Breaker device and circuit breaker

Abstract

A breaker device (20) comprises: a circuit breaker (21); and a magnetic field generation unit (for example, a first magnet (22) and a second magnet (23)). The circuit breaker (21) includes: a path forming part (31) that forms a portion of a power path (4); and a cutting part (34) that cuts the path forming part (31). The path forming part (31) includes: a first conductive part (41); a second conductive part (42); and a third conductive part (43) disposed between the first conductive part (41) and the second conductive part (42). The cutting part (34) cuts the path forming part (31) so as to separate the third conductive part (43) from at least one of the first conductive part (41) and the second conductive part (42) by moving forward in a cutting direction, and moves the cut part of the third conductive part (43) forward in the cutting direction. The magnetic field generation unit generates a magnetic field so as to extend the arc length of an arc generated between the third conductive part (43) which was moved and at least one of the first conductive part and the second conductive part.

Description

Breakers and circuit breakers

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a current interruption device having a pyrotechnic circuit breaker. The pyrotechnic circuit breaker interrupts current by burning explosives in response to an activation signal, and the cutting portion cuts off a current-carrying portion using the propulsion force obtained by the combustion. Specifically, the conducting portion has a pair of connection terminals and a linking portion. The linking portion connects the pair of connection terminals. The linking portion is housed inside a cylinder portion. When the cutting portion moves toward the linking portion inside the cylinder portion and collides with it, the linking portion is cut off from each connection terminal. The cut linking portion moves to the other end of the cylinder portion in the axial direction, thereby interrupting the current in the conducting portion. Compared to circuit breakers that cut off current by opening contacts, such as relays, this pyrotechnic circuit breaker can suppress arcing and cut off high currents in a short time.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-5091

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

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide a technique that enables a circuit breaker to interrupt a current more quickly.

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

[0007] The circuit breaker of the present disclosure is a circuit breaker that interrupts a current flowing through an electric power path, and includes: a path forming portion that forms part of the electric power path; a cutting portion that cuts the path forming portion; and a magnetic field generating portion that generates a magnetic field, wherein the path forming portion includes a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion, and a third conductive portion arranged between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion, and the cutting portion cuts the path forming 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 a portion of the third conductive portion forward in the cutting direction, and the magnetic field generating portion generates a magnetic field that extends the arc length of arcs generated between the third conductive portion after movement and the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion.

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

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an on-board system including a circuit breaker according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a circuit breaker according to the first embodiment cut in the cutting direction and a first direction. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a circuit breaker according to the first embodiment cut in the cutting direction and a second direction. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the same cross-section as FIG. 2 , illustrating a state in which a path configuration unit 31 is cut. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the direction of current flow and the direction of a magnetic field when viewed from behind the cutting direction. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually illustrating a state in which an arc is extended. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a circuit breaker according to a second embodiment cut in the cutting direction and a second direction. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a circuit breaker according to a third embodiment cut in the cutting direction and a second direction. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a circuit breaker according to a fourth embodiment cut in the cutting direction and a second direction. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a third conductive part is separated from only a first conductive part.

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

[0011] [1] A circuit breaker comprising: a circuit breaker that interrupts a current flowing through an electric power path; and a magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field, wherein the circuit breaker has a path forming unit that forms part of the electric power path, and a cutting unit that cuts the path forming unit, wherein the path forming unit has a first conductive unit, a second conductive unit, and a third conductive unit arranged between the first conductive unit and the second conductive unit, wherein the cutting unit cuts the path forming unit so as to separate the third conductive unit from at least one of the first conductive unit and the second conductive unit by moving forward in a cutting direction, and moves the cut portion of the third conductive unit forward in the cutting direction, and wherein the magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field so as to extend the arc length of an arc generated between the third conductive unit and at least one of the first conductive unit and the second conductive unit after movement.

[0012] The circuit breaker can cut the path forming portion with 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 moved third conductive portion and at least one of the above. This causes the arc to extinguish early, and the current flowing through the power path to be interrupted early. Therefore, the circuit breaker can more quickly interrupt the current with the circuit breaker.

[0013] [2] The path forming portion is configured to extend linearly along a first direction perpendicular to the cutting direction, and the magnetic field generating portion is arranged offset from the path forming portion in a second direction perpendicular to the cutting direction and the first direction, and generates a magnetic field in the second direction. [1] The blocking device described in [1].

[0014] After the movement, an arc is generated between the third conductive part and at least one of the conductive parts along the cutting direction. In this state, a magnetic field is generated in the second direction, causing a Lorentz force to act 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 in the first direction, the circuit breaker can more quickly interrupt the current.

[0015] [3] The circuit breaker has a regulating portion provided on the opposite side of the third conductive portion from the cutting portion, the regulating portion regulates the forward movement of the cutting portion of the third conductive portion in the cutting direction, and the magnetic field generating portion has its center positioned between the path forming portion and the regulating portion in the cutting direction.

[0016] Since the center of the magnetic field generating unit is disposed 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 part after movement and at least one of the above-mentioned conductive parts. In other words, the above-mentioned circuit breaking device 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 the arc length of the arc generated between the third conductive part and at least one of the first and second conductive parts after the movement in a direction away from the region between the first conductive part and the second conductive part in the direction in which the path forming part extends. An interrupting device described in 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 circuit breaker can more effectively extend the arc length by generating a magnetic field that extends 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 forming part.

[0019] [5] The circuit breaker according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the magnetic field generating unit is constituted by a permanent magnet.

[0020] In the above-mentioned cutoff device, the magnetic field generating section can be configured by a permanent magnet.

[0021] [6] The circuit breaker according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising a switch, the switch being switched between a closed state in which a current is allowed to flow through the switch and an open state in which the current is blocked from flowing through the switch, and the magnetic field generating unit being constituted by a permanent magnet provided in the switch.

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

[0023] [7] A circuit breaker that interrupts a current flowing through an electric power path, comprising: a path forming portion that forms part of the electric power path; a cutting portion that cuts the path forming portion; and a magnetic field generating portion that generates a magnetic field, wherein the path forming portion has a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion, and a third conductive portion arranged between the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion, wherein the cutting portion cuts the path forming 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 a portion of the third conductive portion forward in the cutting direction, and the magnetic field generating portion generates a magnetic field that extends the arc length of arcs generated between the third conductive portion after movement and the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion.

[0024] The circuit breaker can cut the path forming portion with the cutting portion. Moreover, the circuit breaker moves the cutting 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 moved third conductive portion and at least one of the above. This causes the arc to extinguish quickly, and the current flowing through the power path is interrupted quickly. Therefore, the circuit breaker can interrupt the current more quickly.

[0025] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] <First embodiment> Fig. 1 discloses an in-vehicle system 1 including a circuit breaker 21 of a circuit breaking 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 to be supplied 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 in which power is supplied from the power supply unit 2 to the load 3 to a cut-off state in which power is cut off. 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 met. The power supply condition is, for example, that the vehicle's start switch is switched to an on state or that the user has performed a predetermined start operation. The start switch is an ignition switch, a power switch, or the like. The first control unit 7 switches the contactor 5 to an open state when a supply termination condition is met. The supply termination condition is, for example, that the vehicle's start switch is switched to an off state or that the user has performed a predetermined termination operation. The first control unit 7 switches the contactor 5 to an open state when a contactor interruption condition is met. 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. The second control unit 8 switches the circuit breaker 21 to an interrupted state when an interruption condition is met. The interruption 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 forms the outer shell of the electrical junction box and 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 cylindrical shape (in this embodiment, a cylindrical shape) with a closed bottom. An accommodation space 30A is formed in the case 30. The accommodation space 30A is open to the surface of the case 30 opposite the bottom. The opening of the accommodation space 30A is closed by an ignition part 33.

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

[0037] The input portion 32 is arranged on the opening side of the case 30 in a state where it is exposed to the outside of the case 30. The ignition portion 33 and the cutting portion 34 are arranged within the accommodation space 30A. The ignition portion 33 is arranged between the input portion 32 and the third conductive portion 43. The cutting portion 34 is arranged between the ignition portion 33 and the third conductive portion 43. The cutting portion 34 is made of an insulating material such as resin. The cutting portion 34 is arranged 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 arranged 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 shutoff signal when a shutoff condition is met. The shutoff signal is input to the input unit 32. When the shutoff signal is input to the input unit 32, the explosive in the ignition unit 33 is combusted. The cutting unit 34 moves forward in the cutting direction due to 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 as the axial direction of the circuit breaker 21. The forward cutting direction is the direction from the position of the cutting unit 34 before movement toward the third conductive part 43. The cutting unit 34 cuts the path forming unit 31 and 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 when it comes into contact with the restricting part 35.

[0039] Immediately after the disconnection, arcs are generated between the third conductive part 43 and the first and second conductive parts 41 and 42. This causes a delay before the current is interrupted. To shorten this delay, the circuit breaker 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 FIGS. 2 and 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 circuit breaker 21 (specifically, the case 30) in the second direction. The second magnet 23 is provided on the other side of the circuit breaker 21 (specifically, the case 30) in the second direction.

[0041] The first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 extend further to one side 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 to the other side 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 rearward in the cutting direction 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 forward in the cutting direction than the restricting part 35.

[0042] The center C1 of the first magnet 22 is positioned between the path forming portion 31 and the restricting portion 35 in the cutting direction. The third conductive portion 43, which has been 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 positioned between the moved third conductive portion 43 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 that 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 movement).

[0043] The center C2 of the second magnet 23 is positioned between the path forming portion 31 and the restricting portion 35 in the cutting direction. The third conductive portion 43, which has been separated from the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42, moves forward in the cutting direction beyond the center C2 of the second magnet 23. The center C2 of the second magnet 23 is positioned 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 to extend the arc length of the arc generated between the moved third conductive part 43 and the first and second conductive parts 41 and 42. In particular, in the present embodiment, each of the first magnet 22 and the second magnet 23 generates a magnetic field to extend the arc length of the arc generated between the moved third conductive part 43 and the first and second conductive parts 41 and 42 in the first direction, away from the region between the first conductive part 41 and the second conductive part 42.

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

[0046] As described above, the circuit breaking device 20 can cut the path forming portion 31 using the cutting portion 34. Moreover, the circuit breaking 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 length of the arc generated between the third conductive portion 43 and the first and second conductive portions 41 and 42 after the movement. This causes the arc to extinguish early, and the current flowing through the power path 4 is interrupted early. Therefore, the circuit breaking device 20 can more quickly interrupt the current using 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, causing a Lorentz force to act 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 in the first direction, the circuit breaker 21 can interrupt the current more quickly.

[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 moved third conductive portion 43 and the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42. In other words, the circuit breaking device 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 less likely to be extended in the region between the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42, where the third conductive portion 43 is present. The circuit breaker 20 can more effectively extend the arc length by generating a magnetic field that extends the arc length in a direction away from the region between the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42 in the extension direction of the path forming portion 31.

[0050] The interrupter 20 may have a magnetic field generating section that is configured using 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 provided in 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 will be 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 that allows current to flow through the circuit breaker 21 and an open state that blocks the current. The switch 50 may be provided in series with the circuit breaker 21, in parallel with the circuit breaker 21, or 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, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-037460). 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-shaped. When the switch 50 switches 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, and the current flowing through the switch 50 is quickly interrupted (see, for example, JP 2023-037460 A).

[0055] The first magnet 61 corresponds to an example of a magnetic field generating unit. As shown in Fig. 7 , the switchgear 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 in the second direction relative to the path forming portion 31. Although not shown, like the first magnet 22 of 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] The 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, the first magnet 61, like the first magnet 22 of the first embodiment, generates a magnetic field that extends 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 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 unit.

[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 in the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, a different positional relationship will be described. Note that 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 , the 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 was 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 affects the circuit breaker 21. It is preferable that the positional relationship of the first magnet 61 with respect to the circuit breaker 21 be 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.

[0062] The first magnet 61 is disposed offset in the second direction relative to the path forming portion 31. Although not shown, like the first magnet 22 of 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] The 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, the first magnet 61, like the first magnet 22 of the first embodiment, generates a magnetic field that extends 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 second conductive part 42.

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

[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 will be described in which the circuit breaker itself has a permanent magnet. 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 Figure 9, the circuit breaker 421 of the fourth embodiment has a case 430, a path configuration section 31, an input section 32, an ignition section 33, a cutting section 34, a regulating section 35, a first magnet 36, and a second magnet 37.

[0068] The case 430 has a cylindrical shape (cylindrical in this embodiment) with a closed bottom. An accommodation space 430A is formed in the case 430. The accommodation space 430A is open to the surface of the case 430 opposite 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 the inner wall of the accommodation space 430A (more specifically, a front space 430B in the accommodation space 430A that is forward of the path formation section 31 in the cutting direction). The first recess 430C accommodates a first magnet 36. The second recess 430D accommodates a 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 offset 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 421 (specifically, the case 430) in the second direction. The second magnet 37 is provided on the other side of the circuit breaker 421 (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] The 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 to extend the arc length of the arc generated between the moved third conductive portion 43 (see FIG. 4) and the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42. Furthermore, the first magnet 36 and the second magnet 37 generate a magnetic field to extend the arc length of the arc generated between the moved third conductive portion 43 (see FIG. 4) and the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42 in the first direction, away from the region between the first conductive portion 41 and the second conductive portion 42.

[0073] The circuit breaker 421 of the fourth embodiment can cut off the path forming portion 31 using 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 that extends the length of the arc generated between the third conductive portion 43 and the first and second conductive portions 41 and 42 after the movement. This causes the arc to extinguish 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, any combination of features of the above-described or below-described embodiments is possible within a range that does not contradict. Furthermore, any feature of the above-described or below-described embodiments may be omitted unless explicitly stated as essential. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be modified as follows.

[0075] In the first and fourth embodiments described above, 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 first embodiment described above, 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. However, 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. Furthermore, 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 in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0078] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...In-vehicle system 2...Power supply unit 3...Load 4...Power path 5...Contactor 6...Current detection unit 7...First control unit 8...Second control unit 9...Housing 20...Breaker 21...Circuit breaker 22...First magnet (magnetic field generating unit) 23...Second magnet (magnetic field generating unit) 30...Case 30A...Accommodation space 30B...Front space 31...Path configuration unit 32...Input unit 33...Ignition unit 34...Disconnection unit 35...Regulation unit 36...First magnet (magnetic field generating unit) 37...Second magnet (magnetic field generating unit) 41...First conductive unit 42...Second conductive unit 43...Third conductive unit 50...Switch 51...Fixed terminal 52...Moving terminal 61...First magnet (magnetic field generating unit) 62...Second magnet 220...Breaker 320...Breaker 421...Circuit breaker 430...Case 430A...Storage space 430B...Front space 430C...First recess 430D...Second recess AI...Arrow indicating the direction of current flow AL1...Arrow indicating the direction of Lorentz force AL2...Arrow indicating the direction of Lorentz force AM...Arrow indicating the direction of magnetic field AR1...Arrow indicating the direction of arc AR2...Arrow indicating the direction of arc C1...Center of first magnet C2...Center of second magnet C21...Center of first magnet C31...Center of first magnet C41...Center of first magnet C42...Center of second magnet

Claims

1. An interrupting device comprising: a circuit breaker that interrupts a current flowing in an electric power path; and a magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field, wherein the circuit breaker has a path forming unit that constitutes part of the electric power path, and a cutting unit that cuts the path forming unit, wherein the path forming unit has a first conductive unit, a second conductive unit, and a third conductive unit arranged between the first conductive unit and the second conductive unit, wherein the cutting unit cuts the path forming unit so as to separate the third conductive unit from at least one of the first conductive unit and the second conductive unit by moving forward in a cutting direction, and moves the cut portion of the third conductive unit forward in the cutting direction, and the magnetic field generating unit generates a magnetic field so as to extend the arc length of an arc generated between the third conductive unit and at least one of the first conductive unit and the second conductive unit after the movement.

2. The circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein the path forming portion is configured to extend linearly along a first direction perpendicular to the cutting direction, and the magnetic field generating portion is disposed offset with respect to the path forming portion in a second direction perpendicular to the cutting direction and the first direction, and generates a magnetic field in the second direction.

3. The circuit breaker according to claim 2, further comprising a regulating portion provided on the opposite side of the third conductive portion from the cutting portion, the regulating portion regulating forward movement of the cut portion of the third conductive portion in the cutting direction, and the magnetic field generating portion having its center positioned between the path forming portion and the regulating portion in the cutting direction.

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

5. The circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the magnetic field generating unit is constituted by a permanent magnet.

6. A circuit breaker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a switch which switches between a closed state in which current flows through the switch and an open state in which current flows through the switch, and the magnetic field generating unit is constituted by a permanent magnet provided in the switch.

7. A circuit breaker for interrupting a current flowing through an electric power path, comprising: a path forming section that forms part of the electric power path; a cutting section that cuts the path forming section; and a magnetic field generating section that generates a magnetic field, wherein the path forming section has a first conductive section, a second conductive section, and a third conductive section arranged between the first conductive section and the second conductive section, wherein the cutting section cuts the path forming section so as to separate the third conductive section from at least one of the first conductive section and the second conductive section by moving forward in a cutting direction, and moves at least a part of the third conductive section forward in the cutting direction, and the magnetic field generating section generates a magnetic field so as to extend the arc length of arcs generated between the third conductive section after movement and the first conductive section and the second conductive section.

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