EP2020013A1

EP2020013A1 - Method and devicefor single and permanent disconnection of an electrical connection, in particular in a vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP2020013A1
Application number: EP07725543A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Silvio Reichelt; Heiko Kratz; Stephen Kimmich; Stefan JÄGER
Original assignee: Takata Petri AG
Current assignee: Takata Petri AG
Priority date: 2006-05-22
Filing date: 2007-05-21
Publication date: 2009-02-04
Also published as: WO2007134875A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and device for the single and permanent disconnection of an electrical connection, in particular in a vehicle, by means of a pressure wave. To simplify a single and permanent disconnection of an electrical connector it is proposed according to the invention that an electrical cable is separated at a predetermined breaking point and is further deformed in the region of the predetermined breaking point, the severed ends of the cable remaining as a component of the respective cable side. A section of an electrical cable that is to be severed has both a predetermined breaking point and at least one bending point.

Description

Method and device for single and permanent separation of an electrical connection, in particular in a motor vehicle

description

The invention relates to a method and a device for the single and permanent separation of an electrical connection, in particular in a motor vehicle, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Particularly in automotive engineering, it is desirable to disconnect electric power circuits from the car battery after an accident in order to avoid ignition sources in the form of sparks. Sparks can ignite leaking gasoline or gasoline-air mixtures and ignite the accident vehicle. In addition to arrangements in which a separation of an electrical conductor by means of mechanical means, it is known from DE 198 17 133 A1, to separate an electrical conductor by pressurization. In this case, the gas pressure is generated by combustion of a mixture of propellant powder and a thermally sensitive substance, which is located in the vicinity of the current-carrying and hot conductor piece.

The gas produced after ignition pushes a predetermined portion out of the conductor. This portion is caught in a container so that it remains at a distance from the conductor, thereby preventing re-connection of the conductor ends.

This arrangement has the disadvantage that a thermally sensitive material is used which ignites the propellant charge powder. This thermally sensitive material is an additional expense. Furthermore, there is the disadvantage that a portion of the line is expressed and thereby the additional container for receiving the expressed line section must be present in order to prevent reconnection of the severed line ends. Another device in which an electrical conductor is separated by a pyrotechnic charge and the pressure wave generated after the ignition thereof is known from DE 20 2006 016 171. In this device, the electrical conductor passes through a housing. This has a pressure chamber with a pyrotechnic charge. The electrical conductor extends transversely through the pressure chamber and is at least at its edge on the housing. By means of a clamping piece, the electrical conductor is fixed in the housing.

Decisive for the function of the separating element is a precisely defined pressure space between the electrical conductor and the pyrotechnic charge. Due to the component tolerances, a small gap between the electrical conductor and the support point of the conductor in the housing may be present. This gap can lead to leakage of the pyrotechnic charge to leakage currents of the resulting compressed gas. This restricts the reproducibility of the separation process. Furthermore, components outside of the defined pressure chamber are overstressed, so that there is a risk that they may fail.

In addition to devices in which an electrical conductor is separated only by the pyrotechnic charge and the resulting pressure wave after their ignition, devices are also known in which a mechanical separating element is additionally arranged. Thus, DE 10 2004 010 071 A1 discloses a device in which a wedge is arranged on a pyrotechnic charge, which is set in motion after ignition of this charge and cuts through the electrical line. At least one severed end of the conductor is thereby pressed into a cavity, so that the severed ends of the conductor can no longer touch. However, this arrangement has the disadvantage that the wedge can jam as a moving mechanical part.

The invention has for its object to simplify the one-time and permanent separation of a conductor, especially in a motor vehicle, and to prevent leakage currents from this when using a defined pressure chamber. Furthermore, there is the object, when using a source for generating a pressure wave and in addition a wedge for the separation of an electrical conductor to prevent jamming of the wedge.

According to the invention that is achieved according to the features of claim 1.

In a method for the unique and permanent separation of an electrical connection, in particular in a motor vehicle, by means of a pressure wave, the invention provides that an electrical line at a predetermined breaking point is separated and additionally deformed in the region of the predetermined breaking point, wherein the severed ends of the line remain part of the respective line side. This procedure has the advantage that no loose separation section is created, which must be stored separately in order to avoid a reconnection of the line ends with certainty. The reconnection of the line ends is prevented by the additional deformation, whereby the Leitungsseπden be sufficiently far apart. The deformation takes place both before separation and even after separation by the pressure wave. The deformation and separation takes place in a motor vehicle by the gas pressure generated when igniting an air bag lighter. As a result, no thermally sensitive material is required.

In a device for the unique and permanent separation of an electrical connection by means of a pressure wave, which is particularly suitable for carrying out the aforementioned method, according to the invention, a portion of an electrical conductor to be severed, both a predetermined breaking point and at least one bending point. In this case, the predetermined breaking point and the bending point can both be identical or lie at different points. If the predetermined breaking point and the bending point are identical, at least two such points must be present, in which case the conductor first breaks at one point and is deformed at the other depending on the inhomogeneity of the material and different pressure in the pressure wave.

It is expedient that the electrical conductor has at least one section of reduced cross section at the predetermined breaking point and at the bending point. In one embodiment, the conductor section of reduced cross section extends over a predetermined length, which conductor section may have a constant or a continuously varying cross section.

In a second embodiment, the at least one section of reduced cross-section is wedge-shaped. In this case, the conductor may have a wedge-shaped incision only at the predetermined breaking point, and also have at least one wedge-shaped incision both at the predetermined breaking point and at least one bending point. The wedge-shaped cuts can lie both on the same side and on opposite sides of the conductor.

It is expedient that the conductor is formed flat at least in the region of the predetermined breaking point and bending point. The section of the electrical conductor which is to be cut is surrounded by a housing in which an airbag lighter is arranged in a motor vehicle.

It is expedient that the airbag igniter is injected into the housing, so that both form a unit.

In one embodiment, the conductor is mounted in the region of the separation and bending point between a bushing and a clamping piece which is annular, so that the conductor is deformable and separable in this direction.

In another embodiment, the housing consists of an outer and an inner housing and the conductor is mounted between these two housings.

In the aforementioned two embodiments, the line is insensitive to vibrations and shocks stored.

In a device for one-off and permanent separation of an electrical conductor, in particular in a motor vehicle, by means of a pressure wave and using a non-electrically conductive material consisting wedge extending in the direction of the separation point, according to the invention, the source for generating the pressure wave and the wedge is disposed on opposite sides of a conduit section and the wedge is immovable. In this device, the line section is pressed by the pressure wave against the fixed wedge and separated by this. Since the wedge is not moved as a mechanical separating element, the risk of jamming is completely eliminated. Furthermore, there is the advantage that after the separation of the conductor no arc can occur because the electrically non-conductive wedge is located immediately after the separation between the conductor ends.

It is advantageous if, in addition to the wedge, at least one cavity is provided for receiving at least one severed end of the line section. In this case, the at least one severed end of the line section is pressed by the pressure wave in this cavity and thereby further away from the other conductor end, so that the permanent separation is even safer.

In one embodiment, the wedge is arranged such that a cavity for receiving a severed end of the line section is provided next to each wedge surface is. In this case, therefore, both ends of the cut through the wedge line section are pressed by the pressure wave in a cavity.

In a further embodiment, the wedge is arranged such that a cavity is provided adjacent to a wedge surface for receiving a severed end of the conduit section, so that only one end of the conduit section is pushed away after separation by the pressure wave.

It is expedient that the wedge is fixedly arranged in the housing of the source for generating the pressure wave. In a first embodiment, the line section is mounted in the region of the separation point between a bushing and a clamping piece, which is annular, so that the line section is separable in this direction. The wedge is preferably an integral part of the clamping piece.

In a further embodiment, the housing consists of an outer housing and an inner housing and the conduit section is mounted between these two housings. The wedge in this embodiment is preferably an integral part of the outer housing.

It is also expedient that a pyrotechnic charge is provided as the source for generating the pressure wave.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the line section on the side facing the wedge in its region has a notch, so that the line section is pressed by the pressure wave in this notch against the wedge. This notch facilitates the passage of the line section through the wedge. Furthermore, the line section may have at least one notch on the side on which the source for generating the pressure wave is arranged. This facilitates the bending of the severed ends of the conduit section.

Furthermore, in a separating element for the separation of an electrical line, in particular in a motor vehicle, by means of a pressure wave, wherein the conductor section to be cut rests at least at the edge of a pressure chamber on a casing surrounding the pressure chamber and is clamped there, according to the invention at the innermost contact point between the electrical Line and the support of the electrical line deformable by the pressure wave and thereby against a gap between the electrical line and the pad pressure seal provided, which seals the gap in the radial direction.

This seal ensures that the pressure on the pressure chamber remains limited. As a result, reproducible pressure conditions exist. The intended in the separation region of the conductor predetermined breaking point can be designed robust because there is no fear that the pressure is reduced by leakage currents. The components outside the defined pressure chamber do not have to be oversized in order to withstand possible leakage currents. They can rather be designed according to the normal load, which saves costs. In the case of using a pyrotechnic charge, the gas quantities to be applied can be reduced. Overall, the reliability is increased.

Preferably, the seal is provided on a tube surrounding the pressure chamber as a shell, which is arranged in a receiving a pyrotechnic charge housing.

It is expedient that the seal is designed as a sealing lip, which is preferably part of the tube. The tube can be displaced to compensate for tolerances to a small extent.

The invention will be explained in exemplary embodiments with reference to drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1 in a section of the basic structure of the arrangement according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows an embodiment in which the conductor to be separated is mounted between a bushing and a clamping piece in a housing;

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment in which the conductor to be separated is mounted between an inner and an outer housing;

4 shows a conductor section which, in the region of the predetermined breaking point, has a cross-section which is reduced on one side with respect to the subsequent conductor and in which the predetermined breaking point and the bending point are identical; FIG. 5 shows a conductor section which, in the region of the predetermined breaking point, has a two-sided reduced cross section with respect to the adjoining conductor and in which the predetermined breaking point and the bending point are identical; FIG.

FIG. 6 shows a conductor section which, in the region of the predetermined breaking point, has a cross-section which is reduced on one side and has a continuously changing cross-section, each with a fracture and bending point; FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a conductor section which has a cross-section which is reduced on one side in the region of the predetermined breaking point and a wedge-shaped recess at the predetermined breaking point on the side of the cross-sectional reduction; FIG.

FIG. 8 shows the conductor section according to FIG. 7 with a wedge-shaped incision on the side opposite the cross-sectional reduction; FIG.

9 shows a conductor section with a wedge-shaped incision as a predetermined breaking point on one side of the conductor and with two wedge-shaped incisions as bending points on the opposite side of the conductor;

10 shows a conductor section with two wedge-shaped incisions as a bending point and with a wedge-shaped incision as a predetermined breaking point, all incisions being on the same side of the conductor;

11 shows a conductor section, each with a wedge-shaped incision as a predetermined breaking point and bending point on opposite sides of the conductor;

12 shows a conductor section, each with a wedge-shaped incision as a predetermined breaking point and bending point on the same side of the conductor;

FIG. 13 shows a conductor section and sections of a housing, the conductor section having a wedge-shaped recess as predetermined breaking point; FIG.

14 shows a schematic representation of a part of a housing with a clamped-in conductor section, which has wedge-shaped depressions, in the rest position and with the airbag lighter;

FIG. 15 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 14 after the separation of the conductor; FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of a part of a housing with a clamped-in conductor section, which has a section of reduced cross-section, and airbag lighter in the rest position;

Fig. 17 shows the arrangement of Fig. 16 after the separation of the conductor.

18 shows an embodiment in which a wedge is arranged centrally on a clamping piece in a housing;

19 shows an embodiment in which a wedge is arranged laterally on a clamping piece in a housing;

Fig. 20 shows an embodiment in which a wedge is arranged on a housing part of a two-part housing.

21 shows a section through a separating element with anpressable seal;

FIG. 22 shows the detail E from FIG. 21. FIG.

In Fig. 1, a busbar 1 is shown, the connection sections 2, 3 has. Between these, the busbar runs in a U-shape with sections 4, 5 extending perpendicular to the connection sections 2, 3 and a section 6 which lies between the sections 4, 5. These latter sections are housed in a housing 7 of insulating material, e.g. made of plastic, completely fixed by being encapsulated there with the insulating material. The terminal sections 2, 3 and the section 6 are partially embedded in the housing 7 in the same way.

Within the housing 7, a cavity 8 is present, in which the greater part of the portion 6 is exposed. This preferably has a wedge-shaped incision 9 in the middle of its free part. Furthermore, located in the cavity 8, a lighter 10 for an airbag, not shown. The wedge-shaped recess 9 is located on the side of the section 6, which faces the lighter. Upon ignition of the lighter, the portion 6 is severed due to the pressure effect of the gas exiting the lighter in the region of the incision 9 and bent upwards, so that the electrical connection is interrupted. In an embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the portion 6 of the busbar between a bushing 11 and a clamping piece 12 is mounted, which has an annular portion. The socket is fixed in the housing 7 and the clamping piece 12 presses in a region which is outside the bushing 11, on the portion 6 of the busbar. The clamping piece 12 has in the region of the bushing 11 a cavity 13 into which the ends of the severed portion 6 after the ignition of the lighter 10, which is disposed within the socket, can bend without these ends of the sections 4 and 5 are separated. The wedge-shaped incision 9 is in this embodiment on the side facing away from the lighter 10 of the section. 6

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the busbar is mounted with its sections 4, 5 and 6 between an outer housing 14 and an inner housing 15. The inner housing 15 has a cavity 16 for receiving the lighter 10. The outer housing 14 has in the region of the cavity 16 has a cavity 17 whose lateral dimensions are greater than that of the cavity 16. After ignition of the lighter 10, the ends of the severed portion 6 can bend into this cavity, without departing from the sections 4 and 5 to be separated.

4, a conductor section 6 is shown in the region of the predetermined breaking point. In contrast to the arrangements of Figures 1 to 3, the predetermined breaking point in this embodiment, no wedge-shaped incision. Rather, the conductor section in the region of the predetermined breaking point has a section 18 with a reduced cross section on one side with respect to the subsequent conductor sections 19, 20. Section 18 has the same width and thickness along its entire length, so that the locations of the transition from section 18 to sections 19, 20, indicated at 21 and 22, can be both break and bend, i. both are identical. It is assumed that the conductor material is not so homogeneous and the gas pressure is not so uniformly large that the conductor at the same time breaks after ignition of the lighter at both points 21, 22, so that the portion 18 is present as a free part. Rather, the material will break at a location 21 or 22 and be bent at the other of these two locations.

Also in Fig. 5, the conductor section 6 is shown in the region of the predetermined breaking point. In this embodiment, the conductor section in the region of the predetermined breaking point on a section 23 with two-sided reduced cross-section with respect to the subsequent conductor sections 24, 25. The section 23 also has in this embodiment over the entire length of the same width and thickness, so that with 26 and 27 marked points of the transition from section 23 to the sections 24, 25 both fractures and bending points can be. The reasons for this are the same as in the embodiment of FIG. 4.

The conductor section 6 shown in FIG. 6 has, in the region of the predetermined breaking point, a section 28 with a cross section reduced on one side and continuously changing. In this embodiment, the breaking point and the bending point are not identical. Rather, the location of the portion 28 with the smallest cross-section will be the break point 29 and the location of the portion 28 with the largest cross-section will be the bend 30.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, a conductor section 6 is shown, which in the region of the predetermined breaking point has a section 31 with a reduced cross-section on one side and a wedge-shaped recess 32 at the predetermined breaking point on the side of the cross-sectional reduction. The section 31 lies between sections 33, 34 with a larger cross section. In this embodiment, the location of the wedge-shaped incision 32 represents the predetermined breaking point, while bending points 35, 36 are present at the transition of the section 31 to the sections 33, 34.

The embodiment of Fig. 8 corresponds to the embodiment of Fig. 7 with the difference that a wedge-shaped incision 37 as a predetermined breaking point on the opposite side of the cross-sectional reduction.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the conductor section 38 has a constant cross section in the region of the predetermined breaking point. This is interrupted only in that a wedge-shaped incision 39 as a predetermined breaking point on one side of the conductor section 38 and two wedge-shaped incisions 40, 41 are provided as bending points on the opposite side of the conductor section 38. The bending points are preferably less deeply cut than the predetermined breaking point.

In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the conductor section 42 also has a constant cross section in the region of the predetermined breaking point. This is interrupted by two wedge-shaped cuts 43, 44 as bending points and by a wedge-shaped incision 45 as a predetermined breaking point, all cuts are on the same side of the conductor portion 42.

Also in the embodiment of FIG. 11, the conductor section 46 has a constant cross section in the region of the predetermined breaking point. This is characterized by two wedge-shaped Intersections 47, 48 interrupted, one of which represents a predetermined breaking point and the other a bending point. The cuts 47, 48 lie on opposite sides of the conductor section 46. Which of the cuts represents the predetermined breaking point and which represents the bending point is predetermined by the different depth of the cuts.

The embodiment of FIG. 12 differs from the embodiment of FIG. 11 only in that recesses 49, 50 lie on the same side of a conductor section 51.

FIG. 13 shows a conductor section 6 and sections of the housing 12 or 14 of FIGS. 2 and 3 in more detail in detail. The mode of action corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. There are the wedge-shaped incision 9 as a predetermined breaking point and two bending points 52, 53 visible.

Fig. 14 shows a schematic representation of a portion of a housing with clamped conductor portion having wedge-shaped depressions, and with airbag lighter in the rest position. The arrangement is comparable to the arrangements shown in FIGS. 2 and 9. A portion 38 of a bus bar is clamped between the housing 7 and the clamping piece 12. The section 38 has the wedge-shaped cuts 39, 40 and 41 shown in FIG. 9, wherein, in contrast to FIG. 9, the notches 40 and 41 are at the bottom and the section 39 at the top. Below the section 38 of the airbag lighter 10 is arranged. After the ignition of the section 38 is torn open at the incision 39 because of the resulting pressure wave and the resulting two ends 38a and 38b, as shown in Fig. 15, bent around the incisions 40, 41 as bending points upwards and so far away from each other that they can not touch even when the pressure is released.

16 shows a schematic representation of a part of a housing with a clamped-in conductor section, which has a section with a reduced cross-section, and with an airbag lighter in the rest position. The arrangement is comparable to the arrangements shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. In this embodiment, the conductor is clamped with portions 19 and 20 between the housing 7 and the clamping piece 12. Between these sections, the conductor, as shown in Fig. 4, the portion 18 with one side reduced cross-section, wherein the cross-section is reduced in contrast to FIG. 4 below. After ignition of the Airbaganzünders 10 of the section 18 tears off because of the resulting pressure wave at the break point 22 from the section 20, is bent around the bending point 21 upwards, as shown in Fig. 17, and is thereby from the section 20th so far removed that he no longer touches the section 20 even when the pressure is released.

With the illustrated embodiments of the device according to the invention, a conductor can be separated easily and safely.

FIG. 18 shows a bus bar 101 which has connection sections 102, 103. Between these, the bus bar 101 extends in a U-shaped manner with sections 104, 105 extending perpendicularly to the connection sections 102, 103 and a section 106 which lies between the sections 104, 105. These sections 104, 105 are fixed in a housing 107 made of insulating material, where they are encapsulated with the insulating material. The terminal portions 102, 103 are embedded in the same manner in an area in the housing 107. This area is not shown in FIG. 18. The portion 106 is mounted between a bushing 108 and a clamping piece 109 having an annular portion. The sleeve 108 is fixed in the housing 107 and the clamping piece 109 presses in a region which is outside the sleeve 108, on the portion 106 of the bus bar. The clamping piece 109 has a cavity 110 in the region of the bushing 108 and a wedge 1 1 1 inside this hollow space, which extends in the direction of the portion 106. The clamping piece 109 with the wedge 1 11 is firmly anchored in the housing 107. The wedge is arranged centrally such that a cavity section 110a or 110b is present next to each wedge surface. The wedge 111 is assigned a notch 112 on the section 106. Within the sleeve 108, a pyrotechnic charge 113 is provided as a source for generating a pressure wave. On its side, the portion 106 of the bus bar in the region of the inner wall of the bushing 108 notches 114, 115, the depth of which is less than the depth of the notch 112.

After ignition of the pyrotechnic charge 113 creates a pressure wave, which presses the portion 106 of the bus bar 101 against the wedge 111. In this case, this section is rotated in particular at the notches 1 14, 115 in the direction of the cavity 110. The pressure wave and the wedge 111 cause the portion 106 is severed at the notch 112, and that pressed by the pressure wave, the resulting portions of the portion 106 in the cavities 110 a and 1 10 b. Because of the fixed wedge, the portion 106 is securely separated. Jamming as in a movable wedge is excluded. After the section 106 has been severed, no arc can occur between the ends because the insulating material wedge 111 is between the ends created by the separation. FIG. 19 shows a further embodiment of the separating device. In contrast to the embodiment of FIG. 18, the clamping piece 109 has a laterally arranged wedge 111 a. At section 106, a notch 112a is associated with this wedge. Furthermore, the portion 106 on the side facing the pyrotechnic charge, a notch 115a.

Also in this embodiment, the portion 106 is severed by the wedge 111a and by the pressure wave of the pyrotechnic charge, deviating from the embodiment of Fig. 18, only one end of the portion 106 rotates about the notch 15a into the cavity 110.

In the embodiment of FIG. 20, the bus bar 101 is mounted with its sections 104, 105 and 106 between an outer housing 116 and an inner housing 117. The inner housing 117 has a cavity 118 for the pyrotechnic charge 113. The outer housing 116 has, in the region of the cavity 118, a cavity 119 whose lateral dimensions are greater than those of the cavity 118. Part of the outer housing 116 is in the region of the cavity 1 19, a wedge 120 extending in the direction of the portion 106 of the busbar 101st extends. As with the embodiment of FIG. 18, the wedge 120 is associated with the notch 112 at the portion 106. Furthermore, as in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the section 106 has two notches 114, 115. The mode of action after ignition of the pyrotechnic charge corresponds to that of the embodiment of FIG. 18.

In Fig. 21, a bus bar 201 is shown as an electrical conductor. The busbar 201 extends within a housing 202 U-shaped with vertical sections 203, 204 and a portion 205 which lies between the sections 203, 204. These latter portions are fixed in the housing 202 made of insulating material. To the sections 203, 204 close to the outside of the housing 202 ports, which are not shown in FIG. 21. The portion 205 is mounted between a tube 206 as a support and a clamping piece 207 having an annular portion. The tube 206 is mounted in the housing 202 so that it can move slightly in the direction of its longitudinal axis to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. The clamping piece 207 presses in a region which is outside of the tube 206, on the portion 205 of the busbar. The clamping piece 207 has a cavity 208 in the region of the tube 206

In the housing 202 and partly within the tube 206, a pyrotechnic charge 209 is provided as a source for generating a pressure wave. Between this and the portion 205 of the bus bar 201 extends within the tube 206 a defined Pressure chamber 210. The portion 206 of the bus bar 201 has on the side of the pressure chamber 210 a wedge-shaped predetermined breaking point 206a and on the side of the cavity 208, two wedge-shaped bending points 206b and 206c.

A gap 211 (FIG. 22) may be present between the tube 206 and the section 205 of the busbar 201 due to the production, which may lead to a leakage current after the generation of a pressure wave. To prevent this, the tube 206 at the innermost contact point 212 between the tube 206 and the portion 205 of the bus bar 201 has a circumferential sealing lip 213.

After ignition of the pyrotechnic charge 209, a pressure wave is created which bends the portion 206 of the busbar 201 about the flexures 206b and 206c toward the cavity 208 until the portion 206 and thus the bus bar 201 at the predetermined breaking point 206a is severed and separated Ends protrude into the cavity 208. Together with the portion 206, the sealing lip 213 is deformed due to the increased pressure in the pressure chamber 210 so that it rests against the portion 206. As a result, the gap 211 is sealed in the radial direction, which prevents pressurized gas from escaping through the gap 211. Therefore, until the rupture of the predetermined breaking point 206a, a defined pressure space 210 is present, which has the above-mentioned advantages.

In place of the integrated sealing in the pipe lip, a separate seal may be provided, which is then pressed by the pressure in the pressure chamber not only against the busbar but also laterally against the pipe or another housing portion, so that a gap between the busbar and the Tube or another housing portion is sealed.

The arrangement according to the invention can also be applied to switching devices except for separating elements.

Claims

claims

1. A method for one-off and permanent separation of an electrical connection, in particular in a motor vehicle, by means of a pressure wave, characterized in that an electrical line is separated at a predetermined breaking point and additionally deformed in the region of the predetermined breaking point, wherein the severed ends of the line part of the respective Remain on the line side.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical line is deformed both before and after the separation.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the deformation and the separation takes place in a motor vehicle by the gas pressure generated when igniting an air bag lighter

4. A device for one-off and permanent separation of an electrical connection, by means of a pressure wave, in particular according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a portion (6, 38, 42, 46, 51) of an electrical conductor, which are severed is intended, both a predetermined breaking point (9, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 32, 37, 39, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50) and at least one bending point (21, 22, 26, 27, 30, 35, 36, 40, 41, 43, 44, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53).

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the predetermined breaking point (21, 22, 26, 27, 47, 48, 49, 50) and the bending point are identical.

6. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the predetermined breaking point (9, 29, 32, 37, 39, 45) and the bending point (30, 35, 36, 40, 41, 43, 44, 52, 53) at different Places lie.

7. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical conductor (1) at the predetermined breaking point (9, 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 32, 37, 39, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50) and at the bending point (21, 22, 26, 27, 30, 35, 36, 40, 41, 43, 44, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53) at least one portion (9, 18, 23 , 28, 32, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50) of reduced cross section.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that the conductor section (9, 18, 23, 28, 32, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50) with a reduced cross section extends over a predetermined length.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the conductor section (9, 28, 32, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50) has a continuously varying cross-section.

10. The device according to at least one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the at least one portion (9, 32, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50) with a reduced cross section is wedge-shaped.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the conductor at the predetermined breaking point has a wedge-shaped incision (9, 32, 37, 39, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50).

12. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the conductor both at the predetermined breaking point and at least one bending point at least one wedge-shaped incision (9, 32, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50).

13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that the wedge-shaped incisions (43, 44,, 45, 49, 50 are on the same side of the conductor (1).

14. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the wedge-shaped cuts 39, 40, 41, 47, 48) lie on opposite sides of the conductor.

15. The device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conductor (1) is formed flat at least in the region of the predetermined breaking point and bending point.

16. The device according to at least one of claims 4 to 14, characterized in that the portion of the electrical conductor (1) to be cut, is surrounded by a housing (7), arranged in which in a motor vehicle, an airbag lighter (10) is.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that the airbag lighter (10) is injected into the housing (7), so that both form a unit.

18. The device according to at least one of claims 4 to 16, characterized in that the conductor (1) in the region of the separation and bending point between a bushing (11) and a clamping piece (12) is mounted, which is annular, so that the conductor is deformable and separable in this direction ..

19. The device according to at least one of claims 4 to 16, characterized in that the housing consists of an outer (14) and an inner housing (15) and that the conductor (1) is mounted between these two housings.

20. The device according to at least one of claims 4 to 19, characterized in that when using a non-electrically conductive material consisting wedge, which extends in the direction of the separation point, the source (113) for generating the pressure wave and the wedge (111, 111a, 120) on opposite sides of a line section (106) are arranged, and that the wedge (1 11, 11 1a, 120) is immovable.

21. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that in addition to the wedge (111, 120) at least one cavity (110, 119) for receiving at least one severed end of the line section (106) is provided.

22. The apparatus of claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the wedge (111, 120) is arranged so that next to each wedge surface, a cavity (110a, 110b) for receiving a severed end of the line section (106) is provided.

23. The apparatus of claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the wedge (111 a) is arranged so that in addition to a wedge surface, a cavity (110) for receiving a severed end of the line section (106) is provided.

24. The device according to at least one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the wedge (111, 111 a, 120) fixed in the housing (107, 116) of the source (113) is arranged to generate the pressure wave.

25. The device according to at least one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that the line section (106) in the region of the separation point between a bushing (108) and a clamping piece (109) is mounted, which is annular, so that the line section ( 106) is separable in this direction.

26. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that the wedge (111, 1 11a) is an integral part of the clamping piece (109).

27. The device according to at least one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that the housing consists of an outer housing (116) and an inner housing (117) and that the line section (106) is mounted between these two housings.

28. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that the wedge (120) is an integral part of the outer housing (116)

29. The device according to at least one of claims 4 to 28, characterized in that as a source for generating the pressure wave, a pyrotechnic charge (113) is provided.

30. The device according to at least one of claims 4 to 29, characterized in that the line section (106) on the wedge (111, 111 a, 120) side facing in its region a notch (1 12, 1 12 a).

31. The device according to at least one of claims 4 to 30, characterized in that the line section (106) on the side on which the source (1 13) is arranged for generating the pressure wave, at least one notch (114, 1 15, 1 15a).

32. The device according to at least one of claims 4 to 31, characterized in that the conductor section to be cut rests at least at the edge of a pressure chamber on a housing surrounding the pressure chamber and is clamped there that at the innermost contact point (212) between the electrical line ( 201) and the support (206) of the electrical line (201) a deformable by the pressure wave and thereby against a gap (211) between the electrical line (201) and the support (206) andrückpressbare seal (213) is provided, which Gap (211) seals in the radial direction.

33. Apparatus according to claim 32, characterized in that the seal (213) on a pressure chamber (210) surrounding tube (206) is provided as a shell, which is arranged in a pyrotechnic charge (209) receiving housing (202).

34. Apparatus according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that the seal is designed as a sealing lip (213).

35. Apparatus according to claim 34, characterized in that the sealing lip (213) is part of the tube (206).

36. The device according to at least one of claims 33 to 35, characterized in that the tube (206) is displaceable to compensate for tolerances to a small extent.