Patent ID: 7535326

Claim:
A microswitching element, comprising: a first layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a second layer attached to the first surface of the first layer via an intermediate separation layer; wherein the second layer includes a base substrate; wherein the first layer comprises a fixing portion fixed to the base substrate via the intermediate separation layer; wherein the first layer also comprises a movable portion including a fixed end fixed to the fixing portion, the movable portion extending along the base substrate with a portion of the intermediate separation layer removed between the movable portion and the base substrate, the movable portion being surrounded by the fixing portion via a slit including a pair of closed ends; and wherein the microswitching element further comprises: a movable contact electrode provided on the second surface of the first layer at the movable portion; a pair of fixed contact electrodes each provided on the second surface of the first layer and including a contact surface facing the movable contact electrode, the fixed contact electrodes being attached to the fixing portion; a first drive electrode formed on the second surface of the layer to extend along the movable portion; and a second drive electrode formed on the second surface of the first layer in facing relationship to the first drive electrode, the second drive electrode being attached to the fixing portion.