Patent Description:
For example, there is a sensor using a MEMS structure. In the sensor, stable detection is desired.

<CIT> describes a MEMS accelerometer comprising a mass block whose two sides are connected with a detecting element and a synchronous element through a beam. Two sides of the mass block are connected with four supporting beams. The detecting element comprises a detecting resonator. Two sides of the detecting resonator are provided with a first capacitor plate and a second capacitor plate. A fixed end is connected with a synchronous oscillator through a girder. The synchronous oscillator is connected with a monocrystalline silicon substrate.

According to one embodiment, a sensor includes a base body, a support portion fixed to the base body, and a first member supported by the support portion. A gap is provided between the base body and a part of the first member. The first member includes a supported region, a first movable region, a first structure, a first support structure, a first connection structure, a first connect portion, and a first beam. The support portion is located between the base body and the supported region in a first direction from the base body to the support portion. The first beam extends along a second direction crossing the first direction. A first beam position of the first beam in the second direction is located between a first movable region position of the first movable region in the second direction and a support portion position of the support portion in the second direction. A first end of the first beam is connected to the first connecting structure. A first other end of the first beam is connected to the supported region. A first structure position of the first structure in the second direction is located between the first movable region position and the first beam position. A first connection structure position of the first connection structure in the second direction is located between the first structure position and the first beam position. A first support structure position of the first support structure in the second direction is located between the first structure position and the support portion position. The first structure includes a first portion, a first other portion, and a first intermediate portion. A third direction from the first portion to the first other portion crosses a plane including the first direction and the second direction. The first intermediate portion is between the first portion and the first other portion. The first portion is connected to the first connection structure. The first other portion is connected to the first movable region. The first intermediate portion is connected to the first support structure. The first connect portion connects the first connection structure to the first support structure.

Various embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The drawings are schematic and conceptual; and the relationships between the thickness and width of portions, the proportions of sizes among portions, etc., are not necessarily the same as the actual values. The dimensions and proportions may be illustrated differently among drawings, even for identical portions.

In the specification and drawings, components similar to those described previously or illustrated in an antecedent drawing are marked with like reference numerals, and a detailed description is omitted as appropriate.

<FIG> is a schematic plan view illustrating a sensor according to the first embodiment.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the sensor according to the first embodiment.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A2 of <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a sensor <NUM> according to the embodiment includes a base body <NUM>, a support portion <NUM> and a first member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the support portion <NUM> is fixed to the base body <NUM>. The first member <NUM> is supported by the support portion <NUM>. A gap g1 is provided between the base body <NUM> and a part of the first member <NUM>. At least a part of the first member <NUM> may be conductive.

A first direction D1 from the base body <NUM> to the support portion <NUM> is defined as a Z-axis direction. One direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction is defined as an X-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction is defined as a Y-axis direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the first member <NUM> includes a supported region <NUM>, a first movable region 10Ma, a first structure <NUM>, a first support structure <NUM>, a first connection structure 21c, a first connect portion 11c and a first beam <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the support portion <NUM> is provided between the base body <NUM> and the supported region <NUM> in the first direction D1.

The first beam <NUM> extends along a second direction D2. The second direction D2 crosses the first direction D1. The second direction D2 is, for example, the X-axis direction.

A first beam position of the first beam <NUM> in the second direction D2 is located between a first movable region position of the first movable region 10Ma in the second direction D2 and a support portion position of the support portion <NUM> in the second direction D2.

A first end 31e of the first beam <NUM> is connected to the first connection structure 21c. A first other end 31f of the first beam <NUM> is connected to the supported region <NUM>.

A first structure position of the first structure <NUM> in the second direction D2 is located between the first movable region position (the position of the first movable region 10Ma in the second direction D2) and the first beam position (the position of the first beam <NUM> in the second direction D2). A first connection structure position of the first connection structure 21c in the second direction D2 is located between the first structure position and the first beam position. A first support structure position of the first support structure <NUM> in the second direction D2 is located between the first structure position and the support portion position.

The first structure <NUM> includes a first portion 21e, a first other portion 21f, and a first intermediate portion <NUM>. A third direction D3 from the first portion 21e to the first other portion 21f crosses a plane including the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The first intermediate portion <NUM> is located between the first portion 21e and the first other portion 21f.

The first portion 21e is connected to the first connection structure 21c. The first other portion 21f is connected to the first movable region 10Ma. The first intermediate portion <NUM> is connected to the first support structure <NUM>.

For example, the first member <NUM> includes a first portion connect portion 21ec, a first other portion connect portion 21fc, and a first intermediate portion connect portion 21mc. The first portion connect portion 21ec connects the first portion 21e to the first connection structure 21c. The first other portion connect portion 21fc connects the first other portion 21f to the first movable region 10Ma. The first intermediate portion connect portion 21mc connects the first intermediate portion <NUM> to the first support structure <NUM>.

The first connect portion 11c connects the first connection structure 21c to the first support structure <NUM>.

For example, the first member <NUM> can move along the X-axis direction. In response to an external force, for example, the first movable region 10Ma moves along the X-axis direction. The movement of the first movable region 10Ma is transmitted to the first connection structure 21c by the first structure <NUM>. The first structure <NUM> is, for example, a lever. The first portion 21e is, for example, a point of action. The first other portion 21f is, for example, a point of force. The first intermediate portion <NUM> is, for example, a fulcrum.

For example, stress along the X-axis direction is applied to the first connection structure 21c. As a result, compressive stress or tensile stress is applied to the first beam <NUM>. As described later, when an AC signal is applied, the first beam <NUM> vibrates. The resonance frequency of the first beam <NUM> changes according to the stress applied to the first beam <NUM>. By detecting a change in the resonance frequency of the first beam <NUM>, it is possible to detect an externally applied force (e.g., acceleration).

In the embodiment, the first connection structure 21c is connected to the first support structure <NUM> by the first connect portion 11c. As a result, the movement of the first connection structure 21c is stabilized as compared with a reference example in which the first connection structure 21c is not connected to the first support structure <NUM>. As a result, stable detection can be achieved as compared with the reference example. A sensor that can improve detection accuracy can be provided.

As shown in <FIG>, in this example, the first member <NUM> includes a second structure <NUM>, a second support structure <NUM>, and a second connect portion 12c.

A second structure position of the second structure <NUM> in the second direction D2 is located between the first movable region position and the first beam position. A second support structure position of the second support structure <NUM> in the second direction D2 is located between the second structure position and the support portion position.

The second structure <NUM> includes a second portion 22e, a second other portion 22f, and a second intermediate portion <NUM>. A direction from the second other portion 22f to the second portion 22e is along the third direction D3. The second intermediate portion <NUM> is located between the second other portion 22f and the second portion 22e. The second portion 22e is connected to the first connection structure 21c. The second other portion 22f is connected to the first movable region 10Ma. The second intermediate portion <NUM> is connected to the second support structure <NUM>.

For example, the first member <NUM> includes a second portion connect portion 22ec, a second other portion connect portion 22fc, and a second intermediate portion connect portion 22mc. The second portion connect portion 22ec connects the second portion 22e to the first connection structure 21c. The second other portion connect portion 22fc connects the second other portion 22f to the first movable region 10Ma. The second intermediate portion connect portion 22mc connects the second intermediate portion <NUM> to the second support structure <NUM>.

The second connect portion 12c connects the first connection structure 21c to the second support structure <NUM>. By the first connection structure 21c being connected to the second support structure <NUM>, the first connection structure 21c becomes stable.

In the third direction D3, the first connection structure 21c is located between at least a part of the second support structure <NUM> and at least a part of the first support structure <NUM>. In the third direction D3, the first connect portion 11c is located between the first connection structure 21c and at least a part of the first support structure <NUM>. In the third direction D3, the second connect portion 12c is located between at least a part of the second support structure <NUM> and the first connection structure 21c.

For example, the movement of the first movable region 10Ma is transmitted to the first connection structure 21c by the second structure <NUM>. The second structure <NUM> is, for example, a lever. The second portion 22e is, for example, a point of action. The second other portion 22f is, for example, a point of force. The second intermediate portion <NUM> is, for example, a fulcrum.

By providing the second structure <NUM> and the second support structure <NUM>, the first connection structure 21c is stabilized. More stable detection becomes possible.

As shown in <FIG>, in this example, the first member <NUM> includes a second movable region 10Mb, a third structure <NUM>, a third support structure <NUM>, a second connection structure 22c, a third connect portion 13c, and a second beam <NUM>. In the second direction D2, the supported region <NUM> is located between the first movable region 10Ma and the second movable region 10Mb.

The second beam <NUM> extends along the second direction D2. A second beam position of the second beam <NUM> in the second direction D2 is located between the support portion position and a second movable region position of the second movable region 10Mb in the second direction D2. A second end 32e of the second beam <NUM> is connected to the second connection structure 22c. A second other end 32f of the second beam <NUM> is connected to the supported region <NUM>.

A third structure position of the third structure <NUM> in the second direction D2 is located between the second beam position and the second movable region position. A second connection structure position of the second connection structure 22c in the second direction D2 is located between the second beam position and the third structure position. A third support structure position of the third support structure <NUM> in the second direction D2 is located between the support portion position and the third structure position.

The third structure <NUM> includes a third portion 23e, a third other portion 23f, and a third intermediate portion <NUM>. A direction from the third portion 23e to the third other portion 23f is along the third direction D3. The third intermediate portion <NUM> is located between the third portion 23e and the third other portion 23f.

The third portion 23e is connected to the second connection structure 22c. The third other portion 23f is connected to the second movable region 10Mb. The third intermediate portion <NUM> is connected to the third support structure <NUM>.

For example, the first member <NUM> includes a third portion connect portion 23ec, a third other portion connect portion 23fc, and a third intermediate portion connect portion 23mc. The third portion connect portion 23ec connects the third portion 23e to the second connection structure 22c. The third other portion connect portion 23fc connects the third other portion 23f to the second movable region 10Mb. The third intermediate portion connect portion 23mc connects the third intermediate portion <NUM> to the third support structure <NUM>.

The third connect portion 13c connects the second connection structure 22c to the third support structure <NUM>. By the second connection structure 22c being connected to the third support structure <NUM>, the second connection structure 22c is stabilized.

For example, the movement of the second movable region 10Mb is transmitted to the second connection structure 22c by the third structure <NUM>. The third structure <NUM> is, for example, a lever. The third portion 23e is, for example, a point of action. The third other portion 23f is, for example, a point of force. The third intermediate portion <NUM> is, for example, a fulcrum.

As shown in <FIG>, in this example, the first member <NUM> includes a fourth structure <NUM>, a fourth support structure <NUM>, and a fourth connect portion 14c. A fourth structure position the fourth structure <NUM> in the second direction D2 is located between the second beam position and the second movable region position. A fourth support structure position of the fourth support structure <NUM> in the second direction D2 is located between the support portion position and the fourth structure position.

The fourth structure <NUM> includes a fourth portion 24e, a fourth other portion 24f, and a fourth intermediate portion <NUM>. A direction from the fourth other portion 24f to the fourth portion 24e is along the third direction D3. The fourth intermediate portion <NUM> is located between the fourth other portion 24f and the fourth portion 24e. The fourth portion 24e is connected to the second connection structure 22c. The fourth other portion 24f is connected to the second movable region 10Mb. The fourth intermediate portion <NUM> is connected to the fourth support structure <NUM>.

For example, the first member <NUM> includes a fourth portion connect portion 24ec, a fourth other portion connect portion 24fc, and a fourth intermediate portion connect portion 24mc. The fourth portion connect portion 24ec connects the fourth portion 24e to the second connection structure 22c. The fourth other portion connect portion 24fc connects the fourth other portion 24f to the second movable region 10Mb. The fourth intermediate portion connect portion 24mc connects the fourth intermediate portion <NUM> to the fourth support structure <NUM>.

The fourth connect portion 14c connects the second connection structure 22c to the fourth support structure <NUM>. By the second connection structure 22c beings connected to the fourth support structure <NUM>, the second connection structure 22c is stabilized.

In the third direction D3, the second connection structure 22c is located between at least a part of the fourth support structure <NUM> and at least a part of the third support structure <NUM>. In the third direction D3, the third connect portion 13c is located between the second connection structure 22c and at least a part of the third support structure <NUM>. In the third direction D3, the fourth connect portion 14c is located between at least a part of the fourth support structure <NUM> and the second connection structure 22c.

For example, the movement of the second movable region 10Mb is transmitted to the second connection structure 22c by the fourth structure <NUM>. The fourth structure <NUM> is, for example, a lever. The fourth portion 24e is, for example, a point of action. The fourth other portion 24f is, for example, a point of force. The fourth intermediate portion <NUM> is, for example, a fulcrum.

<FIG> is a schematic plan view illustrating a part of the sensor according to the first embodiment.

In <FIG>, a portion of <FIG> is shown enlarged.

As shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> may include a first electrode <NUM> and a first counter electrode 51A. The first electrode <NUM> is fixed to the base body <NUM>. The first counter electrode 51A is fixed to the base body <NUM>.

The first member <NUM> further includes a first beam electrode 31E connected to the first beam <NUM> and a first counter beam electrode 31AE connected to the first beam <NUM>. For example, in the third direction D3, the first beam <NUM> is located between the first counter beam electrode 31AE and the first beam electrode 31E. The first electrode <NUM> faces the first beam electrode 31E. The first counter electrode 51A faces the first counter beam electrode 31AE.

As shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may be provided. The controller <NUM> may be included in the sensor <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be provided separately from the sensor <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> is electrically connected to the first electrode <NUM>, the first counter electrode 51A, the first beam electrode 31E, and the first counter beam electrode 31AE. For example, the first beam electrode 31E and the first counter beam electrode 31AE are electrically connected to the first member <NUM> (for example, the supported region <NUM>).

The controller <NUM> is configured to apply a driving signal including an AC component between the first electrode <NUM> and the first beam electrode 31E. The controller <NUM> is configured to detect an electric signal generated between the first counter electrode 51A and the first counter beam electrode 31AE. By detecting a change in the electric signal generated between the first counter electrode 51A and the first counter beam electrode 31AE, an external force can be detected.

As shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> may include a second electrode <NUM> and a second counter electrode 52A. The second electrode <NUM> is fixed to the base body <NUM>. The second counter electrode 52A is fixed to the base body <NUM>.

The first member <NUM> may further include a second beam electrode 32E connected to the second beam <NUM> and a second counter beam electrode 32AE connected to the second beam <NUM>. In the third direction D3, the second beam <NUM> is located between the second counter beam electrode 32AE and the second beam electrode 32E. The second electrode <NUM> faces the second beam electrode 32E. The second counter electrode 52A faces the second counter beam electrode 32AE. For example, the second beam electrode 32E and the second counter beam electrode 32AE are electrically connected to the first member <NUM> (for example, the supported region <NUM>).

The controller <NUM> is configured to apply the drive signal including an AC component between the second electrode <NUM> and the second beam electrode 32E. The controller <NUM> is configured to detect an electric signal generated between the second counter electrode 52A and the second counter beam electrode 32AE.

As shown in <FIG>, the first member <NUM> may include a third movable region 10Mc and a fourth movable region 10Md. A direction from the fourth movable region 10Md to the third movable region 10Mc is along the third direction D3. The third movable region 10Mc and the fourth movable region 10Md are continuous with the first movable region 10Ma and the second movable region 10Mb. The supported region <NUM> is provided between the third movable region 10Mc and the fourth movable region 10Md.

As shown in <FIG>, the first member <NUM> may further include a first movable region connect portion 11A. A position of the first support structure <NUM> in the third direction D3 is located between a position of the supported region <NUM> in the third direction D3 and a position of the third movable region 10Mc in the third direction D3. The first movable region connect portion 11A connects the first support structure <NUM> to the third movable region 10Mc. By providing the first movable region connect portion 11A, the displacement of the first member <NUM> along the second direction D2 is stabilized.

As shown in <FIG>, the first member <NUM> may further include a second movable region connect portion 12A. A position of the second support structure <NUM> in the third direction D3 is located between a position of the fourth movable region 10Md in the third direction D3 and the position of the supported region <NUM> in the third direction D3. The second movable region connect portion 12A connects the second support structure <NUM> to the fourth movable region 10Md. By providing the second movable region connect portion 12A, the displacement of the first member <NUM> along the second direction D2 is stabilized.

As shown in <FIG>, the first member <NUM> may further include a third movable region connect portion 13A. A position of the third support structure <NUM> in the third direction D3 is located between the position of the supported region <NUM> in the third direction D3 and the position of the third movable region 10Mc in the third direction D3. The third movable region connect portion 13A connects the third support structure <NUM> to the third movable region 10Mc. By providing the third movable region connect portion 13A, the displacement of the first member <NUM> along the second direction D2 is stabilized.

As shown in <FIG>, the first member <NUM> may further include a fourth movable region connect portion 14A. A position of the fourth support structure <NUM> in the third direction D3 is located between the position of the fourth movable region 10Md in the third direction D3 and the position of the supported region <NUM> in the third direction D3. The fourth movable region connect portion 14A connects the fourth support structure <NUM> to the fourth movable region 10Md. By providing the fourth movable region connect portion 14A, the displacement of the first member <NUM> along the second direction D2 is stabilized.

<FIG> is a schematic plan view illustrating the sensor according to the first embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, a length of the first connect portion 11c along the third direction D3 is defined as a first length L1. A length of the first connect portion 11c along the second direction D2 is defined as a second length L2. For example, the first length L1 is longer than the second length L2. The first connection structure 21c connected to the first connect portion 11c can be easily displaced along the second direction D2. The position of the first connection structure 21c in the third direction D3 becomes stable.

As shown in <FIG>, a distance between the first portion 21e and the first intermediate portion <NUM> along the third direction D3 is defined as a first distance d1. A distance between the first intermediate portion <NUM> and the first other portion 21f along the third direction D3 is defined as a second distance d2. The first distance d1 is shorter than the second distance d2. The first structure <NUM> efficiently transmits, for example, the displacement of the first movable region 10Ma along the second direction D2 to the first connection structure 21c.

The configuration relating to the first connect portion 11c can be applied to the second connect portion 12c, the third connect portion 13c, and the fourth connect portion 14c. The configuration relating to the first structure <NUM> can be applied to the second structure <NUM>, the third structure <NUM> and the fourth structure <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a sensor <NUM> according to the embodiment also includes the base body <NUM>, the support portion <NUM>, and the first member <NUM>. In the sensor <NUM>, the first member <NUM> includes a first counter beam 31A and a second counter beam 32A. Except for this, the configuration of the sensor <NUM> may be the same as the configuration of the sensor <NUM>.

The configuration of the first structure <NUM>, the first support structure <NUM>, the first connection structure 21c, the first connect portion 11c, and the first beam <NUM> in the sensor <NUM> may be the same as the configurations of those in the sensor <NUM>.

In the sensor <NUM>, the first member <NUM> includes the second structure <NUM>, the second support structure <NUM>, the second connect portion 12c, and the first counter beam 31A. The first counter beam 31A extends along the second direction D2. The second structure position of the second structure <NUM> in the second direction D2 is located between the first movable region position and a first counter beam position of the first counter beam 31A in the second direction D2. A first counter beam end 31Ae of the first counter beam 31A is connected to the first connection structure 21c. A first counter beam other end 31Af of the first counter beam 31A is connected to the supported region <NUM>. A second support structure position of the second support structure <NUM> in the second direction D2 is located between the second structure position and the support portion position.

The second structure <NUM> includes the second portion 22e, the second other portion 22f, and a second intermediate portion <NUM>. The direction from the second other portion 22f to the second portion 22e is along the third direction D3. The second intermediate portion <NUM> is located between the second other portion 22f and the second portion 22e. The second portion 22e is connected to the first connection structure 21c. The second other portion 22f is connected to the first movable region 10Ma. The second intermediate portion <NUM> is connected to the second support structure <NUM>.

The second connect portion 12c connects the first connection structure 21c to the second support structure <NUM>. In the third direction D3, the first connection structure 21c is located between at least a part of the second support structure <NUM> and at least a part of the first support structure <NUM>. In the third direction D3, the first connect portion 11c is located between the first connection structure 21c and at least a part of the first support structure <NUM>. In the third direction D3, the second connect portion 12c is located between at least a part of the second support structure <NUM> and the first connection structure 21c. In the third direction D3, the first counter beam 31A is located between the second support structure <NUM> and the first beam <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> may include the first electrode <NUM> and the first counter electrode 51A. The first electrode <NUM> and the first counter electrode 51A are fixed to the base body <NUM>. The first member <NUM> may include the first beam electrode 31E connected to the first beam <NUM> and the first counter beam electrode 31AE connected to the first counter beam 31A. The first electrode <NUM> faces the first beam electrode 31E. The first counter electrode 51A is faces the first counter beam electrode 31AE.

As described with reference to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may be provided. The controller <NUM> is configured to apply the driving signal including an AC component between the first electrode <NUM> and the first beam electrode 31E. The controller <NUM> is configuration to detect the electric signal generated between the first counter electrode 51A and the first counter beam electrode 31AE.

As shown in <FIG>, the first member <NUM> may include the second movable region 10Mb, the third structure <NUM>, the third support structure <NUM>, the second connection structure 22c, the third connect portion 13c, and the second beam <NUM>. In the second direction D2, the supported region <NUM> is located between the first movable region 10Ma and the second movable region 10Mb.

The second beam <NUM> extends along the second direction D2. A second beam position of the second beam <NUM> in the second direction D2 is located between the support portion position and a second movable region position of the second movable region 10Mb in the second direction D2. The second end 32e of the second beam <NUM> is connected to the second connection structure 22c. The second other end 32f of the second beam <NUM> is connected to the supported region <NUM>.

The third structure position of the third structure <NUM> in the second direction D2 is located between the second beam position and the second movable region position. The second connection structure position of the second connection structure 22c in the second direction D2 is located between the second beam position and the third structure position. The third support structure position of the third support structure <NUM> in the second direction D2 is located between the support portion position and the third structure position.

The third structure <NUM> includes the third portion 23e, the third other portion 23f, and the third intermediate portion <NUM>. The direction from the third portion 23e to the third other portion 23f is along the third direction D3. The third intermediate portion <NUM> is located between the third portion 23e and the third other portion 23f. The third portion 23e is connected to the second connection structure 22c. The third other portion 23f is connected to the second movable region 10Mb. The third intermediate portion <NUM> is connected to the third support structure <NUM>. The third connect portion 13c connects the second connection structure 22c to the third support structure <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first member <NUM> includes the fourth structure <NUM>, the fourth support structure <NUM>, the fourth connect portion 14c, and the second counter beam 32A. The second counter beam 32A extends along the second direction D2. The fourth structure position of the fourth structure <NUM> in the second direction D2 is located between the second counter beam position of the second counter beam 32A in the second direction D2 and the second movable region position. The second counter beam end 32Ae of the second counter beam 32A is connected to the second connection structure 22c. The second counter beam other end 32Af of the second counter beam 32A is connected to the supported region <NUM>. The fourth support structure position of the fourth support structure <NUM> in the second direction D2 is located between the support portion position and the fourth structure position.

The fourth structure <NUM> includes the fourth portion 24e, the fourth other portion 24f, and the fourth intermediate portion <NUM>. The direction from the fourth other portion 24f to the fourth portion 24e is along the third direction D3. The fourth intermediate portion <NUM> is located between the fourth other portion 24f and the fourth portion 24e. The fourth portion 24e is connected to the second connection structure 22c. The fourth other portion 24f is connected to the second movable region 10Mb. The fourth intermediate portion <NUM> is connected to the fourth support structure <NUM>.

The fourth connect portion 14c connects the second connection structure 22c to the fourth support structure <NUM>. In the third direction D3, the second connection structure 22c is located between at least a part of the fourth support structure <NUM> and at least a part of the third support structure <NUM>. In the third direction D3, the third connect portion 13c is located between the second connection structure 22c and at least a part of the third support structure <NUM>. In the third direction D3, the fourth connect portion 14c is located between at least a part of the fourth support structure <NUM> and the second connection structure 22c. In the third direction D3, the second counter beam 32A is located between the fourth support structure <NUM> and the second beam <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> may include the second electrode <NUM> and the second counter electrode 52A. The second electrode <NUM> and the second counter electrode 52A are fixed to the base body <NUM>. The first member <NUM> may include the second beam electrode 32E connected to the second beam <NUM> and the second counter beam electrode 32AE connected to the second counter beam 32A. The second electrode <NUM> faces the second beam electrode 32E. The second counter electrode 52A faces the second counter beam electrode 32AE.

As described with reference to <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may be provided. The controller <NUM> is configured to apply the drive signal including an AC component between the second electrode <NUM> and the second beam electrode 32E. The controller <NUM> is configured to detect the electric signal generated between the second counter electrode 52A and the second counter beam electrode 32AE.

In the sensor <NUM>, the first beam <NUM> and the first counter beam 31A form one pair. The second beam <NUM> and the second counter beam 32A form another pair. For example, the vibration amplitude at the resonance frequency of the reverse phase mode becomes large. The mechanical Q factor (quality factor) increases. High precision detection becomes possible.

As described above, at least a part of the first member <NUM> may be conductive. The first member <NUM> may include, for example, conductive silicon. For example, at least one of the supported region <NUM>, the first support structure <NUM>, the second support structure <NUM>, the third support structure <NUM>, or the fourth support structure <NUM> may include a metal layer. For example, high thermal conductivity can be obtained.

A second embodiment relates to an electronic device.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device according to a second embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to the embodiment includes the sensors according to the first to third embodiments and the circuit processor <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> is drawn as the sensor. The circuit processor <NUM> is configured to control a circuit <NUM> based on the signal S1 obtained from the sensor. The circuit <NUM> is, for example, a control circuit for a drive device <NUM>. According to the embodiment, for example, the circuit <NUM> for controlling the drive device <NUM> can be controlled with high accuracy.

<FIG> are schematic views illustrating applications of the electronic device.

As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be at least a portion of a robot. As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be at least a portion of a machining robot provided in a manufacturing plant, etc. As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be at least a portion of an automatic guided vehicle inside a plant, etc. As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be at least a portion of a drone (an unmanned aircraft). As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be at least a portion of an airplane. As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be at least a portion of a ship. As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be at least a portion of a submarine. As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be at least a portion of an automobile. The electronic device <NUM> according to the third embodiment may include, for example, at least one of a robot or a moving body.

As shown in <FIG>, a sensor <NUM> according to the fifth embodiment includes the sensor according to one of the first to third embodiments, and a transmission/reception part <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> is illustrated as the sensor. The transmission/reception part <NUM> is configured to transmit the signal obtained from the sensor <NUM> by, for example, at least one of wireless and wired methods. The sensor <NUM> is provided on, for example, a slope surface <NUM> such as a road <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> can monitor the state of, for example, a facility (e.g., infrastructure). The sensor <NUM> may be, for example, a state monitoring device.

For example, the sensor <NUM> detects a change in the state of a slope surface <NUM> of a road <NUM> with high accuracy. The change in the state of the slope surface <NUM> includes, for example, at least one of a change in the inclination angle and a change in the vibration state. The signal (inspection result) obtained from the sensor <NUM> is transmitted by the transmission/reception part <NUM>. The status of a facility (e.g., infrastructure) can be monitored, for example, continuously.

As shown in <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> is provided, for example, in a portion of a bridge <NUM>. The bridge <NUM> is provided above the river <NUM>. For example, the bridge <NUM> includes at least one of a main girder <NUM> and a pier <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is provided on at least one of the main girder <NUM> and the pier <NUM>. For example, at least one of the angles of the main girder <NUM> and the pier <NUM> may change due to deterioration or the like. For example, the vibration state may change in at least one of the main girder <NUM> and the pier <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> detects these changes with high accuracy. The detection result can be transmitted to an arbitrary place by the transmission/reception part <NUM>. Abnormalities can be detected effectively.

According to embodiments, a sensor and an electronic device capable of improving characteristics can be provided.

Hereinabove, exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to specific examples. However, the embodiments of the invention are not limited to these specific examples. For example, one skilled in the art may similarly practice the invention by appropriately selecting specific configurations of components included in sensors such as base bodies, support portions, first portions, controllers, etc., from known art. Such practice is included in the scope of the invention to the extent that similar effects thereto are obtained.

Further, any two or more components of the specific examples may be combined within the extent of technical feasibility and are included in the scope of the invention to the extent that the purport of the invention is included.

Moreover, all sensors and electronic devices practicable by an appropriate design modification by one skilled in the art based on the sensors and the electronic devices described above as embodiments of the invention also are within the scope of the invention to the extent that the purport of the invention is included.

Claim 1:
A sensor (<NUM>), comprising:
a base body (<NUM>);
a support portion (<NUM>) fixed to the base body; and
a first member (<NUM>) supported by the support portion,
a gap (g1) being provided between the base body and a part of the first member,
the first member including a supported region (<NUM>), a first movable region (10Ma), a first structure (<NUM>), a first support structure (<NUM>), a first connection structure (21c), a first connect portion (11c), and a first beam (<NUM>),
the support portion being located between the base body and the supported region in a first direction (D1) from the base body to the support portion,
the first beam extending along a second direction (D2) crossing the first direction,
a first beam position of the first beam in the second direction being located between a first movable region position of the first movable region in the second direction and a support portion position of the support portion in the second direction,
a first end (31e) of the first beam being connected to the first connecting structure,
a first other end (31f) of the first beam being connected to the supported region,
a first structure position of the first structure in the second direction being located between the first movable region position and the first beam position,
a first connection structure position of the first connection structure in the second direction being located between the first structure position and the first beam position,
a first support structure position of the first support structure in the second direction being located between the first structure position and the support portion position,
the first structure including a first portion (21e), a first other portion (21f), and a first intermediate portion (<NUM>),
a third direction (D3) from the first portion to the first other portion crossing a plane including the first direction and the second direction,
the first intermediate portion being between the first portion and the first other portion,
the first portion being connected to the first connection structure,
the first other portion being connected to the first movable region,
the first intermediate portion being connected to the first support structure, and
the first connect portion connecting the first connection structure to the first support structure.