Interrupter for main battery lead in motor vehicle - operated by inertia element on sudden collision to prevent ignition of petrol

摘要

The main positive lead (34) from the battery (14) is passed through an interruptor, e.g. a relay contact (33b). The interruptor is initiated by the movement of a mass (20) in response to a sudden change in velocity of the motor vehicle. The action of the mass is tuned such that sudden but safe changes are without effect. The mass (20), in the form of a pendulum, can be connected by a cardan coupling (22) to an electrical auxiliary contact (26, 28). Movement of the pendulum closes the contact to energise the coil (33a) of a relay (33) and open a contact (33b) in the main battery lead (34). Alternatively, the mass is made to open the main lead mechanically.