Patent ID: 7233220

Claim:
An electrical switching device comprising: at least one electrical contact able to be kept in a stable position by magnetic means, which contact comprises: a first part comprising a first magnetizable element and a first contact zone associated with said magnetizable element, a second moveable part comprising a first magnetic element and a second contact zone associated with said first magnetic element, the second movable part having a first stable position wherein a first electrical contact is kept closed between the first and second contact zones and a second stable position wherein said first electrical contact is kept open, and electromagnetic actuating means acting on the second movable part for causing the latter to change position and comprising a first electromagnetic coil wound onto said first magnetizable element of the first part for attracting or repelling a first magnetic element of the second movable part and for changing the stable state of said movable part, the first magnetizable element or the first magnetic element comprising a permanent magnetization part located in proximity to a contact zone for keeping the first electrical contact closed and for exerting a contact pressure between the first and second contact zones by a magnetic attraction exerted directly between the first magnetizable element and the first magnetic element when the movable part is in its first stable position, such that an axis between the first magnetizable element and the first magnetic element passes through the first and second contact zones.