Patent ID: 7149495
Filing Date: 2006-12-12
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A switching apparatus comprising: a substrate; a movable portion which has both ends fixed on said substrate and is operated in relation to said substrate; a switching electrode which is electrically insulated from said movable portion and provided on said movable portion; and a gap electrode which is provided opposed to said switching electrode, and electrically conducts when said switching electrode comes into contact with the gap electrode with the operation of said movable portion, wherein said movable portion comprises: a piezoelectric element; a first electrode provided on the substrate side of said piezoelectric element; a third electrode which is provided on the substrate side of said piezoelectric element and is electrically insulated from said first electrode; a second electrode provided on the opposite side to the substrate side of said piezoelectric element so as to be opposed to said first electrode; a fourth electrode which is provided on the opposite side to the substrate side of said piezoelectric element so as to be opposed to said third electrode and which is electrically insulated from said second electrode; and a voltage applying unit is provided, which applies voltages to at least any one of said first electrode and said second electrode, and at least any one of said third electrode and said fourth electrode.