unit; The above first power connection unit, the driving unit, and the control unit are high voltage units that receive the first power, The above second power connection part is a low voltage part that receives the second power, Including an insulation unit and a conversion unit connecting the high voltage unit and the low voltage unit; The above low voltage unit is a motor control device that resets the control unit depending on whether the control unit is driven.

2. In paragraph 1, The above-mentioned converter is a motor control device that insulates the high-voltage section and the low-voltage section and provides a third power source that has boosted the second power source to the high-voltage section.

3. In paragraph 2, The third power source is a motor control device provided to the driving unit.

4. In paragraph 3, A motor control device including a first regulator and a sensor power unit, wherein the high voltage unit is connected to the converter unit and reduces the third voltage.

5. In paragraph 4, The above first regulator is a motor control device that provides a reduced voltage to the control unit.

6. In paragraph 5, The above low voltage part, A second regulator connected to the control unit and receiving an operation signal from the control unit; and A motor control device comprising a third regulator providing power to an external sensor.

7. In paragraph 6, A motor control device in which the second regulator reduces the pressure of the second power supply and transmits a reset signal to the control unit in response to an operation signal of the control unit.

8. In paragraph 2, The low voltage section includes a conversion circuit connected to each of the second power supply and the ignition key, A motor control device comprising a triangle wave generating circuit, wherein the above-mentioned conversion circuit comprises a comparator connected to the triangle wave generating circuit and one of the second power source and the ignition key.

9. In paragraph 8, The above comparator is a motor control device connected to the above control unit.

10. In paragraph 8, The above conversion circuit is a motor control device that outputs a signal having a duty ratio corresponding to a change in the second power source or the ignition key.

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