Bellows type shorting switch

Abstract

A high current shorting switch wherein relatively movable contacts are surrounded by a flexible bellows which forms a hermetically sealed chamber, within which the contacts are disposed. The contacts are supported on heavy current carrying supports which terminate in two large end plates. Insulated holes are formed in one of the end plates which engage rods extending from the other plate to provide guidance for relative movement of the two end plates. An annular ring is disposed within the flexible bellows to prevent or limit current flow through the flexible bellows. The flexible bellows are coated with a protective coating which substantially increase the life of the bellows. The contact surfaces are preferably formed from a material having good weld break characteristics, such as copper bismuth while the contact supports and the end plates are formed from a material which is a good electrical conductor, such as copper. The high current, low voltage shorting switch is particularly adaptable for use in service with electrochemical cell switching for handling voltages of around 5 volts and current up to 5,000 amperes, singly. In combination a plurality of the disclosed shorting switches can carry any desired current.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.