GB2592280A - An electrical interrupter - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrical interrupter 100 comprises a first cup-shaped conductor having a first contact 102a and one or more sides 108 extending between a base 104 and opposing top face 106. A second conductor 116 comprises a second contact 116a and is electrically connected to the base of the first conductor to define a current path. A seal 114 on the top face of the first conductor seals the cavity. The cavity contains an actuator 120 which when actuated increases pressure within the cavity and separates the base from the first conductor to open the current path. Also disclosed is an interrupter 200 comprising an actuator, a housing having a first cavity 212 and a wider second cavity 216, and a conductor 210. The conductor comprises first and second sections 210b,210c connected by a bridge 210a, which forms a current path and defines at least part of the first cavity. The first cavity contains a latch mechanism comprising a body 220, movable members 130a,b, and a spring which urges the movable members outwards in different radial directions 138a,b. The movable members are constrained in the first cavity but after the actuator causes the bridge and latch to move into the second cavity, the movable members extend outwards.

Description

An electrical interrupter

Field

This relates to opening, or interrupting, a current conduction path. In particular, this relates to an electrical interrupter or disconnector apparatus including an actuator for opening a current conduction path. This also relates to a switch or disconnector for opening a current conduction path comprising a latch mechanism.

Background

lo Current conduction paths can be opened by breaking a continuous conductor which defines the current conduction path. One approach is to use a switch or other electrical interrupter/disconnector device comprising an actuator, in some examples a pyrotechnic based actuator, to break the COnthillOUS conductor. When such switches or discormectors are used for high current applications, the size of the conductor may be large in order to carry the high current. It may therefore be difficult to break such a large continuous conductor, It is desirable to provide an improved apparatus for opening a current conduction path, particularly in high current applications. Such an improved apparatus is desirable for applications which require reliable and rapid opening or interruption of a current conduction path, for example, batteries in electric vehicles or electrical overload mechanisms for industrial processes requiring high current ratings.

Summary

zi7, In a first aspect, a device for opening a current conduction path (such as an isolator switch or electrical interrupter) is provided as defined in the appended independent apparatus claim 1, with optional features defined in the dependent claims appended thereto. A method of operating the device of the first aspect is also described. In a second aspect, a device for opening a current conduction path comprising a latch o mechanism for preventing subsequent closing of the current conduction path is provided as defined in a further appended independent apparatus claim. A method of operating the device of the second aspect is also described.

In the following specification, a device for interrupting an electrical circuit is described.

:35 The electrical interrupter comprises a first conductor comprising: a base portion, a top face opposite the base portion, one or -more sides extending from the base portion to the top face, wherein the base portion and the one or more sides define a cavity, and a first connection contact electrically coupled to at -least one of the one or more sides. A second conductor comprising a second connection contact is also provided, the second conductor electrically connected to the base portion of the first conductor to define a current conduction path. A sealing member is arranged to seal the top face of the first conductor to seal the cavity. The electrical interrupter also comprises an actuator arranged at least partially within the sealed cavity; upon actuation, the actuator is configured to increase a pressure (optionally a fluid pressure) within the sealed cavity to cause separation of at least part of the base portion of the first conductor from the one or more sides to open the current conduction path.

A method for operating the electrical interrupter comprises: actuating an actuator to increase a pressure within a sealed cavity formed by a first conductor, the first conductor comprising a base portion, a top face opposite the base partkill, one or more sides extending from the base port-ion to the top face, and a first connection contact electrically coupled to at least one of the one or more sides, wherein the base portion and the one or more sides define the cavity. The method further comprises exerting, by the increased pressure, pressure on the base portion of the first conductor; separating, by the pressure on the base portion, at last part of the base portion from the one or more sides; and opening a current conduction path, defined through the first conductor and a second conductor electrically coupled to the base portion of the first conductor, by the separating.

Previous actuator baser itches have relied on a linear arrar gemein to break a single, or continuous, conductor. For example, a linear displacement of an actuated piston would cut a linear conductor into two segments under a wedge ty-1.)e action to interrupt the current. However, improved breaking of the conductor may be achieved with a cup-shaped conductor, as described herein, by making use of the combination of hoop and axial stresses experienced by the cup shaped (or similar) conductor when the actuator is activated to increase a (fluid) pressure within tile sealed cavity formed by the cond uctor itself.

Moreover, the shape of the first conductor means that the base section/portion can be relatively thin, even for higher current applications. Quick and easy opening of the current conduction path can thus occur by breaking the conductor progressively around the entire perimeter of the base portion, or around part of the perimeter and across a centre of the base portion, without requiring large forces to be applied to the conductor. Smaller actuators may therefore be used, facilitating the provision of smaller and cheaper switches. Moreover, since smaller pyrotechnic charges (or smaller actuators more generally) exert less pressure on the conductor than larger actuators or charges, the housing does not need to be as strong to withstand the applied forces. The housing may therefore be thinner (less material is required to contain the forces), again facilitating the provision of cheaper (less material is required to manufacture the housing) and smaller switches.

Optionally, the one or more sides meet the base portion to define a corner region of the first conductor. In some examples, the base portion and the at least one or more sides meet in the corner region at an angle 0, wherein 0 is between 75 and io5 degrees; optionally wherein 0 is between 85 and 05 degrees, optionally wherein 0 is substantially 90 degrees, optionally wherein 0 is go degrees. This sudden change in geometry in the corner region can concentrate stresses in the corner region, facilitating reliable and repeatable breaking of the conductor at or near the corner region, as well as increasing the rate of separation of at least part of the base portion from the one or more sides. A quicker and more reliable interrupter may therefore be provided.

In some examples, a thickness of at least one of the base portion or the side(s) is reduced in the corner region of the first conductor. This can help facilitate quicker separation of (part of) the base portion from the one or more sides; without requiring larger forces to be applied. Moreover, the decrease in thickness can improve repeatability of breaks across devices, facilitating the provision of a quicker and more reliable interrupter. In some examples the decrease in thickness is provided by one or more notched portions; these provide a significant change in thickness, which encourages breaking of the first conductor at or around the notched portions. Relia bility may therefore be further improved.

in some examples, the base portion and the one or more sides are integrally formed; the methods of manufacture used for forming such integral components can impart desirable properties such as reduced thickness in the corner region (or at the transition between base and side(s) of the conductor) and/or increased brittleness. This may facilitate improved separation of the base portion from the rest of the first conductor.

In other examples, the base portion and the one or more sides are mechanically and electrically coupled at the corner region or at the transition point between base and side(s); this approach can introduce mechanical weakness into the first conductor, which weakness may help reliable and repeatable separation of the base portion in response to -actuation.

Optionally, the base portion is circular, and the one or more sides comprise a cylindrical side extending around the base portion to define a cylindrical cavity (the top face of which can then be sealed by the sealing member). Optionally, a housing of the interrupter is configured to surround and confine the one or more sides. This cup, or well, shaped conductor may provide the most efficient geometry for breaking of the conductor, since it allows axial and hoop (or circumferential) stresses to all be used to break the conductor (these are the dominant stresses in the examples described herein, but in some instances radial stress may also contribute to the failure of the conductor). Radial stress is stress in directions coplanar with, but perpendicular to, the symmetry axis of the cylindrical conductor. Hoop (or circumferential) stress is stress in the tangential direction (e.g. the stress exerted circumferentially, perpendicular to the axis and radius of the cylinder). Since the cavity is here also confined in the axial direction by the base portion, axial forces are experienced by the first conductor (as well as by the sealing member). The housing may act to constrain the radial forces on the side(s), concentrating the forces on the unsupported base portion of the first conductor.

Quicker and easier breaking of the conductor may therefore be provided by these example arrangements, facilitating the provision of an improved electrical interrupter.

Optionally, Me first and second conductors are electrically connected by a flexible, electrically conducting, shunt. The use of a flexible shunt reduces the mechanical resistance experienced when the base portion is separated from the side(s) as compared to other electrical connections, facilitating the rapid separation without the need for the application of large forces.

Optionally, the actuator is a pyrotechnic actuator arranged to release gas into the sealed (optionally empty) cavity upon ignition. Pyrotechnic actuators have a quick ignition time and can exert a significant amount of pressure in a short period of time, so this arrangement can provide for rapid separation of (part of) the base portion from the rest of the conductor; this arrangement may be desirable in applications such as electric vehicles where a very quick response is required in case of a collision. Optionally, the sealed cavity comprises a fluid and the actuator is configured to compress the fluid to increase a fluid pressure within the cavity and exert a force on the First conductor. The actuator may be a pyrotechnic actuator (configured to increase a gas pressure by the release of gas upon ignition), but any other actuator (e.g. a mechanical actuator) that can increase the pressure within the sealed cavity by reducing the volume may be used.

Optionally, the fluid is a liquid. Optionally the sealed cavity comprises a gel, which may fill some, or all, of the sealed cavity; Since liquid and gels are relatively incompressible, only a small decrease in volume may be required to exert large forces on the conductor. For example; forces can be exerted by way of a pressure or shock wave through the liquid or gel, .A smaller actuator may therefore be used, and thus a smaller device may be provided. In some examples, the gel is silica gel, which may act to suppress arc formation upon breaking of the conductor and thereby facilitate the provision of a safer electrical interruption device. In sonic examples, the gel is provided to fill a portion of the cavity to help suppress arc formation, and a fluid pressure is increased within the remainder of the cavity due to activation/ignition of the actuator. The silica gel, or other arc extinguishing media, may be arranged between the actuator and the base portion to facilitate suppression of the arc as at least part of the base portion is separated and displaced by the forces from the actuator.

In some examples, the electrical interrupter also comprises a piston arranged between the actuator and the base portion, within the sealed cavity. The piston is configured to exert a force on parts, or all, of the base portion of the first conductor in response to actuation by the actuator to push the base portion towards the second conductor in order to separate the base portion from the sides. The use of a piston may improve the concentration of the forces from the actuator on the base portion. Optionally the piston is shaped so as to concentrate the force in at least a portion of the corner region of the first conductor. For example, the piston may contact part of the base portion at, or proximate to, the perimeter of the base portion, and may not contact the centre of the base portion. This approach can concentrate forces in the areas of the conductor where the stresses are highest; facilitating quicker and more reliable and repeatable brealdng of the conductor.

In some examples, the piston comprises a latch mechanism comprising at least two moveable members and one or more biasing members, the one or more biasing members configured to urge each of the moveable members in different radial directions. In some examples, the mechanism comprises first and second moveable members and a biasing member retained by the piston and coupled to each of the first and second moveable nenibers. The biasing member is configured to urge the first moveable member in a first radial direction and to urge the second moveable member in a second radial direction opposite the first radial direction, such that upon separation of the base portion from the one or more sides the first and second moveable members extend further in the radial direction than the one or more sides. This arrangement can improve safety and reliability of the device by preventing contact between the separated base 'portion and the rest of the first conductor. Moreover, a device using such a latch mechanism can be orientation independent.

In some examples, the moveable members of the latch extend past the bottom of the sides of the conductor, retaining the (portion of the) base portion in the second cavity separated from the first conductor sides by the latch. in some examples, the moveable members of the latch may be retained by the housing, for example due to engagement of the moveable members with one or more recesses or slots within the housing surrounding the second cavity. The extendible latch mechanism can be used to increase the distance between the separated conductor portions by utilising features in the housing body (such as slots, recesses, ratchet type slots, etc.) to retain the separated part of the base portion at a maximum distance from the rest of the first conductor, thereby reducing the capacitance of the open interrupter device.

Optionally, the housing comprises one or more vents extending at least partially through the housing to allow gas or the like to escape the second cavity. This outgassing can prevent rupture or other damage to the electrical interrupter due to high internal pressures alter actuation, which damage may in turn affect surrounding electrical components. Such vents may also provide a visual indication of operation of the interrupter, which can allow for improved inspection and maintenance of systems comprising the interrupter described herein.

Another example of an electrical interrupter is described herein. The electrical interrupter comprises: an actuator; a housing comprising a first cavity and a second cavity, the second cavity wider than the first cavity; and a conductor. The conductor comprises a first section and a second section, the first and second sections comprising connection contacts, and a bridge section defining at least a portion of the first cavity, the first and second sections connected via the bridge section to define a current conduction path along the conductor. A latch mechanism is also disposed within the first cavity, the latch mechanism comprising a body member, (at least) first and second moveable members, and one or more biasing members (i.e. at least one biasing member) retained by the body mein her and coupled to the (at least) first and second moveable members. The one or more biasing members are configured to urge the first moveable member outward in a first radial direction and to urge the second moveable member outward in a second radial direction different to (optionally opposite to) the first radial direction, the first cavity configured to confine the first and second moveable members. The actuator is configured, upon actuation, to exert a force on the bridge section in a first direction to separate a portion of the bridge section from the first and second conductor sections so as to open the current conduction path, and to displace the latch mechanism and the separated portion of the bridge section in the First direction towards the second cavity. When the latch mechanism is in the second cavity, the first moveable member is extended outward in the first radial direction and the second moveable member is extended ounvard in the second radial direction.

A method for operating the electrical interrupteL cot tiating an actuator arranged in a first cavity of a housing; exerting, by the actuator, pressure on a bridge section of a conductor, the bridge section defining at least a portion of the first cavity, the conductor comprising a first section and a second section, the first and second sections comprising connection contacts and being connected via the bridge section to define a current conduction path along the conductor; displacing, by the pressure, the bridge section and a latch mechanism into a second cavity of the housing, the second cavity being wider than the first cavity; opening, by the displacement, the current conduction path; and opening the latch mechanism in the second cavity to retain the bridge section in the displaced position.

Optionally, the biasing member is a resiliently deformable member, optionally, a spring, or an elastic material such as rubber. The resiliently deformable member may be arranged in compression when the latch is in the first cavity. Alternatively, the resiliently deformable member may be arranged under tension, or under torsion, as appropriate. For example, a compression spring, a tension spring or a torsion spring may be used, depending on the arrangement of the latch mechanism. Optionally, the bridge section is arranged to separate the first and second cavities, and the latch mechanism is arranged between the bridge section and the actuator. Alternatively, the bridge section is arranged between the actuator and the latch mechanism. -8 -

Optionally, the body member comprises a piston arranged to contact the bridge section to separate the portion of the bridge section from the first and second conductor sections. The piston may more effectively concentrate the forces on the bridge section to facilitate improved breaking of the conduction path.

A system is provide( which comprises an electrical interrupter as described with reference to any example above, and a controller arranged to provide a signal to the actuator to cause actuation of the actuator. A vehicle is provided comprising an electrical interrupter as described with reference to any example above, and/or the system. Optionally, the vehicle is an electric vehicle.

It will be understood that any of the features described above with reference to the switch of the first aspect may be provided in any suitable combination. Moreover, any such features may be combined with any features of the method of the second aspect, or vice-versa, as appropriate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The following description is with reference to the following Figures: Figure 1 shows a schematic cross section of a device (such as a switch, an interrupter or a disconnector) in accordance with an example of the first aspect, where the device is in a first (closed) position and a current conduction path is defined through the device; Figure 2: Figure 2A shows a perspective view of the current conduction path of the device of Figurer, Figure 2B shows a perspective view of the first conductor of the device of Figure 1, Figure 2C shows an alternative perspective view of the first conductor of the device of Figure 1, Figure 21) shows an example corner region of the first conductor described herein, and Figure 2E shows examples of flexible shunts; Figure 3 illustrates a schematic cross section of the device of Figure it in a second (open) position, where the current conduction path is opened or interrupted; Figure 4. shows a schematic cross-section of a device in a first (closed) position in accordance with another example of the first aspect described herein; Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-section of a device in a first (closed) position in accordance with another example of the first aspect described herein; and Figures 6A to 6F show schematic cross sections of example corner regions of the first conductor; Figure 7 illustrates example perspective views of components of a latch mechanism as described herein: Figure 7A shows the latch mechanism in a first, closed, position, Figure 7B shows an example body member of the latch mechanism, and Figure 7C shows an example of the arrangement of the biasing and moveable members in the first, closed position; Figures 8A-8E show example, schematic, positions of a device in accordance with examples of the second aspect during the opening of the current conduction path, the device comprising a latch mechanism according to Figure 7: Figure 8A shows a cross-section of the device when the current conduction path is defined along the conductor, Figure 8E illustrates an intermediate position of the conductor and latch mechanism during operation of the device, Figures BE and 8D show possible cross-sections of the device when the current conduction path is opened, and Figure BE show a cross section of an alternative example of the device of the second aspect when the current conduction path is opened; FigLiceS 9A and 9B illustrate a vehick comprisdng the. switch of the first or second aspects.

Detailed Description

With reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 (2A to 2D), an electrical interrupter device 100 (such as an isolator, disconnecter or other form of electrical interrupter) for opening a current conduction path is described. The current conduction path ifio is defined along a first conductor 102 and a second conductorito, which conductors are electrically coupled to one another when the current conduction path is closed and current is able to flow through the device.

The first conductor 102 of electrical interrupter device 100 comprises a base portion 104, a top face -106 opposite the base portion (illustrated by the dotted line in Figure -) and one or more sides 108 extending from the base portion to the top face. The base portion 104 and one or more sides 108 of conductor 1.02 form a cavity 11.2. As described herein, the base portion is circular, optionally a substantially circular shape such as an oval, and there is one sidemS extending around the base portion, and from the base portion 104 to the top face 106, to define a cylindrical cavity or well ill In other words, the one or more sides 108 comprise a cylindrical side extending around the single, circular, edge of the base portion 104. Alternatively, the base portion 104 may have any number of edges, with one side extending from each edge to define the cavity.

For example, the base portion may be square, with four sides extending front the edges of the base portion.

The one or more sides meet the base portion to define a corner region no of the first conductor (illustrated in more detail in Figure 20,a detail of the dotted circle of Figure 2A). The base portion and the at least one or more sides meet in the corner region tui of the inside 162 of the cavity 112 at an angle 8. in the examples described herein, 0 is between 75 and 105 degrees, optionally 0 is between 85 and 95 degrees, optionally 0 is substantially 90 degrees, optionally 0 is 90 degrees. During operation of the device 100, at least part of the base portion is configured to be physically broken away from the one or more sides, thereby stopping the electrical conduction between the two components. In some examples, a thickness 146 of the base portion 104 and/or a thickness 148 of the side(s) 108 may be reduced in the corner region 110 of the conductor to further facilitate tile separation of the base portion from the one or more t5 sides. This thickness reduction may be due to thinning of the material in this region, or due to the presence of one or more notches 122, as will be described below in more detail with reference to Figure 6.

The top face of the first conductor is at least partially open. in other words, the conductor 102 (when considered in isolation of the components of the rest of the device), may have a fully open top face, or at least part of the top face 106 may comprise a rim portion which extends from the top of the at least one side 108. In this way, the cavity may be at least partially enclosed on the top face 106 by the rim portion. For example, as seen in Figure 2A, the first conductor comprises a ri m portion at top face 106 which extends from the side m8 in a direction away from a centre of the cavity 112, but this rim may optionally extend in the other direction, towards a centre of the cavity 112, to at least partially enclose the cavity along the top face 106. In other examples there may be no rim and the top face of the first conductor may be completely open.

A connection contact 102a may be electrically coupled to the one or more sides io8 (optionally via the rim portion at the top face 106 of the first conductor 102) for connection of the first conductor 102 to an external circuit. The connection contact 102 may be integral with the rest of the first conductor or may be mechanically coupled in any suitable manner to provide the necessary electrical connection. The one or more sides are electrically coupled to the base portion, such that current flows from the external circuit to which tile connection contact baa is connected and around the cup shaped first conductor (see Figures 2B an 1 2C, which show -ixatuo cup" geometry).

In the examples described herein the base portion is ntegral with the one or more sides (the base portion and the one or more sides are integrally formed), but it will be understood that in other examples the base portion and the one or more sides may be mechanically coupled at the corner region Do. Where the one or more sides are coupled to the base portimi (which coupling is both mechanical and electrical such that the components of the first conductor are in electrical contact), the coupling may optionally be by way of electrically conductive adhesive, welding, brazing. press-fit, interference fit, soldering, or the like. This approach may improve breaking of the first conductor, since the mechanical joint between the components maybe weaker than the components themselves, causing breaking at the corner region in response to a smaller force than with integral components. A smaller actuator may therefore be used, and thus a smaller device provided.

When the first conductor is an integral component as described herein, the cup shaped conductor may be formed by die casting in some implementations. The casting of the conductor 102 can produce thinning at the corner region:too and a sharp transition between the flat base portion and the one or more sides. Cast metal may also be more brittle, which can improve the breaking of the first conductor during operation. Die casting may also be used to make a conductor with a variable thickness; for example, the thickness may vary across the base portion and/or along the length of the one or more sides extending between the base portion and the top face. In other implementations, the cup shaped conductor described herein may be formed by a drawing operation. The drawing of the conductor 102 can also produce thinning at corner region -too, which can help breaking of the first conductor.

Electrical interrupter 100 further comprises a second conductor n6 comprising a second connection contact 116a. The second conductor n6 is electrically connected to the base portion of the first conductor to define a current conduction path 160 through the device too. In the examples described herein, the first and second conductors are electrically connected by a flexible conducting shunt n8, examples of which can be seen in Figure 2E. Jr particular, Figure 2E shows a braided shunt (top image), a flex wire shunt (middle image) and a layered shunt (bottom image), but any other suitable time of flexible conducting shunt may be employed, depending on the specific geometry and -12 -requirements of the device. Use of a shunt facilitates improved breaking of the curve t conduction path since the shunt it8 provides minimal resistance when bent or compressed during the separation of the (part of) base portion 104 from the rest of first Conductor 102, Which minimal resistance Can improve the response time for opening the current path. The shunt:LIB can be brazed, soldered, coupled with a mechanical joint such as a rivet, or integrally formed with the first and/or second conductors 102,116.

The first 102 and second 116 conductors are arranged within a housing 124 of the device mo, the housing 124configures such that the connection contacts to2a and 116a extend outside of the housing for connection to an external circuit. The housing 124 retains the first conductor 102 (here by retaining the rim of the first conductor within the housing, but the retention may be by any suitable manner) but the base portion 104 of the first conductor 102 is disposed over a second cavity 126 such that the base portion 104 is not retained Or supported by the housing 124. In other words, the base portion 104. is arranged between the cavity 112 and the second cavity 126, optionally the cavity 112 and the second cavity 126 are separated by the base portion.

The flexible shunt 118 and. second conductor TM are here arranged. within this cavity 126 and coupled to a centre of the base portion, but it will be understood that any other suitable arrangement maybe provided and/or alternative labelling maybe used. For example, the shunt may be a second conductor connected to a connection contact 116a of the first conductor and the second conductor may comprise connection contact 102a. The only requirement for effective opening of the current conduction path as described herein is that one connection contact is coupled to a side 108 of the first conductor, and one connection contact is coupled to the base 104 of the first conductor, such that separation of at least part of the base portion from the one or more sides 108 (in particular, separation of at least the part coupled to the second conductor) causes the current conduction path to break and the electrical circuit to be interrupted.

An actuator 120 is arranged at least partially within the cavity 112 defined by the first conductor 102, and a sealing meMber 114 is arranged to seal the top face 106 of the first conductor to seal the cavity 112. The sealing of the cavity may be ensured through the use of various 0-rings or seal rings (such as rings 144, illustrated in Figure 1 with dotted circles), or the application of sealant, for example. Both the sealing member 114 and the housing 124 are formed of an insulating material. in the arrangement described -13 -rein, actuator 120 is configured to increase a pressure (optionally a fluid pressure) within the sealed cavity to exert a force On the walls of the cavity 112 of the first cond uctor 102 to cause breaking of the first conductor, as described with reference to Figure 3.

In some examples, the actuator is a pyrotechnic actuator comprising a charge which is configured, upon ignition, to release gas into the sealed cavity 112 to provide an actuating force. The pyrotechnic actuator 120 can comprises connector pins and an igniter (not shown). The connector pins activate a charge inside the igniters upon receipt of an ignition signal. The pyrotechnic actuator 120 is arranged to, upon activation or ignition of the charge, expel gas into the sealed cavity 112 formed within the first conductor 102.

With reference to Figure 3, the high-pressure gases which are expelled into the cavity 112 produces an actuating force 136 which acts on the base portion 104 and one or more sides to8. In particular, when the first conductor defines a cylindrical cavity, the interior of the cavity is subjected to radial, axial and hoop stresses due to the actuating force 136. The axial stresses act on the base portion 104, and the radial stresses act 011 the one or more sides 108, which are optionally-retained by the housing-124 to prevent rupture of the first conductor 102 at the sides 108. The base portion 104 is unsupported by the housing 124, and the axial stresses push on the base portion in direction 13'4 to case the base portion to move in direction 134. towards the second cavity 126 in the housing. The sides 108 of the first conductor 102 which define the cavity 112 can be supported or unsupported by the housing, depending on the shape and size of the housing, and the manufacturing tolerances used.

In some examples, a portion of the housing is arranged such that the conductor sides 108 are at least partially supported by the housing. In such arrangements, radial deformation of the conductor will be reduced, since at least parts of the conductor sides are retained by the housing 124 which acts to oppose the radial forces; for example, a well may be formed within the housing and the conductor 102 may be placed within the well using tight tolerances to ensure contact between the housing and the sides 108 in the required areas. A thinner conductor may therefore be used as compared to arrangements in which the conductor sides 108 are unsupported by the housing, since rupture of the conductor sides io8 is less likely. The conductor 102 May therefore be -14 -manufactured for less cost, and We size of the conductor can be reduced. A smaller and cheaper switch may therefore be provided.

Where the sidesthr8 are not retained by the housing 124, the conductor deformation in the radial direction will be larger than for supported side(s) 108; the combination of axial stresses (from axial forces 136) with this relatively higher radial deformation and stresses in the corner region no of the conductor 102 can cause rupture of the conductor 102 with relatively less pressure as compared to supported sidewalks This approach can thus not only eliminate the requirement for tighter tolerances, but call allow for the use of a smaller charge than with supported side(s) to8. A smaller and cheaper switch may therefore be provided.

The corner region no is subjected to particularly high stresses during actuation of the actuator 120 due to the geometry transition between the base portion and the sides, where 11001) stresses in the cylindrical walls combine with axial stresses on the end base portion and act on the conductor in addition to the geometric stress concentration at the corner region caused by the change in conductor Shape in that area. The geometry transition in the corner region, combined with any reduction in the thicknesses 146, 148 at the corner region, acts to cause rupture of the first conductor at (or proximate to) the perimeter of the base portion, and optionally around the perimeter.

Once part of the base portion has separated from the one or more sides, the actuating force continues to move the base portion in direction 134 towards the second conductor 116, compressing the flexible shunt 118 to physically and electrically separate at least the part of the base portion which is coupled to the second cond uctor from the side(s) to8 to cause the interrupter too to be in an open position in which the current conduction path is opened and no current flows through the device 100. As described herein separation of the base portion from the one or more sides comprises at least part of the base portion moving relative to the one or more sides, but it will be understood that in some examples, the one or more sides may be configured to move relative to the base portion during operation of the device too.

In some implementations, a piston 128 may be arranged within the sealed cavity 112 and between the actuator 120 and the base portion 104. The piston 128 is configured to 35 contact the base portion 104 in the corner region no, but not to contact the base portion 104 in the centre of the base portion. For example, the piston has one or more -15 -contact points 164 that protrude further than does a centre of the piston. The contact point(s) 164 may extend around the entire edge of the piston or just a portion it (as seen in Figure 7B). In particular, in the example of Figure 7B, the piston has two flat contact points arranged at diametrically opposite points of the piston. The flat contact points interface with the base portion of the conductor. This arrangement facilitates an effective concentration of the axial forces 136 generated due to the increased fluid (optionally gas) pressure inside the cavity on the base portion.

The base portion may break initially at the parts in contact with piston 128, i.e. the parts in contact with contact points 164, and then the breaking of the conductor may progress around the entire perimeter and/or from the broken region(s) of the base portion perimeter towards the centre of the base portion. Whilst in this arrangement the actuating force acts on the base portion 104 via the piston 128, it will be understood that the force may act on the base portion directly, or via any other suitable component provided between the pyrotechnic actuator 120 and the base portion.

In the example described with reference to Figure 7B, the concentration of forces will cause propagating cracks at the corner region 100 of the conductor base portion, at diametrically opposite sides (the cracks forming at the parts of the corner region which contact or interface with the flat contact points of the piston 128). As the piston 128 continues to move in direction 134, each crack will propagate around the perimeter of the conductor base portion until the cracks meet, This will cause shearing or breaking the whole way around the base portion 104, at or proximate to the edge of the base portion. At least a portion of the base portion is thus separated from the rest of the conductor 102. This arrangement helps ensure consistent, repetitive and reliable failure locations. Moreover, this repeatability allows the housing to be configured to maximise arc suppression in the failure locations, facilitating the provision of a safer switch with reduced risk of burn out.

In some arrangements, the sealed cavity 112 comprises a fluid and the actuator is configured to compress the fluid to exert a force on the first cowl uctor. In particular, operating the device 100 can comprise actuating the actuator 120 to increase a pressure within the sealed cavity 112 formed by the first conductor 102 and exerting, by the increased pressure, pressure on the base portion of the first conductor. Optionally, the fluid may be a liquid. The fluid may be compressed due to an increase in pressure within the sealed cavity; the increase in pressure can be due to a release of gas, such as -16 -an explosIve release from a Fuotechnic actuator, or a gradual increase of hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, or due to a decrease in the volume within the sealed cavity 112, for example due to movement of a mechanical actuator. In particular, any increase in pressure (and not necessarily an increase in fluid or gel pressure) can exert a force on the base portion in the manner described above and cause the base portion 104 to separate from the side(s)108 to break the conductor 102 (separating, by the pressure on the base portion, at last part of the base portion from the one or more sides and opening a current conduction path by the separating).

in Breaking of the first conductor, and the subsequent opening of the current path, can lead to formation of an arc between the edges of the separated base portion 104 and respective ends of the side(s) 108, which in this example remain in place and retained by the housing. This phenomenon can occur whenever conductors physically separate from one another. The linear displacement of the base portion 104 relative to the rest of the first conductor can facilitate a reduction in this electric arc (or arc discharge) by rapidly stretching the arc, thereby increasing the arc resistance. An increased arc resistance causes a corresponding increase in arc voltage and a decrease in arc current (since electrical arcs exhibit negative resistance). The speed of displacement which occurs, due to the dynamic nature of the force applied by the pyrotechnic actuator and the fact that the flexible shunt 118 does not impede or restrict the displacement, can act to increase the physical separation of the respective conducting components quicker than with previous approaches, leading to more effective interruption of the electrical arc. A safer and more robust switch may there be provided.

Arc interruption or extinguishing can be further improved through the use of a gas-generating element, which can be coupled to the base portion and can be formed of an ablative polymer comprising polyoxymethylene (P0M), which is arranged to generate gas when exposed to the heat generated by the electrical arc. Alternatively, the gas-generating element can be any other suitable ablative polymer, for example, polyanuide PA66 or polytetrafinoroethylene (PTFE), an ablative resin, or any other suitable material. The gases generated can act to reduce the conductivity of the environment within the switch, further reducing the arc current and thus facilitating improved interruption of the arc. A safer switch may therefore be provided. The gas-generating element can optionally be provided in any suitable location within the switch to reduce the electrical arc, and may not be coupled to the base portion.

Arc interruption or extinguishing can be further improved through the use of arc extinguishing media 142, as described with reference to Figure 4.. In this arrangement, arc extinguishing media 1/42 is arranged to be disposed between the base portion 104 and the piston 128 when the interrupter 100 is in a closed position and the current conduction path i60 is defined through the device 100. The switch may comprise a store of arc extinguishing media 142, such as silica gel another similar medium. The cavity 112 can be filled with the silica gel 14.2 and then the piston 128 arranged within the cavity and the cavity sealed with sealing member 114 and any suitable sealing rings 144, etc. A retainer ring 152 may also he placed within the emits' 112 to place the silica gel 142 under pressure and prevent the piston from moving before actuation of the device.

Operating the device 100 can comprise actuating the actuator 120 to increase a pressure within the sealed cavity 112 formed by the first conductor 102. When the actuator 120 is actuated, the movement of piston 128 in direction 134; and the resulting hydrostatic pressures in the silica gel, generates a shock wave in the media 142 which acts to break the first conductor 102 in the corner region no (due to the geometry transition in that region and optionally the effect of increased hoop stresses due to local thickness reduction, either from a variable conductor thickness and/or from the use of notched portions). In other words, the fiat base portion 104 is ruptured and caused to separate from the rest of the first conductor 102. As soon as the perimeter of the base portion 104, or part of the perimeter and across a centre of the base, is broken upon (i.e. in response tot actuation of the actuator 120, the silica gel 142 is correspondingly displaced to flow into the gap around the broken perimeter (lithe base portion 104.

Alternatively, an arc extinguishing media element 142 can be provided which is coupled to the base portion 104 and arranged to be otherwise moved into the gap vacated by the base portion 104. It will be understood that the arc extinguishing media can be provided in any other suitable arrangement to facilitate interruption or extingi, ishing of the elecuic arc. in this group of embodiments, the arc extinguishing media 142 comprises silica, provided in a thick, viscous, semi--solid liquid (i.e. a gel). However, it will he understood that the arc extinguishing media 142 can comprise silica in any suitable form, for example, in liquid or solid (such as a powder) -form. Alternatively, any other suitable arc extinguishing media maybe used. -18

It will be understooyl that the geometry of the first conductor 102 described herein is such that, in some alternative implementations of the electrical interrupter, the cavity 112 need not be sealed in order to facilitate opening of the conduction path. Instead, the actuator 120 may be any mechanical actuator configured to move in response to a signal to exert a force on the base portion 104 of the conductor 102 to cause breaking of the conductor. Optionally, the piston 128 maybe provided within the cavity 112 such that, upon actuation, the forces exerted on the first conductor are concentrated in the corner region 110 to break the base portion as described above and open the current conduction path.

In implementations where the cavity 112 is not sealed, the electrical interrupter too comprises: a first conductor 102, a second conductor 112 and an actuator 120. The first conductor comprises a base portion 104, a top face 106 opposite the base portion, one or more sides 108 extending from the base portion to the top face, the one or more sides meeting the base portion to define a corner region no of the first conductor, wherein the base portion and the one or more sides define a cavity, and a first connection contact io2a electrically coupled to at least one of the one or more sides. The second conductor comprises a second connection contact 116a, the second conductor electrically connected to the base portion of the first conductor to define a current conduction path. The actuator 120 is arranged at least partially within the cavity such that, upon actuation, the actuator is configured to exert a force 011 the base portion to cause separation of at least a portion of the base portion of the first conductor from the one or more sides to open the current conduction path.

As described with reference to Figure 5, any of the example embodiments described above may further comprise one or more vents 150 extending at least partially through the housing 124. These vents 150 are provided for outgassing, to release the gas produced from ignition of the pyrotechnic actuator, for example. In some examples, the vents 150c extend the entire way through the housing. These through-vents may comprise one or more plugs: optionally rubber phigs, arranged to close the vents. Additionally or alternatively, the housing may comprise one or more thin walls at the end of vents ',sob which extend only partially though the housing. Upon ignition of the charge 120 (or actuation of the actuator 120) and the subsequent rupture of the first conductor, the increased pressure within cavity 126 may cause the plugs and/or thin walls to blow out. This can provide a visual indication of opening of the interrupter

-

from the outside of the device, without requiring any internal inspection. Safety for a user may therefore be improved.

Baffles and/or mesh 150a may also be provided within vents 150 to suppress (slow) the release of the gas and prevent the emission of high velocity streams or jets of plasma (from the arc) and/or high temperature gases (from the charge, for example), which emissions may compromise the switch or isolator device and other components or devices within the vicinity. The baffles and/or mesh may be used in combination with either of vents 150b or 150c.

With reference to Figure 6, example corner regions no of first conductor 102 are described. The corner regions of Figures 6A. to ori illustrate reduced thickness 146, 148 of the hase and/or side(s) 108 of the first conductor due to the presence of one or more notched portions 122 in an integral first conductor (component 102), which reduced 1,5 thickness concentrates the stresses within the conductor to cause rupture of the conductor 102 in a more reliable and repeatable manner. it will be understood that the following are merely examples, and that the thicknesses 146. 148 may be reduced in any suitable manner; for example, there may be no notched portions and the thickness may be reduced by thinning part of the sides and/or base of the conductor (for example, during manufacture). The thickness 146, 148 is here understood as the dimension between the face of the base/side internal to the cavity 112 and the face of the base/side external to the cavity, as shown in Figure 2D.

Figure 6A shows an example circumferential notch portion 2a which extends around the circumference of the first conductor 102, here around the circumference of the cylindrical side 108. A thickness 148 of the side 108 is thus reduced. This arrangement may cause the base portion 104 to separate from the side 108 by breaking the first conductor at the bottom of side:108, Figure 611 shows an alternative circumferential notch 12210 with a different geometry than that of Figure 6A.

Figure 6e shows an example notch portion 1222 which extends around the perimeter of the base portion 104of the first conductor 102, here a circular notch portion 122(1 which is arranged proximate the edge (or perimeter) of circular base portion 104. A thickness 146 of the base portion 104 is thus reduced. This arrangement may cause the base portion 104 to separate from the side 108 by breaking the first conductor at an edge of the base portion 104. Figure 6D shows an alternative arrangement with a chamfered -20 -notch portion 122d which extends around an outside corner of the corner region 110. A thickness of lx)th the side 108 and the base 104. is thus reduced, and the first conductor can break or rupture at the thinnest portion of the conductor. The presence of the notches 122, or other reduced thickness, in the corner region 110 of the first conductor (at or near where the base portion 104 and the side(s) 108 meet) acts to improve the rapid and reliable breaking of the first conductor during use of the electrical interrupter.

Figures 6E and 6F show examples of the corner region no for first conductors 102 in which the base portion is mechanically and electrically coupled to the one or more sides 108 to form or define the cavity 112. in Figure 6E, examples of a press-fit base portion are shown, and in Figure 617, an example of welding, brazing or soldering to join the components is illustrated, where feature 170 illustrates the welded /brazed/soldered, etc. area (the black rectangle here presents the welding material, for example). In any of these examples, the thickness of the base and/or sides of the first conductor 102 may be reduced in any suitable manner, for example using notches as described with reference to Figures 6A to 6D. Alternatively, the cross-sectional thickness may not be reduced, and failure of the -first conductor 102 may occur at the joint between the base portion 104 and the one or more sides:Lc:8 due to the mechanical weakness introduced.

by the coupling.

With reference to Figure?, a latch mechanism 500 suitable for use with file device 100 of the first aspect is described. The latch mechanism comprises a body member (which body member may be piston 128 as shown in Figure 7, or may be any other suitable member) and at least two moveable members, here first and second moveable members 130a, 530b. A biasing member 132 is retained by the body member 128 and coupled to each of the first 130a and second 130b moveable members. The biasing member is configured to urge the first moveable member 130a outward in a first radial direction 138a and to urge the second moveable member 11:108 outward in a second radial direction 138b opposite the first radial direction. it ill be understood that more than two moveable members may be used, as discussed further with reference to Figures 7D and 7E, n vith device 100, the biasing member 132 is retained by the piston, and the entire latch mechanism is disposed within the cavity 112. The side(s) 108 of the first conductor act to compress the biasing member 132, which can be any resiliently -21 -deformable member (such as a rubber or elastic component, or a spring), to oppose movement of the moveable members 130a,h in the radial direction 138. Upon actuation, the latch mechanism is moved in direction 134 with the piston in response to the actuating force from the actuator 120. Once the base portion 104 is separated from the side(s) 108 and has moved into the second cavity 126, the actuating force continues and causes the latch mechanism to similarly move into the second cavity 126.

Once the biasing member 132 has moved past the broken cylindrical first conductor, and is no longer compressed by the interior of the one or more sides 108 defining the cavity 112, the biasing member 132 acts to urge the first moveable member 130a in the first radial direction 138a and to urge the second moveable member 1301) in the second radial direction 138h opposite the first radial direction. In this way, the first and second moveable members extend past the one or more sides 108 to retain the separated base portion in the second cavity 126; in other words, the first and second moveable members extend further in a radial direction than the one or more sides 108 of the.first conductor, when the device too is in the open position.

Should the piston move, a threction opposite to the direction of actuation 134, the xi-loveable members will contact the bottom of the side(s) 108 and close off cavity ii; the piston 128 thus cannot return to the interior of the cavity 112 once the electrical interrupter 100 has been activated or operated. The separated (part of the) base portion 104 thus remains separated from the rest of the first conductor at least by the piston and latch mechanism, thereby preventing the base portion from coming back Into physical and electrical contact with the side(s) 108. In some examples, the housing may additionally or alternatively be configured with one or more recesses to retain the latch at another position within cavity 126. The device Rio with the latch mechanism 500 may thus be orientation independent, since the base portion cannot electrically contact the side(s) 1.08 under the force of gravity once the actuating force is removed. A more versatile switch may therefore be provided.

With reference to Figure 7D, an alternative arrangement is shown where the latch mechanism 500 comprises three moveable members (330a to 130c), each arranged to be urged outward in different radial directions (138a to138c) by one or more biasing members (not shown). For example, each moveable member may be urged outward by a different biasing member, and may be spaced around the latch mechanism such that the radial directions extend. at 1.20 degrees relative to each other. With reference to -°2 Figure 7E, an alternative arrangement is shown where the latch mechanism 5oo comprises four moveable members (1:3oil to 130d), each arranged to be urged outward in different radial directions (138a to 138d) by one or more biasing members (not shown). For example, each move-able member may be urged outward by a different biasing member, or two opposing moveable members may be urged outward by one biasing member, as in Figure 7C. The four moveable members may be spaced around the latch mechanism such that the radial directions extend at 90 degrees relative to each other. Alternatively, any other number of moveable members in any suitable arrangement, configured to be urged by any suitable number of biasing members, may in be used. The moveable members may also be any suitable size or shape.

An example of the use of latch mechanism 500 in an alternative form of electrical interrupter or disconnectornsolator switch is described with reference to Figure 8. Electrical interrupter device 200 does not require the form of the first conductor 102 described above with respect to device 100; rather, any conductor 210 may be provided, and any suitable design or method for breaking the conductor maybe used.

Device 200 comprises an actuator, a conductor 210 and a housing comprising a first cavity 212 and a second cavity 226, the second cavity wider than the first cavity. The first cavity may be formed by the conductor 210, as described above with reference to the cavity 112 defined by the first conductor 102, or may be formed by the housing itself, as is shown in Figure 8. The second cavity may be equivalent to the cavity 126 described above, or may be any other sui table cavity.

The conductor 210 comprises a first section 210b and a second section 2 loc, the first and second sections comprising connection contacts, and a bridge section defining at least a portion of the first cavity, the first and second sections connected via the bridge section to define a current conduction path along the conductor 210. The bridge section may be equivalent to the base portion of device 100, and the first and second sections may be equivalent to the sides to8 and second conductor 116, respectively, or any other suitable geometry may be used.

With reference to Figure BA, the bridge section separates the first and second cavities, and a latch mechanism 500 as described with reference to Figure 7 is disposed within 35 the first cavity and arranged between the actuator and the bridge section (and optionally coupled to the bridge section). The latch mechanism optionally comprises a body member 220, (at least) first and second moveable members 1303,130b, and at least one biasing member 132 retained by the body member and coupled to each of the first and second moveable members. The biasing member may be any resiliently deformable member which is configured to be placed under compression whilst the latch mechanism is disposed in the first cavity, such as an elastic member, optionally a rubber member, or a spring. The biasing member is configured to urge the first moveable member outward in a first radial direction 138a and to urge the second moveable member outward in a second radial direction 138b opposite the first radial direction; the first cavity is configured to confine the first and second moveable members to compress the biasing member when the device 200 is in a closed position and a current conduction path is defined through the conductor 210.

The actuator is configured, upon actuation, to exert a force on the bridge section in a first direction 230 to separate at least a portion 2i.oa of the bridge section from the first 210 b and second 210C conductor sections so as to open the current conduction path. The force may be exerted directly on the bridge section, or indirectly, and this separation of the bridge section may occur in any suitable manner, using any suitable mechanism. The force is also configured to displace the latch mechanism 500 and the separated portion 210a of the bridge section in the first direction 230 towards the second cavity. When the latch mechanism is in the second cavity, the first moveable member is extended outward in the first radial direction and the second moveable member is extended outward in the second radial direction, as shown in Figure 8C. In partichlar, the moveable members extend further in the radial direction than the width or extent of portion 210a of the bridge section, such that the gap formed in the conductor 210 in response to the actuation is smaller than the radial extent of the latch mechanism. As shown in Figure 8C the portion 2ioa may be free to move within the second cavity 210, but when the portion 2103 of the bridge section of conductor 210 is coupled to the latch mechanism (not shown), the portion 2wa will not move freely within the cavity 216.

With reference to Figure 8D, the latch mechanism 500 is positioned (but not retained) at the bottom of the second cavity, between the portion noa and the remaining sections of the conductor 210b. 210C. In arrangements where the device 200 is orientated the other way around, such that under the influence of gravity the portion 2roa would fall back towards the conductor 210, the moveable members 130a, 13013 contact the conductor portions 2101), 21.0C to prevent any further electrical Connection -24 -between the separated conductor sections. In some examples, recesses min/ be provided in the housing to retain the latch mechanism in a particular position in the second cavity.

In the alternative example shown in Figure 8E, where the latch mechanism is coupled to the bridge section, there is a channel in the housing between the conductor 210 and the second cavity 226, the channel being the first cavity 212 and having a narrower width than a width of the second cavity. The latch is arranged within the channel or first cavity, with the bridge section between the latch and the actuator. The bottom surface of the bridge section defines part of the first cavity, but the bridge section does not separate the first and second cavities: rather, the bridge section defines a top of the first cavity and the first and second cavities are parts of a single, larger cavity-within the housing. After opening of the current conduction path, the moveable members of the latch mechanism 500 are extended and can contact an underside the portion of the housing forming the channel; retaining the latch mechanism in the second cavity arid the conductor portion 210a in the channel (since it is coupled to the latch mechanism) to prevent any further electrical connection between the separated conductor sections. The latch mechanism may thus facilitate a device which is orientation independent, and thus facilitate the provision of a more robust and reliable electrical interrupter device.

A method for operating the electrical interrupter device 200 of Figure 8; comprises: actuating an actuator arranged in a first cavity of a housing; exerting, by the actuator, pressure on a bridge section of a conductor, the bridge section de-fining at least a portion of the first cavity, the conductor comprising a first section and a second section, the first and second sections comprising connection contacts and being connected via the bridge section to define a current conduction path along the conductor; displacing, by the pressure, the bridge section and a latch mechanism into a second cavity of the housing; the second cavity being wider than the first cavity; opening, by the displacement, the current conduction path; and opening the latch mechanism in the 3ti second cavity to retain the bridge section in the displaced position.

With reference to Figure 9, example uses of electrical interrupter 100 and/or 200 are described. In the example of Figure 9A, electrical interrupter 100 or electrical interrupter 200 is incorporated within a powertrain 920. In particular; powertrain 920 can be a powertrain for a vehicle 900; in regard to a vehicle (e.g. a motor vehicle, ash'; or boat, or a plane, etc.), a powertrabi encompasses the main components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface; water, or air. . This includes the engine, transmission, drive shafts, and the drive wheels (or other drive mechanism, such as a propeller). In an electric or hybrid vehicle, the powertrain 920 also includes battery 930 and an electric motor, for example. Electrical interrupter 100 may be connected, via the connection contacts 102a, nob of the first and second conductors 102, 116, to an electrical circuit 950 within vehicle 900, which electrical circuit may optionallyinclude the battery 930. Electrical interrupter 200 may be connected via connection contacts of conductor 210 to the electrical circuit 950. Alternatively, in the example of Figure 9B, electrical interrupter 100 or the electrical interrupter 200 is employed for another use within vehicle 900, which may be an electrical vehicle.

In both Figure 9A and 98, an ignition signal may be provided to connector pins of the pyrotechnical actuator 120 of interrupter 100 from a remote controller; or a remote power distribution unit, 910 within the vehicle goo. Such an ignition signal may be issued in response to an external event. For example, when the switch 100 is connected to a battery 930 installed in the vehicle 900. an ignition signal may be sent to the pyrotechnic charge 120 in response to a collision of the vehicle; ignition of the pyrotechnic charge 120 can cause the breaking of the conductor 108 in order to open the electrical circuit_ 250 and prevent the flow of current through the batten' 930.

Similarly, an actuation signal may be provided to an actuator of electrical interrupter to actuate the actuator in direction 230 and cause breaking of the conductor 210. Such an arrangement can improve safety in the event of a collision. Alternatively, electrical interrupter 100 and/or 200 and remote controller 910 can form a system winch can be deployed in any other application where such breaking of a circuit is required.

It is noted herein that while the above describes various examples of the electrical interrupter too and the electrical interrupter 200, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations arid modifications which may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (25)

1. Cla irns 1. An electrical interrupter (too), comprising: a first conductor (102), comprising: a base portion (104), a top face (106) opposite the base portion, one or more sides (108) extending from the base portion to the top face, the one or more sides meeting the base portion to define a corner region (110) of the first conductor, wherein the base portion and the one or more sides define a cavity, and a first connection contact (to a) electrically coupled to at least one of m one or more sides; a second conductor (16) comprising a second connection contact ( 6a), the second conductor electrically connected to the base portion of the first conductor to define a current conduction path; a sealing member (114) arranged to seal the top lace of the firs ondncto seal the cavity, an actuator (120) arranged at least partially within the sealed c, t). wherein, upon actuation, the actuator is configured to increase a pressure within the sealed cavity to cause separation of at least part of the base portion of the first conductor from the one or more sides to open the current conduction path.
2. 2. The electrical interrupter of 1, wherein the first and second conductors are electrically connected by a flexible, electrically conducting, shun)*
3. 3. The electrical interrupter of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a thickness of at least one of the base portion (146) or the one or more sides (148) is reduced in the corner region of the first conductor.
4. 4. The electrical interrupter of claim 3, wherein the corner region of the first cond uctor comprises one or more notched portions (122).
5. 5. The electrical interrupter of any preceding claim, wherein the base portion and the at least one or more sides meet in the corner region at an angle 0, wherein 0 is 35 between 75 and 105 degrees, optionally wherein 0 is between 85 and 95 degrees, optionally wherein U is substantially 90 degrees, optionally wherein 0 is 90 degrees.
6. 6. The electrical interrupter of any preceding claim, wherein he base portion and the one or more sides are integrally formed.
7. 7. The electrical interrupter of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the base portion and the one or more sides are mechanically coupled at the corner region.any preceding claim, wherein the base portion is ides comprise a cylindrical side extending around the 8.
8. The electrical in circular, and the one or in base portion.q.
9. The electrical interrupter of any preceding claim, further comprising a piston (12.8) arranged between the actuator and the base portion, Nvi-thin the sealed cavity, 1.5 wherein the piston is configured to exert a force on the base portion of the first conductor in response to actuation by the actuator to move the base portion towards the second conductor.
10. 10. The electrical interrupter of claim 9, wherein the piston is shaped so as to concentrate the force in at least a portion of the corner region of the first conductor.it.
11. The electrical interrupter of claim 9, further comprising an arc extinguishing me (421) arranged between the piston and the base portion.
12. 12. The electrical interrupter of any of claims 9 to in, wherein the piston comprises a latch mechanism (500), comprising: first (l30a) and second (i30b) moveable members; and a biasing member (132) retained by the piston and coupled to each of the first and second moveable members; the biasing member configured to urge the first moveable member in a first radial direction (138a) and to urge the second moveable member in a second radial direction 0.3814 opposite the first radial direction, such that upon separation of the base portion from the one or more sides the first and second moveable members extend further in the radial direction than the one or more sides.
13. The electrical interrupter of any preceding claim, wherein the actuator is a pyrotechnic actuator arranged to release gas into the sealed cavity upon ignition.
14. 14. The electrical interrupter of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the sealed cavity comprises a fluid and the actuator is configured to compress the fluid to exert a force on the first conductor.
15. 15. The electrical interrupter of claim 14, Wherein the fluid is a liquid.
16. 16. The electrical interrupter of any preceding claim, further comprising a housh (124), the housing configured to confine the one or more sides.
17. 17. The electrical interrupter of claim 16, further comprising one or more vents (150a, 150b, 1,50c) extending at least partially through the housing.
18. An electrical inter ptgr (200), comprising an actuator; a housing comprising a first cavity (212) and a second cavity (926), the second cavity wider than the first cavity; a conductor (210), comprising: a first section (210b) and a second section (toe), the first and second sections nimprisi rig connection contacts, and a bridge section defining at least a portion of the first cavity, the first and second sections connected via the bridge section to define a current conduction path along the conductor; and a latch mechanism (500) disposed within the first cavity and comprising: a body member (220, 21.8), first (i30a) and second (isob) moveable members, and at least one biasing member (132) retained be,., the body member and coupled to the first and second moveable members, wherein the at least one biasing member is configured to urge the first moveable member outward in a first radial direction (138a) and to urge the second moveable member outward in a second radial direction (138b) different to the first radial direction, the first cavity configured to confine the first and second moveable members; -29 -wherein the actuator is configured, upon actuation, to exert a force on the bridge section in a first direction (230) to separate a portion (2ioa) of the bridge section from the first and second cond uctior sections so as to open the current conduction path, and to displace the latch mechanism and the separated portion of the bridge section in the first direction towards the second cavity, wherein, when the latch mechanism is in the second cavity, the first moveable member is extended outward in the first radial direction and the second moveable member is extended outward in the second radial direction.
19. 19. The electrical interrupter of claim 18, wherein the at least one biasing member is a resiliently deformable member, optionally a spring.
20. 20. The electrical interrupter of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein he bridge section is arranged to separate the first and second cavities.
21. 21. The electrical interrupter of claimi8,19 or 20, wherein the body member comprises a piston (128) arranged to contact the bridge section to separate the portion of the bridge section from the first and second conductor sections.
22. 22. A system comprising the electrical interrupter (loci, 2.00) of any preceding claim; and a controller (910) arranged to provide a signal to the actuator,
23. 23. A vehicle (goo) comprising the electrical interrupter (too, 200) of any one of claimsi to 21 or the system of claim 22, optionally, wherein the vehicle is an electric vehicle.
24. 24. A method for operating an electrical interrupter; comprising: actuating an actuator (120) to increase a pressure within a sealed cavity formed o by first conductor (102), the first conductor comprising a base portion (104), a top face (10 opposite the base portion, one or more sides (108) extending from the base portion to the top face, and a first connection contact (102a) electrically coupled to at least one of the one or more sides, wherein the base portion and tile one or more sides define the cavity; -30 -exerting, Lv the increased pressure. pressure on the base portion of the first conductor; separating, by the pressure on the base portion, at least part of the base portion from the one or more sides; opening a current conduction path, defined through the first conductor and a second conductor electrically coupled to the base portion of the first conductor, by the separating.
25. 25. A method for operating an electrical interrupter, comprising: actuating an actuator arranged in a first cavity of a housing; exerting, by the actuator, pressure on a bridge section of a conductor (210), the)ridge section defining at least a portion of the first cavity, the conductor comprising a first section (glob) and a second section (eloc), the first and second sections comprising connection contacts and being connected via the bridge section to define a 1,5 current conduction path along the conductor: displacing, by the pressure, the bridge section and a latch mechanism into a second cavity of the housing, the second cavity being wider than the first cavity; opening, by the displacement, the current conduction path; and opening the latch mechanism in the second cavity to retain the bridge section in the displaced position.