Push-mode latching relay

A method for switching between a first electrical circuit, between a first movable contact and a first fixed contact, and a second electrical circuit, between a second moveable contact and a second fixed contact, in a relay, the method comprising:

• if the first electrical circuit is to be selected:
• energizing an actuator to move a contact carrier supporting the first and second moveable contacts in a first direction, thereby moving the first moveable contact towards the first fixed contact so that a first conducting liquid, supported by at least one of the first moveable contact and the first fixed contact, wets between the first moveable contact and the first fixed contact and completes the first electrical circuit;
• and
• if the second electrical circuit is to be selected:
• energizing the actuator to move the contact carrier in a second direction, thereby moving the second moveable contact towards the second fixed contact so that a second conducting liquid, supported by at least one of the second moveable contact and the second fixed contact, wets between the second moveable contact and the second fixed contact and completes the second electrical circuit.

An electrical relay comprising:

• a relay housing comprising a switching cavity;
• first and second moveable electrical contacts, each having a wettable surface;
• a moveable contact carrier in the switching cavity supporting the first and second moveable electrical contacts;
• first and second fixed electrical contacts attached to the relay housing in the switching cavity between the first and second moveable electrical contacts, the first and second fixed electrical contacts each having a wettable surface;
• a first conducting liquid volume in wetted contact with the first moveable electrical contact and the first fixed electrical contact;
• a second conducting liquid volume in wetted contact with the second moveable electrical contact and the second fixed electrical contact;
• and
• means for moving the contact carrier that couples the contact carrier to the relay housing;
• wherein motion of the contact carrier in the first direction causes the first conducting liquid volume to form a connection between the first moveable electrical contact and the first fixed electrical contact and breaks a connection formed by the second conducting liquid volume between the second moveable electrical contact and the second fixed electrical contact;
• and
• wherein motion of the contact carrier in the second directions breaks the connection formed by the first conducting liquid volume between the first moveable electrical contact and the first fixed electrical contact and causes the second conducting liquid to form a connection between the second moveable electrical contact and the second fixed electrical contact.