DE102012207534A1 - Selection unit for selecting the configuration of an electric motor, transport machine and associated method - Google Patents

Abstract

Discussed is a selection unit (60, 280) for selecting the configuration (K1 to K3) of an electric motor (10, 54, 250), comprising: - an input unit (EE) capable of receiving at least one signal (295) or data a driving state (B1 to B4) of a haulage machine (240) or a rotational speed (n) of an electric motor (10, 54, 250), - a determining unit which depends on the signal (295) received with the input unit (MP) or data determining a configuration of the electric motor (10, 54, 250), - an output unit (AE2) outputting at least one signal (298) or data designating or specifying the selected configuration (K1 to K3).

Description

The invention relates to a selection unit for selecting the configuration of an electric motor. In particular, the electric motor can be used in a transport machine as a drive motor.

Electric motors are increasingly used in cars, commercial vehicles but also in motorcycles and bicycles. Often, a fixed configuration of the electric motor is predetermined, to which the vehicle and the control unit or a possibly used control unit are tuned. But also ships and airplanes are equipped with electric motors as propulsion to water or in the air.

• – eine Eingabeeinheit, die ein Signal oder Daten empfangen kann, welche einen Fahrzustand einer Transportmaschine oder eine Drehzahl eines Elektromotors angibt,
• – eine Ermittlungseinheit, die abhängig von dem mit der Eingabeeinheit empfangenen Signal oder Daten eine Konfiguration des Elektromotors ermittelt, und
• – eine Ausgabeeinheit, die mindestens ein Signal oder Daten ausgibt, das die ausgewählte Konfiguration bezeichnet oder vorgibt.

The invention relates to a selection unit for selecting the configuration of an electric motor, comprising:

• An input unit that can receive a signal or data indicating a driving state of a haulage machine or a rotational speed of an electric motor,
• A detection unit which determines a configuration of the electric motor depending on the signal or data received by the input unit, and
• An output unit that outputs at least one signal or data that designates or dictates the selected configuration.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a transport machine with such a selection unit.

• – Erfassen eines ersten Fahrzustands oder einer ersten Drehzahl,
• – Auswahl einer ersten Konfiguration eines Elektromotors abhängig von dem erfassten ersten Fahrzustand,
• – Erfassen eines zweiten Fahrzustands oder einer zweiten Drehzahl, und
• – Auswahl einer zweiten Konfiguration eines Elektromotors abhängig von dem erfassten zweiten Fahrzustand, wobei sich die zweite Konfiguration von der ersten Konfiguration unterscheidet.

The invention also relates to a method for selecting a configuration on an electric motor, comprising:

• Detecting a first driving state or a first rotational speed,
• Selecting a first configuration of an electric motor depending on the detected first driving state,
• - detecting a second driving state or a second rotational speed, and
• Selecting a second configuration of an electric motor depending on the sensed second driving condition, wherein the second configuration is different from the first configuration.

It is an object of the embodiments to provide a selection unit that allows a reconfiguration of an electric motor and in particular ensures the further use of the electric motor even with errors in the electric motor. In addition, a transport machine with such a selection unit and an associated method should be specified.

This object is achieved by a selection unit according to claim 1 and by a transport machine and a method according to the independent claims. Further developments are specified in the subclaims.

• – eine Eingabeeinheit, die mindestens ein Signal oder Daten empfangen kann, welches einen Fahrzustand einer Transportmaschine oder eine Drehzahl eines Elektromotors angibt,
• – eine Ermittlungseinheit, die vorzugsweise automatisch abhängig von dem mit der Eingabeeinheit empfangenen Signal oder Daten eine Konfiguration des Elektromotors ermittelt, und
• – eine Ausgabeeinheit, die ein Signal oder Daten ausgibt, das die ausgewählte Konfiguration bezeichnet oder definiert.

One embodiment relates to a selection unit for selecting the configuration of an electric motor, comprising:

• An input unit that can receive at least one signal or data that indicates a driving state of a haulage machine or a rotational speed of an electric motor,
• A determination unit, which preferably automatically determines a configuration of the electric motor depending on the signal or data received with the input unit, and
• An output unit that outputs a signal or data that designates or defines the selected configuration.

A driving condition can be, for example, starting up. Another driving condition may be, for example, driving at medium speeds, e.g. In the range of 30 Km / h (kilometers per hour) to 50 Km / h. A third driving condition may be driving at high speeds. However, other driving conditions may be used which are less speed-related. So also errors in the electric motor or its control can mark a certain driving condition. Instead of or in addition to the driving conditions, the rotational speed of the electric motor can also be used.

The determination unit contains, for example, a processor or a microprocessor. Alternatively, the detection unit may include an electronic circuit without a microprocessor. Depending on the current driving state and / or the rotational speed, the determination unit selects a favorable configuration, in particular according to a predetermined method or according to predetermined criteria, eg. B. high efficiency of the electric motor in the relevant driving condition, safe engine operation when an error occurs in Electric motor or in the control or regulation of the electric motor. The selection can be made according to comparatively simple specifications. But you can also use more complex selection strategies.

The configuration can then z. B. can be set directly via the output unit or it is used another configuration unit that reconfigures the electric motor. Thus, the configuration can be done by software technology via the drive signals of the half bridges or full bridges. Alternatively, a switch matrix may allow the setting of all theoretically possible configurations. However, switching elements can also be used with which the practically relevant configurations can be set.

The reconfiguration can be done by changing the number of windings used for the operation of the electric motor. Also, with a constant number of windings, the interconnection of the windings can be changed, for example. By a change between neutral point circuit and polygonal circuit. Also, various types of polygonal circuit can be used.

Due to the selection unit, the possibility arises on the basis of efficiency specifications for the electric motor, for example for mutually different speed to torque values, to determine various configurations of the electric motor. From these configurations, the configuration belonging to a particular driving state is then selected by the selection unit. If, for example, a configuration with a high degree of efficiency of the electric motor is always selected, the range of electric vehicles can be considerably increased due to the efficient use of energy. In case of faults, configurations can be selected to ensure the most reliable backup operation of the electric motor.

The selection unit thus opens up new applications and new modes of operation for the electric motor.

The determination unit may determine a configuration with a high efficiency of the electric motor at a driving state or at a rotational speed. The efficiency can be defined as the ratio of the absorbed electrical power to the delivered mechanical power.

For example, not all windings or phases of a three-phase machine are used in a lower speed range of the electric motor, in order to enable high efficiency here as well. At high speeds then more windings or all windings are used, since then results in addition to the larger power and high efficiency. The efficiency of the electric motor is crucial for the energy consumption and thus for the range of an electric car or electric vehicle.

The efficiency can be increased by choosing a suitable for the driving condition or speed number of windings to be used. The number of current-carrying windings may differ in a first configuration from the number of current-carrying windings in a second configuration. Both configurations may relate to a faultless operation of the electric motor.

The number of electrical phases used for driving can remain the same for different number of turns. Alternatively, however, the number of electrical phases used for driving can also differ with different number of windings. This results in additional degrees of freedom for changing the efficiency of the electric motor.

Alternatively, the efficiency can be changed by selecting a suitable for the driving condition or speed number of electrical phases used for driving, for example. Half bridges or full bridges. The number of phases used may differ in a first configuration from the number of phases used in a second configuration, preferably with the same number of windings used. In error-free operation, preferably all existing windings are used.

Changing the number of phases is a simple but effective measure for changing the efficiency of an electric motor. This measure can also be done in a simple manner by means of microprocessor or microcontroller. Other degrees of freedom to change the efficiency arise in combination with other measures, eg. As change from star connection to delta connection or to polygonal circuits, with multi-arcs also different numbers of voltages can be used (English: "Span").

However, in another embodiment, the determination unit can also distinguish between error-free operation of the electric motor and fault operation. In error-free operation, efficiency efficiency can be decisive for the selection of the configuration. In error mode, however, the security can be decisive, for. B. the safety of a transport machine containing the selection unit.

The determination unit can not use a winding containing an error in error operation by selecting a configuration without this winding.

The determination of the cause of the error can take place automatically, for example by detecting winding parameters, eg. B. winding resistance, or otherwise, for. B. from a motor model, which is simulated simultaneously. The error can also be in a control of the electric motor, z. In a converter. In this case, the detection unit selects a configuration that does not use the half bridge or full bridge of the drive affected by the fault.

The determination unit can select a configuration during error operation that allows it to counteract or control a moment caused by the error. Thus, for example, a pendulum moment or a blocking moment can be counteracted. The electric motor is thus divided into two sub-machines, in which case one sub-machine is faulty and the other sub-machine counteracts the fault and realizes an auxiliary drive. The auxiliary drive can also be realized by a third sub-machine of the electric motor to separate the error compensation of the function as an auxiliary drive.

Another embodiment relates to a transport machine comprising a selection unit according to one of the preceding claims. Thus, the technical effects mentioned for the selection unit also apply to the transport machine. The transport machine is z. B. a fully electric car. Alternatively, the transport machine is a hybrid-drive car, i. H. There is an electric drive and a further drive, z. B. an internal combustion engine. With electric cars the range is a decisive acceptance criterion. The range can be increased by increasing the efficient use of the motor by turning windings on or off based on choices of the selection unit.

The transport machine may include an electronic drive unit for controlling the windings of the electric motor in accordance with control signals. The electronic switches in the drive unit can be field effect transistors (FET), such as MOSFETs (Metal Oxide FET). But also IGBT (Isolated Gate Bipolar Transistor) or Thyristor (GTO) can be used, depending on the required switching capacity. The switching elements may form in the drive unit a half-bridge circuit for the connection of a winding terminal or a full-bridge circuit for the connection of the two terminals of a winding. The aforementioned switching elements are also suitable for the configuration. Thus, a configuration can already be made via the half-bridges or the full-bridges by, for example, certain bridge circuits not being used or in which specific bridge circuits are driven with the same control signal. A configuration can be maintained for more than one second, more than 10 seconds or even more than one minute.

The transport machine may include a control unit for generating the control signals of the drive unit according to at least one control method. The scheme can z. B. be a field-oriented regulation. Field-oriented controls are based on a rotation vector (Vector Control) that rotates with the rotor angular velocity. In induction machines, the rotor coordinates can be used more easily for a control, because the rotating field in rotor coordinates relative to the rotating field of the stator rests (synchronous machine) or has only a small speed relative to the rotating field of the stator (asynchronous machine). The transformation into rotor coordinates for control and the inverse transformation into the stator coordinates for generating the control signals for the drive unit can be performed by powerful processors, in particular by microprocessors or by special signal processors.

The control can also be based on a motor model of the electric motor. In addition, controller elements can be used, such as PI (Proportional Integral) or PID (Proportional, Integral, Differential) controllers.

But regulations other than field-oriented regulations or controls can also be used.

The transport machine may include a configuration unit coupled to the output unit that sets the designated or defined configuration. The configuration unit can thus contain the drive unit or additional electronic switch, z. As transistors, or electromechanical switches, such as relays.

Switches can also be used which switch between the configurations used, e.g. Between two configurations, three configurations, or more than three configurations. Alternatively, a switch matrix may be used that allows a variety of configurations.

In a star configuration, one terminal of each winding is routed to a common neutral point. For a polygon configuration, i. H. without a neutral point, one winding connection of one winding is always connected in succession to a winding connection of another winding in series connection. In this context, three windings speak of a triangle and more than three windings of a polygon. Spatially adjacent windings can be directly connected, or it is, for example, in each case a winding connection or two or more lying between the connected windings winding terminals of other windings are skipped. Here also the term span or English "span" is used.

The configuration unit may also include the control unit, so that depending on the configuration and the relevant engine models are included in the scheme. In particular, the type of control or control can be configured.

The transport machine may include at least one wheel hub motor, for example two wheel hub motors on one axle of a vehicle or four wheel hub motors on the two axles. By selecting unit, the driving characteristics or rolling properties of a freely rotating wheel can be adjusted even in case of failure. In particular, blocking can be avoided and fault moments can be counteracted, for. B. pendulum moments.

These technical effects are particularly relevant if there is no clutch and no mechanical brake, as is the case with many wheel hub engine concepts. A legal approval for a vehicle without a mechanical brake can, for example, depend decisively on the use of the selection unit.

The wheel hub motor may, for example, contain a tooth coil winding. The wheel hub motor can be realized as an external rotor or as an internal rotor.

But other electric motors are used, for example. Central electric motor for an axle or even for a vehicle.

The electric motor may, for. 4 or more than 4 windings, 9 or more than 9 windings, 12 or more than 12 windings or even more than 24 windings. The number of windings or grooves can be less than 100.

• – Erfassen eines ersten Fahrzustands oder einer ersten Drehzahl,
• Auswahl einer ersten Konfiguration eines Elektromotors abhängig von dem erfassten ersten Fahrzustand,
• – Erfassen eines zweiten Fahrzustands oder einer zweiten Drehzahl,
• – Auswahl einer zweiten Konfiguration eines Elektromotors abhängig von dem erfassten zweiten Fahrzustand, wobei sich die zweite Konfiguration von der ersten Konfiguration unterscheidet.

In addition, a method for selecting a configuration on an electric motor is disclosed, comprising:

• Detecting a first driving state or a first rotational speed,
• Selection of a first configuration of an electric motor depending on the detected first driving state,
• Detecting a second driving state or a second rotational speed,
• Selecting a second configuration of an electric motor depending on the sensed second driving condition, wherein the second configuration is different from the first configuration.

Thus, for the process, the technical effects mentioned above for the selection unit apply.

The second configuration may differ from the first configuration in terms of the number of windings involved. The windings are divided into distributed windings, which occupy more than two slots, and concentrated windings, which occupy only two slots. A winding may contain several turns, z. B. more than 10 turns, more than 100 turns but z. B. less than 10,000 turns. The windings can also be referred to as coils. In connection with the selection unit, each winding has a winding connection or else two winding connections which, depending on the selection made, are connected with half bridges or full bridges of respectively two or four switching elements. In some configurations, the winding terminals may also have two or more than two windings are connected to the center node of the half or full bridges. In other configurations, however, then these winding connections are again separated from each other.

The electric motor can be faultless in both configurations. The configurations can then be selected, for example, in terms of efficiency.

Alternatively, in the method as well, the efficiency can be changed by selecting a suitable number of electrical phases used for the driving state or the rotational speed. The number of phases used may differ in a first configuration from the number of phases used in a second configuration, preferably with the same number of windings used. In error-free operation, preferably all existing windings are used.

Changing the number of phases is again a simple but effective measure for changing the efficiency of an electric motor. This measure can also be done in a simple manner by means of microprocessor or microcontroller. Other degrees of freedom to change the efficiency arise in combination with other measures, eg. As change from star connection to delta connection or to polygonal circuits, with multi-arcs also different numbers of voltages can be used (English: "Span").

The configurations can be selected such that, depending on the driving condition, the greatest possible efficiency of the operation of the electric motor results. This increases the efficiency and thus the range of, for example, electric vehicles.

However, the electric motor may also contain an error when using the first configuration and / or when using the second configuration. However, the configuration used can itself be error-free. In particular, there may be at least two configurations for two different error cases.

In all the arrangements mentioned, the individual windings can, for example, be wound back on the outside of the stator. Alternatively, two-layered tooth coil winding can be used. Single-layered tooth coil windings can be used with twice the number of grooves. But also distributed windings are possible.

In other words, a load-optimized hub motor is specified.

Electric drives usually have a much lower efficiency in the lower speed range than in their optimum operating range. Especially in the lower speed range, which is very common in driving practice, for example, a wheel hub motor therefore rotates in a non-optimal speed range. Therefore, more energy is converted into heat loss and not used for the actual propulsion.

Electrical machines have an optimal operating point. This is usually identified according to the application and then the machine is designed for this operating point. In vehicle operation but different load and speed points are dynamically requested.

Today, most switchable transmissions are used to optimize the speed of the drive in relation to the wheel speed. For example. in a wheel hub drive, however, the complexity of the drive and the weight in the wheel would be significantly increased by a switchable transmission.

In classic electric drives, three phases are implemented to produce the rotating field. For example. In an optimized wheel hub drive, more than three phases can be implemented, so that the selective switching off of phases can represent different partial engine concepts. Thus, for each speed, the partial motor can be activated, which has the best efficiency. As a result, an optimal high efficiency of the electric drive, for. B. wheel hub drive, represent and use the energy used optimally.

• – einem Elektromotor, z. B. Radnabenmotor, mit mehr als drei Phasen,
• – einer Leistungselektronik mit jeweils einer Endstufe pro Phase bzw. einer Leistungselektronik mit so vielen Endstufen, wie der Motor Phasen/Wicklungen hat, und
• – einer Regelung, bestehend aus Ansteuerelektronik und Auswerte- und Regelungssoftware, die für die jeweilige Drehzahl die richtige Anzahl von Phasen berechnet und nutzt.

The drive consists, for example, of:

• - An electric motor, z. B. wheel hub motor, with more than three phases,
• - Power electronics with one output stage per phase or power electronics with as many power amps as the motor has phases / windings, and
• - A scheme consisting of control electronics and evaluation and control software that calculates and uses the right number of phases for each speed.

Due to the variable use of the active engine components, different sub-engines result, which are integrated in one engine. This can increase the efficiency of an electric drive for electric vehicles (electric vehicles) and increase the driving range of electric vehicles accordingly. Since the drive machine consists of different sub-machines, the redundancy can be used. If one phase fails, the other partial motors can take over the drive.

A pendulum moment or blocking torque, which arises in the event of a fault short circuit, could counteract each functional submachines and so reduce the pendulum moment or locking torque.

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show:

1 a wheel hub motor,

2 Operating states at a speed to torque diagram,

3 Units for configuring and operating an electric motor,

4 a first configuration of an electric motor with, for example, twelve windings,

5 a second configuration of the electric motor,

6 an example of the arrangement of windings for the second configuration of the electric motor,

7 a third configuration of the electric motor, which is also suitable for a fault,

8th an example of the arrangement of windings for the third configuration of the electric motor,

9 Method steps of a method for configuring an electric motor,

10 Units of an electric car,

11 an example of the arrangement of windings for a fourth configuration of the electric motor, and

12 an example of the arrangement of windings for a fifth configuration of the electric motor.

The 1 shows a wheel hub motor 10 standing on a vehicle axle 12 is arranged. It is, for example, an internal rotor motor.

A radial bearing 16 is with its inside on the vehicle axle 12 attached and on its outside in a storage block 18 stored or attached. A runner base disc 20 For example, has a circular circumference and can form the side wall of a rotor housing. On the circumference of the disc 20 are permanent magnets PM1 to PMn attached, z. B. 12 pieces.

The stator housing 21 , carries coils or windings SP1 to SPn, z. B. 12 or 24 windings, which are also referred to below with W1 to Wn.

On the inner rotor or rotor, more precisely on the disc 20 is a composite of a rim 22 a wheel rim 24 and a wheel flange fastened by means of wheel bolts 28 . 30 or wheel nuts. A tire 32 gets off the rim 22 worn or supported on the rim 22 from.

The wheel hub motor 10 may have a dimension along its central axis M smaller than its diameter, in particular smaller than half the diameter. The length is given, for example, by the length of the coils SP1 or by the length of a housing. The diameter is predefined, for example, by the position of the outer surfaces of the coils SP1 to SPn or by a housing.

In place of the wheel hub motor 10 can also be used another hub motor, z. B. with squirrel cage (Shorting ring rotor). Instead of a wheel hub motor 10 with internal rotor can also be a hub motor with external rotor can be used, which contains permanent magnets or a short-circuited ring rotor.

However, it is also possible to use other electric motors, in particular an asynchronous motor or a synchronous motor having a length in the longitudinal direction of the axis of rotation, wherein the length is greater than an outer diameter of the relevant electric motor.

The electric motor may be used in a haulage machine or other machine, e.g. B. in a machine tool o. Ä. The same principles can be applied not only to engines but also in generators.

The 2 shows operating conditions at a speed n to torque M diagram. The speed n is plotted on the horizontal axis of the diagram. The torque M, however, is plotted on the vertical axis of the diagram.

Two curves K1 and K2 are each associated with an equal efficiency, wherein the efficiency of the curve K2 is higher than the efficiency of the curve K2. The curves K1 and K2 separate regions having different degrees of efficiency from one another when the hub motor is used in only one configuration. In this case, the wheel hub motor, for example, tuned to an operating state B4 out, for which he is operated with high efficiency. Thus, the area G1 encompassed by the curve K1 relates to an area having operating states having high efficiency.

A region G2 between the curves K1 and K2 on the other hand relates to operating states with medium efficiency, eg. B. an operating condition B3.

An area G3 is to the left and below the curve K2 and relates to operating states with a low efficiency, see operating states B1 and B2.

With the present invention, an approach is now chosen in which not only a configuration of the electric motor is used but a plurality of configurations. Thus, in the operating state B1 when starting eg. The same moment M of the engine can be achieved, as in the operating state B4, z. B. Driving at the moment of acceleration at high speed, ie four or five people plus possibly luggage. Configuring the wheel hub motor 10 becomes the hand of the following 3 to 12 explained in more detail.

• – eine Regelung/Steuerung 50, und
• – eine Leistungselektronik 52.

The 3 shows units for configuring and operating an electric motor 54 , z. B. the wheel hub motor 10 namely:

• - a regulation / control 50 , and
• - Power electronics 52 ,

The motor 10 . 54 may, for example, contain a tooth coil winding. The motor 10 . 54 can be realized as an external rotor or as an internal rotor. Instead of a tooth coil winding other winding schemes can be used, for. B. two-layer break hole winding, two-layer Ganzlochwicklung, etc.

• – eine Ansteuereinheit 56,
• – eine Regeleinheit 58, und
• – eine Auswahleinheit 60.

The regulation / control 50 contains in turn:

• - A drive unit 56 .
• - a control unit 58 , and
• - a selection unit 60 ,

The drive unit 56 includes, for example, a number of pulse width modulation (PWM) circuits or PWM circuit pairs associated with the number of half-bridge circuits in the case of power electronics 52 with half bridges or with the number of full bridge circuit in the power electronics 52 matches.

The control unit 58 contains, for example, for each adjustable configuration its own control / control or at least for each adjustable configuration own control parameters (time constants of the controller, gain factors of the controller, command values, manipulated variables or controlled variables) or model parameters. In the closed-loop control there is a closed chain of effects in which a control difference, which results from the actual value and setpoint of the controlled variable, becomes as small as possible. An example of a regulation is field-oriented regulation. In the case of a controller, on the other hand, there is an open chain of effects.

The selection unit 60 selects depending on the operating condition of the engine 54 or a machine that uses this engine 54 contains a suitable configuration of the engine 54 and initiates the configuration according to the selected configuration. The structure of the selection unit 60 will be at the bottom of the hand 10 explained in more detail.

The power electronics 52 contains half bridges 62 to 66 , Alternatively, instead of half bridges 62 to 66 also full bridges are used. For example, the electric motor has 54 twelve or more than twelve windings W1 to Wn. The power electronics 52 can then, for example, twelve or more than twelve half-bridges in the case of power electronics 52 with half bridges or twelve or more full bridges in the case of power electronics 52 included with full bridges. Thus, in at least one configuration, a separate control of the windings, each with a half-bridge or each with a full bridge done.

The 4 shows a first configuration K1 of the electric motor 54 with, for example, twelve windings W1 to W12, wherein for symmetry reasons only the windings W1 to W6 are shown. The switching bridges associated with the windings W7 to W12 are, like the switching bridges assigned to the windings W1 to W6, driven in the opposite sense of winding of the windings W7 to W12 in comparison to the winding sense of the windings W1 to W6. With the same sense of winding / wiring, the windings W7 to W12 associated switching bridges inversely to the windings W1 to W6 associated switching bridges are driven, inversely meaning that, for example, the drive signals for the upper bridge transistor / switch and the drive signals for the lower bridge transistor / -. switch swapped.

In the configuration K1, six phases are used for driving the half bridges HB1 to HB12, with the half bridges HB6 to HB12 not shown because of the above-mentioned symmetry of the motor 54 , Alternatively, only the six half-bridges HB1 to HB6 are used, as explained in more detail below.

• – die Wicklung W1 ist mit dem Mittelknoten der Halbbrücke HB1 verbunden, wobei der Mittelknoten an die Arbeitsstrecken beider Schaltelemente der Halbbrücke angeschlossen ist, was auch für die anderen Halbbrücken gilt.
• – die Wicklung W2 ist mit dem Mittelknoten der Halbbrücke HB2 verbunden,
• – die Wicklung W3 ist mit dem Mittelknoten der Halbbrücke HB3 verbunden,
• – die Wicklung W4 ist mit dem Mittelknoten der Halbbrücke HB4 verbunden,
• – die Wicklung W5 ist mit dem Mittelknoten der Halbbrücke HB5 verbunden, und
• – die Wicklung W6 ist mit dem Mittelknoten der Halbbrücke HB6 verbunden.

The windings W1 to W12 are connected to each other at a neutral point SP. For the other ends of the windings W1 to W6, the following circuit is present:

• - The winding W1 is connected to the center node of the half-bridge HB1, wherein the central node is connected to the working distances of both switching elements of the half-bridge, which also applies to the other half-bridges.
• The winding W2 is connected to the middle node of the half-bridge HB2,
• The winding W3 is connected to the middle node of the half-bridge HB3,
• The winding W4 is connected to the middle node of the half-bridge HB4,
• - The winding W5 is connected to the center node of the half-bridge HB5, and
• - The winding W6 is connected to the center node of the half-bridge HB6.

The lower switching element of the half bridges HB1 to HB6 is in each case connected to a common negative line 100 connected. The upper switching element of the half bridges HB1 to HB6 is in each case connected to a common positive line 102 connected.

Each half-bridge HB1 to HB6 is controlled by a drive signal line pair S1 to S6, wherein the one drive line in each case to a control terminal of the upper switching element, for. B. gate, and the other drive line each leads to a control terminal of the lower switching element of the respective half-bridge.

In the configuration K1, the six phases are arranged with respect to each other with increasing phase shift between adjacent phases, ie, for example, 0 angular degrees, 60, 120, 180, 240, and 300 angular degrees. Due to the use of six phases for driving twelve windings W1 to W12, a first sub-machine of the electric motor results 12 with its own torque characteristic as a function of speed. The efficiency of the first part of the machine is dependent on the speed unlike other sub-machines, for example, down to the hand of the 5 to 8th will be explained in more detail.

The half-bridges belonging to the unillustrated windings W6 to W12 are driven like the half-bridges of the windings W1 to W6 based on the six phases. However, it can also be worked with only six half-bridges larger power when the half-bridge HB1, for example, the current through the windings W1 and W7, the half-bridge HB2 the current through the windings W2 and W8, etc. controls.

For the 4 , Q = 12, p = 1 and m = 6, where Q is the number of slots used, p is the pole pair number and m is the number of electrical phases. Furthermore: q = Q / (2p · m) = 1, where q is the number of grooves used per winding.

The 5 shows a second configuration K2 of the electric motor 54 , In the configuration K2, only three phases are used to drive the half bridges HB1 to HB12, the half bridges HB8 to HB12 not being shown because of the above-mentioned symmetry of the motor 54 , Alternatively, only the six half-bridges HB1 to HB6 are used, as explained in more detail below.

The windings W1 to W12 are connected to each other at a neutral point SP. For the other ends of the windings W1 to W6 is the top of the hand 4 explained circuit, ie, for example, that the winding W1 is again connected to the center node of the half-bridge HB1.

The lower switching element of the half bridges HB1 to HB12 is again in each case with the common negative line 100 connected. The upper switching element of the half bridges HB1 to HB12 is in each case connected to the common positive line 102 connected.

However, in the configuration K2, the control terminals of the half bridges HB1 to HB12 are each connected in groups of four via line pairs L1 to L3, L1b, L1c and other line pairs, not shown.

Each half-bridge quad group is controlled by a drive signal line pair S1, S2 and S3, respectively, the one drive line being connected to a control terminal of the upper switching element, e.g. B. gate, and the other drive line each leads to a control terminal of the lower switching element of the respective half-bridge.

• – das Leitungspaar L1 verbindet die Steuersignale der Hallbrücken HB1 und HB2,
• – das Leitungspaar L2 verbindet die Steuersignale der Hallbrücken HB3 und HB4,
• – das Leitungspaar L3 verbindet die Steuersignale der Hallbrücken HB5 und HB6,
• – das Leitungspaar L1b verbindet die Steuersignale der Hallbrücken HB7 und HB8,
• – ein nicht dargestelltes Leitungspaar verbindet die Steuersignale der Hallbrücken HB9 und HB10,
• – ein nicht dargestelltes Leitungspaar verbindet die Steuersignale der Hallbrücken HB11 und HB12, und
• – ein Leitungspaar L1c verbindet die Leitungspaare L1 und L1 zu der ersten Vierergruppe aus Halbbrücken HB1, HB2, HB7 und HB8.

The following interconnection exists:

• The line pair L1 connects the control signals of the Hall bridges HB1 and HB2,
• The line pair L2 connects the control signals of the Hall bridges HB3 and HB4,
• The line pair L3 connects the control signals of the Hall bridges HB5 and HB6,
• The line pair L1b connects the control signals of the Hall bridges HB7 and HB8,
• An unillustrated line pair connects the control signals of the Hall bridges HB9 and HB10,
• - An unillustrated line pair connects the control signals of the Hall bridges HB11 and HB12, and
• A line pair L1c connects the line pairs L1 and L1 to the first quad group of half bridges HB1, HB2, HB7 and HB8.

For the other two groups of four HB3, HB4, HB9 and HB10 or HB5, HB6, HB11 and HB12 there are also not shown connecting line pairs analogous to the line pair L1.

In the configuration K2, the three phases are arranged one another with increasing phase shift between adjacent phases, ie, for example, 0 angular degrees, 120 and 240 degrees of angle. Due to the use of three phases for driving twelve windings W1 to W12, a second sub-machine of the electric motor results 12 , with its own torque characteristic as a function of the speed. The efficiency of the second part of the machine is dependent on the speed differently than in the first part of the machine or a third sub-machine explained in more detail below.

The half-bridges belonging to the unillustrated windings W9 to W12 are driven like the half-bridges of the windings W3 to W6 based on the three phases. However, it can also be worked with only six half-bridges larger power when the half-bridge HB1, for example, the current through the windings W1 and W2, the half-bridge HB3 the current through the windings W3 and W4, etc. controls.

Also can operate with only three half-bridges, if a half-bridge controls the current through 4 windings, z. B. the half-bridge HB1 the current through the windings W1, W2, W7 and W8.

For the 5 , Q = 12, p = 1 and m = 3, where Q is the number of slots used, p is the pole pair number and m is the number of electrical phases. Furthermore: q = Q / (2p · m) = 2, where q is the number of grooves used per winding.

The 6 shows an example of the arrangement of windings for the second configuration of the electric motor 54 , Windings of the same numbers are supplied with the same sine signal or cosine signal, whereby it is the three phases 1 . 2 . 3 gives.

In the in the 6 The arrangement shown, the individual windings, for example, be externally wound back on the stator. Alternatively, two-layered tooth coil winding can be used. Single-layered tooth coil windings can be used with twice the number of grooves. But also distributed windings are possible.

The 7 shows a third configuration K3 of the electric motor 54 , which is also suitable for a fault. In the configuration K3, only three phases are also used to drive the half bridges HB1, HB3, HB5, HB7, HB9 and HB11, the half bridges HB6 to HB12 not being shown because of the above-mentioned symmetry of the electric motor 54 , Alternatively, only the three half-bridges HB1, HB3 and HB5 are used, as explained in more detail below. The third configuration can also be used in driving situations in which a lower power of the electric motor 54 is required and in which there is no error.

The windings W1 to W12 are again connected to one another at a star point SP. For the other ends of the windings W1 to W6 is the top of the hand 4 explained circuit, ie, for example, that the winding W1 is again connected to the center node of the half-bridge HB1.

The lower switching element of the half bridges HB1 to HB6 is again in each case with the common negative line 100 connected. The upper switching element of the half bridges HB1 to HB6 is in each case connected to the common positive line 102 connected.

However, in the configuration K3, only the half bridges HB1, HB3, HB5, HB7, HB9 and HB11 are used.

The line pairs S1, S3 and S5 are used to control the half-bridges HB1, HB3 and HB5, wherein the one control line in each case to a control terminal of the upper switching element, for. B. gate, and the other drive line each leads to a control terminal of the lower switching element of the respective half-bridge.

In the configuration K3, the three phases are arranged with respect to each other with increasing phase shift between adjacent phases, ie, for example, 0 angular degrees, 120 and 240 degrees of angle. Due to the use of three phases for driving six windings W1, W3, W5, W7, Wp and W11, a third sub-machine of the electric motor results 12 , with its own torque characteristic as a function of the speed. The efficiency of the third part of the machine is dependent on the speed unlike the first part of the machine or the second part of the machine.

The half-bridges belonging to the unillustrated windings W7, W9 and W11 are driven like the half-bridges of the windings W1, W3 and W5, respectively, based on the three phases. However, it is also possible to work with only three half-bridges of greater power if the half-bridge HB1, for example, controls the current through the windings W1 and W7, and the half-bridge HB3 controls the current through the windings W3 and W9.

The configuration K3 is particularly suitable for error cases. Occurs, for example, an error 104 in the winding W6, z. B. Windungsschluss, it can, for example, be switched from the configuration K1 or K2 to the configuration K3. In the configuration K3, the winding W6 is not used, so that the fault does not affect the operation of the electric motor 54 or a vehicle driven therewith.

The mistake 104 could also refer to the half-bridge HB6, z. B. Short circuit or interruption in a switching unit. Also in this case the configuration K3 is suitable, the influence of the error 104 Keep as small as possible and still emergency operation of the electric motor 54 to ensure.

In place of in the 4 to 7 In the case of a polygon circuit, the windings W1 to Wn may form the outside of the polygon. For example, a delta connection may be used. Alternatively, however, the windings can also be cross-connected, which is referred to as a so-called span (span).

For the 7 , Q = 6, p = 1 and m = 3, where Q is the number of slots used, p is the pole pair number and m is the number of electrical phases. Furthermore: q = Q / (2p · m) = 1, where q is the number of grooves used per winding.

The 8th shows an example of the arrangement of windings for the third configuration of the electric motor 54 , In case of error, one of two sub-machines can be used, ie either the phases 1 . 2 . 3 associated sub-machine from the windings W1, W3, W5, W7, W9 and W11 or the phases 1' . 2 ' respectively. 3 ' associated submachine from the windings W2, W4, W6, W8, W10 and W12.

In the in the 8th The arrangement shown, the individual windings, for example, be externally wound back on the stator. Alternatively, two-layered tooth coil winding can be used. Single-layered tooth coil windings can be used with twice the number of grooves. But also distributed windings are possible.

The 9 shows process steps of a method for configuring an electric motor, for. B. the wheel hub motor 10 or the electric motor 54 ,

The process begins in one process step 201 , which is hereinafter referred to as step. In one step 201 immediately following step 202 the driving situation is automatically determined, for. From a central control of a vehicle. The driving situation may, for example, depend on the instantaneous torque N, on the rotational speed n and / or on other variables.

After that, in one step 203 from the selection unit 60 respectively. 280 , please refer 10 , a configuration with the highest possible efficiency for those in the step 202 determined driving situation selected.

Then in a following step 204 switched to the selected configuration, which, for example, within a short time is possible, z. In a time less than 100 ms or even less than 10 ms. During switching, the electric motor 54 For example, be switched off.

In an optional step 205 It is checked whether an error occurs, for example. Detecting an error signal, irregular deviations, etc. If there is no error, then the method in the step 202 continues and is then in a loop from the steps 202 to 205 ,

This loop is in step 205 leave only if an error occurs. If there is an error, it is in a step 205 immediately following step 206 selected a configuration in which the error has no effect or only the smallest possible impact on the engine operation. Thus, a sub-machine of the engine is switched off, which contains the error.

If such a sub-machine can not be switched off, it is optionally checked whether a counter-regulation with the aid of another sub-machine of the electric motor 54 is possible. If the countermeasure is possible, then a corresponding configuration of the electric motor 54 is selected and the counter regulation is activated. If a countermeasure is not possible, then the electric motor 54 eg automatically switched off. The counter-regulation can also be used as an alternative to switching off.

The process is done in one step 207 finished, z. B. by switching off the vehicle.

In another embodiment, the step 205 not performed, with error cases are treated in a different way, for example. Complete shutdown of the electric motor 54 ,

In a further embodiment, a change in the configuration can also be carried out only in the event of an error.

The 10 shows units of an electric car 250 in that at least one electric motor MGes or 250 contains, in the case of wheel hub motors, at least two wheel hub motors MGes or 250 ,

Each motor MGes or 250 contains several sub-machines M1 to Mn, which can be alternatively configured to each other or simultaneously.

Half bridges or full bridges 260 serve to control the windings of the motor 250 in different configurations. For example. There are more than six half bridges HB1 to HBn or full bridges.

A control unit 270 contains control loops or control paths for each configuration. The control unit 270 can be processor-based or work without a processor.

• – eine Eingabeeinheit EE, über die der Betriebszustand bspw. von einer zentralen Steuerung des Elektroautos 240 übermittelt wird,
• – eine Ermittlungseinheit, die die zum jeweiligen Betriebszustand gehörende Konfiguration ermittelt, bspw. unter Verwendung eines Prozessors bzw. Mikroprozessor MP oder eines Mikrocontrollers und eines elektronischen Speichers M, in dem Programmbefehle und Daten gespeichert sind.
• – Ausgabeeinheiten AE1, AE2, wobei die Ausgabeeinheit AE1 mit der Regeleinheit 270 gekoppelt ist und die Ausgabeeinheit AE2 bspw. mit einer nicht dargestellten Umschalteinheit.

A selection unit 280 that z. B. the selection unit 60 corresponds, serves to select the configurations of the electric motor 250 , The selection unit 280 contains for example:

• An input unit EE, via which the operating state, for example, from a central control of the electric car 240 is transmitted
• A determination unit which determines the configuration corresponding to the respective operating state, for example by using a processor or microprocessor MP or a microcontroller and an electronic memory M in which program instructions and data are stored.
• - Output units AE1, AE2, wherein the output unit AE1 with the control unit 270 is coupled and the output unit AE2 bspw. With a switching unit, not shown.

Instead of the microprocessor MP and the memory M, an electronic circuit without microprocessor can be used, for. As an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

In another embodiment, the selection unit 280 also part of the central control of the vehicle / car 240 be.

Target size (s) 290 become the regulatory unit 270 (possibly only control) given by a central control of the electric car 240 , z. B. a target torque. The control unit 270 gives control variable (s) depending on the configured control 292 and the half bridges / full bridges 260 out.

The half bridges / full bridges 260 are via an optional switching unit with the winding connections 293 connected. At least one detection signal 294 detects, for example, the current in the windings W1 to Wn and is used for regulating. The detection signal may also be a speed signal that is detected, for example, with an additional rotation angle sensor. The driving condition signal 295 will be in the selection unit 280 entered.

The selection unit 280 gives an optional selection signal 296 to the control unit 270 to configure a control / parameter suitable for the selected configuration or parameters. For example. Here, too, the number of phases to be used is taken into account. In the case of six phases, for example, a first field-oriented control for the phases 1 . 3 and 5 be used. A second field-oriented regulation is made for the phases 2 . 4 and 6 used. These phases are respectively sinusoidal and cosinusoidal. However, other control methods are also used.

An optional selection signal 298 is from the selection unit 280 sent to a switching unit nicht dargstellte and is used, for example, to interconnect the windings of the electric motor 250 with each other and for connecting to the half bridges HB1 to HBn or corresponding full bridges depending on the selected configuration. Q = 48 48 48 48 48 p = 2 2 2 2 2 m = 3 4 6 1 2 q = 4 3 2 12 6 Q = 36 p = 2 m = 3 q = 3 Q = 24 16 24 24 24 p = 2 2 2 2 2 m = 3 4 6 1 2 q = 2 1 1 6 3 Q = 12 12 12 12 8th 6 p = 1 1 1 1 1 1 m = 3 2 1 6 4 3 q = 2 3 6 1 1 1 Fig. 5/6 Fig. 11 Fig. 4 Fig. 12 Fig. 7/8 where Q is the number of slots used, p is the pole pair number, and m is the number of electrical phases. Furthermore: q = Q / (2p · m), where q is the number of grooves used per winding.

Other configurations are also possible, especially with non-integer q.

In addition to tooth coil windings are also possible, which is wound around the outside of the stator. The number coil windings can be single-layered or two-layered, with the two-layered tooth coil winding being considered a special case of the two-layer breakhole winding. Other distributed windings can also be used.

The 11 shows an example of the arrangement of windings for a fourth configuration of the electric motor with Q = 12, p = 1 and m = 2. The two electrical phases 1 and 2 can be distributed as shown on the individual windings in the grooves.

The 12 shows an example of the arrangement of windings for a fifth configuration of the electric motor with Q = 12, p = 1 and m = 4, ie four phases, with some grooves remain free.

Also in the arrangements of the 11 and 12 For example, the individual windings can be wound back on the outside of the stator. Alternatively, two-layered tooth coil winding can be used. Single-layered tooth coil windings can be used with twice the number of grooves. But also distributed windings are possible.

The embodiments explained with reference to the figures can be combined in particular with the exemplary embodiments mentioned in the introduction. The embodiments are not to scale and are not restrictive. Modifications in the context of expert action are possible. Although the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Other electric motors, other pole pair numbers (rotor) and other winding numbers or winding schemes may be used. The electric motors may be DC or AC motors, in particular AC motors with at least three-phase rotating field.

Claims (15)

Selection unit ( 60 . 280 ) for selecting the configuration (K1 to K3) of an electric motor ( 10 . 54 . 250 ), comprising: - an input unit (EE) having at least one signal (EE) 295 ) or data which a driving condition (B1 to B4) of a transport machine ( 240 ) or a speed (n) of an electric motor ( 10 . 54 . 250 ), a determination unit which depends on the signal received by the input unit (MP) ( 295 ) or data is a configuration of the electric motor ( 10 . 54 . 250 ), - an output unit (AE2), the at least one signal ( 298 ) or outputs data that designates or dictates the selected configuration (K1 to K3). Selection unit ( 60 . 280 ) according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit (MP) to a driving state (B1 to B4) or to a rotational speed (n), a configuration of high efficiency of the electric motor ( 10 . 54 . 250 ). Selection unit ( 60 . 280 ) according to claim 2, wherein the efficiency is increased by the selection of a suitable number of windings (W1 to Wn) to be used for the driving condition (B1 to B4) or the rotational speed (n), and wherein in a first configuration (FIG. K1, K2) is different from the number in a second configuration (K3), or wherein the efficiency is changed by selecting a number of phases (m) suitable for the driving condition (B1 to B4) or the rotational speed (n), and wherein the number in a first configuration (K1, K3) differs from the number in a second configuration (K2), preferably with a constant number of windings (W1 to Wn) used. Selection unit ( 60 . 280 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination unit (MP), between a fault-free operation of the electric motor ( 10 . 54 . 250 ) and a fault operation ( 205 ). Selection unit ( 60 . 280 ) according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit (MP) in error operation does not use a winding (W6) which generates an error ( 104 ) contains. Selection unit ( 60 . 280 ) according to claim 4, wherein the determination unit (MP) selects a configuration in the error mode, which allows one by the error ( 104 ) to control or control the moment (M) caused. Transport machine ( 240 ) containing a selection unit ( 60 . 280 ) according to any one of the preceding claims. Transport machine ( 240 ) according to claim 7, comprising an electronic drive unit ( 56 . 260 ) for driving the windings (W1 to Wn) of the electric motor ( 10 . 54 . 250 ) according to control signals. Transport machine ( 240 ) according to claim 8, comprising a control unit ( 50 . 270 ) for generating the control signals according to at least one control method. Transport machine ( 240 ) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, comprising a configuration unit coupled to the output unit (AE2) and adjusting the designated or predetermined configuration (K1 to K3). Transport machine ( 240 ) according to one of claims 6 to 9, comprising at least one wheel hub motor ( 10 ). Method for selecting a configuration (K1 to K3) of an electric motor ( 10 . 54 . 250 ), comprising: - detecting a first driving state (B1 to B4) or a first rotational speed (n), - selecting a first configuration (K1, K2) of an electric motor ( 10 . 54 . 250 ) depending on the detected first driving state (B1 to B4), - detecting a second driving state (B1 to B4) or a second rotational speed (n), - Selection of a second configuration (K3) of the electric motor ( 10 . 54 . 250 ) depending on the detected second driving state (B1 to B4), wherein the second configuration (K3) is different from the first configuration. The method of claim 11, wherein the second configuration (K3) differs from the first configuration (K1, K2) in the number of windings included (W1 to Wn), the second configuration (K2) is different from the first configuration (K1, K3 ) with respect to the number of phases (m), preferably with a constant number of windings (W1 to Wn) used. Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the electric motor ( 10 . 54 . 250 ) is error-free in both configurations (K1 to K3). Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the configurations (K1 to K3) are selected so that depending on the driving state (B1 to B4) the greatest possible efficiency in the operation of the electric motor ( 10 . 54 . 250 ).

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