FR2815466A1 - SWITCHING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

This device comprises a part forming a switch (5) having a fixed contact (1), a contact (2) movable with respect to the previous one between open and closed positions for opening and closing the part (5) and a movable contact rod ( 3) extending from the movable contact opposite the fixed contact, and an actuating mechanism (9) moving the movable contact and comprising an actuating rod (6) connected to the movable contact rod, a mechanism drive (7) translating the actuating rod axially and a holding mechanism (8) maintaining the movable contact in its open or closed position. Application in particular to electromagnetic switching systems for electrical circuits.

Description

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 The invention relates to a switching device which uses the interaction of electromagnetic fields produced by opposite elements used to produce a repulsive electromagnetic driving force which can place in contact or separate contacts to open or close an electric circuit.

 Figures 6 and 7, annexed to this application, are schematic elevational views partially in cross section of a switching device known to the inventors and which uses an electromagnetic repulsive force to effect a switching so as to open and close a electrical circuit. Figure 6 shows a switching device in a state in which the contacts are closed, and Figure 7 shows the switching device in a state in which the contacts are open. The switching device shown includes a switch part 5, which performs the opening and closing of an electrical circuit and an actuation mechanism 9 which transmits a driving force to the switch part 5 to open and close this switch part 5. The switch part 5 comprises a fixed contact which is fixed to a support plate 20, and a movable contact 2 which is arranged so as to be displaceable opposite the fixed contact 1, and a movable contact rod 3 which extends from the movable contact 2. To improve the arc extinguishing properties of the switch part 5, the contacts 1 and 2 are housed in a chamber 4 in which a vacuum is established . A first terminal 10 is electrically connected to the fixed contact 1 and a second terminal 11 is electrically connected to the movable contact 2. An external electrical circuit can be connected to the switch part 5 by means of these terminals 10 and 11.

 The actuating mechanism 9 includes a rod

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 electrically insulating 12 used to electrically isolate the switch part 5 from other parts of the actuating mechanism 9. The insulating rod 12 has an upper end fixed to the lower end of the movable contact rod 3 and a lower end fixed to an actuating rod 6 having a longitudinal axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the movable contact rod 3. The actuating rod 6 is coupled to a driving mechanism 7 which produces a driving force for the opening and closing the switch portion 5, and the actuating rod 6 transmits this driving force to the movable contact rod 3. The actuating mechanism 9 also includes a holding mechanism 8 which is connected to the rod actuation 6 and applies an axial biasing force to the actuation rod 6 so as to maintain the fixed contact 1 and the movable contact 2 in a state, in which the s contacts are open or in a state in which the contacts are closed.

 The drive mechanism 7 includes a voice coil 13, which is fixed to the actuating rod 6, a fixed coil 14 for opening the contacts, which is fixed to a support plate 16 opposite the upper side of the voice coil 13, and a fixed contact closure coil 15 which is fixed to a support plate 17 opposite the lower side of the voice coil 13. The actuating rod 6 freely crosses the support plates 16 and 17 to allow a moving back and forth of the voice coil 13 between the fixed coil 14 for opening the contacts and the fixed coil 15 for closing the contacts.

 The holding mechanism 8 includes a support plate 19 and a biasing spring 18 which is fixed to the support plate 19 and to the actuating rod 6. The biasing spring 18 is a bidirectional spring having nonlinear properties and which changes the

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 direction in which it applies a biasing force as a function of the position of the actuating rod 6. When the switch portion 5 is located in a state in which the contacts are closed, the biasing spring 18 applies a force biasing the actuating rod 6 in the direction of closing the contacts (upwards in FIGS. 6 and 7) and when the switch part 5 is in a position in the state in which the contacts are open, the biasing spring 18 applies a biasing force to the actuating rod 6 in the direction of opening of the contacts (downwards in the figures).

 Below we will explain the operation of opening the contacts of the switching device shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. When the switch part 5 is in the state shown in FIG. 6, in which the contacts are closed, if a current pulse delivered by a power source (not shown) is sent to the fixed coil 14 for opening the contacts and to the moving coil 13, a magnetic field is produced by each of the coils 14 and 13 and the magnetic fields produce electromagnetic repulsion forces which separate the coils 14 and 13 from each other. The moving coil 13 is pushed down in the figure by the electromagnetic repulsion forces, and the actuating rod 6, which is connected to the moving coil 13, and the moving contact 2, which is connected to the connecting rod. actuation 6 via the electrically insulating rod 12, and the movable contact rod 3 also descend to separate the movable contact 2 from the fixed contact 1 and open the switch portion 5. When the actuation rod 6 descends to- beyond a prescribed point, the direction in which the biasing spring 18 is connected to the actuating rod 6 applies a biasing force, varies from the closing direction of the

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 contacts (up in the figure) towards the opening direction of the contacts (down in the figures), so that when the contacts 1 and 2 of the switch part 5 are open, the biasing spring 18 maintains the switch part 5 in an open contact state as shown in FIG. 7.

 We will explain below the contact closure operation. When the switch part 5 is in the state shown in FIG. 7, in which the contacts are open, if a pulse current delivered by the power source is sent to the fixed coil 15 for closing the contacts and to the coil mobile 13, a magnetic field is produced by each coil 15 and 13, and the magnetic field produces repulsive electromagnetic forces which separate the coils 15 and 13 from each other. The moving coil 13 is pushed up in the figure by these electromagnetic repulsive forces and the actuating rod 6, which is connected to the moving coil 13 and the movable contact 2, which is connected to the actuating rod 6 by through the electrically insulating rod 12 and the movable contact rod 3 also move upward to bring the movable contact 2 into contact with the fixed contact 1 and close the switch portion 5. When the actuation rod 6 exceeds a prescribed point during its upward movement, the direction in which the biasing spring 18 applies a biasing force is switched back from the opening direction of the contacts (down in the figure) to the closing direction of the contacts (upwards in the figure), so that, once the contacts 1 and 2 of the switching part 5 touch, the biasing spring 18 holds the part forming switch 5 in the state shown in Figure 6, in which the contacts are closed.

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 During the operation of the switching device of Figures 6 and 7, it is desirable to prevent the movable contact rod 3, the actuating rod 6 and the electrically insulating rod 12 from coming into contact, by sliding, with the adjacent parts of the switching device, since such sliding contact can cause energy losses due to friction or abrasion wear, which can reduce the service life of the switching device.

 Since the rods 3,6 and 12 are rigidly connected together to form a single rigid body, it is necessary that the axis of the switching part 5 and the axis of the actuating mechanism 9 are precisely positioned relative to each other (usually in an aligned position) to prevent such sliding contact. This need for precise positioning has the effect that the assembly of the switching device is time consuming and costly. Furthermore, given that the movable contact rod 3 of the switch part 5 and the actuating rod 12 of the actuating mechanism 9 are rigidly connected to each other by means of the electrical insulation rod 12, the part forming a switch 5 and the actuating mechanism 9 cannot be independently tested and adjusted but can only be tested and adjusted after being assembled and precisely positioned relative to each other , which further complicates the assembly process.

 Even if the switch part 5 and the actuation mechanism 9 are positioned correctly with respect to each other at the time of assembly of the switching device, during use they can pass into a misaligned position, and since the movable contact rod 3, the actuating rod 6 and the electrically insulating rod 12 are connected

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 rigidly between them, a misalignment can have the effect that one or more of these rods come into contact, with sliding, with adjacent parts of the switching device, which leads to the drawbacks described above.

 An object of the present invention is to provide a switching device which simplifies the assembly of components of the switching devices.

 Another object of the present invention is to provide a switching device which exhibits low energy losses during operation and a long service life.

 According to one form of the present invention, there is provided a switching device, which comprises, a switch part comprising a fixed contact, a movable contact which is movable relative to the fixed contact between an open position and a closed position for opening and close the switch part, and a movable contact rod which extends from the movable contact away from the fixed contact. The switching device further comprises an actuating mechanism, which moves the movable contact between its open position and its closed position and which includes an actuating rod connected in a motor connection to the movable contact rod, a mechanism for a drive which translates the actuating rod in its axial direction and a holding mechanism which maintains the movable contact in its open or closed position, the actuating rod being able to transmit a driving force to the movable contact rod when longitudinal axis of the actuating rod is not aligned with a longitudinal axis of the movable contact rod.

 In preferred embodiments, one or more pivot joints are used to allow the operating rod to transmit force

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 the movable contact rod without having to be aligned with the movable contact rod.

 In a preferred embodiment, the actuating rod and the movable contact rod are connected together by means of an electrically insulating rod. The electrically insulating rod can be connected so as to be able to pivot at least one of the two rods comprising the actuating rod and the movable contact rod.

 In another preferred embodiment, a pivoting joint is provided between two parts of the actuating rod.

 The holding mechanism can be arranged at a plurality of locations in the switching device.

For example, it may be provided between the switch portion and the drive mechanism, or the drive mechanism may be disposed between the switch portion and the holding mechanism.

 A swivel joint intended to allow the actuating rod to transmit a driving force to the movable contact without having to be aligned with the movable contact rod can be in several forms. For example, axes or bearings can be used to allow pivoting.

 The holding mechanism is not limited to a particular structure. In preferred embodiments, it includes a non-linear biasing spring.

 The drive mechanism is also not limited to a particular structure. In preferred embodiments, the drive mechanism includes a voice coil operatively connected to the actuating rod, and a fixed voice disposed opposite the voice coil. The voice coil can translate with respect to the fixed coil under the action of

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 electromagnetic repulsion forces produced by the coils.

 The switching device may further include a guide portion for guiding the actuating rod in its axial direction. In a preferred embodiment, the guide part is integral with the holding mechanism.

 Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 shows a schematic elevational view in partial cross section of a first embodiment of the invention. a switching device according to the present invention in a state in which the contacts are formed; - Figure 2 shows a schematic elevational view in partial cross section of the embodiment of Figure 1, in the state in which the contacts are open; - Figure 3 shows an axonometric exploded view of the movable contact rod, the electrically insulating rod and the actuating rod of the embodiment of Figure 1; - Figure 4 shows a schematic elevational view in partial cross section of a second embodiment of a switching device according to the present invention; - Figure 5 shows a schematic elevational view in partial cross section of a third embodiment of a switching device according to the present invention; - Figure 6, which has already been mentioned, shows a schematic elevational view in partial cross section of a known switching device

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 inventors, in the state in which the contacts are closed; and - Figure 7, which has already been mentioned, shows a schematic elevational view in partial cross section of the switching device of Figure 6 in a state in which the contacts are open.

 Figures 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of a switching device according to the present invention. Figures 1 and 2 are schematic elevational views in partial cross section of this embodiment respectively in the state where the contacts are closed and in the state where the contacts are open, while Figure 3 is an axonometric view exploded on a larger scale of the part of this embodiment including an electrically insulating rod. Like the switching device of Figures 6 and 7, this embodiment includes a switch part 5 and an actuating mechanism 9 used to open and close the switch part 5. The switch part 5 includes a fixed contact 1 and a movable contact 2 arranged inside a chamber 4 in which the vacuum is established. The fixed contact 1 is fixed to a support plate 20, while the movable contact 2 is located opposite the fixed contact 1 and can move back and forth relative to the fixed contact 1 between a position closed (shown in Figure 1), in which it is in contact with the fixed contact 1, and an open position (shown in Figure 2), in which it is separated from the fixed contact 1. The fixed contact 1 and the contact mobile 2 are respectively electrically connected to a first terminal 10 and a second terminal 11, which has the effect that the switch portion 5 can be connected to an electrical circuit. The switch portion 5 also includes a rod

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 movable contact 3 which extends from the movable contact 2 away from the fixed contact 1 which has a longitudinal axis 3a.

 As shown in FIG. 3, an electrically insulating rod 12 of the actuating mechanism 9 is connected so as to be able to pivot, by its upper end, to the lower end of the movable contact rod 3 by a first pivoting joint 21 comprising a first axis 21a, and is connected so as to be able to pivot, at its lower end, at the upper end of the actuating rod 6 of the actuating mechanism 9 by a second pivoting joint 22 comprising a second axis 22a perpendicular to the first axis 21. The two pivoting seals 21 and 22 give the movable contact rod 3 and the fixed contact rod 6 two degrees of freedom in rotation relative to each other and allow transmission uniform of a driving force from the actuating rod 6 to the movable contact rod 3 essentially in the axial direction of each rod independently of the fact that the axes 3a and 6a respective rods 3 and 6 are aligned with each other.

 The actuation mechanism 9 has a drive mechanism 7 which includes a voice coil 13 which is fixed to the actuation rod 6, and a fixed coil 14 for opening the contacts, which is fixed to a support plate 16 located opposite the upper side of the voice coil 13, and a fixed coil 15 for closing the contacts, which is fixed to a support plate 17 located opposite the lower side of the voice coil 13. The rod d actuation 6 passes through the two support plates 16 and 17, so that it can move up and down in the figure so as to allow the moving coil 13 to move back and forth between the fixed coil 14 for opening the contacts and the fixed coil 15 for closing the contacts.

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 A holding mechanism 8 similar to that described with reference to Figures 6 and 7, is arranged on the lower end of the actuating rod 6 to apply a biasing force to the actuating rod 6 so as to maintain the part forming a switch 5 in a state in which the contacts are open or in a state in which the contacts are closed, depending on the position of the actuating rod 6.

 Below we will explain the operation of opening the contacts of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3.

When the switching device is in the state shown in FIG. 1, in which the contacts are closed, if a current pulse delivered by a power source (not shown) is sent to the fixed coil 14 for opening the contacts and at the moving coil 13, a magnetic field is produced by each coil 14 and 13 and the magnetic fields produce repulsive electromagnetic forces which separate the coils 14 and 13 from each other. Under the effect of electromagnetic repulsion forces, the voice coil 14 is pushed down in the figure, against the action of the biasing spring 18, the actuating rod 6 and the mobile contact 2 s' lower together with the moving coil 13 and the moving contact 2 moves away from the fixed contact 1 to open the switch portion 5. When the actuating rod 6 descends beyond a prescribed point, the direction in which the spring biasing force 18 applies a biasing force passes from the closing direction of the contacts (upwards in the figure) to the opening direction of the contacts (downwards in the figure), displacement during which the biasing spring 18 maintains the part forming a switch 5 in the open state of the contacts shown in FIG. 2.

 When the switching device is in this

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 state, in which the contacts are open, if a pulse current delivered by the power supply is sent to the fixed coil 15 for closing the contacts and to the moving coil 13, a magnetic field is produced by each of the coils 15 and 13 , and the magnetic fields produce repulsive electromagnetic forces which separate the coils 15 and 13 from each other. The moving coil 13 is pushed up in the figure, by these electromagnetic forces, the actuating rod 6 and the moving contact 2 are moved upward by the moving coil 13 and the switch part 5 is closed by the contact mobile 2 which comes into contact with the fixed contact 1. When the actuating rod 6 goes back beyond a prescribed point, the direction in which the biasing spring 18 applies a biasing force, returns from the opening direction of the contacts (down in the figure) to the closing direction of the contacts (up in the figure), operation during which the biasing spring 18 maintains the part forming the switch 5 in the state shown in FIG. 1, in which the contacts are closed.

 In this embodiment, since the movable contact rod 3 and the actuation rod 6 are connected together so as to be able to pivot through the electrical insulation rod 12, it is not necessary precisely align the longitudinal axis of the switch part 5 (which coincides with the axis 3a of the movable contact rod 3) and the longitudinal axis of the actuating mechanism 9 (which coincides with the axis 6a of the actuating rod 6), so that a driving force is effectively transmitted between the actuating rod 6 and the movable contact rod 3. Consequently the whole of the switching device is greatly simplified with respect to to the whole of a

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 switching device in which the movable contact rod 3 and the actuating rod 6 are rigidly connected to each other. Furthermore, the pivoting links between the movable contact rod 3 and the actuating rod 6 allow the switch part 5 to execute a certain lateral movement without this affecting the position of the actuating rod 6 of the mechanism. actuation 9, and the actuation mechanism 9 can execute a certain lateral movement without this affecting the position of the movable contact rod 3 of the switch part 5. This is why, even if the part forming switch 5 and the actuation mechanism 9 deviate from their initial state of alignment in the assembled state, the movable contact rod 3, the electrically insulating rod 19 and the actuation rod 6 cannot establish contact undesirable, with sliding, with adjacent parts of the switching device, such as support plates 16 and 17, during the operation of opening or closing the contacts of the switching device, so that friction losses, abrasion and residual stresses due to such sliding contact can be prevented, which leads to an increase in the service life of the switching device.

 The movable contact rod 3 can be connected to the actuating rod 6 by the pivoting seals 21 and 22 after the switch part 3 and the actuating mechanism 9 have been installed and tested separately.

This greatly simplifies the assembly of the switching device and improves the convenience and reliability of testing the components of the switching device.

 In FIG. 3, the electrically insulating rod 12 is connected so as to be able to pivot both to the rod 3 of the mobile electrode and to the actuating rod 6, but also makes it possible to connect in a manner

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 pivoting the electrically insulating rod 12 only to one of the rods 3 and 6 and can be rigidly connected to the other of the two rods. In situations in which it is not necessary to electrically isolate the switch portion 5 from the actuating mechanism 9, the electrically insulating rod 12 can be omitted and the movable contact rod 3 and the contact rod actuation 6 can be directly connected to each other by a swivel joint.

 If a swivel joint such as an axle joint or another type of joint is provided in the actuating rod 6 between the drive mechanism 7 and the holding mechanism 8, assembly and adjustment can be executed easily and safely.

 Figure 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a switching device according to the present invention.

In this embodiment, a holding mechanism 8 is disposed between the electrically insulating rod 12 and the drive mechanism 7. The actuating rod 6 comprises a first section 6b connected to the electrically insulating rod 12, and a second section 6c connected to the drive mechanism 7. The first and second sections 6b and 6c of the actuating rod 6 are connected together so as to be able to pivot between the holding mechanism 8 and the drive mechanism 7 by means of a pivoting joint 23 comprising an axis 31 meshing for example with sections 6b and 6c. The movable contact rod 3 is fixed to the electrically insulating rod 12, and the electrically insulating rod 12 is fixed to the first section 6b of the actuating rod 6.

A guide portion 24, which guides the actuating rod 6 and prevents vibration of the shaft, is mounted on the support plate 19 of the holding mechanism 8. The structure of this embodiment is furthermore

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 identical to that of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

 Therefore, in this embodiment, the holding mechanism 8 is disposed between the switch portion 5 and the driving mechanism 7, and the swivel joint 23 is disposed between the holding mechanism 8 and the driving mechanism 7 With this structure, the pressure which is exerted on the contacts 1 and 2 of the switch part 5 by the biasing spring 18 can be adjusted before the connection of the first section 6b and the second section 6c of the rod d. actuation 6 between them by means of the swivel joint 23. Consequently, the holding mechanism 8 can be adjusted without being influenced by the driving mechanism 7, and the contact pressure applied by the holding mechanism 8 can be adjusted d more precisely so as to reduce energy losses due to excessive contact pressure. In addition, the assembly of the device is simplified as a whole. The swivel joint 23 also provides the same advantages as the swivel joints 21 and 22 of the first embodiment.

 The guide portion 24, which guides the operating rod 6 is provided on the holding mechanism 8 so that vibrations of the shaft are prevented. In addition, the guide portion 24 is located approximately in the middle of the driven elements including the movable contact rod 3, the electrically insulating rod 12 and the actuating rod 6, so that a stable switching operation can be performed with support these elements in one location.

 In Figure 4, the electrically insulating rod 12 is shown as being rigidly connected to the movable contact rod 3 and to the first section 6b of the actuating rod 6, but, instead, can be

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 connected so as to be able to pivot to one of the two rods or to the two rods comprising the movable contact rod 3 and the first section 6b of the actuating rod 6.

 Figure 5 is a schematic elevational view in partial cross section of a third embodiment of a switching device according to the present invention, wherein the holding mechanism 8 is connected to the movable contact rod 3. In this As an embodiment, a guide part is formed integrally with the support plate 19 for the biasing spring 18, which makes it possible to reduce the number of components in the switching device. The electrically insulating rod 12 is shown as being rigidly connected to the movable contact rod 3 and as being connected so as to be able to pivot to the actuating rod 6 by an axis joint 23, but a pivoting connection can be provided at one or more locations, as described with reference to the other embodiments. The structure of this embodiment is also identical to that of the previous embodiment and acts in the same way as this embodiment.

 In each of the embodiments described above, a pivoting joint between two elements uses a pin to establish a pivoting connection, but it is also possible to use other types of pivoting joints, such as for example pivoting joints using bearings.

 A drive mechanism for use in a switching device according to the present invention is not limited to a mechanism using the interaction between a voice coil and one or more fixed coils, and other types of mechanisms. training can be used. For example, the voice coil

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 13 of the embodiments described above can be replaced by an electrically conductive plate which produces an electromagnetic repulsive force under the effect of eddy currents which are induced in the plate by a current flowing in one of the fixed coils.

 As is evident from the preceding description, the present invention may have the advantages as indicated below: (1) The longitudinal axes of the switch part and of the actuation mechanism of the switching device do not require not to be precisely aligned with each other, so that the entire switching device is greatly simplified.

 (2) The switch part and the actuation mechanism of the switching device can deviate from their initial states of alignment in the assembled state without undesired contact resulting in sliding of the movable contact rod. , electrically insulating rod or actuating rod with other elements. As a result, reductions in efficiency due to friction losses, reductions in service life due to abrasion wear and the production of stresses in these elements can be prevented.

 (3) The switch part and the actuating mechanism can be tested and adjusted separately before being joined together, so that testing and fitting of these elements is simplified.

 (4) The holding mechanism can be installed in a variety of locations, allowing flexibility in design.

 (5) The holding mechanism can be installed in a location such that the pressure exerted by the holding mechanism on the contacts of the forming part

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 switch can be adjusted before the switch part is connected to the drive part of the actuating mechanism. This allows precise adjustment of the contact position.

 (6) The guide part makes it possible to reduce energy losses and incorrect operation of the switching device under the effect of vibrations of the shaft.

 (7) The number of components of the switching device can be reduced by the combination of the guide part for the operating rod with the holding mechanism.

 (8) The use of the drive mechanism using a voice coil and a fixed coil to produce a drive force allows for fast response speed and reliable switching operation.

Claims (13)

 CLAIMS 1. Switching device, characterized in that it comprises: a part forming a switch (5) comprising a fixed contact (1), a movable contact (2) which is movable relative to the contact between in an open position and a closed position to open and close the switch part, and a movable contact rod (3) which extends from the movable contact away from the fixed contact, and an actuation mechanism (9), which displaces the contact movable between its open position and its closed position and which includes an actuating rod (6) connected in a driving connection to the movable contact rod, a drive mechanism (7) which translates the actuating rod in its direction axial and a holding mechanism (8) which maintains the movable contact in its open or closed position, the actuating rod being able to transmit a driving force to the movable contact rod when a longitudinal axis of the actuating rod born It is not aligned with a longitudinal axis of the movable contact rod.  2. Switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating mechanism (9) includes an electrically insulating rod (12) disposed between the actuating rod (6) and the movable contact rod (3) and electrically insulating the drive mechanism from the switch part (5), the electrically insulating rod being connected so as to be able to pivot at least one of the two rods comprising the actuating rod (6) the movable contact rod (3).  3. Switching device according to claim 2, characterized in that the electrically insulating rod (12) is connected so as to be able to pivot to the movable contact rod (3).  4. Switching device according to the claim <Desc / Clms Page number 20>  tion 2, characterized in that the electrically insulating rod (12) is connected so as to be able to pivot to the actuating rod (6).  5. Switching device according to claim 2, characterized in that the holding mechanism (8) is arranged between the electrically insulating rod (12) and the drive mechanism (7).  6. Switching device according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a pivoting joint (22) disposed between the electrically insulating rod (12) and the drive mechanism (7).  7. Switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a pivoting joint (23) located between the drive mechanism (7) and the holding mechanism (8).  8. Switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding mechanism (8) is located between the switch part (5) and the drive mechanism (7).  9. Switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises one of a pivoting shaft seal (21) and a pivoting bearing seal allowing the actuating rod (6) to transmitting a driving force to the movable contact rod (3) when a longitudinal axis of the actuating rod is not aligned with the longitudinal axis of the movable contact rod.  10. A switching device according to claim 1, wherein the holding mechanism (8) comprises a non-linear spring.  11. Switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive mechanism (7) includes a movable rod connected according to a drive link to the actuating rod and a fixed coil arranged opposite. of the voice coil. <Desc / Clms Page number 21>  12. Switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a guide part (24) which guides the actuating rod (6) and which is disposed between the holding mechanism (8) and the mechanism drive (7).  13. Switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a guide portion (24) which guides the actuating rod (6) and which is integral with the holding mechanism.