Energy regulator with surfaces

摘要

An energy regulator 1 has a bimetal element 5 and a heating element 11 for heating the element 5. Upon heating the deflection of the bimetal element 5 causes a switching action. The power level at which switching is determined is governed by a first cam surface upon which a first cam follower bears. Second and third cam surfaces are associated with the first cam surface and each has a corresponding cam follower operably linked to effect further independent switching functions. The regulator 1 has the bimetal element 5 as primary limb with a compensator limb 13. The primary limb is responsive to the heater 11 and the compensator limb compensates for ambient temperature fluctuation. The primary and compensator limbs are formed by splitting a single bimetal strip partway along its length. The bimetal structure may be mounted on a flexible pivot 17. A ceramic substrate film heater (11) and a method of making an electrical connection to a ceramic substrate film heater (11) is also disclosed <IMAGE>