An electromechanical switch includes first and second stationary contacts and a movable contact. Each of the first and second stationary contacts has a respective protrusion at a mating end thereof. The movable contact defines a first depression and a second depression along a mating side thereof. The movable contact is reciprocally movable into and out of a closed position relative to the first and second stationary contacts. In the closed position, the mating side of the movable contact engages the mating ends of the first and second stationary contacts such that the protrusion of the first stationary contact projects into the first depression and the protrusion of the second stationary contact projects into the second depression.

A switching device for guiding and switching of load currents includes: a movable switching component having a first movable contact and a second movable contact; a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact; a supporting device for supporting the switching component; and a magnetic actuator. The first movable contact is in contact with the first fixed contact and the second movable contact is in contact with the second fixed contact in a switched-on state of the switching component. The first movable contact is electrically separated from the first fixed contact and the second movable contact is electrically separated from the second fixed contact in a switched-off state of the switching component. The switching component is arranged such that the switching component moves between the switched-on state and the switched-off state by at least a rotational movement of the switching component and a translational movement of the supporting device.

A switching device for guiding and switching of load currents includes: a movable switching component having a first movable contact and a second movable contact; a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact; a supporting device for supporting the switching component; and a magnetic actuator. The first movable contact is in contact with the first fixed contact and the second movable contact is in contact with the second fixed contact in a switched-on state of the switching component. The first movable contact is electrically separated from the first fixed contact and the second movable contact is electrically separated from the second fixed contact in a switched-off state of the switching component. The switching component is arranged such that the switching component moves between the switched-on state and the switched-off state by at least a rotational movement of the switching component and a translational movement of the supporting device.

An improved switching device includes a guide configured to reduce undesired movement of the switching element. The guide includes an upper portion configured to receive the switching element and a lower portion configured to receive a spring. The upper portion defines a seat to receive the switching element and includes at least one resilient tab to retain the switching element within the guide. The lower portion defines an opening in which the spring is positioned, where the spring is seated, in part, against the switching element and against the guide. The guide includes guide portions configured to engage a housing on the switching device to prevent rotation of the switching element within the switching device. The switching element further includes protrusions configured to engage each side of the guide and to prevent longitudinal movement of the switching element within the housing.

A contact device includes a pair of fixed contacts, a movable contactor, a contactor holder, a movable shaft, and a base. The pair of fixed contacts are aligned in a first direction. The movable contactor comes into or out of contact with the pair of fixed contacts in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The contactor holder holds the movable contactor. The movable shaft moves the contactor holder in the second direction so that the movable contactor comes into or out of contact with the fixed contacts. The base accommodates the fixed contacts, the movable contactor, and the contactor holder. The base has a projection projecting from a position opposing the contactor holder in a third direction orthogonal to both the first and second directions.

An improved switching device includes a guide configured to reduce undesired movement of the switching element. The guide includes an upper portion configured to receive the switching element and a lower portion configured to receive a spring. The upper portion defines a seat to receive the switching element and includes at least one resilient tab to retain the switching element within the guide. The lower portion defines an opening in which the spring is positioned, where the spring is seated, in part, against the switching element and against the guide. The guide includes guide portions configured to engage a housing on the switching device to prevent rotation of the switching element within the switching device. The switching element further includes protrusions configured to engage each side of the guide and to prevent longitudinal movement of the switching element within the housing.

An electromagnetic switch including a first stationary electric contact, a second stationary electric contact, a mechanical contact, and a moveable contact. The electromagnetic switch is configured for reciprocal motion of the moveable contact into and out of contact with the first stationary electric contact and the second stationary electric contact, wherein the moveable contact remains in contact with the mechanical contact (e.g., a non-conducting contact) throughout the reciprocal motion. In various embodiments, the moveable contact is configured so that at the end of the reciprocal motion three contact points occur, and a triangle defined by the three contact points encloses a center of force of the reciprocal motion.

An electromechanical switch includes first and second stationary contacts and a movable contact. Each of the first and second stationary contacts has a respective protrusion at a mating end thereof. The movable contact defines a first depression and a second depression along a mating side thereof. The movable contact is reciprocally movable into and out of a closed position relative to the first and second stationary contacts. In the closed position, the mating side of the movable contact engages the mating ends of the first and second stationary contacts such that the protrusion of the first stationary contact projects into the first depression and the protrusion of the second stationary contact projects into the second depression.

An electromagnetic switch including a first stationary electric contact, a second stationary electric contact, a mechanical contact, and a moveable contact. The electromagnetic switch is configured for reciprocal motion of the moveable contact into and out of contact with the first stationary electric contact and the second stationary electric contact, wherein the moveable contact remains in contact with the mechanical contact (e.g., a non-conducting contact) throughout the reciprocal motion. In various embodiments, the moveable contact is configured so that at the end of the reciprocal motion three contact points occur, and a triangle defined by the three contact points encloses a center of force of the reciprocal motion.

An electromagnetic switch includes: at least two stationary electric contacts; and a moveable contact, wherein the electromagnetic switch is configured for reciprocal motion of the moveable contact into and out of contact with the stationary electric contacts, wherein the moveable contact is configured so that at least three contact points occur in the reciprocal motion, and so that a triangle defined by the at least three contact points encloses a center of force of the movement.