Patent ID: 6498559
Filing Date: 2002-12-24
Classification: H01H,Y10T

Abstract:
A bimetallic switch comprising:a bimetallic element having an outer edge and being adapted to snap between a first mode and a second mode; a first contact disposed on the bimetallic element, the first contact being supported by one end of a cantilever, movable arm; a first terminal electrically conductively coupled to the first contact; a second contact disposed adjacent the first contact such that, when the switch is in a closed position, the second contact and the first contact are in engagement with one another, and when the switch is in an open position, the second contact and the first contact define an open contact gap therebetween; a second terminal electrically conductively coupled to the second contact; and a step disposed adjacent the outer edge of the bimetallic element such that a clearance is defined therebetween when the bimetallic element is in its first mode, the clearance being positioned and dimensioned such that, when the outer edge of the bimetallic element deforms prior to a snapping thereof out of its first mode, the clearance isolates a deformation of the outer edge until the snapping of the bimetallic element.