FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]
ROTARY ELECTRIC MACHINE APPARATUS
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION, A CORPORATION ORGANISED AND EXISTING
UNDER THE LAWS OF JAPAN, WHOSE ADDRESS IS 7-3, MARUNOUCHI 2-CHOME,
CHIYODA-KU, TOKYO 100-8310, JAPAN
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND
THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.
2
DESCRIPTION
TECHNICAL FIELD
5 [0001]
The present disclosure is related to a rotary electric machine
apparatus using two DC power sources with different voltages.
BACKGROUND ART
10 [0002]
About the above rotary electric machine apparatus, for example,
the technology described in PLT 1 is known. In the technology of PLT
1, 2 sets of three-phase windings are provided in one stator, and
2 sets of inverters are provided for each three-phase windings. That
15 is to say, the first stator windings 14, the first inverter INV1 for
the first stator windings 14, the second stator windings 16, and the
second inverter INV2 for the second stator windings 16 are provided.
The DC power of the second battery 22 of high voltage is supplied
to the second inverter INV2. The switch is switched so that the DC
20 power of the first battery 20 of low voltage is supplied to the first
inverter INV1 in low rotational speed, and the DC power of the second
battery 22 of high voltage is supplied to the first inverter INV1
in high rotational speed. The first and the second stator windings
14, 16 are fixed to Y connection.
25
3
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0003]
PLT 1: 5 JP 2013-219868 A
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
10 [0004]
However, in the technology of PLT 1, when the second battery
22 of high voltage is failed, since the DC power is not supplied to
the second inverter INV2 and the second stator windings 16, the output
of the rotary electric machine drops. When the second battery 22 of
15 high voltage is failed, if the switch is switched in high rotational
speed so that the DC power of the second battery 22 of high voltage
is supplied to the first inverter INV1, the DC power is no longer
supplied to the first inverter INV1 and the first stator windings
14, and the output of the rotary electric machine becomes zero.
20 [0005]
On the other hand, when the first battery 20 of low voltage is
failed, if the switch is switched in low rotational speed so that
the DC power of the first battery 20 is supplied to the first inverter
INV1, the DC power is no longer supplied to the first inverter INV1
25 and the first stator windings 14, and the output of the rotary electric
4
machine drops. Therefore, in the technology of PLT 1, when failure
occurred in one DC power source, there is a problem that the output
of the rotary electric machine drops.
[0006]
In the technology of PLT 1, since the first 5 stator windings 14
is fixed to Y connection, the induced voltage constant of the first
stator windings 14 is a fixed value. Accordingly, in the technology
of PLT 1, in low rotational speed in which the induced voltage
generated in the first stator windings 14 becomes low, the DC power
10 of the first battery 20 of low voltage is supplied correspondingly.
And, in high rotational speed in which the induced voltage generated
in the first stator windings 14 becomes high, the DC power of the
second battery 22 of high voltage is supplied correspondingly.
However, as mentioned above, when failure occurred in the first or
15 the second battery, the power source voltage is no longer changed
in accordance with the induced voltage which changes according to
rotational speed, there is a problem that the performance of the rotary
electric machine drops.
[0007]
20 Thus, it is desirable to provide a rotary electric machine
apparatus which can make the rotary electric machine output torque,
and can change characteristics of a rotary electric machine according
to change of the DC power voltage, even if failure occurs in one DC
power source.
25
5
Solution to Problem
[0008]
A rotary electric machine apparatus according to the present
disclosure including:
a first power source connection terminal to 5 which a first DC
power source is connected;
a second power source connection terminal to which a second DC
power source whose voltage is lower than the first DC power source
is connected;
10 a power source switching mechanism that switches between a DC
power supplied to the first power source connection terminal and a
DC power supplied to the second power source connection terminal,
and outputs;
a rotary electric machine body having plural-phase windings;
15 a winding connection switching mechanism that switches
interconnection of the plural-phase windings between a first winding
connection state, and a second winding connection state in which an
induced voltage constant of windings becomes lower than the first
winding connection state;
20 an inverter that is provided with switching devices , and
converts a DC power outputted from the power source switching
mechanism and an AC power supplied to the plural-phase windings; and
a controller that switches the power source switching mechanism,
switches the winding connection switching mechanism according to a
25 switching state of the power source switching mechanism, and drives
6
on/off the switching devices to control the rotary electric machine
body based on the switching state of the power source switching
mechanism and a switching state of the winding connection switching
mechanism.
5
Advantage of Invention
[0009]
According to the rotary electric machine apparatus of the
present disclosure, since the power source switching mechanism is
10 switched to the state where the DC power of the first DC power source
of high voltage is outputted, or the state where the DC power of the
second DC power source of low voltage is outputted, for example, when
abnormality occurs in one DC power source, the rotary electric machine
apparatus can be operated using the other DC power source. Then, since
15 the winding connection switching mechanism is switched to the first
winding connection state where the induced voltage constant of
windings is high, or the second winding connection state where the
induced voltage constant of windings is low, according to the
switching state of the power source switching mechanism, the induced
20 voltage constant of windings can be changed appropriately according
to change of the DC voltage. Then, according to change of the DC
voltage and change of the induced voltage constant of windings, the
switching devices of the inverter is controlled on/off appropriately,
and the rotary electric machine body can be controlled. Therefore,
25 even if failure occurs in one DC power source, the rotary electric
7
machine can output torque, and characteristics of the rotary electric
machine can be changed appropriately according to change of the DC
power voltage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION 5 OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010]
FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of the rotary electric machine
apparatus according to Embodiment 1;
FIG. 2 is a figure showing Y connection of the three-phase
10 windings according to Embodiment 1;
FIG. 3 is a figure showing Δ connection of the three-phase
windings according to Embodiment 1;
FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of the winding connection switching
mechanism according to Embodiment 1;
15 FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the electric power
steering apparatus according to Embodiment 1;
FIG. 6 is a side view of the rotary electric machine apparatus
configured integrally according to Embodiment 1;
FIG. 7 is a side view of the rotary electric machine apparatus
20 configured integrally according to Embodiment 1;
FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the rotary electric machine
apparatus according to Embodiment 2;
FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the electric power
steering apparatus according to Embodiment 2;
25 FIG. 10 is a side view of the rotary electric machine apparatus
8
configured integrally according to Embodiment 2; and
FIG. 11 is a side view of the rotary electric machine apparatus
configured integrally according to Embodiment 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION 5 OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0011]
Embodiment 1
A rotary electric machine apparatus 1 according to Embodiment
1 will be explained with reference to drawings. FIG. 1 is a circuit
10 diagram of the rotary electric machine apparatus 1 according to the
present embodiment.
[0012]
The rotary electric machine apparatus 1 is provided with a first
power source connection terminal 6a, a second power source connection
15 terminal 6b, a power source switching mechanism 23, a rotary electric
machine body 2, a winding connection switching mechanism 24, an
inverter 12, and a controller 25. In the present embodiment, the
rotary electric machine apparatus 1 is mounted on a vehicle. As
described in detail later, a driving force of the rotary electric
20 machine body 2 is a driving force source of a steering device of vehicle,
and the rotary electric machine apparatus 1 constitutes an electric
power steering apparatus.
[0013]

25 The first power source connection terminal 6a is a connection
9
terminal to which the first DC power source 5a is connected. The
second power source connection terminal 6b is a connection terminal
to which the second DC power source 5b whose voltage is lower than
the first DC power source 5a is connected. The first and the second
DC power sources 5a, 5b are provided outside the 5 rotary electric
machine apparatus 1. The first DC power source 5a is a DC power source
of 48V, for example, and is a high voltage battery, such as a lithium
ion secondary battery, or a DC voltage obtained by stepping down or
stepping up an output voltage of a battery. The second DC power source
10 5b is a lead battery of 12V, for example.
[0014]
Each of the first and the second power source connection
terminals 6a, 6b is provided with a positive electrode side terminal
and a negative electrode side terminal. The positive electrode side
15 terminal of the first power source connection terminal 6a is connected
to a positive electrode of the first DC power source 5a, and the
negative electrode side terminal of the first power source connection
terminal 6a is connected to a negative electrode of the first DC power
source 5a. The positive electrode side terminal of the second power
20 source connection terminal 6b is connected to a positive electrode
of the second DC power source 5b, and the negative electrode side
terminal of the second power source connection terminal 6b is
connected to a negative electrode of the second DC power source 5b.
[0015]
25
10
The power source switching mechanism 23 is a switching mechanism
which switches between the DC power supplied to the first power source
connection terminal 6a from the first DC power source 5a, and the
DC power supplied to the second power source connection terminal 6b
from the second DC power source 5b, and outputs it. 5 The power source
switching mechanism 23 is provided with a first input terminal 231,
a second input terminal 232, an output terminal 233, and a driving
terminal 234 into which a control signal of the controller 25 is
inputted. In the present embodiment, the power source switching
10 mechanism 23 is an electromagnetic switch, and is provided with a
movable contact 235 and a coil 236 which drives the movable contact
235. One end of the coil 236 is connected to the driving terminal
234. The power source switching mechanism 23 moves the movable
contact 235, when the controller 25 changes the conduction state to
15 the coil 236. Accordingly, a first power source connection state in
which the movable contact 235 connects the first input terminal 231
and the output terminal 233, and a second power source connection
state in which the movable contact 235 connects the second input
terminal 232 and the output terminal 233 are switched. The power
20 source switching mechanism 23 may be configured by combining a
plurality of switching devices.
[0016]
The first input terminal 231 is connected to the positive
electrode side terminal of the first power source connection terminal
25 6a. The negative electrode side terminal of the first power source
11
connection terminal 6a is connected to the common ground. The second
input terminal 232 is connected to the positive electrode side
terminal of the second power source connection terminal 6b. The
negative electrode side terminal of the second power source connection
terminal 6b is connected to 5 the common ground.
[0017]
The output terminal 233 is connected to the positive pole wire
of the inverter 12, and supplies DC power of the first or the second
DC power source to the inverter 12. The negative pole wire of the
10 inverter 12 is connected to the common ground. On a connection path
between the output terminal 233 and the positive pole wire of the
inverter 12, a low pass filter circuit 30, a power source relay circuit
31, and a smoothing capacitor 32 are provided. The output terminal
233 is connected also to a power supply circuit 8 of the controller
15 25, and supplies DC power of the first or the second DC power sources
5a, 5b to the controller 25.
[0018]

The rotary electric machine body 2 is provided with plural-phase
20 windings 14. In the present embodiment, the rotary electric machine
body 2 is provided with three-phase windings Cu, Cv, Cw of U phase,
V phase, and W phase, as the plural-phase windings 14. The rotary
electric machine body 2 is a permanent magnet synchronous rotary
electric machine whose stator is provided with three-phase-windings
25 Cu, Cv, Cw, and whose rotor is provided with the permanent magnet.
12
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, one end of the winding Cu of U
phase is connected to a connection point of two switching devices
for U phase of the inverter 12 described below, and the other end
of the winding Cu of U phase is connected to a changeover 5 switch 24u
of U phase of the winding connection switching mechanism 24. One end
of winding Cv of V phase is connected to a connection point of two
switching devices for V phase of the inverter 12, and the other end
of winding Cv of V phase is connected to a changeover switch 24v of
10 V phase of the winding connection switching mechanism 24. One end
of winding Cw of W phase is connected to a connection point of two
switching devices for W phase of the inverter 12, and the other end
of winding Cw of W phase is connected to a changeover switch 24w of
W phase of the winding connection switching mechanism 24.
15 [0020]
The rotary electric machine body 2 is provided with a rotation
sensor 13, such as a resolver and a rotary encoder, for detecting
a rotational angle (magnetic pole position) of the rotor. The output
signal of the rotation sensor 13 is inputted into the input circuit
20 9 of the controller 25.
[0021]

The winding connection switching mechanism 24 is a switching
mechanism that switches interconnection of the plural-phase windings
25 14 between a first winding connection state, and a second winding
13
connection state in which an induced voltage constant of windings
becomes lower than the first winding connection state. In the present
embodiment, the winding connection switching mechanism 24 is a
switching mechanism which switches interconnection of the
three-phase-windings Cu, Cv, Cw between Y connection 5 as the first
winding connection state, and Δ connection as the second winding
connection state.
[0022]
The Y connection becomes connection as shown in FIG. 2; the other
10 end of the winding Cu of U phase, the other end of winding Cv of V
phase, and the other end of winding Cw of W phase are connected
mutually; and one end of the winding Cu of U phase, one end of winding
Cv of V phase, and one end of winding Cw of W phase are connected
to the switching devices of corresponding phase, respectively. The
15 Δ connection becomes connection as shown in FIG. 3; and the other
end of winding Cu of U phase is connected to one end of winding Cv
of V phase, the other end of winding Cv of V phase is connected to
one end of winding Cw of W phase, and the other end of winding Cw
of W phase is connected to one end of the winding Cu of U phase. One
20 end of winding Cu of U phase, one end of winding Cv of V phase, and
one end of winding Cw of W phase are connected to the switching devices
of corresponding phase, respectively.
[0023]
An induced voltage constant of the Y connection becomes √3 times
25 (1.732 times) larger than an induced voltage constant of the Δ
14
connection. The winding resistor between the lines of the Y
connection becomes 3 times larger than the winding resistor between
the lines of the Δ connection.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the winding connection 5 switching
mechanism 24 has a changeover switch 24u of U phase, a changeover
switch 24v of V phase, and a changeover switch 24w of W phase. The
changeover switch 24u, 24v, 24w of each phase is provided with a first
input terminal 241, a second input terminal 242, an output terminal
10 243, and a driving terminal 244 into which the control signal of the
controller 25 is inputted. In the present embodiment, the changeover
switch of each phase is an electromagnetic switch, and is provided
with a movable contact 245, and a coil 246 which drives the movable
contact 245. One end of the coil 246 is connected to the driving
15 terminal 244. The winding connection switching mechanism 24 may be
configured by combining a plurality of switching devices.
[0025]
The output terminal 243 of the changeover switch 24u of U phase
is connected to the other end of the winding Cu of U phase. The second
20 input terminal 242 of the changeover switch 24u of U phase is connected
to one end of winding Cv of V phase in order to form the Δ connection.
In order to form the Y connection, the first input terminal 241 of
the changeover switch 24u of U phase, the first input terminal 241
of the changeover switch 24v of V phase, and the first input terminal
25 241 of the changeover switch 24w of W phase are connected mutually,
15
and the other ends of three-phase-windings Cu, Cv, Cw are
short-circuited mutually.
[0026]
The output terminal 243 of the changeover switch 24v of V phase
is connected to the other end of winding Cv of V 5 phase. The second
input terminal 242 of the changeover switch 24v of V phase is connected
to one end of winding Cw of W phase in order to form the Δ connection.
The output terminal 243 of the changeover switch 24w of W phase is
connected to the other end of winding Cw of W phase. The second input
10 terminal 242 of the changeover switch 24w of W phase is connected
to one end of the winding Cu of U phase in order to form the Δ connection.
[0027]
About each of the changeover switches 24u, 24v, 24w of U phase,
V phase, and W phase, the controller 25 moves each movable contact
15 245 by changing the conduction state to each coil 246, and switches
the first winding connection state (Y connection) in which each
movable contact 245 connects between the first input terminal 241
and the output terminal 243, and the second winding connection state
(Δ connection) in which each movable contact 245 connects between
20 the second input terminal 242 and the output terminal 243.
[0028]
In the present embodiment, when energizing each coil 246 at a
middle Duty ratio (for example, 50%), the movable contacts 245 move
to an intermediate position connected to neither the first input
25 terminal 241 nor the second input terminal 242, and are in a neutral
16
winding connection state. In this state, the other ends of
three-phase windings Cu, Cv, Cw become in the open state, and current
does not flow into the three-phase windings Cu, Cv, Cw, regardless
of the on-off state of the switching devices of the inverter 12.
5 [0029]

The inverter 12 is a power converter that converts between the
DC power outputted from the power source switching mechanism 23 and
the AC power supplied to the plural-phase windings 14 of the rotary
10 electric machine body 2, and is provided with the switching devices.
The inverter 12 is provided with three sets of series circuits where
the positive electrode side switching device 121 connected to the
positive pole wire and the negative electrode side switching device
122 connected to the negative pole wire are connected in series,
15 corresponding to respective phases of the three-phase windings. The
positive pole wire is connected to the positive electrode terminal
side of the DC power source (in this example, the output terminal
233 of the power source switching mechanism 23), and the negative
pole wire is connected to the negative electrode terminal side of
20 the DC power source (in this example, the common ground). The
connection point of the two switching devices 121, 122 for each phases
is connected to the winding of the corresponding phase. MOSFET (Metal
Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor), IGBT (Insulated Gate
Bipolar Transistor) in which a diode is connected in reversely
25 parallel, and the like is used for the switching devices.
17
[0030]
A shunt resistance 123 as a current sensor 123 is connected in
series to the series circuit of each phase. A both ends potential
difference of each shunt resistance 123 is inputted into the input
circuit 9 of the controller 25 as an output signal 5 of the current
sensor 123 (unillustrated). The gate terminal of each switching
device is connected to the output circuit 11 of the controller 25.
Therefore, each switching device is turned on or turned off by the
control signal outputted from the output circuit 11 of the controller
10 25. A power source voltage sensor for detecting the DC voltage
supplied to the inverter 12 is provided, and an output signal of the
power source voltage sensor is inputted into the input circuit 9 of
the controller 25 (unillustrated).
[0031]
15
The controller 25 controls the power source switching mechanism
23, the winding connection switching mechanism 24, and the inverter
12. Each control of the controller 25 is realized by processing
circuits provided in the controller 25. Specifically, the controller
20 25 is provided with an arithmetic processors 10 such as CPU (Central
Processing Unit), storage apparatuses 33, an input circuit 9 which
inputs external signals into the arithmetic processor 10, an output
circuit 11 which outputs signals from the arithmetic processor 10
to the outside, and a power supply circuit 8 which supplies power
25 to each part of the controller 25.
18
[0032]
As the arithmetic processor 10, ASIC (Application Specific
Integrated Circuit), IC (Integrated Circuit), DSP (Digital Signal
Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), various kinds of
logical circuits, various kinds of signal processing 5 circuits, and
the like may be provided. As the arithmetic processor 10, a plurality
of the same type ones or the different type ones may be provided,
and each processing may be shared and executed. As the storage
apparatuses 33, a RAM (Random Access Memory) which can read data and
10 write data from the arithmetic processor 10, a ROM (Read Only Memory)
which can read data from the arithmetic processor 10, and the like
are provided. The input circuit 9 is connected with various kinds
of sensors and signal wires such as the rotation sensor 13, the current
sensor 123, a power source voltage sensor (unillustrated), a steering
15 sensor 17, and a vehicle signal 22; and is provided with an A/D
converter and the like for inputting signals of these sensors and
signal wires into the arithmetic processor 10. The output circuit
11 is connected with electric loads such as the gate terminals of
respective switching devices of the inverter 12, the driving terminals
20 234 of the power source switching mechanism 23, the driving terminals
244 of the winding connection switching mechanism 24, and the power
source relay circuit 31; and is provided with driving circuits and
the like for outputting control signals to these electric loads from
the arithmetic processor 10.
25 [0033]
19
The arithmetic processor 10 runs software items (programs)
stored in the storage apparatus 33 and collaborates with other
hardware devices in the controller 25, such as the storage apparatus
33, the input circuit 9, the output circuit 11, and the power supply
circuit 8, so that the respective controls of the 5 controller 25 are
realized.
[0034]

If only one DC power source is used as a power source of the
10 rotary electric machine apparatus 1, when abnormality occur in one
DC power source, operation of the rotary electric machine becomes
impossible. Then, it is desirable to use two DC power sources as a
power source of the rotary electric machine apparatus 1. However,
when voltages of two DC power sources are different each other, if
15 the induced voltage constant of windings is set in accordance with
the DC power source with higher voltage, disadvantage occurs when
using the DC power source with lower voltage. On the contrary, if
the induced voltage constant of windings is set in accordance with
the DC power source with lower voltage, disadvantage occurs when using
20 the DC power source with higher voltage. Then, when switching and
using two DC power sources, it is desirable to change the induced
voltage constant of windings in accordance with the voltage of the
switched DC power source.
[0035]
25 The relationship between voltage of the DC power source and the
20
induced voltage constant of windings will be explained in more detail
below. As shown in a next equation, an induced voltage constant KeY
(it is also called back electromotive force constant) of Y connection
becomes √3 times (1.732 times) larger than an induced voltage constant
KeΔ of Δ connection. A winding resistor RY between 5 the lines of Y
connection becomes 3 times larger than a winding resistor RΔ between
the lines of Δ connection.
KeY = √3 × KeΔ ... (1)
RY = 3 × RΔ
10 [0036]
By the way, generally, as shown in a next equation, an induced
voltage Ve[V] generated in windings becomes a value obtained by
multiplying the rotational speed ω [rad/s] of the rotor to the induced
voltage constant Ke [V•s/rad].
15 Ve = Ke × ω ... (2)
[0037]
As shown in a next equation, a current I [A] flowing through
windings becomes a value obtained by dividing a value obtained by
subtracting an induced voltage Ve [V] from an applied voltage Va [V]
20 applied to windings, by a resistance R [Ω] of windings.
I = (Va - Ve) / R ... (3)
[0038]
As shown in a next equation, an output torque T [N•m] of the
rotary electric machine body 2 becomes a value obtained by multiplying
25 the current I [A] flowing through windings to a torque constant Kt
21
[N•m/A]. The induced voltage constant Ke is proportional to the
torque constant Kt.
T = Kt × I ... (4)
Kt = β × Ke
5 [0039]
Since the induced voltage constant Ke is proportional to the
torque constant Kt, a current I required for generating the same torque
T can be small as the induced voltage constant Ke becomes large.
Therefore, as the induced voltage constant Ke becomes large, it is
10 advantageous for suppressing unnecessary heat generation of apparatus
and improving reliability of apparatus.
[0040]
On the other hand, in a certain rotational speed ω, an applied
voltage Va required for flowing a certain current I through windings
15 becomes large as the induced voltage constant Ke and the resistance
R of windings become large. Accordingly, in the state where windings
is set to Y connection and the induced voltage constant Ke and the
resistance R of windings became large, when the power source voltage
becomes low, an operating range (a combination range of rotational
20 speed and torque) where equivalent current can be flowed becomes
narrow, and the characteristics of the rotary electric machine is
deteriorated.
[0041]
Then, even if it is configured that two DC power sources whose
25 voltage are different each other are used selectively, and windings
22
of fixed connection with a small induced voltage constant (for example,
windings of Δ connection) is used in accordance with the DC power
source with lower voltage, when operating using the DC power source
with higher voltage, although the characteristics of the rotary
electric machine is not deteriorated, current 5 becomes large with
respect to voltage, unnecessary heat generation of apparatus is caused,
and reliability of apparatus is deteriorated. On the contrary, if
windings of fixed connection with a large induced voltage constant
(for example, windings of Y connection) is used in accordance with
10 the DC power source with higher voltage, when operating using the
DC power source with lower voltage and trying to output high torque,
shortage of voltage occurs, and characteristics of the rotary electric
machine is deteriorated. Therefore, it is desirable to switch to a
winding connection which has an appropriate induced voltage constant,
15 according to change of the DC power source.
[0042]

Then, in the present embodiment, the controller 25 switches the
power source switching mechanism 23, switches the winding connection
20 switching mechanism 24 according to a switching state of the power
source switching mechanism 23, and drives on/off the switching devices
of the inverter 12 to control the rotary electric machine body 2,
based on the switching state of the power source switching mechanism
23 and a switching state of the winding connection switching mechanism
25 24.
23
[0043]
According to this configuration, since the power source
switching mechanism 23 is switched to the first power source
connection state where DC power of the first DC power source 5a of
high voltage is outputted, or the second power source 5 connection state
where DC power of the second DC power source 5b of low voltage is
outputted, for example, when abnormality is caused in one DC power
source, the rotary electric machine apparatus 1 can be operated using
the other DC power source. Then, since the winding connection
10 switching mechanism 24 is switched to the first winding connection
state where the induced voltage constant of windings is high, or the
second winding connection state where the induced voltage constant
of windings is low, according to the switching state of the power
source switching mechanism 23, the induced voltage constant of
15 windings can be changed appropriately according to change of the DC
voltage. Then, according to change of the DC voltage, and change of
the induced voltage constant of windings, the switching devices of
the inverter 12 is controlled on/off appropriately, and the rotary
electric machine body 2 can be controlled.
20 [0044]
In the present embodiment, when switching the power source
switching mechanism 23 to the first power source connection terminal
6a side connection of high voltage, the controller 25 switches the
winding connection switching mechanism 24 so that the three-phase
25 windings become the first winding connection state (in this example,
24
Y connection) of high induced voltage constant. On the other hand,
when switching the power source switching mechanism 23 to the second
power source connection terminal 6b side connection of low voltage,
the controller 25 switches the winding connection switching mechanism
24 so that the three-phase windings becomes 5 the second winding
connection state (in this example, Δ connection) of low induced
voltage constant.
[0045]
According to this configuration, since the induced voltage
10 constant of windings is set to high when the first DC power source
5a of high voltage is used, current required for generating the same
torque can be lowered, heat generation of apparatus can be suppressed,
and reliability of apparatus can be improved. On the other hand, since
the induced voltage constant of windings is set to low when the second
15 DC power source 5b of low voltage is used, even when outputting high
torque, occurrence of voltage shortage can be suppressed, and
deterioration of characteristics of the rotary electric machine can
be suppressed. Therefore, even if the DC power source is switched
to the high voltage or the low voltage, the induced voltage constant
20 of windings can be switched appropriately and the rotary electric
machine can be operated well.
[0046]
The controller 25 switches the power source switching mechanism
23 to the second power source connection state when determining that
25 abnormality occurs in the first DC power source 5a, and switches the
25
power source switching mechanism 23 to the first power source
connection state when determining that abnormality occurs in the
second DC power source 5b. On the other hand, when determining that
abnormality occurs in neither the first nor the second DC power sources
5a, 5b, the controller 25 switches the power 5 source switching
mechanism 23 to an initial connection state which is preliminarily
set to either one of the first power source connection state and the
second power source connection state.
[0047]
10 The controller 25 switches the power source switching mechanism
23 to the first power source connection state or the second power
source connection state by turning on or off the control signal to
the driving terminals 234 of the power source switching mechanism
23. The controller 25 switches the winding connection switching
15 mechanism 24 to the first winding connection state or the second
winding connection state by turning on or off the control signal to
the driving terminals 244 of the winding connection switching
mechanism 24. In the present embodiment, when determining that
control system of the rotary electric machine apparatus 1 such as
20 the inverter 12 failed, the controller 25 switches the winding
connection switching mechanism 24 to a neutral winding connection
state which is not the first and the second winding connection states,
by performing PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) drive of the control signal
to the driving terminal 244 of the winding connection switching
25 mechanism 24 at a middle Duty ratio (for example, 50%). Accordingly,
26
occurrence of dynamic braking by short circuit of windings can be
prevented.
[0048]
The controller 25 calculates a current command of three-phase
windings based on the torque command, the rotational 5 speed, the
switching state (DC voltage) of the power source switching mechanism
23, and the switching state of the winding connection switching
mechanism 24. In this case, since the current command corresponding
to the same torque command changes according to change of the induced
10 voltage constant of windings and change of the DC voltage, the
controller 25 switches one or both of setting data and setting method
which are used for calculation of the current command of three-phase
windings based on the torque command, according to the switching state
of the winding connection switching mechanism 24 and the switching
15 state of the power source switching mechanism 23.
[0049]
In the present embodiment, the controller 25 calculates a torque
command which assists a steering mechanism, based on a steering wheel
torque which is detected based on the output signal of the steering
20 sensor 17, and the vehicle signal 22 (for example, vehicle speed).
[0050]
The controller 25 performs current feedback control that changes
voltage commands applied to the three-phase windings so that the
current detection values of three-phase windings approaches current
25 commands of the three-phase windings. Setting of the current
27
commands of the three-phase windings and the current feedback control
are performed on a dq-axis rotating coordinate system. The dq-axis
rotating system consists of a d-axis defined in the direction of the
N pole (magnetic pole position) of the permanent magnet provided in
the rotator and a q-axis defined in the direction 5 advanced to d-axis
by 90 degrees (π/2) in an electrical angle, and which is the two-axis
rotating coordinate system which rotates synchronizing with rotation
of the rotator in the electrical angle.
[0051]
10 The controller 25 detects the rotational angle speed and the
rotational angle (magnetic pole position) of the rotor based on the
output signal of the rotation speed sensor 13, and detects the currents
which flow into the three-phase windings based on the output signal
of the current sensor 123, and detects the DC voltage supplied to
15 the inverter 12 based on the output signal of the voltage sensor.
[0052]
The controller 25 performs PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) control
that controls on/off each switching device based on the voltage
commands of the three-phase windings, and the switching state (DC
20 voltage) of the power source switching mechanism 23. The controller
25 compares the voltage command of each phase with a carrier wave
(triangular wave) which oscillates with an amplitude of the DC voltage,
generates an on/off control signal of each phase based on the
comparison result, and outputs it to the gate terminal of
25 corresponding switching device.
28
[0053]

As mentioned above, the driving force of the rotary electric
machine body 2 is the driving force source of the steering device
of vehicle, and the rotary electric machine apparatus 5 1 is built into
the electric power steering apparatus. As shown in FIG. 5, a handle
15 which a driver operates is connected with a steering shaft 16.
The steering sensor 17 which detects one or both of a steering angle
and a steering wheel torque of driver is attached to the steering
10 shaft 16. Tie rods 21a, 21b connected to a rack shaft 20 are connected
to steering knuckle arms 19a, 19b of front wheels 18a, 18b which are
steering control wheels. A motion of the rack shaft 20 transmits to
the front wheels 18a, 18b through the tie rods 21a, 21b and the steering
knuckle arms 19a, 19b, and the front wheels 18a, 18b are steered.
15 The rotary electric machine apparatus 1 which is a steering motor
is attached to the rack shaft 20, and the output torque of the rotary
electric machine apparatus 1 is a power to move the rack shaft 20.
The rotary electric machine apparatus 1 controls the output torque
of the rotary electric machine based on the output signal of the
20 steering sensor 17 and the vehicle signal such as the vehicle speed,
and steering according to driver operation is performed.
[0054]

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the first power source connection
25 terminal 6a, the second power source connection terminal 6b, the power
29
source switching mechanism 23, the rotary electric machine body 2,
the winding connection switching mechanism 24, the inverter 12, and
the controller 25 are configured integrally. FIG. 6 is a side view
of the rotary electric machine apparatus 1 configured integrally.
FIG. 7 is a side view which observed the connection 5 terminal side
of the rotary electric machine apparatus 1. An output shaft 3 to which
the driving force of the rotor is outputted projects from the rotary
electric machine body 2 to one side of the axial direction. The output
shaft 3 is connected to a power transfer mechanism such as the rack
10 shaft 20 by a gear mechanism and the like. In the other side of the
axial direction of the rotary electric machine body 2, the inverter
12, the controller 25, the power source switching mechanism 23, and
the driving apparatus 4 such as the winding connection switching
mechanism 24 are provided. The rotary electric machine body 2 and
15 the driving apparatus 4 are stored in a cylindrical case. The
connector of the first power source connection terminal 6a, the
connector of the second power source connection terminal 6b, and the
signal connector 7 for the steering sensor 17 and the vehicle signal
22 project from the driving apparatus 4 to the other side of the axial
20 direction.
[0055]
Embodiment 2
The rotary electric machine apparatus 1 according to Embodiment
2 will be explained. The explanation for constituent parts the same
25 as those in Embodiment 1 will be omitted. Although the basic
30
configuration of the rotary electric machine apparatus 1 according
to the present embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1, the
present embodiment is different from Embodiment 1 in that 2 sets of
the plural-phase windings, the winding connection switching
mechanisms, and the inverters 5 are provided.
[0056]

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of the rotary electric machine
apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The first set of
10 plural-phase windings 14a and the second set of plural-phase windings
14b are provided in the stator of the one rotary electric machine
body 2. As similar to Embodiment 1, the first set of plural-phase
windings 14a is the three-phase windings Cua, Cva, Cwa, and the second
set of plural-phase windings 14b is the three-phase windings Cub,
15 Cvb, Cwb.
[0057]

The rotary electric machine apparatus 1 is provided with a first
set of winding connection switching mechanism 24a which switches
20 interconnection of the first set of three phase windings between the
first winding connection state and the second winding connection state,
and a second set of winding connection switching mechanism 24b which
switches interconnection of the second set of three phase windings
between the first winding connection state and the second winding
25 connection state. As similar to Embodiment 1, the first set of winding
31
connection switching mechanism 24a switches interconnection of the
first set of three phase windings between the Y connection as the
first winding connection state, and the Δ connection as the second
winding connection state. The second set of winding connection
switching mechanism 24b switches interconnection 5 of the second set
of three phase windings between the Y connection as the first winding
connection state, and the Δ connection as the second winding
connection state. Since the basic configuration of the winding
connection switching mechanisms 24a, 24b of each set is the same as
10 that of the winding connection switching mechanism 24 of Embodiment
1, explanation is omitted.
[0058]

The rotary electric machine apparatus 1 is provided with a first
15 set of inverter 12a which converts power supplied to the first set
of plural-phase windings 14a, and a second set of inverter 12b which
converts power supplied to the second set of plural-phase windings
14b. Since the inverter of each set is the same configuration as the
inverter of Embodiment 1, explanation is omitted.
20 [0059]

Only one power source switching mechanism 23 is provided, and
the DC power outputted from the power source switching mechanism 23
is supplied in parallel to the first set and the second set of inverters
25 12a, 12b, and the first set and the second set of controllers 25a,
32
25b. The power source switching mechanism 23 is switched by the first
set of controller 25a or the second set of controller 25b.
[0060]
A driving terminal 234 (in this example, one end of the coil
236) of the power source switching mechanism 5 23 is connected in
parallel to an output circuit 11a of the first set of controller 25a,
and an output circuit 11b of the second set of controller 25b. On
a connection line between the driving terminal 234 of the power source
switching mechanism 23 and the first set of controller 25a, a first
10 set of relay circuit 34a is provided, and turns on and off the
connection between the driving terminal 234 of the power source
switching mechanism 23 and the first set of controller 25a. A driving
terminal of the first set of relay circuit 34a is connected to the
output circuit 11a of the first set of controller 25a, and is turned
15 on and off by the output signal of the first set of controller 25a.
Similarly, on a connection line between the driving terminal 234 of
the power source switching mechanism 23 and the second set of
controller 25b, a second set of relay circuit 34b is provided, and
turns on and off the connection between the driving terminal 234 of
20 the power source switching mechanism 23 and the second set of
controller 25b. The driving terminal of the second set of relay
circuit 34b is connected to the output circuit 11b of the second set
of controller 25b, and is turned on and off by the output signal of
the second set of controller 25b. The first set and the second set
25 of relay circuits 34a, 34b may be electromagnetic relays, or may be
33
switching devices such as FET.
[0061]
The power source switching mechanism 23 may also be duplicated.
That is to say, a first set of power source switching mechanism which
switches the DC power supplied to the first set of 5 inverter 12a and
the first set of controller 25a, and a second set of power source
switching mechanism which switches the DC power supplied to the second
set of inverter 12b and the second set of controller 25b may be provided.
And, the power source switching mechanism of each set may be controlled
10 by the controller of corresponding set.
[0062]
On a connection path between the output terminal 233 of the power
source switching mechanism 23 and a positive pole wire of the first
set of inverter 12a, a first set of low pass filter circuit 30a, a
15 first set of power source relay circuit 31a, and a first set of
smoothing capacitor 32a are provided. On a connection path between
the output terminal 233 of the power source switching mechanism 23
and a positive pole wire of the second set of inverter 12b, a second
of low pass filter circuit 30b, a second of power source relay circuit
20 31b, and a second set of smoothing capacitor 32b are provided.
[0063]

Various kinds of sensors are also duplicated. For example, the
rotary electric machine apparatus 1 is provided with a first set of
25 rotation sensor 13a, a second set of rotation sensor 13b, a first
34
set of current sensor 123, a second set of current sensor 123, a first
set of power source voltage sensor (unillustrated), and a second set
of power source voltage sensor (unillustrated). An output signal of
a first set of steering sensor 17a and an output signal of a second
set of steering sensor 17b are inputted into the 5 rotary electric
machine apparatus 1. A vehicle signal 22a for first set and a vehicle
signal 22b for second set are inputted into the rotary electric machine
apparatus 1. The output signals of the various sensors of each set
are inputted into the controller of corresponding set.
10 [0064]

The rotary electric machine apparatus 1 is provided with the
first set of controller 25a which controls the first set of inverter
12a and the first set of winding connection switching mechanism 24a,
15 and the second set of controller 25b which controls the second set
of inverter 12b and the second set of winding connection switching
mechanism 24b. The first set of controller 25a is provided with a
first set of arithmetic processor 10a, a first set of storage apparatus
33a, a first set of input circuit 9a, a first set of output circuit
20 11a, and a first set of power supply circuit 8a. The second set of
controller 25b is provided with a second set of arithmetic processor
10b, a second set of storage apparatus 33b, a second set of input
circuit 9b, a second set of output circuit 11b, and a second set of
power supply circuit 8b. The first set of controller 25a and the
25 second set of controller 25b communicate to each other via a
35
communication line. Since the basic configuration of each set of
controllers 25a, 25b is the same as that of the controller 25 of
Embodiment 1, explanation is omitted.
[0065]

The first set and the second set of controllers 25a, 25b switch
the power source switching mechanism 23. When abnormality occurs in
the first set of controller 25a, the second set of controller 25b
turns on the second set of relay circuit 34b, and switches the power
10 source switching mechanism 23, as similar to Embodiment 1. When
abnormality occurs in the first set of controller 25a, the first set
of relay circuit 34a is turned off. When abnormality occurs in the
second set of controller 25b, the first set of controller 25a turns
on the first set of relay circuit 34a, and switches the power source
15 switching mechanism 23, as similar to Embodiment 1. When abnormality
occurs in the second set of controller 25b, the second set of relay
circuit 34b is turned off.
[0066]
The first set of controller 25a and the second set of controller
20 25b are communicating mutually, and determine whether abnormality
occurred in the other side. When abnormality does not occur in both
of the first set and the second set of controllers 25a, 25b, the
controller of a predetermined set switches the power source switching
mechanism 23.
25 [0067]
36

As similar to Embodiment 1, the first set of controller 25a
switches the first set of winding connection switching mechanism 24a
so that the first set of three-phase windings becomes the first winding
connection state (Y connection) or the second winding 5 connection state
(Δ connection), and drives on/off the switching devices of the first
set of inverter 12a based on the switching state of the power source
switching mechanism 23, and the switching state of the first set of
three-phase windings in the first set of winding connection switching
10 mechanism 24a.
[0068]
Similarly, the second set of controller 25b switches the second
set of winding connection switching mechanism 24b so that the second
set of three-phase windings become the first winding connection state
15 (Y connection) or the second winding connection state (Δ connection),
and drives on/off the switching devices of the second set of inverter
12b based on the switching state of the power source switching
mechanism 23, and the switching state of the second set of three-phase
windings in the second set of winding connection switching mechanism
20 24b.
[0069]
As similar to Embodiment 1, when switching the power source
switching mechanism 23 to the first power source connection terminal
6a side connection of high voltage, the first set of controller 25a
25 switches the first set of winding connection switching mechanism 24a
37
so that the first set of three-phase windings becomes the first winding
connection state (Y connection). When switching the power source
switching mechanism 23 to the second power source connection terminal
6b side connection of low voltage, the first set of controller 25a
switches the first set of winding connection switching 5 mechanism 24a
so that the first set of three-phase windings becomes the second
winding connection state (Δ connection).
[0070]
As similar to Embodiment 1, when switching the power source
10 switching mechanism 23 to the first power source connection terminal
6a side connection of high voltage, the second set of controller 25b
switches the second set of winding connection switching mechanism
24b so that the second set of three-phase windings becomes the first
winding connection state (Y connection). When switching the power
15 source switching mechanism 23 to the second power source connection
terminal 6b side connection of low voltage, the second set of
controller 25b switches the second set of winding connection switching
mechanism 24b so that the second set of three-phase windings becomes
the second winding connection state (Δ connection).
20 [0071]

As similar to Embodiment 1, the first set of controller 25a
calculates a current command of the first set of three-phase windings
based on a first set of torque command, rotational speed, the switching
25 state (DC voltage) of the power source switching mechanism 23, and
38
the switching state of the first set of winding connection switching
mechanism 24a. In this case, since the first set of current command
corresponding to the same first set of torque command changes
according to change of the induced voltage constant of windings and
change of the DC voltage, the first set of controller 5 25a switches
one or both of setting data and setting method which are used for
calculation of current commands of the first set of three-phase
windings based on the first set of torque command, according to the
switching state of the first set of winding connection switching
10 mechanism 24a and the switching state of the power source switching
mechanism 23.
[0072]
The first set of controller 25a calculates the first set of torque
command which assists the steering mechanism, based on the steering
15 wheel torque detected based on the output signal of the first set
of steering sensor 17a, and the vehicle signal 22a (for example,
vehicle speed) for first set.
[0073]
The first set of controller 25a performs current feedback
20 control that changes voltage commands applied to the first set of
three-phase windings so that the current detection values of the first
set of three-phase windings approaches the current commands of the
first set of three-phase windings. Setting of the current commands
of the first set of three-phase windings and the current feedback
25 control are performed on a dq-axis rotating coordinate system.
39
[0074]
The first set of controller 25a detects the rotational speed
and the rotational angle (magnetic pole position) of the rotor based
on the output signal of the first set of rotation sensor 13a, detects
currents which flows into the first set of three-phase 5 windings based
on the output signal of the first set of current sensor 123, and detects
the DC voltage supplied to the first set of inverter 12a based on
the output signal of the first set of voltage sensor.
[0075]
10 The first set of controller 25a performs PWM control that
controls on/off each switching device of first set, based on the
voltage commands of the first set of three-phase windings, and the
switching state (DC voltage) of the power source switching mechanism
23. The first set of controller 25a compares the voltage command of
15 each phase of first set with the carrier wave (triangular wave) which
oscillates with the amplitude of DC voltage, generates the on/off
control signal of each phase of first set based on the comparison
result, and outputs it to the gate terminal of the corresponding
switching device of first set.
20 [0076]

As similar to Embodiment 1, the second set of controller 25b
calculates a current command of the second set of three-phase windings
based on a second set of torque command, rotational speed, the
25 switching state (DC voltage) of the power source switching mechanism
40
23, and the switching state of the second set of winding connection
switching mechanism 24b. In this case, since the second set of current
command corresponding to the same second set of torque command changes
according to change of the induced voltage constant of windings and
change of the DC voltage, the second set of controller 5 25b switches
one or both of setting data and setting method which are used for
calculation of current commands of the second set of three-phase
windings based on the second set of torque command, according to the
switching state of the second set of winding connection switching
10 mechanism 24b and the switching state of the power source switching
mechanism 23.
[0077]
The second set of controller 25b calculates the second set of
torque command which assists the steering mechanism, based on the
15 steering wheel torque detected based on the output signal of the second
set of steering sensor 17b, and the vehicle signal 22b (for example,
vehicle speed) for second set.
[0078]
The second set of controller 25b performs current feedback
20 control that changes voltage commands applied to the second set of
three-phase windings so that the current detection values of the
second set of three-phase windings approaches the current commands
of the second set of three-phase windings. Setting of the current
commands of the second set of three-phase windings and the current
25 feedback control are performed on a dq-axis rotating coordinate
41
system.
[0079]
The second set of controller 25b detects the rotational speed
and the rotational angle (magnetic pole position) of the rotor based
on the output signal of the second set of rotation sensor 5 13b, detects
currents which flows into the second set of three-phase windings based
on the output signal of the second set of current sensor 123, and
detects the DC voltage supplied to the second set of inverter 12b
based on the output signal of the second set of voltage sensor.
10 [0080]
The second set of controller 25b performs PWM control that
controls on/off each switching device of second set, based on the
voltage commands of the second set of three-phase windings, and the
switching state (DC voltage) of the power source switching mechanism
15 23. The second set of controller 25b compares the voltage command
of each phase of second set with the carrier wave (triangular wave)
which oscillates with the amplitude of DC voltage, generates the
on/off control signal of each phase of second set based on the
comparison result, and outputs it to the gate terminal of the
20 corresponding switching device of second set.
[0081]

As similar to Embodiment 1, the driving force of the rotary
electric machine body 2 is the driving force source of the steering
25 device of vehicle, and the rotary electric machine apparatus 1 is
42
built into the electric power steering apparatus. As shown in FIG.
9, unlike Embodiment 1, the first set of steering sensor 17a and the
second set of steering sensor 17b which detect one or both of a steering
angle and a steering wheel torque of driver are attached to the
5 steering shaft 16.
[0082]

As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the first power source connection
terminal 6a, the second power source connection terminal 6b, the power
10 source switching mechanism 23, the rotary electric machine body 2,
the winding connection switching mechanism 24, the inverter 12, and
the controller 25 are configured integrally. FIG. 10 is a side view
of the rotary electric machine apparatus 1 configured integrally.
FIG. 11 is a side view which observed the connection terminal side
15 of the rotary electric machine apparatus 1. An output shaft 3 to which
the driving force of the rotor is outputted projects from the rotary
electric machine body 2 to one side of the axial direction. The output
shaft 3 is connected to a power transfer mechanism such as the rack
shaft 20 by a gear mechanism and the like. In the other side of the
20 axial direction of the rotary electric machine body 2, the first set
and the second set of inverters, the first set and the second set
of controllers, the power source switching mechanism 23, and the
driving apparatus 4 such as the first set and the second set of winding
connection switching mechanisms are provided. The rotary electric
25 machine body 2 and the driving apparatus 4 are stored in a cylindrical
43
case. The connector of the first power source connection terminal
6a, the connector of the second power source connection terminal 6b,
the signal connector 7a of the first set of steering sensor 17a and
the vehicle signal 22a for first set, and the signal connector 7b
of the second set of steering sensor 17b and the 5 vehicle signal 22b
for second set project from the driving apparatus 4 to the other side
of the axial direction.
[0083]
According to the Embodiment 2, when one DC power source has
10 abnormality, the other DC power source can be used and the rotary
electric machine apparatus 1 can be operated. And, even if the DC
power source is switched to the high voltage or the low voltage, the
induced voltage constant of each set windings can be switched
appropriately and the rotary electric machine can be operated well.
15 Since 2 sets of the three-phase windings, the winding connection
switching mechanisms, the inverters, the controllers, and the like
are provided and duplicated, even if abnormality occurs in one set,
in the state where the induced voltage constant of the windings of
the other set is switched appropriately, the rotary electric machine
20 can output torque by the windings of the other set. Therefore, the
function of the rotary electric machine is not lost completely and
the reliability of apparatus can be improved more.
[0084]

25 Lastly, other embodiments of the present disclosure will be
44
explained. Each of the configurations of embodiments to be explained
below is not limited to be separately utilized but can be utilized
in combination with the configurations of other embodiments as long
as no discrepancy occurs.
5 [0085]
(1) In each of the above-mentioned Embodiments, there has been
explained the case where the first DC power source 5a is the DC power
source of 48V, and the second DC power source 5b is the DC power source
of 12V. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not
10 limited to the foregoing case. That is to say, as long as a voltage
of the second DC power source 5b is lower than a voltage of the first
DC power source 5a, a voltage of the first DC power source 5a and
a voltage of the second DC power source 5b may be set to any voltage.
[0086]
15 (2) In each of the above-mentioned Embodiments, there has been
explained the case where when abnormality occurs in the first DC power
source 5a or the second DC power source 5b, the power source switching
mechanism 23 is switched to connection with the DC power source in
which abnormality does not occurs. However, embodiments of the
20 present disclosure are not limited to the foregoing case. That is
to say, the controller may switch the power source switching mechanism
23 based on other conditions. For example, when determining that the
rotational speed of the rotary electric machine is a low rotational
speed lower than a preliminarily set determination rotational speed,
25 the controller may switch the power source switching mechanism 23
45
to the second power source connection state of low voltage, and switch
the winding connection switching mechanism 24 to the second winding
connection state (Δ connection) with a low induced voltage constant.
When determining that the rotational speed of the rotary electric
machine is a high rotational speed higher than 5 the determination
rotational speed, the controller may switch the power source switching
mechanism 23 to the first power source connection state of high voltage,
and switch the winding connection switching mechanism 24 to the first
winding connection state (Y connection) with a high induced voltage
10 constant. Alternatively, when determining that charge amount of the
first DC power source 5a or the second DC power source 5b is dropped,
the controller may switch the power source switching mechanism 23
to connection with the DC power source whose charge amount is not
dropped.
15 [0087]
(3) In each of the above-mentioned Embodiments, there has been
explained the case where the winding connection switching mechanism
24 switches between the Y connection as the first winding connection
state, and the Δ connection as the second winding connection state.
20 However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to
the foregoing case. That is to say, the winding connection switching
mechanism 24 may switch, as the first winding connection state, to
a connection other than the Y connection in which an induced voltage
constant of windings becomes higher, and may switch, as the second
25 winding connection state, to a connection other than the Δ connection
46
in which an induced voltage constant of windings becomes lower.
[0088]
(4) In each of the above-mentioned Embodiments, there has been
explained the case where the driving force of the rotary electric
machine body 2 is the driving force source of the 5 steering device
of vehicle. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not
limited to the foregoing case. That is to say, the driving force of
the rotary electric machine body 2 may be a driving force source of
other apparatus, such as wheels, for example. Alternatively, the
10 rotary electric machine apparatus 1 may function as a generator, the
power generated by the rotary electric machine apparatus 1 may be
supplied to the first DC power source 5a or the second DC power source
5b switched by the power source switching mechanism 23.
[0089]
15 (5) In the above-mentioned Embodiment 2, there has been
explained the case where as the controller, the first set and the
second set of controllers 25a, 25b are provided, and two arithmetic
processors (CPU) are provided. However, embodiments of the present
disclosure are not limited to the foregoing case. That is to say,
20 one controller which is provided with one arithmetic processor (CPU)
may control two set of the inverters and the winding connection
switching mechanisms.
[0090]
(6) In each of the above-mentioned Embodiments, there has been
25 explained the case where the rotary electric machine apparatus 1 is
47
configured integrally. However, embodiments of the present
disclosure are not limited to the foregoing case. That is to say,
each part of the rotary electric machine apparatus 1 may be configured
by a plurality of units separately in arbitrary combinations.
5 [0091]
Although the present application is described above in terms
of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be
understood that the various features, aspects and functionality
described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited
10 in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they
are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various
combinations to one or more of the embodiments. It is therefore
understood that numerous modifications which have not been
exemplified can be devised without departing from the scope of the
15 present application. For example, at least one of the constituent
components may be modified, added, or eliminated. At least one of
the constituent components mentioned in at least one of the preferred
embodiments may be selected and combined with the constituent
components mentioned in another preferred embodiment.
20
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0092]
1 Rotary electric machine apparatus, 2 Rotary electric machine body,
12 Inverter, 23 Power source switching mechanism, 24 Winding
25 connection switching mechanism, 25 Controller, 5a First DC power
48
source, 5b Second DC power source, 6a First power source connection
terminal, 6b Second power source connection terminal
49
We Claim :
1. A rotary electric machine apparatus comprising:
a first power source connection terminal to which a first DC
power source is connected;
a second power source connection terminal to 5 which a second DC
power source whose voltage is lower than the first DC power source
is connected;
a power source switching mechanism that switches between a DC
power supplied to the first power source connection terminal and a
10 DC power supplied to the second power source connection terminal,
and outputs;
a rotary electric machine body having plural-phase windings;
a winding connection switching mechanism that switches
interconnection of the plural-phase windings between a first winding
15 connection state, and a second winding connection state in which an
induced voltage constant of windings becomes lower than the first
winding connection state;
an inverter that is provided with switching devices , and
converts a DC power outputted from the power source switching
20 mechanism and an AC power supplied to the plural-phase windings; and
a controller that switches the power source switching mechanism,
switches the winding connection switching mechanism according to a
switching state of the power source switching mechanism, and drives
on/off the switching devices to control the rotary electric machine
25 body based on the switching state of the power source switching
50
mechanism and a switching state of the winding connection switching
mechanism.
2. The rotary electric machine apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
when switching the power source switching mechanism 5 to the first power
source connection terminal side connection, the controller switches
the winding connection switching mechanism so that the plural-phase
windings become the first winding connection state, and
when switching the power source switching mechanism to the
10 second power source connection terminal side connection, the
controller switches the winding connection switching mechanism so
that the plural-phase windings become the second winding connection
state.
15 3. The rotary electric machine apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the rotary electric machine body is provided with three-phase
windings as the plural-phase windings, and
wherein the winding connection switching mechanism is a
switching mechanism which switches interconnection of the three-phase
20 windings between Y connection as the first winding connection state,
and Δ connection as the second winding connection state.
4. The rotary electric machine apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
2 sets of the plural-phase windings, the winding connection switching
25 mechanisms, and the inverters are provided,
51
wherein each set of the winding connection switching mechanism
switches interconnection of the plural-phase windings of
corresponding set between the first winding connection state and the
second winding connection state, and
wherein the controller switches the power 5 source switching
mechanism, switches each set of the winding connection switching
mechanism so that each set of the plural-phase windings becomes the
first winding connection state or the second winding connection state,
and drives on/off each set of the switching devices to control the
10 rotary electric machine body, based on the switching state of the
power source switching mechanism, and the switching state of each
set of the plural-phase windings in each set of the winding connection
switching mechanism.
15 5. The rotary electric machine apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
when switching the power source switching mechanism to the first power
source connection terminal side connection, the controller switches
each set of the winding connection switching mechanism so that each
set of the plural-phase windings become the first winding connection
20 state, and
when switching the power source switching mechanism to the
second power source connection terminal side connection, the
controller switches each set of the winding connection switching
mechanism so that each set of the plural-phase windings become the
25 second winding connection state.
6. The rotary electric machine apparatus according to claim 4 or 5,
wherein the rotary electric machine body is provided with three
windings as each set of the plural
wherein each set of the winding connection switching 5 mechanism
is a switching mechanism which switches interconnection of the
three-phase windings of corresponding set between Y connection as
the first winding connection state, and Δ connection as the second
winding connection state.
10
7. The rotary electric machine apparatus according to any one of claims
1 to 6, wherein a driving force of the rotary electric machine body
is a driving force source of a steering device of vehicle.
15 8. The rotary electric machine
1 to 7, wherein the first power source connection terminal, the second
power source connection terminal, the power source switching
mechanism, the rotary electric machine body, the winding connection
switching mechanism, the inverter, and the controller are configured
20 integrally.