Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An electrostatic relay essentially comprises a fixed electrode with a fixed contact insulated therefrom, a movable electrode plate with a movable contact insulated therefrom, and a fixed pair of oppositely charged electrets. The movable electrode plate is pivotally supported at a pivot in a cantilever fashion or a seesaw fashion, and also to move about the pivot axis relative to the fixed electrode between two rest positions of closing and opening the contacts. A control voltage source is connected across the fixed electrode and the movable electrode plate to generate a potential difference therebetween. The electrets are disposed adjacent the movable electrode plate to generate electrostatic forces attracting and repelling the movable electrode plate, respectively, when the movable electrode plate is charged to a given polarity. That is, the attracting and repelling forces are cooperative to produce a torque for moving the movable electrode plate in one direction from one of the rest positions to the other.