Patent attributes
A temperature-dependent switch comprising first and second stationary contacts and a temperature-dependent switching mechanism having a movable contact member. The switching mechanism, in its first switching position, presses the contact member against the first contact and thereby produces an electrically conductive connection and, in its second switching position, keeps the contact member spaced apart from the first contact and thereby disconnects the electrically conductive connection. The switch further comprises a closing lock that, as soon as it is activated, prevents the switch once having opened from closing again. The closing lock comprises a locking element having a shape-memory alloy and an opening through which the movable contact member protrudes. The locking element is configured to change its shape upon exceeding a locking element switching temperature and activate the closing lock, which holds the switching mechanism in its second switching position.
