Power cut off device

A power cut off device includes a case and an actuator disposed in the case. The actuator includes a driver movable relative to the case. Specifically, the driver can move relative to the case between a first driver position and a second driver position. The power cut off device also includes a cutter defining a conductor receiving opening. The cutter is movably disposed in the case. Consequently, the cutter can move relative to the case between a first cutter position and a second cutter position. The cutter is operatively coupled to the actuator such that the driver is configured to drive the cutter from the first cutter position to the second cutter position when the driver moves from the first driver position to the second driver position in order to cut an electrical conductor disposed in the conductor receiving opening.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a power cut off device for cutting the electrical power of the vehicle during or after an external force is applied to the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Many vehicles include a power supply, such as a battery or battery pack. The power supply can help power vehicle components, such as the radio. In hybrid or electric vehicles, the power supply also helps propel the vehicle. In another example, the power supply can be electrically connected to an airbag deployment system. As such, the power supply can provide an electric charge to the airbag deployment system to allow the airbag to deploy.

SUMMARY

The presently disclosed power cut off device can cut off power from a power supply of a vehicle after the vehicle has been subjected to an external force in order to disable systems powered by the power supply. For example, the presently disclosed power cut off device can cut off electrical power in order to disable the airbag deployment system after the vehicle has been subjected to an external force, thereby preventing airbag deployment while first responders are working inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the power cut off device includes a case and an actuator disposed in the case. The actuator includes a driver movable relative to the case. Specifically, the driver can move relative to the case between a first driver position and a second driver position. The power cut off device also includes a cutter defining a conductor receiving opening. The cutter is movably disposed in the case. Consequently, the cutter can move relative to the case between a first cutter position and a second cutter position. The cutter is operatively coupled to the actuator such that the driver is configured to drive the cutter from the first cutter position to the second cutter position when the driver moves from the first driver position to the second driver position in order to cut an electrical conductor disposed in the conductor receiving opening.

The present disclosure also relates to a power cut off system including the power cut off device described above. In addition to the power cut off device, the power cut off system includes a sensing diagnostic module (SDM) and a sensor in electronic communication with the SDM. The sensor may be a g-force sensor or a deceleration sensor and can send an activation signal to the SDM when an external force has been applied to the vehicle. The SDM can generate an actuation signal upon receipt of the activation signal from the sensor. Furthermore, the SDM can send this actuation signal to the power cut off device and, in response, the driver of the actuator drives the cutter from the first cutter position to the second cutter position. As the cutter moves from the first cutter position toward the second cutter position, the cutter severs the electrical conductor disposed in the conductor receiving opening of the case. The present disclosure also relates to vehicles including the power cut off system described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers correspond to like or similar components throughout the several figures, and beginning withFIG. 1, a vehicle10includes a vehicle body12and a plurality of wheels14operatively coupled to the vehicle body12. The vehicle10further includes a power supply16, such as a battery or battery pack, for propulsion and/or for powering vehicle accessories (e.g., navigation system, radio, etc.). The power supply16is electrically connected to an electrical conductor17, such as a wire harness. The electrical conductor17can transmit electrical energy from the power supply16to other vehicle components. Accordingly, the electrical conductor17is at least partly made of an electrically conductive material, such as a metal. In addition to the power supply16, the vehicle10includes a power cut off device100configured to sever the electrical conductor17in order to cut off electrical power originating from the power supply16as discussed in detail below.

The vehicle10includes a sensing diagnostic module (SDM)18in electronic communication with the power cut off device100and configured for, among other things, controlling air bag deployment. “Module,” “control module,” “control,” “controller,” “control unit,” “processor” and similar terms mean any one or various combinations of one or more of Application Specific Integrated Circuit(s) (ASIC), electronic circuit(s), central processing unit(s) (preferably microprocessor(s)) and associated memory and storage (read only, programmable read only, random access, hard drive, etc.) executing one or more software or firmware programs or routines, combinational logic circuit(s), sequential logic circuit(s), input/output circuit(s) and devices, appropriate signal conditioning and buffer circuitry, and other components to provide the described functionality. “Software,” “firmware,” “programs,” “instructions,” “routines,” “code,” “algorithms” and similar terms mean any controller executable instruction sets including calibrations and look-up tables. The control module has a set of control routines executed to provide the desired functions. Routines are executed, such as by a central processing unit, and are operable to monitor inputs from sensing devices and other networked control modules, and execute control and diagnostic routines to control operation of actuators. Routines may be executed based on events or at regular intervals.

The SDM18includes at least one processor20, such as a microprocessor, and at least one memory22in electronic communication with the processor20. The processor20is configured to execute software or firmware programs or routines. The memory22is configured to store data (e.g., software or firmware programs or routines). The SDM18is in electronic communication with at least one sensor24configured to detect whether an external force F has been applied to the vehicle10. The sensor24can be a deceleration sensor configured to measure a deceleration magnitude of the vehicle10. Alternatively, the sensor24can be a g-force sensor configured to measure a g-force acting on the vehicle10.

The SDM18is specifically programmed to receive an activation signal from the sensor24when the external force F is applied to the vehicle and generate an actuation signal upon receipt of the activation signal from the sensor24. Further, the SDM18is programmed to send the generated actuation signal to the power cut off device100when the SDM18receives the activation signal from the sensor24. If the sensor24is a deceleration sensor, the SDM18can be specifically programmed to send the actuation signal to the power cut off device100when the deceleration magnitude is greater than a deceleration threshold. If the sensor24is a g-force sensor, the SDM18can be specifically programmed to send the actuation signal to the power cut off device100when the g-force acting on the vehicle10is greater than a force threshold. The power cut off device100may be part of a power cut off system26that also includes the SDM18and the electrical conductor17.

With reference toFIG. 2, the power cut off device100can be coupled to an inner part28of the vehicle body12. For instance, the power cut off device100can be placed in the trunk of the vehicle10. Regardless of its location, at least a portion of the electrical conductor17extends through the power cut off device100. In other words, the electrical conductor17is partially disposed within the power cut off device100.

With reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, the power cut off device100includes a case or housing102made of a substantially rigid material in order to support the electrical conductor17. The case102may have a substantially elongated shape and is substantially hollow. In the depicted embodiment, the case102may have a substantially square cross-section and includes a first case wall104, a second case wall106opposite the first case wall104, a third case wall108coupled between the first case wall104and the second case wall106, and fourth case wall110opposite the third case wall108. The case102extends along a case axis Y and defines an access opening112extending through the first case wall104, the third case wall108, and the fourth case wall110but not the second case wall106. The access opening112extends along an opening axis X, which may be substantially perpendicular to the case axis Y in order to allow the access opening112to easily accommodate the electrical conductor17. The access opening112includes a first access portion114and a second access portion116connected to the first access portion114. The first access portion114is closer to the first case wall104than to the second case wall106and may have a substantially rectangular cross-section to allow the electrical conductor17to be initially inserted in the second access portion116. The second access portion116is closer to the second case wall106than to the first case wall104and may have a substantially circular cross-section to allow the electrical conductor17to rest in the access opening112.

The case102further includes a fifth or bottom case wall118(FIG. 4) interconnecting the first case wall104, the second case wall106, the third case wall108, and the fourth case wall110. The fifth case wall118defines an end of the case102, and a first relief opening120extends through the fifth case wall118. The first relief opening120can relieve some pressure inside the case102. The case102also includes a sixth or top case wall122defining another end of the case102. A cap124can be coupled to the sixth case wall122in order to cover the case102. The cap124has a second relief opening126to relieve pressure from inside the case102.

With reference toFIGS. 4, 7, 8, and 9, the power cut off device100includes an actuator128, which may be entirely disposed inside the case102in order to protect it when an external force F is applied to the vehicle10. The actuator128includes an actuator body130and a driver132(FIG. 9) movably coupled to the actuator body130. The actuator body130is coupled within the case102. As such, the actuator body130remains stationary relative to the case102. Moreover, the actuator body130may be a cylinder, and the driver132may be a push rod. The driver132can move linearly relative to the actuator body130and the case102along the case axis Y between a first driver position (FIGS. 4 and 7) and a second driver position (FIGS. 8 and 9). In the depicted embodiment, the actuator128is a pyrotechnic actuator that can be electrically activated. In this embodiment, the actuator128includes a pyrotechnic igniter capable of driving the driver132(e.g., push rod) from the first driver position (FIG. 4) to the second driver position (FIGS. 8 and 9) upon receipt of electrical energy. Specifically, the pyrotechnic igniter may ignite chemical substances contained in the actuator128when it receives electrical energy or an actuation signal from the SDM18.

The power cut off device100includes a connector136configured to electrically connect the actuator128to the SDM18. Accordingly, SDM18is in electronic communication with the actuator128via the connector136, thereby allowing the SDM18to send an actuation signal to the actuator128.

With reference toFIGS. 4, 5, and 6, the power cut off device100includes a cutter134coupled to the driver132of the actuator128. For example, the driver132may be directly coupled to the cutter134. The actuator128is operatively coupled to the cutter134and, accordingly, the driver132can drive the cutter134from the first cutter position (FIG. 4) to the second cutter position (FIG. 8) when the driver132moves from the first driver position (FIGS. 4 and 7) to the second driver position (FIGS. 8 and 9). To do so, the cutter134is movably disposed inside the case102. For instance, the entire cutter134may be movably disposed inside the case102such that the case102can serve as a guide for the movement of the cutter134. In the depicted embodiment, the cutter134moves linearly relative to the case102along the case axis Y. As a non-limiting example, the case102at least partially surrounds the cutter134such that the cutter134can slide relative to the case102along the case axis Y.

With reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, the cutter134includes a substantially hollow cutter body138. The cutter body138is substantially hollow to minimize costs and includes a first cutter wall140, a second cutter wall142opposite the first cutter wall140, a third cutter wall146coupled between the first cutter wall140and the second cutter wall142, a fourth cutter wall148opposite the third cutter wall146, a fifth cutter wall150interconnecting the first cutter wall140, the second cutter wall142, the third cutter wall146, and the fourth cutter wall148, and a sixth cutter wall152opposite the fifth cutter wall150. The sixth cutter wall152also interconnects the first cutter wall140, the second cutter wall142, the third cutter wall146, and the fourth cutter wall148.

The cutter134has at least one conductor receiving opening154configured, shaped, and sized to receive at least one electrical conductor17. The conductor receiving opening154extends through the cutter body138. In particular, the conductor receiving opening154extends through the first cutter wall140, the third cutter wall146, and the fourth cutter wall146but not through the second cutter wall142.

The shape and size of the conductor receiving opening154of the cutter134substantially match the shape and size of the access opening112of the case102in order to allow the electrical conductor17to be placed within the power cut off device100when the cutter134is in the first cutter position (FIG. 4) with respect to the case102. Furthermore, the cutter134is positioned within the case102so that the conductor receiving opening154is substantially aligned with the access opening112when the cutter134is in the first cutter position (FIG. 4) with respect to the case102.

In the depicted embodiment, the conductor receiving opening154includes a first receiving portion156and a second receiving portion158connected to the first receiving portion156. The shape and size of the first receiving portion156substantially match the shape and size of the first access opening114in order to facilitate insertion of the electrical conductor17(FIG. 4) into the conductor receiving opening154when the cutter134is in the first cutter position (FIG. 4). For example, the first receiving portion156may have a substantially rectangular cross-section. The first receiving portion156is defined by blunt inner surfaces160of the cutter body138. The blunt inner surfaces160facilitate insertion of the electrical conductor17into the second receiving portion158of the conductor receiving opening154without damaging the electrical conductor17.

The shape and size of the second receiving portion158substantially match the shape and size of the second access portion116in order to allow the electrical conductor17to be coupled within the power cut off device100when the cutter134is in the first cutter position (FIG. 4). For instance, the second receiving portion158may have a substantially circular cross-section. Accordingly, the second receiving portion154may be referred to as the substantially circular portion. The second receiving portion158is defined by sharp cutting edges162. Accordingly, the cutting edges162partially define the conductor receiving opening154and are capable of severing the electrical conductor17(FIG. 7) when the electrical conductor17is disposed in the access opening112(FIG. 4) of the case102and the cutter134moves from the first cutter position (FIG. 4) toward the second cutter position (FIG. 8).

With reference toFIG. 7, the cutter134includes an insulator164, such as an insulator block, disposed within the cutter body138. The insulator164is wholly or partly made of an electrically insulated material in order to prevent flow of electricity through the cutter134when the cutter134is in the second cutter position (FIG. 8.). Accordingly, when the cutter134is in the second cutter position (FIG. 8) relative to the case102, the insulator164is substantially aligned with the access opening112, thereby preventing the flow of electricity through the cutter134after the electrical conductor17has been cut.

With reference toFIGS. 1, 4, and 8, in operation, the power cut off device100can cut the electrical conductor17after an external force F has been applied to the vehicle10, thereby cutting electrical power in the vehicle10. As discussed above, the sensor24can detect whether an external force F has been applied to the vehicle10. The SDM18is programmed to receive an activation signal to the sensor24when the external force F is applied to the vehicle10. Upon receipt of the activation signal, the SDM18generates an actuation signal and sends this actuation signal to the actuator128via the connector136. The connector136electrically connects the SDM18to the actuator128. When the actuator128receives the actuation signal from the SDM18, the driver132(e.g., push rod) moves relative to the case102from the first driver position (FIG. 4) toward the second driver position (FIG. 8), thereby moving the cutter134from the first cutter position (FIG. 4) toward the second cutter position (FIG. 8). As the cutter134moves along the case axis Y, the cutting edges162(FIG. 5) cut the electrical conductor17disposed in the access opening112of the case102, discontinuing the flow of electrical energy through the electrical conductor17. When the cutter134is in the second cutter position (FIG. 8), the insulator164also prevents the flow of electricity through the cutter134.

While the best modes for carrying out the teachings have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this disclosure relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the teachings within the scope of the appended claims.