Patent ID: 6282941
Filing Date: 2001-09-04
Classification: G01P

Abstract:
An impact detection device, comprising:at least one micromechanical acceleration switch carrying a measurement signal, said acceleration switch having a contact element to be moved as a function of acceleration and having a counter-contact element, said elements each having a respective terminal;a monitoring circuit electrically conductively connected to said terminal of said contact element and to said terminal of said counter-contact element, said monitoring circuit having a controllable voltage source and an evaluation device evaluating said measurement signal tapped at said acceleration switch;said voltage source feeding a first voltage to said terminals in a first operating state for detecting an impact, said first voltage having a first value;said voltage source feeding a second voltage to said terminals in a second operating state for testing said acceleration switch by deflecting said contact element with an electrostatically acting force, said second voltage having a second value greater than said first value; anda test electrode acting on said movable contact element and electrically connected to said counter-contact element.