Device for releasing the movable contacts of contactors adapted for limiting short circuit currents

A switching apparatus having stationary and movable contacts, support means for the movable contacts, operating means to open and close the contacts and means removably connecting the operating means to the support means, the said support means including an elongated metal blade and being so arranged that a pulling force is exerted on the metal blade at a first end thereof when a current flows through the contacts, and the coupling means comprising:

• a tubular cage mounted across said blade at an opposite second end of said blade and substantially at right angles with said blade;
• first and second mutually engaging balls partially housed in said tubular cage, with spherical surface portions thereof projecting out of said cage;
• first and second elongated resilient levers respectively located on the respective sides of said blade in general directions which are substantially parallel to said blade, said first and second levers having first and second respective flange means which are substantially parallel to the blade and located on the respective sides of the blade, said first and second levers each having first and second end portions, the first end portions of the levers being located nearer from the said first end of the blade than the second end portions of the levers and, the first and second levers respectively having first and second openings which are adapted to receive the projecting out surface portions of the first and second respective balls;
• means for securing the said flange means to the operating means;
• and compression spring means biasing said first and second levers located between the respective second end portions of the levers, substantially at right angles to the blade.