Mechanically operated switching device and related switchgear having a movable member for operating the switching device

A mechanically operated switching device comprising:

• at least one movable contact configured to be coupled to and separated from a corresponding fixed contact;
• an operating mechanism configured for coupling and separating said movable contact to and from the corresponding fixed contact, wherein said operating mechanism includes first elastic means for, upon release, providing energy to separate said movable contact from the corresponding fixed contact;
• and
• at least one shunt release having:
• a moveable member disposed between a first stable position and a second stable position, wherein the movement from the first stable position to the second stable position causes the operative interaction between said movable member and one or more parts of the operating mechanism to release said first elastic means;
• second elastic means which are connected to said movable member;
• at least a permanent magnet generating a holding force for holding the movable member in the first position, wherein the movable member held in the first stable position is configured for compressing said second elastic means;
• a single electrical winding which is connected to the movable member and to electronic means, wherein said electronic means are configured for electrically driving the winding to generate a first magnetic force acting on the movable member held in the first stable position, said first magnetic force releases the compressed second elastic means to urge the movable member towards the second stable position;
• and
• intervention means which are accessible by an operator of the switching device for being actuated by such operator, said intervention means being connected to said movable member of the shunt release to generate, when said intervention means are actuated by the operator, a force acting on the movable member held in the first stable position to cause a release of the compressed second elastic means,
• wherein said operating mechanism and the movable member of the shunt release in the second stable position are operatively connected such that the movable member blocksthe operating mechanism and prevents coupling between said movable and fixed contacts,
• wherein said electronic means are configured for electrically driving said single electrical winding to generate a second magnetic force acting on the movable member in the second stable position, said second magnetic force for displacing the movable member from the second stable position to the first stable position.