# US 7,746,202 B2 · Magnetic actuating device > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,746,202 B2 - Document ID: US7746202B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 11/908,807 - Filed: 2006-03-14 - Published: 2008-09-18 - Granted: 2010-06-29 - Earliest claimed: 2005-03-16 - Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft - Inventors: Jörg Hagen; Carsten Protze - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7746202B2 ## CPC - H01H 33/6662: {using bistable electromagnetic actuators, e.g. linear polarised electromagnetic actuators} - H01F 7/122: by permanent magnets {(H01F7/1615, H01F7/1646 take precedence)} - H01F 7/081: {Magnetic constructions} - H01F 7/1615: {Armatures or stationary parts of magnetic circuit having permanent magnet} - H01H 3/46: using rod or lever linkage, e.g. toggle - H01H: ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES (contact cables H01B7/10; electrolytic self-interrupters H01G9/18; emergency protective circuit arrangements H02H; switching by electronic means without contact-making H03K17/00) - H01F: MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES ## Abstract The invention relates to a magnetic actuating device containing a reference element and an adjusting element which is movably disposed between first and second end positions with respect to the reference element. The reference and/or adjusting elements contain a magnetizable material. A drive coil is provided for generating a magnetic field that moves the adjusting element from the first to the second end position. A mechanical clamping device is provided for producing mechanical forces that move the adjusting element from the second to the first end position. A fixing device is provided with a permanent magnet for generating a holding force fixing the adjusting element in the second end position with respect to the reference element. The fixing device contains a fixing unit separated from the adjusting element and provided with the permanent magnet. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A magnetic actuating device, comprising: a reference element; an actuating element disposed to move relative to said reference element between a first limit position and a second limit position, at least one of said reference element and said actuating element formed from a magnetic material; a drive coil for producing a magnetic field for moving said actuating element from the first limit position to the second limit position; a mechanical tensioning apparatus for storing mechanical energy by which said actuating element can be moved from the second limit position to the first limit position; a fixing device for producing a magnetic holding force for fixing said actuating element in the second limit position relative to said reference element, said fixing device containing a fixing unit having a permanent magnet and is separate from said actuating element; a lever configuration coupling said reference element to said actuating element, said lever configuration converting a first force exerted by said actuating element on said lever configuration in a movement direction of said actuating element to a second force acting transversely with respect to the first force and having a smaller magnitude; and said lever configuration having a rotating joint, a first lever rotatably attached to said reference element, and a second lever rotatably attached to said actuating element, said first lever and said second lever being connected to one another via said rotating joint. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The magnetic actuating device according to claim 1, wherein said fixing unit is disposed separately from said reference element. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The magnetic actuating device according to claim 1, wherein both said reference element and said actuating element are formed from said magnetic material. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The magnetic actuating device according to claim 3, wherein said magnetic material is a ferromagnetic material. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The magnetic actuating device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic holding force produced by said fixing device acts transversely with respect to a movement direction of said actuating element. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The magnetic actuating device according to claim 1, wherein when said actuating element is in the second limit position, a switch which is operated by said actuating element produces a conductive connection. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The magnetic actuating device according to claim 1, further comprising a holding element coupled to said rotating joint connecting said first and second levers, said holding element composed of a magnetic material. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The magnetic actuating device according to claim 7, wherein said permanent magnet of said fixing device generating a magnetic field for fixing said holding element on said fixing device which is fixed relative to said reference element. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The magnetic actuating device according to claim 7, wherein said fixing device and said holding element form parts of a closed iron circuit in a position in which said holding element is fixed on said fixing device. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The magnetic actuating device according to claim 1, wherein said mechanical tensioning device has a reset spring. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The magnetic actuating device according to claim 1, wherein said fixing device has a magnetic disconnection coil, by which an opposing magnetic field can be produced, which counteracts the holding force produced by said permanent magnet. ### Claim 12 A switching apparatus, comprising: a switch; and a magnetic actuating device for operating said switch, said magnetic actuating device including: a reference element; an actuating element disposed to move relative to said reference element between a first limit position and a second limit position, at least one of said reference element and said actuating element formed from a magnetic material; a drive coil for producing a magnetic field which moves said actuating element from the first limit position to the second limit position; a mechanical tensioning apparatus for storing mechanical energy by which said actuating element can be moved from the second limit position to the first limit position; a fixing device for producing a holding force for fixing said actuating element in the second limit position relative to said reference element, said fixing device containing a fixing unit having a permanent magnet and is separate from said actuating element; a lever configuration coupling said reference element to said actuating element, said lever configuration converting a first force exerted by said actuating element on said lever configuration in a movement direction of said actuating element to a second force acting transversely with respect to the first force and having a smaller magnitude; and said lever configuration having a rotating joint, a first lever rotatably attached to said reference element, and a second lever rotatably attached to said actuating element, said first lever and said second lever being connected to one another via said rotating joint.