Patent ID: 7745747

Claim:
A microswitch which is actuated using electrostatic actuation, said microswitch having a first rest or open position and a second actuated or closed position in which said switch closes at least one contact line, wherein the microswitch comprises: a movable part which has at least a first actuated portion and a second contact portion which are mechanically connected by at least one connection element; said at least one contact line being placed between said first and second portions; wherein in the rest position of the microswitch, the first actuated portion is at a first distance d 1 from the contact line and the second contact portion is at a second distance d 2 from the contact line; wherein operation of the microswitch is as follows: the first actuated portion is actuated by at least one actuating electrode, and in response to said actuation by the actuating electrode and via the at least one connection element the second contact portion is arranged to contact said contact line reducing said second distance d 2 to zero; and wherein the at least one actuating electrode forms an integral part of the movable part of the microswitch.