Fast earthing switch device for HV applications

A fast earthing switch device for High Voltage applications comprising:

• a gas-tight casing, a movable contact connectable to and unconnectable from a fixed contact, said movable contact being linearly movable along a direction of movement between an open position in which said movable contact is spaced apart from said fixed contact and a closed position in which said movable contact is connected to said fixed contact, and vice-versa,
• an operating mechanism for said movable contact, said operating mechanism comprises an actuating spring actuating a closing operation of said movable contact from said open position to said closed position, at least a driving lever mounted on an operating shaft actuating an opening operation of said movable contact from said closed position to said open position, said driving lever also partially reloading said actuating spring during said opening operation, and
• coupling means operatively coupling said driving lever to said movable contact,
• wherein said closing operation comprises a first phase in which said driving lever is engaged with said coupling means and moves said movable contact so that said movable contact is further spaced apart from said fixed contact while said actuating spring is further loaded, and a second phase in which said driving lever disengages from said coupling means and the movable contact is free to fast move under an action of said actuating spring into said closed position.