Patent ID: 6734782
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
A switching device, comprising:an actuator element including a shape memory alloy, into which an extended shape is impressed at an annealing temperature, the actuator element being fixed at one end and being connected to a movable contact part of a switching contact of the switching device at another end; and means for heating up the actuator element above a temperature level bringing about an opening of the switching contact on the basis of a change in shape of the actuator element, wherein the actuator element is curved in shape in an operating state in which a switching function of the switching device is not triggered, and wherein a deflecting element exerts, on a concave inner side of the actuator element, a counterforce partially counteracting the curve of the actuator element only in the operating state in which the switching function of the switching device is not triggered.