Piezoelectric relay with magnetic detent

摘要

A magnetically detented piezoelectric relay including a piezoelectric bender element having a fixed portion and a movable portion; means for providing an actuating voltage to deflect the bender element; first contact means mounted on the movable portion; second stationary contact means remote from the bender element and proximate the first contact means for selective engagement therewith in response to deflection of the bender element; and magnetic circuit means including a magnet, pole means, and magnetic means on the movable portion of the bender element for magnetically adhering the movable portion to the pole means until the deflection force of the bender element exceeds the holding force of the magnetic circuit.