Electromechanical relay and monitoring switch for electromechanical relay

Abstract

To provide an electromechanical relay for providing a reliable function over a long time.SOLUTION: A contact device (15) includes a movable armature, a coil for moving the armature, a shaft (18) connected to the armature, and a contact bridge (12) arranged at the shaft (18) so as to come into contact with a relay contact (19) fixed to a contact chamber (23). A monitoring switch (20) including a switch contact for monitoring a switching state of a relay (13) is arranged at a relay housing (14). The switch contact can be activated by an actuator (9) that can be displaced by the contact device (15). A monitoring switch (20) of the relay (13) has a switch housing (21) different from the relay housing (14).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromechanical relay and a monitoring switch for such an electromechanical relay. [Background technology]

[0002] Such electromechanical relays can be used, for example, in the high voltage range as so-called HV relays and are used, for example, in the automotive field, in particular in electromobility or for hybrid vehicles. Electromechanical relays can be used to control the flow of current through a circuit by opening or closing a line running through the relay. Particularly in the high voltage range, it may be necessary to monitor the switching state of the relay, for example, to ensure a safe state when starting a charging process, to detect one-sided welding of a contact bridge to a relay contact, or to be able to display the switching state on an output means.

[0003] Increasing efforts are being made towards micro-switches that are integrated into the relay housing and positioned close to the contact arrangement, thereby allowing precise monitoring of the switching position. Practical monitoring switches require mounting space that is usually not suitable for existing relays. In addition, practical monitoring switches need to be mounted at regular intervals on the circuit board, which requires additional mounting space and adds additional costs.

[0004] Document CN214254280U discloses a relay including a microswitch, which is arranged between the relay contacts and has an actuator on the side opposite the axis of the contact arrangement. When the axis including the contact bridge is displaced in the direction of the relay contacts, it pushes the actuator of the microswitch towards the two parallel contact arms of the microswitch, thus making contact between the contact arms and changing the switching state of the microswitch. The microswitch is embedded in the relay housing with an opening provided between the contact chamber including the contact arrangement and the microswitch chamber, and with the actuator of the microswitch inserted in said opening. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electromechanical relay with a monitoring switch, which allows reliable monitoring of the switching position of the relay over time, and a monitoring switch suitable for such a relay. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This object is achieved by an electromechanical relay according to claim 1 and by a monitoring switch according to claim 13. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0007] According to the features of independent claim 1, an electromechanical relay is proposed, which comprises a relay housing surrounding a contact chamber of the relay and a contact device arranged in the contact chamber, the contact device having a movable armature, a coil for moving the armature, a shaft connected to the armature and a contact bridge arranged on the shaft for contacting a fixed relay contact in the contact chamber, a monitoring switch including a switch contact for monitoring the switching state of the relay is arranged in the relay housing, the switch contact can be activated by an actuator which can be displaced by the contact device, the monitoring switch having a switch housing separate from the relay housing.

[0008] The electromechanical relay according to the features of independent claim 1 has the advantage that an additional protection and improved sealing of the monitoring switch mechanism can be realized, resulting in a long-term reliable functioning of the monitoring switch. In other words, the monitoring switch is not exposed in the relay housing, but is embedded in the relay housing covered by a defined protective cover. Despite the very small available mounting space, it has proven worthwhile to provide a separate switch housing to protect the switching mechanism of the monitoring switch. The monitoring switch is protected by the switch housing, in particular against the ingress of particles from the contact chamber of the relay, in which particle-separating heat and friction effects can occur, for example due to the switching movement of the contact device and the flow of the switching current. The relay as described herein allows reliable long term monitoring of the switching position of a relay within a housing. The monitoring switch can be designed to be robust due to the switch housing, yet its internal switching mechanism can be designed to be highly sensitive. In addition, the monitoring switch can be more easily attached to the relay as a pre-assembled module with the switch housing, facilitating manufacture of the relay and simplifying maintenance or replacement of the monitoring switch.

[0009] The relay housing and / or the switch housing advantageously have an actuator guide for the actuator of the monitoring switch. The guide allows the actuator to be guided in a targeted and well-defined manner to the actuation point. In addition, the actuator guide supports a reliable and accurate displacement of the actuator in the switching mechanism of the monitoring switch by reducing the risk of the actuator tilting or slipping at the actuation point of the monitoring switch. In particular, the actuator can be displaced in a linear path of movement, thus avoiding jamming of the actuator in the path of movement of the surrounding structure. The linear path of movement can be supported and guaranteed by a linear actuator guide. In particular, the periphery of the actuator can be sealed against the walls of the actuator guide, further reducing the possibility of particles entering the monitoring switch.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuator guide can at least partially form a labyrinth. The labyrinth, also known as labyrinth seal in the context of electromechanical relays, can be formed by a narrow housing channel with at least one flexure, which can serve as a particle trap for suspended particles and liquid media. The seal of the monitoring switch can be further improved by the labyrinth. From the side of the contact device, the actuator of the monitoring switch can be at least partially embedded in such a labyrinth, whereby an additional seal and a supplementary guide and, depending on the design, a stop for the actuator can be provided. In addition, an actuator at least partially embedded in a labyrinth reduces the installation space required for a relay including a monitoring switch.

[0011] Advantageously, the actuator can extend between the contact bridge and the monitoring switch in the region of the relay housing facing the contact bridge. This allows the movement of the contact bridge to be monitored directly. The actuator can transmit the actuation movement of the contact device directly to the monitoring switch. Here, the monitoring switch can be arranged in the region of the relay housing facing the contact bridge. The actuator can be connected to the contact bridge, for example, by an integral connection or a form-fit connection. According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuator is not connected to the contact bridge in order to compensate for tolerances in the displacement movement and to reduce the risk of jamming. The actuator can extend in the direction of the monitoring switch towards the relay contact in a virtual extension of the axis in the actuation direction, so that the actuator can be displaced, for example, along the central force direction or line of force of the contact device. This allows the actuator to be positioned in a favorable way with respect to the force, thus optimizing the transmission of the force to the actuator and, for example, avoiding torque acting on the actuator. To enable a sensitive and accurate monitoring circuit with fast response time, the actuator can be automatically reset by an optional return spring.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment, the monitoring switch can be arranged between the relay contacts. This results in a particularly space-saving arrangement of the monitoring switch. In particular, no additional mounting space needs to be provided in the relay for the monitoring switch. In addition, the switching position of the relay is monitored in the immediate vicinity of the relay contacts, allowing a reliable and accurate monitoring.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, the actuator can extend between the armature or the shaft and the monitoring switch in the area of ​​the relay housing facing away from the contact bridge. It is particularly advantageous if the monitoring switch can be arranged in the area of ​​the relay housing facing away from the contact bridge, for example below the armature in case the contact bridge is arranged above the armature. This embodiment can be particularly suitable for relays with a substantially closed switching chamber containing the relay contacts and the contact bridge, which switching chamber is spatially separated from the motor compartment, which comprises the device, for example, including the coil, the armature, the core and / or the yoke. Due to the proposed embodiment, the possibility of particles entering the monitoring switch can be further reduced, since the monitoring switch is positioned in a protected area of ​​the contact device, away from the contacts. The actuator may be arranged in a linearly displaceable manner, for example, in a switch housing of the monitoring switch, and the monitoring switch may be actuated by a tensile or compressive force exerted by a displaced armature or shaft. The actuator may also be rigidly connected, for example, to the armature or shaft. The switch housing may have an actuator guide for the actuator. To enable a sensitive and accurate monitoring circuit with a fast response time, the actuator may be automatically reset by an optional return spring.

[0014] The actuator can be formed, for example, from a ceramic material. The ceramic material can be, for example, a zirconium oxide ceramic, but other ceramic materials are also conceivable. This provides a particularly robust and heat-resistant actuator with good sliding friction properties, high hardness and high mechanical strength. In particular, such an actuator has high chemical stability and a long service life without significant particle separation. According to an alternative embodiment, the actuator can be formed from a plastic material, for example a thermosetting resin, for example if the actuator is actuated via the armature of a relay. Advantageously, plastic-to-metal connections can also be used for the actuator. When selecting a suitable actuator material, the creepage distances prescribed by standardization must be observed.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the monitoring switch has a contact arm as a switch contact and a counter contact arm, the contact arm being at least partially movable towards the counter contact arm so as to come into contact with the counter contact arm. This embodiment allows the realization of a very compact, in particular narrow and flat, monitoring switch. In addition, no separate lever is required for actuating the monitoring switch. The contact arm may be displaceable towards the counter contact arm by applying a force to an actuator. The contact arm may be pivotable relative to the counter contact arm by the actuator. When the contact arm and the counter contact arm come into contact at a designated contact area, an electrical contact is established between the contact arm and the counter contact arm and the monitoring switch is in a switching state corresponding to said contact. The contact arm and the counter contact arm are preferably arranged in a switch housing of the monitoring switch.

[0016] The contact arm can have a contact element protruding in the direction of the counter contact arm. The counter contact arm can have a counter contact element protruding in the direction of the contact arm. The contact element and / or the counter contact element can be designed, for example, as a contact rivet. The contact element and / or the counter contact element can be connected to the contact arm or the counter contact arm mechanically or in an integral connection, for example by welding or brazing, or can be formed in one piece with the contact arm or the counter contact arm, for example by sputtering or by a spring material that is galvanized with a precious metal and includes embossed contact protrusions. The contact arm and the counter contact arm can be spaced apart from each other by a spacer in the area facing away from the actuation area in which the actuator acts on the contact arm, ensuring that the contact arm and the counter contact arm only come into contact in the intended contact area.

[0017] Advantageously, the contact arm and / or the counter contact arm can be designed as spring elements, so that gentle deflection and contact can be achieved according to the selected spring characteristics. In addition, the contact arm can be automatically reset by the actuator when the actuation force ceases. In particular, the spring element can be designed as a leaf spring, so that a substantially flat contact element with a low height can be formed, thus realizing a flat monitoring switch. The leaf surfaces of the contact arm and the counter contact arm can face each other and, for example, extend at least partially parallel to each other.

[0018] By forming the contact arm and / or the counter contact arm as a spring element, the monitoring switch is also particularly suitable for being arranged in the force direction of the contact device, since tolerance-related force overloads on the switch contacts in the actuation area can be reduced.

[0019] The contact arm and the counter contact arm can be arranged so that they are axially or laterally displaceable relative to each other. The relative displaceability can be achieved by a suitable geometry of the contact arm or counter contact arm, e.g. a resilient design with angles or bends, and the moving counter contact. The relative displaceability allows limited friction in the contact area of ​​the contact arm and the counter contact arm during contact and a favorable cleaning effect in the contact area can be achieved. This effectively removes any particle deposits that may have formed on the contact surface or prevents particle deposits from forming in the first place.

[0020] According to further embodiments, the contact arm can have a bend or an angle. This allows, for example, the working area of ​​the contact arm to be spatially offset from the contact area of ​​the contact arm. As a result, contact can already be achieved by a short displacement path of the contact arm in the working area. Due to the bend or angle, for example, the contact arm can be deflected at an angle of 10° to 90°. In particular, the contact arm can have two or more bends or angles, and two consecutive bends or angles can be opposite to each other. For example, the contact arm can be Z-shaped or have one or more Z-shaped sections. The bend or angle can also reduce the stiffness of the contact arm, thereby allowing for a small relative movement of the contact arm with respect to the mating contact arm. This can allow for limited friction in the contact area between the contact arm and the mating contact arm, allowing for an advantageous cleaning effect in the contact area, thus effectively removing any particle deposits that may have formed on the contact surface or preventing them from forming in the first place.

[0021] The contact arm can have an actuator receptacle, which allows a force to be applied clearly by the actuator to the contact arm. The actuator receptacle can be arranged in an actuator region of the contact arm, where the actuator abuts against the contact arm. In a simple embodiment, the actuator receptacle can be a recess in the contact arm, into which the actuator can penetrate. However, to protect the contact arm from signs of wear, it is advantageous for the actuator receptacle to be a separate protective element. The actuator receptacle can be, for example, a dome-shaped protective element positioned on the contact arm, for example recessed into a through opening of the contact arm. The actuator receptacle may be formed from a robust plastic material and may be designed, for example, for frequent contact by the actuator. The shape of the actuator receptacle, for example a dome shape, and / or its material, for example a plastic material, may provide additional sealing of the switching mechanism of the monitoring switch in the actuation area.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the monitoring switch can have a contact follow path, which makes it possible to compensate for an increase in pressure of the contact arm against the mating contact arm, for example due to overpressing. For example, the contact follow path can be formed by a limitedly displaceable or elastically deflectable mating contact arm.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the monitoring switch can be designed as a normally closed contact. In this case, the switching elements, e.g. the contact arm of the monitoring switch and the counter contact arm, are designed as so-called NC switching elements ("normally closed switches"). When actuated, the switching circuit opens. A monitoring switch designed as an NC switch has low tolerance sensitivity and can, for example, compensate for the tolerances of the contact device. This monitoring switch can also reduce the load on the contact arms.

[0024] According to an alternative embodiment, the monitoring switch can be designed as a normally open contact. In this case, the switching elements, e.g. the contact arm of the monitoring switch and the counter contact arm, are designed as so-called NO switching elements ("normally open switch"). When actuated, the switching circuit is closed.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the switching element of the monitoring switch can also be designed as a change-over switch so that a safe open and a safe closed state can be indicated.

[0026] The switch housing can be attached and fixed to the relay housing by means of suitable built-in or additional connection means. For attachment, the switch housing can be inserted into a housing channel of the relay housing provided for this purpose. The switch housing can be screwed onto the relay housing for secure fixing. According to an embodiment that simplifies assembly, the switch housing can have latching elements and can be configured to establish a latching connection with a mating latching contour of the relay housing. According to an advantageous embodiment, the switch housing can have a form-fit contour that contacts a corresponding mating contour of the relay housing. The form-fit contour can be, for example, a recess or a depression in the outer contour of the switch housing and can form an undercut with the associated mating contour of the relay housing. This allows a form-fit between the relay housing and the switch housing, which positions the switch housing particularly securely on the relay housing and protects it from unwanted displacements which could lead to a deterioration of the monitoring quality. The switch housing can, for example, be adapted to projections or recesses already present in the relay housing by design, thus optimizing the mounting space at the same time.

[0027] The invention also relates to a monitoring switch for an electromechanical relay, which is designed according to one of the above-mentioned features. In particular, the monitoring switch has a switch housing. In addition, the switch housing can have, for example, an actuator guide, which can also, for example, at least partially form a labyrinth. The monitoring switch can have a contact arm arranged in the switch housing and a counter contact arm, the contact arm being at least partially movable towards the counter contact arm so as to contact the counter contact arm. The contact arm and / or the counter contact arm can be designed as a spring element. The contact arm and the mating contact arm can be arranged to be axially displaceable relative to one another. The contact arm can have a bend or angle. The contact arm can have an actuator receptacle. The switch housing can have a form-fitting contour that contacts a corresponding mating contour of the relay housing.

[0028] The presented monitoring switch also allows the advantage of a safe, reliable and compact monitoring circuit for a relay to be realized.

[0029] Very generally, in the context of this application, unless otherwise specified, the word "a" is to be understood as an indefinite article having the literal meaning of "at least one" and not as a numeral.

[0030] The invention is capable of various embodiments and will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an electromechanical relay with a monitoring switch according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 2] 1 is a front cross-sectional view of an electromechanical relay with a monitoring switch according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an electromechanical relay with a monitoring switch according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective bottom view of the monitoring switch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] 1 and 2 are cross-sectional views of an electromechanical relay 13 according to a first embodiment, in particular an HV relay. The illustrated relay 13 has a relay housing 14, which surrounds a contact chamber 23 in which a contact device 15 is present. The contact device 15 has a movable armature 16, which corresponds to the armature 16 of the second exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3, not shown in more detail, and a coil 17 for moving the armature 16. For example, by energizing the coil 17 in a suitable manner, the armature 16 can be displaced linearly along the force direction F of the contact device 15. A shaft 18 of the contact device 15 is connected to the armature 16 and follows the movement of the armature, so that the shaft 18 can also be displaced linearly in the direction of the force F of the contact device 15. As a result, the contact bridge 12 connected to the shaft 18 can be displaced towards the relay contact 19 arranged in a fixed position in the contact chamber 23, allowing contact between the contact bridge 12 and the relay contact 19 and thus closing the conductive path. When the coil 17 is de-energized, the direction of movement of the contact arrangement 15 is reversed and thus the armature 16, the shaft 18 and the contact bridge 12 are displaced back against the direction of the force F of the contact arrangement 15, causing the contact between the contact bridge 12 and the relay contact 19 to cease and thus opening the conductive path.

[0033] To monitor the switching position of the relay 13, a monitoring switch 20 is arranged in the relay housing 14 and can, for example, distinguish between contact and non-contact between the contact bridge 12 and the relay contacts 19. The monitoring switch 20 has a switch contact which is actuated by an actuator 9 connected to the contact arrangement 15 to switch the switching state of the monitoring switch 20, for example between an open and a closed state or between a conductive and a non-conductive state.

[0034] The monitoring switch 20 has a switch housing 21 separate from the relay housing 14, which protects the switch contacts within the monitoring switch 20 and further seals the switch contacts, for example, primarily from the contact chamber 23. This provides a durable and robust monitoring switch 20 that is not affected by interactions with interfering particles and can have a highly sensitive monitoring switch mechanism with low operating currents and voltages.

[0035] According to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the relay housing 14 has an actuator guide 22 with a central guide channel for the actuator 9 and a labyrinth 11 adjacent to the guide channel, in which the actuator 9 can engage by means of a guide structure. The actuator guide 22 ensures a clear guidance of the actuator 9 and, in particular, together with the labyrinth 11, achieves a good seal between the monitoring switch 20 and the contact chamber 23. The actuator guide 22 can be, for example, a cylindrical housing channel. The actuator guide 22 can be designed in such a way that the actuator 9 is not completely withdrawn from the actuator guide 22 in any switching position of the relay 13, so that the actuator 9 always reliably closes the actuator guide 22. The labyrinth 11 can form a stop for the guide structure of the actuator 9, since the actuator 9 can only enter the actuator guide 22 to a maximum labyrinth depth before further displacement of the actuator 9 is prevented by the labyrinth walls. The labyrinth 11 can also function as a particle trap by having a narrow housing channel that includes at least one flexure that can trap particles.

[0036] As can be seen in the detailed view of the monitoring switch 20 shown in FIG. 5, for example the switch housing 21 can also have a, for example cylindrical, actuator guide 22 for targeted actuation of the switch contacts of the monitoring switch 20 .

[0037] According to a first exemplary embodiment shown in figures 1 and 2, the actuator 9 extends between the contact bridge 12 and the monitoring switch 20 in the area of ​​the relay housing 14 facing the contact bridge 12, allowing direct monitoring of the contact bridge. The monitoring switch 20 is arranged above the contact bridge 12 in the area of ​​the relay housing 13 facing the fixed relay contacts 19 and projects into the space between the relay contacts 19, as shown in figure 2, thus providing a very compact monitoring solution that can be easily integrated into the relay 13. The actuator 9 is connected to the contact bridge 12 and can be displaced together with the contact bridge 12 along the direction of the force F of the contact arrangement 15 towards the monitoring switch 20 to activate the switch contact of the monitoring switch 20. To achieve a highly sensitive monitoring circuit with a fast response time, the actuator 9 can be automatically returned by a return spring 10.

[0038] 3 shows a possible alternative arrangement of the monitoring switch 20 and thus a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. The contact arrangement 15 shown here has a principle of operation corresponding to the contact arrangement 15 of the first exemplary embodiment. However, according to the second embodiment, the monitoring switch 20 may also be arranged in the area of ​​the relay housing 14 facing away from the contact bridge 12, in this case below the armature 16, while the contact bridge 12 is arranged above the armature 16. The terms above and below or above and below may for example relate to the direction of the force F of the contact arrangement 15, the direction of the force F at the contact point of the contact bridge 12 with the relay contact 19 corresponding to an upward movement. In the second exemplary embodiment shown, the actuator 9 is directly displaced by the armature 16, which also allows a very direct monitoring of the switching position by the armature with a favorable reference plane. In other exemplary embodiments, actuation of the actuator 9 by the shaft 18 is also conceivable with this arrangement. The switch housing 21 has an actuator guide 22, by means of which the actuator 9 can be guided in a well-defined manner towards the switch contact of the monitored switch 20.

[0039] In the following, a detailed structure of the monitoring switch 20 shown in an exemplary embodiment is described with reference to Figs. 4 to 6. The monitoring switch 20 has a two-part switch housing 21, which comprises a switch housing base 6 and a switch housing cover 7. The switch contacts of the monitoring switch 20 are arranged in the switch housing 21 and are formed as a contact arm 2 with a contact element 4 designed as a contact rivet and as a counter contact arm 1 with a counter contact element 3 designed as a contact rivet. The contact arm 2 can be moved towards the counter contact arm 1, in particular pivoted towards the counter contact arm 1, to contact the counter contact arm 1 by means of the contact element 4 and the counter contact element 3. The contact arm 2 and the counter contact arm 1 are designed as leaf springs, which allows a very narrow and flat design of the monitoring switch 20 with light actuation options due to the possibility of elastic deflection of the contact arm 2.

[0040] The contact arm 2 can be moved towards the counter contact arm 1 by means of an actuator 9. For this purpose, the contact arm 2 has an actuator receptacle 5, which acts as a dome-shaped protective insert and protects the contact arm 2 against wear and the ingress of particles. In addition, the switch housing 21 has a cylindrical actuator guide 22 towards the actuator receptacle 5. Furthermore, a spacer 8 is provided between the contact arm 2 and the counter contact arm 1 to ensure reliable contact of the contact arm 2 with the counter contact arm 2 only in the area of ​​the contact elements 3, 4.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 1, the switch contacts of the monitoring switch 20 can be designed as NO switching elements which establish a closed circuit path in the sense of contact only when actuated by the actuator 9, and thus the monitoring switch 20 is designed as a normally open contact. Other embodiments can also have, for example, an NC configuration of the switching elements, in which the normally closed circuit of the monitoring switch 20 is interrupted by actuation, and thus the monitoring switch 20 is designed as a normally closed contact, as shown in Fig. 3. By means of a monitoring connection 27 connected to the switch contacts, the switching state of the monitoring switch 20 can be read out and further processed, for example displayed via an evaluation circuit (not shown in more detail).

[0042] The contact arm 2 has several bends 24, by which the working area of ​​the contact arm 2 is spatially offset from the contact elements 3, 4 and which partially form a Z-shape of the contact arm 2. This slightly reduces the spring stiffness of the contact arm 2 and allows a limited relative axial movement between the contact elements 3, 4, whereby a self-cleaning effect of the contact elements 3, 4 can be realized by frictional forces.

[0043] With the presented relay 13 and monitoring switch 20 a safe, reliable and compact monitoring circuit for the relay 13 can be realized.

Claims

1. An electromechanical relay (13), a relay housing (14) surrounding a contact chamber (23) of the relay (13); A contact device (15) arranged in the contact chamber (23); Equipped with The contact device (15) comprises a movable armature (16), a coil (17) for moving the armature (16), a shaft (18) connected to the armature (16), and a contact bridge (12) arranged on the shaft (18) so as to contact a fixed relay contact (19) in the contact chamber (23), a monitoring switch (20) including a switch contact for monitoring the switching state of the relay (13) is disposed in the relay housing (14); An electromechanical relay (13), in which the switch contacts can be actuated by an actuator (9) which can be displaced by the contact device (15), The electromechanical relay (13) is characterized in that the monitoring switch (20) has a switch housing (21) separate from the relay housing (14).

2. 2. The electromechanical relay (13) according to claim 1, characterized in that the relay housing (14) and / or the switch housing (21) comprises an actuator guide (22) for the actuator (9) of the monitoring switch (20).

3. 3. The electromechanical relay (13) of claim 2, characterized in that the actuator guide (22) at least partially defines a labyrinth (11).

4. 4. An electromechanical relay (13) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (9) extends between the contact bridge (12) and the monitoring switch (20) in an area of ​​the relay housing (14) facing the contact bridge (12).

5. Electromechanical relay (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the monitoring switch (20) is arranged between the relay contacts (19).

6. 4. An electromechanical relay (13) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (9) extends between the armature (16) or the shaft (18) and the monitoring switch (20) in a region of the relay housing (14) facing away from the contact bridge (12).

7. 7. An electromechanical relay (13) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (9) is made from a ceramic material.

8. 8. The electromechanical relay (13) according to claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring switch (20) has a contact arm (2) as a switch contact and a mating contact arm (1), the contact arm (2) being at least partially movable towards the mating contact arm (1) so as to come into contact with the mating contact arm (1).

9. Electromechanical relay (13) according to claim 8, characterized in that the contact arm (2) and / or the counter contact arm (1) are designed as spring elements.

10. 10. An electromechanical relay (13) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the contact arm (2) and the counter contact arm (1) are arranged so as to be axially and / or laterally displaceable relative to one another.

11. Electromechanical relay (13) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the contact arm (2) has a bend (24) or angle.

12. Electromechanical relay (13) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the contact arm (2) comprises an actuator receptacle (5).

13. A monitoring switch (20) for an electromechanical relay (13) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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