Control device for vehicle

Abstract

A power distribution ECU (100) is a control device for a vehicle that is used in the vehicle and controls the distribution of power supplied from a plurality of power source parts (110) to a plurality of load parts (120). The power distribution ECU (100) comprises a plurality of power source terminals (10), a plurality of load terminals (20), a first power source line part (31), a second power source line part (32), and a trunk line breaker circuit (70). The power source terminals (10) are electrically connected to the power source parts (110). The load terminals (20) are electrically connected to the load parts (120). The first power source line part (31) is electrically connected to a first power source terminal (11). The second power source line part (32) is electrically connected to a second power source terminal (12). The trunk line breaker circuit (70) cuts off electrical connection between the first power source line part (31) and the second power source line part (32) on the basis of an abnormality in at least one of a current value and a voltage value.

Description

Vehicle control device CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Patent Application No. 2023-186044 filed in Japan on October 31, 2023, and the contents of the original application are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates to a vehicle control system.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a power supply device as a type of vehicle control device that supplies power from multiple power sources to a load. This power supply device includes a switch unit that cuts off the power supplied from the power sources based on the detection result of a current detected by a current detection unit.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-120479

[0005] In recent years, there has been a demand for a function to distribute power to multiple loads. However, the power supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not have such a function. Therefore, it is obvious that the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot properly supply power to the loads when an abnormality occurs in the circuitry related to the power supply device.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a vehicle control device that can supply appropriate power to a load even when an abnormality occurs.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one disclosed aspect is a vehicle control device that is used in a vehicle and controls the distribution of power supplied from a plurality of power supply units to a plurality of load units, and includes a plurality of power supply terminal units electrically connected to the power supply units, a plurality of load terminal units electrically connected to the load units, a first power supply line unit electrically connected to a first power supply terminal included in the plurality of power supply terminal units, a second power supply line unit electrically connected to a second power supply terminal included in the plurality of power supply terminal units, and a main line interruption circuit that electrically connects the first power supply line unit and the second power supply line unit and interrupts the electrical connection between the first power supply line unit and the second power supply line unit based on an abnormality in at least one of the current value and the voltage value.

[0008] In this aspect, the main line interruption circuit unit interrupts the electrical connection between the first power supply line unit and the second power supply line unit based on an abnormality in at least one of the current value and the voltage value, and the first power supply line unit and the second power supply line unit are electrically disconnected. As a result, even if an abnormality occurs in a circuit related to the vehicle control device, it is possible to appropriately supply power from the multiple power supply units to the multiple load terminals, and ultimately to the load units connected to each load terminal.

[0009] It should be noted that the reference numbers in parentheses in the claims merely indicate an example of the correspondence with the specific configurations in the embodiments described below, and do not limit the technical scope in any way. Furthermore, claims not explicitly stated in the claims may be combined together if no particular problems arise in the combination.

[0010] 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a power distribution ECU according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a power supply interruption circuit. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a main line interruption circuit. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a load interruption circuit. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing details of a start-up process performed by the power distribution ECU. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a power distribution ECU in abnormal scene 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a power distribution ECU performing a shutdown process of operation pattern 1. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a power distribution ECU performing a shutdown process of operation pattern 1. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the shutdown process of operation pattern 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a power distribution ECU in abnormal scene 2. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a power distribution ECU performing a shutdown process of operation pattern 2. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing details of the shutdown process of operation pattern 2. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a power distribution ECU in abnormal scene 3. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a power distribution ECU performing a shutdown process of operation pattern 3. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of the shutdown process of operation pattern 3. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a power distribution ECU in abnormal scene 4. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a power distribution ECU performing a shutdown process of operation pattern 4. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing details of the shutdown process of operation pattern 4. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a power distribution ECU in abnormal scene 5. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a power distribution ECU performing a shutdown process of operation pattern 5. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing details of the shutdown process of operation pattern 5. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a power distribution ECU in abnormal scene 6. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a power distribution ECU that performs the shutdown processing of operation pattern 6. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of the shutdown processing of operation pattern 6. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a power distribution ECU in abnormal scene 7. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a power distribution ECU that performs the shutdown processing of operation pattern 7. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the shutdown processing of operation pattern 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a power distribution ECU in abnormal scene 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a power distribution ECU that performs the shutdown processing of operation pattern 8. FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of a main line shutdown circuit according to modified example 2. FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing the configuration of a load shutdown circuit according to modified example 3.

[0011] A power distribution ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure shown in Figure 1 is a vehicle control device used in a vehicle. Power distribution ECU 100 is mounted on the vehicle and connected to a plurality of power supply units 110 and a plurality of load units 120. Power distribution ECU 100 distributes power supplied from the plurality of power supply units 110 to the many load units 120. Power distribution ECU 100 may be a standalone control device that aggregates the power distribution function of the vehicle, or may be configured to be implemented in a control device together with other functional units.

[0012] As an example, the power distribution ECU 100 is implemented in a zone ECU. The zone ECU, together with the central ECU, on-board equipment, and communication lines, constitutes an on-board network system. A zone ECU is disposed in each of multiple pre-defined zones in the vehicle. One of the multiple zone ECUs also functions as the power distribution ECU 100. The zone ECU has a gateway function and enables mutual communication between networks with different communication methods by converting and relaying data. The zone ECU controls the on-board equipment based on commands from the central ECU. A zone ECU equipped with the functions of the power distribution ECU 100 controls the distribution of power to other zone ECUs as well as to individual ECUs, actuators, sensors, and the like that make up the on-board equipment.

[0013] <Configuration of Power Supply Unit and Load Unit> First, the power supply unit 110 and the load unit 120 connected to the power distribution ECU 100 will be described in detail.

[0014] The power supply unit 110 is a power supply mounted on the vehicle. The power supply unit 110 is capable of supplying power to the power distribution ECU 100. The power supply unit 110 includes a main power supply 111 (power supply A in FIG. 1 ) and an auxiliary power supply 112 (power supply B in FIG. 1 ). The main power supply 111 is the power supply unit 110 with a higher power supply capacity than the auxiliary power supply 112. The main power supply 111 is, for example, a DC-DC converter of the vehicle. The auxiliary power supply 112 is the power supply unit 110 with a lower power supply capacity than the main power supply 111. The auxiliary power supply 112 is, for example, an auxiliary battery mounted on the vehicle. The power supply capacity of the main power supply 111 may be several times to several dozen times the power supply capacity of the auxiliary power supply 112.

[0015] <Configuration of Load Unit> The load unit 120 is the above-mentioned zone ECU, individual ECU, actuator, sensor, etc. The load unit 120 consumes power distributed by the power distribution ECU 100 to realize a predetermined function. The load unit 120 includes a priority load 121 (load C in FIG. 1 ) and normal loads 122 (loads A, B, D, and E in FIG. 1 ). The priority load 121 is a load unit 120 to which power supply is prioritized over the normal load 122. As an example, a load unit 120 requiring redundancy is designated as the priority load 121. Specifically, on-board equipment related to the electric power steering and brake system, as well as other zone ECUs, etc., are designated as priority loads 121 with high-priority functions. The load units 120 other than these priority loads 121 are designated as normal loads 122. The normal load 122 is a load unit 120 that does not require redundancy and is a low-priority (non-priority) load unit 120 with only low-priority functions.

[0016] <Configuration of Power Distribution ECU> Next, a description will be given of the configuration of the power distribution ECU 100. The power distribution ECU 100 includes a plurality of power supply terminals 10, a plurality of load terminals 20, power supply wiring KH, and a plurality of interrupter circuits.

[0017] The power supply terminal 10 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 110. The power supply terminal 10 is integrally configured with a connector exposed outside the housing of the control device. Power from the power supply unit 110 is supplied to the power supply terminal 10 through a wire harness or the like connected to the connector. The power supply terminal 10 includes a first power supply terminal 11 and a second power supply terminal 12. The first power supply terminal 11 is electrically connected to a main power supply 111. Power is supplied to the first power supply terminal 11 from the main power supply 111. The second power supply terminal 12 is electrically connected to an auxiliary power supply 112. Power is supplied to the second power supply terminal 12 from the auxiliary power supply 112. A larger power is supplied to the first power supply terminal 11 than to the second power supply terminal 12. Therefore, the first power supply terminal 11 is formed larger than the second power supply terminal 12 so that it can handle larger power.

[0018] The load terminal 20 is electrically connected to the load section 120. The load terminal 20 is integrally configured with a connector exposed outside the housing of the control device. The load terminal 20 supplies power to the load section 120 through a wire harness or the like connected to the connector. The load terminal 20 includes a first load terminal 21 and a second load terminal 22. The first load terminal 21 is electrically connected to the first power supply line section 31 via a first load line section 51 and a first section 41, which will be described later. The second load terminal 22 is electrically connected to the second power supply line section 32 via a second load line section 52 and a second section 42, which will be described later.

[0019] The first load terminal 21 further includes a first priority terminal 21 a and a first normal terminal 21 b. The second load terminal 22 further includes a second priority terminal 22 a and a second normal terminal 22 b. The first priority terminal 21 a and the second priority terminal 22 a are electrically connected to a priority load 121. The first normal terminal 21 b and the second normal terminal 22 b are electrically connected to a normal load 122.

[0020] One of the first priority terminals 21a and one of the second priority terminals 22a are electrically connected to the same priority load 121. The first priority terminals 21a and the second priority terminals 22a connected to the same priority load 121 are adjacent to each other. More specifically, the first priority connector including the first priority terminals 21a and the second priority connector including the second priority terminals 22a have the same shape. The first priority connector and the second priority connector are arranged adjacent to each other on the outside of the housing. The internal pin arrangements of the first priority connector and the second priority connector are the same. Furthermore, the first priority connector and the second priority connector may be integrally formed. Even with such integral formation of the connectors, the first priority terminals 21a and the second priority terminals 22a are adjacent to each other.

[0021] The power supply wiring KH is wiring formed between a plurality of power supply terminals 10 and a plurality of load terminals 20. The power supply wiring KH is formed by a copper conductive layer (wiring pattern) provided on a printed wiring board constituting the power distribution ECU 100. A bus bar mounted on the printed wiring board along the wiring pattern may form part of the power supply wiring KH. The bus bar is implemented in parallel with the wiring pattern in a location where the wiring pattern alone cannot carry enough current. The power supply wiring KH is composed of a power supply wiring 30, a power supply trunk line 40, a load wiring 50, etc.

[0022] The power supply wiring 30 is a wiring connected to the power supply terminal 10. The power supply wiring 30 includes a first power supply line portion 31 and a second power supply line portion 32. The first power supply line portion 31 is a wiring portion connected to the first power supply terminal 11. Power is supplied to the first power supply line portion 31 from the main power supply 111. To accommodate the large power supplied from the main power supply 111, the wiring width (wiring cross-sectional area) of the first power supply line portion 31 is wider (larger) than the wiring width of the second power supply line portion 32. The second power supply line portion 32 is a wiring portion connected to the second power supply terminal 12. Power is supplied to the second power supply line portion 32 from the auxiliary power supply 112. A power zener may be disposed in the section of the power supply wiring 30 between a power supply interruption circuit 60 (described later) and the power supply terminal 10. The power zener is a component for preventing voltage breakdown of the power supply interruption circuit 60 when a high voltage is output from the power supply unit 110.

[0023] The power supply trunk 40 is a wiring electrically connected to both the first power supply line section 31 and the second power supply line section 32. Power is supplied to the power supply trunk 40 from the main power supply 111 and the auxiliary power supply 112 via the first power supply line section 31 and the second power supply line section 32. The wiring width (wiring cross-sectional area) of the power supply trunk 40 is the same as or wider (larger) than the wiring width of the first power supply line section 31. A trunk line interruption circuit 70, which will be described later, is provided in the middle of the power supply trunk 40. The section of the power supply trunk 40 between the first power supply line section 31 and the trunk line interruption circuit 70 is designated as a first section 41. The first section 41 is the main section that receives power from the main power supply 111 when the trunk line interruption circuit 70 is in an energization-interrupted (off) state. The section of the power supply trunk 40 between the second power supply line section 32 and the trunk line interruption circuit 70 is designated as a second section 42. The second section 42 is an auxiliary section that receives power from the auxiliary power supply 112 when the main line interruption circuit 70 is in an OFF state.

[0024] The load wiring 50 is a wiring connected to the load terminal 20. The wiring width (cross-sectional area) of the load wiring 50 is narrower (smaller) than the wiring width of the power supply trunk 40. The wiring widths of the load wirings 50 may differ from one another. The load wiring 50 includes a first load line portion 51 and a second load line portion 52. The first load line portion 51 electrically connects the first load terminal 21 to a first section 41 of the power supply trunk 40, which is closer to the first power supply line portion 31 than the trunk interruption circuit 70. Of the multiple first load line portions 51, the load wiring 50 connecting the first priority terminal 21a to the power supply trunk 40 is the first priority line portion 51a. Of the multiple first load line portions 51, the load wiring 50 connecting the first normal terminal 21b to the power supply trunk 40 is the first normal line portion 51b. The second load line section 52 electrically connects the second section 42 of the power supply trunk line 40, which is closer to the second power supply line section 32 than the trunk line interruption circuit 70, to the second load terminal 22. Of the multiple second load line sections 52, the load wiring 50 that connects the second priority terminal 22a to the power supply trunk line 40 is the second priority line section 52a. Of the multiple second load line sections 52, the load wiring 50 that connects the second normal terminal 22b to the power supply trunk line 40 is the second normal line section 52b.

[0025] The interruption circuit includes an electrical fuse EF (see FIGS. 2 to 4). A large number of fuses EF are mounted on the printed wiring board that constitutes the power distribution ECU 100. The large number of fuses EF form interruption circuits, such as a power supply interruption circuit 60, a main line interruption circuit 70, and a load interruption circuit 80, on the power supply wiring KH. When an interruption circuit is in the on state, the two wires connected to the interruption circuit are electrically connected and energized. On the other hand, when the interruption circuit is in the off state, the two wires connected to the interruption circuit are de-energized.

[0026] The power supply interruption circuit 60 (see FIG. 2 ) is an interruption circuit provided in the power supply wiring 30. The power supply interruption circuit 60 interrupts the electrical connection between the power supply terminal 10 and the load terminal 20 (power supply main line 40). Two power supply interruption circuits 60 are provided in the power supply wiring KH. The power supply interruption circuit 60 (FIG. 1 , interruption circuit A) provided in the first power supply line section 31 is the first interruption circuit 60a. The power supply interruption circuit 60 (FIG. 1 , interruption circuit B) provided in the second power supply line section 32 is the second interruption circuit 60b. The first interruption circuit 60a interrupts the electrical connection between the first power supply terminal 11 and the first section 41 based on an abnormality in at least one of the current value and the voltage value in the first power supply line section 31. The second interruption circuit 60b interrupts the electrical connection between the second power supply terminal 12 and the second section 42 based on an abnormality in at least one of the current value and the voltage value in the second power supply line section 32.

[0027] The trunk line interruption circuit 70 (see FIG. 3 ) is an interruption circuit (interruption circuit C in FIG. 1 ) provided in the power supply trunk 40. The trunk line interruption circuit 70 corresponds to an isolator, a backbone switch, or the like. The trunk line interruption circuit 70 is disposed in the middle of the power supply trunk 40 and electrically connects the first power supply line portion 31 and the second power supply line portion 32. The trunk line interruption circuit 70 interrupts the electrical connection between the first section 41 and the second section 42, and therefore the electrical connection between the first power supply line portion 31 and the second power supply line portion 32, based on an abnormality in at least one of the current value and the voltage value in the power supply trunk 40. When the trunk line interruption circuit 70 is in an on state in which it does not interrupt the electrical connection between the first power supply line portion 31 and the second power supply line portion 32, the first power supply terminal 11 is electrically connected to the second load terminal 22. On the other hand, when the main line interruption circuit 70 is in an OFF state in which it has cut off the electrical connection between the first power line section 31 and the second power line section 32, the first power supply terminal 11 is electrically cut off from the second load terminal 22. Also, when the main line interruption circuit 70 is in an ON state, the second power supply terminal 12 is electrically connected to the first load terminal 21. On the other hand, when the main line interruption circuit 70 is in an OFF state, the second power supply terminal 12 is electrically cut off from the first load terminal 21.

[0028] The load shedding circuits 80 (see FIG. 4) are shedding circuits provided in the load wiring 50. One load shedding circuit 80 is provided at the middle of each of the plurality of first load line sections 51 and the plurality of second load line sections 52 (shedding circuits D to I in FIG. 1). The load shedding circuits 80 cut off the electrical connection between the power supply main line 40 and the load terminal 20 based on an abnormality in at least one of the current value and the voltage value in the load wiring 50.

[0029] The multiple load shedding circuits 80 can share information with each other. Therefore, the load shedding circuits 80 can cut off the electrical connection through the load wiring 50 based on an abnormality detected by the other load shedding circuits 80. As an example, the load shedding circuits 80 of the normal line sections 51b and 52b cut off the electrical connection between the power supply main line 40 and the normal terminals 21b and 22b based on an abnormality in the current value or voltage value detected by the load shedding circuits 80 of the priority line sections 51a and 52a (see FIG. 9 , etc.).

[0030] In addition, the load shedding circuit 80 and the main line shedding circuit 70 can share information with each other. Therefore, the load shedding circuit 80 cuts off the electrical connection between the power supply main line 40 and the load terminal 20 based on an abnormality in the current value or voltage value of the power supply main line 40 detected by the main line shedding circuit 70. Similarly, the main line shedding circuit 70 cuts off the electrical connection between the first power supply line section 31 and the second power supply line section 32 based on an abnormality in the current value or voltage value of the load wiring 50 detected by the load shedding circuit 80 (see FIG. 24 ).

[0031] <Configuration of the Interruption Circuit> Next, the details of the power interruption circuit 60, the main line interruption circuit 70, and the load interruption circuit 80 will be described based on FIGS. 2 to 4 and with reference to FIG.

[0032] The power supply interruption circuit 60 shown in Fig. 2 is a unidirectional interruption circuit that interrupts only the reverse current out of the forward current flowing from the power supply terminal 10 to the load terminal 20 (power supply main line 40) and the reverse current flowing from the load terminal 20 to the power supply terminal 10. The power supply interruption circuit 60 does not completely interrupt the forward current. The power supply interruption circuit 60 is configured to mainly include a switch unit 61. The switch unit 61 includes an FET (Field Effect Transistor) 62, a current detection unit 66, a voltage detection unit 67, a drive unit 68, and a control unit 69.

[0033] The FET 62 is an N-channel MOS (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) FET. The source of the FET 62 is connected to the power supply wiring 30 on the power supply unit 110 (power supply terminal 10) side. The drain of the FET 62 is connected to the power supply wiring 30 on the power supply main line 40 side. The gate of the FET 62 is connected to the drive unit 68. A body diode 63 is formed in the FET 62. The anode of the body diode 63 is connected to the power supply wiring 30 on the power supply unit 110 side. The cathode of the body diode 63 is connected to the power supply wiring 30 on the power supply main line 40 side.

[0034] The current detection unit 66 is arranged on the power supply wiring 30 closer to the power supply unit 110 than the FET 62. The current detection unit 66 detects the value and direction of the current flowing through the power supply wiring 30. The current detection unit 66 outputs the detected current value and current direction to the control unit 69. The voltage detection unit 67 is connected to the power supply wiring 30 closer to the power supply main line 40 than the FET 62. The voltage detection unit 67 detects the value of the voltage on the power supply wiring 30. The voltage detection unit 67 outputs the detected voltage value to the control unit 69.

[0035] The driver 68 is connected to the gate of the FET 62. The driver 68 applies a predetermined voltage (hereinafter referred to as gate voltage) to the gate of the FET 62 based on a command signal input from the controller 69. When the driver 68 applies the gate voltage, the source and drain of the FET 62 are in a conductive state (ON state). In contrast, when no gate voltage is applied, the source and drain of the FET 62 are in a non-conductive state (OFF state). Note that even when no gate voltage is applied, the FET 62 has a body diode 63, which allows a forward current to flow from the source to the drain.

[0036] The control unit 69 is connected to the drive unit 68. The control unit 69 switches the FET 62 between on and off states, and therefore the power supply wiring 30 between energized and de-energized states, by outputting a command signal to the drive unit 68. The control unit 69 acquires the current value and current direction detected by the current detection unit 66 and the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit 67, and electrically reads the latest current value and voltage value of the power supply wiring 30. The control unit 69 determines the occurrence of an abnormality based on at least one of the current value and the voltage value. The control unit 69 compares at least one of the current value and the voltage value with a predetermined determination threshold. The control unit 69 detects abnormalities, such as a ground fault, a short circuit, or an open circuit, that have occurred in the power supply system or the power supply wiring 30 based on the process of comparing the detected value with the determination threshold. The control unit 69 determines that a ground fault has occurred when a current is flowing toward the ground fault path and the voltage value is abnormal. If the current stops flowing and the voltage value becomes abnormal, the control unit 69 determines that an open circuit has occurred. When the control unit 69 detects the occurrence of an abnormality, it cooperates with the drive unit 68 to turn off the FET 62 and cut off the current flow through the power supply wiring 30.

[0037] 3 is a bidirectional interruption circuit that interrupts both the current flowing from the first power supply line section 31 to the second power supply line section 32 and the current flowing from the second power supply line section 32 to the first power supply line section 31. The main line interruption circuit 70 mainly includes a switch section 71. The switch section 71 switches between energizing and deenergizing the first power supply line section 31 and the second power supply line section 32 on the power supply main line 40. The switch section 71 includes two FETs 72a, 72b, a current detection section 76, two voltage detection sections 77a, 77b, two drive sections 78a, 78b, and a control section 79.

[0038] The FETs 72a and 72b are N-channel MOSFETs. The FETs 72a and 72b are connected to each other via an intermediate connecting line 74. The sources of the FETs 72a and 72b are connected to both ends of the intermediate connecting line 74. The drain of the FET 72a is connected to the first section 41. The drain of the FET 72b is connected to the second section 42. The gate of the FET 72a is connected to a driving unit 78a. The gate of the FET 72b is connected to a driving unit 78b. Body diodes 73a and 73b are formed in the FETs 72a and 72b. The anodes of the body diodes 73a and 73b are connected to the intermediate connecting line 74. The cathode of the body diode 73a is connected to the first section 41. The cathode of the body diode 73b is connected to the second section 42.

[0039] The current detection unit 76 is disposed in the intermediate connection line portion 74. The current detection unit 76 detects the value and direction of the current flowing through the power supply main line 40. The current detection unit 76 outputs the detected current value and current direction to the control unit 79. The voltage detection unit 77a is connected to the first section 41, which is on the first power supply line portion 31 side of the FET 72a. The voltage detection unit 77a detects the voltage in the first section 41. The voltage detection unit 77b is connected to the second section 42, which is on the second power supply line portion 32 side of the FET 72b. The voltage detection unit 77b detects the voltage in the second section 42. Each of the voltage detection units 77a, 77b outputs the detected voltage value to the control unit 79.

[0040] The drivers 78a and 78b are connected to the gates of the FETs 72a and 72b, respectively. The drivers 78a and 78b apply gate voltages to the gates of the FETs 72a and 72b based on command signals input from the control unit 79. When the drivers 78a and 78b apply the gate voltages, the sources and drains of the FETs 72a and 72b are conductive. In contrast, when no gate voltage is applied, the sources and drains of the FETs 72a and 72b are non-conductive. By combining the two FETs 72a and 72b, when no gate voltage is applied, the body diode 73a blocks current flowing from the first section 41 to the second section 42. Furthermore, the body diode 73b blocks current flowing from the second section 42 to the first section 41.

[0041] The control unit 79 is connected to the two drive units 78a and 78b. The control unit 79 switches the on / off states of the FETs 72a and 72b, and thus the energization and de-energization states of the power supply main line 40, by outputting command signals to the drive units 78a and 78b. The control unit 79 acquires the current value and current direction detected by the current detection unit 76 and the voltage values ​​detected by the voltage detection units 77a and 77b, and electrically reads the latest current and voltage values ​​of the power supply main line 40. Based on at least one of the current and voltage values, the control unit 79 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the power supply main line 40, such as a decrease in power supply or a sudden increase in current or voltage. The control unit 79 acquires a signal indicating the occurrence of an abnormality (hereinafter, an abnormality notification signal) from the load shedding circuit 80 (control unit 89). Additionally, if a sticking fault or other problem occurs in the switch unit 71, the control unit 79 transmits an abnormality notification signal indicating the occurrence of the fault to the load shedding circuit 80 (control unit 89). When the control unit 79 detects the occurrence of an abnormality or receives an abnormality notification signal from the load shedding circuit 80, it works in cooperation with each drive unit 78a, 78b to turn off each FET 72a, 72b and cut off the current to the power supply main line 40.

[0042] The load shedding circuit 80 shown in Fig. 4 is a unidirectional shedding circuit that shedding only the forward current out of the forward current flowing from the power supply main line 40 to the load terminal 20 and the reverse current flowing from the load terminal 20 to the power supply main line 40. The load shedding circuit 80 does not completely shedding the reverse current. The load shedding circuit 80 is mainly configured to include a switch unit 81. The switch unit 81 includes an FET 82, a current detection unit 86, a voltage detection unit 87, a drive unit 88, and a control unit 89.

[0043] The FET 82 is an N-channel MOSFET. The source of the FET 82 is connected to the load wiring 50 on the load section 120 (load terminal 20) side. The drain of the FET 82 is connected to the load wiring 50 on the power supply main line 40 side. The gate of the FET 82 is connected to the drive section 88. A body diode 83 is formed in the FET 82. The anode of the body diode 83 is connected to the load wiring 50 on the load section 120 side. The cathode of the body diode 83 is connected to the load wiring 50 on the power supply main line 40 side.

[0044] The current detection unit 86 is arranged on the load wiring 50 closer to the power supply main line 40 than the FET 82. The current detection unit 86 detects the value and direction of the current flowing through the load wiring 50. The current detection unit 86 outputs the detected current value and current direction to the control unit 89. The voltage detection unit 87 is connected to the load wiring 50 closer to the load unit 120 than the FET 82. The voltage detection unit 87 detects the value of the voltage on the load wiring 50. The voltage detection unit 87 outputs the detected voltage value to the control unit 89.

[0045] The driver 88 is connected to the gate of the FET 82. The driver 88 applies a predetermined gate voltage to the gate of the FET 82 based on a command signal input from the controller 89. When the driver 88 applies the gate voltage, the source and drain of the FET 82 are brought into a conductive state. In contrast, when no gate voltage is applied, the source and drain of the FET 82 are brought into a non-conductive state. Note that even when no gate voltage is applied, the FET 82 has a body diode 83, which allows a reverse current to flow from the source to the drain.

[0046] The control unit 89 is connected to the drive unit 88. The control unit 89 switches the FET 82 between on and off states, and therefore the load wiring 50 between energized and de-energized states, by outputting a command signal to the drive unit 88. The control unit 89 acquires the current value and current direction detected by the current detection unit 86 and the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit 87, and electrically reads the latest current and voltage values ​​of the load shedding circuit 80. The control unit 89 determines whether an abnormality has occurred in the load wiring 50 based on at least one of the current and voltage values. The control unit 89 detects abnormalities such as a decrease in power supply and a sudden increase in current and voltage values ​​due to a ground fault, short circuit, open circuit, or the like occurring in the load system by comparing the detected value with a determination threshold. When the control unit 89 detects an abnormality, it transmits an abnormality notification signal indicating the occurrence of an abnormality in the load wiring 50 to the control unit 89 of the other load shedding circuit 80, the control unit 79 of the main line shedding circuit 70, etc. When a sticking failure or the like occurs in the switch unit 81, the control unit 89 transmits an abnormality notification signal indicating the occurrence of the failure to the other control units 89 and the control unit 79, etc. The control unit 89 acquires an abnormality notification signal indicating the occurrence of an abnormality in the other load wiring 50 from the other control unit 89. When the control unit 89 detects the occurrence of an abnormality or acquires an abnormality notification signal from the other control unit 89, the control unit 89 cooperates with the drive unit 88 to turn off the FET 82 and cut off the current flow through the load wiring 50.

[0047] <Activation of the Interrupting Circuit in the Event of an Abnormality> Upon receiving a power-on command signal, the power distribution ECU 100 initiates the startup process shown in FIG. 5 (S10). During the startup process, in each power supply interruption circuit 60 and main line interruption circuit 70, the control units 69 and 79 cooperate with the drive units 68, 78a, and 78b to energize the FETs 62, 72a, and 72b (see FIGS. 2 and 3). This switches the interruption circuits A, B, and C to the ON state (S11). Furthermore, in each load interruption circuit 80, the control unit 89 cooperates with the drive unit 88 to energize the FET 82 (see FIG. 4). This switches the interruption circuits D to I to the ON state (S12). By switching on the interruption circuits A to I, the main power supply 111 and the auxiliary power supply 112 supply power to the power distribution ECU 100, and the power distribution ECU 100 supplies power to multiple loads 120 (see loads A to E in FIG. 6).

[0048] After completing the startup process, power distribution ECU 100 enters a standby state, waiting for an abnormality to occur (S13). This standby state continues until power distribution ECU 100 completes power distribution control, in other words, until power distribution ECU 100 enters an off state. If an abnormality occurs in power supply unit 110, load unit 120, or inside power distribution ECU 100, power distribution ECU 100 performs a shutdown process corresponding to the abnormality pattern. After completing the shutdown process, power distribution ECU 100 enters a standby state again. Below, multiple patterns of shutdown processes performed by power distribution ECU 100 in response to an abnormality will be described in order based on FIGS. 6 to 30 and with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0049] [Operation Pattern 1: Ground Fault in the Main Power Supply System] In Abnormal Scene 1 shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 , a ground fault occurs in the main power supply 111 (power supply A). A ground fault in the main power supply 111 can occur, for example, due to incorrect wiring between the first power supply terminal 11 and the main power supply 111, or damage caused by an accident. When a ground fault occurs in the main power supply 111, the power distribution ECU 100 performs a shutdown process according to Operation Pattern 1 shown in FIG. 9 . In the shutdown process according to Operation Pattern 1, the main line shutdown circuit 70 (shutdown circuit C in FIG. 7 ) is switched off to disconnect the first section 41 of the power supply main line 40 from the auxiliary power supply 112. Furthermore, the load shutdown circuits 80h and 80i (shutdown circuits H and I in FIG. 8 ) are switched off to perform power distribution that prioritizes the priority load 121 (load C in FIG. 8 ).

[0050] More specifically, in the shutdown process of operation pattern 1, the control unit 69 of the first shutdown circuit 60a acquires the detection values ​​of the current detection unit 66 and the voltage detection unit 67 (S21). The control unit 69 compares at least one of the voltage value and the current value with a determination threshold value to detect an abnormality in the voltage value or voltage value in the first power supply line unit 31. The control unit 69 determines that a ground fault has occurred in the main power supply 111 based on the abnormality in at least one of the current value and the voltage value (S22). Specifically, as described above, if current is flowing in the reverse direction toward the ground fault path and the voltage value of the first power supply line unit 31 is abnormal, the control unit 69 determines that a ground fault has occurred in the main power supply 111.

[0051] If the control unit 69 determines that the main power supply 111 has a ground fault (S22: YES), it cooperates with the drive unit 68 to shut off the FET 62. This switches the first shutoff circuit 60a (shutoff circuit A in FIG. 7) to an off state (S23). As a result, the first power supply terminal 11 is disconnected from the power supply main line 40, thereby cutting off the electrical connection between the first power supply terminal 11 and the load terminal 20. This prevents a drop in the power supply voltage applied from the auxiliary power supply 112 to the power supply main line 40. Note that if no abnormality in the current or voltage is detected (S22: NO), the switching off of the first shutoff circuit 60a is skipped.

[0052] Here, when the first shutoff circuit 60a is switched off, the auxiliary power supply 112 supplies power to all of the loads 120. Therefore, if the power supply capacity of the auxiliary power supply 112 is insufficient, the power supply to the priority load 121 (load C in FIG. 7 ) may be insufficient. To avoid this situation, the power distribution ECU 100 gradually interrupts the supply of power to the normal loads 122 (loads A, B, D, and E in FIG. 7 ).

[0053] The control unit 79 of the main line interruption circuit 70 acquires the detection values ​​of the current detection unit 76 and the voltage detection units 77a and 77b (S24). The control unit 79 compares at least one of the voltage and current values ​​with a determination threshold to detect the occurrence of an abnormality in the power supply main line 40 (S25). If the control unit 79 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply main line 40 (S25: YES), it cooperates with the drive units 78a and 78b to turn off the FETs 72a and 72b. This turns off the main line interruption circuit 70 (interruption circuit C in FIG. 7 ) (S26). As a result, the electrical connection between the second power supply terminal 12 and the first load terminal 21 is interrupted, and power supply to the normal load 122 (loads A and B in FIG. 7 ) is cut off. Note that if no abnormality has occurred in the power supply main line 40 (S25: NO), the main line interruption circuit 70 is skipped from being turned off.

[0054] Furthermore, if the power supply to the priority load 121 is still insufficient after the main line interruption circuit 70 is switched off, the power distribution ECU 100 interrupts the power supply to another normal load 122 (loads D and E in FIG. 7 ). The control unit 89 of the load interruption circuit 80g arranged in the second priority line section 52a acquires the detected values ​​of the current detection unit 86 and the voltage detection unit 87 (S27). The control unit 89 compares at least one of the voltage value and the current value with a determination threshold value to detect the occurrence of an abnormality in the second priority line section 52a. Specifically, the control unit 89 detects a decrease in the power supply to the priority load 121 (S28). If a decrease in the power supply is detected (S28: YES), the control unit 89 transmits an abnormality notification signal indicating the decrease in power supply to the control units 89 of the load interruption circuits 80h and 80i arranged in the second normal line section 52b.

[0055] Upon receiving the abnormality notification signal, the control unit 89 of each load shedding circuit 80h, 80i cooperates with the drive unit 88 to shut off the FET 82. This causes the load shedding circuits 80h, 80i (shutdown circuits H, I in FIG. 8 ) to turn off (S29). As a result, in each second normal line section 52b, the electrical connection between the second section 42 and the second normal terminal 22b is cut off, further cutting off the power supply to the normal load 122. As a result, the load on the auxiliary power supply 112 is reduced, and sufficient power continues to be supplied to the priority load 121. If no decrease in the supply power is detected (S28: NO), the switching off of the load shedding circuits 80h, 80i is skipped.

[0056] [Operation Pattern 2: Ground Fault in the Main Power Supply System and Sticky Trunk Interrupting Circuit] In Abnormal Scene 2 shown in Figures 10 and 11, a ground fault occurs in the main power supply 111 (power supply A), similar to Abnormal Scene 1 described above. In addition, sticking of the main line interrupting circuit 70 prevents the power supply main line 40 from being interrupted. In this case, the power distribution ECU 100 performs the interruption process of Operation Pattern 2 shown in Figure 12. Steps S31 to S36 of the interruption process of Operation Pattern 2 are substantially the same as Steps S21 to S26 of the interruption process of Operation Pattern 1 (see Figure 9). In the interruption process of Operation Pattern 2, power is distributed with priority given to the priority load 121 (load C in Figure 8) by switching off the load interruption circuits 80d and 80e (interruption circuits D and E in Figure 11).

[0057] Specifically, in the interruption process of operation pattern 2, the control units 89 of the load interruption circuits 80f and 80g receive an abnormality notification signal indicating a lock-up fault from the control unit 79 of the main line interruption circuit 70, thereby determining that the main line interruption circuit 70 is locked. Furthermore, the control unit 89 acquires the detected values ​​of the current detection unit 86 and the voltage detection unit 87 (S37). The control unit 89 compares at least one of the voltage value and the current value with a determination threshold to detect the occurrence of an abnormality in the priority line units 51a and 52a. Specifically, the control unit 89 detects a decrease in the power supplied to the priority load 121 (S38). If the control unit 89 determines that the main line interruption circuit 70 has a lock-up fault and detects a decrease in the power supplied to the priority load 121 (S38: YES), it transmits an abnormality notification signal indicating a decrease in the power supply to the control units 89 of the load interruption circuits 80d and 80e of the first normal line unit 51b.

[0058] Upon receiving the abnormality notification signal, the control unit 89 of each load shedding circuit 80d, 80e cooperates with the drive unit 88 to shut off the FET 82. This causes the load shedding circuits 80d, 80e (shutoff circuits D, E in FIG. 11 ) to turn off (S39). As a result, in each first normal line section 51b, the electrical connection between the first section 41 and the first normal terminal 21b is cut off, and the power supply to the normal load 122 is cut off. As a result, the load on the auxiliary power supply 112 is reduced, and sufficient power continues to be supplied to the priority load 121. If no decrease in the supply power is detected (S38: NO), the switching off of the load shedding circuits 80d, 80e is skipped.

[0059] [Operation Pattern 3: Open Circuit in Power Supply System] In abnormal scene 3 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the connection between the main power supply 111 (power supply A) and the first power supply terminal 11 is interrupted (open circuit), resulting in a failure of the main power supply 111. A failure of the main power supply 111 can occur, for example, due to incorrect wiring between the first power supply terminal 11 and the main power supply 111, damage caused by an accident, or a malfunction of the main power supply 111. When the main power supply 111 fails, the power distribution ECU 100 performs the shutdown process of operation pattern 3 shown in FIG. 15 . In the shutdown process of operation pattern 3, the first section 41 of the power supply main line 40 is disconnected from the auxiliary power supply 112 by switching off the main line shutdown circuit 70 (shutoff circuit C in FIG. 13 ). Furthermore, power distribution that prioritizes the priority load 121 (load C in FIG. 14 ) is performed by switching off the load shutdown circuits 80h and 80i (shutoff circuits H and I in FIG. 14 ).

[0060] More specifically, in the shutdown process of operation pattern 3, the control unit 79 of the main line shutdown circuit 70 acquires the detection values ​​of the current detection unit 76 and the voltage detection units 77a and 77b (S41). The control unit 79 compares at least one of the voltage value and the current value with a determination threshold value to detect an abnormality in the voltage value or voltage value in the power supply main line 40. After a failure of the main power supply 111, the auxiliary power supply 112 supplies power to all of the loads 120. Therefore, the control unit 79 detects a drop in the current value or voltage value in the power supply main line 40 due to insufficient power supply capacity of the auxiliary power supply 112 as an abnormality (S42). Note that after a failure of the main power supply 111, the first shutdown circuit 60a (shutdown circuit A in FIG. 13 ) may be switched off.

[0061] If the control unit 79 detects an abnormality in the power supply main line 40 (S42: YES), it cooperates with the drive units 78a and 78b to shut off the FETs 72a and 72b. This switches the main line interruption circuit 70 (shutdown circuit C in FIG. 13 ) to an off state (S43). As a result of the above, the first section 41 is disconnected from the second power supply terminal 12, thereby cutting off the electrical connection between the second power supply terminal 12 and the first load terminal 21. Therefore, the power supply to some of the normal loads 122 (loads A and B in FIG. 13 ) is cut off. If no abnormality in the power supply main line 40 is detected (S42: NO), the switching off of the main line interruption circuit 70 is skipped.

[0062] Furthermore, if the power supply to the priority load 121 is still insufficient after the main line interruption circuit 70 is switched off, the power distribution ECU 100 interrupts the power supply to another normal load 122 (loads D and E in FIG. 14 ). The control unit 89 of the load interruption circuit 80g arranged in the second priority line section 52a acquires the detected values ​​of the current detection unit 86 and the voltage detection unit 87 (S44). The control unit 89 detects an abnormality in the current value or current value in the second priority line section 52a, i.e., a decrease in the power supplied to the priority load 121 (S45). If a decrease in the supplied power is detected (S45: YES), the control unit 89 transmits an abnormality notification signal indicating a decrease in the supplied power to the control units 89 of the load interruption circuits 80h and 80i arranged in the second normal line section 52b.

[0063] Upon receiving the abnormality notification signal, the control unit 89 of each of the load shedding circuits 80h, 80i cooperates with the drive unit 88 to shut off the FET 82. This causes the load shedding circuits 80h, 80i (shutdown circuits H, I in FIG. 14 ) to turn off (S46). As a result, in each of the second normal line sections 52b, the electrical connection between the second section 42 and the second normal terminal 22b is cut off, further cutting off the power supply to the normal load 122. As a result, the load on the auxiliary power supply 112 is reduced, and sufficient power continues to be supplied to the priority load 121. If no decrease in the supply power is detected (S45: NO), the switching off of the load shedding circuits 80h, 80i is skipped.

[0064] [Operation Pattern 4: Ground Fault in Load System] In abnormal scene 4 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , a ground fault occurs in the normal load 122 (load A). A ground fault in the normal load 122 can occur due to, for example, incorrect wiring between the first normal terminal 21b and the normal load 122, damage due to an accident, or a malfunction of the normal load 122. When a ground fault occurs in the path leading to the normal load 122, the power distribution ECU 100 performs the shutdown process of operation pattern 4 shown in FIG. 18 . In the shutdown process of operation pattern 4, the load shutdown circuit 80 (shutdown circuit D in FIG. 16 ) is switched off to interrupt the supply of power to the grounded normal load 122. Furthermore, if the load shutdown circuit 80 is stuck and it is difficult to disconnect the grounded normal load 122, the main line shutdown circuit 70 (shutdown circuit C in FIG. 17 ) is switched off to disconnect the first section 41 from the auxiliary power supply 112.

[0065] Specifically, in the interruption process of operation pattern 4, the control unit 89 of the load interruption circuit 80d (interruption circuit D in FIG. 16 ) arranged in the first normal line section 51b associated with the ground-faulted normal load 122 acquires the detection values ​​of the current detection unit 86 and the voltage detection unit 87 (S51). The control unit 89 compares at least one of the voltage value and the current value with a determination threshold to detect an abnormality in the voltage value or voltage value in the first normal line section 51b. Specifically, the control unit 89 determines that a ground fault has occurred in the path connected to the normal load 122 based on the abnormality in at least one of the current value and the voltage value (S52). Specifically, as described above, if a forward current is flowing toward the ground-fault path and the voltage value of the first normal line section 51b is abnormal, the control unit 89 determines that a ground fault has occurred in the normal load 122.

[0066] If the control unit 89 determines that the normal load 122 has a ground fault (S52: YES), it cooperates with the drive unit 88 to turn the FET 82 into an interrupted state. This causes the load interruption circuit 80d to be turned off (S53). As a result, the first normal terminal 21b is disconnected from the power supply main line 40, thereby interrupting the flow of current toward the path where the ground fault has occurred. Note that if no abnormality in the current or voltage value is detected (S52: NO), the switching off of the load interruption circuit 80d is skipped.

[0067] If the load shedding circuit 80d is stuck and the first normal line section 51b cannot be interrupted, the control unit 79 of the main line shedding circuit 70 receives an abnormality notification signal indicating the occurrence of the fixation from the control unit 89 of the load shedding circuit 80d that has the fixation fault. Additionally, the control unit 79 acquires the detection values ​​of the current detection unit 76 and the voltage detection units 77a and 77b (S54). The control unit 79 compares at least one of the voltage value and the current value with a determination threshold value to detect the occurrence of an abnormality in the power supply main line 40 (S55).

[0068] If the control unit 79 determines that the load interruption circuit 80d has a stuck fault and that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply trunk 40 (S55: YES), it cooperates with the drive units 78a and 78b to turn off the FETs 72a and 72b. This turns off the trunk interruption circuit 70 (shutdown circuit C in FIG. 17 ) (S56). As a result, the first section 41 is disconnected from the second power supply terminal 12, thereby cutting off the electrical connection between the second power supply terminal 12 and the first load terminal 21. As a result, the power supply to at least the normal load 122 associated with the ground fault is cut off, and sufficient power can be supplied to the priority load 121. If no abnormality in the current or voltage is detected (S55: NO), the turning off of the trunk interruption circuit 70 is skipped.

[0069] [Operation Pattern 5: Ground Fault in Auxiliary Power Supply System and Resulting Voltage Drop in Main Power Supply] In Abnormal Scene 5 shown in Figures 19 and 20, a ground fault occurs related to the auxiliary power supply 112 (power supply B). A ground fault in the auxiliary power supply 112 can occur, for example, due to incorrect wiring between the second power supply terminal 12 and the auxiliary power supply 112, or damage caused by an accident. When a ground fault occurs in the auxiliary power supply 112, the power distribution ECU 100 performs the shutdown process of Operation Pattern 5 shown in Figure 21. In the shutdown process of Operation Pattern 5, the auxiliary power supply 112 is disconnected from the power supply trunk line 40 by switching off the second shutdown circuit 60b (shutdown circuit B in Figure 19). Furthermore, if the second shutdown circuit 60b does not operate normally, the trunk line shutdown circuit 70 (shutdown circuit C in Figure 20) is switched off to disconnect the second section 42 from the main power supply 111.

[0070] More specifically, in the shutdown process of operation pattern 5, the control unit 69 of the second shutdown circuit 60b acquires the detection values ​​of the current detection unit 66 and the voltage detection unit 67 (S61). The control unit 69 compares at least one of the voltage value and the current value with a determination threshold to detect an abnormality in the voltage value or voltage value in the second power supply line unit 32. The control unit 69 determines that a ground fault has occurred in the auxiliary power supply 112 based on the abnormality in at least one of the current value and the voltage value (S62). Specifically, as described above, if current is flowing in the reverse direction toward the ground fault path and the voltage value of the second power supply line unit 32 is abnormal, the control unit 69 determines that a ground fault has occurred in the auxiliary power supply 112.

[0071] If the control unit 69 determines that the auxiliary power supply 112 has a ground fault (S62: YES), it cooperates with the drive unit 68 to turn the FET 62 to the cutoff state. This turns the second shutoff circuit 60b to the off state (S63). As a result, the electrical connection between the second section 42 and the second power supply terminal 12 is cut off, and an increase in the current load from the second section 42 to the auxiliary power supply 112 is suppressed. Note that if it is not determined that the auxiliary power supply 112 has a ground fault (S62: NO), the switching off of the second shutoff circuit 60b is skipped.

[0072] Here, if the main power supply 111 does not respond in time, a drop in the output voltage of the main power supply 111 may occur, causing the second shutoff circuit 60b (shutoff circuit B in FIG. 20 ) to become inoperable. In this case, the control unit 79 of the main line shutoff circuit 70 acquires the detection values ​​of the current detection unit 76 and the voltage detection units 77a and 77b (S64). The control unit 79 compares at least one of the voltage value and the current value with a determination threshold value to detect the occurrence of an abnormality in the power supply main line 40 (S65). The control unit 79 detects, for example, an increase in the current load on the power supply main line 40 based on the acquired current value.

[0073] If the control unit 79 detects an abnormality in the power supply trunk 40 (S65: YES), it cooperates with the drive units 78a and 78b to shut off the FETs 72a and 72b. This switches the trunk line interruption circuit 70 (shutdown circuit C in FIG. 20) to an off state (S66). As a result, the second section 42 is separated from the first section 41, and the electrical connection between the first power supply terminal 11 and the second load terminal 22 is cut off. As a result, the power supply to the normal load 122 (loads H and I in FIG. 20) is cut off, and sufficient power can be supplied to the load unit 120 (loads A to C in FIG. 20) connected to the first section 41. If no abnormality in the current or voltage is detected (S65: NO), the switching off of the trunk line interruption circuit 70 is skipped.

[0074] [Operation Pattern 6: Increase in Current Consumption in Load System] In abnormal scene 6 shown in Figures 22 and 23, the current consumption of the normal load 122 (interrupter circuit E) connected to the second normal terminal 22b increases. In this case, the power distribution ECU 100 performs the shutdown process of operation pattern 6 shown in Figure 24. In the shutdown process of operation pattern 6, the main line shutdown circuit 70 (shutoff circuit C in Figure 23) is switched off to shut off the electrical connection between the main power supply 111 (first power supply terminal 11) and the second section 42. Note that the shutdown process of operation pattern 6 may also be performed when the current consumption of other normal loads 122 (shutoff circuits A, B, and D in Figure 22) increases.

[0075] More specifically, in the interruption process of operation pattern 6, the control unit 89 of the load interruption circuit 80i acquires the detection values ​​of the current detection unit 86 and the voltage detection unit 87 (S71). The control unit 89 compares at least one of the voltage value and the current value with a determination threshold value to detect an abnormality in the detection value of the second normal line section 52b (S72). The control unit 89 detects, for example, an increase in the current consumption flowing through the second normal line section 52b based on the acquired current value.

[0076] If the control unit 89 detects an increase in current consumption in the second normal line section 52b (S72: YES), it sends an abnormality notification signal indicating the increase in current consumption to the control unit 79 of the main line interruption circuit 70. Based on the receipt of the abnormality notification signal, the control unit 79, in cooperation with the drive units 78a and 78b, switches the FETs 72a and 72b to an interruption state. This switches the main line interruption circuit 70 (interruption circuit C in FIG. 23 ) to an OFF state (S73). As a result, the power supply to the normal load 122 (loads D and E in FIG. 23 ) connected to the second normal terminal 22b is cut off. If no increase in current consumption is detected (S72: NO), the switching off of the main line interruption circuit 70 is skipped.

[0077] [Operation Pattern 7: Protection of Auxiliary Power Supply from Overvoltage] In abnormal scene 7 shown in Figures 25 and 26, the load shedding circuit 80d (shutter circuit D) of the first normal line section 51b connected to the first section 41 is switched off normally. At this time, the current supplied by the main power supply 111 suddenly decreases, which can cause the output voltage of the main power supply 111 to suddenly increase. This sudden increase in the output voltage of the main power supply 111 can cause an overvoltage to be applied to the auxiliary power supply 112 and ultimately cause a failure of the auxiliary power supply 112. To avoid this situation, the distribution ECU 100 performs the shutdown process of operation pattern 7 shown in Figure 27. In the shutdown process of operation pattern 7, the main line shutdown circuit 70 (shutdown circuit C in Figure 26) is switched off to prevent an overvoltage from being applied to the auxiliary power supply 112.

[0078] More specifically, in the interruption process of operation pattern 7, the control unit 79 of the main line interruption circuit 70 acquires the detection values ​​of the current detection unit 76 and the voltage detection units 77a and 77b (S81). The control unit 79 compares at least one of the voltage value and the current value with a determination threshold value to detect an abnormality in the detection value of the power supply main line 40 (S82). In this case, the control unit 79 detects the occurrence of an overvoltage on the first section 41 side based on the voltage value acquired from the voltage detection unit 77a.

[0079] If the control unit 79 detects an overvoltage in the first section 41 (S82: YES), it cooperates with the drive units 78a and 78b to turn off the FETs 72a and 72b. This turns off the main line interruption circuit 70 (shutdown circuit C in FIG. 26 ) (S83). As a result, the second power supply terminal 12 is disconnected from the first section 41, preventing an overvoltage from being applied to the auxiliary power supply 112. Note that if an overvoltage is not detected (S82: NO), the turning off of the main line interruption circuit 70 is skipped.

[0080] [Operation Pattern 8: Ground Fault in Power Supply Wiring] In abnormal scene 8 shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 , a ground fault occurs in the power supply wiring KH in the power distribution ECU 100. Abnormalities in the power supply wiring KH can occur due to damage caused by an accident or a failure of a printed wiring board. In such abnormal scene 8, a large current flows through the ground fault path, causing a voltage drop in the power supply main line 40 and potentially resulting in insufficient power supply to the priority load 121. As an example, when a ground fault occurs in the first power supply line section 31, which is on the power supply main line 40 side with respect to the first shutoff circuit 60a (shutoff circuit A), the power distribution ECU 100 performs the shutoff process of operation pattern 8 shown in FIG. 30 . In the shutoff process of operation pattern 8, the first shutoff circuit 60a (shutoff circuit A in FIG. 29 ) is switched off to electrically disconnect the main power supply 111 from the first power supply line section 31. Furthermore, by switching off the main line interruption circuit 70 (interruption circuit C in FIG. 29 ), the first section 41 connected to the ground fault path is separated from the second section 42 .

[0081] Specifically, in the interruption process of operation pattern 8, the control unit 69 of the first interruption circuit 60a acquires the detection values ​​of the current detection unit 66 and the voltage detection unit 67 (S91). The control unit 69 compares at least one of the voltage value and the current value with a determination threshold to determine whether the first power supply line unit 31 on the power supply main line 40 side has a ground fault (S92). If the control unit 69 determines that the first power supply line unit 31 has a ground fault (S92: YES), it cooperates with the drive unit 68 to turn the FET 62 into an interruption state. This turns the first interruption circuit 60a (interruption circuit A in FIG. 29) into an off state (S93). As a result, a situation in which a large current flows through the ground fault path of the first power supply line unit 31 can be prevented. Note that if it is determined that the first power supply line unit 31 does not have a ground fault (S92: NO), the switching off of the first interruption circuit 60a is skipped.

[0082] Furthermore, the control unit 79 of the trunk line interruption circuit 70 acquires the detection values ​​of the current detection unit 76 and the voltage detection units 77a and 77b (S94). The control unit 79 compares at least one of the voltage value and the current value with a determination threshold to determine whether a ground fault has occurred in the first section 41 (S95). If the control unit 79 determines that a ground fault has occurred in the first section 41 (S95: YES), it cooperates with the drive units 78a and 78b to turn the FETs 72a and 72b to an interrupted state. This causes the trunk line interruption circuit 70 (interruption circuit C in FIG. 29 ) to be turned off (S26). As a result, the first section 41 and the second section 42 are separated, preventing a voltage drop in the second section 42. As a result, power can be continuously supplied to the priority load 121 and the normal load 122 connected to the second load terminal 22. If it is determined that no ground fault has occurred in the first section 41 (S95: NO), the turning off of the main line breaking circuit 70 is skipped.

[0083] (Summary of the embodiment) In the embodiment described so far, based on an abnormality in at least one of the current value and the voltage value, the electrical connection between the first power supply line unit 31 and the second power supply line unit 32 can be interrupted by the main line interruption circuit 70, and the first power supply line unit 31 and the second power supply line unit 32 can be electrically separated. As a result, even if an abnormality occurs in a circuit related to the power distribution ECU 100, it is possible to appropriately supply power from the multiple power supply units 110 to the multiple load terminals 20, and ultimately to the load units 120 connected to each load terminal 20.

[0084] More specifically, by providing a power interruption circuit 60 on the power trunk line 40 connecting the multiple power terminals 10, the power distribution ECU 100 can properly supply power to the multiple loads 120 even if an abnormality occurs in part of the power supply wiring KH. Specifically, by switching the power interruption circuit 60 between an on state and an off state, the power distribution ECU 100 can receive power from the multiple power supply units 110 and properly distribute the power to the multiple loads 120. As described above, the power distribution ECU 100 can acquire redundancy that allows it to properly supply power to each load 120 even if an abnormality occurs in the power supply system or the load system.

[0085] Additionally, in this embodiment, the power supply trunk 40 is electrically connected to both the first power supply line section 31 and the second power supply line section 32. The trunk interruption circuit 70 includes a switch section 71 that switches between energizing and de-energizing the first power supply line section 31 and the second power supply line section 32 on the power supply trunk 40. With the above configuration, the trunk interruption circuit 70 can quickly cut off the current between the first power supply line section 31 and the second power supply line section 32 by operating the switch section 71. As a result, the power distribution ECU 100 can more smoothly control the distribution of power to the load section 120 when an abnormality occurs.

[0086] In this embodiment, the plurality of load terminals 20 includes a first load terminal 21 electrically connected to the first power supply line section 31 and a second load terminal 22 electrically connected to the second power supply line section 32. With this configuration, even if an abnormality occurs in one of the plurality of power supply sections 110, power supply to at least one of the first load terminal 21 and the second load terminal 22 can be continued.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first power supply terminal 11 is electrically connected to the second load terminal 22 when the main line interruption circuit 70 does not interrupt the electrical connection between the first power supply line section 31 and the second power supply line section 32. On the other hand, when the main line interruption circuit 70 interrupts the electrical connection between the first power supply line section 31 and the second power supply line section 32, the first power supply terminal 11 is electrically interrupted from the second load terminal 22. Furthermore, the second power supply terminal 12 is electrically connected to the first load terminal 21 when the main line interruption circuit 70 does not interrupt the electrical connection between the first power supply line section 31 and the second power supply line section 32. On the other hand, when the main line interruption circuit 70 interrupts the electrical connection between the first power supply line section 31 and the second power supply line section 32, the second power supply terminal 12 is electrically interrupted from the first load terminal 21. As described above, the interruption of current by the main line interruption circuit 70 makes it possible to electrically disconnect the second load terminal 22 and the first load terminal 21 from the first power supply terminal 11 and the second power supply terminal 12. As a result, even if an abnormality occurs in the power supply system or the load system, the power distribution ECU 100 can continue to supply power to some of the load terminals 20.

[0088] Additionally, in this embodiment, at least one of the first power line section 31 and the second power line section 32 is provided with a power interruption circuit 60 that interrupts the electrical connection between the power terminal 10 and the load terminal 20. In this way, if a power interruption circuit 60 separate from the main line interruption circuit 70 is provided on the power supply wiring KH, it becomes possible for the power interruption circuit 60 to interrupt current even if a malfunction occurs in the main line interruption circuit 70. As a result, the power distribution ECU 100 can more reliably continue to supply appropriate power to the load section 120.

[0089] Furthermore, the power supply interruption circuit 60 of this embodiment interrupts the electrical connection between the power supply terminal 10 and the load terminal 20 based on an abnormality in at least one of the current value and the voltage value caused by a ground fault related to the power supply unit 110. As described above, the power distribution ECU 100 can electrically disconnect the power supply unit 110 related to the ground fault from the power supply wiring KH by interrupting the power supply interruption circuit 60. As a result, power can be continuously supplied from a normal power supply unit 110 to the load unit 120.

[0090] Furthermore, the first load line section 51 of this embodiment electrically connects the first load terminal 21 to a first section 41 of the power supply main line 40 that is closer to the first power supply line section 31 than the main line interruption circuit 70. The second load line section 52 electrically connects the second load terminal 22 to a second section 42 of the power supply main line 40 that is closer to the second power supply line section 32 than the main line interruption circuit 70. With the above configuration, the first load terminal 21 and the second load terminal 22 are electrically separated when the main line interruption circuit 70 interrupts the flow of current to the power supply main line 40. As a result, the power distribution ECU 100 can continue to supply power from a normal power supply section 110 to a normal load section 120 even if an abnormality occurs.

[0091] Additionally, at least one of the first load line section 51 and the second load line section 52 in this embodiment is provided with a load shedding circuit 80 that cuts off the electrical connection between the power supply main line 40 and the load terminal 20. In this way, if a load shedding circuit 80 separate from the main line shedding circuit 70 is provided in the power supply wiring KH, the load shedding circuit 80 can cut off current even if the main line shedding circuit 70 malfunctions. As a result, the power distribution ECU 100 can more reliably continue to supply appropriate power to the load section 120.

[0092] Furthermore, the load shedding circuit 80 of this embodiment cuts off the electrical connection between the power supply terminal 10 and the load terminal 20 based on an abnormality in at least one of the current value and the voltage value caused by a ground fault associated with the load unit 120. As described above, the power distribution ECU 100 can electrically disconnect the load unit 120 associated with the ground fault from the power supply line KH by cutting off the current flow through the load shedding circuit 80. As a result, power can be continuously supplied to other normal load units 120.

[0093] In this embodiment, at least one of the first load terminals 21 and at least one of the second load terminals 22 are the first priority terminal 21a and the second priority terminal 22a. The first priority terminal 21a and the second priority terminal 22a are electrically connected to the same priority load 121, among the multiple load sections 120, to which power supply is given priority over other normal loads 122. With the above configuration, even if an abnormality occurs in the power supply system or the load system and the main line interruption circuit 70 interrupts the power supply main line 40, power supply to the priority load 121 can be continued.

[0094] Furthermore, the first priority terminal 21 a and the second priority terminal 22 a in this embodiment are electrically connected to the priority load 121 that requires redundancy. Therefore, even if an abnormality occurs in the power supply system or the load system, the power distribution ECU 100 can continue to supply power to the priority load 121 that requires redundancy.

[0095] Additionally, in this embodiment, the first priority terminal 21 a and the second priority terminal 22 a are adjacent to each other. Therefore, even in a structure in which multiple terminals are connected to one priority load 121, the process of connecting the power distribution ECU 100 and the priority load 121 can be performed smoothly.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first priority terminal 21a and the second priority terminal 22a are electrically connected to a priority load 121, which is given priority in power supply among the multiple load sections 120. The first normal terminal 21b and the second normal terminal 22b are electrically connected to a normal load 122 other than the priority load 121. Additionally, the first priority line section 51a and the second priority line section 52a electrically connect the first priority terminal 21a and the second priority terminal 22a to the power supply trunk line 40. Similarly, the first normal line section 51b and the second normal line section 52b electrically connect the first normal terminal 21b and the second normal terminal 22b to the power supply trunk line 40. The load shedding circuits 80d, 80e, 80h, and 80i cut off the electrical connection between the power supply trunk line 40 and the first normal terminal 21b and the second normal terminal 22b based on the current value or an abnormality in the current value in the first priority line section 51a or the second priority line section 52a. As described above, in abnormal scenarios 1 to 3 where the power supplied to the power distribution ECU 100 is insufficient, it is possible to prioritize the supply of power to the priority loads 121 with higher priority over the other normal loads 122.

[0097] Additionally, in this embodiment, power is supplied to the first power supply terminal 11 from the main power supply 111. On the other hand, power is supplied to the second power supply terminal 12 from the auxiliary power supply 112, which has a lower power supply capacity than the main power supply 111. As described above, the power distribution ECU 100 can appropriately control the power distribution to each load unit 120 even when there is a difference in the power supply capacity of the multiple power supplies 110 connected to each power supply terminal 10.

[0098] Furthermore, the second priority line portion 52a in this embodiment electrically connects the second priority terminal 22a to the second section 42 of the power supply main line 40. In addition, the second normal line portion 52b electrically connects the second normal terminal 22b to the second section 42. Then, with the trunk line interruption circuit 70 cutting off the power supply main line 40, the load shedding circuits 80h, 80i cut off the electrical connection between the power supply main line 40 and the second normal line portion 52b by the second normal line portion 52b based on the current value or an abnormality in the current value in the second priority line portion 52a. As described above, in abnormal scenarios 1 and 3, etc., where there is a power shortage even when the trunk line interruption circuit 70 cuts off the power supply main line 40, it is possible to prioritize the supply of power to the priority loads 121 with a higher priority over the other normal loads 122.

[0099] Furthermore, the first priority line portion 51a in this embodiment electrically connects the first priority terminal 21a to the first section 41 of the power main line 40. In addition, the first normal line portion 51b electrically connects the first normal terminal 21b to the first section 41. Then, when the main line interruption circuit 70 is unable to interrupt the power main line 40, the load shedding circuits 80d, 80e interrupt the electrical connection between the power main line 40 and the first normal terminal 21b by the first normal line portion 51b based on the current value or an abnormality in the current value in the first priority line portion 51a. As described above, even in abnormal scene 2 or the like in which the main line interruption circuit 70 has a fixed failure and is unable to interrupt the power main line 40, it is possible to prioritize the supply of power to the priority load 121 with a high priority over other normal loads 122.

[0100] Additionally, the main line interruption circuit 70 of this embodiment includes an electrical fuse EF. The main line interruption circuit 70 configured in this manner can repeatedly switch between energization and de-energization. That is, it can switch from an off state to an on state without replacing any components. As a result, the power distribution ECU 100 can quickly switch on the main line interruption circuit 70 and resume power supply to each load 120.

[0101] Furthermore, the main line interruption circuit 70 of this embodiment interrupts both the current flowing from the first power supply line section 31 to the second power supply line section 32 and the current flowing from the second power supply line section 32 to the first power supply line section 31. Therefore, the main line interruption circuit 70 can reliably separate the first section 41 and the second section 42 when an abnormality occurs in a circuit related to the power distribution ECU 100.

[0102] Furthermore, the power supply interruption circuit 60 of this embodiment interrupts the reverse current out of the forward current flowing from the power supply terminal 10 to the load terminal 20 and the reverse current flowing from the load terminal 20 to the power supply terminal 10. In other words, the power supply interruption circuit 60 does not completely interrupt the forward current. With this configuration, the power supply interruption circuit 60 can maintain a simple structure while reliably interrupting the current flowing toward the ground fault path in abnormal scenario 1 (see FIG. 7 ) where a ground fault or the like occurs in the connection line to the main power supply 111.

[0103] Additionally, the load shedding circuit 80 of this embodiment cuts off the forward current flowing from the power supply main line 40 to the load terminal 20 and the reverse current flowing from the load terminal 20 to the power supply main line 40. In other words, the load shedding circuit 80 does not completely cut off the reverse current. With this configuration, the load shedding circuit 80 can maintain a simple structure while reliably cutting off the current flowing toward the ground fault path in abnormal scenario 4 (see FIG. 17 ) where a ground fault or the like occurs in the connection line to the load unit 120.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the power supply terminal 10 corresponds to the "power supply terminal portion," the load terminal 20 corresponds to the "load terminal portion," the first priority terminal 21a and the second priority terminal 22a correspond to the "priority terminals," and the first normal terminal 21b and the second normal terminal 22b correspond to the "normal terminals." The power supply trunk 40 corresponds to the "power supply trunk portion," the first section 41 corresponds to the "main section," and the second section 42 corresponds to the "auxiliary section." Furthermore, the first priority line portion 51a and the second priority line portion 52a correspond to the "priority supply line portion," the first normal line portion 51b and the second normal line portion 52b correspond to the "normal supply line portion," and the power distribution ECU 100 corresponds to the "vehicle control device."

[0105] (Other Embodiments) Although one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the above embodiment, and can be applied to various embodiments and combinations within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0106] In the first modification of the above embodiment, a power supply interruption circuit 60 capable of interrupting current in both directions is used. That is, the power supply interruption circuit 60 may have the same circuit configuration as the main line interruption circuit 70 shown in FIG. 3. The power supply interruption circuit 60 interrupts both a forward current flowing from the power supply terminal 10 to the load terminal 20 and a reverse current flowing from the load terminal 20 to the power supply terminal 10. Therefore, the power supply interruption circuit 60 can reliably interrupt the current flowing toward the ground fault path, whether in an abnormal situation where a ground fault has occurred in the connection line to the main power supply 111 or in an abnormal situation where a ground fault has occurred in the power supply wiring 30 on the power supply main line 40 side.

[0107] A second modification of the above embodiment uses a main line interruption circuit 70 shown in FIG. 31 . In the main line interruption circuit 70, a current detection unit 76 is provided in the first section 41, which is on the first power supply line section 31 side relative to the voltage detection unit 77 a. The current detection unit 76 detects the current value and current direction in the first section 41. As in the second modification described above, the circuit configuration of the main line interruption circuit 70 may be modified as appropriate. For example, the current detection unit 76 may be provided in the second section 42, which is on the second power supply line section 32 side relative to the voltage detection unit 77 b.

[0108] A third modification of the above embodiment uses a load shedding circuit 80 shown in Fig. 32. In the load shedding circuit 80, a current detection unit 86 is provided on the load wiring 50 on the load unit 120 side relative to a voltage detection unit 87. The current detection unit 86 detects the current value and direction between the FET 82 and the load terminal 20. As in the third modification, the circuit configuration of the load shedding circuit 80 may be modified as appropriate.

[0109] The power supply interruption circuit 60 may have the same circuit configuration as the main line interruption circuit 70 shown in Fig. 31. Furthermore, the power supply interruption circuit 60 may have the same circuit configuration as the load interruption circuit 80 shown in Fig. 32 and may be capable of interrupting current in the reverse direction.

[0110] The main line interruption circuit 70 according to a fourth modification of the above embodiment is provided with a current detection unit 76 but is not provided with a voltage detection unit 77. The control unit 79 switches the FET 72 off based on the current value detected by the current detection unit 76. Furthermore, the main line interruption circuit 70 according to a fifth modification is provided with a voltage detection unit 77 but is not provided with the current detection unit 76. The control unit 79 switches the FET 72 off based on the voltage value detected by the voltage detection unit 77. As in the fourth and fifth modifications described above, the detected value used to detect an abnormality in the main line interruption circuit 70 may be only one of the current value and the voltage value. Furthermore, the detected value used to detect an abnormality in the power supply interruption circuit 60 and the load interruption circuit 80 may also be only one of the current value and the voltage value.

[0111] In the above-described embodiment, each interrupter circuit is provided with its own individual control unit. In contrast, the power distribution ECU 100 of Modification 6 of the above-described embodiment includes an integrated control unit that integrates at least a portion of the multiple control units 69, 79, and 89. The integrated control unit controls the on / off switching of the FETs of the multiple interrupter circuits. Furthermore, in Modification 7 of the above-described embodiment, an integrated control unit is provided in addition to the control units of each interrupter circuit. The integrated control unit cooperates with the control units of each interrupter circuit, and is capable of coordinating the switching of energization and de-energization of the multiple interrupter circuits. As in Modifications 6 and 7 above, the configuration of the control unit of the power distribution ECU 100 may be modified as appropriate.

[0112] Furthermore, the control unit and the integrated control unit may be configured by a microcontroller mainly including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or may be configured by hardware circuits such as discrete circuits. Furthermore, the functions of the control unit and the integrated control unit may be provided by SoC, ASIC, FPGA, etc. SoC stands for System on Chip, ASIC stands for Application Specific Integrated Circuit, and FPGA stands for Field-Programmable Gate Array.

[0113] In the eighth modification of the above embodiment, the priority load 121 and the normal load 122 are not distinguished from each other. Furthermore, the priority load 121 in the ninth modification of the above embodiment is connected to only one of the first load terminal 21 and the second load terminal 22. In addition, the normal load 122 in the tenth modification of the above embodiment is electrically connected to both the first load terminal 21 and the second load terminal 22. Furthermore, assuming a failure of the load shedding circuit 80, the load section 120 may be electrically connected to two first load terminals 21 or two second load terminals 22.

[0114] Vehicles equipped with the power distribution ECU 100 according to the present disclosure are not limited to POVs (Personally Owned Vehicles) that are generally owned by individuals. The power distribution ECU 100 may be installed in rental cars, manned taxis, ride-sharing vehicles, freight vehicles, buses, and the like. Furthermore, the power distribution ECU 100 may be installed in unmanned vehicles used for mobility services, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, railroad cars, trams, dual-mode vehicles (DMVs), and the like. The power distribution ECU 100 may also be installed as a mobility control device in ships and electric aircraft such as drones and eVTOLs.

[0115] In the present disclosure, the term "connected" may mean that an element is directly connected to another element or indirectly connected via an intervening element, and the term "adjacent" may mean that an element is directly adjacent to another element without an intervening element or indirectly adjacent to another element via an intervening element.

[0116] The controller and methods described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose computer comprising a processor programmed to perform one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the apparatus and methods described herein may be implemented by special-purpose hardware logic circuitry. Alternatively, the apparatus and methods described herein may be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers comprising a processor executing a computer program in combination with one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored as instructions executed by a computer on a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium.

[0117] (Disclosure of Technical Ideas) This specification discloses multiple technical ideas described in the following multiple clauses. Some clauses may be described in a multiple dependent form, with the subsequent clause alternatively referring to the preceding clause. Furthermore, some clauses may be described in a multiple dependent form, with the subsequent clause referring to another multiple dependent clause. These multiple dependent clauses define multiple technical ideas.

[0118] (Technical Idea 1) A vehicle control device used in a vehicle, which controls distribution of power supplied from a plurality of power supply units (110) to a plurality of load units (120), comprising: a plurality of power supply terminal units (10) electrically connected to the power supply units; a plurality of load terminal units (20) electrically connected to the load units; a first power supply line unit (31) electrically connected to first power supply terminals (11) included in the plurality of power supply terminal units; a second power supply line unit (32) electrically connected to second power supply terminals (12) included in the plurality of power supply terminal units; and a main line interruption circuit (70) which electrically connects the first power supply line unit and the second power supply line unit, and which interrupts the electrical connection between the first power supply line unit and the second power supply line unit based on an abnormality in at least one of a current value and a voltage value. (Technical Idea 2) The vehicle control device according to Technical Idea 1, further comprising a power supply trunk section (40) electrically connected to both the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section, wherein the trunk line interruption circuit includes a switch section (71) in the power supply trunk section that switches between energization and interruption of energization between the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section. (Technical Idea 3) The vehicle control device according to Technical Idea 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of load terminal sections include a first load terminal (21) electrically connected to the first power supply line section and a second load terminal (22) electrically connected to the second power supply line section. (Technical Idea 4) The vehicle control device according to Technical Idea 3, wherein the first power supply terminal is electrically connected to the second load terminal when the main line interruption circuit does not interrupt the electrical connection between the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section, and is electrically interrupted from the second load terminal when the main line interruption circuit interrupts the electrical connection between the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section, and the second power supply terminal is electrically connected to the first load terminal when the main line interruption circuit does not interrupt the electrical connection between the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section, and is electrically interrupted from the first load terminal when the main line interruption circuit interrupts the electrical connection between the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section.(Technical Idea 5) The vehicle control device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 4, further comprising a power supply interruption circuit (60) provided in at least one of the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section, the power supply interruption circuit interrupting the electrical connection between the power supply terminal section and the load terminal section. (Technical Idea 6) The vehicle control device according to Technical Idea 5, wherein the power supply interruption circuit interrupts the electrical connection between the power supply terminal section and the load terminal section based on an abnormality in at least one of the current value and the voltage value caused by a ground fault associated with the power supply section. (Technical Idea 7) The vehicle control device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of load terminal sections include a first load terminal (21) electrically connected to the first power supply line section and a second load terminal (22) electrically connected to the second power supply line section, and further comprising: a power supply trunk section (40) electrically connected to both the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section, a first load line section (51) electrically connecting the first load terminal to a first section (41) of the power supply trunk section that is closer to the first power supply line section than the trunk line interruption circuit, and a second load line section (52) electrically connecting the second load terminal to a second section (42) of the power supply trunk section that is closer to the second power supply line section than the trunk line interruption circuit. (Technical Idea 8) The vehicle control device according to Technical Idea 7, further comprising: a load interruption circuit (80) provided in at least one of the first load line section and the second load line section, and interrupting the electrical connection between the power supply trunk section and the load terminal section. (Technical Idea 9) The vehicle control device according to Technical Idea 8, wherein the load shedding circuit cuts off the electrical connection between the power supply terminal unit and the load terminal unit based on an abnormality in at least one of the current value and the voltage value caused by a ground fault associated with the load unit. (Technical Idea 10) The vehicle control device according to any one of Technical Ideas 7 to 9, wherein at least one of the first load terminals and at least one of the second load terminals are electrically connected as priority terminals (21a, 22a) to a same priority load (121) among the plurality of load units that is given priority in power supply over other normal loads (122). (Technical Idea 11) The vehicle control device according to Technical Idea 10, wherein the priority terminal is electrically connected to the priority load that requires redundancy.(Technical Concept 12) The vehicle control device according to Technical Concept 10 or 11, wherein the first load terminal and the second load terminal, which are the priority terminals, are adjacent to each other. (Technical Idea 13) The vehicle control device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 12, wherein the plurality of load terminal sections include priority terminals (21a, 22a) electrically connected to priority loads (121) that are given priority in power supply among the plurality of load sections, and normal terminals (21b, 22b) electrically connected to normal loads (122) other than the priority loads; and further comprising: a power supply trunk section (40) electrically connected to both the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section; priority supply line sections (51a, 52a) electrically connecting the priority terminals to the power supply trunk section; normal supply line sections (51b, 52b) electrically connecting the normal terminals to the power supply trunk section; and a load interruption circuit (80d, 80e, 80h, 80i) that interrupts the electrical connection between the power supply trunk section and the normal terminals by the normal supply line section based on the current value or an abnormality in the current value in the priority supply line section. (Technical Idea 14) A vehicle control device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 13, wherein the first power supply terminal is supplied with power from a main power supply (111), and the second power supply terminal is supplied with power from an auxiliary power supply (112) having a lower power supply capacity than the main power supply.(Technical Idea 15) The plurality of load terminal sections include a priority terminal (22a) electrically connected to a priority load (121) that is given priority in power supply among the plurality of load sections, and a normal terminal (22b) electrically connected to a normal load (122) other than the priority load; a power supply trunk section (40) electrically connected to both the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section; a priority supply line section (52a) electrically connecting the priority terminal to an auxiliary section (42) of the power supply trunk section that is closer to the second power supply line section than the trunk line cutoff circuit; and a normal supply line section (52b) electrically connecting the normal terminal to the auxiliary section of the power supply trunk section. a load interruption circuit (80h, 80i) that interrupts the electrical connection between the power supply main section and the normal terminal via the normal supply line section based on the current value or an abnormality in the current value in the priority supply line section when the main line interruption circuit has interrupted the flow of electricity to the power supply main section. (Technical Idea 16) The plurality of load terminal sections include a priority terminal (21a) electrically connected to a priority load (121) that is given priority in power supply among the plurality of load sections, and a normal terminal (21b) electrically connected to a normal load (122) other than the priority load; a power supply trunk section (40) electrically connected to both the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section; a priority supply line section (51a) electrically connecting the priority terminal to a main section (41) of the power supply trunk section that is closer to the first power supply line section than the trunk cutoff circuit; and a normal supply line section (51b) electrically connecting the normal terminal to the main section of the power supply trunk section. The vehicle control device according to Technical Idea 14 or 15, further comprising a load interruption circuit (80d, 80e) that interrupts the electrical connection between the power supply trunk section and the normal terminal by the normal supply line section based on the current value or an abnormality in the current value in the priority supply line section when the main line interruption circuit is unable to interrupt the power supply trunk section. (Technical Idea 17) The vehicle control device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 16, wherein the main line interruption circuit includes an electrical fuse (EF).(Technical Idea 18) The vehicle control device according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 17, wherein the main line interruption circuit interrupts both a current flowing from the first power supply line section to the second power supply line section and a current flowing from the second power supply line section to the first power supply line section. (Technical Idea 19) The vehicle control device according to Technical Idea 5 or 6, wherein the power supply interruption circuit interrupts the reverse current out of a forward current flowing from the power supply terminal section to the load terminal section and a reverse current flowing from the load terminal section to the power supply terminal section. (Technical Idea 20) The vehicle control device according to Technical Idea 8 or 9, wherein the load interruption circuit interrupts the forward current out of a forward current flowing from the power supply main line section to the load terminal section and a reverse current flowing from the load terminal section to the power supply main line section.

Claims

1. A vehicle control device used in a vehicle, which controls the distribution of power supplied from a plurality of power supply units (110) to a plurality of load units (120), comprising: a plurality of power supply terminal units (10) electrically connected to the power supply units; a plurality of load terminal units (20) electrically connected to the load units; a first power supply line unit (31) electrically connected to a first power supply terminal (11) included in the plurality of power supply terminal units; a second power supply line unit (32) electrically connected to a second power supply terminal (12) included in the plurality of power supply terminal units; and a main line interruption circuit (70) that electrically connects the first power supply line unit and the second power supply line unit, and interrupts the electrical connection between the first power supply line unit and the second power supply line unit based on an abnormality in at least one of a current value and a voltage value.

2. A vehicle control device as described in claim 1, further comprising a power supply trunk section (40) electrically connected to both the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section, wherein the trunk line interruption circuit includes a switch section (71) that switches between energization and interruption of energization between the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section in the power supply trunk section.

3. A vehicle control device as described in claim 1, wherein the plurality of load terminal sections include a first load terminal (21) electrically connected to the first power supply line section, and a second load terminal (22) electrically connected to the second power supply line section.

4. A vehicle control device as described in claim 3, wherein the first power supply terminal is electrically connected to the second load terminal when the main line interruption circuit does not interrupt the electrical connection between the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section, and is electrically interrupted from the second load terminal when the main line interruption circuit has interrupted the electrical connection between the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section, and the second power supply terminal is electrically connected to the first load terminal when the main line interruption circuit does not interrupt the electrical connection between the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section, and is electrically interrupted from the first load terminal when the main line interruption circuit has interrupted the electrical connection between the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section.

5. The vehicle control device as described in claim 1, further comprising a power supply interruption circuit (60) provided in at least one of the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section, which interrupts the electrical connection between the power supply terminal section and the load terminal section.

6. A vehicle control device as described in claim 5, wherein the power supply cut-off circuit cuts off the electrical connection between the power supply terminal section and the load terminal section based on an abnormality in at least one of the current value and the voltage value caused by a ground fault associated with the power supply section.

7. A vehicle control device as described in claim 1, wherein the multiple load terminal sections include a first load terminal (21) electrically connected to the first power supply line section, and a second load terminal (22) electrically connected to the second power supply line section, and further comprising: a power supply trunk section (40) electrically connected to both the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section; a first load line section (51) electrically connecting the first load terminal to a first section (41) of the power supply trunk section that is closer to the first power supply line section than the trunk line cutting circuit; and a second load line section (52) electrically connecting the second load terminal to a second section (42) of the power supply trunk section that is closer to the second power supply line section than the trunk line cutting circuit.

8. A vehicle control device as described in claim 7, further comprising a load interruption circuit (80) provided in at least one of the first load line section and the second load line section, for interrupting the electrical connection between the power supply main line section and the load terminal section.

9. A vehicle control device as described in claim 8, wherein the load interruption circuit interrupts the electrical connection between the power supply terminal section and the load terminal section based on an abnormality in at least one of the current value and the voltage value caused by a ground fault associated with the load section.

10. A vehicle control device as described in claim 7, wherein at least one of the first load terminals and at least one of the second load terminals are electrically connected as priority terminals (21a, 22a) to the same priority load (121) among the multiple load sections, the supply of power being given priority over other normal loads (122).

11. The vehicle control device according to claim 10, wherein the priority terminal is electrically connected to the priority load requiring redundancy.

12. The vehicle control device according to claim 10, wherein the first load terminal and the second load terminal, which are the priority terminals, are adjacent to each other.

13. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of load terminal sections include a priority terminal (21a, 22a) electrically connected to a priority load (121) to which power supply is prioritized among the plurality of load sections, and a normal terminal (21b, 22b) electrically connected to a normal load (122) other than the priority load, and further comprising: a power supply trunk section (40) electrically connected to both the first power supply line section and the second power supply line section; a priority supply line section (51a, 52a) electrically connecting the priority terminal to the power supply trunk section; a normal supply line section (51b, 52b) electrically connecting the normal terminal to the power supply trunk section; and a load interruption circuit (80d, 80e, 80h, 80i) that interrupts the electrical connection between the power supply trunk section and the normal terminal by the normal supply line section based on the current value or an abnormality in the current value in the priority supply line section.

14. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the first power supply terminal is supplied with power from a main power supply (111), and the second power supply terminal is supplied with power from an auxiliary power supply (112) having a lower power supply capacity than the main power supply.

15. The vehicle control device according to claim 14, further comprising: a power supply trunk section (40) electrically connected to both the first power line section and the second power line section; a priority supply line section (52a) electrically connecting the priority terminal to an auxiliary section (42) of the power supply trunk section that is closer to the second power line section than the trunk cutoff circuit; a normal supply line section (52b) electrically connecting the normal terminal to the auxiliary section of the power supply trunk section; and a load cutoff circuit (80h, 80i) which cuts off the electrical connection between the power supply trunk section and the normal terminal by the normal supply line section based on the current value or an abnormality in the current value in the priority supply line section when the trunk cutoff circuit has cut off the flow of electricity to the power supply trunk section.

16. The vehicle control device according to claim 14, further comprising: a power supply trunk section (40) electrically connected to both the first power line section and the second power line section; a priority supply line section (51a) electrically connecting the priority terminal to a main section (41) of the power supply trunk section that is closer to the first power line section than the trunk cutoff circuit; a normal supply line section (51b) electrically connecting the normal terminal to the main section of the power supply trunk section; and a load cutoff circuit (80d, 80e) that cuts off the electrical connection between the power supply trunk section and the normal terminal by the normal supply line section based on the current value or an abnormality in the current value in the priority supply line section when the trunk cutoff circuit is unable to cut off the flow of electricity to the power supply trunk section.

17. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the main line cutoff circuit includes an electrical fuse (EF).

18. A vehicle control device as described in claim 1, wherein the main line interruption circuit interrupts both the current flowing from the first power supply line section to the second power supply line section and the current flowing from the second power supply line section to the first power supply line section.

19. A vehicle control device as described in claim 5, wherein the power supply cut-off circuit cuts off the reverse current out of a forward current flowing from the power supply terminal portion to the load terminal portion and a reverse current flowing from the load terminal portion to the power supply terminal portion.

20. A vehicle control device as described in claim 8, wherein the load interruption circuit interrupts the forward current out of the forward current flowing from the power supply main line to the load terminal unit and the reverse current flowing from the load terminal unit to the power supply main line.

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