Patent ID: 6943653
Filing Date: 2005-09-13
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A bi-stable electric switch comprising: a spring that is configured as a bi-stable snap-action spring and carries at least one electrical contact element on a region of the spring; at least two drive elements made from shape memory material coupled to the region of the spring for actuating the spring; at least one plate located in the region of the spring that is subjected to a pressure in the direction of its linear extension; the plate bulges towards one side into one of two stable final states to relieve the pressure; whereby the region of the spring in the stable final states takes up different lateral positions and the drive elements act upon the plate and as a result of the change of position of the plate causing the plate to snap into the second stable final state; and wherein the spring is rigidly fixed at one end and free at the other end, the drive elements being configured to act upon the free end of the plate tilting the free end to cause the spring to snap into another stable final state.