Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.

Dider Perino

Jacques Lewiner

Hiromi Nishimura

Fumihiro Kasano

Mitsuo Ichiya

An electrostatic relay comprises at least one fixed base having a fixed electrode and an actuator frame having a movable electrode. The fixed base carries a pair of fixed contacts insulated from the fixed electrode. The movable electrode carries a movable contact insulated from the movable electrode. The movable electrode extends along the fixed electrode and is pivotally supported at its one longitudinal end relative to the fixed base so as to pivot between two contacting positions of closing and opening the movable contact to and from the fixed contacts. The movable contact is formed at the other longitudinal end of the movable electrode. A control voltage source is connected across the fixed electrode and the movable electrode to generate a potential difference therebetween for developing an electrostatic force by which the movable electrode is attracted toward said fixed electrode to move into one of the two contacting positions. The electrostatic relay is characterized in that the movable electrode is cooperative with the fixed electrode to define therebetween an elongate gap which is narrower toward the one longitudinal end about which the movable electrode pivot than at the other longitudinal end of the movable electrode at which the movable contact is carried.

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Rueil Malmaison, France

Dider Perino