Patent Description:
For example, there is a sensor using a MEMS structure.

<CIT> discloses a known MEMS sensor used as an accelerometer or as a gyroscope. In particular, it discloses a differential resonant accelerometer (DRA).

<CIT> discloses another known micromachined accelerometer whereby the displacement of the proof mass plate is detected by means of differential capacitive sensing.

It is desired to improve the characteristics of the sensor.

According to one embodiment, a sensor includes a first detection element, and a controller. The first detection element includes a base body, a first support portion, a first movable member, a first detection electrode, and a first counter detection electrode. The first support portion is fixed to the base body. The first movable member is supported by the first support portion. A first gap is provided between the base body and the first movable member. The first detection electrode is fixed to the base body. The first counter detection electrode is fixed to the base body. The first movable member includes a first movable portion. The first movable portion includes a first beam, a first conductive extending portion, and a first connecting portion. The first beam includes a first beam end portion, a first beam other end portion, and a first beam intermediate portion provided between the first beam end portion and the first beam other end portion. A second direction from the first beam end portion to the first beam other end portion crosses a first direction from the base body to the first support portion. The first conductive extending portion includes a first extending portion, a first extending other portion, and a first extending intermediate provided between the first extending portion and the first extending other portion. A direction from the first extending portion to the first extending other portion is along the second direction. The first connecting portion connects the first extending intermediate portion with the first beam intermediate portion. The first extending portion is between the first detection electrode and the first counter detection electrode in a third direction. The third direction crosses a plane including the first direction and the second direction. The controller includes a first differential circuit. The first differential circuit is configured to output a signal according to a difference between a capacitance between the first detection electrode and the first extending portion, and a capacitance between the first counter detection electrode and the first extending portion.

According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes the sensor described above, and a circuit processing portion configured to control a circuit based on a signal obtained from the sensor.

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 in an antecedent drawing are marked with like reference numerals, and a detailed description is omitted as appropriate.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are schematic views illustrating a sensor according to a first embodiment.

<FIG> is a plan view. <FIG> is a sectional view taken along the line X1-X2 of <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged plan view illustrating a part of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A2 of <FIG>. <FIG> is a sectional view taken along the line B1-B2 of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C1-C2 of <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, a sensor <NUM> according to the embodiment includes a first detection element 10U and a controller <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first detection element 10U includes a base body <NUM>, a first support portion 50A, a first movable member <NUM>, a first detection electrode 61a, and a first counter detection electrode 61b. The first support portion 50A is fixed to the base body <NUM>. The first movable member <NUM> is supported by the first support portion 50A. A first gap 10Z is provided between the base body <NUM> and the first movable member <NUM>.

The first detection electrode 61a is fixed to the base body <NUM>. The first counter detection electrode 61b is fixed to the base body <NUM> (see <FIG>).

A first direction D1 from the base body <NUM> to the first support portion 50A is 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 base body <NUM> includes a first surface 50Sf. The first surface 50Sf is along the X-Y plane. The first movable member <NUM> extends along the first surface 50Sf. As shown in <FIG>, the first movable member <NUM> includes a first movable portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first movable portion <NUM> includes a first beam <NUM>, a first conductive extending portion <NUM>, and a first connecting portion 11N.

The first beam <NUM> includes a first beam end portion 11e, a first beam other end portion 11f, and a first beam intermediate portion <NUM>. The first beam intermediate portion <NUM> is provided between the first beam end portion 11e and the first beam other end portion 11f. A second direction D2 from the first beam end portion 11e to the first beam other end portion 11f crosses the first direction D1. The second direction D2 is, for example, the X-axis direction.

The first conductive extending portion <NUM> includes a first extending portion 21e, a first extending other portion 21f, and a first extending intermediate portion <NUM>. The first extending intermediate portion <NUM> is provided between the first extending portion 21e and the first extending other portion 21f. The direction from the first extending portion 21e to the first extending other portion 21f is along the second direction D2.

The first connecting portion 11N connects the first extending intermediate portion <NUM> with the first beam intermediate portion <NUM>. The first connecting portion 11N extends along the Y-axis direction. A length (width) of the first connecting portion 11N along the X-axis direction is shorter than a length of the first beam <NUM> along the X-axis direction. The length (width) of the first connecting portion 11N along the X-axis direction is shorter than the length of the first conductive extending portion <NUM> along the X-axis direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the first extending portion 21e is located between the first detection electrode 61a and the first counter detection electrode 61b in a third direction D3. The third direction D3 crosses a plane including the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The third direction D3 is, for example, the Y-axis direction.

As shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> includes a first differential circuit <NUM>. The first differential circuit <NUM> is configured to output a signal according to a difference between a capacitance between the first detection electrode 61a and the first extending portion 21e, and a capacitance between the first counter detection electrode 61b and the first extending portion 21e.

For example, the first beam <NUM> is configured to vibrate. In response to the vibration of the first beam <NUM>, the first conductive extending portion <NUM> is displaced along the third direction D3. In accordance with the displacement, a first distance between the first extending portion 21e and the first detection electrode 61a changes. In accordance with the displacement, a second distance between the first extending portion 21e and the first counter detection electrode 61b changes. The second distance decreases when the first distance increases. The second distance increases when the first distance decreases.

Due to the change in the first distance, the first capacitance between the first extending portion 21e and the first detection electrode 61a changes. A first electric signal corresponding to a change in the first capacitance is obtained from the first detection electrode 61a. Due to the change in the second distance, the second capacitance between the first extending portion 21e and the first counter detection electrode 61b changes. A second electric signal corresponding to a change in the second capacitance is obtained from the first counter detection electrode 61b. The second capacitance decreases when the first capacitance increases. The second capacitance increases when the first capacitance decreases.

The first differential circuit <NUM> is configured to output a signal corresponding to the difference between the first electric signal and the second electric signal. With this signal, the vibration state of the first beam <NUM> can be detected with high efficiency. For example, same phase noise is removed. For example, high sensitivity can be obtained. For example, good linearity is obtained. According to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a sensor whose characteristics can be improved.

As shown in <FIG>, the first detection element 10U may include a first drive electrode <NUM>. The first drive electrode <NUM> is fixed to the base body <NUM> (see <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, the first drive electrode <NUM> faces the first extending intermediate portion <NUM>. For example, in the third direction D3, the first extending intermediate portion <NUM> is between the first beam <NUM> and the first drive electrode <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the controller <NUM> may include a first drive circuit <NUM>. The first drive circuit <NUM> is configured to supply a first drive signal SD1 to the first drive electrode <NUM>. For example, one terminal of the first drive circuit <NUM> is electrically connected to an electrode 10E (see <FIG>) provided on the first support portion 50A. The electrode 10E is electrically connected to the first movable member <NUM>. Another terminal of the first drive circuit <NUM> is electrically connected to the second drive electrode <NUM>. The first beam <NUM> is configured to vibrate in response to the first drive signal SD1.

For example, the first drive signal SD1 includes an AC component. The first conductive extending portion <NUM> is capacitively coupled to the first drive electrode <NUM>. Due to the capacitive coupling, the first conductive extending portion <NUM> vibrates in response to the first drive signal SD1. For example, the first beam <NUM> resonates. For example, when an external force is applied to the first movable member <NUM>, stress is applied to the first beam <NUM>. The resonance frequency of the first beam <NUM> changes according to the stress. By processing the signal corresponding to the change in the resonance frequency, the applied external force can be detected.

In the embodiment, the displacement of the first extending portion 21e in response to the vibration of the first beam <NUM> is differentially detected by the first detection electrode 61a and the first counter detection electrode 61b. As a result, the vibration state of the first beam <NUM> can be detected with higher accuracy. For example, noise is suppressed. High sensitivity, and good linearity can be obtained. This makes it possible to more appropriately obtain the change in the resonance frequency. For example, the applied external force can be detected more appropriately.

As shown in <FIG>, the first detection element 10U may include a first other detection electrode 61c and a first other counter detection electrode 61d. The first other detection electrode 61c is fixed to the base body <NUM>. The first other counter detection electrode 61d is fixed to the base body <NUM> (see <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, the first extending other portion 21f is located between the first other detection electrode 61c and the first other counter detection electrode 61d in the third direction D3.

The first differential circuit <NUM> is configured to output a signal according to a difference between a capacitance between the first other detection electrode 61c and the first extending other portion 21f, and a capacitance between the first other counter detection electrode 61d and the first extending other portion 21f. For example, noise based on the first drive signal SD1 may occur in the detection signal due to the influence of parasitic capacitance caused by wiring or the like. Noise may deteriorate the detection characteristics of changes in the resonance frequency. In the embodiments, for example, noise is more suppressed. Higher sensitivity and better linearity of detection is obtained.

As shown in <FIG>, the first other detection electrode 61c may be electrically connected to the first detection electrode 61a. The first other counter detection electrode 61d may be electrically connected to the first counter detection electrode 61b.

A position of the first other detection electrode 61c in the third direction D3 is between a position of the first beam other end portion 11f in the third direction D3 and a position of the first other counter detection electrode 61d in the third direction D3.

A position of the first detection electrode 61a in the third direction D3 is between a position of the first beam end portion 11e in the third direction D3 and a position of the first counter detection electrode 61b in the third direction D3.

As shown in <FIG>, the first movable member <NUM> may include a first movable base portion 10A, a connection base portion 10P, and a second movable base portion 10B. As shown in <FIG>, the first movable base portion 10A is supported by the first support portion 50A. The connection base portion 10P is supported by the first movable base portion 10A. The second movable base portion 10B is supported by the connection base portion 10P. A direction from the first movable base portion 10A to the second movable base portion 10B is along the second direction D2.

The first beam end portion 11e is connected to the first movable base portion 10A. The first beam other end portion 11f is connected to the second movable base portion 10B. The first beam <NUM> is, for example, a double-supported beam.

A width of the connection base portion 10P along the third direction D3 is shorter than a width of the first movable base portion 10A along the third direction D3. The width of the connection base portion 10P along the third direction D3 is shorter than a width of the second movable base portion 10B along the third direction D3. For example, when an external force is applied, the second movable base portion 10B can be displaced along the rotation direction about the connection base portion 10P. Due to this displacement, compressive stress or tensile stress is applied to the first beam <NUM>. The resonance frequency of the first beam <NUM> changes according to the stress. External force can be detected by detecting the change in resonance frequency.

As shown in <FIG>, the first movable member <NUM> may include a movable weight portion 10X. The movable weight portion 10X is supported by the second movable base portion 10B. In the second direction D2, the second movable base portion 10B is located between the first movable base portion 10A and the movable weight portion 10X.

When an external force is applied, the movable weight portion 10X is displaced along the rotation direction centered on the connection base portion 10P. Large displacement is easily obtained. As a result, the stress applied to the first beam <NUM> increases. Higher sensitivity is obtained.

As shown in <FIG>, the first movable member <NUM> may include a second movable portion <NUM>. The second movable portion <NUM> includes a second beam <NUM>, a second conductive extending portion <NUM>, and a second connecting portion 12N.

The second beam <NUM> includes a second beam end portion 12e, a second beam other end portion 12f, and a second beam intermediate portion <NUM>. The second beam intermediate portion <NUM> is provided between the second beam end portion 12e and the second beam other end portion 12f. A direction from the second beam end portion 12e to the second beam other end portion 12f is along the second direction D2.

The second conductive extending portion <NUM> includes a second extending portion 22e, a second extending other portion 22f, and a second extending intermediate portion <NUM>. The second extending intermediate portion <NUM> is provided between the second extending portion 22e and the second extending other portion 22f. A direction from the second extending portion 22e to the second extending other portion 22f is along the second direction D2.

The second connecting portion 12N connects the second extending intermediate portion <NUM> to the second beam intermediate portion <NUM>. The second connecting portion 12N extends along the third direction D3.

The second extending portion 22e is located between the second detection electrode 62a and the second counter detection electrode 62b in the third direction D3.

The second beam end portion 12e is connected to the first movable base portion 10A. The second beam other end portion 12f is connected to the second movable base portion10B. The connection base portion 10P is located between the second beam <NUM> and the first beam <NUM> in the third direction D3.

The controller <NUM> includes a second differential circuit <NUM>. The second differential circuit <NUM> is configured to output a signal according to a difference between a capacitance between the second detection electrode 62a and the second extending portion 22e, and a capacitance between the second counter detection electrode 62b and the second extending portion 22e. For example, noise is more suppressed. Higher sensitivity, and better linearity of detection is obtained.

As shown in <FIG>, the first detection element 10U may include a second drive electrode <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second drive electrode <NUM> is fixed to the base body <NUM>. The second drive electrode <NUM> faces the second extending intermediate portion <NUM>. The second extending intermediate portion <NUM> is between the second drive electrode <NUM> and the second beam <NUM> in the third direction D3.

The first drive circuit <NUM> can supply a second drive signal SD2 to the second drive electrode <NUM>. The second beam <NUM> can vibrate in response to the second drive signal SD2.

For example, when an external force is applied and the movable weight portion 10X is displaced, one of compressive stress and tensile stress is applied to the first beam <NUM>. At this time, the other of the compressive stress and the tensile stress is applied to the second beam <NUM>. In the resonance frequency of the first beam <NUM>, one change of increase and decrease occurs. In the resonant frequency of the second beam <NUM>, the other change of increase and decrease occurs. The signal corresponding to the vibration of these beams is obtained by the detection electrode. By differentially processing the signal obtained from the first movable portion <NUM> and the signal obtained from the second movable portion <NUM>, the change in the resonance frequency can be detected with higher accuracy.

In the embodiment, the differential signal between the signal from the first detection electrode 61a and the signal from the first counter detection electrode 61b is at least a part of the signal obtained from the first movable portion <NUM>. The differential signal between the signal from the second detection electrode 62a and the signal from the second counter detection electrode 62b is at least a part of the signal obtained from the second movable portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, for example, the controller <NUM> may include a processor <NUM>. The processor <NUM> is configured to output a signal according to a difference between the resonance frequency of the first beam <NUM> and the resonance frequency of the second beam <NUM> based on the output signal of the first differential circuit <NUM> and the output signal of the second differential circuit <NUM>. As described above, the AC signal is supplied from the first drive circuit <NUM> to the first drive electrode <NUM> and the second drive electrode <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may perform processing synchronized with the AC signal. For example, the processor <NUM> may perform synchronous detection processing. For example, the processor <NUM> may perform filter processing. For example, C/V (Capacitance / Voltage) conversion processing may be performed in the processor <NUM>. The C/V conversion process may be performed, for example, in at least one of the first differential circuit <NUM> or the second differential circuit <NUM>. For example, an AD conversion processing may be performed in the processor <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may perform a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) processing. For example, a DA conversion processing may be performed in the processor <NUM>. For example, the processor <NUM> may perform an FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing.

As shown in <FIG>, the first detection element 10U includes a second other detection electrode 62c and a second other counter detection electrode 62d. The second other detection electrode 62c is fixed to the base body <NUM>. The second other counter detection electrode 62d is fixed to the base body <NUM> (see <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, the second extending other portion 22f is located between the second other detection electrode 62c and the second other counter detection electrode 62d in the third direction D3.

The second differential circuit <NUM> is configured to output a signal according to the difference between a capacitance between the second other detection electrode 62c and the second extending other portion 22f, and a capacitance between the second other counter detection electrode 62d and the second extending other portion 22f.

A position of the second other detection electrode 62c in the third direction D3 is between a position of the second beam other end portion 12f in the third direction D3 and a position of the second other counter detection electrode 62d in the third direction D3.

A position of the second detection electrode 62a in the third direction D3 is between a position of the second beam end portion 12e in the third direction D3 and a position of the second counter detection electrode 62b in the third direction D3.

As shown in <FIG>, a structure body <NUM> may be provided around the first movable member <NUM> in the X-Y plane. At least a part of the structure body <NUM> may function as a stopper for the first movable member <NUM>.

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

As shown in <FIG>, in a sensor <NUM> according to the embodiment, the first detection element 10U and the controller <NUM> are also provided. In the sensor <NUM>, the first movable portion <NUM> provided in the first detection element 10U includes a plurality of first conductive extending portions <NUM> and a plurality of first connecting portions 11N. One of the plurality of first connecting portions 11N connects one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions <NUM> and another one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions <NUM>.

The first detection element 10U includes a plurality of first detection electrodes (the first detection electrode 61a and a detection electrode 66a) and a plurality of first counter detection electrodes (the first counter detection electrode 61b and a detection electrode 66b). A part of one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions <NUM> is between one of the plurality of first detection electrodes (for example, the detection electrode 66a) and one of the plurality of first counter detection electrodes (for example, the detection electrode 66b) in the third direction D3.

The first detection element 10U may include a plurality of first other detection electrodes (the first other detection electrode 61c and a detection electrode 66c) and a plurality of first other counter detection electrodes (the first other counter detection electrode 61d and a detection electrode 66d). Another part of the plurality of first conductive extending portions <NUM> is between one of the plurality of first other detection electrodes (for example, the detection electrode 66c) and one of the plurality of first other counter detection electrodes (for example, the detection electrode 66d) in the third direction D3.

One of the plurality of first conductive extending portions <NUM> is between the first beam <NUM> and an other one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions <NUM> in the third direction D3. A length of the one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions <NUM> in the second direction D2 is longer than a length of the other one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions <NUM> in the second direction D2. A length (the length along the second direction D2) of the first conductive extending portion <NUM> near the first beam <NUM> is longer than a length (the length along the second direction D2) of the first conductive extending portion <NUM> far from the first beam <NUM>. For example, when the first movable portion <NUM> is displaced so as to rotate, it becomes difficult to come into contact with other members.

As shown in <FIG>, in the sensor <NUM>, the second movable portion <NUM> provided in the first detection element 10U may include a plurality of second conductive extending portions <NUM> and a plurality of second connecting portions 12N. One of the plurality of second connecting portions 12N connects one of the plurality of second conductive extending portions <NUM> and an other one of the plurality of second conductive extending portions <NUM>.

The first detection element 10U may include a plurality of second detection electrodes (the second detection electrode 62a and a detection electrode 67a), and a plurality of second counter detection electrodes (the second counter detection electrode 62b and a detection electrode 67b). A part of one of the plurality of second conductive extending portions <NUM> is between one of the plurality of second detection electrodes (for example, the detection electrode 67a) and one of the plurality of second counter detection electrodes (for example, the detection electrode 67b) in the third direction D3.

The first detection element 10U may include a plurality of second other detection electrodes (the second other detection electrode 62c and a detection electrode 67c) and a plurality of second other counter detection electrodes (the second other counter detection electrode 62d and a detection electrode 67d). An other part of one of the plurality of second conductive extending portions <NUM> is between one of the plurality of second other detection electrodes (for example, the detection electrode 67c) and one of the plurality of second other counter detection electrodes (for example, the detection electrode 67d) in the third direction D3.

One of the plurality of second conductive extending portions <NUM> is between the second beam <NUM> and an other one of the plurality of second conductive extending portions <NUM> in the third direction D3. A length of the one the plurality of second conductive extending portions <NUM> in the second direction D2 is longer than a length of the other one of the plurality of second conductive extending portions <NUM> in second direction D2. A length (the length along the second direction D2) of the second conductive extending portion <NUM> near the second beam <NUM> is longer than a length (the length along the second direction D2) of the second conductive extending portion <NUM> far from the second beam <NUM>. For example, when the second movable portion <NUM> is displaced so as to rotate, it becomes difficult to come into contact with other members.

In the embodiment, the number of the plurality of first conductive extending portions <NUM> and the number of the plurality of second conductive extending portions <NUM> are arbitrary.

The sensor (the sensor <NUM> or <NUM>) according to the embodiment can be applied to, for example, a DRA (Differential Resonant Accelerometer). In one example of the embodiment, a plurality of extending conductive portions are provided. As a result, a "Tree type electrode" is formed. The plurality of extending conductive portions are connected to the plurality of movable beams (two resonant beams). As a result, high capacitance sensitivity can be obtained. For example, it is easy to reduce the phase noise of the PLL circuit. For example, high accuracy (for example, low drift) becomes easy. In the two resonant beams, the temperature coefficient of the resonant frequency remains substantially the same. For example, differential processing provides high temperature stability.

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

As shown in <FIG>, a sensor <NUM> according to the embodiment includes a second detection element 10V in addition to the first detection element 10U described with respect to the first embodiment. The second detection element 10V includes, for example, a second support portion 50B and a second movable member <NUM>. The second support portion 50B is fixed to the base body <NUM>. The second movable member <NUM> is supported by the second support portion 50B and is separated from the base body <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> can detect the angle of the sensor <NUM> by a signal corresponding to the movement of the second movable member <NUM>. For example, at least a part of the second movable member <NUM> is vibrated. The angle can be detected by detecting the vibration state that changes according to the change in the angle. For example, angle detection is performed based on the Foucault pendulum principle. The second movable member <NUM> is, for example, an angle direct detection type gyro (RIG: Rate Integrating Gyroscope). The sensor <NUM> is, for example, an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

In the sensor <NUM>, the configuration described with respect to the first embodiment can be applied to the configurations of the base body <NUM>, the first support portion 50A, the first movable member <NUM>, and the like.

As shown in <FIG>, a lid portion 10R may be provided in the sensor <NUM>. The lid portion 10R is connected to the base body <NUM>. The first support portion 50A, the first movable member <NUM>, the second support portion 50B, and the second movable member <NUM> are provided between the base body <NUM> and the lid portion 10R. For example, a space SP surrounded by the base body <NUM> and the lid portion 10R is less than <NUM> atm. By reducing the pressure in the space SP, more accurate detection can be performed. The space SP is, for example, <NUM> Pa or less.

As shown in <FIG>, an electric signal obtained from the first movable member <NUM> and an electric signal obtained from the second movable member <NUM> may be supplied to the processing circuit <NUM>. For example, the first movable member <NUM> and the processing circuit <NUM> are electrically connected by the wiring 78a. The second movable member <NUM> and the processing circuit <NUM> are electrically connected by the wiring 78b. The processing circuit <NUM> is, for example, a PLL circuit. The processing circuit <NUM> is included in the controller <NUM>, for example. The processing circuit <NUM> can detect a change in the resonance frequency obtained from the first movable member <NUM>. Thereby, for example, acceleration and temperature can be detected. The processing circuit <NUM> can detect a change in the resonance frequency obtained from the second movable member <NUM>. Thereby, for example, the angle can be detected. Angular velocity may be detected. A small sensor can be obtained.

The third embodiment relates to an electronic device.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating the electronic device according to the third embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, an electronic device <NUM> according to the third embodiment includes the sensor according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment, and the circuit processing portion <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> is illustrated as the sensor. The circuit processing portion <NUM> can control a circuit <NUM> based on a signal S1 obtained from the sensor. The circuit <NUM> is, for example, a control circuit of a drive device <NUM>. According to the embodiment, the circuit <NUM> for controlling the drive device <NUM> can be controlled with high accuracy based on the detection result with high accuracy.

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

As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be at least a part of the robot. As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be at least a part of a work robot provided in a manufacturing factory or the like. As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be at least a part of an automatic guided vehicle such as in a factory. As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be at least a part of a drone (unmanned aerial vehicle). As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be at least a part of an airplane. As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be at least a part of the ship. As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be at least a part of the submarine. As shown in <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be at least a part of an automobile. The electronic device <NUM> according to the third embodiment may include, for example, at least one of a robot and a movable body.

<FIG> are schematic views illustrating a sensor according to a fourth embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, a sensor <NUM> according to the embodiment includes the above-mentioned sensor according to the embodiment and the transmitting / receiving portion <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the sensor <NUM> is illustrated as the sensor. The transmitting / receiving portion <NUM> can transmit a signal obtained from the sensor <NUM> by, for example, at least one of wireless and wired methods. The sensor <NUM> is provided, for example, on a slope surface <NUM> such as a road <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is configured to monitor a 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 the slope surface <NUM> of the 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 tilt angle and a change in the vibration state. The signal (inspection result) obtained from the sensor <NUM> is transmitted by the transmitting / receiving portion <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, at a part of a bridge <NUM>. The bridge <NUM> is installed on the river <NUM>. For example, the bridge <NUM> includes at least one of the main girder <NUM> and the pier <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is provided on at least one of the main girder <NUM> or the pier <NUM>. For example, at least one of the angles of the main girder <NUM> or 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> or the pier <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> detects these changes with high accuracy. The detection result can be transmitted to any place by the transmitting / receiving portion <NUM>. Abnormalities can be detected effectively.

According to the embodiment, it is possible to provide a sensor and an electronic device capable of improving the characteristics.

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, movable portions, controllers, etc., from known art. Such practice is included in the scope of the invention which is defined by the appended claims.

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 which is defined by the appended claims.

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 which is defined by the appended claims.

Various other variations and modifications can be conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the invention, and it is understood that such variations and modifications are also encompassed within the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A sensor (<NUM>), comprising:
a first detection element (10U); and
a controller (<NUM>),
the first detection element including,
a base body (<NUM>),
a first support portion (50A) fixed to the base body,
a first movable member (<NUM>) supported by the first support portion, a first gap (10Z) being provided between the base body and the first movable member,
a first detection electrode (61a) fixed to the base body, and
a first counter detection electrode (61b) fixed to the base body,
the first movable member including a first movable portion (<NUM>), the first movable portion including a first beam (<NUM>), a first conductive extending portion (<NUM>), and a first connecting portion (11N), the first beam including a first beam end portion (11e), a first beam other end portion (11f), and a first beam intermediate portion (<NUM>) provided between the first beam end portion and the first beam other end portion, a second direction (D2) from the first beam end portion to the first beam other end portion crossing a first direction (D1) from the base body to the first support portion,
the first conductive extending portion including a first extending portion (21e), a first extending other portion (21f), and a first extending intermediate portion (<NUM>) provided between the first extending portion and the first extending other portion, a direction from the first extending portion to the first extending other portion being along the second direction,
the first connecting portion connecting the first extending intermediate portion with the first beam intermediate portion,
characterised in that
the first extending portion is between the first detection electrode and the first counter detection electrode in a third direction (D3), the third direction crossing a plane including the first direction and the second direction, in that
the controller includes a first differential circuit (<NUM>), and in that
the first differential circuit is configured to output a signal according to a difference between a capacitance between the first detection electrode and the first extending portion, and a capacitance between the first counter detection electrode and the first extending portion.