JP2007089262A - Vehicle power supply - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle power supply for improving fuel consumption without deteriorating a running performance in a vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: A controller 30 timely switches a target of an output voltage Vm from a voltage boosting converter 12 in response to a running mode required by a driver. When a mode putting a high priority on response is selected, the controller 30 sets the target to a voltage higher than a voltage corresponding to a required output of a motor generator MG1 (or MG2) and charging a capacitor C0 e.g. the maximum voltage of the vehicle power supply 100, and controls the voltage boosting converter 12 so as to make energy stored in the capacitor C0 have a power level for supplying power against a drastic fluctuation in the required output. When a mode putting a high priority on fuel consumption is selected, the controller 30 sets the target, and controls the voltage boosting converter 12, based on a required drive torque of the motor generator MG1 (or MG2). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle power supply device, and more particularly to a vehicle power supply device including a secondary battery and a capacitor as power sources.

  Recently, hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles have attracted attention as environmentally friendly vehicles. A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that uses a motor driven by a DC power source via an inverter in addition to a conventional engine as a power source. In other words, a power source is obtained by driving the engine, a DC voltage from a DC power source is converted into an AC voltage by an inverter, and a motor is rotated by the converted AC voltage to obtain a power source.

  An electric vehicle is a vehicle that uses a motor driven by a DC power supply via an inverter as a power source.

  In such a hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle, in order to improve energy efficiency while driving the vehicle appropriately, it is required to supply electric power according to the load on the motor and efficiently recover energy during regeneration. It is done.

  For example, Patent Document 1 includes a battery and a large-capacity capacitor as a power supply source for a motor, and includes a switching unit that switches a connection state between the power supply source and the motor according to a running state. A power supply for an electric vehicle is disclosed.

Specifically, in the power supply apparatus, a chopper that converts and outputs a DC voltage from a battery and a large-capacitance capacitor that is connected in parallel to the output side of the chopper are motor control means via a switch device. Connected to the inverter. In the normal running mode, the motor is controlled by the motor control means by using the parallel connection circuit of the chopper and the large-capacitance capacitor as the power supply source by the switching means. Further, in a power mode where a large driving force is required or during continuous climbing, a parallel connection circuit of a battery and a large-capacity capacitor is used as a power supply source. According to this, the travelable distance by one charge to the battery is greatly increased as compared with the prior art.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-231511 JP 2002-136169 A

  Here, according to the electric vehicle power supply device described above, when switching to the power mode during traveling in the normal traveling mode (that is, when the chopper and the large-capacity capacitor are connected in parallel), the voltage across the terminals of the large-capacity capacitor When is below the reference voltage, the large-capacity capacitor is charged and then switched to the parallel connection of the battery and the large-capacitance capacitor. The charging of the large-capacity capacitor is performed by turning on the chopper transistor and supplying a charging current from the battery to the large-capacity capacitor.

  For this reason, in the power mode, a quick supply of a large driving force is required. However, after the motor control computer operates the switching means according to the running state of the vehicle, sufficient electric power is supplied to the motor to drive the motor. By this time, a charging period for the large-capacity capacitor newly occurs, resulting in a malfunction in the motor responsiveness. As a result, the running performance of the vehicle is degraded.

  Therefore, in order to improve the response of the motor, always operate the chopper so that sufficient power is stored in the large-capacity capacitor to drive the motor, and keep the voltage across the large-capacity capacitor at a constant voltage. It is necessary to configure.

  However, in such a configuration, the battery power is sequentially taken out to charge the large-capacity capacitor other than when the motor is driven, and there is a possibility of lowering the energy efficiency of the vehicle and worsening the fuel consumption. .

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle power supply device capable of improving fuel efficiency without deteriorating the running performance of the vehicle. .

  According to the present invention, a vehicle power supply device mounted on an automobile equipped with a motor for driving a vehicle includes a first DC power supply and a drive circuit that performs power conversion for receiving and controlling the motor upon receiving a DC voltage. And a voltage converter connected between the first DC power source and the drive circuit for performing DC voltage conversion between the two, and the voltage converter in parallel with the drive circuit via an opening / closing means The target value of the output voltage output from the connected second DC power source and the voltage converter to the connection point between the drive circuit and the second DC power source is set, and the set target value matches the output voltage. Control means for controlling the operation of the voltage converter. The control means includes a first target value setting means for setting a voltage corresponding to the required output of the motor to a target value, and a voltage higher than the voltage corresponding to the required output of the motor and capable of charging the second DC power supply. A second target value setting means for setting the target value; and a selecting means for selecting one of the first and second target value setting means in response to a request from the driver of the vehicle.

  According to the above vehicle power supply device, the target value of the output voltage of the voltage converter can be appropriately switched and set to a voltage corresponding to the required output of the motor and a higher voltage considering charging of the second DC power supply. . For this reason, when the second target value setting means is selected, high output operation using the electric power stored in the second DC power supply by charging from the voltage converter is possible, while such operation is required. If it is not possible, the voltage converter is not forced to perform the operation for charging the second DC power supply, so that the loss in the voltage converter can be reduced. As a result, a travel mode in which the travel performance of the vehicle is emphasized can be achieved, and fuel consumption can be improved.

  Preferably, the second target value setting means sets a predetermined voltage that does not depend on the required output of the motor as the target value.

  According to the above vehicle power supply device, the second target value setting means sets the target value to a constant voltage (for example, the maximum voltage of the vehicle power supply device), so that the second DC power supply has a constant power. Therefore, it is possible to cope with high output operation at an arbitrary timing.

  Preferably, the control means opens the opening / closing means in response to selection of the first target value setting means.

  According to the above vehicle power supply device, when the first target value setting means is selected, charging / discharging of the second DC power supply is surely prevented, so that the power of the first DC power supply can be efficiently used. It can be used and fuel consumption can be improved. In addition, since the discharge of the second DC power supply is prevented, electric power can be held, and the transition to the second target value setting means can be performed smoothly.

  Preferably, the selection means selects the first target value setting means in response to the driver requesting traveling of the vehicle not using the second DC power source, and the driver uses the second DC power source. The second target value setting means is selected in response to requesting the vehicle to travel.

  According to the above vehicle power supply device, the voltage converter adapted to the demands of the vehicle driver is controlled, so that the motor response can be improved to ensure the driving performance and the fuel consumption can be improved. Can do.

  Preferably, the selection unit further includes an operation unit for designating the traveling of the vehicle requested by the driver by the operation of the driver.

  According to the vehicle power supply device described above, the driver of the vehicle can easily specify the requested traveling state. Further, the designated travel mode can be quickly reflected in the travel state of the vehicle.

  According to the present invention, a high output operation using the electric power stored in the second DC power supply by charging from the voltage converter is enabled, while the second operation is not required when such operation is not required. Since the voltage converter is not forced to perform the operation for charging the direct current power source, loss in the voltage converter can be reduced. As a result, an operation mode in which the traveling performance of the vehicle is emphasized can be achieved, and fuel consumption can be improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a vehicle power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle power supply device 100 includes a battery B, a boost converter 12, a storage capacitor C0, smoothing capacitors C1 and C2, inverters 14 and 31, and voltage sensors 10 and 20. , 22, current sensors 24, 28, system relays SR 1, SR 2, SRC 1, SRC 2, request mode detection circuit 40, mode selection switch 42, and control device 30.

  The engine ENG generates driving force using combustion energy of fuel such as gasoline as a source. The driving force generated by the engine ENG is divided into two paths by the power split mechanism 50, as indicated by the thick oblique lines in FIG. One is a path that transmits to a drive shaft that drives a wheel via a reduction gear (not shown). The other is a path for transmission to motor generator MG1.

  Although motor generators MG1 and MG2 can function as both a generator and an electric motor, as will be described below, motor generator MG1 mainly operates as a generator, and motor generator MG2 mainly operates as an electric motor.

  Specifically, motor generator MG1 is a three-phase AC rotating machine, and is used as a starter for starting an engine (not shown) during acceleration. At this time, motor generator MG1 receives the supply of electric power from battery B, drives it as an electric motor, cranks engine ENG, and starts it.

  Further, after engine ENG is started, motor generator MG1 is rotated by the driving force of engine ENG transmitted via power split mechanism 50 to generate electric power.

  The electric power generated by motor generator MG1 is selectively used according to the driving state of the vehicle, the energy stored in capacitor C0, and the charge amount of battery B. For example, during normal traveling or sudden acceleration, the electric power generated by motor generator MG1 becomes electric power for driving motor generator MG2 as it is. On the other hand, when the stored energy of capacitor C0 or the charge amount of battery B is lower than a predetermined value, the electric power generated by motor generator MG1 is converted from AC power to DC power by inverter 14, and is transferred to capacitor C0 or battery B. Stored.

  Motor generator MG2 is a three-phase AC rotating machine, and is driven by at least one of electric power stored in capacitor C0 and battery B and electric power generated by motor generator MG1. The driving force of motor generator MG2 is transmitted to the drive shaft of the wheel via the speed reducer. Thus, motor generator MG2 assists engine ENG to cause the vehicle to travel, or causes the vehicle to travel only by its own driving force.

  Further, at the time of regenerative braking of the vehicle, motor generator MG2 is rotated by a wheel via a speed reducer and operates as a generator. At this time, the regenerative electric power generated by motor generator MG2 is charged to capacitor C0 or battery B via inverter 31.

  System relay SR <b> 1 is connected between the positive electrode of battery B and boost converter 12. System relay SR2 is connected between the negative electrode of battery B and boost converter 12. System relays SR1 and SR2 are turned on / off by a signal SEB from control device 30. More specifically, system relays SR1 and SR2 are turned on by H (logic high) level signal SEB from control device 30, and are turned off by L (logic low) level signal SEB from control device 30.

  Boost converter 12 includes a reactor L1, NPN transistors Q1, Q2, and diodes D1, D2. Reactor L1 has one end connected to the power supply line of battery B, and the other end connected to an intermediate point between NPN transistor Q1 and NPN transistor Q2, that is, between the emitter of NPN transistor Q1 and the collector of NPN transistor Q2. . NPN transistors Q1 and Q2 are connected in series between the power supply line and the earth line. The collector of NPN transistor Q1 is connected to the power supply line, and the emitter of NPN transistor Q2 is connected to the ground line. Further, diodes D1 and D2 for flowing current from the emitter side to the collector side are connected between the collector and emitter of each NPN transistor Q1 and Q2.

  Inverter 14 includes a U-phase arm 15, a V-phase arm 16, and a W-phase arm 17. U-phase arm 15, V-phase arm 16, and W-phase arm 17 are provided in parallel between the power supply line and the earth line.

  The U-phase arm 15 includes NPN transistors Q3 and Q4 connected in series, the V-phase arm 16 includes NPN transistors Q5 and Q6 connected in series, and the W-phase arm 17 includes NPN transistors Q7 and Q7 connected in series. Consists of Q8. Further, diodes D3 to D8 that flow current from the emitter side to the collector side are connected between the collectors and emitters of the NPN transistors Q3 to Q8, respectively.

  An intermediate point of each phase arm is connected to each phase end of each phase coil of motor generator MG1. In other words, motor generator MG1 is configured such that one end of three coils of U, V, and W phases is commonly connected to a neutral point, and the other end of the U phase coil is at an intermediate point between NPN transistors Q3 and Q4. The other end of the coil is connected to the intermediate point of NPN transistors Q5 and Q6, and the other end of the W-phase coil is connected to the intermediate point of NPN transistors Q7 and Q8.

The inverter 31 has the same configuration as the inverter 14.
The battery B is composed of a secondary battery such as nickel metal hydride or lithium ion. In addition, the battery B may be a fuel cell. Voltage sensor 10 detects DC voltage Vb output from battery B, and outputs the detected DC voltage Vb to control device 30.

  Capacitor C1 smoothes DC voltage Vb supplied from battery B, and supplies the smoothed DC voltage Vb to boost converter 12.

  Boost converter 12 boosts DC voltage Vb supplied from capacitor C1 and supplies the boosted voltage to capacitor C2. More specifically, when boosting converter 12 receives signal PWMC from control device 30, boosting converter 12 boosts DC voltage Vb according to the period during which NPN transistor Q2 is turned on by signal PWMC and supplies it to capacitor C2.

  Further, when boost converter 12 receives signal PWMC from control device 30, battery 12 is charged by stepping down the DC voltage supplied from inverter 14 and / or inverter 31 via capacitor C2.

  Capacitor C0 includes, for example, a plurality of electric double layer capacitors connected in series. Capacitor C0 is connected to boost converter 12 in parallel with inverters 14 and 31. Boost converter 12 and capacitor C0 are electrically coupled / separated by system relays SRC1, SRC2.

  The capacitor C0 is provided with a safety plug SP incorporating a fuse element in series with the electric double layer capacitor as a current limiting device. The safety plug SP has a configuration in which the fuse element is blown when an overcurrent flows into the capacitor C0. Thereby, the capacitor C0 can be protected from damage due to heating or the like.

  System relay SRC1 is connected between boost converter 12 and the positive electrode of capacitor C0. System relay SRC2 is connected between boost converter 12 and the negative electrode of capacitor C0.

  System relays SRC1 and SRC2 are turned on / off by a signal SEC from control device 30. More specifically, system relays SRC1 and SRC2 are turned on by an H level signal SEC from control device 30 and turned off by an L level signal SEC from control device 30.

  The voltage sensor 22 detects a voltage Vc across the capacitor C0 (hereinafter referred to as an inter-terminal voltage) Vc, and outputs the detected inter-terminal voltage Vc to the control device 30.

  Capacitor C 2 smoothes the DC voltage from boost converter 12 and supplies the smoothed DC voltage to inverters 14 and 31. The voltage sensor 20 detects the voltage across the capacitor C2, that is, the output voltage Vm of the boost converter 12 (corresponding to the input voltage to the inverters 14 and 31, the same applies hereinafter), and controls the detected output voltage Vm. Output to device 30.

  When a DC voltage is supplied from battery B or capacitor C0 via capacitor C2, inverter 14 converts DC voltage into an AC voltage based on signal PWMI1 from control device 30 to drive motor generator MG1. Thereby, motor generator MG1 is driven to generate torque according to torque command value TR1.

  Inverter 14 converts the AC voltage generated by motor generator MG1 into a DC voltage based on signal PWMI1 from control device 30 during regenerative braking of the hybrid vehicle equipped with vehicle power supply device 100, and the conversion is performed. A DC voltage is supplied to the capacitor C0 and the boost converter 12 via the capacitor C2. Note that regenerative braking here refers to braking that involves regenerative power generation when the driver operating the hybrid vehicle performs a footbrake operation, or regenerative braking by turning off the accelerator pedal while the vehicle is running, although the footbrake is not operated. This includes decelerating (or stopping acceleration) the vehicle while generating electricity.

  When a DC voltage is supplied from battery B or capacitor C0 via capacitor C2, inverter 31 converts DC voltage into an AC voltage based on signal PWMI2 from control device 30 to drive motor generator MG2. Thereby, motor generator MG2 is driven to generate torque according to torque command value TR2.

  Inverter 31 also converts the AC voltage generated by motor generator MG2 into a DC voltage based on signal PWMI2 from control device 30 during regenerative braking of the hybrid vehicle on which vehicle power supply device 100 is mounted. A DC voltage is supplied to the capacitor C0 and the boost converter 12 via the capacitor C2.

  Current sensor 24 detects motor current MCRT1 flowing through motor generator MG1, and outputs the detected motor current MCRT1 to control device 30. Current sensor 28 detects motor current MCRT2 flowing through motor generator MG2, and outputs the detected motor current MCRT2 to control device 30.

  The request mode detection circuit 40 detects the travel mode of the vehicle requested by the driver. Specifically, the request mode detection circuit 40 is connected to a mode selection switch 42 for selecting a travel mode. The mode selection switch 42 is composed of a push button switch installed in the vicinity of the driver's seat in the vehicle compartment, for example. The driver operates (pushes) the mode selection switch 42 to select a desired travel mode from preset travel modes. The requested mode detection circuit 40 detects a traveling mode selected by the driver (hereinafter referred to as a requested traveling mode RM), and outputs the detected requested traveling mode RM to the control device 30. The travel mode of the vehicle will be described in detail later.

  Control device 30 receives torque command values TR1, TR2 and motor rotational speeds MRN1, MRN2 from an external ECU (Electrical Control Unit) (not shown), receives DC voltage Vb from voltage sensor 10, and outputs voltage boost converter 12 from voltage sensor 20. Receives voltage Vm (that is, input voltage to inverters 14 and 31), receives voltage Vc across terminals of capacitor C0 from voltage sensor 20, receives motor current MCRT1 from current sensor 24, and receives motor current MCRT2 from current sensor 28. The required travel mode RM is received from the required mode detection circuit 40.

  Based on output voltage Vm, torque command value TR1 and motor current MCRT1, control device 30 performs switching control for NPN transistors Q3-Q8 of inverter 14 when inverter 14 drives motor generator MG1 by a method described later. The signal PWMI1 is generated, and the generated signal PWM1 is output to the inverter 14.

  Control device 30 also controls switching of NPN transistors Q3-Q8 of inverter 31 when inverter 31 drives motor generator MG2 by a method described later, based on output voltage Vm, torque command value TR2, and motor current MCRT2. Signal PWMI2 is generated, and the generated signal PWMI2 is output to inverter 31.

  Furthermore, when inverter 14 (or 31) drives motor generator MG1 (or MG2), control device 30 provides DC voltage Vb, output voltage Vm, torque command value TR1 (or TR2), motor rotational speed MRN1 (or MRN2). ) And the required travel mode RM, a signal PWMC for switching control of the NPN transistors Q1 and Q2 of the boost converter 12 is generated and output to the boost converter 12 by a method described later.

  Further, control device 30 generates a signal SEB for turning on / off system relays SR1, SR2 and outputs the signal SEB to system relays SR1, SR2. Control device 30 also generates a signal SEC for turning system relays SRC1 and SRC2 on and off and outputs the signal to system relays SRC1 and SRC2.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the control device 30.
Referring to FIG. 2, control device 30 includes an inverter control circuit 301 and a converter control circuit 302.

  Inverter control circuit 301 generates signal PWMI1 based on torque command value TR1, motor current MCRT1, and input voltage Vm, and outputs the signal to NPN transistors Q3-Q8 of inverter 14.

  More specifically, inverter control circuit 301 calculates a voltage to be applied to each phase coil of motor generator MG1 based on input voltage Vm, motor current MCRT1 and torque command value TR1, and based on the calculated result. A signal PWMI1 for turning on / off the NPN transistors Q3 to Q8 of the inverter 14 is generated. Then, inverter control circuit 301 outputs generated signal PWMI1 to each NPN transistor Q3-Q8 of the inverter.

  Thereby, each of the NPN transistors Q3 to Q8 of the inverter 14 is subjected to switching control, and controls a current that flows to each phase of the motor generator MG1 so that the motor generator MG1 outputs a designated torque. In this way, the motor drive current is controlled, and the motor torque corresponding to the torque command value TR1 is output.

  Inverter control circuit 301 generates signal PWMI2 by the above-described method based on input voltage Vm, motor rotational speed MRN2, and torque command value TR2, and outputs the signal PWMI2 to NPN transistors Q3-Q8 of inverter 31.

  Thereby, each of the NPN transistors Q3 to Q8 of the inverter 31 is subjected to switching control, and controls a current flowing through each phase of the motor generator MG2 so that the motor generator MG2 outputs a designated torque. In this way, the motor drive current is controlled, and a motor torque corresponding to the torque command value TR2 is output.

  Based on torque command value TR1 (or TR2), motor rotation speed MRN1 (or MRN2), DC voltage Vb, output voltage Vm, and required travel mode RM, converter control circuit 302 generates signal PWMC by the method described below. Output to the NPN transistors Q1 and Q2 of the boost converter 12.

  Specifically, converter control circuit 302 according to the present invention controls boost converter 12 by a control method adapted to required travel mode RM.

  First, as the travel modes that can be requested, a travel mode that emphasizes the steering response of the vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as responsiveness-oriented mode) and a travel mode that emphasizes fuel efficiency improvement (hereinafter also referred to as the fuel efficiency-oriented mode). Is included.

  In the responsiveness priority mode, the motor generator MG1 (or the driving force sufficient for driving the vehicle is applied even when the load suddenly fluctuates according to the running state of the vehicle (requested torque, accelerator opening, vehicle speed, etc.). By ensuring that MG2) promptly generates, the running performance of the vehicle is ensured.

  That is, the responsiveness priority mode can be said to be suitable when the motor generator MG1 (or MG2) requires a high output, for example, when starting a vehicle or traveling on a slope.

  On the other hand, the fuel efficiency priority mode is intended to improve fuel efficiency while maintaining smooth running of the vehicle when the load fluctuation is relatively small.

  That is, the fuel economy priority mode is suitable when the output required for the motor generator MG1 (or MG2) is relatively low, for example, when the vehicle travels at low speed in an urban area.

  The responsiveness priority mode and the fuel efficiency priority mode are appropriately selected by the driver according to the traveling state of the vehicle. As a result, it is possible to improve fuel efficiency without degrading the running performance of the vehicle.

  Next, the control method of the boost converter 12 adapted to each travel mode will be described.

  First, in the responsiveness emphasis mode, converter control circuit 302 uses boost converter so that voltage Vc between terminals of capacitor C0 becomes a predetermined voltage different from the voltage corresponding to the required output of motor generator MG1 (or MG2). 12 is controlled. The predetermined voltage at this time is set to a voltage that is higher than the voltage corresponding to the required output of motor generator MG1 (or MG2) and can charge capacitor C0. Converter control circuit 302 outputs voltage Vm of boost converter 12 because voltage Vc across terminals of capacitor C0 corresponds to output voltage Vm of boost converter 12 when system relays SRC1 and SRC2 in FIG. The target voltage may be set to be the predetermined voltage.

  Here, in the response-oriented mode, the target voltage of the output voltage Vm of the boost converter 12 is set to the predetermined voltage for the following reason.

  In normal operation, boost converter 12 boosts DC voltage Vb supplied from battery B and supplies it to capacitor C0. Capacitor C0 is charged by DC voltage Vm output from boost converter 12, and supplies the stored power to inverter 14 (or 31).

  At this time, boost converter 12 boosts DC voltage Vb according to the period during which NPN transistor Q2 is turned on by signal PWMC received from control device 30.

  However, when the required output (torque) fluctuates abruptly, the boost converter 12 is required to perform high-speed switching control, and in order to cope with this, a more accurate converter control circuit is required. Therefore, the responsiveness of motor generator MG1 (or MG2) is limited, which affects the running performance of the vehicle.

  Therefore, if the power supply is preferentially supplied from the capacitor C0 over the battery B for sudden fluctuations in the required output, it is possible to supply power quickly for any output request. The responsiveness of motor generator MG1 (or MG2) can be improved. For this purpose, it is necessary to store desired power in advance in the capacitor C0 in preparation for sudden fluctuations in the required output.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the responsiveness-oriented mode, motor generator MG1 (or MG2) is set so that the energy stored in capacitor C0 is at a power level at which power can be supplied even with a sudden change in required output. The voltage higher than the voltage corresponding to the required output is set as the target voltage, and the boost converter 12 is controlled so that the terminal voltage Vc of the capacitor C0 is maintained at the target voltage.

  Particularly, in the present embodiment, the target voltage of the output voltage Vm of the boost converter 12 is set to a constant voltage that satisfies the predetermined voltage. The constant voltage is set to the maximum voltage Vmax of vehicle power supply device 100, for example.

  According to this, in the response-oriented mode, the maximum power that can be charged by the boost converter 12 is stored in the capacitor C0. Further, by setting the target voltage to a constant value, the boost converter 12 can be controlled without using the inter-terminal voltage Vc of the capacitor C0, and there is an advantage that the control is facilitated. Hereinafter, the control of the boost converter 12 in which the target voltage is a constant voltage is also simply referred to as “constant voltage control”.

  However, although such constant voltage control is effective in that the responsiveness of the motor generator MG1 (or MG2) can be improved and the running performance of the vehicle can be secured, as described below, constant power is stored in the capacitor C0. From the necessity, there may be a problem that the fuel consumption is deteriorated.

  In order to maintain the inter-terminal voltage Vc at a predetermined voltage, the voltage drop must always be compensated by charging the capacitor C0. Capacitor C0 is normally charged by supplying electric power from battery B and supplying electric power generated by motor generator MG1 by the driving force of engine ENG. When engine ENG is stopped, it is supplied from motor generator MG1. Since the power supply is interrupted, it is executed exclusively by taking the power from the battery B. In other words, battery B originally stores electric power for driving motor generator MG1 (or MG2). However, under constant voltage control, electric power is also taken for charging capacitor C0. As a result, the fuel consumption of the vehicle is deteriorated.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of improving the deterioration of fuel consumption caused by boost converter 12, when the fuel consumption priority mode is selected, the boost (or step-down) is performed according to the drive request torque of motor generator MG1 (or MG2). ) Boost converter 12 is controlled so as to operate. Hereinafter, the control of boost converter 12 in response to the drive request is also simply referred to as “drive request torque control”.

  In the drive torque control, capacitor C0 is electrically isolated from vehicle power supply device 100 by turning off system relays SRC1 and SRC2, as will be described later. Therefore, electric power is supplied from only battery B to motor generator MG1 (or MG2) in the fuel efficiency mode.

  According to this drive request torque control, the charging path from battery B to capacitor C0 is cut off, and boost converter 12 operates only when motor generator MG1 (or MG2) is driven. As a result, it is possible to improve the fuel efficiency of the vehicle by minimizing the amount of power taken out from the battery B. Furthermore, since the discharge of the capacitor C0 is prevented, the stored energy can be kept constant, and the transition can be made smoothly when the next constant voltage control is selected.

  On the other hand, since motor generator MG1 (or MG2) is driven only by the electric power from battery B, the responsiveness of motor generator MG1 (or MG2) is inferior to the constant voltage control described above, but motor generator MG1. It can be said that there is no influence on the running performance of the vehicle by using it when the output required for (or MG2) is relatively low.

  As described above, according to the present invention, boost converter 12 is controlled by the control method adapted to the driver's request. Motor generator MG1 (or MG2) is driven by supplying electric power according to the required output from capacitor C0 or battery B. As a result, fuel consumption can be improved without degrading the running performance of the vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of converter control circuit 302 in FIG.
Referring to FIG. 3, converter control circuit 302 includes a voltage command calculation unit 60, a converter duty ratio calculation unit 62, a converter PWM signal conversion unit 64, and a control unit 66.

  Upon receiving the requested travel mode RM from the requested mode detection circuit 40, the control unit 66 generates a signal RC that indicates one of constant voltage control and drive requested torque control in accordance with the requested travel mode RM to generate a voltage. Output to the command calculation unit 60. Specifically, when the requested travel mode RM is the responsiveness priority mode, the control unit 66 outputs a signal RC instructing constant voltage control to the voltage command calculation unit 60. In addition, when the requested travel mode RM is the fuel consumption priority mode, the control unit 66 outputs a signal RC instructing the drive request torque control to the voltage command calculation unit 60.

  Further, control unit 66 generates L level signal SEC and outputs it to system relays SEC1 and SEC2 when required travel mode RM is the fuel efficiency mode. Thus, system relays SEC1 and SEC2 are turned off during the period in which the fuel efficiency mode is selected, and capacitor C0 and boost converter 12 are electrically separated.

  Based on torque command value TR1 (or TR2) and motor rotation speed MRN1 (or MRN2) from external ECU, and signal RC from control unit 66, voltage command calculation unit 60 receives an optimal value (target value) of the inverter input voltage. Value), that is, voltage command value Vdc_com of boost converter 12 is determined, and the determined voltage command value Vdc_com is output to converter duty-ratio calculation unit 62.

  At this time, voltage command calculation unit 60 determines voltage command value Vdc_com by a different method for each requested travel mode RM.

  Specifically, when the required travel mode RM is the responsiveness-oriented mode, that is, when the constant voltage control of the boost converter 12 is instructed, the voltage command calculation unit 60 sets the voltage command value Vdc_com to the predetermined voltage ( For example, the maximum voltage Vmax of the vehicle power supply device 100 is determined.

  On the other hand, when requested travel mode RM is the fuel efficiency mode, that is, when requested drive torque control of boost converter 12 is instructed, voltage command calculation unit 60 has torque command value TR1 (or TR2) and motor rotational speed MRN1 ( Alternatively, the voltage command value Vdc_com is calculated based on MRN2).

  Next, converter duty-ratio calculation unit 62 receives voltage command value Vdc_com from voltage command calculation unit 60 and receives DC voltage Vb from voltage sensor 10, and based on DC voltage Vb, inverter 14 (or 31) A duty ratio DR for setting the input voltage Vm to the voltage command value Vdc_com is calculated. Then, converter duty-ratio calculation unit 62 outputs the calculated duty ratio DR to converter PWM signal conversion unit 64.

  Converter PWM signal converter 64 generates signal PWMC for turning on / off NPN transistors Q1 and Q2 of boost converter 12 based on duty ratio DR from converter duty ratio calculator 62, and the generated signal PWMC is output to boost converter 12.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in which converter control circuit 302 controls voltage conversion in boost converter 12.

  Referring to FIG. 4, first, an external ECU calculates a drive request torque (torque command value TR1 (or TR2)) to motor generator MG1 (or MG2) based on a driver's request. Specifically, the external ECU detects the state of the accelerator operation and the brake operation (step S01). Then, the external ECU calculates torque command value TR1 (or TR2) of motor generator MG1 (or MG2) based on the detected accelerator operation and brake operation states (step S02). The calculated torque command value TR1 (or TR2) is output to the control device 30.

  In control device 30, converter control circuit 302 is requested when it receives torque command value TR1 (or TR2) and motor rotational speed MRN1 (or MRN2) from external ECU, and request travel mode RM from request mode detection circuit 40. Boost converter 12 is controlled by a control method adapted to the travel mode.

  More specifically, the control unit 66 determines whether or not the requested travel mode RM is a fuel efficiency priority mode (step S03). When it is determined that the required travel mode RM is the fuel efficiency mode, the control unit 66 outputs a signal RC instructing the drive request torque control to the voltage command calculation unit 60. Thus, voltage command calculation unit 60 calculates voltage command value Vdc_com based on torque command value TR1 (or TR2) and motor rotational speed MRN1 (or MRN2) from the external ECU.

  At this time, the controller 66 further generates an L-level signal SEC and outputs it to the system relays SRC1 and SRC2. As a result, system relays SRC1 and SRC2 are turned off, and capacitor C0 is electrically isolated from boost converter 12.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S03 that the required travel mode RM is not the fuel efficiency priority mode, that is, the responsiveness priority mode, the control unit 66 sends a signal RC instructing constant voltage control to the voltage command calculation unit 60. Output. Thereby, voltage command calculating unit 60 sets a predetermined voltage (maximum voltage Vmax of power supply device 100 for vehicle) to voltage command value Vdc_com (step S06).

  Then, when voltage command value Vdc_com determined in any of steps S04 and S06 is output to converter duty-ratio calculation unit 62, duty ratio DR is set such that inverter input voltage Vm matches voltage command value Vdc_com. Is calculated.

  Further, when the calculated duty ratio DR is output to converter PWM signal converter 64, signal PWMC is generated based on the duty ratio. The generated signal PWMC is output to NPN transistors Q1 and Q2 of boost converter 12.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, boost converter 12 is controlled by the control method adapted to the driver's request. As a result, it is possible to improve fuel efficiency without degrading the running performance of the vehicle.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  The present invention can be applied to a vehicle power supply device mounted on a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle.

1 is a schematic block diagram of a vehicle power supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of the control apparatus in FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a converter control circuit in FIG. 2. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the operation | movement which a converter control circuit controls the voltage conversion in a boost converter.

Explanation of symbols

  10, 20, 22 Voltage sensor, 12 Boost converter, 14, 31 Inverter, 15 U-phase arm, 16 V-phase arm, 17 W-phase arm, 24, 28 Current sensor, 30 Controller, 40 Required mode detection circuit, 42 modes Selection switch, 60 voltage command calculation unit, 62 converter duty ratio calculation unit, 64 converter PWM signal conversion unit, 100 vehicle power supply, B battery, Q1-Q8 NPN transistor, D1-D8 diode, C0 capacitor, C1, C2 capacitor, L1 inductor, MG1, MG2 motor generator, SR1, SR2, SRC1, SRC2 system relay.

Claims (5)

A vehicle power supply device mounted on an automobile equipped with a vehicle driving motor,
A first DC power supply;
A drive circuit that performs power conversion for receiving and controlling a DC voltage and driving the motor;
A voltage converter connected between the first DC power supply and the drive circuit for performing DC voltage conversion between the two,
A second DC power source connected in parallel with the drive circuit via the switching means for the voltage converter;
The voltage converter sets a target value of an output voltage that is output to a connection point between the drive circuit and the second DC power supply, and the voltage conversion is performed so that the set target value matches the output voltage. Control means for controlling the operation of the vessel,
The control means includes
First target value setting means for setting a voltage corresponding to the required output of the motor to the target value;
A second target value setting means for setting a voltage that is higher than a voltage corresponding to a required output of the motor and capable of charging the second DC power supply to the target value;
A vehicle power supply apparatus comprising: selection means for selecting one of the first and second target value setting means in response to a request from a vehicle driver.   2. The vehicle power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the second target value setting means sets a predetermined voltage that does not depend on a required output of the motor as the target value.   The vehicle power supply device according to claim 2, wherein the control means opens the opening / closing means in response to selection of the first target value setting means.   The selection means selects the first target value setting means in response to the driver requesting traveling of the vehicle that does not use the second DC power source, and the driver selects the second target value setting means. 4. The vehicle power supply device according to claim 3, wherein the second target value setting means is selected in response to a request for traveling of the vehicle using a DC power supply.   The vehicle power supply device according to claim 4, wherein the selection unit further includes an operation unit for designating the traveling of the vehicle requested by the driver by an operation of the driver.

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