GB385897A - Improvements in or relating to electric switches for preventing fire on vehicles after an accident - Google Patents

Abstract

385,897. Gravity and inertia switches. SERMET, L., 19, Rue Vauben, Lyons, France. July 28, 1932, No. 21324. Convention date, Aug. 4, 1931. [Class 38 (v).] A switch for preventing fire on a motor vehicle after collision or excessive tilting comprises a pendulum a which is normally held vertical by its upper end engaging a spring-pressed plunger g. When a collision occurs the pendulum owing to its inertia moves into the dotted line position and a circuit is broken or made. In the form shown a circuit is normally completed through the plunger and the tip of the pendulum which circuit is broken in the dotted line position by the plunger engaging an insulating sleeve m round the pendulum. In a modification, Fig. 2 (not shown), the tip of the pendulum is insulating and the sleeve is conducting, and in the dotted line position the sleeve is wedged between the plunger and a surrounding annular conducting disc, thus closing an earthing circuit. In another modification, Fig. 4, the plunger g is connected by bolts w with a plate y carrying a conducting ring z. When the plunger g is freed from the pendulum after collision, it moves bodily downwards under the action of springs x carrying the ring z out of engagement with conducting segments v.