Mechanism for the sudden tripping of an electrical contact under the

Abstract

A mechanism for the instantaneous tripping of an electrical contact in response to a progressive variation in applied fluid pressure. Contact is made by a conductive element movable along its longitudinal axis between an open position and a closed position. The upper portion of the interior wall of the contact element comprises opposed first and second sloping sections of substantially triangular cross-section having a side in common at their connection. A throttle is defined by the connection between the sloping sections. A cage member partially positioned within the conductive element is movable therein in response to the applied fluid pressure. The cage member includes a head portion having a channel therethrough perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conductive element. At least one ball is housed in the channel and is movable along the longitudinal axis of the channel and up and down the sloping sections in response to the movement of the cage member within the conductive element. The ball is subjected to an elastic force directed toward the sloping sections, the force breaking down into oppositely directed vertical components parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conductive element. A spring engaging the cage exerts an elastic force on the cage in opposition to the pressure variations to be controlled. The passage of the ball through the throttle causes the instantaneous displacement of the conductive element from one to the other of the open and closed positions.