Abstract:
A multipole, multiposition switching relay (10) is provided. The switching relay (10) includes an electromagnetic drive coil (14) having a spring-biased plunger (32) slidably mounted therein. The plunger (32) is operably connected to a switching apparatus (70) for connecting and disconnecting terminals of coaxial connectors (76). The drive coil (14) pulls the plunger (32) into its hollow center when an electric current is applied to the drive coil (14). A magnet (54) located near the drive coil (14) creates a magnetic field which maintains the plunger (32) in the drive coil (14) after the electric current has been disconnected from the drive coil (14), and the switching relay (10) will remain in the chosen state. A second drive coil (16) may be provided which shunts, or reverses, the magnetic field, allowing the plunger (32) to return to its original position due to the biasing force provided by the spring (34). Energizing the second drive coil (16) automatically resets any previously selected position of the first drive coil (14) to its original position. The second drive coil (16) may be a second electromagnetic coil (16) and plunger (32) assembly like the first, or may be a simple reset solenoid having no switching apparatus associated therewith.