A switch-off device includes a current conductor for forming a load current path, a pyrotechnically activatable separating unit for interrupting the load current path in the event of a fault, including a separating element for detaching the current conductor and a pyrotechnic element for accelerating the separating element in the direction of the current conductor, and an arc extinguishing unit for extinguishing an arc, including a melting conductor which is not normally incorporated into the load current path and an extinguishing device for extinguishing the melting conductor.

To produce a current disconnector for automotive safety systems having a conductor (1) which has at least one weakened disconnection point (7a, 7b), the conductor (1) is overmoulded in a plastic injection-moulding tool (2, 3). According to the invention, the disconnection point or disconnection points (7a, 7b) of the conductor (1) is/are produced in the plastic injection-moulding tool (2, 3). This not only simplifies production, it also prevents damage to the conductor, which is fragile owing to the weakened disconnection point, before it is stabilised by the overmoulding. Preferably, the disconnection point or disconnection points (7a, 7b) is/are produced by the closing movement of the plastic injection-moulding tool (2, 3). The disconnection point or disconnection points (7a. 7b) can also be produced in the preheating region of the plastic injection-moulding tool.

A circuit interrupter includes: a first fixed terminal including a first fixed contact; a movable contactor which is formed as a separate part from the first fixed terminal and includes a first movable contact; a holding unit configured to hold the movable contactor so that the first movable contact is connected to the first fixed contact; and a squib configured to generate gas by combustion. In the circuit interrupter, pressure of the gas generated by the squib causes movement of the movable contactor in a direction away from the first fixed terminal so that the first movable contact is separated from the first fixed contact.

An active/passive fuse module including a base, a busbar disposed on the base and including a fuse element extending over a cavity in a top surface of the base and having a plurality of weak points formed therein, a pyrotechnic interrupter (PI) disposed atop the base and including a piston disposed within a shaft above the fuse element, the piston having an edge with a geometry that corresponds to a geometry of a pattern defined by the weak points in the fuse element, a first pyrotechnic ignitor coupled to a controller and configured to detonate and force the piston through the fuse element upon receiving an initiation signal from the controller, and a second pyrotechnic ignitor coupled to the busbar by a pair of leads and configured to detonate and force the piston through the fuse element upon an increase in voltage across the leads.

An active/passive fuse module including a base, a busbar disposed on the base and including a fuse element extending over a cavity in a top surface of the base and having a plurality of weak points formed therein, a pyrotechnic interrupter (PI) disposed atop the base and including a piston disposed within a shaft above the fuse element, the piston having an edge with a geometry that corresponds to a geometry of a pattern defined by the weak points in the fuse element, a first pyrotechnic ignitor coupled to a controller and configured to detonate and force the piston through the fuse element upon receiving an initiation signal from the controller, and a second pyrotechnic ignitor coupled to the busbar by a pair of leads and configured to detonate and force the piston through the fuse element upon an increase in voltage across the leads.

A fuse housing for safe outgassing of a fuse is disclosed. The fuse housing features labyrinth walls disposed at opposing sides of the fuse housing. The labyrinth walls feature serpentine paths for the flow of outgassing material. At an end of the serpentine paths which is farthest away from a fuse element are vent channels. The vent channels are narrower in depth than that of the serpentine paths of the labyrinth walls, facilitating a suctioning effect during outgassing. Conductive material deposits along the serpentine paths so that the fuse maintains a high OSR rating. By directing and controlling the outflow of gases, the fuse housing is able to reduce the temperature of the gases produced. The fuse housing is also able to reduce the physical and observable effects of outgassing.

Electrical switching device are disclosed having a housing with internal component within the housing. The internal components comprise contacts configured to operate, to change the state of the switching device from a closed state, allowing current flow through the switching device to an open state which interrupts current flow through the switching device. A pyrotechnic feature is included that is configured to interact with the internal components to transition the switching device from the closed state to the open state when the pyrotechnic feature is activated. The pyrotechnic feature is configured to trigger in response to levitation between the contacts at elevated current signal flowing through the switching device.

Electrical switching device are disclosed having a housing with internal component within the housing. The internal components comprise contacts configured to operate, to change the state of the switching device from a closed state, allowing current flow through the switching device to an open state which interrupts current flow through the switching device. A pyrotechnic feature is included that is configured to interact with the internal components to transition the switching device from the closed state to the open state when the pyrotechnic feature is activated. The pyrotechnic feature is configured to trigger in response to levitation between the contacts at elevated current signal flowing through the switching device.

An electrical circuit breaker assembly, and a method for its operation, including a conductive element of an electrical circuit and a cut-off device configured to be activated by a pyrotechnic element and that is configured to sever the conductive element in a cut-off zone delimited by a downstream point. The electrical circuit breaker assembly further includes a contactor element configured to be activated by a pyrotechnic element, the contactor element being configured to connect the downstream point of the cut-off zone to an earth conductor of the electrical circuit prior to a severing of the conductive element or simultaneously with the severing of the conductive element.

In one aspect, the application provides an electrical system including a conductor, a ground, an arrester electrically connected to the conductor, and a disconnector assembly electrically connected between the arrester and the ground. The disconnector assembly includes an isolator configured to perform an operating function in response to the occurrence of an event and a housing configured to surround the isolator. The isolator includes a first terminal electrically connected to the arrester by a first wire and a second terminal electrically connected to the ground by a second wire. The housing includes a first opening through which the first terminal extends, a second opening through which the second terminal extends, and a retention mechanism configured to hold the isolator in place relative to the arrester.