Patent ID: 7551048
Filing Date: 2009-06-23
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A micro-relay comprising: a first substrate having stationary contacts and a stationary electrode; a second substrate, having a stationary contact, arranged so as to face the first substrate; and a movable plate arranged between the first and second substrates, the movable plate comprising: a frame sandwiched between the first and second substrates to realize a hermetical sealed structure, a movable portion parallel relative to the first and second substrates, and a plurality of hinge springs movingly suspending the movable portion from the frame while maintaining a parallel state relative to the first and second substrates, the movable portion having a movable electrode facing the stationary electrode, and multiple movable contacts facing the stationary contacts, the movable portion moving between the first and second substrates due to electrostatic attraction that develops between the movable electrode and the stationary electrode, wherein the stationary contacts have branch portions that are contactable to the multiple movable contacts, the multiple movable contacts are located between the stationary contacts without making contact with any of the stationary contacts of the first and second substrates when a voltage is not applied between the movable electrode and the stationary electrode, and when the multiple movable contacts are released from a connecting state in which the movable contacts make a connection with the stationary contacts of the first substrates, the movable contacts are disconnected therefrom and make a connection with the stationary contact of the second substrate that is at a ground potential.