EP0994497B1 - Switch with insulating support - Google Patents

Abstract

The switch has an insulating carrier (16) incorporating 2 external terminals (11,14) between which a current path is provided via a temperature-responsive switching mechanism (19) having a switch element (22) which alters in geometric shape in dependence on the temperature, for movement between the closed and open switch positions. The switch element is mechanically and electrically connected in series with a setting element (21), with a flat serial resistance between one of the external terminals and one end of the setting element.

Description

The present invention relates to a switch with a Isolierstoffträger, on which a first and a second external connection are arranged, as well as a temperature-dependent Rear derailleur that depending on its temperature between an electrically conductive the first and the second external connection Connection for one to be passed through the switch produces electrical current, and a switching device that its Geometric shape depending on the temperature between a closing and changed an open position and in its closed position leads the current, and includes an actuator that with the Switching element is electrically and mechanically connected in series.

Such a switch, according to the preamble of claim 1, is known from US 4,636,766.

The known switch comprises a U-shaped bimetal element as a switching element with two legs of different lengths. On a movable contact part is attached to the long leg, that interacts with a switch-proof counter contact that again with one of the two external connections in electrical conductive connection.

The shorter leg of the U-shaped bimetal element is on the free end of an actuator designed as a lever arm attached that with its other end firmly to the housing is connected as well as with the other of the two external connections is in an electrically conductive connection. The actuator is another bimetallic element that is so on the U-shaped bimetallic element is agreed that the two bimetallic elements deform in opposite directions with temperature changes and thus the contact pressure between the movable contact part and receive the mating contact fixed to the housing.

This switch is intended as a breaker for high currents, which leads to a strong warming of the bimetallic elements lead, which ultimately the movable contact part is lifted off the fixed counter contact. Influences of Ambient temperature are the opposite Deformation of the bimetallic elements is compensated.

The main disadvantage of this construction is that two Bimetal elements are needed, their temperature behavior must be exactly coordinated, which is structurally complex and is expensive to implement. Manufacturing tolerances to compensate, the well-known switch after the Assembly also mechanically adjusted, which is another disadvantage represents.

Because the two bimetal elements are very different geometrically are designed, they also have different long-term stabilities on, so that from time to time a readjustment would be required. However, this is not in use more possible, so that overall long-term stability and thus the functional reliability leaves something to be desired.

Another disadvantage of this construction is that large height due to the U-shaped bimetal element.

Finally, this switch has the disadvantage that it closes again automatically after cooling, i.e. none Has current dependency, the reclosing and thus Switch on the electrical device protected by the switch prevented.

Current-dependent switches are well known among them is a parallel to the temperature-dependent switchgear Self-holding resistor connected between the two external connections. When the switch is closed, the Self-holding resistor electrically short-circuited by the switch mechanism, so that it is de-energized. On the other hand, opens the rear derailleur, a residual current flows through the self-holding resistor depending on the applied voltage as well its resistance value heats up so far that it is temperature-dependent Switch mechanism at a temperature above the response temperature stops so that it stays open.

There are a number of designs in the prior art known for the self-holding resistance, in which a block-shaped PTC resistor is used which is compared to one no current dependency switch for an enlargement of the geometric dimensions.

Another disadvantage with having the known switches Current dependency is in the constructive Effort that is too expensive and time-consuming to assemble Switches leads.

Another, connected to the switch mentioned above The disadvantage is that the threshold value of the current, which leads to the opening of the switch through the ohmic Resistance of the bimetallic elements is determined so that they differ Switching currents are difficult to implement.

However, it is already known from the prior art that Set current dependency by using a series resistor, the electrical to the temperature dependent switchgear is connected in series. However, in the known switches parallel to the switching element an actuator in the form of a spring snap disc etc. switched through which the electric current flows. In other words, the bimetal element is current dependent Switches with series resistor are de-energized, the operating current of the electrical device to be protected is over a separate spring element passed. By choosing the resistance value this series or series resistance can now the switching current can be set precisely and reproducibly.

This is also the case with the known switches with series resistance constructive expense is disadvantageous, the switches are expensive and time-consuming to assemble.

Another current-dependent known from EP 0 103 792 B1 Switch has a bimetal spring tongue as a switching element on, which is attached to the one external connection and to her free end carries a movable contact part that with a Counter-contact cooperates, which at the free end of an elongated Spring element is arranged, the other end on the other external connector is attached so that the current through the Series connection from spring element and bimetal spring tongue flows.

The elastic mounting of the counter contact ensures a low mechanical stress on the bimetal spring tongue because of the Mating contact yields to a limited extent when the bimetal spring tongue changed their geometric shape due to a change in temperature. This causes irreversible deformation of the bimetallic spring tongue avoided, leading to a shift in the switching temperature could lead.

A disadvantage of this switch is that the bimetal spring tongue like all bimetal elements in the transition from In the open position, a so-called creep phase passes through, in the course of a temperature increase or - The bimetallic element is creepingly deformed without however from its e.g. convex low temperature position already to snap into its concave high temperature position. This Creeping phase occurs every time the temperature changes of the bimetal element either from above or from below The jump temperature approaches and leads to noticeable changes in the formation. Particularly as a result of aging or long-term use can the creep behavior of a bimetal element furthermore also change.

During the opening movement, sneaking can cause that the pressure of the contact against the counter contact decreases, which creates undefined switching states. During the The closing movement can make contact during the creeping phase gradually approach the counter contact, thereby increasing the risk of a Arc can be caused.

The associated with the creep behavior of a bimetal element Problems with a current-dependent switch, as described in US Pat. No. 4,636,766 or EP 0 103 792 is described in that the bimetallic spring tongue is provided with knockouts, the creep phase not completely, but to a large extent suppress it. These knockouts or other mechanical influences on the bimetal element to suppress the grinding phase are complex and expensive measures that also increase the service life of these bimetal elements significantly reduced becomes. Another disadvantage of the required knockout is to be seen in that for different performance classes and response temperatures not just different material compositions and strengths but also different knockouts must be used.

Against this background, it is an object of the present invention a switch of the above avoiding the disadvantages mentioned type with inexpensive and simple construction to be provided with a current dependency, the switch being a small design as well as high functional reliability and long Should have lifespan.

In the case of the switch mentioned at the beginning, this makes this task solved that the first external connection with a flat cover electrode is connected to the actuator with its first End is set, and on the inside a flat Series resistor is arranged, the electrical between the first external connection and the first end of the actuator switched is.

The object on which the invention is based is achieved in this way completely solved.

The inventor of the present application has recognized that that it is possible with a generic switch, a provide flat lid electrode, on the inside flat series resistor is arranged between the first External connection and the first end of the actuator. The height is hardly noticeably influenced by the series resistance, because e.g. be formed as a sheet resistor can hardly increase the thickness of the lid electrode contributes.

It is particularly preferred if the actuator is a Includes spring element, the actuating force largely independent of temperature is, and the actuator is a temperature-dependent Has actuating force that is greater than in its creeping phase the force of the spring element.

The inventor of the present application has recognized that the e.g. known from DE 21 21 802 C mechanical and electrical parallel arrangement of temperature-neutral spring element and switching element in an electrical and mechanical series connection modified and used in the new switch can be a number of other advantages in the unite new switch.

Through the mechanical series connection, i.e. the interaction the spring force of the spring element with that of the switching element can namely compensate for the creeping phase of the switching element become. If the switching element is in during the creeping phase its geometry changes, so this is due to the spring element immediately balanced. It is now possible for the first time also for a switch with a current-carrying switching element, which can be a bimetallic element or a tri-metallic element, to allow a large creeping phase of the switching element, because the spring element can during the "unwanted" shape changes compensate for the creeping phase. However, this means that a switching device that is easier to manufacture and therefore cheaper can be used, which also has a longer service life, because the knockout is largely dispensed with can and thus a larger hysteresis is permissible so that the Creeping phase can be used to the maximum.

However, this does not only mean low geometric requirements the switching element but also lower requirements to put the spring element, because the latter now only has to ensure that the switching element is below its step temperature, So during the creep phase, in electrical contact to one of the external connections remains. Different types of switches regarding performance class and response temperature now with essentially the same spring element but different Switching devices are designed, taking them Components of the rear derailleur much less geometric and mechanical conditions are to be put, so that they total are easier and cheaper to manufacture.

Regarding the service life of the switching element, this is shown here the same advantages as the loosely inserted bimetallic snap disc according to DE 21 21 802 C. Overall, the new switch more emphasis on the electrical properties and the switching temperature, the mechanical spring force of the switching element plays with the new switch for the first time a subordinate role in technology, it only has to be that big be that the switching element is not too strong by the spring element is squeezed. The switching process itself will be completed the creep phase is caused solely by the switching element, that is always preloaded in its closed position. This preloaded switching element still has a whole range of other advantages, it does not vibrate in the magnetic field and has no risk of arcing, because it gradually opens or closing contacts are prevented by the preload.

However, this means that the bimetal element is only slightly pre-embossed required by which only the Snap effect ensured for sudden contact separation must become. A stronger knockout, as previously used for support or suppression of the creep phase was used, is no longer required. This will make the mechanical Reduced loads and thus the service life and reliability and reproducibility of the switching point clearly elevated.

The temperature-neutral spring element exercises on the bimetal element no longer exert pressure that hinders its deformation, it rather resembles the deformation of the bimetal element in the creeping phase through its own deformation in such a way that movable Contact part and fixed counter contact with each other in such a way stay safely in the system for a low contact resistance is taken care of. The contact pressure remains below the Switching temperature largely independent of the temperature.

The creeping phase of the bimetallic element is therefore no longer as suppressed in the prior art, but balanced so to speak, the bimetal element can namely in the Deform creep phase almost unhindered, making the changes the geometry is balanced by the spring element that the switch remains securely closed.

For this purpose, the temperature-dependent actuating force of the bimetal element chosen so that they are larger in the creeping phase is the largely temperature-neutral actuating force of the Spring element, which is thus the "rigid" bimetal element only "leads".

A big advantage of the new switch is its simple Construction, next to a housing-fixed counter contact is only a bimetal element is required, the spring element is temperature-neutral and therefore inexpensive. Overall, bimetal element and spring element to each other with respect to the actuating force be coordinated, but no longer additionally regarding their temperature behavior, because the rear derailleur straightens yourself, so to speak. This makes it a standard spring element possible for all temperature ranges, making an essential one Rationalization effect is achieved. Through this construction a low overall height can also be realized, whereby at different switching temperatures no new individual Adjustment is required, just the bimetal element must have the same spring properties but different switching temperatures be interpreted.

Another advantage is that tolerances and fluctuations in the switching temperature by guiding through the temperature-neutral Spring element to be balanced.

It is preferred if the spring element and the switching element are essentially flat, sheet-like parts that are extend to the same side in a V-shape away from their connection point.

This measure has the advantage that compared to the generic switch, the overall height is significantly reduced, and also a slight longitudinal extension because of the "folded back" free end of the switching element reached becomes.

It is further preferred if on the inside of the lid electrode an insulation layer is arranged on which one Resistor track is arranged, one end with the first External connection and other end connected to a contact surface is in contact with a contact area on the spring element is.

This measure is constructively advantageous when hanging up the Cover electrode on the one already provided with the switching mechanism The switch comes into direct contact with the switch Contact area, so that the electrical connection together, so to speak with the mechanical connection of the lid electrode the housing is manufactured.

It is then preferred if the spring element on his first end is T-shaped, with this T-shaped end rests on the insulating material carrier and on this T-shaped End has a contact area that with the contact surface of the series resistance is in the system.

This makes the assembly of the new switch once again advantageous simplified, because the rear derailleur is aligned inside of the insulating material carrier automatically, so to speak, if that T-shaped end is placed on the insulating support.

In general, it is preferred if the second external connection is connected a bottom electrode is connected to which a movable Contact part cooperates, which is provided on the switching element and between the bottom electrode and the lid electrode at least one PTC component is clamped.

The advantage here is that the PTC module has a self-holding function is realized, the contacting of the PTC module done by a simple pinch, so at the mechanical assembly of the switch is automatically implemented becomes.

On the other hand, it is preferred if the second external connection is connected to a bottom electrode with which a movable Contact part cooperates, which is provided on the switching element and between the bottom electrode and the T-shaped end a PTC component is clamped in the spring element.

The advantage here is that there is also a simple contact of the PTC component can be achieved, this PTC component Now in line when the rear derailleur is open is connected to the series resistor, so that there are other resistance ratios can result. It is particularly advantageous however, that the T-shaped end of the spring element is now several Functions combined in one, it serves on the one hand for mechanical Holder of the switching mechanism in the insulating material carrier and on the other hand for the electrical connection of both the series resistor as well as the PTC component, which acts as a self-holding resistor acts. However, this is only necessary in the area this T-shaped end of the spring element for such Surface finish to ensure that electrical contacting only through printing and circulation to others Surfaces are less demanding, what contributes to cost reduction.

It is then preferred if either one between the External connections arranged, transverse pocket for the PTC module or two side pockets next to the rear derailleur are provided for two PTC modules.

The advantage here is that compared to a switch without PTC component in the transverse pocket the longitudinal extent and only the transverse dimensions for the two side pockets need to be increased slightly, the remaining dimensions can be preserved. These measures also contribute overall small dimensions for the new switch.

The construction variant with the two side pockets is especially preferred when considering a large Current load a larger current passage area of the now self-holding resistor formed by two PTC modules required is.

Further advantages result from the description of the attached Drawing.

Fig. 1

einen Längsschnitt durch den neuen Schalter längs der Linie I-I aus Fig. 2;

Fig. 2

eine Draufsicht auf den Schalter gemäß Fig. 1 in einer Schnittdarstellung längs der Linie II-II aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 3a bis 3d

jeweils eine Draufsicht auf die Innenseite der Dekkelelektrode des Schalters aus Fig. 1 und 2, in unterschiedlichen Stadien der Anbringung eines Serienwiderstandes nebst dessen Kontaktierung;

Fig. 4

das Schaltwerk des Schalters aus Fig. 1 in einer schematisierten, vergrößerten Darstellung, wobei das Schaltorgan in Schließstellung ist;

Fig. 5

eine Darstellung wie Fig. 4, jedoch während der Schleichphase des Schaltorganes;

Fig. 6

eine Darstellung wie Fig. 4, wobei das Schaltorgan jedoch in seiner Öffnungsstellung ist; und

Fig. 7

eine Draufsicht auf den Isolierstoffträger des Schalters gemäß Fig. 1 in einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel mit zwei Taschen für zwei PTC-Bausteine.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description. Show it:

Fig. 1

a longitudinal section through the new switch along the line II of Fig. 2;

Fig. 2

a plan view of the switch of Figure 1 in a sectional view taken along the line II-II of Fig. 1.

3a to 3d

in each case a top view of the inside of the cover electrode of the switch from FIGS. 1 and 2, in different stages of the application of a series resistor in addition to its contacting;

Fig. 4

the switching mechanism of the switch of Figure 1 in a schematic, enlarged view, the switching element is in the closed position.

Fig. 5

a representation like Figure 4, but during the creep phase of the switching element.

Fig. 6

a representation like Figure 4, but the switching element is in its open position. and

Fig. 7

a plan view of the insulating support of the switch of FIG. 1 in a second embodiment with two pockets for two PTC modules.

In Fig. 1, a new switch is shown generally at 10, the is shown in schematic longitudinal section.

The new switch 10 has a first external connection 11, which is integrally connected to a flat cover electrode 12 is. Furthermore, a second external connection 14 is provided, which is formed in one piece with a bottom electrode 15. The Cover electrode 12 and the bottom electrode 15 are on one Isolierstoffträger 16 held the cover electrode 12 and keeps the bottom electrode 15 spaced parallel to each other.

While the insulating material carrier 16 is basically open on the side 1, an embodiment is shown in which the insulating material carrier 16 is a pot-shaped lower housing part 17 includes that around the bottom electrode 15 by injection molding or potting is designed such that the bottom electrode 15 is an integral part of the lower housing part 17. The Lower housing part 17 is closed by the cover electrode 12 and one indicated by 18, heat-welded Edge of the insulating material carrier 16 held captive.

Is between the lid electrode 12 and the bottom electrode 15 a temperature-dependent switching mechanism 19 in an interior of the Isolierstroffträger 16 arranged. The switching mechanism 19 comprises a mechanical and electrical series connection from a spring element 21 and a switching element 22, which by a 23rd arranged connection are interconnected. The switching element 22 is a bimetal element in the present case.

The spring element 21 has a largely temperature-independent Positioning force, which means in the context of the present invention, that the actuating force or spring force of the spring element 21 in the range of the permissible operating temperature of the Switch 10 does not change noticeably. The positioning force of the bimetal element is strongly temperature dependent and also in the so-called creep phase is already so large that the spring element 21 do not hinder the deformation of the bimetallic element Pressure on that at constant temperature in this spring system thus can exert rigid bimetal element.

The spring element is 25 in with its first, T-shaped end System with the cover electrode 12 and leads with its second End 26 in connection 23 to the switching element 22. The switching element 22 carries at its free end 27 a movable contact part 28, which interacts with a switch-fixed counter contact 29, which is formed on the bottom electrode 15.

The bottom electrode 15 is partly from an insulating bridge 31 attacked, which prevents the connection 23 at Opening the switching mechanism 19 moves so far down that it undesirably comes into contact with the bottom electrode 15.

In a manner still to be described, the cover electrode 12 is on provided on the inside 32 with a series resistor which electrically between the first outer terminal 11 and the T-shaped End 25 of the spring element 21 is switched.

Is between the bottom electrode 15 and the T-shaped end 25 furthermore, a PTC module 33 is clamped and arranged in a pocket 34 and acts as a self-holding resistor 35.

In the closed state of the new one shown in FIG. 1 Switch 10 is the self-holding resistor 35 through that Switch mechanism 19 bridged, that is, de-energized. If now as a result a temperature increase, the movable contact part 28 of lifts the fixed counter contact 29, a residual current flows from the second external connection 14 via the bottom electrode 15 through the Self-holding resistor 35 in the T-shaped end 25 and from there via the series resistor in the cover electrode 12 and from there in the first external connection 11, so that between the two External connections 11, 14 a series connection of series resistance as well as self-holding resistance, which is characterized by a Residual current is heated so far that it opens the switching mechanism 19 Condition holds.

In Fig. 2 the switch of Fig. 1 is off along the line II-II Fig. 1 shown in section. It can be seen that the T-shaped End 25 of the spring element 21 on a base 36 of the Isolierstoffträger 16 is below the cut Edge 18 is arranged. At 37 is the outline of the base 36 shown.

Under the T-shaped end 25 is the self-holding resistance in the pocket 34 35 indicated, from below in plant with a at 38 indicated contact area of the T-shaped end 25 of the spring element 21. On the other side of the T-shaped End 25, that is to say in the top view of FIG. 2, is another Contact area 38 is provided, via the to be described in How the series resistance is contacted.

It also mentions that the base 36 is provided with projections 39 through which the self-holding resistor 35 in the pocket 34 is held.

3a to 3d show production steps for manufacturing the with a series resistor cover electrode 12. In 3a, the inside 32 is initially covered with an insulation layer 41 provided, on which then a resistance path according to FIG. 3b 42 is applied as series resistor 43. The resistance track 42 overlaps the insulation layer 41 in FIG. 3 to the left so that a connection area 44 to the inside 32 the cover electrode 12 made of metal is produced. In this way, the first external connection 11 with the series resistor 43 connected.

According to FIG. 3c, the connection area 44 and for the most part a further insulation layer via the resistance track 42 45 placed, the right part of the resistance track 42 releases. On this released area of the Resistor path 42 now becomes a silver layer according to FIG. 3d 46 applied, which forms a contact surface 47.

When the cover electrode 12 from FIG. 3d is placed on the in Fig. 2 open switch 10 comes the contact area 47 in contact with the contact area 38 so that the series resistance 43 in series between the first external connection 11 and the spring element 21 is switched.

The flowing through the switch 10 in the closed state Operating current of an electrical device to be protected flows So directly through the series resistor 43, which is at an impermissibly high current and this ohmic heat emits directly into the interior 20 of the switch 10, which too a corresponding heating of the switching mechanism 19 and thus an opening of the contacts 28, 29 leads, as is now based on the 4 to 6 is described.

4, the rear derailleur 19 from FIG. 1 is schematically enlarged Scale shown in its closed position. The Switching element 22 is so far below its step temperature, that his sneaking phase has not yet started. The Switching member 22 presses against the force of the spring element 21 Connection 23 in Fig. 4 upwards, so that there is a indicated at 51 Distance to the cover electrode 12 and one indicated at 52 Distance to the counter contact 29 sets.

If now the temperature of the switching element 22 due to a increased current flow and the associated heating the series resistance 43 or due to an increased outside temperature increases, the creeping phase of Switching element 22, in its against the force of the spring element 21 working spring force subsides, so that the connection 23rd 4 is moved downward as shown in FIG. 5 is. However, the positioning force of the bimetal element is always still so large that the actuating force of the spring element 21 is not sufficient to withstand the deformations that occur in the creeping phase to hinder. Regardless of its geometry change in the creep phase is the switching element 22 compared to the spring element 21 as rigid, the contact pressure becomes alone exercised by the actuating force of the spring element 21.

The distance 51 increases to the extent that the distance increases 52 decreased. The mechanical series connection from spring element 21 and switching element 22, however, still presses that movable contact part 28 against the counter contact 29. In comparison between Figs. 4 and 5, however, it can be seen that the movable contact part 28 in FIG. 5 transversely to the counter contact 29 has moved. This friction is desirable because hereby the contact surfaces between contact part 28 and Counter contact 29 cleaned so that the electrical contact resistance is very low.

If the temperature of the switching mechanism 22 now increases further, it snaps in the direction of an arrow 53 into its open position, which is shown in Fig. 6. The connection 23 is still further down, the switching element 22 the movable contact part 28 is lifted from the mating contact 29 Has. In the comparison between FIGS. 4 and 6 it can be seen that the connection 23 between the cover electrode 12 and the bottom electrode 15 has moved down while the movable contact parts 28 in the opposite direction upwards has moved so that the clear distance between the lid electrode 12 and the bottom electrode 15, so to speak, used twice becomes.

It can also be seen that the spring element 21 and the Switching element 22 are flat, sheet-like parts that differ from theirs Junction 23, so to speak, V-shaped on the same side, namely to extend to the right. Through this "folded back" Arrangement of spring element 21 and switching element 22 is a shortened Design achieved in the longitudinal direction, so that in addition to the flat a relatively short design is also possible.

Returning to Fig. 2, it should be noted that through the pocket 34 and the self-holding resistor 35 arranged therein Length of the switch compared to an embodiment without Self-holding resistance is only slightly increased.

However, this slight increase in length should also occur PTC devices can already be undesirable also arrange in pockets next to the rear derailleur 19, like it can be seen from Fig. 7.

7 is a pot-shaped lower housing part 17 in the Top view shown, with only the bottom electrode 15 was sprayed or cast with its external connection 14, the rear derailleur itself and the PTC modules are not yet inserted.

In Fig. 7, the base 37 can be seen on which the T-shaped End 25 of the rear derailleur 19 comes to rest when this in the Interior 20 is inserted. Laterally next to the interior 20 are provided in the lower part 17 two pockets 55, 56, the extend down to the bottom electrode 15 and after are open at the top. These pockets are from the side inwards Compared to base 37, base 57 is set down surrounded by falling out of inserted PTC modules prevented into the interior 20.

During assembly, PTC modules are now placed in pockets 55, 56 inserted, the switching mechanism 19 in the manner already described inserted into the interior 20 and then the cover electrode 12 hung up. The contact with the cover electrode 12 is made thereby via contact surfaces 58, which are indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 3a are.

Claims (10)

1. A switch having an insulating support (16), a first and a second external terminal (11, 14) being arranged at said insulating support, and having a temperature-dependent switching mechanism (19) that as a function of its temperature makes an electrically conductive connection between said first and second external terminal (11, 14) for an electric current to be conducted via said switch (10), and having a switching member (22) changing its geometric shape in temperature-dependent fashion between a closed position and an open position and conducting said current in its closed position, and having an actuating member (21) that is mechanically and electrically connected in series with said switching mechanism (22),
   characterized in that said first external terminal (11) is connected to a planar cover electrode (12) at which said actuating member (21) is fastened with its first end (25), a flat series resistor (43) being arranged at an inner side (32) of said cover electrode and being electrically connected between said first terminal (11) and said first end (25) of said actuating member (21).
2. The switch of claim 1, characterized in that said actuating member comprises a spring element (21) whose displacing force is largely independent of temperature, and that the switching member (22) has a temperature-dependent displacing force that, in its creep phase, is greater than the displacing force of the spring element (21).
3. The switch of claim 2, characterized in that the spring element (21) and the switching member (22) are substantially flat, sheet-like parts that extend away from their joining point (23) in a V-shape towards the same side.
4. The switch of anyone of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that there is arranged on said inner side (32) of said cover electrode (12) an insulating film (41) on which is arranged a resistive path (42) that is connected at one end to the first external terminal (11) and at the other end to a contact surface (47) with which a contact region (38) on said spring element (21) is in contact.
5. The switch of anyone of claims 1 - 4, characterized in that the spring element 21 is configured at its first end (25) in a T-shape, rests with that T-shaped end (25) on the insulating support (16), and has at that T-shaped end (25) a contact region (38) that is in contact with a contact surface (47) of the series resistor (43).
6. The switch of anyone of claims 1 - 5, characterized in that the second external terminal (14) is connected to a bottom electrode (15) that coacts with a movable contact element (28) that is provided on the switching member (22), and that at least one PTC module is clamped between the bottom electrode (15) and the cover electrode (12).
7. The switch of anyone of claims 1 - 6, characterized in that the second external terminal (14) is connected to a bottom electrode (15) that coacts with a movable contact element (28) that is provided on the switching member (22), and that a PTC module (33) is clamped between the bottom electrode (15) and a T-shaped end (25) of the spring element (21).
8. The switch of claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the PTC module (33) is arranged in a cavity (34, 55, 56) in said insulating support (16).
9. The switch of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the cavity is arranged transversely between said external terminals (11, 14).
10. The switch of claims 6 and 8, characterized in that two lateral cavities (55, 56) are provided next to the switching mechanism (19).

Images