DE102007051504A1 - Safety device for use in e.g. electric or hybrid vehicle, has outer contour of separation body adjusted to inner contour of passage such that ignition chamber is connected with surge chamber after separation of conductor - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a separation body (7) charged by a propellant charge (6) arranged in such a manner that the separation body is passed into a surge chamber (4). A conductor (2) runs through the surge chamber. The chamber is separated from an ignition chamber (3) by a separating wall (12), where the separation body is guided into a passage (13) of the separating wall. An outer contour of the separation body is adjusted to an inner contour of the passage such that the ignition chamber is connected with the surge chamber after the separation of the conductor.

Description

The The present invention relates to a safety device for interruption a live conductor in a dangerous situation according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a with such a safety device equipped motor vehicle.

From the DE 296 14 976 U1 a generic safety device for on-board power systems of motor vehicles with internal combustion engine and / or electric motor is known, which interrupts the power flow in a main flow path of the motor vehicle, ie the flow of current from the battery into the electrical system of the motor vehicle directly in crash situations. For this purpose, in the region of the main flow path, a disrupting device for the flow of current in the motor vehicle cooperating with a sensor, in particular with a crash sensor, is arranged such that it can interrupt the main flow path immediately in the event of a crash. This is to be avoided in particular that caused by crash situations short circuits can lead to a vehicle fire, which in particular endanger the lives of vehicle occupants. The safety device should also be able to interrupt an arc, which can arise immediately after the severance of the main flow path at the two ends of the main flow path.

From the DE 44 30 284 A1 is another safety device for a motor vehicle with an actuatable by at least one crash sensor defeat known by which an electrical energy source from an electrical system of the motor vehicle can be separated. For such a safety device while a shutdown device is provided which causes no voltage drop during normal operation of the motor vehicle. Only when an accidental activation of the defogger takes place a separation of the electrical energy source from the electrical system, as a release agent a predetermined breaking body is provided, which is destroyed if necessary by a detonator in a current flow interrupting manner.

From the DE 103 37 958 A1 For example, a pyromechanical separator having a housing through which an electrical conductor having a cross-sectional reduction passes is known. The separating element in this case has a cutting bit, which bends the electrical conductor after severing and thereby forms a bending tongue, which protrudes in a manner interrupting the conductor of this. The cutting bit first cuts through the electrical conductor in its cross-section reduced area and creates the bending tongue described above during further penetration.

Finally, out of the DE 44 22 249 A1 a device for interrupting the flow of current in a ground cable of a motor vehicle battery known. The device is integrated into a plug connection of the ground cable and causes a triggering a disconnection of the connector and thus interrupting the flow of current.

The Interrupting devices known from the prior art of a current-carrying conductor relate in the Usually on live conductors in a motor vehicle, with correspondingly low amperage or voltage. When energized Ladders with high voltage or high current occur In contrast, however, when separating the conductor often arcs on, for example, interrupted by magnetic sheets or sand Need to become. Such devices for interrupting of high voltage applications are correspondingly expensive and expensive.

The The present invention addresses the problem of for a generic pyrotechnic Safety device an improved or at least another Specify embodiment, by means of which high-voltage lines and the resulting arcs reliably interrupted can be.

According to the invention this problem by the subject-matter of the independent claim 1 solved. Advantageous embodiments are Subject of the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the general idea to use the pressure gases generated in the ignition of a pyrotechnic propellant not only to accelerate a separating body which cuts through the current-carrying conductor, but at the same time to extinguish the arc which forms after the conductor has been severed. The safety device in this case has an ignition chamber, in which the acted upon by the propellant separating body is arranged so that it passes when triggering the propellant charge by cutting the conductor into an opposite and separated by a partition collecting chamber. The current-carrying conductor is arranged in the collecting chamber. The separator driven by the propellant is guided through a passage opening in the partition wall, wherein an outer contour of the separating body is matched to an inner contour of the through-hole leading to it, that after the passage of the conductor, a gap between the through hole and the separating body is released, through which the in the ignition chamber generated by the propellant compressed gas can suddenly flow into the collecting chamber and thereby deletes the forming between the two separated ends of the electrical conductor arc. The propellant thus initially generates a required for the acceleration of the separator gas pressure, which flow after a corresponding adjustment of the separator and thus after the cutting of the electrical conductor by a shared between the separator and the passage opening gap in the collecting chamber and can blow out the resulting arc , This makes it possible cost-effective pyrotechnic safety devices even in high-voltage applications, eg. As in hybrid or fuel cell vehicles, to use as security, which costs compared to conventional, for example, by means of sand or magnetic sheets equipped security facilities can be saved.

expedient the separating body is designed as a waisted profile, wherein the waist is formed so as to pass through through the passage opening in the partition, the ignition chamber and the collecting chamber communicates with each other. about the geometric formation of the waist at the separating body can thereby directly influencing a flow behavior of the gas stream be taken from the ignition chamber into the collecting chamber, so that the gas stream extinguishing the arc can be exactly predetermined is. Such a waist can be about it also simple and inexpensive to produce.

at an advantageous embodiment of the invention Solution is the separator of an electric formed non-conductive material. Since the separating body after cutting the current-carrying conductor between its two severed ends, it is important to one renewed electrical connection between the two severed It is essential to avoid ends of the conductor. This can be easily done can be achieved by the separating body of electrically not conductive material, so for example an insulator formed and thereby cut through the two after cutting the conductor Ends electrically isolated from each other. In this case, the separating body be formed for example of glass or ceramic.

at a further advantageous embodiment of the invention Solution is the propellant with a sensor, in particular connected to a crash sensor, which is the propellant in case of a crash triggers. In the event of a crash, the propellant of the triggered the vehicle crash detecting crash sensor and explodes explosively through the separator the live conductor. This will cause the current flow interrupted, where it is conceivable that the crash sensor at the same time other safety devices, such as an airbag, can trigger. The integration of the invention Safety device in a safety system of a motor vehicle ensures reliable triggering the safety device in the event of a crash, in particular on individual and therefore expensive sensors can be omitted, if already in a motor vehicle existing crash sensors for triggering of the propellant.

Further important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the Subclaims, from the drawings and from the associated Description of the figures with reference to the drawings.

It it is understood that the above and the following yet to be explained features not only in each case specified combination, but also in other combinations or can be used in isolation, without the scope of the present To leave invention.

preferred Embodiments of the invention are in the drawings and will become more apparent in the following description explained, wherein the same reference numerals to the same or similar or functionally identical components relate.

there show, each schematically:

1 a safety device according to the invention in non-activated state,

2 a representation like in 1 but immediately after the tripped condition,

3 a state of the safety device after in the 2 in which a gas stream extinguishes an arc,

4 a spatial representation of the 3 ,

According to the 1 has a safety device according to the invention 1 for interrupting a live conductor 2 an ignition chamber 3 as well as a collecting chamber 4 on. The ignition chamber 3 and the collection chamber 4 are in a case 5 the safety device 1 arranged, passing through the collecting chamber 4 the live conductor 2 runs. In the ignition chamber 3 is one by means of a propellant 6 , For example, a detonator acted on separating body 7 arranged such that it when triggering the propellant 6 under transection of the conductive conductor 2 (see. 2 to 4 ) in the collecting chamber 4 transgresses. The electrical conductor 2 is between two connection bolts 8th and 8th' arranged according to the 1 to 3 are shown very schematically.

At the ladder 2 it may be, for example, a high voltage line, in which when severing between the two severed ends 9 and 9 ' an arc 10 can arise. Held is the current-carrying conductor 2 on the one hand by appropriately trained passage openings in the housing 5 and on the other hand by retaining brackets 11 and 11 ' , The leader 2 is thus in terms of its positioning in the collecting chamber 4 exactly set.

Between the ignition chamber 3 and the collection chamber 4 runs a partition 12 , wherein the separating body 7 in a passage opening 13 the partition 12 is guided. The outer contour of the separating body 7 is according to the invention so on an inner contour of him leading through hole 13 matched that after cutting the current-carrying conductor 2 the ignition chamber 3 with the collection chamber 4 communicating. The communicating connection clears one of the ignition chamber 3 over a gap between the separator 7 and the through hole 13 into the collection chamber 4 leaking gas stream 19 between the severed ends 9 and 9 ' of the leader 2 resulting arc 10 ,

Like that 1 to 4 can be seen further, allows the separating body 7 the communicating connection between the ignition chamber 3 and the collection chamber 4 through a fitted profile, with a waist 14 of the separating body 7 is formed such that it passes through the passage opening in the partition 12 a gap between the separator 7 and the through hole 13 releases.

To get the energy needed to cut through the electrical conductor 2 to get is the propellant 6 preferably designed as a pyrotechnic propellant, wherein in particular in an application in a motor vehicle, an airbag inflator can be used. The designed as a high-voltage conductor ladder 2 can not only be used in stationary applications, but z. B. in hybrid, electric or fuel cell vehicles.

In an application of the safety device according to the invention 1 in a motor vehicle, the propellant can 6 be connected to a sensor, not shown, in particular with a crash sensor in the event of a vehicle crash the propellant 6 triggers. When coupling the propellant charge 6 To a sensor triggering the airbag in the motor vehicle, a separate sensor can be omitted, which can be additionally realized cost advantages.

To the electrical conductor 2 If necessary, to be able to reliably separate, has the separator 7 at his the ladder 2 facing end at least one, preferably transversely to the conductor 2 aligned cutting edge 15 on. This cutting edge is so sharp that a reliable cutting of the conductor 2 can be guaranteed.

In the following, briefly the operation of the safety device according to the invention 1 be explained:
According to 1 is the safety device 1 in non-activated state, in which the separating body 7 almost completely in the ignition chamber 3 is arranged and through which in the partition 12 provided passage opening 13 is guided. In the ignition chamber 3 opposite collecting chamber 4 is the electrical conductor to be cut in the event of a crash 2 arranged and through the housing 5 the safety device 1 as well as holding brackets 11 . 11 ' fixed with respect to its location.

Is the safety device 1 arranged in a motor vehicle, so, as previously described, the propellant 6 preferably connected to a crash sensor, not shown, which triggers this in the event of a crash. Such a trigger state is in 2 shown in which the propellant 6 was ignited, leaving in the ignition chamber 3 a correspondingly high gas pressure is created. This drives the separating body 7 in the direction of the electrical conductor 2 , whereupon the separating body 7 with his cutting edge 15 the electrical conductor 2 severed. In this separation process can at the same time a certain bending of the two separated ends 9 and 9 ' of the live conductor 2 respectively. However, especially in high voltage power lines, there is a risk that between the two severed ends 9 and 9 ' an arc 10 arises over which a further flow of energy can take place. For this reason, the separating body 7 according to the 1 to 4 designed in a waisted manner, so that after a certain adjustment, as for example in 3 shown by the waist 14 a communicating connection between the ignition chamber 3 and the collection chamber 4 is created. The communicating connection consists in one between the separating body 7 and the through hole 13 opened gap. About this gap can be in the ignition chamber 3 high pressure gas stream 19 into the collection chamber 4 emanate while keeping the between the two ends 9 and 9 ' resulting arc 10 Clear. The deletion takes place by atomizing the arc 10 forming plasma cloud. Preferably, the separating body is 7 formed of an electrically non-conductive material, so that at the end of the separation process, a natural insulator between the two ends 9 and 9 ' forms. As material for the separating body 7 In this case comes in particular ceramic, plastic or glass in Consideration.

Again 4 can be seen, the collection chamber 4 at least one outlet opening 16 to drain from the propellant 6 originating explosive gases. This outlet opening 16 serves to release the gas pressure in the collecting chamber 4 , which after cutting the current-carrying conductor 2 arises.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the solution according to the invention, the separating body 7 in the separating direction 17 behind his waist 14 at least one longitudinal bead 18 which also in the case of a separating body completely in its end position 7 a gas exchange between the ignition chamber 3 and the collection chamber 4 allowed. In particular, can be formed by such trained longitudinal beads 18 a compensating flow between the ignition chamber 3 and the collection chamber 4 Taxes.

With the safety device according to the invention 1 is it possible, even high-voltage conductors 2 Reliably disconnect in case of need and thereby prevent another current flow, the safety device 1 Compared to known from the prior art safety devices constructively much less by heart and thus cheaper to produce.

1

safety device

2

ladder

3

ignition chamber

4

collecting chamber

5

casing

6

propellant

7

separating body

8th

connecting bolt

9

Ends of the conductor 2

10

Electric arc

11

retaining brackets

12

partition wall

13

Through opening

14

Waist of the separator 7

15

Cutting edge of the separator 7

16

outlet

17

separating direction

18

longitudinal bead

19

gas flow

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 29614976 U1 [0002]
• - DE 4430284 A1 [0003]
• - DE 10337958 A1 [0004]
• - DE 4422249 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

Safety device ( 1 ) for interrupting a live conductor ( 2 ) in a dangerous situation with an ignition chamber ( 3 ), in which one by means of a propellant ( 6 ) acted upon separating body ( 7 ) is arranged so that it (when triggering the propellant ( 6 ) by cutting through the current-carrying conductor ( 2 ) in a collecting chamber ( 4 ), characterized in that - the current-carrying conductor ( 2 ) through the collecting chamber ( 4 ), - the collecting chamber ( 4 ) by a partition wall ( 12 ) from the ignition chamber ( 3 ) is separated, wherein the separating body ( 7 ) in a passage opening ( 13 ) of the partition ( 12 ), - an outer contour of the separating body ( 7 ) so on an inner contour of the leading through opening ( 13 ) that after cutting the conductor ( 2 ) the ignition chamber ( 3 ) with the collecting chamber ( 4 ) communicating, so that one of the ignition chamber ( 3 ) via a gap between the separating body ( 7 ) and the passage opening ( 13 ) in the collecting chamber (16) emerging gas stream ( 19 ) a possibly between the severed ends of the conductor ( 9 . 9 ' ) resulting arc ( 10 ) clears. Safety device according to claim 1, characterized in that the current-carrying conductor ( 2 ) is a high voltage conductor. Safety device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the separating body ( 7 ) is formed as a waisted profile, wherein the waist ( 14 ) is formed so that it passes through the passage opening ( 13 ) in the partition ( 12 ) the ignition chamber ( 3 ) and the collecting chamber ( 4 ) communicating with each other. Safety device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the propellant charge ( 6 ) for driving the separating body ( 7 ) is a pyrotechnic propellant, in particular an airbag inflator. Safety device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the separating body ( 7 ) is formed of an electrically non-conductive material. Safety device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the propellant charge ( 6 ) is connected to a sensor, in particular with a crash sensor, the propellant ( 6 ) in the event of a crash. Safety device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the separating body ( 7 ) at his the ladder ( 2 ) facing end at least one transverse to the conductor ( 2 ) aligned cutting edge ( 15 ) having. Safety device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the collecting chamber ( 4 ) at least one outlet opening ( 16 ) for discharging from the propellant ( 6 ) has explosive gases originating. Safety device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the separating body ( 7 ) in the separating direction ( 17 ) behind his waist ( 14 ) at least one longitudinal bead ( 18 ), which is also in completely located in its end position separating body ( 7 ) a gas exchange between the ignition chamber ( 3 ) and the collecting chamber ( 4 ) allowed. Motor vehicle, in particular an electric or a hybrid vehicle with a safety device ( 1 ) one of claims 1 to 9.