Switches with integrated overcurrent protection elements are described. The overcurrent protection elements can include a bimetallic structure which is configured to move between a first shape and a second shape in response to heating. The overcurrent protection element can be rotationally coupled to a rotary knob in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the overcurrent protection element can be fixed, and the rotary knob can be connected to one or more rotatable conductive structures within the rotary switch.

A circuit breaker includes a short-circuit trip and an overcurrent trip. The short-circuit trip has a trip coil, and the overcurrent trip has a bimetallic element. A first terminal of the trip coil is conductively connected to a fixed contact carrier of the circuit breaker. The bimetallic element is connected in series with the trip coil. The bimetallic element is connected at least indirectly to a first connection terminal of the circuit breaker, and the first connection terminal is connected to the fixed contact carrier by a bypass line.

A circuit breaker includes a short-circuit trip and an overcurrent trip. The short-circuit trip has a trip coil, and the overcurrent trip has a bimetallic element. A first terminal of the trip coil is conductively connected to a fixed contact carrier of the circuit breaker. The bimetallic element is connected in series with the trip coil. The bimetallic element is connected at least indirectly to a first connection terminal of the circuit breaker, and the first connection terminal is connected to the fixed contact carrier by a bypass line.

A thermomagnetic trip assembly includes a thermal trip, a magnetic trip, and first and second actuation levers. The thermal trip includes a bimetal strip that is capable of deforming in order to actuate the first actuation lever. The magnetic trip includes a movable armature, a fixed armature and an electrical conductor. The movable armature is capable of moving in order to actuate the second actuation lever. The electrical conductor and the bimetal strip are electrically connected in series with one another between first and second connection terminals of the trip assembly. The movable armature is connected to the first connection terminal, the fixed armature is connected to the second connection terminal, and the respective contact areas of the fixed armature and of the movable armature are made of electrically conductive materials that exhibit a low degree of mutual weldability.

A thermomagnetic trip assembly includes a thermal trip, a magnetic trip, and first and second actuation levers. The thermal trip includes a bimetal strip that is capable of deforming in order to actuate the first actuation lever. The magnetic trip includes a movable armature, a fixed armature and an electrical conductor. The movable armature is capable of moving in order to actuate the second actuation lever. The electrical conductor and the bimetal strip are electrically connected in series with one another between first and second connection terminals of the trip assembly. The movable armature is connected to the first connection terminal, the fixed armature is connected to the second connection terminal, and the respective contact areas of the fixed armature and of the movable armature are made of electrically conductive materials that exhibit a low degree of mutual weldability.

A switching mechanism of a circuit breaker includes a case, a handle rotatably coupled to a side plate fixed to the case, a U-pin coupled to a lower portion of the handle, a lever coupled to the U-pin, and a crossbar disposed in a mounting portion protruding from the case to be perpendicularly movable, the crossbar being moved by receiving contact pressure of the lever, wherein the lever is provided with a contact pressure portion formed in a curved surface on a lower surface thereof, to press the crossbar perpendicularly downward upon closing a circuit.

A switching mechanism of a circuit breaker includes a case, a handle rotatably coupled to a side plate fixed to the case, a U-pin coupled to a lower portion of the handle, a lever coupled to the U-pin, and a crossbar disposed in a mounting portion protruding from the case to be perpendicularly movable, the crossbar being moved by receiving contact pressure of the lever, wherein the lever is provided with a contact pressure portion formed in a curved surface on a lower surface thereof, to press the crossbar perpendicularly downward upon closing a circuit.

A vehicle circuit breaker includes a housing configured with a electrode assembly including a first electrode and second electrode; the first electrode is configured with a first conducting element and first insertion portion, and the second electrode is configured with an electrode connection portion and second insertion portion; a bimetal conducting sheet and blocking element are configured inside the housing, where the bimetal conducting sheet has a plurality of conducting concave portions for the installment of a second conducting element and the connection with the electrode connection portion, thereby carrying out a blocking action when current is abnormal and therefore making it easier for assembly.

A vehicle circuit breaker includes a housing configured with a electrode assembly including a first electrode and second electrode; the first electrode is configured with a first conducting element and first insertion portion, and the second electrode is configured with an electrode connection portion and second insertion portion; a bimetal conducting sheet and blocking element are configured inside the housing, where the bimetal conducting sheet has a plurality of conducting concave portions for the installment of a second conducting element and the connection with the electrode connection portion, thereby carrying out a blocking action when current is abnormal and therefore making it easier for assembly.

A miniature safety switch is used in motor vehicle electronics. The miniature safety switch has a housing base, from which a fixed contact arm and a bimetallic contact arm, which has a moving contact and a bimetallic snap disk attached thereto, are led out. A PTC resistor is brought into direct contact with the bimetallic snap disk by a compression spring and is electrically integrated in such a way that, as a result of the heat generated by the PTC resistor, the bimetallic snap disk remains in the open position thereof in the event of triggering.