Inertia switches
First Claim
1. An inertia switch comprising a first part in the form of a resilient element attached at one end thereof to a support member and coiled about said one end substantially in the form of a spiral, the other end being free to move, a casing enclosing said resilient element, one wall of which casing carries the support member, said support being a post extending through said wall and movable along its length by adjustment means to alter the stable position of the resilient element inside the casing, the resilient element and the walls of said casing being electrically conductive so that movement of said free end through a predetermined distance in response to an acceleration force effects switching of an electric circuit by contact between the resilient element and the walls of the casing, the support post being electrically conductive, connecting the resilient element to one terminal of the switch and being electrically insulated from the casing wall, a suitable part of the casing wall being electrically insulated to prevent switching due to acceleration forces acting to displace the resilient element in a specified direction.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An inertia switch comprises a spiral spring-like member supported by a post in a housing, the spring comprising one contact of the switch and the housing the other. The post is insulated from the housing and provides a terminal for the switch. Acceleration or shock applied to the switch causes the spring-like member to move relative to the housing and when it contacts the housing or approaches a detector located inside and supported by the housing, switching is effected.
-
Citations
9 Claims
- 1. An inertia switch comprising a first part in the form of a resilient element attached at one end thereof to a support member and coiled about said one end substantially in the form of a spiral, the other end being free to move, a casing enclosing said resilient element, one wall of which casing carries the support member, said support being a post extending through said wall and movable along its length by adjustment means to alter the stable position of the resilient element inside the casing, the resilient element and the walls of said casing being electrically conductive so that movement of said free end through a predetermined distance in response to an acceleration force effects switching of an electric circuit by contact between the resilient element and the walls of the casing, the support post being electrically conductive, connecting the resilient element to one terminal of the switch and being electrically insulated from the casing wall, a suitable part of the casing wall being electrically insulated to prevent switching due to acceleration forces acting to displace the resilient element in a specified direction.
Specification