JP2006115641A - Control method and device for brushless electric motor, and vehicles of brushless electric motor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control device capable of exactly detecting a fault even if a rotor is locked or is out of step. <P>SOLUTION: This control device 30 for a brushless motor stops power supply to the brushless motor 20 if a motor speed does not reach a predetermined value in a reference time C after forced starting begins at the time of forcibly starting the brushless motor 20, restarts the brushless motor 20 after a predetermined time A elapses from the power supply stopping, and stops restarting the power supply to the brushless motor 20 if motor speed does not reach the predetermined value in the reference time C after motor restarting begins by the time a predetermined time B elapses from the restarting. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a brushless motor control method, a brushless motor control device, and a vehicle fan motor device, and more particularly, when it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the rotational position of a rotor, and when it has been determined that an abnormality has occurred. [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a brushless motor control method, a brushless motor control device, and a vehicle fan motor device configured to stop a rotor.

  Conventionally, when controlling the rotation of the rotor of the brushless motor, it is determined whether an abnormality has occurred in the rotation of the rotor, and if it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the rotation of the rotor, 2. Description of the Related Art A brushless motor control device that is stopped is known.

  For example, in a control device for a brushless motor with a sensor, a rotational position detector such as a Hall IC or a Hall element is used to generate a rotational position detection signal corresponding to the rotational position of the rotor, and the frequency of the rotational position detection signal is calculated. Based on the change, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the rotation of the rotor. If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the rotation of the rotor, the rotor is stopped.

  On the other hand, in the sensorless brushless motor control device, the induced voltage induced in the stator winding during the rotation of the rotor is detected by the induced voltage detector, and the frequency of the induced voltage signal output from the induced voltage detector is detected. Based on the change, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the rotation of the rotor. If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the rotation of the rotor, the rotor is stopped.

  Here, in the case of a sensorless brushless motor, unlike a brushless motor with a sensor, since it does not have a rotational position detector such as a Hall IC or a Hall element, the brushless motor is generally locked (the rotor is restrained). It is said that it is difficult to discriminate. The current technology is that the command rotation speed in the control device and the actual rotation speed of the rotor have a difference greater than or equal to a predetermined value, and the motor phase current flowing in the stator winding at this time is greater than or equal to a predetermined value Employs a method of determining that the brushless motor is locked.

  However, in the above method, in order to suppress the motor phase current flowing in the stator winding, the command rotation speed cannot be set to exceed the motor rotation speed at the steady load, and the motor output is set to 100%. Difficult to do.

  Therefore, the following method is employed as a technique that enables the motor output to be 100% (see, for example, Patent Document 1). That is, in the example described in Patent Document 1, the control circuit provided in the brushless motor control device detects the rotational position based on the edge interval of the rotational position detection signal (induced voltage signal) output from the position detection unit. When the calculated time interval is not within a predetermined range (for example, the time interval is not less than 500 μs and not more than 100 ms), it is assumed that an abnormality has occurred in the rotational position of the rotor and the inverter circuit is driven. The generation of the signal is stopped, and the operation of the brushless motor is stopped.

  In addition, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the stop of the operation, the operation of the brushless motor is resumed, and when the rotational position detection time interval after the start of the re-operation is not within the predetermined range, an abnormality has occurred in the rotational position of the rotor. As a result, the operation of the brushless motor is stopped and the re-operation is impossible.

On the other hand, when the rotational position detection time interval after the start of the re-operation is within a predetermined range, the operation of the brushless motor is continued assuming that there is no abnormality in the rotational position of the rotor, and the above-described The child abnormality determination operation can be repeated.
JP-A-8-322282 (page 4-6, FIGS. 1 and 2)

  However, in the example described in Patent Document 1, it can be determined that a slight speed fluctuation during steady rotation during sensorless driving is abnormal, but at a low speed such as when the brushless motor is forcibly started. There is a problem that no consideration is given to an abnormality such as a lock or a step-out that has occurred.

  Further, since the rotational position detection signal (induced voltage signal) obtained from the stator winding does not change when the rotor is stopped, the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 detects the edge of the rotational position detection signal. Therefore, the time interval for detecting the rotational position cannot be calculated based on the edge interval of the rotational position detection signal. Therefore, the apparatus described in Patent Document 1 detects an abnormality that the rotor has stopped, such as when the rotor is locked at the time of forced activation of the brushless motor or when the brushless motor is stepped out during sensorless driving. There is a problem that can not be.

  In this way, abnormalities can be detected even when the rotor is stopped, such as when the rotor is locked when the brushless motor is forcibly started or when the brushless motor steps out during sensorless driving. If this is not possible, the current continues to flow in the same phase of the stator winding, which may damage the drive circuit and the stator winding.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to accurately detect the occurrence of these abnormalities even when the rotor is locked or the step-out occurs in the brushless motor. Another object of the present invention is to provide a brushless motor control method, a brushless motor control device, and a vehicle fan motor device capable of preventing the drive circuit and the stator winding from being damaged.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to the permanent operation of the brushless motor by sequentially switching the driving magnetic field of the stator winding based on the induced voltage induced in the stator winding of the brushless motor. In a brushless motor control method for rotating a magnet rotor in a sensorless manner, a forcible starting step for forcibly rotating the permanent magnet rotor by sequentially generating a drive magnetic field in the stator winding, and forcing the brushless motor After detecting the rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor based on the induced voltage induced in the stator winding at the time of starting, and after the rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor starts the forced startup of the brushless motor A first abnormality determination step for determining whether or not a predetermined value is reached within a reference time (C) of A power supply stop step of stopping power supply to the stator winding when the predetermined value is not reached within the reference time (C) after starting the forced start of the less motor; After a predetermined time (A) has elapsed since the power supply to the stator winding is stopped, a drive magnetic field is sequentially generated in the stator winding to rotate the permanent magnet rotor and restart the brushless motor. And restarting the brushless motor when the rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor has not reached a predetermined value within a reference time (C) after starting the restarting of the brushless motor. A second abnormality determination step for determining whether or not a predetermined time (B) has elapsed since the start of the rotation, and the permanent magnet rotation from the restart of the brushless motor until the predetermined time (B) has elapsed. When the number of rotations does not reach a predetermined value within the reference time (C) after the restart of the brushless motor is started, the power supply to the stator winding is stopped, and And a step of disabling restarting that makes it impossible to restart the brushless motor.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 4 forcibly rotates the permanent magnet rotor by sequentially generating a drive magnetic field in the stator winding based on the synchronization signal when the brushless motor is started. And a brushless motor in which the permanent magnet rotor is rotated in a sensorless manner by sequentially switching the driving magnetic field of the stator winding based on the induced voltage induced in the stator winding during steady rotation of the brushless motor. When the brushless motor is forcibly activated, the controller for the brushless motor has a rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor after the forcible activation of the brushless motor is started. When the predetermined value is not reached within the reference time (C), the power supply to the stator winding is stopped and the power supply to the stator winding is stopped. After a lapse of a predetermined time (A) from the stop, a drive magnetic field is sequentially generated in the stator winding to restart the brushless motor, and a predetermined time (B) elapses after the brushless motor is restarted. In addition, when the rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor does not reach a predetermined value within a reference time (C) after the restart of the brushless motor is started, power to the stator winding The supply is stopped and the brushless motor cannot be restarted.

  According to the first and fourth aspects of the present invention, when the brushless motor is forcibly activated, the rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor is previously within a reference time (C) after the forcible activation of the brushless motor is started. Since the power supply to the stator winding is stopped when the specified value is not reached, even if a malfunction such as lock or step-out occurs at a low speed such as when the brushless motor is forced to start, the brushless motor Can be stopped instantaneously.

  Further, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred depending on whether or not the rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor has reached a predetermined value within the reference time (C) after starting the forced start of the brushless motor. Even when the induced voltage signal obtained from the stator winding does not change due to the permanent magnet rotor stopping, it is possible to reliably detect an abnormality that the permanent magnet rotor has stopped due to locking or the like when the brushless motor is forcibly started. Can do.

  In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 2 is directed to the brushless motor by sequentially switching the drive magnetic field of the stator winding based on the induced voltage induced in the stator winding of the brushless motor. In the control method of the brushless motor for rotating the permanent magnet rotor of the stator winding in a sensorless manner, the driving magnetic field of the stator winding is sequentially switched on the basis of the induced voltage induced in the stator winding. A sensorless driving step for rotating in a sensorless manner; and starting position detection based on an induced voltage induced in the stator winding during sensorless driving of the brushless motor and starting counting by a position detection timer; and Based on the induced voltage induced in the stator winding again before the count value reaches a predetermined threshold value. A first abnormality determination step for determining whether or not a position is detected, and a count value of the position detection timer is determined in advance before performing position detection again based on an induced voltage induced in the stator winding. A power supply stop step of stopping power supply to the stator winding when the threshold is reached, and a predetermined time (A) after the power supply to the stator winding is stopped, A restarting step of rotating the permanent magnet rotor by sequentially generating a drive magnetic field in the windings and restarting the brushless motor; and after the rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor starts restarting the brushless motor A second abnormality determination for determining whether or not a predetermined value has not been reached within the reference time (C) until a predetermined time (B) elapses after the brushless motor is restarted. Step The rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor is determined in advance within a reference time (C) after the restart of the brushless motor until a predetermined time (B) elapses after the brushless motor is restarted. And a non-restartable step of stopping the power supply to the stator winding and disabling the restart of the brushless motor when the value does not reach the predetermined value. Is.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 5 forcibly rotates the permanent magnet rotor by sequentially generating a driving magnetic field in the stator winding based on the synchronization signal when starting the brushless motor. And a brushless motor in which the permanent magnet rotor is rotated in a sensorless manner by sequentially switching the driving magnetic field of the stator winding based on the induced voltage induced in the stator winding during steady rotation of the brushless motor. A motor control device, wherein the brushless motor control device starts position detection based on an induced voltage induced in the stator winding when the brushless motor is driven sensorlessly and uses a position detection timer. The count value of the position detection timer is started before the position is detected again based on the induced voltage induced in the stator winding. When a predetermined threshold value is reached, power supply to the stator winding is stopped, and after a predetermined time (A) has elapsed since the power supply to the stator winding is stopped, the stator winding When the brushless motor is restarted by sequentially generating a drive magnetic field on the wire and the predetermined time (B) elapses after the brushless motor is restarted, the rotation speed of the permanent magnet rotor is reduced. When the predetermined value is not reached within the reference time (C) after starting the start, the power supply to the stator winding is stopped and the brushless motor cannot be restarted. It is characterized by doing.

  According to the second and fifth aspects of the present invention, the count value of the position detection timer reaches a predetermined threshold before performing position detection again based on the induced voltage induced in the stator winding. In this case, even if the induced voltage signal obtained from the stator winding does not change due to the permanent magnet rotor stopping, the permanent magnet rotor stops due to out-of-step during sensorless driving. Can be reliably detected.

  Here, as described in claims 3 and 6, in the present invention, the rotation speed of the permanent magnet rotor is set to be the same as that of the brushless motor until the predetermined time (B) elapses after the brushless motor is restarted. While the power supply to the stator winding is stopped and the brushless motor cannot be restarted when the predetermined value is not reached within the reference time (C) after the start is started The rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor is set to a predetermined value within the reference time (C) after starting the restart of the brushless motor until the predetermined time (B) elapses after the brushless motor is restarted. If it reaches, the power supply to the stator winding is continued to maintain the rotation of the permanent magnet rotor, and if the rotation of the permanent magnet rotor subsequently becomes abnormal, the stator winding A predetermined time after the power supply to After A) has elapsed, to restart the brushless motor causing sequential driving magnetic field to the stator windings.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, if an abnormality does not occur again in the brushless motor after a predetermined time (B) elapses after the brushless motor is restarted, the first abnormality can be determined as a step-out due to a disturbance. In addition, when an abnormality occurs again in the brushless motor after the brushless motor is restarted until a predetermined time (B) elapses, it can be determined that the initial abnormality is due to the lock. In this way, it is possible to reliably determine whether the brushless motor is out of step or locked.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 7 stops the power supply to the brushless motor when an abnormality occurs during the driving of the brushless motor, and a predetermined time (A ) When the brushless motor is restarted after the elapse of time and an abnormality occurs again after a predetermined time has elapsed since the restart, the power supply to the brushless motor is stopped and the brushless motor cannot be restarted. In the brushless motor control device, the brushless motor control device is configured such that the rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor of the brushless motor is based on an induced voltage induced in a stator winding of the brushless motor when the brushless motor is started. A rotational speed detection means for detecting the reference time and a reference time (C) after starting the brushless motor is stored in advance. And the rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor detected by the rotational speed detection means determines whether or not a predetermined value is reached within a reference time (C) stored in advance in the storage means. An abnormality detecting means for determining that an abnormality has occurred in the driving of the brushless motor when the rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor does not reach a predetermined value within the reference time (C); And control means for stopping power supply to the stator winding when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the brushless motor is started, the rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor does not reach a predetermined value within the reference time (C), so that the abnormality detection means causes the brushless motor to rotate. When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the drive, the power supply to the stator winding is stopped by the control means, so there is an abnormality such as locking or step-out at a low speed such as when the brushless motor is forced to start. Even if this occurs, the brushless motor can be stopped instantaneously.

  Further, an abnormality detection means that an abnormality has occurred depending on whether or not the rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor has reached a predetermined value within a reference time (C) after starting the forced activation of the brushless motor. Therefore, even if the induced voltage signal obtained from the stator winding does not change when the permanent magnet rotor stops, it is possible to ensure that the permanent magnet rotor has stopped due to locking or the like when the brushless motor is forcibly started. Can be detected.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 8 stops the power supply to the brushless motor when an abnormality occurs during driving of the brushless motor, and the power supply to the brushless motor is stopped for a predetermined time (A ) When the brushless motor is restarted after the elapse of time and an abnormality occurs again after a predetermined time has elapsed since the restart, the power supply to the brushless motor is stopped and the brushless motor cannot be restarted. In the brushless motor control device, the brushless motor control device includes an induced voltage detection means for detecting an induced voltage induced in a stator winding of the brushless motor, and the stator winding during sensorless driving of the brushless motor. Position detection timer means for starting counting based on an induced voltage induced in the line, and a count of the position detection timer means It is determined whether the induced voltage induced in the stator winding is again detected by the induced voltage detecting means before the value reaches a predetermined threshold value, and the stator winding is detected by the induced voltage detecting means. An abnormality detecting means for determining that an abnormality has occurred in the driving of the brushless motor when the count value of the position detection timer reaches a predetermined threshold before detecting the induced voltage induced by And control means for stopping power supply to the stator winding when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when the brushless motor is sensorlessly driven, the count value of the position detection timer is determined in advance before the position is detected again based on the induced voltage induced in the stator winding. Therefore, even if the induced voltage signal obtained from the stator winding does not change when the permanent magnet rotor stops, the abnormality detection means determines that an abnormality has occurred. An abnormality that the magnet rotor has stopped due to step-out or the like can be reliably detected.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a fan motor including a brushless motor, a fan that rotates as the fan motor rotates, a controller that drives the fan motor, and a vehicle power supply battery that supplies power to the controller, In the vehicular fan motor apparatus comprising the above, it is preferable to use the brushless motor control apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 8 as the controller.

  As described above, according to the present invention, even when the permanent magnet rotor stops due to lock or step-out during the forced start of the brushless motor or the sensorless drive, these abnormalities can be detected with certainty. It is possible to prevent a current from continuing to flow in the same phase of the child winding, and thus it is possible to prevent the drive circuit and the stator winding from being damaged.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that members, arrangements, and the like described below do not limit the present invention, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made in accordance with the spirit of the present invention.

  FIG. 1 to FIG. 10 are diagrams showing an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the vehicle fan motor device, and FIG. 2 to FIG. 6 are flowcharts showing the operational flow of the vehicle fan motor device. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for detecting an abnormality when the vehicle fan motor device is forcibly driven. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for detecting an abnormality when the vehicle fan motor device is sensorlessly driven. 9 is a first explanatory view for explaining the operation of the vehicle fan motor device, and FIG. 10 is a second explanatory view for explaining the operation of the vehicle fan motor device.

First, the configuration of a vehicle fan motor device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
A vehicle fan motor device S according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is preferably used as a cooling device that cools a radiator of an engine provided in a vehicle (not shown), for example. A fan motor 20, a controller 30, a vehicle power supply battery 40, and a host controller 50.

  The fan 10 is disposed in the vicinity of an engine radiator provided in a vehicle (not shown), and includes a blade 11 and a rotating shaft 12. The blades 11 are formed radially on the rotary shaft 12, and the rotary shaft 12 is connected to the rotor 22 of the fan motor 20. The fan 10 of this example can rotate as the fan motor 20 is driven.

  The fan motor 20 includes a stator 21 that generates a driving magnetic field and a rotor 22 that rotates by the driving magnetic field generated from the stator 21. The stator 21 is provided with U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase stator windings 21u, 21v, and 21w connected in a Y-shape, and the rotor 22 has an N pole and an S pole. A permanent magnet (not shown in FIG. 1) provided with one pole is provided.

  The controller 30 is supplied with power from the vehicle power supply battery 40 and drives the fan motor 20 and is constituted by, for example, a one-chip electric circuit, a small control device, or the like. The controller 30 of this example includes an inverter circuit 30A, a driver circuit 30B, a motor control circuit 30C, a rotational position detection circuit 30D, a filter circuit 30E, and a power supply detector 30F as main components. Yes.

  The inverter circuit 30A is configured by a so-called full-wave drive circuit in which an upper arm and a lower arm are bridge-connected. That is, the upper arm of the inverter circuit 30A is composed of switching elements 33a, 33b, 33c and diodes 34a, 34b, 34c, and the lower arm is composed of switching elements 33d, 33e, 33f and diodes 34d, 34e, 34f. Yes.

  The switching elements 33a to 33f are configured by n-channel MOSFETs, and are bridge-connected between the anode power supply line 35a and the cathode power supply line 35b in three phases of U phase, V phase, and W phase. The drains of the switching elements 33a, 33b, and 33c are connected to the anode power supply line 35a, and the sources of the switching elements 33d, 33e, and 33f are connected to the cathode power supply line 35b.

  The gates of the switching elements 33a to 33f are respectively connected to the output terminal of the driver circuit 30B. The intermediate part of each bridge connection between the switching elements 33a, 33b, 33c and the switching elements 33d, 33e, 33f is the controller 30. Are connected to the stator windings 21u, 21v, and 21w via the external output terminals 32u, 32v, and 32w, respectively.

  Switching elements 33a, 33b and 33c switch the flow of current from anode power supply line 35a to stator windings 21u, 21v and 21w based on a switching signal applied to the gate. The switching elements 33d, 33e, and 33f switch the flow of current from the stator windings 21u, 21v, and 21w to the cathode power supply line 35b based on a switching signal given to the gate.

  The diodes 34a to 34f are for releasing a surge voltage generated by switching of the switching elements 33a to 33f. The diodes 34a to 34f in this example are connected in parallel to the switching elements 33a to 33f, respectively, and are wired so as to be in the opposite direction to the current flow from the anode power supply line 35a to the cathode power supply line 35b. . The diodes 34a to 34f are built in the switching elements 33a to 33f made of MOSFETs, respectively.

  Neutral potential generating resistors 36a and 36b are connected in series between the anode power supply line 35a and the cathode power supply line 35b. The neutral potential generating resistors 36a and 36b are for generating a neutral potential of the induced voltage generated in the stator windings 21u, 21v, and 21w. Intermediate connection portions of the neutral potential generation resistor 36a and the neutral potential generation resistor 36b are connected to comparators 38u, 38v, and 38w of a rotational position detection circuit 30D, which will be described later, via signal lines, respectively.

  The driver circuit 30B is for switching the switching element switching elements 33a to 33f, and outputs a predetermined switching signal according to the drive signals Sup, Svp, Swp, Sun, Svn, Swn output from the motor control circuit 30C. The switching signal is generated and output to the gates of the switching elements 33a to 33f.

  The motor control circuit 30C is configured by, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a calculation unit 37a, a buffer memory 37b, and a timer 37c. The calculation unit 37a performs a predetermined calculation based on the control signal Sa output from the host controller 50 and is output from the rotation position detection signals Eu, Ev, Ew output from the rotation position detection circuit 30D or the timer 37c. Based on the synchronization signal, six-phase drive signals Sup, Svp, Swp, Sun, Svn, and Swn are generated.

  As will be described in detail later, the buffer memory 37b has an area for setting flags indicating the driving states of the fan motor 20 in a stopped state, a forced driving state, and a sensorless driving state, a lock flag, and an error flag 1 described later. , A storage area for setting the error flag 2, a protection buffer memory area for setting a flag indicating that, if any of the lock flag, the error flag 1 and the error flag 2 is set, An area for storing temporary data, such as a storage area for storing the count value of the forced commutation counter that starts counting after the start of driving, or a storage area for storing the count value of the restart counter that counts the time after restart Is formed. The timer 37c receives the control signal Sa from the host controller 50 and outputs a synchronization signal to the calculation unit 37a. Details of the operation of the motor control circuit 30C will be described later.

  The rotational position detection circuit 30D detects an induced voltage induced in the stator windings 21u, 21v, and 21w according to the rotation of the rotor 22, and includes comparators 38u, 38v, and 38w. It is configured. The induced voltage signals Eu ′, Ev ′, and Ew ′ generated in the stator windings 21u, 21v, and 21w are input to one input terminals of the comparators 38u, 38v, and 38w, respectively. Further, the reference voltage signal Es at the intermediate connection portion of the neutral potential generating resistor 36a and the neutral potential generating resistor 36b is input to the other input terminals of the comparators 38u, 38v, and 38w. The comparators 38u, 38v, and 38w compare the induced voltage signals Eu ′, Ev ′, and Ew ′ with the reference voltage signal Es to generate a zero cross signal, which is used as a rotational position detection signal Eu, Ev, and Ew as a motor. Output to the control circuit 30C.

  The filter circuit 30E includes an inductor L1 and capacitors C1 and C2. The inductor L1 and the capacitors C1 and C2 are for suppressing the noise current generated in the anode power supply line 35a and the cathode power supply line 35b from flowing to the vehicle power supply battery 40 due to the switching operation of the inverter circuit 30A. . In the controller 30 of this example, the filter circuit 30E can prevent other devices connected to the vehicle power supply battery 40 from malfunctioning due to switching noise of the inverter circuit 30A.

  The controller 30 is provided with power terminals 31n and 31p, and a cathode power line 42 and an anode power line 41 connected to the vehicle power battery 40 are connected to the power terminals 31n and 31p, respectively. The anode power line 35a in the controller 30 is connected to a power detector 30F as a power detector. The power supply detector 30F is configured to output a power supply detection signal Ed corresponding to a change in power supply in the vehicle power supply battery 40 to the motor control circuit 30C.

  The vehicle power supply battery 40 is configured by an in-vehicle DC storage battery, and is configured to supply predetermined power (for example, an output voltage of 12 V) to the fan motor 20 and the controller 30.

  The host controller 50 is composed of an arithmetic processing circuit including a CPU, a memory, and the like, and inputs an output signal from a cooling water temperature sensor or a vehicle speed sensor disposed in a radiator (not shown). Then, the control signal Sa indicating the command rotational speed is generated. The control signal Sa from the host controller 50 is input to the motor control circuit 30C through the signal line and the input terminal 31a.

  The host controller 50 and the vehicle power supply battery 40 are connected to each other via an ignition switch 64 and a fuse 65 provided in a vehicle (not shown), and an anode power supply that connects the controller 30 and the vehicle power supply battery 40. The line 41 is provided with a fuse 66 for preventing overcurrent.

  Next, the operation of the vehicle fan motor apparatus S configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.

1. Processing from Stopped State to Forced Driving First, it is determined in the calculation unit 37a of the motor control circuit 30C provided in the controller 30 whether or not the rotational speed of the fan motor 20 exceeds 0 rpm (step S1). In order to determine whether or not the rotation speed of the fan motor 20 exceeds 0 rpm, the arithmetic unit 37a counts the synchronization signal output from the timer 37c. If the rising edge or falling edge of the rotational position detection signals Eu, Ev, Ew is detected before the count value becomes constant, it is determined that the rotational speed of the fan motor 20 exceeds 0 rpm.

  On the other hand, if the count value overflows before the rising edge or the falling edge of the rotational position detection signals Eu, Ev, Ew is detected, it is determined that the rotational speed of the fan motor 20 is 0 rpm.

  Here, when it is determined that the rotation speed of the fan motor 20 is 0 rpm (step S1: NO), it is determined whether or not the current stage state is a forced drive state (step S2). That is, the arithmetic unit 37a determines the driving state of the fan motor 20 by checking whether or not the flag indicating the forced driving state is set in the driving state storage area of the buffer memory 37b.

  In the initial state, a flag indicating a stop state is set as a default in the drive state storage area of the buffer memory 37b. Therefore, in the first routine process, it is determined in step S2 that the flag indicating the forced drive state is not set in the drive state storage area of the buffer memory 37b (step S2: NO).

  When it is determined in the process of step S2 that the flag indicating the forced drive state is not set in the drive state storage area of the buffer memory 37b (step S2: NO), the drive state storage area of the buffer memory 37b. A flag indicating a stop state is set in (Step S3). Since the flag indicating the stop state is already set in the drive state storage area of the buffer memory 37b as a default, in the first process, the process proceeds to the process of step S4 substantially without performing the process of step S3. To do.

  In the process of step S4, it is determined whether or not a flag is set in the protected buffer memory area of the buffer memory 37b (step S4). As will be described later, when any of the lock flag, the error flag 1 and the error flag 2 is set, a flag (in this case, “1”) indicating that fact is set in the protection buffer memory area. .

  In the initial state, “0” is set as a default in the protection buffer memory area. Therefore, in the first routine processing, it is determined in step S4 that the flag is not set in the protection buffer memory area (step S4: YES).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the current state is a sensorless driving state (step S5). Here, the calculation unit 37a determines the driving state of the fan motor 20 by checking whether or not the flag indicating the sensorless driving state is set in the driving state storage area of the buffer memory 37b.

  In the initial state, as described above, the flag indicating the stop state is set as a default in the drive state storage area of the buffer memory 37b. Therefore, in the first routine process, it is determined in step S5 that the flag indicating the sensorless driving state is not set in the driving state storage area of the buffer memory 37b (step S5: NO).

  Then, it is determined whether or not there is a command rotational speed (control signal Sa) from the host controller 50 (step S6). If it is determined that there is a command rotational speed from the host controller 50 (step S4: YES), the rotational speed of the fan motor 20 is detected based on the rotational position detection signals Eu, Ev, Ew, and the fan motor is detected. It is determined whether the rotational speed of 20 is equal to or lower than a predetermined limit rotational speed (step S7).

  Since the rotational speed is zero when the fan motor 20 is stopped in the initial processing (the state where there is no idling or the like), the rotational speed of the fan motor 20 is determined in advance in step S7. It is determined that the number is less than or equal to the number (step S7: YES).

  Then, reset energization (initial position setting) is performed to position the rotor 22 of the fan motor 20 at a predetermined rotational position, and it is determined whether or not the reset energization is completed (step S8). Whether or not the reset energization is completed is determined by counting the synchronization signal output from the timer 37c in the calculation unit 37a and elapse of a predetermined time.

  If it is determined that the reset energization has been completed (step S8: YES), the fan motor 20 is shifted to the forced drive state (steps S9 to S12). At this time, first, a flag indicating the forced drive state is set in the drive state storage area of the buffer memory 37b (step S9).

  Next, the motor output initial value is set in the calculation unit 37a, and this is set as a voltage correction value (step S10). Subsequently, the calculation unit 37a sets this voltage correction value as a motor output value (step S11), and stores this voltage correction value in the motor output buffer memory area of the buffer memory 37b (step S12).

  In this example, PWM chopping having a PWM duty ratio represented by the motor output value is superimposed on the drive signals Sup, Svp, Swp, Sun, Svn, and Swn. Then, the drive signals Sup, Svp, Swp, Sun, Svn, Swn on which the PWM chopping is superimposed are output to the driver circuit 30B. At this time, the PWM chopping is superimposed on one or both of the drive signals Sup, Svp, Swp and the drive signals Sun, Svn, Swn. Note that the drive signals Sup, Svp, Swp, Sun, Svn, and Swn during forced driving are generated in synchronization with the synchronization signal output from the timer 37c.

  In this way, when the drive signals Sup, Svp, Swp, Sun, Svn, Swn on which PWM chopping is superimposed are output from the motor control circuit 30C to the driver circuit 30B, the gates of the switching elements 34a to 34f are output by the driver circuit 30B. A switching signal is output. Thereby, the switching elements 34a to 34f are sequentially switched.

  When the switching elements 34a to 34f are sequentially switched, a current flows through the stator windings 21u, 21v, and 21w in a predetermined order. Among the stator windings 21u, 21v, and 21w, the stator that has a current flowed. A driving magnetic field is generated from the winding, and forced driving of the fan motor 20 is started.

  Subsequently, the switching timing of the drive signals Sup, Svp, Swp, Sun, Svn, Swn is subtracted based on the synchronization signal from the timer 37c (step S13). That is, the cycle of the drive signals Sup, Svp, Swp, Sun, Svn, Swn is set and updated to a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined subtracted value from the cycle of the currently output drive signals Sup, Svp, Swp, Sun, Svn, Swn. To do. As a result, the timing of energizing the stator windings 21u, 21v, 21w is advanced, and the rotational speed of the fan motor 20 is increased.

  Then, the forced commutation counter provided in the buffer memory 37b is incremented (step S14). This forced commutation counter is for measuring the elapsed time after starting the forced drive. And it is judged whether the count value of this forced commutation counter is more than a limit value (step S15).

  The limit value in step S15 is for determining that an abnormality has occurred when the motor rotation speed does not exceed the sensorless drive switching threshold value (limit rotation speed) within a predetermined time, and is shown in FIG. Thus, it is a value corresponding to a predetermined time C (corresponding to a reference time after starting the forced activation of the brushless motor according to the present invention) after the start of forced commutation. As described above, in this example, it is determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred during the forced driving by the process of step S15.

  And when the count value of a forced commutation counter is smaller than a limit value (step S15: NO), it transfers to the lock protection process of step S22. In the lock protection process, each process shown in FIG. 3 is performed (steps S101 to S110).

  In the lock protection process, it is determined whether or not the lock flag 1 is set (step S101). The lock flag 1 is for making it impossible to restart the motor, as will be described in detail later. If it is determined that the lock flag 1 is not set (step S101: NO), it is determined whether either the error flag 1 or the error flag 2 is set (step S102). As will be described in detail later, the error flag 1 is a flag that is set when an abnormality occurs during forced driving, and the error flag 2 is a flag that is set when an abnormality occurs during sensorless driving.

  If it is determined that neither the error flag 1 nor the error flag 2 is set (step S102: NO), it is determined whether the lock flag 2 is set (step S106). As will be described in detail later, the lock flag 2 indicates a restarting state after an abnormality has occurred (see the process in step S104).

  When it is determined that the lock flag 2 is not set (step S106: NO), the lock flag 1 is reset (step S110). In the first process, since the flag is not set in the lock flag 1, the lock protection process is terminated substantially without performing the process of step S110, and the process proceeds to the restart process of step S23. In the restart process, each process shown in FIG. 4 is performed (steps S201 to S206).

  In the restart process, it is determined whether either error flag 1 or error flag 2 is set (step S201). If it is determined that neither error flag 1 nor error flag 2 is set (step S201: NO), the restart counter is reset (step S202). The restart counter is for measuring the elapsed time after the restart. After resetting the restart counter, the restart process is terminated and the process proceeds to step S24.

  In the process of step S24, the data set in the lock flag 1, the error flag 1, and the error flag 2 is replaced with a protection buffer memory area (step S24). That is, when any of the lock flag 1, the error flag 1, and the error flag 2 is set, a flag (in this case, “1”) indicating that fact is set in the protection buffer memory area. On the other hand, when none of the lock flag 1, the error flag 1, and the error flag 2 is set, data indicating that (in this case, “0”) is set in the protection buffer memory area.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a flag is set in the protection buffer memory area (step S25). If the flag is not set (step S25: YES), the process returns to step S1.

  Then, as long as an abnormality described later does not occur (step S15: unless YES), until the rotational speed of the fan motor 20 exceeds a predetermined limit rotational speed (until NO in step S7), as described above. Steps S1 to S15 and steps S22 to S25 related to forced driving are repeated.

2. Process for Transitioning from Forced Drive to Sensorless Drive When the number of revolutions in the forced drive of the fan motor 20 increases by repeatedly performing the process related to the forced drive in the above steps S1 to S15 and S22 to S25, the fan motor 20 is eventually The rotational speed of exceeds the predetermined limit rotational speed. The limit rotational speed is such that the phase difference between the rotational position detection signals Eu, Ev, Ew output from the rotational position detection circuit 30D and the drive signals Sup, Svp, Swp, Sun, Svn, Swn is less than a predetermined value (or phase). Is the predetermined number of revolutions.

  When it is determined in step S7 that the rotational speed of the fan motor 20 has exceeded a predetermined limit rotational speed while repeatedly performing the processing related to forced driving in steps S1 to S15 and steps S22 to S25 ( In step S7: NO, it is determined whether or not the fan motor 20 is in a forced drive state (step S17). Here, as described above, since the flag indicating the forced drive state is set in the drive state storage area of the buffer memory 37b as described above, it is determined in the process of step S17 that the forced drive state is set (step S17). S17: YES).

  If it is determined in step S17 that the motor is in the forced drive state (step S17: YES), the fan motor 20 is shifted to the sensorless drive state (steps S18 to S19). As described above, in this example, the phase of the synchronization signal (output from the timer 37c) for sequentially generating a magnetic field in the stator windings 21u, 21v, 21w when the rotor 22 is forcibly started is set to the stator windings 21u, 21v. , 21 w can be shifted from forced drive to sensorless drive in a state close to or in agreement with the phases of the induced voltage signals Eu, Ev, Ew. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly shift from the forced drive state to the sensorless drive state without causing problems such as step-out and motor stoppage.

  If it is determined in the process of step S17 that the vehicle is in the forced drive state (step S17: YES), first, a flag indicating the sensorless drive state is set in the drive state storage area of the buffer memory 37b (step S18). Subsequently, the calculation unit 37a sets the voltage correction value stored in the motor output buffer memory area as the startup offset value, and sets this startup offset value as the motor output value (step S19). The starting offset value at this time is a voltage correction value stored in the buffer memory 37b in the last routine processing in the forced driving state immediately before shifting to the sensorless driving state.

  Then, the rotational speed of the fan motor 20 is detected based on the rotational position detection signals Eu, Ev, and Ew output from the rotational position detection circuit 30D, and the detected rotational speed and a command rotational speed from the host controller are proportionally calculated ( PI calculation), and based on the calculated value, control is performed to keep the rotation speed of the fan motor 20 constant (step S20). Subsequently, the voltage correction value stored in the motor output buffer memory area is cleared (step S21).

  Then, after performing the processing of step S22 to step S25 in the above manner, the process proceeds to the processing of step S1, and unless an abnormality described later occurs (unless the error flag 2 is set in step S306), step S1, step S1. The processes related to sensorless driving in S4, Step S5, Step S17, Step S29, and Step S20 to Step S25 are repeated.

3. Processing when an abnormality occurs during forced driving (processing that enables restart)
As described above, the forced commutation counter is repeatedly counted up in step S14 while the processes related to the forced drive in steps S1 to S15 and steps S22 to S25 are repeated. If the count value is equal to or greater than the limit value, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred during forced driving (step S15: YES).

  That is, if the count value of the forced commutation counter becomes equal to or greater than the limit value before the rotation speed of the fan motor 20 exceeds a predetermined limit rotation speed, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred during the forced drive. (Step S15: YES). If it demonstrates using FIG. 7, when the motor rotation speed does not become more than a sensorless drive switching threshold value (limit rotation speed) within the predetermined time C, it will be judged that abnormality has arisen at the time of forced drive. Thus, in the present invention, it is determined whether or not the rotational speed of the rotor 22 has reached a predetermined value within a predetermined time C after the start of forced activation of the fan motor 20.

  If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred during forced driving (step S15: YES), the error flag 1 is set (step S16). As described above, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred during forced driving and the error flag 1 is set, the process proceeds to the lock protection process in step S22 (steps S101 to S110).

  In the lock protection process, it is determined whether or not a flag is set in the lock flag 1 (step S101). At this stage, since no flag is set in the lock flag 1 (step S101: NO), it is subsequently determined whether either the error flag 1 or the error flag 2 is set (step S102). As described above, if an abnormality occurs during forced driving, the error flag 1 is set, so it is determined here that either the error flag 1 or the error flag 2 is set (step) S102: YES).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the lock counter is not 0 (step S103). As will be described in detail later, the lock counter is counted in the process of step S107, and the time from when the lock flag 2 (indicating that it is in a restart state after an abnormality has occurred) has been set. Is to count. At this stage, since the lock counter is 0 (step S103: NO), the lock flag 2 is set (step S104). As described above, the lock flag 2 indicates a restart state after an abnormality has occurred.

  After the lock flag 2 is set, the lock protection process is terminated, and the process proceeds to the restart process in step S23. In the restart process, each process shown in FIG. 4 is performed (steps S201 to S206).

  In the restart process, it is determined whether either error flag 1 or error flag 2 is set (step S201). As described above, if an abnormality occurs during forced driving, the error flag 1 is set, so it is determined here that either the error flag 1 or the error flag 2 is set (step) S201: YES).

  Subsequently, the restart counter is counted up (step S203). The restart counter is for measuring the elapsed time after the restart. Then, it is determined whether or not the count value of the restart counter is not less than the limit value (step S204).

  The limit value in step S204 is for determining whether or not a predetermined time A has elapsed since the error flag 1 or the error flag 2 was set, as shown in FIGS. Alternatively, the value corresponds to a predetermined time A after the error flag 2 is set. In this example, the predetermined time A is set to 10 seconds, for example. In the present invention, setting the error flag 1 or the error flag 2 is included in the process of stopping the power supply to the fan motor 20.

  If the count value of the restart counter is not equal to or greater than the limit value (step S204: NO), the process proceeds to step S24. In the process of step S24, the data set in the lock flag 1, the error flag 1, and the error flag 2 is replaced with a protection buffer memory area (step S24). In this case, since the error flag 1 is set, a flag indicating this (in this case, “1”) is set in the protection buffer memory area.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a flag is set in the protection buffer memory area (step S25). Here, since the flag indicating that the error flag 1 is set in the protection buffer memory area is set, it is determined that the flag is set in the protection buffer memory area (step S25: NO), and the motor output Is cleared (step S26). That is, the power supply to the fan motor 20 is stopped and the fan motor 20 is stopped. Thus, in this example, if an abnormality occurs during forced driving, the fan motor 20 stops instantaneously.

  And after stopping the fan motor 20 as mentioned above, it returns to the process of step S1, step S1-step S4, step S22 (step S101-step S104), step S23 (step S201, step S203, step 204). ) To S26 are repeated.

  At this time, in the process of step S204, the above process is repeated until it is determined that the count value of the restart counter is equal to or greater than the limit value (step S204: YES). That is, the above process is repeated until the predetermined time A elapses. Thus, in this example, when an abnormality occurs during forced driving, the process waits until it is determined that the predetermined time A has elapsed in the process of step S204 (see FIG. 9).

  Eventually, when the count value of the restart counter exceeds the limit value and it is determined in the process of step S204 that the count value of the restart counter is equal to or greater than the limit value (step S204: YES), error flag 1 and error flag 2 is reset (step S205). Here, as described above, since the error flag 1 is set due to the occurrence of an abnormality during forced driving, the error flag 1 is reset.

  Subsequently, the restart counter is reset (step S206), and the process proceeds to step S24. In the process of step S24, as described above, the data set in the lock flag 1, the error flag 1, and the error flag 2 is replaced with the protection buffer memory area (step S24). At this stage, none of the lock flag 1, the error flag 1, and the error flag 2 is set, so data indicating that (in this case, “0”) is set in the protection buffer memory area.

  Then, it is determined whether or not a flag is set in the protection buffer memory area (step S25). Here, since the flag is not set in the protection buffer memory area, it is determined that the flag is not set in the protection buffer memory area (step S25: YES), and the process returns to step S1.

  And the process of step S1-step S13 is performed in the said point, and a motor is restarted. Subsequently, the forced commutation counter is counted up (step S14), and it is determined whether or not the count value of the forced commutation counter is equal to or greater than a limit value (step S15). When the count value of the forced commutation counter is smaller than the limit value (step S15: NO), the process proceeds to the lock protection process of step S22.

  In the lock protection process, it is determined whether or not the lock flag 1 is set (step S101). At this stage, since the lock flag 1 is not set (step S101: NO), it is subsequently determined whether either the error flag 1 or the error flag 2 is set (step S102). As described above, since the error flag 1 set due to the occurrence of an abnormality during forced driving has already been reset in step S205, it is determined here that neither the error flag 1 nor the error flag 2 is set. (Step S102: NO).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the lock flag 2 is set (step S106). At this stage, as described above, since the lock flag 2 is set in the process of step S104, it is determined that the lock flag 2 is set (step S106: YES). Then, the lock counter is counted up. (Step S107), it is determined whether or not the count value of the lock counter is not less than the limit value (Step S108).

  The limit value in step S108 is for determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred again within a predetermined time when the fan motor 20 is restarted after the predetermined time A has elapsed. As shown in FIG. The value corresponds to time B. In this example, the predetermined time B is set to 20 seconds, for example.

  If it is determined that the count value of the lock counter is smaller than the limit value (step S108: NO), the lock flag 1 is reset (step S110), the lock protection process is terminated, and the process is restarted in step S23. Move on to processing. At this stage, since the lock flag 1 is not set, the process proceeds to the process of step S23 substantially without performing the process of step S110.

  In the restart process, it is determined whether either error flag 1 or error flag 2 is set (step S201). At this stage, since neither error flag 1 nor error flag 2 is set, it is determined that neither error flag 1 nor error flag 2 is set (step S201: NO). Then, the restart counter is reset (step S202), the restart process is ended, the processes of steps S24 and S25 are performed, and then the process returns to step S1.

  In step S15, unless the count value of the forced commutation counter becomes equal to or greater than the limit value (step S15: Unless YES), the count value of the lock counter in the lock protection process is equal to or greater than the limit value (step S108). : Until YES, step S1 to step S15, step S22 (step S101, step S102, step S106 to step S108, step S110), step S23 (step S201, step S202) to step S25 are forced as described above. The process related to driving is repeated.

  Then, in the lock protection process, the lock counter is counted up (step S107). If the count value of the lock counter becomes equal to or greater than the limit value (step S108: YES), the lock counter is reset. At the same time, the lock flag 2 is reset (step S109), and the initial state is restored. In other words, unless the abnormality at the time of forced driving occurs again, the process related to forced driving is repeated until the predetermined time B elapses. When the predetermined time B elapses, the process returns to the initial state and can be restarted. (See FIG. 9).

  Thus, in this example, even if an abnormality occurs during forced driving, if an abnormality (position detection error) does not occur again within the predetermined time B after the predetermined time A has elapsed, the abnormality during forced driving is caused by disturbance. A step-out is determined, and the system can be restarted by returning to the initial state. Therefore, if no abnormality (position detection error) occurs again within the predetermined time B after the predetermined time A has elapsed, the system can be restarted any number of times.

  Then, as described above, as long as no abnormality occurs during forced driving (step S15: unless YES), until the rotational speed of the fan motor 20 exceeds a predetermined limit rotational speed (step S7: NO) In the above-described manner, the processes related to forced driving in steps S1 to S15 and steps S22 to S25 are repeated.

4). Processing when abnormality occurs during forced driving (processing that makes restart impossible)
In the processing after the predetermined time A has elapsed when an abnormality occurs during forced driving, as described above, unless the count value of the forced commutation counter exceeds the limit value in step S15 (unless it becomes YES in step S15). Until the count value of the lock counter in the lock protection process becomes equal to or greater than the limit value (step S108: YES), steps S1 to S15 and step S22 (step S101, step S102, step S106 to step S106) Steps S108 and S110) and steps S23 (step S201 and step S202) to step S25 are repeated.

  However, before the count value of the lock counter becomes equal to or greater than the limit value (step S108: before YES), in step S15, the count value of the forced commutation counter exceeds the limit value (step S15: YES). ), An abnormality occurs again before the predetermined time B elapses. In this case, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred during the restart, and the error flag 1 is set (step S16).

  Then, in the lock protection process, it is determined whether or not a flag is set in the lock flag 1 (step S101). At this stage, since no flag is set in the lock flag 1 (step S101: NO), it is subsequently determined whether either the error flag 1 or the error flag 2 is set (step S102). As described above, if an abnormality occurs during forced driving, the error flag 1 is set, so it is determined here that either the error flag 1 or the error flag 2 is set (step) S102: YES).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the lock counter is 0 (step S103). At the restart stage, the lock counter is not 0 (step S103: YES), so the lock flag 1 is set (step S105). After the lock flag 1 is set, the process proceeds to restart processing.

  In the restart process, it is determined whether either error flag 1 or error flag 2 is set (step S201). As described above, when an abnormality occurs during the restart, the error flag 1 is set. Therefore, it is determined here that either the error flag 1 or the error flag 2 is set (step S201: YES).

  Subsequently, the restart counter is counted up (step S203). The restart counter is for measuring the elapsed time after the restart. Then, it is determined whether or not the count value of the restart counter is not less than the limit value (step S204).

  If the count value of the restart counter is not equal to or greater than the limit value (step S204: NO), the process proceeds to step S24. In the process of step S24, the data set in the lock flag 1, the error flag 1, and the error flag 2 is replaced with a protection buffer memory area (step S24). In this case, since the lock flag 1 and the error flag 1 are set, a flag (in this case, “1”) indicating that fact is set in the protection buffer memory area.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a flag is set in the protection buffer memory area (step S25). Here, since the flag is set in the protection buffer memory area, it is determined that the flag is set in the protection buffer memory area (step S25: NO), and the motor output is cleared (step S26). That is, the motor is stopped. Thus, in this example, when an abnormality occurs during restart, the motor stops instantaneously.

  And the process of step S1, step S2, step S4, step S22 (step S101: YES, step S105), step S23 (S201, step S203 to step S206), and step S24 to step S26 is repeatedly performed. At this time, unless the lock flag 1 is reset, the motor remains in a stopped state. That is, unless the lock flag 1 is reset, it cannot be restarted.

  Thus, in this example, if an abnormality occurs during forced driving and an abnormality (position detection error) occurs again within a predetermined time B after the predetermined time A has elapsed, the abnormality is determined to be a motor lock. It becomes impossible to restart.

5. Processing when an abnormality occurs during sensorless driving (processing that enables restart)
In this example, as described above, the processing related to sensorless driving in step S1, step S4, step S5, step S17, step S29, and step S20 to step S25 is repeatedly performed. The timing to flow is determined, and the position detection is started at the timing of the timer 2. The timings of the timers 1 and 2 are determined based on the rotational position detection signals Eu, Ev, and Ew output from the comparators 38u, 38v, and 38w.

  When the processing related to the position detection interrupt is executed in synchronization with the timer 2, the position detection interval timer value (for example, the total number of counts corresponding to an electrical angle of 60 degrees) is stored in the position detection interval buffer memory (step S301). .

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the position detection timer is an initial value (step S302). If the position detection timer is not the initial value (step S302: NO), the initial value is stored in the position detection interval buffer memory (step S307). ). On the other hand, if the position detection timer is the initial value (step S302: YES), it is determined whether or not the position detection timer is stopped (step S303).

  When the position detection timer has stopped (step S303: YES), the initial value is stored in the position detection interval buffer memory (step S307), and the position detection timer does not stop and operates normally. In (Step S303: NO), the commutation pattern is switched in synchronization with the timer 1 (Step S304).

  Subsequently, the timing of timer 1 is set to 1/2 of the position detection interval timer value stored in the position detection buffer memory, and the timing of timer 2 is set to 3/4 of the position detection interval timer value stored in the position detection buffer memory. The timing of the timer 3 is set to α times (for example, twice) the position detection interval timer value stored in the position detection buffer memory (step S305). Then, position detection is started in synchronization with the timer 2. That is, the position detection timer starts counting.

  In this example, when the rotation speed of the fan motor 20 decreases, the timer 3 interrupt process (steps S401 to S402) is executed. That is, when the fan motor 20 is rotating normally at the determined number of rotations, the initial value of the timer 3 is repeatedly rewritten in step S305, so that the timer 3 interrupt process is not performed. When the rotational speed of the fan motor 20 decreases (for example, when the rotational speed is halved), the timer 3 interrupt process is performed.

  In the interrupt processing of the timer 3, the driving state is determined based on whether or not the flag indicating each driving state of the stopped state (including idling), the forced driving state, and the sensorless driving state is set in the buffer memory 37b (step S401). In the stop state (including idling) and the forced drive state, the interrupt process is terminated. On the other hand, if the sensorless driving state flag is set, it is determined that the rotational speed of the fan motor 20 has decreased, and the error flag 2 is set (step S402).

  In other words, if the explanation is made with reference to the explanatory diagram shown in FIG. 8, the position detection timer starts counting based on the timing of the timer 2, and the fan motor 20 is normally rotated at a predetermined rotational speed. The count of the position detection timer is started again based on the timing of the timer 2 before reaching the error threshold.

  On the other hand, the position detection timer starts counting based on the timing of the timer 2, and when the rotational speed of the fan motor 20 decreases (for example, when the rotational speed becomes 1/2), the position detection timer is based on the timing of the timer 2. Before restarting the counting, the timer 3 interrupt processing is performed, and it is determined that the count value of the position detection timer has reached the error threshold. In short, if position detection is not performed before the error threshold is reached, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, the error flag 2 is set.

  When the error flag 2 is set while repeatedly performing the processes related to sensorless driving in step S1, step S4, step S5, step S17, step S29, and step S20 to step S25, the same as in the forced driving state described above. In addition, lock protection processing is performed. That is, it is determined that the flag is not set in the lock flag 1 (step S101: NO), and since the error flag 2 is already set, it is determined that either the error flag 1 or the error flag 2 is set. (Step S102: YES)

  Then, it is determined that the lock counter is not 0 (step S103), and the lock flag 2 is set (step S104). As described above, the lock flag 2 indicates a restart state after an abnormality has occurred.

  Subsequently, in the restart process, it is determined that either error flag 1 or error flag 2 is set (step S201: YES), the restart counter is counted up (step S203), and the restart counter It is determined whether or not the count value is equal to or greater than the limit value (step S204).

  The limit value in step S204 is for determining whether or not a predetermined time A has elapsed since the error flag 1 or the error flag 2 was set, as shown in FIGS. Alternatively, the value corresponds to a predetermined time A after the error flag 2 is set. The predetermined time A during sensorless driving is also set to 10 seconds, for example.

  If the count value of the restart counter is not equal to or greater than the limit value (step S204: NO), the process proceeds to step S24, and a flag (this flag indicating that the error flag 2 is set in the protection buffer memory area) In this case, “1”) is set.

  Subsequently, it is determined that the flag is set in the protection buffer memory area (step S25: NO), and the motor output is cleared (step S26). That is, the motor is stopped. Thus, in this example, if an abnormality occurs during sensorless driving, the motor stops instantaneously.

  As in the case of the forced driving process described above, even if an abnormality occurs during sensorless driving, if the abnormality (position detection error) does not occur again within a predetermined time B after the predetermined time A has elapsed, the abnormality is a disturbance. Is determined to be out of step, and can be restarted by returning to the initial state. As described above, if an abnormality (position detection error) does not occur again within the predetermined time B after the predetermined time A has elapsed, the system can be restarted any number of times.

6). Processing when an abnormality occurs during sensorless driving (processing that makes restart impossible)
In the processing after the elapse of the predetermined time A when an abnormality occurs during sensorless driving, if no abnormality (position detection error) occurs again within the predetermined time B as described above, the abnormality during the sensorless driving is stepped out due to disturbance. It is determined that it can be restarted after returning to the initial state.

  However, before the count value of the lock counter becomes equal to or greater than the limit value (step S108: before YES), in step S15, the count value of the forced commutation counter exceeds the limit value (step S15: YES). ) Or when the timer 3 interrupt process is executed, the abnormality occurs again before the predetermined time B elapses. In this case, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred at the time of restart, and the error flag 1 or the error flag 2 is set. In this case as well, similarly to the processing at the time of forced driving described above, the lock flag 1 is set in step S105 to make the restart impossible.

  Thus, in this example, when an abnormality occurs during sensorless driving and an abnormality (position detection error) occurs again within a predetermined time B after the predetermined time A has elapsed, the abnormality is determined to be a motor lock. It becomes impossible to restart.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the following effects are obtained.
(A) According to the present embodiment, when the fan motor 20 is forcibly activated, the rotational speed of the fan motor 20 reaches a predetermined value within a predetermined time C after the forcible activation of the fan motor 20 is started. If not, the power supply to the fan motor 20 is stopped. Therefore, even if an abnormality such as a lock or step-out occurs at a low speed such as when the fan motor 20 is forcibly started, the fan motor 20 is stopped instantaneously. be able to.

  (B) According to the present embodiment, an abnormality occurs depending on whether or not the rotational speed of the fan motor 20 has reached a predetermined value within a predetermined time C after starting the forced start of the fan motor 20. Therefore, even when the induced voltage signal obtained from the stator windings 21u, 21v, and 21w does not change when the rotor 22 is stopped, the rotor 22 is locked or the like when the fan motor 20 is forcibly started. It is possible to reliably detect an abnormality that has stopped.

  (C) According to the present embodiment, the count value of the position detection timer reaches a predetermined threshold before performing position detection again based on the induced voltage induced in the stator windings 21u, 21v, and 21w. Therefore, even if the induced voltage signal obtained from the stator windings 21u, 21v, and 21w does not change due to the rotor 22 being stopped, the rotor 22 is stopped due to a step-out during sensorless driving. It is possible to reliably detect the abnormality.

  (D) According to the present embodiment, if no abnormality occurs again in the fan motor 20 until the predetermined time B has elapsed after the fan motor 20 is restarted, the first abnormality is determined to be a step-out due to disturbance. Can do. In addition, when an abnormality occurs again in the fan motor 20 after the predetermined time B has elapsed after the fan motor 20 is restarted, it can be determined that the initial abnormality is due to the lock. In this way, it is possible to reliably determine whether the fan motor 20 is out of step or locked.

  (E) According to the present embodiment, as described above, even when the rotor 22 is stopped due to locking or step-out during the forced start-up of the fan motor 20 or sensorless driving, these abnormalities are reliably detected. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a current from continuing to flow in the same phase of the stator windings 21u, 21v, and 21w, and to prevent the inverter circuit 30A and the stator windings 21u, 21v, and 21w from being damaged. Is possible.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the fan motor apparatus for vehicles which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the fan motor apparatus for vehicles which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the fan motor apparatus for vehicles which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the fan motor apparatus for vehicles which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the fan motor apparatus for vehicles which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of operation | movement of the fan motor apparatus for vehicles which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the method to detect the abnormality at the time of the forced drive of the vehicle fan motor apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the method to detect the abnormality at the time of sensorless drive of the fan motor apparatus for vehicles which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is 1st explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the fan motor apparatus for vehicles which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the 2nd explanatory view explaining operation of the fan motor device for vehicles concerning one embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 fan, 11 blade, 12 rotating shaft, 20 brushless motor (fan motor), 21 permanent magnet stator (stator), 21u, 21v, 21w stator winding, 22 rotor, 30 brushless motor control device (controller) ), 30A inverter circuit, 30B driver circuit, 30C motor control circuit, 30D rotational position detection circuit, 30E filter circuit, 31a input terminal, 31n, 31p power supply terminal, 32u, 32v, 32w external output terminal, 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 33e, 33f Switching element, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e, 34f Rectifier element, 35a Anode power line, 35b Cathode power line, 36a, 36b Neutral potential generating resistor, 37a arithmetic unit, 37b buffer memory, 37c Timer, 38u, 3 v, 38w Comparator, 39 Power detector, 40 Vehicle power battery, 41 Anode power line, 42 Cathode power line, 50 Host controller, 64 Ignition switch, 65 fuse, 66 fuse, C1, C2 capacitor, L1 inductor, S Fan motor device for vehicle

Claims (9)

In the brushless motor control method of rotating the permanent magnet rotor of the brushless motor in a sensorless manner by sequentially switching the driving magnetic field of the stator winding based on the induced voltage induced in the stator winding of the brushless motor,
A forced starting step of forcibly rotating the permanent magnet rotor by sequentially generating a driving magnetic field in the stator winding;
The rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor is detected based on the induced voltage induced in the stator winding at the time of forced activation of the brushless motor, and the rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor is A first abnormality determination step for determining whether or not a predetermined value has been reached within a reference time after starting activation;
If the rotation speed of the permanent magnet rotor does not reach a predetermined value within a reference time after starting the forced start of the brushless motor, the power supply to the stator winding is stopped. A power supply stopping step,
After a predetermined time has elapsed since the power supply to the stator winding was stopped, a driving magnetic field is sequentially generated in the stator winding to rotate the permanent magnet rotor and restart the brushless motor. Steps,
Until the predetermined time elapses after the brushless motor is restarted that the rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor has not reached a predetermined value within a reference time after the restart of the brushless motor is started. A second abnormality determining step for determining whether or not
The rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor did not reach a predetermined value within a reference time after starting the restart of the brushless motor until a predetermined time has elapsed since the brushless motor was restarted. In this case, the power supply to the stator winding is stopped, and the restart disable step for disabling the restart of the brushless motor;
A method for controlling a brushless motor, comprising: In the brushless motor control method of rotating the permanent magnet rotor of the brushless motor in a sensorless manner by sequentially switching the driving magnetic field of the stator winding based on the induced voltage induced in the stator winding of the brushless motor,
A sensorless driving step of rotating the permanent magnet rotor in a sensorless manner by sequentially switching a driving magnetic field of the stator winding based on an induced voltage induced in the stator winding;
Position detection is started based on the induced voltage induced in the stator winding during sensorless driving of the brushless motor and counting by the position detection timer is started, and the count value of the position detection timer is set to a predetermined threshold value. A first abnormality determination step for determining whether or not the position is detected based on the induced voltage induced in the stator winding again before reaching;
If the count value of the position detection timer reaches a predetermined threshold before performing position detection again based on the induced voltage induced in the stator winding, power is supplied to the stator winding. A power supply stop step for stopping;
After a predetermined time has elapsed since the power supply to the stator winding was stopped, a driving magnetic field is sequentially generated in the stator winding to rotate the permanent magnet rotor and restart the brushless motor. Steps,
Until the predetermined time elapses after the brushless motor is restarted that the rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor has not reached a predetermined value within a reference time after the restart of the brushless motor is started. A second abnormality determining step for determining whether or not
The rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor did not reach a predetermined value within a reference time after starting the restart of the brushless motor until a predetermined time has elapsed since the brushless motor was restarted. And stopping the power supply to the stator winding and disabling the restart of the brushless motor,
A method for controlling a brushless motor, comprising:   The method for controlling the brushless motor is such that the rotation speed of the permanent magnet rotor is predetermined within a reference time after the restart of the brushless motor is started until a predetermined time elapses after the brushless motor is restarted. When the value reached, the power supply to the stator winding is continued to maintain the rotation of the permanent magnet rotor, and then the rotation of the permanent magnet rotor is abnormal. 3. The method of controlling a brushless motor according to claim 1, wherein power supply to the stator winding is stopped, and the brushless motor can be restarted from the restarting step. 4. When the brushless motor is started, a driving magnetic field is sequentially generated in the stator winding based on the synchronization signal to forcibly rotate the permanent magnet rotor, and is induced in the stator winding during steady rotation of the brushless motor. A control device for a brushless motor in which a driving magnetic field of the stator winding is sequentially switched based on an induced voltage to rotate the permanent magnet rotor in a sensorless manner,
In the brushless motor control device, when the brushless motor is forcibly started, the rotation speed of the permanent magnet rotor is predetermined within a reference time after starting the brushless motor forcibly. When the value is not reached, the power supply to the stator winding is stopped, and after a predetermined time has passed since the power supply to the stator winding is stopped, the driving magnetic field is sequentially applied to the stator winding. The reference time after the rotational speed of the permanent magnet rotor starts the restart of the brushless motor until a predetermined time elapses after the brushless motor is restarted and the brushless motor is restarted. If the predetermined value is not reached, the power supply to the stator winding is stopped and the brushless motor cannot be restarted. Control device for a brushless motor. When the brushless motor is started, a driving magnetic field is sequentially generated in the stator winding based on the synchronization signal to forcibly rotate the permanent magnet rotor, and is induced in the stator winding during steady rotation of the brushless motor. A control device for a brushless motor in which a driving magnetic field of the stator winding is sequentially switched based on an induced voltage to rotate the permanent magnet rotor in a sensorless manner,
When the brushless motor is driven sensorlessly, the brushless motor control device starts position detection based on an induced voltage induced in the stator winding and starts counting by a position detection timer. When the count value of the position detection timer reaches a predetermined threshold before performing position detection again based on the induced voltage induced in the winding, the power supply to the stator winding is stopped, After a predetermined time has elapsed since the power supply to the stator winding was stopped, a driving magnetic field was sequentially generated in the stator winding to restart the brushless motor, and then restart the brushless motor. If the number of rotations of the permanent magnet rotor does not reach a predetermined value within a reference time after starting the restart of the brushless motor by the time elapsed To stops the power supply to the stator windings, the control device for a brushless motor, characterized in that impossible to restart the brushless motor.   The controller of the brushless motor is preset within a reference time after the rotation of the permanent magnet rotor starts restarting the brushless motor until a predetermined time elapses after the brushless motor restarts. When the value reached, the power supply to the stator winding is continued to maintain the rotation of the permanent magnet rotor, and then the rotation of the permanent magnet rotor is abnormal. 5. The brushless motor is restarted by sequentially generating a drive magnetic field in the stator winding after a predetermined time has elapsed since the supply of power to the stator winding was stopped. The brushless motor control device according to claim 5. When an abnormality occurs during the operation of the brushless motor, the power supply to the brushless motor is stopped, the brushless motor is restarted after a lapse of a predetermined time from the stop of the power supply, and until the predetermined time elapses after the restart In the brushless motor control device which stops the power supply to the brushless motor and makes it impossible to restart the brushless motor when an abnormality occurs again in
The brushless motor control device comprises: a rotational speed detection means for detecting a rotational speed of a permanent magnet rotor of the brushless motor based on an induced voltage induced in a stator winding of the brushless motor when the brushless motor is started; ,
Storage means for storing in advance a reference time after starting the brushless motor;
It is determined whether the rotation speed of the permanent magnet rotor detected by the rotation speed detection means has reached a predetermined value within a reference time stored in advance in the storage means, and the permanent magnet rotor An abnormality detecting means for determining that an abnormality has occurred in the driving of the brushless motor when the rotational speed of the motor does not reach a predetermined value within the reference time;
And a control means for stopping power supply to the stator winding when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means. When an abnormality occurs during the operation of the brushless motor, the power supply to the brushless motor is stopped, the brushless motor is restarted after a lapse of a predetermined time from the stop of the power supply, and until the predetermined time elapses after the restart In the brushless motor control device which stops the power supply to the brushless motor and makes it impossible to restart the brushless motor when an abnormality occurs again in
The brushless motor control device comprises an induced voltage detection means for detecting an induced voltage induced in a stator winding of the brushless motor;
Position detection timer means for starting counting based on an induced voltage induced in the stator winding during sensorless driving of the brushless motor;
It is determined whether or not the induced voltage induced in the stator winding is detected again by the induced voltage detecting means before the count value of the position detection timer means reaches a predetermined threshold, and the induced voltage detection If the count value of the position detection timer reaches a predetermined threshold before detecting the induced voltage induced in the stator winding by the means, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in driving the brushless motor. Anomaly detection means to
And a control means for stopping power supply to the stator winding when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection means. A fan motor consisting of a brushless motor;
A fan that rotates as the fan motor rotates;
A controller for driving the fan motor;
In a vehicle fan motor device comprising: a vehicle power supply battery that supplies power to the controller;
A vehicular fan motor device using the brushless motor control device according to any one of claims 4 to 8 as the controller.

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