Adjusting bimetallic switch elements e.g. for circuit breakers

摘要

The adjustment method for switch elements of bimetal (1) or multiple layer metal which switch an electric contact on the basis of an inner heating by a current passing through the bimetallic element (1) or by means of external heating. The active bimetal cross-section of the bimetallic element (1) is reduced by partial cutting or area-wise tapering or the bimetallic effect can be changed by point-wise or area-wise merging of the bimetallic layers, or a combination of these. The method may be used to adjust bimetallic snap springs held under tension. The spring provides bistable switching by internal or external heating. The processing of the bimetallic element (1) may be carried out by laser beams.