Abstract:
This disclosure relates to a thermal bimetal operator for a multiple line control switch unit and to the method of construction. A switch housing is provided with a series of small cavities in one end wall. A bimetal strip includes an L-shaped tab which projects into the recess. A thermoset resin is disposed within the respective cavities and the bimetal strips are resiliently clamped with the outer end of the bimetal element disposed outwardly of a set position. A U-shaped trip bar is pivotally mounted within the housing with the base engaging the free ends of the bimetal strips and with an outer arm aligned with a switch blade. The switch is a snap action overcenter variety having the compensating switch arm or blade projecting laterally parallel to the trip bar and interengaged by the depending arm of the trip bar. The switch includes an adjustment screw connected to a pivot support to control the snap action position. The assembly is placed in a fixture having a support pin extending through a housing opening to support the outer arm and an adjustable tool spring loaded rod extending through an opposite housing opening into engagement with the switch blade to position the components including the bimetal strips. the fixture and assembly are placed in a curing oven which is raised to the curing temperature. Prior to the setting of the resin and after the operating temperature is established, the switch adjustment is made. The curing step is then completed.