PYROTECHNIC ACTUATOR

The invention relates to a pyrotechnic actuator comprising a housing (1), which has a cavity (3), in which a piston (2) is displaceably mounted. The actuator is equipped with a pyrotechnic igniter (6), whose gas outlet is connected to the cavity (3), in such a way that the piston (2) can be displaced from an initial position, the idle position, into a final position, the working position by a quantity of gas that is released during the ignition of the igniter (6). A piston rod (7) that is connected to the piston (2) penetrates the opening of the housing (1), is sealed in relation to the latter and during the travel of the piston (2) from its initial position to its final position or when said piston is in the final position, triggers an event. The invention is characterised in that the piston rod (7) protrudes from the housing (1) in its initial position and is partially or fully retracted in the housing (1) in its final position, and that means are provided for conducting the quantity of gas that is released during ignition of the igniter (6) at one side of the piston (2), said gas being applied to the side of the piston (2), from which the piston rod (7) protrudes.