EP1300866A1 - Snap action relay with bridging contacts - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a housing with two protruding contact elements and an armature (22) pivotably mounted in the housing and movable by a magnetic coil to move a contact bridge between contact make and break positions. The armature moves a step spring element between two states in which it holds the contact bridge in the contact make position or in the break position

Description

The invention relates to a relay, in particular a voltage higher than 12 Volt switching relay, preferably a relay for 42 volt electrical systems in Motor vehicles, comprising a housing, two penetrating the housing and over this protruding contact elements, one arranged in the housing Magnet coil, a pivoted in the housing and by means of the Magnetic coil movable armature, by means of which a contact bridge between a contact position electrically connecting the contact elements and one Interrupt position is movable.

Such relays are known from the prior art, the conventional design of the relay always the problem of training a Arc at voltages of more than 12 volts, especially in 42-volt electrical systems, consists.

In particular, the known relays are also problematic when used as Circuit breakers are used, that is, currents of more than serve To switch 50 amps.

The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a relay which voltages higher than 12 volts works reliably.

This object is achieved according to the invention in a relay of the type described in the introduction solved in that a spring element by the anchor is movable between two spring states and that the spring element in a spring state, the contact bridge in the contact position and in the other spring state in the interrupted position holds.

The advantage of the solution according to the invention can be seen in the fact that Spring element created the possibility of the contact bridge quickly to move across large contact distances and thus the training an arc, especially when changing from the contact position to the Interrupt position, largely suppress.

It is particularly advantageous if the spring element is designed in this way is that when changing from one spring state to another the contact bridge moves with greater angular acceleration than it moves the anchor moves, so that the spring element serves, despite "slower" movement of the armature the contact bridge with greater angular acceleration from the contact position to the interrupt position or to be reversed.

There are many different options with regard to the spring conditions conceivable.

One possibility is that of spring-loaded spring elements Lever mechanisms, such as spring-loaded toggle mechanisms to realize that have two stable buckling states, for example.

It is particularly advantageous if the spring states are due to shape states of the spring element are formed, in each of which by the anchor is transferred.

The spring states can be such that a spring state is a stable shape state while the other spring state is on is unstable shape.

However, it is particularly advantageous if the spring states are the same Ways are stable shape states of the spring element, which over a unstable intermediate state are separated.

Thus, the anchor only needs to be designed so that when changing from one spring state to the other spring state the required Can apply force, but not so that it is in one of the spring states must exert a particularly high force to hold the same.

The shape states can in principle be multidimensional bending states be, i.e. bending states of plate-like spring elements.

A particularly simple solution, however, provides for the shape states to be one-dimensional Bending states of the spring element are.

The one-dimensional bending states can preferably be achieved by that the spring element is clamped between counter bearings and due to the clamping two different bending states as Let form states develop.

A particularly simple solution provides that the spring element is designed as a leaf spring element and the bending states by bending states of the leaf spring element.

A preferred design of the relay provides that the spring element in the starting position of the armature, the contact bridge in the open position holds and that the spring element in the tightened position the anchor holds the contact bridge in the contact position.

The bending states are preferably chosen so that the spring element bent away from the contact elements in a first bending state and is bent towards the contact elements in a second bending state is.

With regard to the storage of the spring element in the housing different possibilities conceivable.

It would be conceivable, for example, that the spring element be independent of To store anchors in the housing, for example clamped between abutments to store, and only act on the anchor on the spring element to move it back and forth between the spring states.

A structurally particularly simple solution, however, provides that the Spring element is mounted on the anchor in the housing.

In the simplest case, the spring element is firmly connected to the anchor and is also stored by this in the housing.

Tension around the spring element to form the two mold stands can, it is preferably provided that the spring element at least has a spring leg which is clamped between two abutments and is supported with it.

A particularly favorable solution provides that the spring element on the one hand via the anchor as an abutment and on the other hand via a housing-fixed arranged abutment is supported.

This option allows the spring element in the housing via the anchor to be stored and additionally supported on an abutment fixed to the housing, around the spring element the desired spring states to rent.

It is preferably provided that the abutment on one of the contact bridge opposite side.

A particularly advantageous constructive solution provides that the spring element has two spring legs arranged at a distance from one another, which extend from a contact bridge holder to an abutment and thus between the contact bridge holder and the abutment are clamped.

Preferably there is a contact bridge holder between the spring legs connected actuating leg provided by the Anchor can be actuated.

In the event that the spring element is mounted on the anchor, is provided that the actuating leg is fixed to the anchor and thus not only an actuation of the spring element via the actuating leg but takes place via the actuating leg Contact bridge holder over the pivotable mounting of the armature, so that ultimately over the actuating arm of the armature in turn as an abutment for the contact bridge holder works.

To prevent the movement of the Contact bridge holder is rigidly coupled to the movement of the armature preferably provided that the actuating leg has a flexible connection forms between the armature and the contact bridge holder and thus the spring element allows the contact bridge with greater angular acceleration to move as the anchor moves.

For example, it would be conceivable to separate the contact bridge from the spring element to lead or store.

However, a constructive solution is particularly simple, in which that Spring element carries the contact bridge.

The spring element preferably carries the contact bridge with the Contact bridge holder.

In order to give the contact bridge the opportunity to be in the switch position with Applying the same possible force to the contact elements is preferred provided that the spring element with a the contact bridge retaining twistable element is provided, so that not the need exists that the spring element holding the contact bridge so exactly position that the contact bridge in the switch position with essentially the same force rests on the contact elements, as this is possible due to the twistable Element can be compensated.

It is preferably provided that the twistable element is a spring bar is.

A structurally particularly simple solution provides that the twistable Element is integrally formed on the spring element.

A structurally particularly simple and therefore inexpensive solution further before that a contact bridge support in one piece to the twistable element is molded, which then holds the counter contacts and preferably at the same time an electrically conductive connection between the mating contacts manufactures.

With regard to the connection of the connection elements with external lines were in connection with the previous explanation of the individual embodiments no details given.

A particularly advantageous exemplary embodiment provides that the contact elements have projecting connector elements, and that each have a connection element with one of the connection counterparts a longitudinal axis of the same rotatable electrical connection.

The advantage of this solution is the fact that the rotatable connection between the connection counterpart and the corresponding connection element the possibility was created of lines via the connection counterpart to compensate for the applied torsional forces, as there is a connection counterpart can rotate relative to the connector accordingly.

In contrast, the relays known to date, in particular when it comes to circuit breakers, always the contact elements with the Supply lines connected via a screw connection, so that the contact elements had to be designed in such a way that they were applied via supply lines Torsion elements withstood.

The connection elements can in principle be of any design.

A particularly simple variant of the connection elements provides that these are cylindrical contact pins to the longitudinal axis.

Such contact pins are particularly simple elements, on the one hand easy to make and on the other hand a simple connection with the Allow connection elements, especially if this should be rotatable.

With regard to the design of the connection counterparts, none have so far details given. An advantageous solution provides that the connection counterparts Have connection sleeves.

Basically, these connection sleeves could be connected directly to the contact pins.

With relays designed as circuit breakers, however, there is a need to to generate the lowest possible contact resistance.

For this reason, it is preferably provided that the connecting sleeves with Contact inserts are provided.

These contact inserts can be designed in a wide variety of ways his.

For example, it would be conceivable for the contact inserts to have individual projections to provide which has a favorable contact with the contact pins result.

A particularly advantageous embodiment provides that the contact inserts are designed as contact cages which enclose the contact pins and thus for a favorable electrical contact for high currents between provide this and the connecting sleeves.

A particularly favorable design of the contact cages provides that this Have contact blades so that over the contact blades, preferably are resilient and curved, good electrical contact can be achieved is.

The electrical contact suitable for high currents can be particularly inexpensive then realize if the contact blades in the axial direction and in the azimuthal direction run around a central axis of the contact cage. Such one The course of the contact lamellae allows a particularly favorable nestling to reach the same on the contact pins.

The contact blades preferably run at least in partial sections helical or curved around the central axis of the contact cage.

For a quick connection between the contact pins and the connection counterparts To produce, it is preferably provided that the connection counterparts are arranged in a connection housing. Such a junction box is for example a housing made of an insulating material, preferably plastic.

In order to ensure the rotatability of the connection counterparts, it is provided that that the connection counterparts are rotatably arranged in the connection housing are, with several connection counterparts independently are rotatably arranged in the connection housing.

With regard to the formation of the contact elements within the housing no further details have so far been given.

In the previously known solutions, the contact elements are often as Bracket made of flat material.

According to the invention, however, a structurally particularly simple solution provides that the contact elements form free-standing contact bodies, which are preferably rise above a carrier body of the housing and, for example are shaped like columns.

The contact bodies are expediently on the end face, preferably on provide the side opposite the carrier body with contact parts, which in turn then interact with the contact bridge to create an electrical conductive contact between the contact elements by means of the contact bridge manufacture.

Regardless of the type of contact elements used for circuit breakers always used on the contact elements riveted contact parts.

According to the invention, however, it has proven to be particularly advantageous in terms of design proven if the contact elements are provided with plated contact parts are.

Such plated contact parts represent a considerable manufacturing and Cost advantage.

The contact parts are preferably made of silver or palladium-silver and applied to the contact elements by plating processes.

Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following Description and the graphic representation of an embodiment.

Fig. 1

ein teilweise im Schnitt dargestelltes erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Relais mit in Unterbrechungsstellung stehender Kontaktbrücke;

Fig. 2

eine Darstellung des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels, ähnlich Fig. 1 mit in Kontaktstellung stehender Kontaktbrücke;

Fig. 3

eine Ansicht in Richtung des Pfeils A in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

eine Draufsicht in Richtung des Pfeils B in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5

eine Darstellung einer Verbindung zwischen einem Kontaktelement und einem externen Anschluß mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Anschlußgegenstück beim ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 6

eine Darstellung ähnlich Fig. 3 eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Relais;

Fig. 7

eine Darstellung ähnlich Fig. 4 des zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Relais und

Fig. 8

eine Darstellung ähnlich Fig. 3 eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Relais.

The drawing shows:

Fig. 1

a partially shown in section first embodiment of a relay according to the invention with an open contact bridge;

Fig. 2

a representation of the first embodiment, similar to Figure 1 with the contact bridge in the contact position.

Fig. 3

a view in the direction of arrow A in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4

a plan view in the direction of arrow B in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5

a representation of a connection between a contact element and an external connection with a connection counterpart according to the invention in the first embodiment;

Fig. 6

a representation similar to Figure 3 of a second embodiment of a relay according to the invention.

Fig. 7

a representation similar to FIG. 4 of the second embodiment of the relay according to the invention and

Fig. 8

a representation similar to FIG. 3 of a third embodiment of a relay according to the invention.

A first embodiment of a relay according to the invention, shown in Figures 1 to 4, comprises a part of a housing and as a whole with 10 designated support body, on which a lower Leg 12 of a yoke 14 designated as a whole rests.

On a side of the lower side opposite the carrier body 10 Leg 12 sits a designated 16 magnetic coil, which one with the lower leg 12 of the yoke 14 connected magnetizable core 18th encloses.

The magnetizable core 18 has one facing away from the lower leg 12 End face 20, which an armature 22 is arranged opposite, the armature 22 on a transverse to the lower leg 12 of the yoke 14 extending cross leg 24 of the yoke 14 pivotable about an axis 26 is stored.

The armature 22 is pivotally mounted, as shown in FIG. 4, through a cutout 28 in the cross leg 24 of the yoke 14, the cutout 28 forms a support surface 30 facing the carrier body 10 which the armature 22 rests with a bearing web 32, the bearing web 32 between side walls 34a and 34b of the cutout 28 in the direction of the axis 26 is performed.

The armature 22 thus comprises one of the end faces 20 of the magnetizable core 18 opposite anchor plate 36, to which the bearing web 32 connects and on a side of the bearing web opposite the anchor plate 36 32 an extension 38 on which a tension spring 40 with one end 42 attacks while an opposite end 44 of the tension spring 40 either is mounted on the carrier body 10 or on the lower leg 12 of the yoke 14.

When the coil 16 is not energized, the armature 22 is in a starting position, in which the tension spring 40 has the tendency to move the armature 22 as far as possible from the Front 20 of the magnetizable core 18 to move away. This starting position is defined by a stop lug 46, which with a the cross arm 24 of the yoke 14 connected stop arm 48 is held.

Preferably, the stop lug 46 sits over the anchor plate 36 of the Anchor 22

For the immovable mounting of the armature 22 transversely to the axis 26 is on the one hand the extension 38 is wider than the cutout 28 so that the extension 38 with lugs 50a and 50b protruding laterally beyond the cutout 28 the cross leg 24 of the yoke 14 abuts. In addition, the anchor plate is also 36 wider than the cutout 28 and thus lies with projections 52a, b on the side of the bearing web 32 and thus also on the side of the cutout 28 the transverse leg 24 of the yoke 14 on the lugs 50a and 50b opposite Sides of the same.

On the carrier plate 10 are preferably on the cross leg 24th opposite side of the magnetic coil 16 two contact elements 60 and 62 is provided, which have contact carrier bodies 64 and 66, which are column-like or cone-like over the support body 10 and on which Contact parts 68 and 70 are plated on the end face. The contact parts 68 and 70 are preferably made of silver or palladium-silver in the form of a Layer on an end face 72 or 74 facing away from the carrier body 10 Contact carrier body 64 and 66 applied.

To securely anchor the contact elements 60 and 62, they are included Support flanges 76 and 78 provided, which are preferably in the radial direction to a longitudinal axis 80 or 82 of the respective contact element 60 or 62 extend beyond the contact carrier bodies 64 and 66 and on a corresponding one Support surface of the support body 10 rest.

Furthermore, the contact elements 60 and 62 penetrate with lugs 88 and 90 the carrier body 10, the lugs 88 and 90 by additional positive locking elements 92 and 94 on the carrier body 10, for example by caulking Claws that are anchored.

Approaches 88 and 90 are then preferably coaxial with the Longitudinal axes 80 and 82 arranged contact pins 96 and 98.

The contact elements 60 and 62 according to the invention are preferably as Turned parts formed so that the contact pins 96 and 98 and the contact carrier body 64 and 96 as well as the support flanges 76 and 78 and the approaches 88 and 90 are arranged coaxially to one another.

To now establish an electrical connection between the contact elements 60 and 62, in particular to be able to produce the contact parts 68 and 70 thereof, a contact bridge designated as a whole with 100 is provided, which a contact bridge carrier 102 and mating contacts held thereon 104 and 106, which on the contact parts 68 and 70 in a switching position of the relay, shown in Fig. 2, can be applied and in an interrupted position are at a sufficient distance from them.

The contact bridge carrier 102 is in turn with a spring element 110 connected, which with one of the contact bridge 100 facing front section 112 forms a contact bridge holder, on which the Web 108 attacks, the web 108 and the contact bridge carrier 102 preferably are integrally formed on the spring element 110 and these are formed from a leaf spring piece, for example punched out.

The web 108 preferably forms a torsion spring element, which a Tilting the contact bridge carrier 102 about a transverse to the axis 26 and also has a tilt axis 114 running transversely to the contact bridge carrier 102, which lies between the mating contacts 104 and 106, so that in the contact position both mating contacts 104 and 106 to the corresponding contact parts 68 and 70 are applied even if the contact bridge holder 112 is not is aligned exactly parallel to the contact parts 68 and 70, in which case the Web 108 experiences a slight torsion.

The spring element 110 also has two from the contact bridge holder 112 in the direction of the cross leg 124 extending spring legs 116 and 118, the ends 120 facing away from the contact bridge holder 112 and 122 on the side of the cutout 28 on the cross leg 28, for example Support in recordings 124 and 126.

An actuating limb 130 also leads from the contact bridge holder 112 in the direction of the armature 22 and is preferably on the face 20 of the magnetizable core facing away from the armature plate 36 and is for example in the area of a connection point 132 either by a Riveted connection or a welded connection or a similar connection firmly connected to the anchor plate 36, the actuating leg 130 of the Spring element 110 between the connection point 132 and the Contact bridge holder 112 still forms a flexible portion 134 that it allows the contact bridge holder 112 to move from the position of the anchor plate 36 may have a different position.

By fixing the anchor plate 36 transversely to the axis 26 relative to the cross leg 24, it is possible to pivot the armature 22 and the actuating leg 130 firmly connected to the anchor plate 36 Contact bridge holder 112 at a distance from the receptacles 124 and 126 to hold, which is less than the length of the spring legs 116 and 118. Das leads to the fact that the spring legs 116 and 118 strive to be in Bending in the longitudinal direction, which results in two stable shape states, namely that shown in Fig. 1, bent away from the contact parts 68 and 70 Position or that shown in Fig. 2, to the contact parts 68 and 80th bent position.

These different shapes can be achieved by moving the anchor plate 36 bring about the axis 26.

Is the anchor plate 36 in its initial position, that is, by the tension spring 40 applied to the stop lug 46, the anchor plate 36 with the this overlying actuating leg 130 rests on the stop lug 46, the spring legs 116 and 118 are bent away from the contact parts 68 Position and thus the entire spring element 110 also in the first, first shape state bent away from the contact parts 68 and 70.

However, by energizing the coil 16, the armature plate 36 against the end face 20 of the magnetizable core 18 pulled into the attracted position, so the spring legs 116 and 118 go out of their first from the contact parts 68 bent over into an unstable state and then in, that shown in Fig. 2, bent towards the contact parts 68 Position so that the entire spring element 110 in its second Form state is in which this is bent in the direction of the contact parts 68 is.

In the second shape state of the spring element, this thus holds the Contact bridge 100 in the contact position, laying in particular the Mating contacts 104 and 106 with the necessary contact pressure on the contact parts 68 and 70 on, while in the first form state the contact bridge 100 stands in its interrupted position, shown in Fig. 1.

The two shape states of the spring element 110 now lead to the fact that when the unstable intermediate state passes through, the first form state suddenly changes to the second shape state or the second shape state suddenly in the first shape, with the appropriate preload the spring legs 116 and 118 faster than the anchor plate 36 emotional.

The flexible section 134 of the actuating leg 130 serves Spring element 110 to the contact bridge holder 110 mobility to give relative to the anchor plate 36 to movements over one larger angular distance than the angular distance of the anchor plate 36 between the starting position and that lying against the end face 20 attracted position corresponds.

This creates the possibility of transitioning the contact bridge 100 from the interruption position to the contact position or - more importantly - from the contact position to the interruption position as quickly as possible and in particular in the interruption position if possible large contact distance between the mating contacts 104 and 106 and the To achieve contact parts 68 and 70 as quickly as possible, which is particularly the case with Switching large powers at 42 volts is required to get as much power as possible rapid tearing off of the developing when opening the contact Arc.

Furthermore, the two shape states of the spring element 110 allow still further advantageously a contact distance in the open position reach the contact bridge 100 from the contact parts 68 and 70, which corresponds to a larger angular distance than the angular distance of Anchor plate 36 from the end face 20 in the starting position, so that by the two shape states of the spring element 110 in particular for Voltages in the 42 volt range have considerable advantages over conventional ones Relay designs can be reached.

In the case of relays used as circuit breakers, the contact elements are usually 60 and 62 connected to the supply lines by a screw connection.

In contrast, the contact elements in the relay according to the invention 60 and 62 with contact pins 96 and 98.

For receiving these contact pins there is one for each of the contact pins 96, 98 Connection counterpart 140 is provided, which has a connecting sleeve 142 and a contact cage 144 inserted into the connecting sleeve 142, which a connection that can withstand high currents between the connection sleeve 146 and the corresponding contact pin 96 or 98.

The contact cage 144 is designed so that it has an upper plate carrier 146 and a lower plate carrier 148, between which there are extend at a distance from each other contact blades 150, the however not parallel to a central axis 152 of the connecting sleeve 142 and thus also of the connection counterpart 150, but also in the azimuthal direction around the central axis 152, for example helix-like, and in in this way also on an outside of the contact pins 96 or 98 can.

In addition, the contact cage 144 is formed such that the lamella 150 between the disk carriers 146 and 148 in the direction of the central axis 152 are bent and thus a kind between the lamella supports 146 and 148 Have a bottle neck shape or hourglass shape with a radial constriction 154. Due to the large number of spaced contact blades 150 of the contact cage 144, the bend in the direction of the central axis 152 to form a constriction 154 and its course in the azimuthal direction, that means, for example, their helical course, becomes one with high current loadable connection between the connecting sleeve 142 and the respective contact pin 96 and 98 possible, which has the further advantage has that the connecting sleeve 142 despite current-carrying electrical connection with the respective contact pin 96 and 98 about the longitudinal axis 80 and 82 of the respective contact pin 96 or 98 is rotatable.

Therefore, the connection sleeve 142 with a cable 160, for example by a crimp connection or a solder connection to the electrical conductors 162 of the cable 160, connected, so the connection between the Connection sleeve 142 and the respective contact pin 96 or 98 of the cable Compensate 160 outgoing torsional loads, namely that the Connection sleeve 142 around the respective longitudinal axis 80 or 82 of the corresponding contact pin 96 or 98 rotates. So that becomes the possibility created the contact elements 60 between 62 of torsional forces that over the Cables 160 are initiated to keep largely free, which in turn is the Possibility creates, the contact elements 60 and 62 structurally easier in Anchoring the carrier body 10 since these have much lower torsional loads Have to stand up as the contact elements of the previously known power switching relay.

The connecting sleeve 142 can be the contact cage 144th receiving section 164 straightened or angled to with the section 166 connected to respective electrical conductors 162.

Are the connection counterparts 140 for the contact pins 96 or 98 for example arranged in a common housing 170, so are preferred both connection counterparts 140 in the housing 170 independently of one another held rotatable.

In the simplest case, this is done in that the connecting sleeve 142 with a Projection 172 is provided, which engages in a groove 174 of the housing 170, while the entire connection sleeve 142 rotatable in a cylindrical Breakthrough 176 of the housing is held. So even when standing Housing 170 the respective connection sleeve 142 in this to the corresponding Longitudinal axis 80 or 82 of the corresponding contact pin 96 or Turn 98 and thus compensate for torsional loads on the part of the cable 160.

Preferably there is also the possibility of securing the electrical Connection between the connection counterpart 140 and the corresponding Contact pin 96 or 98, the housing 170 relative to the carrier body 10 as part of a housing of the relay, not shown overall, for example by a snap or snap connection or another connection to define and thereby a sliding of the respective connection counterpart To prevent 140 from the corresponding contact pin 96 and 98 without the torsional compensation between the connection counterpart 140 and to hinder the corresponding contact pin 96 or 98.

In a second embodiment of a relay according to the invention 6 and 7, the mating contacts 104 'and 106' are not at Contact bridge carrier 102 held directly, but on a carrier plate 103, which is connected to the contact bridge carrier 102.

The carrier plate 103 extends over the mating contacts 104 'and 106 'and establishes an electrical connection between them.

The counter contacts 104 'and 106' are preferably on the carrier plate 103 applied by plating.

In a fourth embodiment, shown in Fig. 8, the counter contacts 104 "and 106" formed by a common plating 105, which is applied to the carrier plate 103 and over the entire Carrier plate 103 extends so that both the mating contact 104 "and the Mating contact 106 "can be formed by the continuous plating.

Claims (35)

Relay, in particular for 42-volt electrical systems in motor vehicles, comprising a housing (10), two contact elements (60, 62) penetrating the housing (10) and protruding therefrom, one pivotably mounted in the housing (10) and by means of the magnetic coil ( 16) movable armature (22), by means of which a contact bridge (100) can be moved between a contact position electrically connecting the contact elements (60, 62) and an interruption position,
characterized in that a spring element (110) is movable between two spring states by the armature (22) and in that the spring element (110) holds the contact bridge (100) in the contact position in the spring position and in the interrupt position in the other spring state. Relay according to Claim 1, characterized in that when the spring element (110) changes from one spring state to the other, the contact bridge (100) moves with greater angular acceleration than the armature (22) moves. Relay according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the spring states are formed by the shape of the spring element (110). Relay according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring states are in the same way stable form states of the spring element (110) which are separated from one another by an unstable intermediate state. Relay according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the shape states are one-dimensional bending states of the spring element (110). Relay according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (110) is designed as a leaf spring element and the bending states are due to the bending states of the leaf spring element (110). Relay according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (110) holds the contact bridge (100) in the interrupted position in the initial position of the armature (22) and the spring element (110) holds the contact bridge in the attracted position of the armature (22) (100) holds in the contact position. Relay according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (110) is bent away from the contact elements (60, 62) in a first bending state. Relay according to Claim 8, characterized in that the spring element (110) is bent towards the contact elements (60, 62) in a second bending state. Relay according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (110) is mounted in the housing (10) via the armature (22). Relay according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (110) has at least one spring leg (116, 118) which is clamped between two abutments (112, 124, 126). Relay according to Claim 11, characterized in that the spring element (110) is supported on the one hand via the armature (22) as an abutment and on the other hand via an abutment (124, 126) fixed to the housing. Relay according to Claim 12, characterized in that the abutment (124, 126) arranged fixed to the housing lies on a side facing away from the contact bridge (100). Relay according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (110) has two spring legs (116, 118) which are arranged at a distance from one another and which extend from a contact bridge holder (112) to an abutment (124, 126). Relay according to Claim 14, characterized in that an actuating leg (130) which is connected to the contact bridge holder (112) and can be actuated by the armature (22) is arranged between the spring legs (116, 118). Relay according to claim 15, characterized in that the actuating leg (130) is fixed to the armature (22). Relay according to Claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the actuating leg (130) forms a flexible connection between the armature (22) and the contact bridge holder (112). Relay according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring element (110) carries the contact bridge (100). Relay according to Claim 18, characterized in that the spring element (110) is connected to a twistable element (108) holding the contact bridge (100). Relay according to claim 19, characterized in that the twistable element is a spring bar (108). Relay according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the twistable element (108) is integrally formed on the spring element (110). Relay according to one of Claims 19 to 21, characterized in that a contact bridge support (102) is integrally formed on the torsionable element (108). Relay according to the preamble of claim 1, or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact elements (60, 62) have connection elements (96, 98) projecting beyond the housing (10) and in each case one connection element (96, 98) with a connection counterpart (140) forms an electrical connection rotatable about a longitudinal axis (80, 82) of the same. Relay according to Claim 23, characterized in that the connecting elements (96, 98) to the longitudinal axis (80, 82) are circular cylindrical contact pins. Relay according to Claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the connection counterparts (140) have connection sleeves (146). Relay according to Claim 25, characterized in that the connecting sleeves (146) are provided with contact inserts (144). Relay according to Claim 26, characterized in that the contact inserts are designed as a contact cage (144). Relay according to Claim 27, characterized in that the contact cage (144) has contact lamellae (150). Relay according to Claim 28, characterized in that the contact lamellae run around a central axis (152) of the contact cage (144) in the axial direction and in the azimuthal direction. Relay according to one of claims 23 to 29, characterized in that the connection counterparts (140) are arranged in a connection housing (170). Relay according to Claim 30, characterized in that the connection counterparts (140) are rotatably arranged in the connection housing (170). Relay according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact elements (60, 62) in the housing (10) form free-standing contact carrier bodies (64, 66). Relay according to Claim 32, characterized in that the contact carrier bodies (64, 66) are provided with contact parts (68, 70) on the end face. Relay according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact elements (60, 62) are provided with plated-on contact parts (68, 70). Relay according to claim 34, characterized in that the contact parts (68, 70) are made of silver or palladium-silver.

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