Patent ID: 6130594
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A switch with a magnetic drive, said magnetic drive including:an armature linearly displaced between two end positions, at each end position said armature being acted upon by a magnetic force;a ferro-magnetic bypass element;means defining a space and a first and second detent, said armature and said ferro-magnetic bypass element being arranged one behind the other in said space between said first and second detent, said first and second detents serving as pole faces of magnetic circuits;at least one permanent magnet forming part of the magnetic circuits; andan electromagnet forming part of the magnetic circuits, wherein:said two end positions define a first stable end position and a second stable end position of said armature;said electromagnet exerting a force against said armature which force is directed in the direction of said first detent, said armature being maintained in said first stable end position by the force of said electromagnet when said bypass element is arranged against said second detent; andsaid permanent magnet exerting a force against said armature which force is directed in the direction of said second detent, said armature being maintained in said second stable end position by the force of said permanent magnet when said bypass element is engaged by said armature and is arranged against said second detent.