Abstract: Encapsulated switches are disclosed which substitute non-toxic gallium alloy for mercury. In one embodiment, wetting of the interior surfaces of the housing is prevented by coating the surfaces with an electrically insulative inorganic non-metallic material, such as alumina or boron nitrate. According to another embodiment, a perfluorocarbon liquid is employed as the anti-wetting agent.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes multiple contact sets each including a fixed contact and a movable contact displaceable in a first direction to approach the fixed contact and in a second direction to move away from the fixed contact; multiple permanent magnets each provided on the peripheral side of a corresponding one of the contact sets and having a polarity direction perpendicular to the first and second directions; and multiple ferromagnetic bodies parallel to the polarity directions of the permanent magnets and the first and second directions, wherein in a DC electric current flowing through each of the contact sets, the direction of a force exerted based on the permanent magnet is equal to the direction of a force exerted based on the ferromagnetic body.

Abstract: A relay has a main body with a base. An electromagnetic switching mechanism is arranged on the base. A contact arrangement includes at least one stationary contact spring and at least one moveable contact spring arranged on a first side of the main body. The moveable contact spring has a first portion extending substantially perpendicular to the base that is actuatable by the electromagnetic switching mechanism and a second portion extending substantially parallel to the base that extends from the first side of the main body to an opposing second side of the main body. A terminal contact extends from the second portion on the second side of the main body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control device (1, 1?) of an electrical circuit comprising: a microswitch (2, 2?) comprising a moving element that can be driven by magnetic effect between a first stable state and a second stable state to control the electrical circuit, a fixed permanent magnet (10, 10?), a moving permanent magnet (11, 11?) that can be actuated between a first position, in which it forms, with the fixed permanent magnet (10, 10?), a substantially uniform permanent magnetic field (B0) holding the moving element in the first state or the second state, and a second position in which it is able to control the switchover of the moving element from one state to the other, an excitation coil (4) able to create a temporary magnetic field (Bb) able to cause the moving element to switch over from one state to the other when the moving permanent magnet (11, 11?) is in the first position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic latching relay which can avoid influences of erection stress on internal structure parameters thereof. The magnetic latching relay includes a yoke assembly, a magnetic steel assembly, a contact system having movable and immovable contact spring assemblies and a pusher pad, and a shell having a bottom case and an upper cover. Back contact springs of the movable contact spring assembly are arc-shaped and stacked on one side of each movable contact spring of the movable contact spring assembly. The bottom case has clip-shaped bosses which are formed outside two side walls of the bottom case to fasten extension ends of the movable and the immovable contact springs and supported with bolts to clamp the springs extending out of clip-shaped openings of the bosses.

Abstract: A quick response/low voltage driven electromechanical switch equipped with a mechanism for adjusting a spring constant of a movable electrode is provided. The electromechanical element includes a first electrode formed on a substrate, a second electrode formed at a predetermined interval to the first electrode so that the interval is changed, and supporting portions for supporting the second electrode, wherein the supporting portions of the second electrode are able to be displaced.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical device has a substrate (10), a movable element, movable towards the substrate by electrostatic forces on electrodes, facing surfaces of the movable element and the substrate being shaped such that one or more venting channels (VC) are defined by the facing surfaces when they are in a closed position, configured to enable fluid between the facing surfaces to flow across the facing surfaces, to enter or exit the area between the facing surfaces. Such channels can enable fluid damping of the movement of the moveable element to be controlled. Increasing the flow entering or exiting the area between the facing surfaces, can reduce such damping, and hence increase speed of opening and closing of the device. The channels can connect to holes in the electrodes.

Abstract: A micro-switching device includes a base substrate, a fixing member on the substrate, a movable part having an end fixed to the fixing member and extending along the substrate, a movable contact electrode provided on the movable part and facing away from the substrate, a pair of stationary contact electrodes bonded to the fixing member and including a region facing the movable contact electrode, a movable driver electrode between the movable contact electrode and the stationary end on the movable part at a surface facing away from the substrate, and a stationary driver electrode bonded to the fixing member and including an elevated portion having a region facing the movable driver electrode. The elevated portion is provided with steps facing the movable driver electrode, where the steps are closer to the substrate as they are farther from the movable contact electrode.

Abstract: The micro-switch structure comprises, on a substrate 1 coated with a passivation layer 2, a first signal line LS-IN and a second signal line LS-OUT disposed in the projected extension of one another, separated by a switching region 10; a control electrode 3 in said region, a dielectric material 4 with high relative permittivity invariant in frequency, disposed on the control electrode in such a manner that, between the two signal lines, the control electrode is wider on either side and, in the orthogonal direction, the dielectric protrudes on either side of the control electrode and rests on the passivation layer; parallel ground lines, disposed symmetrically on either side of the signal lines and formed on a topological level separated from that of the signal lines by at least one insulating layer made of a material different from that of the passivation layer.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay is structured such that a base includes a movable contact piece and a fixed contact piece. A movable contact point included in the movable contact piece is connected to and disconnected from a fixed contact point included in the fixed contact piece by operating the movable contact piece via a card. At least any one of the base and the card includes a guide portion for guiding the card in a freely reciprocating manner with respect to the base. The card includes a guide protruding portion and a pressing portion for pressing the movable contact piece to elastically deform the movable contact piece. The movable contact piece includes a guide portion in a side portion of the movable contact point.

Abstract: A micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) switch includes a fixed electrode formed on a substrate, and a movable electric resistor formed on the substrate, the movable electric resistor serving as an electric resistor that divides an electric potential where the MEMS switch is set to a conduction state.

Abstract: An active-matrix device includes a substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodes provided on a first surface of the substrate; a plurality of switching elements provided to correspond to each of the pixel electrodes, each of the switching elements including a fixed electrode connected to the each pixel electrode, a movable electrode displaceably provided to contact with and separate from the fixed electrode, a driving electrode provided to oppose the movable electrode via an electrostatic gap, and an adhesion-preventing mechanism that prevents adhesion between the movable electrode and the driving electrode; a first wiring connected to the movable electrode; and a second wiring connected to the driving electrode, in which a voltage is applied between the movable electrode and the driving electrode to generate an electrostatic attraction between the movable electrode and the driving electrode so as to displace the movable electrode such that the movable electrode contacts with the fixed electrode to electrically

Abstract: An apparatus includes a movable member, and first and second actuators coupled to the movable member at positions offset from a first axis that passes through a centroid of the movable member. A controller independently controls the first and second actuators to exert a first force on the movable member in a direction generally parallel to the first axis, thereby controlling both linear and rotational orientation of the movable member. The apparatus can further include third and fourth actuators coupled to the movable member at positions offset from a second axis that passes through the centroid of the movable member, and the controller can independently controlling third and fourth actuators.

Abstract: The proposed invention application describes a novel configuration of an extremely small self-locking switching component, based on micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Conventional MEMS switches need a continual control signal in order to obtain the wanted active (switching) state. The proposed invention needs only a short control signal (non-locking key) such as e.g. a pulse in order to switch the component on and/or off. RF-noise (ripples) on the de-control signal or bouncing effects can be neglected according to the proposed extension of the MEMS devices. This contributes to an easier and especially more robust design of electronic circuitries and allows for enhanced functionalities.

Abstract: An electrical switch element, particularly a relay, is provided with an actuator with a switch contact and a switch mechanism. The switch mechanism translates a driving movement of the actuator into a switching movement of the switch contact so that the switch contact is brought into and out of contact with a mating contact. In order to create a switching movement with a large lift in the case of an actuator which can only execute a driving movement with small lift, the switch mechanism has two swivelling levers connected to each other via the actuator and at least one contact retainer. The contact retainer connects the two swivelling levers in its longitudinal direction with a lever arm larger than the actuator and is configured so it can be deflected transverse to its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Lithographically fabricated apparatus are provided. The apparatus are capable of self-assembly to extend at least in part in an out-of-plane direction. A cantilever arm is anchored to a substrate at one of its ends and fabricated to provide a cantilever portion that extends from the anchor in a longitudinal direction generally parallel to the substrate, One or more posts are fabricated atop the cantilever portion. The posts shrink from a first volume to a second volume, less than the first volume, during fabrication thereof. The change in volume of the post from the first volume to the second volume causes stress between the post and the cantilever arm resulting in the cantilever portion bending from an in-plane orientation extending in the longitudinal direction to a self-assembled orientation extending at least in part in an out-of-plane direction away from the substrate.

Abstract: A silent electromagnetic relay in which a predetermined degree of silencing effect can be maintained regardless of a change to the specification, a higher silencing effect can be obtained at the time of return, the parts control is easy, and the cost of manufacturing is low. A first silent spring is mounted in a position of an inward face of a moving iron to be attracted to an iron core of an electromagnet portion, and an L-shaped moving iron turning based on excitation and demagnetization of the electromagnet portion is housed in a housing that is a resin molded product. Furthermore, a second silent spring for coming in contact with an inner face of the housing is mounted to an outward face of the moving iron and on an opposite side to the first silent spring.

Abstract: A device, such as a switch structure, is provided, the device including a contact and a conductive element. The conductive element can be configured to be selectively moveable between a non-contacting position, in which the conductive element is separated from the contact (in some cases by a distance less than or equal to about 4 ?m, and in others by less than or equal to about 1 ?m), and a contacting position, in which the conductive element contacts and establishes electrical communication with the contact. When the conductive element is disposed in the non-contacting position, the contact and the conductive element can be configured to support an electric field therebetween with a magnitude of greater than 320 V ?m?1 and/or a potential difference of about 330 V or more.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe a contact switch, which may include a bottom electrode structure including a bottom actuation electrode and a top electrode structure including a top actuation electrode and one or more stoppers able to maintain a predetermined gap between the top electrode and the bottom electrode when the switch is in a collapsed state.

Abstract: A MEMS RF-switch is provided for controlling switching on/off of transmission of AC signals. The MEMS RF-switch of the present invention includes: a first electrode coupled to one terminal of the power source; a semiconductor layer combined with an upper surface of the first electrode, and forming a potential barrier to become insulated when a bias signal is applied from the power source; and a second electrode disposed at a predetermined distance away from the semiconductor layer, and being coupled to the other terminal of the power source, wherein the second electrode contacts the semiconductor layer when a bias signal is applied from the power source. Therefore, although the bias signal may not be cut off, free electrons and holes are recombined in the semiconductor layer, whereby charge buildup and sticking can be prevented.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay has a solenoid formed from a wound coil, a movable iron core that is reciprocated upwardly and downwardly in an axial hole of the solenoid, and a movable contact point that reciprocates together with the movable iron core. The movable contact point is contacted and separated with and from a fixed contact point for opening and closing a contact point. An arc generated at a time of opening and closing of the contact point is flowed, in a predetermined direction, by the magnetic field of at least a single permanent magnet placed at a side of the fixed contact point and the movable contact point that are contacted and separated with and from each other. Coil terminals are connected to leader lines of the coil, at least at a single side of the flow of the arc.

Abstract: A microactuator has a fixed portion and a movable portion that is provided in such a way as to be movable relative to the fixed portion between a first position at which it is in contact with a predetermined portion of the fixed portion and a second position away from the first position. The fixed portion has a first electrode portion, the movable portion has a second electrode portion that can produce an electrostatic force between it and the first electrode portion by a voltage between it and the first electrode portion, and the first and second electrode portions are arranged in such a way that a first force that biases the movable portion in a direction toward the first position according to the electrostatic force created when the voltage is constant reaches a peak when the movable portion is at a third position between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A MEMS module that contains at least one integrated energy storage device whose discharge is minimized and controlled, so that power is available for system operation over longer periods of time. The MEMS module includes a device electrically coupled to the energy storage device for controlling charge transfers from the energy storage device while preventing charge leakage from the energy storage device. The controlling device includes a plurality of integrated MEMS switches that define open electrical paths that prevent charge leakage from the energy storage device through the MEMS switches, and are then operable to define closed electrical paths to allow charge transfers from the energy storage device, and preferably also allow charge transfers to the energy storage device, through the MEMS switches. The charge transfer can be utilized to power electronic circuits or store data in non-volatile digital memory.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical (MEMS) relay decouples a flux path from magnetic actuation from the electrical path through the switch to eliminate signal degradations that result from fluctuations in the current around the core and, thereby the flux. In addition, the MEMS relay has a suspension structure that is independent of the core.

Abstract: A motor starter whose production is improved is specified. In at least one embodiment, the motor starter includes a power semiconductor switch, an electromechanical bypass switch connected in parallel therewith, and control electronics to drive the bypass switch. In at least one embodiment, the control electronics are in the form of a printed circuit board assembly which is fixed to the bypass switch in an installed position, and the printed circuit board assembly and the bypass switch are designed such that, when being fixed, the printed board assembly makes electrical contact with the bypass switch at the same time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming an electrostatic MEMS plate switch include forming a deformable plate on a first substrate, forming the electrical contacts on a second substrate, and coupling the two substrates using a hermetic seal. The deformable plate may have at least one shunt bar located at a nodal line of a vibrational mode of the deformable plate, so that the shunt bar remains relatively stationary when the plate is vibrating in that vibrational mode. The hermetic seal may be a gold/indium alloy, formed by heating a layer of indium plated over a layer of gold. Electrical access to the electrostatic MEMS switch may be made by forming vias through the thickness of the second substrate.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEMS) switch includes a substrate, a force-activated latching mechanism, and a spring-loaded shuttle. The latching mechanism has a proximal end and a distal end. In an embodiment, the latching mechanism includes two flexible latch arms each fixed at or about a proximal end and having a free distal end, and a connector connecting the latch arms. The spring-loaded shuttle includes a shuttle portion including a portion configured for engaging portions of the latch arms. The shuttle portion further being configured to translate about the substrate. The latching mechanism and the shuttle may be configured to include an electrical contact layer such that when the latch arms are engaged with the shuttle portion, a closed electrical circuit can be formed.

Abstract: A switching device structure comprising a top magnet, a bottom magnet, and a movable member disposed between the top and bottom magnets, the movable member having an electromagnet positioned thereon, the electromagnet comprising a plurality of laminated layers, the layers including a layer bearing an iron core and a number of armature layers which establish electrical conductor windings around the iron core.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes a relay coil assembly, an armature, and a contact system. The contact system includes a stationary contact assembly stationary contacts and moveable contact springs adjacent to the stationary contacts. The moveable contact springs have a projecting portion. The armature is pivotably actuated in response to an electromagnetic force generated by the relay coil to move the at least one contact spring linearly between a first position and a second position. The stationary contact assembly includes an overmold portion attached to the at least one stationary contact. The overmold portion includes a dielectric material and is bonded to the at least one stationary contact to maintain a predetermined configuration of the stationary contact relative to the at least one moveable contact spring.

Abstract: An electromagnetic switching device for controlling a branch includes, in at least one embodiment, a housing with a length in a longitudinal direction, with a first end side, which is oriented at right angles with respect to the longitudinal direction, and with a second end side, which is opposite the first end side and is oriented at right angles with respect to the longitudinal direction; a control coil, which is arranged in the housing, for actuating an electrical switch with a first and second coil contact; and a first and second connection element, which are arranged partially in the housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that facilitate the formation of micro-mechanical structures and related systems on a laminated substrate. More particularly, a micro-mechanical device and a three-dimensional multiple frequency antenna are provided for in which the micro-mechanical device and antenna, as well as additional components, can be fabricated together concurrently on the same laminated substrate. The fabrication process includes a low temperature disposition process allowing for deposition of an insulator material at a temperature below the maximum operating temperature of the laminated substrate, as well as a planarization process allowing for the molding and planarizing of a polymer layer to be used as a form for a micro-mechanical device.

Abstract: Provided is a two-axis driving electromagnetic actuator that includes a stage that is operative to be actuated about a first axis; an inner frame that that is disposed outside the stage and supports the stage by the first axis; an external frame that is disposed outside the inner frame and supports the inner frame by a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis; a magnet that provides an electric field between the first axis and the second axis; a first driving coil that is formed on the inner frame and to which a first signal that actuates the stage in a direction of the second axis is applied; and a second driving coil that is formed on the inner frame and to which a second signal that actuates the stage and the inner frame in a direction of the first axis is applied, wherein the first driving coil and the second driving coil are electrically separated from each other.

Abstract: An electrical relay includes a magnetic system, a contact system and a slider. The magnetic system includes an armature. The contact system includes a moveable spring contact and a fixed spring contact. The moveable spring contact is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The moveable spring contact is in electrical contact with the fixed spring contact in the closed position. The slider connects the moveable spring contact to the armature. The slider transfers movement of the armature to the moveable spring contact. The slider has at least one contact opening element extending there from. The contact opening element strikes the moveable spring contact during movement of the moveable spring contact to the open position to break any existing weld between the moveable spring contact and the fixed spring contact.

Abstract: A miniaturized relay having a first zone facing a second zone, a first condenser plate, a second condenser plate arranged in the second zone, and smaller than or equal to the first plate, an intermediate space between both zones, a conductive element arranged in the intermediate space and which is mechanically independent from the adjacent walls and can move freely across the intermediate space depending on voltages present between both plates, contact points of an electric circuit, in which the conductive element closes the electric circuit by making contact with the contact points. Such relays can be used, for example, as: accelerometers, accelerometers in airbags, tiltmeters, Coriolis force detectors, microphones, in acoustic applications, pressure sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors, gas sensors and magnetic field sensors.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed relay is provided having two circuits therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming an electrostatic MEMS plate switch include forming a deformable plate on a first substrate, forming the electrical contacts on a second substrate, and coupling the two substrates using a hermetic seal. The deformable plate may have a flexible shunt bar which has one end coupled to the deformable plate, and the other end coupled to a contact on the second substrate. Upon activating the switch, the deformable plate urges the shunt bar against a second contact formed in the second substrate, thereby closing the switch. The hermetic seal may be a gold/indium alloy, formed by heating a layer of indium plated over a layer of gold. Electrical access to the electrostatic MEMS switch may be made by forming vias through the thickness of the second substrate.

Abstract: A switch with an actuator has two supporting columns on a substrate, and a rocking plate on the supporting columns. The rocking plate is pivoted by (pivotally mounted on) the two supporting columns. The rocking plate is made of conductive material, so that it can be subjected to electrostatic force of an adsorption electrode. In the switch, it is not necessary to provide a narrow beam to support the rocking plate, because the rocking plate is pivoted by the supporting columns. Therefore, the switch is a long-life microswitch.

Abstract: A relay assembly includes a coil and a stationary contact having a first contact surface. At least a portion of the first contact surface defines a wiping contact surface. The relay assembly also includes a movable contact having a second contact surface defining a contact area that engages the first contact surface. The movable contact is moved along a driving path toward the stationary contact when current is passed through the coil, and the movable contact is moved along a rebound path different from the driving path after initial impact with the stationary contact. The stationary contact is oriented or shaped with respect to the movable contact such that the movable contact engages, and wipes against, at least a portion of the wiping contact surface when the movable contact is moved along the rebound path.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay includes a base, an electromagnet unit, a movable piece movable due to a function of the electromagnet unit, a card that is supported by the base so as to swing freely and is swung by the movable piece, and a contact structure that is opened and closed by swinging of the card, the card and the base respectively having protrusions and holes so that the protrusions fit into the holes to enable the card to swing freely.

Abstract: An electromagnetic relay has a relay coil, an armature, a pusher and a contact system. The armature is actuated by the relay coil, and linked to the pusher to drive the pusher to operate the contact system. A set of stationary contact springs and a set of moveable contact springs have a gap separating them. The moveable contact springs connect to the pusher and to a pivot point. The stationary springs have a notch therein adjacent to the base structure portion. The pusher movement causes the stationary contact springs and the moveable contact springs to engage or disengage, and to automatically adjust the overtravel angle of the stationary contact springs relative to the moveable contact springs by bending the stationary contact spring at the notch of the stationary contact spring.

Abstract: A MEMS magnetic flux switch is fabricated as a ferromagnetic core. The core includes a center cantilever that is fabricated as a free beam that can oscillate at a resonant frequency that is determined by its mechanical and material properties. The center cantilever is moved by impulses applied by an associated motion oscillator, which can be magnetic or electric actuators.

Abstract: A programmable logic controller is disclosed. The programmable logic controller includes control circuitry integrally arranged with a current path and at least one micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch disposed in the current path. The programmable logic controller further includes a hybrid arcless limiting technology (HALT) circuit connected in parallel with the at least one MEMS switch facilitating the opening of the at least one MEMS switch. The programmable logic controller also may include a MEMS switch and a voltage sensor for measuring the voltage across the MEMS switch. The MEMS switches are arranged to transmit or receive logic signals.

Abstract: The RF MEMS switch comprising micromechanical switching means that are carried by a substrate (1) and that can be actuated between two positions: a first position (off-state/FIG. 1) and a second position (on-state), and actuation means for actuating the position of the switching means. The micromechanical switching means comprise a flexible membrane (6) which is freely supported by support means (3), which is bendable under the action of the actuation means (7), and which can freely slide relatively to the support means (3) during its bending movement.

Abstract: The actuation microsystem is produced on a flat substrate and comprises a pivoting arm mounted in rotation around a hinge, a stationary contact pad arranged on the substrate, and an end of opening travel stop of the pivoting arm. The end of travel stop comprises a top part, for example a head, arranged above and at a distance from the pivoting arm between an articulation end and a free end of the pivoting arm. The stop comprises a bottom part arranged laterally with respect to the pivoting arm, between the hinge and the stationary contact pad, and formed for example by a foot comprising a support pad formed on the substrate, a pedestal extending the support pad and a support portion of the head.

Abstract: The electro-magnetic relay comprises a contact block which is structured to uniformly maintain the contact resistance between the terminals of two circuits. Fixed contacts are provided for each of the terminals of the two circuits and each of two sets of a pair of movable contacts in positions corresponding to these is supported by two both-end-supported movable springs. An insulation sheet and a press spring are overlapped over the two movable springs and disposed as a bridge. A pair of tongues are formed on the press spring by a Z-character shaped cut and by an armature pressing their tips, the insulation sheet and press spring transforms to an upward concave shape, the two movable springs bend and are taken in inside while inclining and the movable contacts touch the fixed contacts while sliding.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate; a cantilever which is formed on the semiconductor substrate so as to face the semiconductor substrate with an air layer therebetween, the cantilever being made from an electrically conductive material or a semiconductor material, and the cantilever being mechanically movable; a photodiode which is formed so as to be connected in parallel to a capacitance that is constituted from the cantilever and the semiconductor substrate, and the photodiode being formed between an anchor portion which is a portion of the cantilever and the semiconductor substrate; and a power source which supplies voltage via a resistance on a side of the cantilever which is a connection point of a parallel circuit including both the capacitance and the photodiode so as to be backward bias to the photodiode, are included.

Abstract: An electronic circuit is formed by closely spacing metallic gate and drain interconnects to a flexible portion of a source interconnect. A gate voltage results in electrostatic attraction and lateral mechanical movement of the flexible source interconnect portion and causes an electrical short between source and drain. VanderWaals attraction between contacting source and drain can be used to provide volatile switching (springy thicker source portion) and non-volatile switching (limp thinner source portion). In accordance with the invention, an easily fabricated, high speed, low power, radiation hard, temperature independent, integrated reconfigurable electronic circuit with embedded logic and non-volatile memory can be realized. The switch uses patterned interconnect material for its structure and can be incorporated to a 3D layered structure consisting of three dimensional interconnect in which different layers and portions of the circuits are linked through volatile and non-volatile switches.

Abstract: MEMS switches of varying configurations provide individually acutatable contacts. The MEMS switches are sealed by an improved anodic bonding technique.

Abstract: A relay, in particular for radio-frequency applications, has at least one first contact electrically connected with a first conductor trace, the first contact in a contact position can be selectively electrically connected by a mechanical actuator with at least two second contacts electrically connected with at least one second conductor trace. The relay has a spatially fixed first circuit board with the first contact and the first conductor trace and a second circuit board with the second contacts and the second conductor trace that can be moved against the first circuit board into various contact positions by the mechanical actuator.

Abstract: An electrical switch element for a relay includes a base, a compensating element, and an actuating device. The base is provided with fixed contacts. The compensating element includes first and second switch contact carriers provided with switch contacts that correspond to the fixed contacts. The first and second switch contact carriers are connected by a rigid body joint arranged there between such that the first and second switch contact carriers are pivotable about a pivot axis. The rigid body joint has a support surface. The actuating device is in contact with the support surface. The actuating device applies a switching force to the support surface to cause the first and second switch contact carriers to pivot about the pivot axis to move the switch contacts into or out of electrical contact with the fixed contacts.