Switching device

A switching device, comprising:

• a switching chamber;
• a switching element, which can be moved in the switching chamber along a linear movement axis (Z) between an ON position in which the switching element connects fixed contacts to one another, and an OFF position in which the switching element is at a distance from the fixed contacts;
• an actuator configured to move the switching element linearly inside the switching chamber;
• a spring which prestresses the switching element in a direction of the movement axis (Z);
• and
• a guide configured such that the switching element in the switching chamber is guided along the movement axis (Z) in a linearly movable manner,
• wherein the guide forms a tilt protection for the switching element so that if forces are applied to the switching device from outside, the switching element can only tilt to such an extent that it cannot be overtilted in the switching chamber or slip beneath the spring,
• wherein the guide includes a guide body arranged between the spring and the switching element,
• wherein the switching element is designed in a form of a plate,
• wherein the guide is configured such that the switching element is held in the switching chamber along the movement axis (Z) such that a main axis (N) of the switching element, which runs perpendicular to both main extension directions (X, Y) of the switching element, is oriented at least substantially parallel to the movement axis (Z),
• wherein the guide body is substantially plate-like and has an external cross-section corresponding at least substantially to an internal cross-section of the switching chamber, and
• wherein a plurality of guide elements extend in the direction of the main axis (N) and are arranged on the guide body and protrude on a side of the guide body opposite the switching element.