Device for protecting an electrical circuit fed by an alternating current which can be integrated into a contactor

An electrical contactor comprising:

• a switching element opening or closing an electrical circuit fed by an alternating current;
• control means controlling the switching element to open or close the electrical circuit,
• electrical coupling terminals connected to said electrical circuit;
• and
• wherein the switching element comprises a protection device, the protection device comprising a housing and a fuse element disposed in the housing, wherein the housing comprises:
• a first portion and a second portion which are mobile in relation to one another;
• elastic means that exerts a pressure force on the first portion causing the first portion to bear against the second portion and causing the housing to be set in a closed state;
• and
• at least two connection terminals coupled on either side of the fuse element and fixed onto the second portion, the first and second portions being implemented in such a way that they become separated from one another along an axis defined by the two connection terminals;
• wherein the switching element comprises at least two connection studs connected respectively to the connection terminals of the protection device, and
• wherein the control means comprises movement means coupled to the switching element, the movement means allowing the switching element to be moved between an open position of the electrical circuit where the connection studs are decoupled from the electrical coupling terminals and a closed position of the electrical circuit where the connection studs are coupled to the electrical coupling terminals;
• wherein the electrical contactor further comprises elastic contact means coupled to the movement means in such a way as to bring the switching element to the closed position of the electrical circuit, the elastic contact means comprising said elastic means of the protection device.