Patent ID: 8049130

Claim:
A vacuum insulated switch, comprising: a vacuum container; two stationary contacts contained in the vacuum container; two movable contacts contained in the vacuum container, each capable of contacting and separating from a corresponding one of the stationary contacts; a vacuum insulated actuating rod connected to the two movable contacts; an operating rod connected to the vacuum insulated actuating rod via a metal bellows; a guide for guiding the operating rod; and an off-axis displacement allowing structure which is provided between the guide and the operating rod to allow the off-axis displacement of the operating rod, wherein, when the moveable contacts contact the stationary contacts, the off-axis displacement allowing structure is positioned to allow an off-axis displacement of the operating rod, and wherein, when the movable contacts are at an open position and a disconnect position, the off-axis displacement allowing structure is positioned to prevent a radial displacement of the operating rod.