Switching device

US5794761A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique de Microtechnique SA · FR

Inventors

• Philippe Renaud · Sanchey, FR
• Benjamin Kloeck · Neuchâtel, CH
• Lucien Falco · Murten, CH

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 24, 1995
• Grant date: Aug 18, 1998
• Expiry date: Oct 24, 2015

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B26/02
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A switching device comprises a swinging element (1) that is able to move between two end positions (A, B). Holding electrodes (4, 5) are placed in end positions (4, 5). A control circuit (8) controls the switching by generating signals of suitable voltage. Swinging element (1) is attached in an elastic manner (for example, by a flexible rod 2) in such a way that the elastic return force which tends toward a zero position (0) has, in an essential amplitude range, a higher value than the electrostatic force of attraction created by the control circuit and holding electrodes (4, 5) and acts in the opposite direction, in such a way that the switching time of the swinging element is determined primarily by its natural frequency and not by the magnitude of the electrostatic force of attraction.