Switching device

Abstract

An electromechanical switching device (10) for interrupting an electric current, the switching device (10) comprising a fixed main contact (12); a movable main contact (14); a fixed arcing contact (16); a movable arcing contact (18), the fixed arcing contact (16) and the movable arcing contact (18) being arranged in parallel with the fixed main contact (12) and the movable main contact (14); an actuation arrangement (22) configured to move the movable main contact (14) and the movable arcing contact (18); and a magnetic member (30) arranged to generate a magnetic holding force acting on the movable arcing contact (18) in a direction opposite to the fixed arcing contact (16) in response to a current flowing through the movable arcing contact (18) when the movable arcing contact (18) is in a closed position.

Description

[0001] Divisional application description: This application is a divisional application of the invention application with international application number PCT / EP2021 / 052623, international application date February 4, 2021, priority date March 5, 2020, Chinese application number 202180015020.4, and invention title "Switchgear". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to an electromechanical switching device. Specifically, an electromechanical switching device for interrupting current is provided, the switching device including a magnetic component. Background Technology

[0003] Switchgear is used to connect, disconnect, and carry current. Electromechanical switchgear may include contacts, which include fixed contacts and moving contacts, which are mechanically and electrically connected during normal operation. Current disconnection is affected when the contacts are separated from each other. In addition to separating the contacts, current disconnection / interruption operations also include extinguishing the arc between the contacts and forcing the current to decrease to zero.

[0004] Parallel switching devices are previously known. Such devices include a main contact pair and an arc-initiating contact pair. The main contact pair includes a movable main contact and a fixed main contact, while the arc-initiating contact pair includes a movable arc-initiating contact and a fixed arc-initiating contact coupled in parallel with the main contact pair. Current is diverted from the main contacts to the arc-initiating contacts before being interrupted. This optimizes the different characteristics required for different operating modes. In such devices, the main contacts typically only conduct current and do not participate in the arc-generating switching operation. The material in the main contacts is optimized for good conductivity, thereby reducing the power generated when current is flowing. On the other hand, the arc-initiating contacts are arranged to handle the interruption operation, not to continuously conduct current.

[0005] WO 2017059910 A1 discloses a switching device for interrupting current. The switching device includes a main contact carrier, a movable main contact, and a fixed main contact, wherein the movable main contact is attached to the main contact carrier. The switching device also includes an arc-initiating contact carrier, a movable arc-initiating contact, and a fixed arc-initiating contact, wherein the movable arc-initiating contact is attached to the arc-initiating contact carrier and the fixed arc-initiating contact is arranged parallel to the fixed main contact. The switching device further includes an actuation unit for actuating the main contact carrier and the arc-initiating contact carrier from an open position to a closed position, or vice versa. The switching device also includes a first rack and a first gear for actuating the arc-initiating contact carrier such that when the current is interrupted, the separation distance between the arc-initiating contacts is greater than the separation distance between the main contacts.

[0006] WO 2017059912 A1 discloses a switching device including a fixed main contact, a movable main contact, a fixed arc-starting contact, and a movable arc-starting contact. The fixed arc-starting contact is arranged parallel to the fixed main contact. US 2008074216 A1 discloses a contactor assembly including a carry contact, a carry contact bridge, an arc contact, and an arc contact bridge. The arc contact bridge and the carry contact bridge are movable in one direction such that opposite ends of the arc contact bridge engage the arc contact of the fixed contact, and opposite ends of the carry contact bridge engage the adjacent carry contact of the fixed contact. The contactor assembly also includes an arc extinguisher and a magnetic enhancer. The magnetic enhancer increases the magnitude of the magnetic force toward the arc extinguisher and ensures that the arc is rapidly transferred from the fixed arc contact to the plate of the arc extinguisher.

[0007] US 2953666 A discloses a circuit interrupter switch including two fixed conductors, a bridge contact member, and an actuator arranged to move the bridge contact member. The fixed conductors include downward-facing fixed contacts. Each contact is perpendicularly aligned with a bridge contact on the bridge contact member. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In electromechanical switchgear that includes main contacts and arcing contacts arranged in parallel, the current passing through the arcing contact generates a separating force on it. If the current through the arcing contact is high, the separating force on the arcing contact is also high. For high currents, due to the high separating force, there is a risk of commutation failure. If this occurs, arcing may occur in the main contacts, leading to current interruption failure.

[0009] The contact force between the arcing contacts provided by the actuation arrangement may not always be sufficient to overcome the separation force and maintain contact between the arcing contacts after switching from the main contacts to the arcing contacts and before disconnecting the current. Therefore, it may be impossible to disconnect high currents. This can be addressed by increasing the rating of the actuation arrangement, i.e., making the actuation arrangement more robust. However, this increases the force and wear on the switchgear, and therefore also increases cost, weight, and complexity.

[0010] One object of the present invention is to provide an electromechanical switching device for disconnecting current, which improves the current disconnection.

[0011] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an electromechanical switching device for interrupting current, which improves the commutation from the main contact to the arcing contact.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electromechanical switching device for disconnecting current, the switching device having a cost-effective design.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electromechanical switching device for disconnecting current, which combines several or all of the above-mentioned objects.

[0014] According to one aspect, an electromechanical switching device for interrupting current is provided, the switching device comprising: a fixed main contact; a movable main contact; a fixed arcing contact; a movable arcing contact, the fixed arcing contact and the movable arcing contact being arranged in parallel with the fixed main contact and the movable main contact; an actuation arrangement configured to move the movable main contact relative to the fixed main contact between a closed position in contact with the fixed main contact and an open position separated from the fixed main contact, and configured to linearly move the movable arcing contact relative to the fixed arcing contact between a closed position in contact with the fixed arcing contact and an open position separated from the fixed arcing contact; and a magnetic element that, when the movable arcing contact is in the closed position, generates a magnetic holding force in response to current flowing through the movable arcing contact, the magnetic holding force acting on the movable arcing contact in a direction opposite to that of the fixed arcing contact.

[0015] The switching device is configured to first move the moving main contact from the closed position toward the open position, while maintaining the moving arcing contact in the closed position in contact with the stationary arcing contact. This diverts the current previously flowing through the main contacts to the arcing contact. Therefore, the switching device is configured to redirect current from the main contacts to the arcing contact before disconnecting the current.

[0016] Because current flows through the arcing contact, a separation force is induced. However, the current through the arcing contact also generates a magnetic field due to the magnetic component. With the aid of this magnetic field, the movable arcing contact is forced against the fixed arcing contact, for example, by magnetic attraction. Therefore, the magnetic component is configured to generate a magnetic holding force in response to current flow, which provides a contact force between the arcing contacts to resist the separation force. When a large current is disconnected, the magnetic holding force is also very high. Thus, the magnetic holding force will counteract the separation force within the large current range. Therefore, corresponding arcing between the main contacts can be avoided. Thus, the current can be reliably switched from the main contacts to the arcing contacts. After this switching, the movable arcing contact is disconnected to extinguish the arc between the arcing contacts, for example, by means of a separation plate. This improves the switching from the main contacts to the arcing contacts. Moreover, the magnetic component increases the current tolerance of the movable arcing contact.

[0017] When the moving main contact is in the closed position, it is mechanically and electrically connected to the fixed main contact. When the moving arc-initiating contact is in the closed position, it is mechanically and electrically connected to the fixed arc-initiating contact. When the moving main contact and the moving arc-initiating contact are in their respective open positions, the distance between the moving arc-initiating contact and the fixed arc-initiating contact can be greater than the distance between the moving main contact and the fixed main contact.

[0018] The closed and open positions of the moving main contact can be referred to as the first closed position and the first open position, respectively. The closed and open positions of the moving arc-initiating contact can be referred to as the second closed position and the second open position, respectively.

[0019] The magnetic component can be a magnetic core. Switching devices may also include a magnetic armature that is directly or indirectly attached to the moving arcing contact.

[0020] Magnetic components can be made of materials with positive magnetic susceptibility. These components thus enhance the magnetic field. Magnetic components can be made, for example, of magnetic metals such as magnetic iron.

[0021] The magnetic components can be fixed. In this way, the generation of magnetic holding force may be independent of the force provided by the actuation arrangement.

[0022] Magnetic components can be rigid. Magnetic components can be formed from a single material in one piece.

[0023] Switchgear may also include an arc-initiating contact carrier that carries a movable arc-initiating contact. The arc-initiating contact carrier may include or be composed of a magnetic armature.

[0024] The actuation arrangement can be configured to drive the arc-initiating contact carrier, causing the movable arc-initiating contact to move from a closed position to an open position. The movable arc-initiating contact can be fixedly attached to the arc-initiating contact carrier. The arc-initiating contact carrier can be an arm.

[0025] The switchgear may also include a main contact carrier that carries the movable main contact. An actuation arrangement may be configured to drive the main contact carrier, causing the movable main contact to move from a closed position to an open position. The movable main contact may be fixedly attached to the main contact carrier. The main contact carrier may be an arm.

[0026] The magnetic component can be U-shaped or V-shaped. In this case, when the active arc-initiating contact is in the closed position, the arc-initiating contact carrier can be housed within the magnetic component.

[0027] When the movable arc-initiating contact is in the closed position, the magnetic component can partially surround the arc-initiating contact carrier. The magnetic component can be positioned such that it moves away from the magnetic component when the movable arc-initiating contact moves from the closed position to the open position. The magnetic component can be located, for example, below the arc-initiating contact carrier.

[0028] The actuation arrangement can be configured to move the active arc-initiating contact away from the fixed arc-initiating contact at a first speed, and to move the active main contact away from the fixed main contact at a second speed lower than the first speed.

[0029] The actuation arrangement may include an actuator and a transmission. In this case, the moving main contact may be driven by the actuator, while the moving arc contact may be driven by the actuator via the transmission.

[0030] The transmission device may include a rack and pinion mechanism. According to one example, the transmission device includes a first support member driven by an actuator, a first gear rack fixed to the first support member, a first gear arranged to mesh with the first gear rack, a second gear larger than the first gear and fixed to the first gear, a second gear rack meshing with the second gear, and a second support member fixed to the second gear rack. In this example, one or more movable main contacts may be fixed to the first support member, and one or more movable arcing contacts may be fixed to the second support member.

[0031] The active main contact can be directly driven by an actuator.

[0032] The transmission device can be a speed-increasing transmission device. The transmission device can, for example, have a ratio between 1:2 and 1:8, such as 1:4. In this variation, the magnetic component is particularly advantageous because the separation force acting on the movable arc-initiating contact will be multiplied by the transmission ratio when the separation force is associated with the actuator.

[0033] The actuation arrangement can be configured to allow the moving main contact to move linearly between the closed and open positions relative to the fixed main contact.

[0034] Switching devices can be configured to interrupt current using two pairs of contacts in series. In this case, an actuation arrangement can be placed between the two contact pairs.

[0035] The switching device may include a primary fixed main contact, a primary movable main contact, a secondary fixed main contact, and a secondary movable main contact. In this case, each of the primary fixed main contact and the secondary fixed main contact may be a fixed main contact as described herein, and each of the primary movable main contact and the secondary movable main contact may be an movable main contact as described herein. An actuation arrangement may be disposed between the primary main contact pair and the secondary main contact pair. The primary movable main contact and the secondary movable main contact may be jointly driven by the actuation arrangement, for example, by being jointly driven by connection to a common main contact carrier.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the switching device may include a primary fixed arc-initiating contact, a primary movable arc-initiating contact, a secondary fixed arc-initiating contact, and a secondary movable arc-initiating contact. In this case, each of the primary and secondary fixed arc-initiating contacts may be a fixed arc-initiating contact as described herein, and each of the primary and secondary movable arc-initiating contacts may be a movable arc-initiating contact as described herein. An actuation arrangement may be provided between the primary arc-initiating contact pair and the secondary arc-initiating contact pair. The primary and secondary movable arc-initiating contacts may be jointly driven by the actuation arrangement, for example, by being jointly driven by connection to a common arc-initiating contact carrier.

[0037] Switching devices can be contactors. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Other details, advantages, and aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the following embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of electromechanical switching equipment;

[0040] Figure 2 A schematic partial perspective view of the switchgear;

[0041] Figure 3 This schematically represents the active main contact in the closed position and the active arc-initiating contact in the closed position.

[0042] Figure 4 This schematically represents the active main contact in the open position and the active arc-initiating contact in the closed position; and

[0043] Figure 5 This schematically represents the active main contact in the open position and the active arc-starting contact in the open position. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The following describes an electromechanical switching device for interrupting current, the switching device including a magnetic component. The same or similar reference numerals will be used to indicate the same or similar structural features.

[0045] Figure 1 A partial perspective view of an electromechanical switching device 10 is schematically shown. The switching device 10 is configured to interrupt current. In this example, the switching device 10 is a contactor. Figure 1 In this process, some parts of the switchgear 10 are removed to increase visibility.

[0046] Figure 2 A partial perspective view of the switchgear 10 is schematically shown. Furthermore, in Figure 2 In this section, some components of switchgear 10 are removed to increase visibility. (Common Reference) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The switching device 10 includes a fixed main contact 12, a movable main contact 14, a fixed arc-initiating contact 16, and a movable arc-initiating contact 18. The switching device 10 also includes a switch handle for connecting the switching device 10 to an external main circuit (not shown).

[0047] The fixed main contact 12 and the movable main contact 14 form a main contact pair. The fixed arc-initiating contact 16 and the movable arc-initiating contact 18 form an arc-initiating contact pair. The main contact pair and the arc-initiating contact pair are arranged in parallel.

[0048] The switchgear 10 also includes an actuation arrangement 22. The actuation arrangement 22 is configured to move the movable main contact 14 relative to the fixed main contact 12 between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the movable main contact 14 is in mechanical and electrical contact with the fixed main contact 12. In the open position, the movable main contact 14 is separated from the fixed main contact 12. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the middle, the active main contact 14 is in the open position.

[0049] The actuation arrangement 22 is also configured to allow the movable arcing contact 18 to move linearly relative to the fixed arcing contact 16 between a closed position and an open position. In this example, the movable arcing contact 18 is arranged to move linearly in the vertical direction. In the closed position, the movable arcing contact 18 is in mechanical and electrical contact with the fixed arcing contact 16. In the open position, the movable arcing contact 18 is separated from the fixed arcing contact 16. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the middle, the active arc-initiating contact 18 is in the open position.

[0050] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, switchgear 10 includes four main contact pairs and four arc-initiating contact pairs. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows Zhang Hong, where three arc-initiating contact pairs are covered by corresponding partition plates stacked 24.

[0051] The example switchgear 10 also includes two main contact carriers 26 and two arc-initiating contact carriers 28. Each of the main contact carriers 26 and the arc-initiating contact carriers 28 is an arm in this example. On each main contact carrier 26, a movable main contact 14 is fixedly attached to each side of the actuation arrangement 22. On each arc-initiating contact carrier 28, a movable arc-initiating contact 18 is fixedly attached to each side of the actuation arrangement 22.

[0052] Therefore, two arc-initiating contact pairs are disposed on the front side of the actuation arrangement 22, and two arc-initiating contact pairs are disposed on the rear side of the actuation arrangement 22. Furthermore, two main contact pairs are disposed on the front side of the actuation arrangement 22, located between the two arc-initiating contact pairs; and two front main contact pairs are disposed on the rear side of the actuation arrangement 22, located between the two rear main contact pairs. Therefore, the switchgear 10 includes a first group of two series-connected main contact pairs, a second group of two series-connected main contact pairs, a third group of two series-connected arc-initiating contact pairs, and a fourth group of two series-connected arc-initiating contact pairs.

[0053] Each main contact pair is responsible for carrying / conducting current. Each arcing contact pair is responsible for experiencing an electric arc during switching operations, which may be either closing or opening operations.

[0054] The switching device 10 also includes a magnetic component 30. The magnetic component 30 is fixed and made of a material with positive magnetic susceptibility, such as a magnetic iron. Therefore, the magnetic component 30 is a magnetic core. In this example, each arcing contact carrier 28 is affected by the magnetism of the magnetic component 30.

[0055] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic component 30 in this example is a rigid U-shaped member formed from a single piece of material. When the movable arcing contact 18 is in the closed position, the magnetic component 30 is arranged to generate a magnetic holding force in response to the flow of current through the movable arcing contact 18, as detailed below.

[0056] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example, the switching device 10 includes four magnetic members 30. Each magnetic member 30 is associated with an active arcing contact 18. Two magnetic members 30 are arranged on the front side of the actuation arrangement 22, and two magnetic members 30 are arranged on the rear side of the actuation arrangement 22. Each magnetic member 30 is located below one of the arcing contact carriers 28.

[0057] Figure 3 A more schematic illustration of the switching device 10. Figure 3 In the configuration, the movable main contact 14 is in the closed position, and the movable arc-initiating contact 18 is also in the closed position. In the closed position, the movable main contact 14 is mechanically and electrically connected to the associated fixed main contact 12. In the closed position, the movable arc-initiating contact 18 is mechanically and electrically connected to the fixed arc-initiating contact 16.

[0058] Moreover, according to Figure 3 In the closed position of the active arc-initiating contact 18, the arc-initiating contact carrier 28 is tightly housed within the U-shaped magnetic member 30. Thus, the magnetic member 30 partially surrounds the arc-initiating contact carrier 28.

[0059] The switching device 10 also includes a first support member 32 and a second support member 34. The first support member 32 is fixed to the main contact carrier 26. The second support member 34 is fixed to the arc-initiating contact carrier 28.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the actuation arrangement 22 includes an actuator 36 and a transmission 38. The first support member 32 is arranged to be directly driven by the actuator 36, i.e., without any intermediate transmission. The second support member 34 is arranged to be driven by the actuator 36 via the transmission 38. In this example, the transmission 38 is a speed-increasing transmission with a ratio of 1:4.

[0061] The transmission device 38 in this particular example includes a first rack 40, a second rack 42, a first gear 44, and a second gear 46. The first rack 40 is fixed to a first support member 32. The second rack 42 is fixed to a second support member 34. Each of the first rack 40 and the second rack 42 is oriented vertically. The first gear 44 is smaller than the second gear 46. The first gear 44 is fixed to the second gear 46 to rotate together about a horizontal axis of rotation (not shown).

[0062] The current disconnection operation of the switching device 10 will be described below. Although the description is given for two contact pairs, it should be understood that the described disconnection operation is also performed for each of the remaining contact pairs.

[0063] Figure 4 The diagram schematically shows the active main contact 14 in the open position and the active arc-starting contact 18 in the closed position. During the open operation, the actuator 36 drives the first support member 32 vertically upward. As a result, the main contact carrier 26 moves vertically upward, causing the active main contact 14 to move linearly away from the closed position and separate from the fixed main contact 12.

[0064] Only at the very end of this initial movement of the first support member 32 does the first gear rack 40 move to engage with the first gear 44. Therefore, this initial movement of the first support member 32 does not transmit any movement to the second support member 34.

[0065] exist Figure 4 In this configuration, the current no longer flows through the main contact pair, but instead flows through the arcing contact pair. The current flowing through the arcing contact pair generates a separating force. The function of this separating force is to separate the movable arcing contact 18 from the fixed arcing contact 16. The magnitude of this separating force depends on the amplitude of the current.

[0066] However, simultaneously, the magnetic component 30 generates a magnetic holding force in response to the current flowing through the movable arcing contact 18. Since the magnetic component 30 is fixed, the generation of the magnetic holding force is independent of the kinematics of the actuation arrangement 22. In this example, when current flows through the movable arcing contact 18, the magnetic circuit including the magnetic component 30 and the arcing contact carrier 28 is magnetized, thereby generating a magnetic holding force between the magnetic component 30 and the arcing contact carrier 28. This magnetic holding force acts on the movable arcing contact 18 in the opposite direction to that of the fixed arcing contact 16, i.e., in Figure 4 Press down. Furthermore, the magnitude of the magnetic holding force also depends on the magnitude of the current.

[0067] Therefore, the magnetic holding force reduces or eliminates the effect of the separation force, thus creating a balanced effect. Because the actuation arrangement 22 can only reduce the downward pressing force of the movable arcing contact 18 against the fixed arcing contact 16 due to the transmission device, the magnetic holding force is less effective for the contact in the case of the fixed arcing contact 16. Figure 4 This particular switching device 10 is especially advantageous in the middle state.

[0068] Figure 5 The diagram schematically illustrates the active main contact 14 in another disconnected position and the active arc-initiating contact 18 in the disconnected position. As the first support member 32 is driven further away by means of the actuator 36... Figure 4 (Position), the meshing between the first gear rack 40 and the first gear 44 causes the first gear 44 and the second gear 46 to rotate together, as shown by arrow 48. Since the second gear 46 meshes with the second gear rack 42, it drives the second support member 34 and the arc-initiating contact carrier 28 vertically upwards. The movable arc-initiating contact 18 thus... Figure 4 The closed position in the linear movement is moved to Figure 5 The disconnection position is reached. The arc between the movable arc-initiating contact 18 and the fixed arc-initiating contact 16 is extinguished by the separator plate 24.

[0069] according to Figure 4 and Figure 5 Therefore, it can be concluded that the active arc-initiating contact 18 moves faster than the active main contact 14. Figure 5 In the state of the switching device 10, the distance between the movable arc-initiating contact 18 and the fixed arc-initiating contact 16 is greater than the distance between the movable main contact 14 and the fixed main contact 12.

[0070] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to what has been described above. For example, it should be understood that the dimensions of the components may vary as needed. Therefore, the invention is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electromechanical switching device (10) for disconnecting current, the switching device (10) comprising: - Fixed main contact (12); - Active main contact (14); - Fixed arc initiation contact (16); - A movable arc-initiating contact (18), wherein the fixed arc-initiating contact (16) and the movable arc-initiating contact (18) are arranged in parallel with the fixed main contact (12) and the movable main contact (14); - The actuation arrangement (22) is configured to move the movable main contact (14) relative to the fixed main contact (12) between a closed position in contact with the fixed main contact (12) and an open position separated from the fixed main contact (12), and is configured to move the movable arcing contact (18) relative to the fixed arcing contact (16) between a closed position in contact with the fixed arcing contact (16) and an open position separated from the fixed arcing contact (16); as well as - A magnetic component (30) is arranged to generate a magnetic holding force in response to current flowing through the movable arcing contact (18) when the movable arcing contact (18) is in the closed position, the magnetic holding force acting on the movable arcing contact (18) in the opposite direction to the fixed arcing contact (16); The actuation arrangement (22) includes an actuator (36) and a speed-increasing transmission (38), wherein the movable main contact (14) is driven by the actuator (36), and wherein the movable arc-initiating contact (18) is driven by the actuator (36) via the speed-increasing transmission (38), such that the actuation arrangement (22) is configured to move the movable arc-initiating contact (18) away from the fixed arc-initiating contact (16) at a first speed, and is configured to move the movable main contact (14) away from the fixed main contact (12) at a second speed lower than the first speed, so as to divert the current from the fixed main contact (12) and the movable main contact (14) to the fixed arc-initiating contact (16) and the movable arc-initiating contact (18) before disconnecting the current; and The actuation arrangement (22) is configured to provide a reduced downward pressing force on the active arc-starting contact (18) against the fixed arc-starting contact (16) due to the speed-increasing transmission device (38).

2. The switching device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic component (30) is made of a material having positive magnetic susceptibility.

3. The switching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic component (30) is fixed.

4. The switching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic component (30) is a rigid component.

5. The switching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes an arc-initiating contact carrier (28) that carries the movable arc-initiating contact (18).

6. The switching device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the arc-initiating contact carrier (28) is an arm.

7. The switching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic member (30) is U-shaped or V-shaped.

8. The switching device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein when the active arc-initiating contact (18) is in the closed position, the magnetic member (30) partially surrounds the arc-initiating contact carrier (28).

9. The switching device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the active main contact (14) is directly driven by the actuator (36).

10. The switching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation arrangement (22) is arranged to cause the active main contact (14) to move linearly relative to the fixed main contact (12) between the closed position and the open position.

11. The switching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching device (10) is configured to disconnect current using two series contact pairs.

12. The switching device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching device (10) is a contactor.

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