Abstract:
A sensor apparatus includes a sensor body made of resin, an electronic circuit housed in the sensor body and constructed with electronic devices configured to detect a physical quantity and output a sensor signal indicative of the detected physical quantity, connector terminals for electrically connecting the electronic circuit to an external apparatus. The terminals are supported by the sensor body and have first end portions located outside the sensor body and second end portions located inside the sensor body. The electronic devices are physically and electrically connected directly to the second end portions of the terminals. The electronic devices and the second end portions of the terminals are integrally molded in the sensor body.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is based on and incorporates herein by reference Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-82319 filed on Mar. 27, 2007. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a sensor apparatus that detects a physical quantity and outputs a sensor signal indicative of the detected physical quantity. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A collision detection sensor apparatus disclosed in US 2005/0092422 corresponding to JP-A-2005-135850 includes a sensor body, an electronic circuit housed in the sensor body, and a connector terminal for electrically connecting the electronic circuit to an external apparatus. 
         [0004]    The electronic circuit detects acceleration resulting from collision and outputs a sensor signal indicative of the detected acceleration. The electronic circuit includes a printed circuit board and electronic devices mounted on the printed circuit board. The connector terminal is integrally molded in a connector housing made of resin. The electronic circuit is accommodated in a cavity of the sensor body and electrically connected through a conductive wire to one end of the connector terminal. 
         [0005]    The above-described sensor apparatus needs the printed circuit board, because the electronic devices are fixed together and electrically connected together by the printed circuit board. The use of the printed circuit board results in an increase of the number of components of the sensor apparatus. Accordingly, manufacturing cost of the sensor apparatus is increased. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In view of the above-described problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sensor apparatus constructed without using a printed circuit board. 
         [0007]    According to an aspect of the present invention, a sensor apparatus includes a sensor body made of resin, an electronic circuit housed in the sensor body and including at least one electronic device configured to detect a physical quantity and output a sensor signal indicative of the detected physical quantity, and a conductive terminal for electrically connecting the electronic circuit to an external apparatus. The terminal is supported by the sensor body and has a first end portion located outside the sensor body and a second end portion located inside the sensor body. The electronic device is physically and electrically connected directly to the second end portion of the terminal. The electronic device and the second end portion of the terminal are integrally sealed in the sensor body. 
         [0008]    According to another aspect of the present invention, a sensor apparatus includes a sensor body, an electronic circuit housed in the sensor body and including at least one electronic device configured to detect a physical quantity and output a sensor signal indicative of the detected physical quantity, and a conductive terminal for electrically connecting the electronic circuit to an external apparatus. The terminal is supported by the sensor body and has a first end portion located outside the sensor body and a second end portion located inside the sensor body. The electronic device is directly fixed to the sensor body and electrically connected to the second end portion of the terminal. 
         [0009]    According to further another aspect of the present invention, a sensor apparatus includes a sensor body, an electronic circuit housed in the sensor body and including a plurality of electronic devices configured to detect a physical quantity and output a sensor signal indicative of the detected physical quantity, and a conductive terminal for electrically connecting the electronic circuit to an external apparatus. The terminal is supported by the sensor body and has a first end portion located outside the sensor body and a second end portion located inside the sensor body. At least one of the electronic devices is directly fixed to the sensor body and electrically connected to the second end portion of the terminal. The remainder of the electronic devices is directly fixed to the at least one of the electronic devices and electrically connected to the second end portion of the terminal. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The above and other objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description made with check to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a sensor apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating a back view of the sensor apparatus of  FIG. 1 , a lid of which is detached therefrom; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a sensor apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a back view of the sensor apparatus of  FIG. 3 , a lid of which is detached therefrom; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a sensor apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a back view of the sensor apparatus of  FIG. 5 , a lid of which is detached therefrom; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a sensor apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a front view of the sensor apparatus of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a sensor apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating a front view of the sensor apparatus of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a sensor apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating a front view of the sensor apparatus of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a sensor apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating a front view of the sensor apparatus of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a sensor apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating a front view of the sensor apparatus of  FIG. 15 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17A  is a diagram illustrating a front view of an electronic circuit of the sensor apparatus of  FIG. 15 , and  FIG. 17B  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view taken along line XVIIB-XVIIB of  FIG. 17A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a sensor apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a diagram illustrating a back view of the sensor apparatus of  FIG. 18 , a lid of which is detached therefrom; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a diagram illustrating a back view of a sensor apparatus, a lid of which is detached therefrom, according a modification of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     First Embodiment 
       [0031]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an acceleration sensor apparatus  1  according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes an acceleration sensing device  100 , capacitors  101 ,  102 , a sensor body  103 , a lid  104 , connector terminals  105 - 108 , and conductive plates  109 ,  110 . 
         [0032]    The sensing device  100  detects acceleration and outputs a sensor signal indicative of the detected acceleration. The sensing device  100  is a semiconductor chip housed in a ceramic package. The capacitors  101 ,  102  allow the sensing device  100  to operate. The sensing device  100  and the capacitors  101 ,  102  construct an electronic circuit. 
         [0033]    The sensor body  103  is made of resin and has a cavity  103   a,  in which the sensing device  100  and the capacitors  101 ,  102  are accommodated. The lid  104  is made of resin and has a plate-like shape. An opening of the cavity  103   a  is covered with the lid  104  so that the cavity  103   a  is sealed. As shown in the top of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , the sensor body  103  can have a mounting hole. For example, the sensor apparatus  1  can be mounted to a vehicle by using the mounting hole to detect acceleration resulting from collision of the vehicle. 
         [0034]    The connector terminals  105 - 108  are made from a metallic plate and formed in predetermined shapes. The connector terminals  105 - 108  electrically connect the electronic circuit, which is constructed with the sensing device  100  and the capacitors  101 ,  102 , to an external apparatus. 
         [0035]    Specifically, the connector terminals  105 - 108  are integrally fixed to the sensor body  103  and have first end portions extending outwardly from the sensor body  103  and second end portions located in the cavity  103   a.  The sensor body  103  has a connector housing  103   b,  by which the first end portions of the connector terminals  105 - 108  are surrounded. The second end portions of the connector terminals  105 - 108  have front sides exposed to the cavity  103   a  and back sides, opposite to the front sides, fixed to a bottom wall of the cavity  103   a.  As shown in  FIG. 1 , the sensing device  100  is directly fixed to the front sides of the second end portions of the connector terminals  105 - 108  by solder. Thus, the sensing device  100  is physically, electrically connected directly to the connector terminals  105 - 108 . The capacitors  101 ,  102  are directly fixed to the front side of the second end portion of the connector terminal  107  by solder. Thus, the capacitors  101 ,  102  are physically, electrically connected directly to the connector terminal  107 . 
         [0036]    The conductive plates  109 ,  110  are formed in predetermined shapes. The conductive plates  109 ,  110  have front sides exposed to the cavity  103   a  and back sides, opposite to the front sides, fixed to the bottom wall of the cavity  103   a.  The sensing device  100  and the capacitors  101 ,  102  are directly fixed to the front sides of the conductive plates  109 ,  110  by solder. Thus, the sensing device  100  and the capacitors  101 ,  102  are physically, electrically connected directly to the conductive plates  109 ,  110 . 
         [0037]    In this way, the sensing device  100  and the capacitors  101 ,  102  are fixed together and electrically connected together through the second end portions of the connector terminals  105 - 108  and the conductive plates  109 ,  110 , thereby constructing the electronic circuit located in the cavity  103   a.  Since the lid  104  seals the cavity  103   a,  the electronic circuit can be protected from damages due to dust, water, and the like. 
         [0038]    As described above, according to the sensor apparatus  1  of the first embodiment, the sensing device  100  and the capacitors  101 ,  102  are physically, electrically connected directly to the connector terminals  105 - 108  and the conductive plates  109 ,  110 . In such an approach, the sensing device  100  and the capacitors  101 ,  102  can be fixed together and electrically connected together without using a printed circuit board. Therefore, the sensor apparatus  1  can be manufactured at low cost, as compared to a conventional sensor apparatus that uses a printed circuit board. 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0039]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an acceleration sensor apparatus  2  according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes an acceleration sensing device  200 , capacitors  201 ,  202 , a sensor body  203 , a lid  204 , connector terminals  205 - 208 , and conductive plates  209 ,  210 . Differences between the first and second embodiments are as follows. 
         [0040]    The sensing device  200  has a front side exposed to a cavity  203   a  of the sensor body  203  and a back side, opposite to the front side, fixed to a bottom wall of the cavity  203   a  through an adhesive. The front side of the sensing device  200  is provided with electrode pads. As shown in  FIG. 4 , second end portions of the connector terminals  205 - 208  and the conductive plates  209 ,  210  are electrically connected to the sensing device  200  through bonding wires  211 . The capacitors  201 ,  202  are soldered on the second end portion of the connector terminal  207  and the conductive plates  209 ,  210 . The cavity  203   a,  which accommodates the sensing device  200  and the capacitors  201 ,  202 , is filled with resin gel, and an opening of the cavity  203   a  is covered with the lid  204  to seal the cavity  203   a.    
         [0041]    As described above, according to the sensor apparatus  2  of the second embodiment, the sensing device  200  is directly fixed to the sensor body  203  and electrically connected through the bonding wires  211  to the connector terminals  205 - 208  and the conductive plates  209 ,  210 . The capacitors  201 ,  202  are physically, electrically connected directly to the conductive plates  209 ,  210 . In such an approach, the sensing device  200  and the capacitors  201 ,  202  can be physically, electrically connected together without using a printed circuit board. Therefore, the sensor apparatus  2  can be manufactured at low cost, as compared to a conventional sensor apparatus that uses a printed circuit board. 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0042]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , an acceleration sensor apparatus  3  according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes an acceleration sensing device  300 , capacitors  301 ,  302 , a sensor body  303 , a lid  304 , and connector terminals  305 - 308 . Differences between the second and third embodiments are as follows. 
         [0043]    The capacitors  301 ,  302  have front sides exposed to a cavity  303   a  of the sensor body  303  and back sides, opposite to the front sides, fixed to a bottom wall of the cavity  303   a  through an adhesive. The front sides of the capacitors  301 ,  302  are provided with electrode pads. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the capacitors  301 ,  302  are electrically connected to the sensing device  300  through bonding wires  311  and electrically connected together through the bonding wire  311 . 
         [0044]    As described above, according to the sensor apparatus  3  of the third embodiment, the sensing device  300  and the capacitors  301 ,  302  are directly fixed to the sensor body  303  and electrically connected through the bonding wires  311  to the connector terminals  305 - 308 . In such an approach, the sensing device  300  and the capacitors  301 ,  302  can be physically, electrically connected together without using a printed circuit board. Therefore, the sensor apparatus  3  can be manufactured at low cost, as compared to a conventional sensor apparatus that uses a printed circuit board. 
       Fourth Embodiment 
       [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , an acceleration sensor apparatus  4  according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention includes an acceleration sensing device  400 , capacitors  401 ,  402 , a sensor body  403 , connector terminals  405 - 408 , and conductive plates  409 ,  410 . Differences between the first and fourth embodiments are as follows. 
         [0046]    Like the first embodiment, the sensing device  400  is soldered on second end portions of the connector terminals  405 - 408 . Thus, the sensing device  400  is physically, electrically connected directly to the connector terminals  405 - 408 . The capacitors  401 ,  402  are soldered on the front side of the second end portion of the connector terminal  407 . Thus, the capacitors  401 ,  402  are physically, electrically connected directly to the connector terminal  407 . The sensing device  400  and the capacitors  401 ,  402  are soldered on the conductive plates  409 ,  410 . Thus, the sensing device  400  and the capacitors  401 ,  402  are physically, electrically connected directly to the conductive plates  409 ,  410 . In this way, the sensing device  400  and the capacitors  401 ,  402  are electrically connected together through the second end portions of the connector terminals  405 - 408  and the conductive plates  409 ,  410 , thereby constructing an electronic circuit. 
         [0047]    Unlike the first embodiment, the sensor body  403  do not have a cavity for accommodating the sensing device  400  and the capacitors  401 ,  402 . The sensing device  400 , the capacitors  401 ,  402 , the second end portions of the connector terminals  405 - 408 , and the conductive plates  409 ,  410  are integrally molded in the sensor body  403 . Specifically, the sensing device  400 , the capacitors  401 ,  402 , the second end portions of the connector terminals  405 - 408 , and the conductive plates  409 ,  410  are molded in the same material of which the sensor body  403  is made. For example, the sensor body  403  can be made of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin. First end portions of the connector terminals  405 - 408  are exposed outside the sensor body  403  and extend outwardly from the sensor body  403 . The sensor body  403  defines a connector housing  403   b  for accommodating the first end portions of the connector terminals  405 - 408 . 
         [0048]    As described above, according to the sensor apparatus  4  of the fourth embodiment, the sensing device  400 , the capacitors  401 ,  402 , the second end portions of the connector terminals  405 - 408 , and the conductive plates  409 ,  410  are integrally molded in the sensor body  403 . In such an approach, electrical junctions (i.e., solder junctions) between the sensing device  400 , the capacitors  401 ,  402 , the connector terminals  405 - 408 , and the conductive plates  409 ,  410  can be surely protected. 
       Fifth Embodiment 
       [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , an acceleration sensor apparatus  5  according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention includes an acceleration sensing device  500 , capacitors  501 ,  502 , a sensor body  503 , connector terminals  505 - 508 , and conductive plates  509 ,  510 . Differences between the fourth and fifth embodiments are as follows. 
         [0050]    In the fifth embodiment, the sensing device  500 , the capacitors  501 ,  502 , the second end portions of the connector terminals  505 - 508 , and the conductive plates  509 ,  510  are encapsulated in a molding resin member  512 , and the molding resin member  512  is integrally molded in the sensor body  503 . The molding resin member  512  is made of a material different from a material of which the sensor body  503  is made. For example, the sensor body  503  is made of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin, and the molding resin member  512  is made of resin having a Young&#39;s modulus of greater than or equal to 8 gigapascals (Gpa) and a linear expansion coefficient approximately equal to a linear expansion coefficient of the sensing device  500 , the capacitors  501 ,  502 , the connector terminals  505 - 508 , and the conductive plates  509 ,  510 . For example, the molding resin member  512  can be made of resin having a linear expansion coefficient of less than or equal to 20 ppm/° C. 
         [0051]    As described above, according to the sensor apparatus  5  of the fifth embodiment, the sensing device  500 , the capacitors  501 ,  502 , the second end portions of the connector terminals  505 - 508 , and the conductive plates  509 ,  510  are encapsulated in the molding resin member  512 . The molding resin member  512  helps prevent pressure and heat from being applied to electrical junctions (i.e., solder junctions) between the sensing device  500 , the capacitors  501 ,  502 , the connector terminals  505 - 508 , and the conductive plates  509 ,  510 , when the molding resin member  512  is integrally molded in the sensor body  503 . 
         [0052]    The molding resin member  512  is made of resin having a Young&#39;s modulus of greater than or equal to 8 Gpa. In such an approach, the applied pressure and heat can be greatly reduced. Further, the molding resin member  512  is made of resin having a linear expansion coefficient approximately equal to a linear expansion coefficient of the sensing device  500 , the capacitors  501 ,  502 , the connector terminals  505 - 508 , and the conductive plates  509 ,  510 . In such an approach, the electrical junctions between the sensing device  500 , the capacitors  501 ,  502 , the connector terminals  505 - 508 , and the conductive plates  509 ,  510  can be protected from thermal stress due to thermal deformation of the sensing device  500 , the capacitors  501 ,  502 , the connector terminals  505 - 508 , and the conductive plates  509 ,  510 . 
       Sixth Embodiment 
       [0053]    Referring to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , an acceleration sensor apparatus  6  according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention includes capacitors  601 ,  602 , a sensor body  603 , connector terminals  605 - 608 , conductive plates  609 ,  610 , and an acceleration sensing chip  613 . Differences between the fifth and sixth embodiments are as follows. 
         [0054]    As described in the first embodiment, each sensing element of the preceding embodiments is a semiconductor chip housed in a package, for example, made of ceramic. In contrast, the sensing chip  613  of the present embodiment is a semiconductor chip that is not housed in a package. The sensing chip  613  is directly fixed to a second end portion of the connector terminal  607  and electrically connected through bonding wires  611  to the conductive plates  609 ,  610  and the second end portions of the connector terminals  605 - 608 . 
         [0055]    Like the fifth embodiment, the capacitors  601 ,  602 , the second end portions of the connector terminals  605 - 608 , and the conductive plates  609 ,  610 , and the sensing chip  613  are encapsulated in a molding resin member  612 , and the molding resin member  612  is integrally molded in the sensor body  603 . For example, the sensor body  603  is made of PBT resin, and the molding resin member  612  is made of resin having a Young&#39;s modulus of greater than or equal to 8 Gpa and having a linear expansion coefficient of less than or equal to 20 ppm/° C. 
       Seventh Embodiment 
       [0056]    Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , an acceleration sensor apparatus  7  according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention includes a sensing device  700 , capacitors  701 ,  702 , a sensor body  703 , connector terminals  705 - 708 , and conductive plates  709 ,  710 . Differences between the fifth and seventh embodiments are as follows. 
         [0057]    In the fifth embodiment, the sensing device  500 , the capacitors  501 ,  502 , the second end portions of the connector terminals  505 - 508 , and the conductive plates  509 ,  510  are encapsulated in the molding resin member  512 , and the molding resin member  512  is integrally molded in the sensor body  503 . In contrast, in the present embodiment, the sensing device  700 , the capacitors  701 ,  702 , the second end portions of the connector terminals  705 - 708 , and the conductive plates  709 ,  710  are accommodated in a circuit casing  714  made of resin, and the circuit casing  714  is integrally molded in the sensor body  703 . 
         [0058]    As described above, according to the sensor apparatus  7  of the seventh embodiment, the sensing device  700 , the capacitors  701 ,  702 , the second end portions of the connector terminals  705 - 708 , and the conductive plates  709 ,  710  are accommodate in the circuit casing  714 . Therefore, like the molding resin member  512  of the fifth embodiment, the circuit casing  714  helps prevent pressure and heat from being applied to electrical junctions (i.e., solder junctions) between the sensing device  700 , the capacitors  701 ,  702 , the connector terminals  705 - 708 , and the conductive plates  709 ,  710 , when the circuit casing  714  is integrally molded in the sensor body  703 . 
       Eighth Embodiment 
       [0059]    Referring to  FIGS. 15-17B , an acceleration sensor apparatus  8  according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention includes a sensing device  800 , capacitors  801 ,  802 , a sensor body  815 , connector terminals  805 - 808 , and conductive plates  809 ,  810 . Differences between the first and eighth embodiments are as follows. 
         [0060]    The sensor body  815  includes a bottom portion  815   a  and a top portion  815   b.  The sensing device  800  and the capacitors  801 ,  802  are fixed together and electrically connected together through the second end portions of the connector terminals  805 - 808  and the conductive plates  809 ,  810 , thereby constructing an electronic circuit  817 . As shown in  FIG. 17 , the connector terminals  805 - 808  and the conductive plate  810  are fixed together by a fixing member  816  made of resin. As shown in  FIG. 15 , the fixing member  816  is fixed to the bottom portion  815   a  in such a manner that first end portions of the connector terminals  805 - 808  extends into a connector housing  815   c.  The electronic circuit  817  is accommodated in a cavity  815   d,  which is formed when the top and bottom potions  815   a,    815   b  of the sensor body  815  are engaged together. 
         [0061]    As described above, according to the sensor apparatus  8  of the eighth embodiment, the sensing device  800  and the capacitors  801 ,  802  are physically, electrically connected directly to the connector terminals  805 - 808  and the conductive plates  809 ,  810  to construct the electronic circuit  817 . In such an approach, the sensing device  800  and the capacitors  801 ,  802  can be fixed together and electrically connected together without using a printed circuit board. Therefore, the sensor apparatus  8  can be manufactured at low cost, as compared to a conventional sensor apparatus that uses a printed circuit board. Further, the sensor body  815  is divided into the bottom and top portions  815   a,    815   b,  and the electronic circuit  817  is fixed to the sensor body  815  by using the fixing member  816 . In such an approach, the sensor apparatus  8  can be easily assembled. 
       Ninth Embodiment 
       [0062]    Referring to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , an acceleration sensor apparatus  9  according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention includes a sensing device  918 , capacitors  901 ,  902 , a sensor body  919 , a lid  904 , and connector terminals  905 - 908 . Differences between the third and ninth embodiments are as follows. 
         [0063]    The sensing device  918  has a front side exposed to a cavity  919   a  of the sensor body  919  and a back side, opposite to the front side, directly fixed to a bottom wall of the cavity  919   a  by an adhesive. The front side of the sensing device  918  is provided with trace patterns and electrode pads. The capacitors  901 ,  902  are directly fixed to the sensing device  918  and electrically connected to the trace patterns of the sensing device  918 . The electrode pads of the sensing device  918  are electrically connected to the connector terminals  905 - 908  by bonding wires  911 . Thus, the capacitors  901 ,  902  are electrically connected to the connector terminal  907  through the trace patterns of the sensing device  918  and the bonding wire  911 . An opening of the cavity  919   a  is covered with the lid  904  so that the cavity  919   a  can be sealed. 
         [0064]    As described above, according to the sensor apparatus  9  of the ninth embodiment, the sensing device  918  is directly fixed to the sensor body  919  and electrically connected to the connector terminals  905 - 908  by the bonding wires  911 . The capacitors  901 ,  902  are directly fixed to the sensing device  918  and electrically connected to the connector terminals  905 - 908  through the trace patterns of the sensing device  918  and the bonding wire  911 . In such an approach, the sensing device  918  and the capacitors  901 ,  902  can be fixed together and electrically connected together without using a printed circuit board. Therefore, the sensor apparatus  9  can be manufactured at low cost, as compared to a conventional sensor apparatus that uses a printed circuit board. 
         [0065]    (Modifications) 
         [0066]    The embodiments described above may be modified in various ways. For example, as shown in  FIG. 20 , in the eighth embodiment, the sensing device  918  can be electrically connected to the connector terminals  905 - 908  by leads  920  instead of the bonding wires  911 . The leads  920  can be made from a thin metallic plate. 
         [0067]    Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.