Patent ID: 7905146
Filing Date: 2011-03-15
Classification: B81B,G01C

Abstract:
1. An inertial sensor, comprising: a rectangular frame formed of a SOI substrate, which is formed with a supporting substrate, an insulating layer formed on the supporting substrate and a thin silicon layer formed on the insulating layer, the frame including a four side members, each of which is connected to another with a right angle; a proof-mass disposed within and spaced-apart from the frame with a slit; four flexible members, which are formed of the thin silicon layer, being disposed cruciately, wherein each of which connects a middle area of one of the side members of the frame to the proof-mass; and a stopper including, (a) a first locking member, which is formed of the thin silicon layer, extending from the side member of the frame onto an edge of the proof-mass passing over the slit, (b) a first recess, which is formed at the edge of the proof-mass, including a bottom surface, wherein a tip of the first locking member is located above the bottom surface of the first recess with a first gap, (c) a second locking member, which is formed of the thin silicon layer, extending from the proof-mass onto the edge of the side member of the frame passing over the slit, (d) a second recess, which is formed at the edge of the side member of the frame, including a bottom surface and a side surface, wherein the tip of the second locking member is located above the bottom surface of the second recess with the first gap, and (e) a projection member, which is formed of the thin silicon layer, projecting from the side member of the frame toward the proof-mass over the slit, wherein each of the first locking member and the projection member is disposed on a side of the second recess, the second locking member is spaced from the side surface of the second recess with a second gap, and the second locking member is disposed between the projection member and the first locking member.