Deceleration sensor switch for use in a vehicle occupant safety system

摘要

A deceleration sensor switch (10) comprises a base (12) and a mass (60) pivotable from an unactuated position to an actuated position when the mass is subjected to deceleration of at least a predetermined magnitude. A first electrically conductive portion (70) is connected to a first electrical terminal (46) mounted on the base (12). A support structure (40) supports the mass (60) on the base (12) to pivot from the unactuated position to the actuated position. The support structure (40) comprises a second electrical terminal (42) mounted on the base (12) and a second electrically conductive portion (50) interconnecting the second electrical terminal (42) and the mass (60). The second electrically conductive portion (50) comprises a spring portion (52) which deflects into electrical contact with the first electrically conductive portion (70) to electrically connect the first and second electrical terminals (46, 42) when the mass (60) pivots to the actuated position.