Cutoff device and circuit breaker

Abstract

To enable a circuit breaker to interrupt current more quickly.SOLUTION: A cutoff device 20 includes a circuit breaker 21 and a magnetic field generating unit (e.g., a first magnet 22 and a second magnet 23). The circuit breaker 21 includes a path constructing unit 31 that forms a part of a power path, and a cutting unit 34 that cuts the path constructing unit 31. The path constructing unit 31 includes a first conductive portion 41, a second conductive portion 42, and a third conductive portion 43 arranged between the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42. The cutting unit 34 moves forward in a cutting direction so that the path constructing unit 31 is cut so as to separate the third conductive portion 43 from at least one of the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42, and moves the cut portion of the third conductive portion 43 forward in the cutting direction. The magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field so as to extend the arc length of an arc generated between the third conductive portion 43 after the movement and the at least one of the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a circuit breaker and a circuit breaker. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a current interruption device having a pyrotechnic circuit breaker. The pyrotechnic circuit breaker burns explosives in response to receiving an activation signal, and the cutting part cuts off the current-conducting part by the propulsive force obtained by the combustion, thereby interrupting the current. Specifically, the conducting part has a pair of connection terminals and a linking part. The linking part links the pair of connection terminals. The linking part is housed inside the cylinder part. When the cutting part moves toward the linking part inside the cylinder part and collides with it, the linking part is cut off from each connection terminal. The cut linking part moves to the other end side in the axial direction inside the cylinder part. This interrupts the current in the conducting part. Compared to a circuit breaker that cuts off the current by opening the contacts like a relay, this pyrotechnic circuit breaker can suppress arcs and cut off a high current in a short time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-5091 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in a pyroelectric circuit breaker as described above, even if it is only for a short time, a delay occurs between disconnection and interruption due to arcing.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique that enables a circuit breaker to interrupt a current more quickly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The interrupter of the present disclosure comprises: A circuit breaker that interrupts a current flowing through an electric power line; A magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field, The circuit breaker has a path configuration unit that configures a part of the power path and a disconnection unit that disconnects the path configuration unit, the path configuration portion includes a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion, and a third conductive portion disposed between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion, the cutting portion cuts the path configuration portion so as to separate the third conductive portion from at least one of the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion by moving forward in a cutting direction, and moves a cut portion of the third conductive portion forward in the cutting direction; The magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field so as to extend the length of an arc generated between the third conductive part and the at least one of the conductive parts after the movement.

[0007] The circuit breaker of the present disclosure comprises: A circuit breaker that interrupts a current flowing through an electric power line, A path configuration unit that configures a part of the power path; A cutting unit that cuts the path configuration unit; A magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field, the path configuration portion includes a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion, and a third conductive portion disposed between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion, the cutting portion cuts the path configuration portion so as to separate the third conductive portion from at least one of the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion by moving forward in a cutting direction, and moves the at least a portion of the third conductive portion forward in the cutting direction; The magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field so as to extend an arc length of an arc generated between the third conductive part and the first conductive part and between the third conductive part and the second conductive part after the movement. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the technology of the present disclosure, the circuit breaker can interrupt the current more quickly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle system including a circuit breaker according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cut surface of the blocking device of the first embodiment cut in a cutting direction and a first direction. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a cut surface of the blocking device of the first embodiment cut in the cutting direction and the second direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the same cut surface as FIG. 2, illustrating a state in which the path forming portion 31 is cut away. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the direction of current flow and the direction of a magnetic field when viewed from behind the cutting direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which an arc is stretched. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cut surface of the blocking device of the second embodiment cut in the cutting direction and the second direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cut surface of the blocking device of the third embodiment cut in the cutting direction and the second direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cut surface of the circuit breaker according to the fourth embodiment cut in the cutting direction and the second direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the third conductive portion is separated only from the first conductive portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0011] [1] A circuit breaker that interrupts the current flowing through an electric power line; A magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field, The circuit breaker has a path configuration unit that configures a part of the power path and a disconnection unit that disconnects the path configuration unit, the path configuration portion includes a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion, and a third conductive portion disposed between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion, the cutting portion cuts the path configuration portion so as to separate the third conductive portion from at least one of the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion by moving forward in a cutting direction, and moves a cut portion of the third conductive portion forward in the cutting direction; The magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field so as to extend an arc length of an arc generated between the third conductive part and the at least one of the conductive parts after the movement. Shutdown device.

[0012] The above-mentioned interrupting device can cut the path forming portion by the cutting portion. Moreover, the above-mentioned interrupting device moves the cut portion of the third conductive portion forward in the cutting direction, and generates a magnetic field so as to extend the length of the arc generated between the third conductive portion after the movement and at least one of the above. This allows the arc to be extinguished early, and the current flowing through the power path to be cut off early. Therefore, the above-mentioned interrupting device can more quickly cut off the current by the circuit breaker.

[0013] [2] The path configuration portion is configured to extend linearly along a first direction perpendicular to the cutting direction, The magnetic field generating unit is disposed offset with respect to the path forming unit in a second direction perpendicular to the cutting direction and the first direction, and generates a magnetic field in the second direction. The interrupter device described in [1].

[0014] An arc is generated between the third conductive part after the movement and at least one of the conductive parts along the cutting direction. In this state, a magnetic field is generated in the second direction, and a Lorentz force acts in the first direction. As a result, the arc length of the arc is extended in the first direction. In other words, the circuit breaker can more quickly interrupt the current by extending the arc length of the arc in the first direction.

[0015] [3] The circuit breaker has a restricting portion provided on the opposite side of the third conductive portion from the cutting portion, the restricting portion restricts forward movement of the cut portion of the third conductive portion in the cutting direction, The magnetic field generating unit has a center disposed between the path forming unit and the restricting unit in the cutting direction. The interrupter device described in [2].

[0016] By disposing the center of the magnetic field generating unit between the path forming unit and the restricting unit in the cutting direction, the magnetic field in the second direction generated from the magnetic field generating unit is likely to affect the arc generated between the third conductive unit after the movement and at least one of the above. In other words, the above-mentioned interrupter is likely to cause the magnetic field generated from the magnetic field generating unit to affect the arc.

[0017] [4] The magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field so as to extend an arc length of an arc generated between the third conductive part and the at least one of the first conductive part and the second conductive part after the movement in a direction away from a region between the first conductive part and the second conductive part in a direction in which the path forming part extends. The circuit breaker according to any one of [1] to [3].

[0018] The arc length is less likely to be extended in the region between the first conductive part and the second conductive part where the third conductive part is present. The above-mentioned circuit breaker can extend the arc length more effectively by generating a magnetic field so as to extend the arc length in a direction away from the region between the first conductive part and the second conductive part in the extension direction of the path configuration part.

[0019] [5] The magnetic field generating unit is composed of a permanent magnet. The circuit breaker according to any one of [1] to [4].

[0020] The above-mentioned blocking device may have a magnetic field generating section formed of a permanent magnet.

[0021] [6] Equipped with a switch, The switch switches between a closed state in which it allows current to flow through it and an open state in which it blocks current from flowing through it; The magnetic field generating unit is constituted by a permanent magnet included in the switch. The circuit breaker according to any one of [1] to [4].

[0022] The above-mentioned circuit breaker can utilize a permanent magnet provided in the switch as a magnetic field generating section.

[0023] [7] A circuit breaker that interrupts current flowing through an electric power line, A path configuration unit that configures a part of the power path; A cutting unit that cuts the path configuration unit; A magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field, the path configuration portion includes a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion, and a third conductive portion disposed between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion, the cutting portion cuts the path configuration portion so as to separate the third conductive portion from at least one of the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion by moving forward in a cutting direction, and moves the at least a portion of the third conductive portion forward in the cutting direction; The magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field so as to extend an arc length of an arc generated between the third conductive part and the first conductive part and between the third conductive part and the second conductive part after the movement. Circuit breaker.

[0024] The circuit breaker can cut off the path forming portion by the cutting portion. Moreover, the circuit breaker moves the cut portion of the third conductive portion forward in the cutting direction, and generates a magnetic field to extend the length of the arc generated between the third conductive portion after the movement and at least one of the above. This causes the arc to be extinguished early, and the current flowing through the power path is interrupted early. Therefore, the circuit breaker can interrupt the current more quickly.

[0025] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] First Embodiment 1 discloses an in-vehicle system 1 including a circuit breaker 21 of a circuit breaker device 20 (see FIG. 2). The in-vehicle system 1 is a system mounted on a vehicle. The in-vehicle system 1 includes a power supply unit 2, a load 3, a power path 4, a contactor 5, the circuit breaker 21, a current detection unit 6, a first control unit 7, a second control unit 8, and a housing 9.

[0026] The power supply unit 2 is a power supply source that supplies power to the load 3. The power supply unit 2 is, for example, a battery. The load 3 is an in-vehicle electrical device. The power path 4 is provided between the power supply unit 2 and the load 3. The power path 4 supplies power from the power supply unit 2 to the load 3.

[0027] The contactor 5 is provided on the power path 4. The contactor 5 is provided between the power supply unit 2 and the load 3. The contactor 5 switches between a closed state that allows power supply from the power supply unit 2 to the load 3 and an open state that blocks the power supply.

[0028] The circuit breaker 21 is provided on the power path 4. The circuit breaker 21 is provided between the power supply unit 2 and the load 3. The circuit breaker 21 cuts off the current flowing through the power path 4. The circuit breaker 21 switches from a permissive state that allows power supply from the power supply unit 2 to the load 3 to a cut-off state that cuts off the power supply. Details of the circuit breaker 21 will be described later.

[0029] The current detection unit 6 is, for example, a known current sensor. The current detection unit 6 detects the current flowing through the power path 4, and outputs a signal indicating the detected value to the first control unit 7 and the second control unit 8.

[0030] The first control unit 7 controls the contactor 5. The first control unit 7 switches the contactor 5 to a closed state when a power supply condition to the load 3 is satisfied. The power supply condition is, for example, that the start switch of the vehicle is switched to an on state, that the user performs a predetermined start operation, etc. The start switch is an ignition switch, a power switch, etc. The first control unit 7 switches the contactor 5 to an open state when a supply end condition is satisfied. The supply end condition is, for example, that the start switch of the vehicle is switched to an off state, that the user performs a predetermined end operation, etc. The first control unit 7 switches the contactor 5 to an open state when a contactor interruption condition is satisfied. The contactor interruption condition is, for example, that the current flowing through the power path 4 exceeds a contactor interruption threshold. The first control unit 7 is configured to include, for example, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit).

[0031] The second control unit 8 controls the circuit breaker 21. When a circuit breaker condition is met, the second control unit 8 switches the circuit breaker 21 to an interrupted state. The circuit breaker condition is, for example, that the current flowing through the power path 4 exceeds a threshold value. The second control unit 8 is configured to include, for example, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit).

[0032] The housing 9 constitutes an outer shell of the electric junction box. The housing 9 accommodates the contactor 5, the circuit breaker 21, the current detection unit 6, and the second control unit 8. The first control unit 7 is disposed outside the housing 9.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the circuit breaker 20 includes a circuit breaker 21, a first magnet 22, and a second magnet 23.

[0034] Circuit breaker 21 has a case 30, a path configuration unit 31, an input unit 32, an ignition unit 33, and a cutting unit 34. Circuit breaker 21 is a pyrotechnic circuit breaker that burns explosives in response to receiving a cutoff signal and moves cutting unit 34 by the combustion pressure to cut off power path 4 (specifically, path configuration unit 31). Circuit breaker 21 is, for example, a pyrofuses (PYROFUSE (registered trademark)).

[0035] The case 30 has a tubular shape (cylindrical shape in this embodiment) with a closed bottom. An accommodation space 30A is formed in the case 30. The accommodation space 30A opens to a surface of the case 30 opposite to the bottom. The opening of the accommodation space 30A is closed by an ignition part 33.

[0036] The path configuration part 31 constitutes a part of the power path 4. The path configuration part 31 is constituted by, for example, a bus bar. The path configuration part 31 is configured to penetrate the case 30. The path configuration part 31 penetrates the case 30 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the case 30. The path configuration part 31 passes through the accommodation space 30A. The path configuration part 31 is linear. The path configuration part 31 has a first conductive part 41, a second conductive part 42, and a third conductive part 43. The third conductive part 43 is disposed between the first conductive part 41 and the second conductive part 42. The first conductive part 41 is disposed closer to the power source part 2 than the third conductive part 43. The second conductive part 42 is disposed closer to the load 3 than the third conductive part 43. The third conductive part 43 is disposed within the accommodation space 30A. The first conductive part 41 and the second conductive part 42 each protrude to the outside of the case 30.

[0037] The input portion 32 is disposed in a state where it is exposed to the outside of the case 30 at the opening side of the case 30. The ignition portion 33 and the cutting portion 34 are disposed in the accommodation space 30A. The ignition portion 33 is disposed between the input portion 32 and the third conductive portion 43. The cutting portion 34 is disposed between the ignition portion 33 and the third conductive portion 43. The cutting portion 34 is made of an insulating material such as a resin. The cutting portion 34 is disposed so as to be movable within the case 30 along the inner wall of the accommodation space 30A. The cutting portion 34 is movable in the axial direction of the circuit breaker 21 within the accommodation space 30A. A restricting portion 35 is provided on the opposite side of the third conductive portion 43 from the cutting portion 34 side. The restricting portion 35 is disposed facing the third conductive portion 43. The restricting portion 35 is formed by the inner wall of the accommodation space 30A.

[0038] The second control unit 8 described above outputs a cutoff signal when the cutoff condition is satisfied. The cutoff signal is input to the input unit 32. When the cutoff signal is input to the input unit 32, the explosive in the ignition unit 33 is burned. The cutting unit 34 moves forward in the cutting direction by combustion pressure, and cuts the path forming unit 31 so as to separate the third conductive part 43 from the first conductive part 41 and the second conductive part 42 (see FIG. 4). The cutting direction is the same direction as the axial direction of the circuit breaker 21. The forward cutting direction is a direction toward the third conductive part 43 from a position before the movement of the cutting unit 34. The cutting unit 34 cuts the path forming unit 31, and at the same time, presses the cut third conductive part 43 to move it forward in the cutting direction. The forward movement of the third conductive part 43 in the cutting direction is restricted by the restricting part 35 by contacting the restricting part 35.

[0039] Immediately after disconnection, an arc occurs between the third conductive part 43 and the first conductive part 41 and the second conductive part 42. This causes a delay before the current is interrupted. In order to shorten this delay, the breaking device 20 is provided with the first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23.

[0040] The first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 correspond to an example of a magnetic field generating unit. The first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 are permanent magnets. Each of the first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 are fixed to the outer surface of the circuit breaker 21 (specifically, the case 30). The first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 are arranged offset with respect to the path forming unit 31 in a first direction in which the path forming unit 31 extends and a second direction perpendicular to the cutting direction. The first magnet 22 is provided on one side of the second direction in the circuit breaker 21 (specifically, the case 30). The second magnet 23 is provided on the other side of the second direction in the circuit breaker 21 (specifically, the case 30).

[0041] The first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 extend further in the first direction than the end of the third conductive part 43 on one side in the first direction. The first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 extend further in the first direction than the end of the third conductive part 43 on the other side in the first direction. The first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 extend further in the cutting direction rearward than the path forming part 31 (i.e., the third conductive part 43 before movement). The first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 extend further in the cutting direction forward than the restricting part 35.

[0042] The center C1 of the first magnet 22 is disposed between the path forming portion 31 and the restricting portion 35 in the cutting direction. The third conductive portion 43 separated from the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42 moves forward in the cutting direction from the center C1 of the first magnet 22. The center C1 of the first magnet 22 is disposed between the third conductive portion 43 after the movement and the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42 in the cutting direction. The first magnet 22 generates a magnetic field in the second direction. The first magnet 22 generates a magnetic field that passes through the front space 30B in the accommodation space 30A, which is forward in the cutting direction from the path forming portion 31 (i.e., the first conductive portion 41, the second conductive portion 42, and the third conductive portion 43 before the movement).

[0043] The center C2 of the second magnet 23 is disposed between the path forming portion 31 and the regulating portion 35 in the cutting direction. The third conductive portion 43 separated from the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42 moves forward in the cutting direction from the center C2 of the second magnet 23. The center C2 of the second magnet 23 is disposed between the moved third conductive portion 43 and the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42 in the cutting direction. The second magnet 23 generates a magnetic field in the second direction. The second magnet 23 generates a magnetic field that passes through the front space 30B.

[0044] The first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 generate a magnetic field so as to extend the arc length of the arc generated between the third conductive part 43 after movement and the first conductive part 41 and the second conductive part 42. In particular, in this embodiment, each of the first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 generates a magnetic field so as to extend the arc length of the arc generated between the third conductive part 43 after movement and the first conductive part 41 and the second conductive part 42 in the first direction, in a direction away from the region between the first conductive part 41 and the second conductive part 42.

[0045] FIG. 5 shows the first conductive part 41, the second conductive part 42, and the third conductive part 43 after the movement as viewed from the rear of the cutting direction. Arrows AI shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 indicate the direction of current flow. Arrow AM shown in FIG. 5 indicates the direction of the magnetic field. Arrow AR1 shown in FIG. 6 indicates the direction of the arc from the first conductive part 41 to the third conductive part 43. Arrow AR2 shown in FIG. 6 indicates the direction of the arc from the third conductive part 43 to the second conductive part 42. Arrow AL1 shown in FIG. 6 indicates the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc of arrow AR1. Arrow AL2 shown in FIG. 6 indicates the direction of the Lorentz force acting on the arc of arrow AR2. When a magnetic field in the direction of arrow AM shown in FIG. 5 exists, the arc of arrow AR1 is subjected to the Lorentz force of arrow AL1 and is extended in a direction away from the region between the first conductive part 41 and the second conductive part 42 as shown in FIG. 6. Furthermore, the arc of arrow AR2 is subjected to the Lorentz force of arrow AL2 and is extended in a direction away from the region between the first conductive part 41 and the second conductive part 42. As a result, the current flowing through the power path 4 is interrupted early.

[0046] As described above, the interrupting device 20 can cut off the path forming portion 31 by the cutting portion 34. Moreover, the interrupting device 20 moves the cut portion of the third conductive portion 43 forward in the cutting direction, and generates a magnetic field so as to extend the arc length of the arc generated between the third conductive portion 43 after the movement and the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42. This causes the arc to be extinguished early, and the current flowing through the power path 4 is interrupted early. Therefore, the interrupting device 20 can more quickly interrupt the current by the circuit breaker 21.

[0047] After the movement, an arc is generated between the third conductive part 43 and the first and second conductive parts 41 and 42 in the cutting direction. In this state, a magnetic field is generated in the second direction, and a Lorentz force acts in the first direction. As a result, the arc length of the arc is extended in the first direction. In other words, by extending the arc length of the arc in the first direction, the circuit breaker 20 can more quickly interrupt the current by the circuit breaker 21.

[0048] Since the center C1 of the first magnet 22 and the center C2 of the second magnet 23 are disposed between the path forming portion 31 and the restricting portion 35 in the cutting direction, the magnetic field in the second direction generated from the first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 is likely to affect the arc generated between the third conductive portion 43 after movement and the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42. In other words, the circuit breaker 20 is likely to cause the magnetic field generated from the first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 to affect the arc.

[0049] The arc length is unlikely to be extended in the region between the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42 where the third conductive portion 43 exists. The circuit breaker 20 can extend the arc length more effectively by generating a magnetic field so as to extend the arc length in a direction away from the region between the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42 in the direction in which the path forming portion 31 extends.

[0050] The blocking device 20 can have a magnetic field generating section formed of a permanent magnet.

[0051] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment, a configuration including a permanent magnet dedicated to the circuit breaker is described. In contrast, in the second embodiment, an example is described in which a permanent magnet of a switch is used as a magnetic field generating unit. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0052] 7, the circuit breaker 220 of the second embodiment includes a circuit breaker 21 and a switch 50. The switch 50 switches between a closed state in which a current is permitted to flow through the switch 50 and an open state in which the switch 50 cuts off the current. The switch 50 may be provided in series with the circuit breaker 21, may be provided in parallel with the circuit breaker 21, or may be provided on a path separate from the power path 4.

[0053] 7, the switch 50 has a pair of fixed terminals 51 and a movable terminal 52. The movable terminal 52 switches between a state in which it is separated from the pair of fixed terminals 51 and a state in which it is in contact with the pair of fixed terminals 51 depending on whether or not a coil (not shown) is excited (see, for example, JP 2023-037460 A). The switch 50 is in an open state when the movable terminal 52 is separated from the pair of fixed terminals 51, and in a closed state when the movable terminal 52 is in contact with the pair of fixed terminals 51.

[0054] The switch 50 has a first magnet 61 and a second magnet 62. The first magnet 61 and the second magnet 62 are permanent magnets. The first magnet 61 and the second magnet 62 are rectangular parallelepiped. When the switch 50 is switched from a closed state to an open state, an arc is generated between the pair of fixed terminals 51 and the movable terminal 52. The first magnet 61 and the second magnet 62 generate a magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the arc generated between the pair of fixed terminals 51 and the movable terminal 52. This extends the arc length of the arc, and the current flowing through the switch 50 is interrupted early (see, for example, JP 2023-037460 A).

[0055] The first magnet 61 corresponds to an example of a magnetic field generating section. As shown in Fig. 7, the switch 50 is disposed in a positional relationship in which the first magnet 61 also affects the circuit breaker 21. The positional relationship of the first magnet 61 with respect to the circuit breaker 21 is preferably the same as the positional relationship of the first magnet 22 or the second magnet 23 with respect to the circuit breaker 21 described in the first embodiment.

[0056] The first magnet 61 is disposed offset relative to the path forming portion 31 in the second direction. Although not shown, like the first magnet 22 in the first embodiment, the first magnet 61 extends further to one side in the first direction than the end of the third conductive portion 43 on one side in the first direction, and extends further to the other side in the first direction than the end of the third conductive portion 43 on the other side in the first direction. The first magnet 61 extends further rearward in the cutting direction than the path forming portion 31 (i.e., the third conductive portion 43 before movement). The first magnet 61 extends further forward in the cutting direction than the restricting portion 35.

[0057] A center C21 of the first magnet 61 is disposed between the path forming portion 31 and the restriction portion 35 in the cutting direction. The first magnet 61 generates a magnetic field in the second direction. The first magnet 61 generates a magnetic field that passes through the front space 30B.

[0058] Although not shown in the figure, the first magnet 61, like the first magnet 22 of the first embodiment, generates a magnetic field so as to extend the arc length of the arc generated between the third conductive part 43 (see Figure 4) after movement and the first conductive part 41 and the second conductive part 42.

[0059] The circuit breaker 220 of the second embodiment can utilize the permanent magnet of the switch 50 as a magnetic field generating section.

[0060] <Third embodiment> The positional relationship between the circuit breaker 21 and the switch 50 described in the second embodiment is not limited to the configuration of the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, a different positional relationship will be described. In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 8, a circuit breaker 320 of the third embodiment includes a circuit breaker 21 and a switch 50. In the second embodiment, the axial direction of the switch 50 is parallel to the axial direction of the circuit breaker 21. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the axial direction of the switch 50 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the circuit breaker 21. However, as in the second embodiment, the switch 50 is disposed in a positional relationship in which the first magnet 61 also has an effect on the circuit breaker 21. It is preferable that the positional relationship of the first magnet 61 with respect to the circuit breaker 21 is similar to the positional relationship of the first magnet 22 or the second magnet 23 with respect to the circuit breaker 21 described in the first embodiment.

[0062] The first magnet 61 is disposed offset relative to the path forming portion 31 in the second direction. Although not shown, like the first magnet 22 in the first embodiment, the first magnet 61 extends further to one side in the first direction than the end of the third conductive portion 43 on one side in the first direction, and extends further to the other side in the first direction than the end of the third conductive portion 43 on the other side in the first direction. The first magnet 61 extends further rearward in the cutting direction than the path forming portion 31 (i.e., the third conductive portion 43 before movement). The first magnet 61 extends further forward in the cutting direction than the restricting portion 35.

[0063] A center C31 of the first magnet 61 is disposed between the path forming portion 31 and the restriction portion 35 in the cutting direction. The first magnet 61 generates a magnetic field in the second direction. The first magnet 61 generates a magnetic field that passes through the front space 30B.

[0064] Although not shown in the figure, the first magnet 61, like the first magnet 22 of the first embodiment, generates a magnetic field so as to extend the arc length of the arc generated between the third conductive part 43 (see Figure 4) after movement and the first conductive part 41 and the second conductive part 42.

[0065] In the circuit breaker 320 of the third embodiment, the permanent magnet of the switch 50 can also be used as a magnetic field generating section.

[0066] <Fourth embodiment> In the first to third embodiments, a permanent magnet is provided separately from the circuit breaker 21. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, a configuration in which the circuit breaker itself has a permanent magnet will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 9, the circuit breaker 421 of the fourth embodiment has a case 430, a path configuration portion 31, an input portion 32, an ignition portion 33, a cutting portion 34, a regulating portion 35, a first magnet 36, and a second magnet 37.

[0068] The case 430 is tubular (cylindrical in this embodiment) with a closed bottom. An accommodation space 430A is formed in the case 430. The accommodation space 430A opens to a surface of the case 30 opposite to the bottom. The case 430 has a first recess 430C and a second recess 430D. The first recess 430C and the second recess 430D are provided on an inner wall of the accommodation space 430A (more specifically, a front space 430B on the cutting direction front side of the path configuration section 31 in the accommodation space 430A). The first recess 430C accommodates the first magnet 36. The second recess 430D accommodates the second magnet 37.

[0069] The first magnet 36 and the second magnet 37 correspond to an example of a magnetic field generating unit. The first magnet 36 and the second magnet 37 are arranged to be shifted in the second direction with respect to the path forming unit 31. The first magnet 36 is provided on one side of the circuit breaker 21 (specifically, the case 430) in the second direction. The second magnet 37 is provided on the other side of the circuit breaker 21 (specifically, the case 430) in the second direction.

[0070] The center C41 of the first magnet 36 is disposed between the path forming portion 31 and the restriction portion 35 in the cutting direction. The first magnet 36 generates a magnetic field in the second direction. The first magnet 36 generates a magnetic field that passes through the front space 430B.

[0071] A center C42 of the second magnet 37 is disposed between the path forming portion 31 and the restriction portion 35 in the cutting direction. The second magnet 37 generates a magnetic field in a second direction. The second magnet 37 generates a magnetic field that passes through the front space 430B.

[0072] Although not shown, the first magnet 36 and the second magnet 37, like the first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 of the first embodiment, generate a magnetic field so as to extend the arc length of the arc generated between the third conductive part 43 (see FIG. 4) after movement and the first conductive part 41 and the second conductive part 42. In addition, the first magnet 36 and the second magnet 37 generate a magnetic field so as to extend the arc length of the arc generated between the third conductive part 43 (see FIG. 4) after movement and the first conductive part 41 and the second conductive part 42 in a direction away from the region between the first conductive part 41 and the second conductive part 42 in the first direction.

[0073] The circuit breaker 421 of the fourth embodiment can cut off the path forming portion 31 by the cutting portion 34. Moreover, the circuit breaker 421 moves the cut portion of the third conductive portion 43 forward in the cutting direction, and generates a magnetic field so as to extend the arc length of the arc generated between the third conductive portion 43 after the movement and the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42. This causes the arc to be extinguished early, and the current flowing through the power path 4 is interrupted early. Therefore, the circuit breaker 421 can interrupt the current more quickly.

[0074] <Other embodiments> The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and in the drawings. For example, the features of the above or later described embodiments can be combined in any combination within a range that does not contradict. In addition, any feature of the above or later described embodiments can be omitted unless it is clearly stated as essential. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0075] In the above-described first and fourth embodiments, the number of permanent magnets corresponding to the magnetic field generating unit is two, but it may be one, or three or more.

[0076] In the above-described first embodiment, an example has been described in which the third conductive portion 43 is separated from both the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42, but as shown in Fig. 10, the third conductive portion 43 may be separated from only the first conductive portion 41 of the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42. Also, the third conductive portion 43 may be separated from only the second conductive portion 42 of the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42.

[0077] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but is indicated by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1. In-vehicle systems 2…Power supply section 3. Load 4…Power line 5…Contactor 6...Current detection section 7...First control section 8...Second control section 9…Housing 20...Shutdown device 21... Circuit breaker 22...First magnet (magnetic field generating part) 23...Second magnet (magnetic field generating part) 30…Case 30A…Storage space 30B…Front side space 31...Route configuration section 32...Input section 33…Ignition part 34…cutting section 35…Regulation Department 36...First magnet (magnetic field generating part) 37...Second magnet (magnetic field generating part) 41...First conductive part 42...Second conductive part 43…Third conductive part 50…Switch 51…Fixed terminal 52…Movable terminal 61...First magnet (magnetic field generating part) 62…Second magnet 220...Shut-off device 320...Shutoff device 421... Circuit breaker 430…Case 430A…Storage space 430B…Front side space 430C…First recess 430D…Second recess AI: An arrow showing the direction of current flow AL1…Arrow showing the direction of the Lorentz force AL2…Arrow showing the direction of the Lorentz force AM: Arrow showing the direction of the magnetic field AR1: Arrow showing the direction of the arc AR2: Arrow showing the direction of the arc C1: Center of the first magnet C2: Center of the second magnet C21: Center of the first magnet C31: Center of the first magnet C41: Center of the first magnet C42: Center of the second magnet

Claims

1. A circuit breaker that interrupts a current flowing through an electric power line; A magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field, The circuit breaker has a path configuration unit that configures a part of the power path and a disconnection unit that disconnects the path configuration unit, the path configuration portion has a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion, and a third conductive portion disposed between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion, the cutting portion cuts the path configuration portion so as to separate the third conductive portion from at least one of the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion by moving forward in a cutting direction, and moves a cut portion of the third conductive portion forward in the cutting direction; The magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field so as to extend an arc length of an arc generated between the third conductive part and the at least one of the conductive parts after the movement. Shutdown device.

2. The path configuration portion is configured to extend linearly along a first direction perpendicular to the cutting direction, The magnetic field generating unit is disposed to be shifted with respect to the path forming unit in a second direction perpendicular to the cutting direction and the first direction, and generates a magnetic field in the second direction. The shutoff device according to claim 1 .

3. the circuit breaker has a restricting portion provided on a side opposite to the disconnecting portion with respect to the third conductive portion, the restricting portion restricts forward movement of the cut portion of the third conductive portion in the cutting direction, The magnetic field generating unit has a center disposed between the path forming unit and the restricting unit in the cutting direction. The shutoff device according to claim 2.

4. The magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field so as to extend an arc length of an arc generated between the third conductive portion and the at least one conductive portion after the movement in a direction away from a region between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion in a direction in which the path configuring portion extends. The interrupter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The magnetic field generating unit is composed of a permanent magnet. The interrupter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. Equipped with a switch, The switch switches between a closed state in which it allows current to flow through it and an open state in which it blocks current from flowing through it; The magnetic field generating unit is constituted by a permanent magnet included in the switch. The interrupter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. A circuit breaker that interrupts a current flowing through an electric power line, A path configuration unit that configures a part of the power path; A cutting unit that cuts the path configuration unit; A magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field, the path configuration portion has a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion, and a third conductive portion disposed between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion, the cutting portion cuts the path configuration portion so as to separate the third conductive portion from at least one of the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion by moving forward in a cutting direction, and moves at least the portion of the third conductive portion forward in the cutting direction; The magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field so as to extend an arc length of an arc generated between the third conductive part and the first conductive part and between the third conductive part and the first conductive part and the second conductive part after the movement. Circuit breaker.

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