Patent ID: 7312687
Filing Date: 2007-12-25
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A protective switch for protecting a circuit, the protective switch comprising: a housing; at least first and second contact connections projecting from said housing; an operating element; a contact spring electrically conductively connected to said first contact connection and having a free end covering said second contact connection for making contact, said contact spring having a restoring force; a slider guided for sliding in said housing, said slider having a contact end bearing against and acting upon said contact spring counter to said restoring force in a contact position, said slider having a longitudinal direction, and said slider being latched by said operating element in a turned-on position; and a bimetallic element disposed in said housing and extended transversely relative to said longitudinal direction of said slider, said bimetallic element being electrically connected between said first contact connection and through said contact spring to said second contact connection, said bimetallic element being coupled to said slider for thermal tripping and having first and second longitudinal sections, said first longitudinal section at least partly covering and unlatching said slider as a result of an overcurrent to break contact.