Overload protection device for protecting electrical component

Abstract

The invention relates to an overload protection device (1) for protecting electrical components (2), comprising at least two electrical components (2), comprising a carrier (3), which has a plurality of connecting elements (31) for connecting the electrical components (2), and comprising at least one actuator (4), at least one separating element (6) is displaceably arranged on the carrier (3), which separating element (6) is applied by the actuator (4) with a force (F) such that the separating element (6) can be moved by the actuator (4) from a first position into a second position, and the separating element (6) interacts with the two electrical elements (2) in such a way that the separating element (6) can be moved by the actuator (4) from the first position to the second position. In the event of a thermal overload, the two electrical components (2) can be transferred by the separating element (6) to the second position thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an overload protection device for protecting electrical components according to the preamble of claim 1, having at least two electrical components, having a carrier having a plurality of connecting elements for connecting the electrical components, and having at least one actuator. Background Technology

[0002] In the overload protection device, electrical components are fixed to the carrier in a first position by heat-softening fasteners, such that the connection portion of the electrical component is in contact with the corresponding connection element of the carrier. In the event of a thermal overload of the electrical component, the heat-softening fastener softens, and the electrical component is moved to a second position under the force of the actuator. In this second position, the electrical contact between the electrical component and the corresponding connection element of the carrier is interrupted. Therefore, the electrical component is electrically isolated in its second position.

[0003] Electrical components are typically designed to operate within specific voltage ranges and at specific (maximum) currents, i.e., within their rated operating range. Overloading an electrical component can cause it to operate outside its rated operating range. For example, power dissipation in a damaged component due to reduced insulation strength can lead to unacceptable heating of that component. If this unacceptable heating is not prevented and further temperature increases are not avoided, it can result in complete failure of the component. This can cause damage to materials and equipment surrounding the component, the generation of fumes or gases, or a fire hazard. Therefore, electrical components are typically equipped with thermal fuses to cut off the circuit in case of overheating.

[0004] Overload protection of electrical components, especially in overvoltage protection devices, has been implemented for many years. Overvoltage protection devices have been used for decades in various implementations to protect electrical circuits, equipment, machines, and instruments. Depending on the application and protection level, overvoltage protection devices employ different overvoltage protection elements and have different structural forms. Overvoltage protection elements can include overvoltage limiting elements such as varistors or transient voltage suppressor diodes (TVS diodes), overvoltage switching elements such as spark gaps or gas discharge tubes (GDTs), and combinations of these elements. In the case of varistors as overvoltage protection elements, a thermally activated cutoff device is typically provided. In the case of gas discharge tubes, the known solution is to short-circuit the element after a thermal overload, thereby reducing power dissipation in the overload gas discharge tube.

[0005] As known from DE 20 2011 110 007U1, an overvoltage protection element, particularly a varistor, is arranged on a carrier, wherein two connecting portions of the varistor are respectively connected to connecting elements on the carrier and thus to the circuit to be protected via thermal solder. Due to thermal overload of the varistor, the solder connection melts, and the varistor is moved to a second position by an actuator, particularly a spring element. In this second position, the connecting portions of the varistor separate from the connecting elements on the carrier, thereby ultimately disconnecting the varistor from the circuit.

[0006] DE 10 2016 209 365B4 discloses a separation device for two electronic components, each secured to a carrier by a heat-softening fastener, particularly solder or adhesive, wherein each electronic component is equipped with a spring acting as an actuator. When the heat-softening fastener softens due to unacceptable temperature rise of the component, the spring causes the corresponding electronic component to displace parallel to the carrier, thereby electrically isolating the electronic component, which can be a varistor, diode, or gas-filled overvoltage discharger.

[0007] DE 10 2019 114 424A2 discloses an overload protection device as described above in one embodiment, which has two overvoltage protection elements that are moved along the carrier by spring elements when a heat-softening fixture is broken due to the heating of the overvoltage protection element. In this case, only one electrical contact between the overvoltage protection element and the corresponding connecting element of the carrier is severed, while the other contact is maintained by a second connecting element. For this purpose, the second connecting element is designed to allow the overvoltage protection element to move from a first position to a second position, for example, by changing its shape. This has the advantage that even in the second position, the overvoltage protection element is still mechanically connected to the carrier by the second connecting element, thereby preventing the overvoltage protection element from moving uncontrollably around, for example, within the housing, after being disconnected on one side. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Based on the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide an overload protection device with a particularly simple construction. Specifically, the temperature-dependent isolation of multiple electrical components should be achieved as simply as possible.

[0009] This objective is achieved by an overload protection device having the features of claim 1, wherein the overload protection device has at least one separation element disposed movably on a carrier. The separation element is subjected to a force by an actuator, such that the separation element can be moved by the actuator from a first position to a second position. Furthermore, the separation element interacts with two electrical components in such a way that, in the event of thermal overload, when the thermal fastener softens, these two electrical components can be moved to their second position via the separation element, thereby preventing the electrical components from remaining in their first position against the force of the actuator.

[0010] By using a separating element, the force of the actuator can be transmitted to two electrical components. Therefore, to separate the two electrical components, only one actuator is needed, instead of two. Here, the actuator can be a spring element, preferably a compression spring, which applies a force to the separating element at least in its first position. If a compression spring is provided as the actuator, in the first position of the separating element, the compression spring resists its elastic deflection, i.e., it is compressed, while in the second position of the separating element, the compression spring is at least partially relaxed. Preferably, the separating element and the actuator or spring element are arranged relative to each other in such a way that even in the second position of the separating element, at least a small force still acts on the separating element, thereby reliably holding the separating element in its second position.

[0011] As previously explained, an overload protection device, in addition to the carrier, has at least two electrical components, at least one actuator, and at least one separation element. In principle, an overload protection device can have only two electrical components, one actuator, and one separation element. However, it is preferably configured such that the overload protection device has n actuators, n separation elements, and (2×n) electrical components, where n≥2. Therefore, the overload protection device preferably has two actuators, two separation elements, and four electrical components, where each actuator interacts with one separation element, and each separation element interacts with two electrical components. In this way, a pair of electrical components can be simultaneously separated by a single separation element when the thermal fastener softens due to unacceptable heating of the two components.

[0012] Electrical components that are separated by at least one separating element when heating is not permitted, especially overvoltage protection components, which can be either overvoltage limiting elements, such as varistors or transient absorption diodes (TVS diodes), or overvoltage switching elements, such as spark gaps or gas discharge tubes (GDTs), as well as combinations of these elements.

[0013] As a heat-softening fastener, a low-temperature solder is preferably provided, which melts or softens from a specific temperature when a component in contact with the solder experiences a thermal overload. Preferably, when the electrical component is not overloaded, the connection portions of each component are preferably electrically and mechanically connected to the connecting elements on the carrier in a first position of the component via this solder. Alternatively, a conductive adhesive can be used to connect the connection portions of each component to the corresponding connecting elements on the carrier.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, two electrical components acting in conjunction with a separation element, i.e., those subjected to the force of an actuator, are thermally coupled. This results in the softenable fasteners of both electrical components softening in the event of thermal overload in at least one of the two electrical components, allowing both electrical components to be moved to their second position. The thermal coupling of these two electrical components ensures that the thermally overloaded component can be electrically disconnected, even if the other electrical component acting together with the separation element is not yet overloaded.

[0015] In principle, the heat-softening fastener can also be used solely for the mechanical fixation of electrical components on the carrier, without simultaneously serving as an electrical connection for the components. In this case, one heat-softening fastener can be provided for one electrical component or a pair of electrical components.

[0016] Within the scope of this invention, the carrier is particularly formed as a circuit board, wherein connecting elements of the electrical components are connected to the conductive lines of the circuit board. Through the conductive lines of the circuit board, the electrical components, especially overvoltage protection elements, can be connected to the current or signal path requiring protection.

[0017] To ensure that two electrical components interacting with a separating element, or electrical components moved from a first position to a second position by the separating element, are not electrically connected to each other via the separating element, the separating element is preferably made of or has an insulating material. In principle, it is sufficient as long as the area of ​​the separating element in contact with the electrical component is made of an insulating material. Alternatively, the separating element may consist of two conductive regions, each in contact with an electrical component, wherein these two conductive regions are insulated from each other by areas made of plastic. However, it is preferable that the separating element is entirely made of an insulating material, thereby simplifying its manufacture, for example, by injection molding.

[0018] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the separating element has at least a receiving portion for the end of the actuator facing the separating element. This receiving portion, for example, can be formed as an arch, to hold the actuator in the desired position after it has been mounted onto the circuit board. Furthermore, this receiving portion also ensures that when the separating element is moved from its first position to its second position by the force of the actuator, the actuator, in particular the corresponding spring element, can still reliably contact the separating element.

[0019] According to another advantageous design, the separating element has a support section for at least one section of the actuator, such that the actuator is at least partially supported on the support section. This ensures that even when the separating element is moved from its first position to its second position by the force of the actuator, the actuator will not contact the surface of the carrier facing the actuator. This design of the separating element particularly ensures that the actuator will not contact any charged sections on the carrier, such as conductive lines on a circuit board. Consequently, a simple metal spring element can be used for the actuator without requiring an insulating coating.

[0020] Advantageously, the at least one separating element is designed and arranged such that the two electrical components are guided along the surface of the carrier from their first position to their second position. For this purpose, it is preferable that the separating element itself also moves substantially parallel to the surface of the carrier, based on the design of the separating element that allows the electrical components to move accordingly parallel to the carrier surface. To this end, at least one guiding element can be constructed on the separating element, which works in conjunction with a corresponding guiding element on the carrier.

[0021] The separating element is advantageously designed and arranged such that the two electrical components not only move along a predetermined path along the carrier surface from their first position to their second position, but the separating element also ensures that the two separated electrical components remain in their second position. This can be achieved, for example, by pressing the two separated electrical components against a stop or another component in their second position by the separating element, thereby preventing the electrical components from moving uncontrollably in the environment, such as within the housing.

[0022] To achieve the guided movement of the two electrical components as described above, according to a preferred design, the separating element has two abutment surfaces for the two electrical components on its side facing the two components. These abutment surfaces are dimensionally matched to the corresponding end faces or sides of the electrical components, thereby ensuring that the electrical components reliably abut against the abutment surfaces of the separating element. The two abutment surfaces are preferably arranged at an angle α greater than 180° to each other, thereby preventing the two electrical components from approaching each other when moving from their first position to their second position. Furthermore, recesses or tabs may be formed on the abutment surfaces to additionally prevent movement of the electrical components perpendicular to the direction of movement of the separating element.

[0023] As an alternative or supplement, a separator element can be provided on the side of the separator element facing the two electrical components, which keeps the two electrical components spaced apart as they move from their first position to their second position. This separator element is specifically arranged between the two contact surfaces and can be made in the form of a tab or a pin. The above two designs of the separator element, which can be implemented individually or in combination, ensure that undesirable contact between the two electrical components does not occur, especially when moving from the first position to the second position.

[0024] In a preferred structural design, the separating element generally has a U-shaped basic form. The U-back of such a separating element faces the two electrical components, thus forming a contact surface on the U-back for the two electrical components. On the side of the U-back away from the electrical components, two U-legs extend from the electrical components. These U-legs can be designed as guide arms to guide the separating element as it moves from its first position to its second position. If the separating element has a separating element, this separating element is arranged on the side of the U-back opposite to the U-legs and extends between the two electrical components.

[0025] According to another advantageous design of the separating element, the dimensions of the separating element, particularly the spacing between the two guide arms or U-legs, are chosen such that the actuator is arranged between the two guide arms, at least in a first position of the separating element. This design of the separating element and the arrangement of the actuator between the two guide arms result in a very compact arrangement of the actuator and the separating element on the carrier. Furthermore, this allows the separating element to be guided by its two guide arms on the actuator or on the support housing the actuator, thereby reducing the number of required components.

[0026] As previously stated, the overload protection device according to the invention preferably includes not just two electrical components, but at least four electrical components arranged in pairs, such that each pair corresponds to a separate component. Furthermore, the overload protection device preferably has a housing, in which, regardless of the number of electrical components, a carrier containing the electrical components, the separate component, and the actuator is at least partially arranged.

[0027] In particular, in an overload protection device having two actuators, two disengagement elements, and four electrical components, according to a particularly preferred design, the overload protection device further includes a display element whose position allows identification of whether at least one disengagement element or a pair of electrical components is in a first position or a second position. For this purpose, the housing has an observation window through which the position of the display element—whether it is in its first or second position—can be identified.

[0028] The aforementioned display element is preferably designed as a slider, wherein the display element is arranged on the side of the electrical element away from the separating element, such that when at least one of the two separating elements is moved to its second position due to thermal overload of the corresponding two electrical elements, the display element or slider moves from the first position to the second position.

[0029] In this preferred design, the display element is thus moved by the force of the actuator, which is also applied to the separating element. Preferably, the force is transmitted by the actuator through the corresponding separating element and the electrical components acting in conjunction with that separating element. However, in principle, the force can also be transmitted by the actuator directly to the display element through the corresponding separating element. In this case, the separating element is designed to contact both the two corresponding electrical components and (directly) the display element. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Specifically, there are various ways to construct and further improve the overload protection device according to the invention. Therefore, the following description of preferred embodiments is provided with reference to the dependent claims and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 An embodiment of an overload protection device is shown, wherein two separate elements are in the first position;

[0032] Figure 2 It shows that according to Figure 1 The overload protection device, wherein the first separation element is in the second position;

[0033] Figure 3 It shows that according to Figure 1 The overload protection device, wherein the second separation element is in the second position;

[0034] Figure 4 It shows that according to Figure 1 The overload protection device, in which both separation elements are in the second position;

[0035] Figure 5 It shows that according to Figure 1 An enlarged partial view of the overload protection device, showing two electrical components and one disconnect component in their first position;

[0036] Figure 6 shows a perspective view and a top view of the first embodiment of the split element;

[0037] Figure 7 shows a perspective view and a top view of a second embodiment of the split element. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figures 1 to 4 A preferred embodiment of the overload protection device 1 is shown, which has a total of four electrical components 2 arranged on a carrier 3 formed as a circuit board. Figure 5 This shows the basis Figure 1 An enlarged partial view of the overload protection device 1 shows two electrical components 2. In the illustrated embodiment, these electrical components 2 are gas discharge tubes, but the invention is not limited thereto. The two connecting portions 21 of the components 2 are respectively welded together as electrically and mechanically connected to corresponding connecting elements 31 on the carrier 3, which can be heat-softened and fixed. Figures 1 to 4 In the schematic diagram shown, the connecting element 31 is located below the connecting portion 21 of the element 2, so the connecting element 31 is not visible in the figure.

[0039] Figure 1 The diagram shows a state of the overload protection device 1, in which all electrical components 2 are in normal condition, i.e., not overheated, and thus the components 2 are in their first position, in which the connection portion 21 is electrically and mechanically connected to the respective connection elements 31 on the carrier 3 via various soldered connections. Thus, each component 2 is electrically connected to the carrier 3 or its circuit board.

[0040] In addition to the four electrical components 2, two actuators 4, each formed as spring elements, are arranged on the carrier 3, each actuator being arranged in a bracket 5, and two separation elements 6 are arranged on the carrier 3. The brackets 5 of the actuators 4 are fixedly arranged on the carrier 3, while the two separation elements 6 are movably arranged on the carrier 3. Here, each separation element 6 is subjected to a force F by the actuator 4. Furthermore, the two separation elements 6 interact with the two electrical components 2 respectively, such that in the event of thermal overload, when the heat-softening fixture is softened, the two electrical components 2 are moved to their second position by the corresponding separation elements 6, so that the electrical components 2 no longer resist the force F of the actuator 4 acting on the separation elements 6 and remain in their first position. By using the separation elements 6 arranged between the two electrical components 2 and one actuator 4 respectively, the force F of one actuator 4 is transmitted to the two electrical components 2.

[0041] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The states of the overload protection device 1 are shown separately. Two electrical components 2 are in a normal state, i.e., there is no prohibited heating, so these components 2 are in their first position. The welded connections of the other two electrical components 2 have been broken, so these components 2 are moved to their second position by the separating element 6. Correspondingly, one separating element 6 is also in its first position, while the other separating element 6 is moved to the second position by the force F of the actuator 4.

[0042] Figure 4 The state of the overload protection device 1 is shown, in which all electrical components 2 are no longer allowed to be heated, therefore all welded connections have been broken, and all four electrical components 2 are in their second position, in which the components 2 are electrically separated because the connection 21 of the components 2 is no longer connected to the connection element 31 on the carrier 3. Since the electrical components 2 move in pairs to the second position via the separation element 6, the two separation elements 6 are also in their second position.

[0043] Figure 6 shows a first embodiment of a single discrete element 6, with perspective views respectively. Figure 6a ) and top view ( Figure 6b In the illustrated embodiment, the separating element 6, made of insulating material, has a receiving portion 61 for the end of the actuator 4 facing the separating element 6. Thus, the actuator 4 is held in its position on the separating element 6 after being mounted to the bracket 5, even when the separating element 6 is in its second position. Therefore, even in the second position of the separating element 6, at least a small force can still be applied to the separating element 6 to hold it in that second position.

[0044] Furthermore, the separating element 6 has a support section 62 for a certain section of the actuator 4, so that even if the separating element 6 moves from its first position to its second position due to the force F of the actuator 4, the actuator 4 will not contact the surface of the carrier 3. In this way, it can be ensured that the actuator 4, which is formed as a metal spring element, will not contact the conductive section on the carrier 3.

[0045] To ensure the safe guidance of the two electrical components 2 from their first position to their second position via a separating element 6, the separating element 6 has two contact surfaces 63 on its side facing the two electrical components 2. Figure 6b As can be seen from the top view, the two contact surfaces 63 are arranged at an angle α to each other, which is slightly greater than 180°. Therefore, when viewed in the direction of movement of the separating element 6 from the first position to the second position, the two contact surfaces 63 are slightly tilted backward from the center of the separating element 6. Furthermore, between the two contact surfaces 63, a tab-shaped separating element 64 is formed on the separating element 6, which extends between the two electrical components 2 that are contacted on the separating element 6. This ensures that the two electrical components 2 will not make unwanted contact when they move from the first position to the second position.

[0046] The separating element 6 shown in Figure 6 generally has a basic U-shaped base. The U-back 65 of the separating element 6 faces the two electrical components 2, and therefore has two contact surfaces 63 for the two components 2. On the opposite side of the U-back 65 away from the electrical components 2, two U-legs extend from the electrical components 2. A separating element 64 is arranged on the side of the U-back 65 opposite to the U-legs and extends between the two electrical components 2.

[0047] The two U-legs are formed as guide arms 66 and 67, which are used to guide the separating element 6 when moving from the first position to the second position. For this purpose, as... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the guide arms 66 and 67 of the separating element 6 slide along the outside of the bracket 5 of the actuator 4 with their inner sides. Therefore, the bracket 5 and the actuator 4 are located between the two guide arms 66 and 67 of the separating element 6, which allows the two actuators 4 and their corresponding brackets 5 to be arranged very compactly with the two separating elements 6 on the carrier 3.

[0048] like Figure 6a and 6bAs shown, one guide arm 66 is longer than the other guide arm 67. The different lengths of guide arms 66 and 67 serve as positioning aids for the separating element 6, ensuring that the separating element 6 is mounted on the carrier 3 in a predetermined orientation. Furthermore, the larger length of one guide arm 66 can be used to operate a microswitch (not shown) arranged on the carrier 3, thereby providing an electrical indication of whether the separating element 6 is in its first or second position. Therefore, this microswitch allows for remote indication of whether a pair of electrical components 2 has been disconnected.

[0049] Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of a single separating element 6, respectively, perspective views ( Figure 7a ) and top view ( Figure 7b Unlike the embodiment according to FIG. 6, the separating element 6 in this embodiment does not have a separating element arranged between the two contact surfaces 63. Accordingly, compared to the support section 62 of the separating element 6 in FIG. 6, the separating element 6 shown in FIG. 7 has a significantly longer support section 62 for a certain section of the actuator 4. Furthermore, the two guide arms 66, 67 of the separating element 6 according to FIG. 7 are of the same length.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 4 The overload protection device 1 shown also has a housing 7, in which at least partially arranged a carrier 3, electrical components 2, an actuator 4, a separation element 6, and a display element 8. An observation window 71 is formed on the housing 7, through which it can be seen from the outside of the housing 7 that the display element 8 is in the first position. Figure 1 ) or second position ( Figures 2 to 4 The display element 8 is formed as a slider having a display section 81, which is pushed in front of the viewing window 71 when at least one of the two pairs of electrical elements 2 or at least one of the two separate elements 6 moves from the first position to the second position. Thus, the display element 8 indicates whether all electrical elements 2 are electrically connected. Figure 1 ) or at least one pair of elements 2 are separated due to unacceptable heating. Figures 2 to 4 ).

[0051] The display element 8 is thus arranged on the side of the electrical component 2 away from the separating element 6, such that when at least one of the two separating elements 6 is moved to the second position due to thermal overload of its corresponding two electrical components 2, the display element 8 will move from the first position to the second position. Furthermore, the display element 8 is arranged within the housing 7 relative to the electrical component 2 such that when the electrical component 2 is in the second position, it is pressed against the display element 8 by the corresponding separating element 6, thereby holding the electrical component 2 in its second position.

[0052] Furthermore, the display element 8 also has a flexible retaining element 82, which works in conjunction with the separating elements 6 to hold the display element 8 in its first position when both separating elements 6 are in the first position. For this purpose, as... Figure 1 As shown, the separating element 6 has a holding section 68 on which the holding element 82 rests. Because the holding element 82 is flexible, when one separating element 6 moves from the first position to the second position, the display element 8 can slide past the second separating element 6, even if the second separating element 6 remains in its first position. Figure 2 and Figure 3 To this end, the corresponding holding section 68 on the separating element 6 is provided with rounded corners, so that the holding element 82 can slide more easily through the holding section 68.

[0053] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0054] 1. Overload protection device

[0055] 2 Electrical components

[0056] 21 Connecting part

[0057] 3. Carrier

[0058] 31 Connecting elements

[0059] 4. Actuator

[0060] 5 supports

[0061] 6 Separating elements

[0062] 61. Reception Department

[0063] 62 Support Sections

[0064] 63. Attach to the surface

[0065] 64 Separating elements

[0066] 65 U Back

[0067] 66 U-leg (guide arm)

[0068] 67 U-leg (guide arm)

[0069] 68 Holding section of holding element 82

[0070] 7. Casing

[0071] 71 Observation Window

[0072] 8 Display elements

[0073] 81 Display Section

[0074] 82 Holding element

[0075] α is the angle between the two mating surfaces.

Claims

1. An overload protection device (1) for protecting electrical components (2), having at least two electrical components (2), having a carrier (3) having a plurality of connecting elements (31) for connecting the electrical components (2), and having at least one actuator (4), The electrical components (2) are respectively fixed to the carrier (3) at a first position by at least one heat-softening fastener, such that the connecting part (21) of the electrical component (2) contacts the corresponding connecting element (31) of the carrier (3), and When the electrical component (2) is thermally overloaded, the heat-softening fastener softens, and the electrical component (2) can move to a second position, in which the electrical contact between the connecting part (21) of the electrical component (2) and the corresponding connecting element (31) of the carrier (3) is broken. Its features are, At least one separating element (6) is movable and arranged on the carrier (3). The separating element (6) is subjected to a force (F) by the actuator (4), such that the separating element (6) can be moved by the actuator (4) from the first position to the second position, and The separating element (6) works in conjunction with the two electrical elements (2) in such a way that, in the event of thermal overload, the two electrical elements (2) can be moved by the separating element (6) to their second position.

2. The overload protection device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two electrical components (2) that work together with the same separation element (6) are thermally coupled to each other such that when at least one electrical component (2) is thermally overloaded, the thermally softenable fasteners of both electrical components (2) are softened, thereby allowing the two electrical components (2) to move to their second position.

3. The overload protection device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The separating element (6) is made of or has insulating material.

4. The overload protection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The separating element (6) has a receiving portion (61) for the end of the actuator (4) facing the separating element (6).

5. The overload protection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The separating element (6) has a support section (62) for at least one section of the actuator (4) such that when the separating element (6) moves from its first position to its second position by the force (F) of the actuator (4), the actuator (4) does not contact the surface of the carrier (3) facing the actuator (4).

6. The overload protection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The separation element (6) is designed and arranged such that two electrical components (2) are guided along the surface of the carrier (3) from their first position to their second position via the separation element (6).

7. The overload protection device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The separating element (6) has a contact surface (63) for the two electrical elements (2) on one side facing the two electrical elements (2), and the two contact surfaces (63) are preferably arranged at an angle (α) greater than 180° to each other.

8. The overload protection device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, A separating element (64) is formed on the side of the separating element (6) away from the two electrical elements (2), and the separating element keeps the two electrical elements (2) spaced apart as they move from their first position to their second position.

9. The overload protection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Two guide arms (66, 67) are formed on the side of the separating element (6) away from the two electrical elements (2), wherein the actuator (4) is located between the two guide arms (66, 67) at least in a first position of the separating element (6).

10. The overload protection device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, One guide arm (66) is longer than the other guide arm (67).

11. The overload protection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, There are n actuators (4), n discrete elements (6) and (2×n) electrical elements (2), where each actuator (4) works with one discrete element (6) and each discrete element (6) works with two electrical elements (2).

12. The overload protection device (1) according to claim 11, comprising two actuators (4), two separation elements (6), and four electrical elements (2), characterized in that, The carrier (3) with electrical components (2), separation components (6) and actuators (4) is at least partially arranged in the housing (7) and is provided with a display element (8) whose position allows the view from outside the housing (7) that at least one separation component (6) is in a first position or a second position.

13. The overload protection device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The display element (8) is formed as a slider and is arranged on the side of the electrical element (2) away from the separating element (6) such that when at least one of the two separating elements (6) moves to the second position due to thermal overload of the corresponding two electrical elements (2), the display element (8) moves from the first position to the second position.

14. The overload protection device (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The display element (8) has a flexible holding element (82) that works together with the separating element (6) such that the display element (8) is held in its first position when both separating elements (6) are in their first positions.

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