Bi-stable switch with pivoted armature

摘要

A switch device comprises a support member having at least first and second stationary contacts thereon. An armature is mounted on the support member by means of a body of elastomeric material that is attached to both the support member and the armature. Deformation of the body of elastomeric material allows the armature to pivot relative to the support member between a first position in which electrically-conductive material of the armature establishes electrically conductive connection between the stationary contacts and a second position in which the armature is spaced from at least one of the contacts. At least one permanent magnet is carried by the armature. An electrically-driven switch actuator is mounted stationarily relative to the support member and has first and second energization states. In the first energization state, magnetic material of the switch actuator is in magnetically-coupled relationship with the permanent magnet and a force is produced that causes the armature to assume a selected one of its first and second positions. In the second energization state, a force is produced that causes the armature to assume the other of its first and second positions.