SENSOR AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE

Abstract

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. The first detection electrode and the first counter detection electrodes are 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 conductive extending portion includes a first extending portion, a first extending other portion, and a first extending intermediate. The first extending portion is between the first detection electrode and the first counter detection electrodes. The controller includes a first differential circuit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-035890, filed on Mar. 9, 2022; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a sensor and an electronic device.

BACKGROUND

For example, there is a sensor using a MEMS structure. It is desired to improve the characteristics of the sensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a sensor according to a first embodiment;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic views illustrating the sensor according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 3A to 3C are schematic views illustrating the sensor according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating the sensor according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the sensor according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic device according to a third embodiment;

FIGS. 7A to 7H are schematic views illustrating the application of the electronic device; and

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic views illustrating the sensor according to a fourth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.

First Embodiment

FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 3A to 3C are schematic views illustrating a sensor according to a first embodiment,

FIG. 2A is a plan view. FIG. 2B is a sectional view taken along the line X1-X2 of FIG. 2A. FIG. 1 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a part of FIG. 2A. FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A2 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3B is a sectional view taken along the line B1-B2 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C1-C2 of FIG. 1

As shown in FIG. 1, a sensor 110 according to the embodiment includes a first detection element 10U and a controller 70.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first detection element 10U includes a base body 50S, a first support portion 50A, a first movable member 10, a first detection electrode 61a, and a first counter detection electrode 61b. The first support portion 50A is fixed to the base body 50S. The first movable member 10 is supported by the first support portion 50A. A first gap 10Z is provided between the base body 50S and the first movable member 10.

The first detection electrode 61a is fixed to the base body 50S. The first counter detection electrode 61b is fixed to the base body 50S (see FIG. 3A).

A first direction D1 from the base body 50S 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. 2B, the base body 50S includes a first surface 50Sf. The first surface 50Sf is along the X-Y plane. The first movable member 10 extends along the first surface 50Sf. As shown in FIG. 2A, the first movable member 10 includes a first movable portion 11M.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first movable portion 11M includes a first beam 11, a first conductive extending portion 21, and a first connecting portion 11N.

The first beam 11 includes a first beam end portion 11e, a first beam other end portion 11f, and a first beam intermediate portion 11g. The first beam intermediate portion 11g 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 21 includes a first extending portion 21e, a first extending other portion 21f, and a first extending intermediate portion 21g. The first extending intermediate portion 21g 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 21g with the first beam intermediate portion 11g. 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 11 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 21 along the X-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, 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. 1, the controller 70 includes a first differential circuit 71. The first differential circuit 71 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 11 is configured to vibrate. In response to the vibration of the first beam 11, the first conductive extending portion 21 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 71 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 11 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. 1, the first detection element 10U may include a first drive electrode 51. The first drive electrode 51 is fixed to the base body 50S (see FIG. 3B). As shown in FIG. 1, the first drive electrode 51 faces the first extending intermediate portion 21g. For example, in the third direction D3, the first extending intermediate portion 21g is between the first beam 11 and the first drive electrode 51.

As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 70 may include a first drive circuit 76. The first drive circuit 76 is configured to supply a first drive signal SD1 to the first drive electrode 51. For example, one terminal of the first drive circuit 76 is electrically connected to an electrode 10E (see FIG. 2B) provided on the first support portion 50A. The electrode 10E is electrically connected to the first movable member 10. Another terminal of the first drive circuit 76 is electrically connected to the second drive electrode 52. The first beam 11 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 21 is capacitively coupled to the first drive electrode 51. Due to the capacitive coupling, the first conductive extending portion 21 vibrates in response to the first drive signal SD1. For example, the first beam 11 resonates. For example, when an external force is applied to the first movable member 10, stress is applied to the first beam 11. The resonance frequency of the first beam 11 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 11 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 11 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. 1, 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 50S. The first other counter detection electrode 61d is fixed to the base body 50S (see FIG. 3C).

As shown in FIG. 1, 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 71 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. 1, 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. 2A, the first movable member 10 may include a first movable base portion 10A, a connection base portion 10P, and a second movable base portion 10B. As shown in FIG. 2B, 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 11 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 100A 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 11. The resonance frequency of the first beam 11 changes according to the stress. External force can be detected by detecting the change in resonance frequency.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first movable member 10 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 11 increases. Higher sensitivity is obtained.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first movable member 10 may include a second movable portion 12M. The second movable portion 12M includes a second beam 12, a second conductive extending portion 22, and a second connecting portion 12N.

The second beam 12 includes a second beam end portion 12e, a second beam other end portion 12f, and a second beam intermediate portion 12g. The second beam intermediate portion 12g 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 22 includes a second extending portion 22e, a second extending other portion 22f, and a second extending intermediate portion 22g. The second extending intermediate portion 22g 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 22g to the second beam intermediate portion 12g. 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 12 and the first beam 11 in the third direction D3.

The controller 70 includes a second differential circuit 72. The second differential circuit 72 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. 1, the first detection element 10U may include a second drive electrode 52. As shown in FIG. 3B, the second drive electrode 52 is fixed to the base body 50S. The second drive electrode 52 faces the second extending intermediate portion 22g. The second extending intermediate portion 22g is between the second drive electrode 52 and the second beam 12 in the third direction D3.

The first drive circuit 76 can supply a second drive signal SD2 to the second drive electrode 52. The second beam 12 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 11. At this time, the other of the compressive stress and the tensile stress is applied to the second beam 12. In the resonance frequency of the first beam 11, one change of increase and decrease occurs. In the resonant frequency of the second beam 12, 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 11M and the signal obtained from the second movable portion 12M, 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 11M. 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 12M.

As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the controller 70 may include a processor 77. The processor 77 is configured to output a signal according to a difference between the resonance frequency of the first beam 11 and the resonance frequency of the second beam 12 based on the output signal of the first differential circuit 71 and the output signal of the second differential circuit 72. As described above, the AC signal is supplied from the first drive circuit 76 to the first drive electrode 51 and the second drive electrode 52. The processor 77 may perform processing synchronized with the AC signal. For example, the processor 77 may perform synchronous detection processing. For example, the processor 77 may perform filter processing. For example, C/V (Capacitance / Voltage) conversion processing may be performed in the processor 77. The C/V conversion process may be performed, for example, in at least one of the first differential circuit 71 or the second differential circuit 72. For example, an AD conversion processing may be performed in the processor 77. For example, the processor 77 may perform a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) processing. For example, a DA conversion processing may be performed in the processor 77. For example, the processor 77 may perform an FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) processing.

As shown in FIG. 1, 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 50S. The second other counter detection electrode 62d is fixed to the base body 50S (see FIG. 3C). As shown in FIG. 1, 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 72 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 FIGS. 2A and 2B, a structure body 59 may be provided around the first movable member 10 in the X-Y plane. At least a part of the structure body 59 may function as a stopper for the first movable member 10.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating the sensor according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, in a sensor 111 according to the embodiment, the first detection element 10U and the controller 70 are also provided. In the sensor 111, the first movable portion 11M provided in the first detection element 10U includes a plurality of first conductive extending portions 21 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 21 and another one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions 21.

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 21 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 21 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 21 is between the first beam 11 and an other one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions 21 in the third direction D3. A length of the one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions 21 in the second direction D2 is longer than a length of the other one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions 21 in the second direction D2. A length (the length along the second direction D2) of the first conductive extending portion 21 near the first beam 11 is longer than a length (the length along the second direction D2) of the first conductive extending portion 21 far from the first beam 11. For example, when the first movable portion 11M is displaced so as to rotate, it becomes difficult to come into contact with other members.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the sensor 111, the second movable portion 12M provided in the first detection element 10U may include a plurality of second conductive extending portions 22 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 22 and an other one of the plurality of second conductive extending portions 22.

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 22 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 22 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 22 is between the second beam 12 and an other one of the plurality of second conductive extending portions 22 in the third direction D3. A length of the one the plurality of second conductive extending portions 22 in the second direction D2 is longer than a length of the other one of the plurality of second conductive extending portions 22 in second direction D2. A length (the length along the second direction D2) of the second conductive extending portion 22 near the second beam 12 is longer than a length (the length along the second direction D2) of the second conductive extending portion 22 far from the second beam 12. For example, when the second movable portion 12M 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 21 and the number of the plurality of second conductive extending portions 22 are arbitrary.

The sensor (the sensor 110 or 111) 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.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a sensor according to a second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, a sensor 120 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 10S. The second support portion 50B is fixed to the base body 50S. The second movable member 10S is supported by the second support portion 50B and is separated from the base body 50S. The sensor 120 can detect the angle of the sensor 120 by a signal corresponding to the movement of the second movable member 10S. For example, at least a part of the second movable member 10S 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 10S is, for example, an angle direct detection type gyro (RIG: Rate Integrating Gyroscope). The sensor 120 is, for example, an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

In the sensor 120, the configuration described with respect to the first embodiment can be applied to the configurations of the base body 50S, the first support portion 50A, the first movable member 10, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 5, a lid portion 10R may be provided in the sensor 120. The lid portion 10R is connected to the base body 50S. The first support portion 50A, the first movable member 10, the second support portion 50B, and the second movable member 10S are provided between the base body 50S and the lid portion 10R. For example, a space SP surrounded by the base body 50S and the lid portion 10R is less than 1 atm. By reducing the pressure in the space SP, more accurate detection can be performed. The space SP is, for example, 0.1 Pa or less.

As shown in FIG. 5, an electric signal obtained from the first movable member 10 and an electric signal obtained from the second movable member 10S may be supplied to the processing circuit 75. For example, the first movable member 10 and the processing circuit 75 are electrically connected by the wiring 78a. The second movable member 10S and the processing circuit 75 are electrically connected by the wiring 78b. The processing circuit 75 is, for example, a PLL circuit. The processing circuit 75 is included in the controller 70, for example. The processing circuit 75 can detect a change in the resonance frequency obtained from the first movable member 10. Thereby, for example, acceleration and temperature can be detected. The processing circuit 75 can detect a change in the resonance frequency obtained from the second movable member 10S. Thereby, for example, the angle can be detected. Angular velocity may be detected. A small sensor can be obtained.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment relates to an electronic device.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electronic device according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, an electronic device 310 according to the third embodiment includes the sensor according to the first embodiment or the second embodiment, and the circuit processing portion 170. In the example of FIG. 6, the sensor 110 is illustrated as the sensor. The circuit processing portion 170 can control a circuit 180 based on a signal S1 obtained from the sensor. The circuit 180 is, for example, a control circuit of a drive device 185. According to the embodiment, the circuit 180 for controlling the drive device 185 can be controlled with high accuracy based on the detection result with high accuracy.

FIGS. 7A to 7H are schematic views illustrating the application of the electronic device.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the electronic device 310 may be at least a part of the robot. As shown in FIG. 7B, the electronic device 310 may be at least a part of a work robot provided in a manufacturing factory or the like. As shown in FIG. 7C, the electronic device 310 may be at least a part of an automatic guided vehicle such as in a factory. As shown in FIG. 7D, the electronic device 310 may be at least a part of a drone (unmanned aerial vehicle). As shown in FIG. 7E, the electronic device 310 may be at least a part of an airplane. As shown in FIG. 7F, the electronic device 310 may be at least a part of the ship. As shown in FIG. 7G, the electronic device 310 may be at least a part of the submarine. As shown in FIG. 7H, the electronic device 310 may be at least a part of an automobile. The electronic device 310 according to the third embodiment may include, for example, at least one of a robot and a movable body.

Fourth Embodiment

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic views illustrating a sensor according to a fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8A, a sensor 430 according to the embodiment includes the above-mentioned sensor according to the embodiment and the transmitting / receiving portion 420. In the example of FIG. 8A, the sensor 110 is illustrated as the sensor. The transmitting / receiving portion 420 can transmit a signal obtained from the sensor 110 by, for example, at least one of wireless and wired methods. The sensor 430 is provided, for example, on a slope surface 410 such as a road 400. The sensor 430 is configured to monitor a state of, for example, a facility (e.g., infrastructure). The sensor 430 may be, for example, a state monitoring device.

For example, the sensor 430 detects a change in the state of the slope surface 410 of the road 400 with high accuracy. The change in the state of the slope surface 410 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 110 is transmitted by the transmitting / receiving portion 420. The status of a facility (e.g., infrastructure) can be monitored, for example, continuously.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the sensor 430 is provided, for example, at a part of a bridge 460. The bridge 460 is installed on the river 470. For example, the bridge 460 includes at least one of the main girder 450 and the pier 440. The sensor 430 is provided on at least one of the main girder 450 or the pier 440. For example, at least one of the angles of the main girder 450 or the pier 440 may change due to deterioration or the like. For example, the vibration state may change in at least one of the main girder 450 or the pier 440. The sensor 430 detects these changes with high accuracy. The detection result can be transmitted to any place by the transmitting / receiving portion 420. Abnormalities can be detected effectively.

The embodiments may include the following configurations (for example, technical proposals).

(Configuration 1)

A sensor, comprising:

• a first detection element; and
• a controller,
• the first detection element including,
  • a base body,
  • a first support portion fixed to the base body,
  • a first movable member supported by the first support portion, a first gap being provided between the base body and the first movable member,
  • a first detection electrode fixed to the base body, and
  • a first counter detection electrode fixed to the base body,
• the first movable member including a first movable portion, the first movable portion including a first beam, a first conductive extending portion, and a first connecting portion, the first beam including 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 crossing a first direction from the base body to the first support portion,
• the first conductive extending portion including 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 being along the second direction,
• the first connecting portion connecting the first extending intermediate portion with the first beam intermediate portion,
• the first extending portion being between the first detection electrode and the first counter detection electrode in a third direction, the third direction crossing a plane including the first direction and the second direction,
• the controller including a first differential circuit, and
• the first differential circuit being 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.

(Configuration 2)

The sensor according to Configuration 1, wherein

• the first detection element includes a first drive electrode fixed to the base body, and
• the first drive electrode faces the first extending intermediate portion.

(Configuration 3)

The sensor according to Configuration 2, wherein the first extending intermediate portion is located between the first beam and the first driving electrode in the third direction.

(Configuration 4)

The sensor according to Configuration 2 or 3, wherein

• the controller includes a first drive circuit,
• the first drive circuit is configured to supply a first drive signal to the first drive electrode, and
• the first beam is configured to vibrate in response to the first drive signal.

(Configuration 5)

The sensor according to Configuration 4, wherein

• the first detection element further includes
  • a first other detection electrode fixed to base body, and
  • a first other counter detection electrode fixed to the base body,
• the first extending other portion is located between the first other detection electrode and the first other counter detection electrode in the third direction, and
• the first differential circuit is configured to output a signal according to a difference between a capacitance between the first other detection electrode and the first extending other portion, and a capacitance between the first other counter detection electrode and the first extending other portion.

(Configuration 6)

The sensor according to Configuration 5, wherein

• the first other detection electrode is electrically connected to the first detection electrode, and
• the first counter detection electrode is electrically connected to the first counter detection electrode.

(Configuration 7)

The sensor according to Configuration 5 or 6, wherein

a positions of the first other detection electrode in the third direction is between a position of the first beam other end portion in the third direction and a position of the first other counter detection electrode in the third direction.

(Configuration 8)

The sensor according to any one of Configurations 5 to 7, wherein

a position of the first detection electrode in the third direction is between a position of the first beam end portion in the third direction and a position of the first counter detection electrode in the third direction.

(Configuration 9)

The sensor according to any one of Configurations 4 to 8, wherein

• the first movable member includes
  • a first movable base portion supported by the first support portion,
  • a connection base portion supported by the first movable base portion, and
  • a second movable base portion supported by the connection base portion,
• a direction from the first movable base portion to the second movable base portion is along the second direction,
• the first beam end portion is connected to the first movable base portion, and
• the first beam other end portion is connected to the second movable base portion.

(Configuration 10)

The sensor according to Configuration 9, wherein

• the first movable member includes a movable weight portion supported by the second movable base portion, and
• the second movable base portion is located between the first movable base portion and the movable weight portion in the second direction.

(Configuration 11)

The sensor according to Configuration 9 or 10, wherein

• the first movable member includes a second movable portion,
• the second movable portion includes a second beam, a second conductive extending portion, and a second connecting portion,
• the second beam includes a second beam end portion, a second beam other end portion, and a second beam intermediate portion provided between the second beam end portion and the second beam other end portion, a direction from the second beam end portion to the second beam other end portion is along the second direction,
• the second conductive extending portion includes a second extending portion, the second extending other portion, and a second extending intermediate portion provided between the second extending portion and the second extending other portion, a direction from the second extending portion to the second extending other portion is along the second direction,
• the second connecting portion connects the second extending intermediate portion to the second beam intermediate portion,
• thes econd extending portion is located between the second detection electrode and the second counter detection electrode in the third direction,
• the second beam end is connected to the first movable base portion,
• the second beam other end portion is connected to the second movable base portion,
• the connection base portion is located between the second beam and the first beam in the third direction,
• the controller includes a second differential circuit, and
• the second differential circuit is configured to output a signal according to a difference between a capacitance between the second detection electrode and the second extending portion, and a capacitance between the second counter detection electrode and the second extending portion.

(Configuration 12)

The sensor according to Configuration 11, wherein

• the first detection element includes a second drive electrode fixed to the base portion, and
• the second drive electrode faces the second extending intermediate portion.

(Configuration 13)

The sensor according to Configuration 12, wherein

• the first drive circuit is configured to supply a second drive signal to the second drive electrode, and
• the second beam is configured to vibrate in response to the second drive signal.

(Configuration 14)

The sensor according to any one of Configurations 11 to 13, wherein

• the first detection element includes
• a second other detection electrode fixed to the base body, and
• the second other counter detection electrode fixed to the base body,
• the second extending other portion is located between the second other detection electrode and the second other counter detection electrode in the third direction, and
• the second differential circuit is configured to output a signal according to a difference between a capacitance between the second other detection electrode and the second extending other portion, and a capacitance between the second other counter detection electrode and the second extending other portion.

(Configuration 15)

The sensor according to Configuration 14, wherein a position of the second other detection electrode in the third direction is between a position of the second beam other end portion in the third direction and a position of the second other counter detection electrode in the third direction.

(Configuration 16)

The sensor according to any one of Configurations 1 to 15, wherein a position of the second detection electrode in the third direction is between a position of the second beam end portion in the third direction and a position of the second counter detection electrode in the third direction.

(Configuration 17)

The sensor according to any one of Configurations 11 to 16, wherein

• the controller includes a processor, and
• the processor is configured to output a signal according to a difference between a resonance frequency of the first beam and a resonance frequency of the second beam based on an output signal of the first differential circuit and an output signal of the second differential circuit.

(Configuration 18)

The sensor according to any one of Configurations 1 to 17, wherein

• the first movable portion includes a plurality of the first conductive extending portions and a plurality of the first connecting portions,
• one of the plurality of first connecting portions connects one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions and an other one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions,
• the first detection element includes a plurality of the first detection electrodes and a plurality of the first counter detection electrodes, and
• a part of one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions is located between one of the plurality of first detection electrodes and one of the plurality of first counter detection electrodes in the third direction.

(Configuration 19)

The sensor according to Configuration 18, wherein

• the one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions is located between the first beam and the other one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions in the third direction, and
• a length of the one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions in the second direction is longer than a length of the other one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions in the second direction.

(Configuration 20)

An electronic device, comprising,

• the sensor according to any one of Configurations 1 to 19, and
• a circuit processing portion configured to control a circuit based on a signal obtained from the sensor.

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 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.

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

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A sensor, comprising: a first detection element; anda controller,the first detection element including, a base body,a first support portion fixed to the base body,a first movable member supported by the first support portion, a first gap being provided between the base body and the first movable member,a first detection electrode fixed to the base body, anda first counter detection electrode fixed to the base body,the first movable member including a first movable portion, the first movable portion including a first beam, a first conductive extending portion, and a first connecting portion, the first beam including 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 crossing a first direction from the base body to the first support portion,the first conductive extending portion including 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 being along the second direction,the first connecting portion connecting the first extending intermediate portion with the first beam intermediate portion,the first extending portion being between the first detection electrode and the first counter detection electrode in a third direction, the third direction crossing a plane including the first direction and the second direction,the controller including a first differential circuit, andthe first differential circuit being 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.

2. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the first detection element includes a first drive electrode fixed to the base body, andthe first drive electrode faces the first extending intermediate portion.

3. The sensor according to claim 2, wherein the first extending intermediate portion is located between the first beam and the first driving electrode in the third direction.

4. The sensor according to claim 2, wherein the controller includes a first drive circuit,the first drive circuit is configured to supply a first drive signal to the first drive electrode, andthe first beam is configured to vibrate in response to the first drive signal.

5. The sensor according to claim 4, wherein the first detection element further includes a first other detection electrode fixed to base body, anda first other counter detection electrode fixed to the base body,the first extending other portion is located between the first other detection electrode and the first other counter detection electrode in the third direction, andthe first differential circuit is configured to output a signal according to a difference between a capacitance between the first other detection electrode and the first extending other portion, and a capacitance between the first other counter detection electrode and the first extending other portion.

6. The sensor according to claim 5, wherein the first other detection electrode is electrically connected to the first detection electrode, andthe first counter detection electrode is electrically connected to the first counter detection electrode.

7. The sensor according to claim 5, wherein a positions of the first other detection electrode in the third direction is between a position of the first beam other end portion in the third direction and a position of the first other counter detection electrode in the third direction.

8. The sensor according to claim 5, wherein a position of the first detection electrode in the third direction is between a position of the first beam end portion in the third direction and a position of the first counter detection electrode in the third direction.

9. The sensor according to claim 4, wherein the first movable member includes a first movable base portion supported by the first support portion,a connection base portion supported by the first movable base portion, anda second movable base portion supported by the connection base portion,a direction from the first movable base portion to the second movable base portion is along the second direction,the first beam end portion is connected to the first movable base portion, andthe first beam other end portion is connected to the second movable base portion.

10. The sensor according to claim 9, wherein the first movable member includes a movable weight portion supported by the second movable base portion, andthe second movable base portion is located between the first movable base portion and the movable weight portion in the second direction.

11. The sensor according to claim 9, wherein the first movable member includes a second movable portion,the second movable portion includes a second beam, a second conductive extending portion, and a second connecting portion,the second beam includes a second beam end portion, a second beam other end portion, and a second beam intermediate portion provided between the second beam end portion and the second beam other end portion, a direction from the second beam end portion to the second beam other end portion is along the second direction,the second conductive extending portion includes a second extending portion, the second extending other portion, and a second extending intermediate portion provided between the second extending portion and the second extending other portion, a direction from the second extending portion to the second extending other portion is along the second direction,the second connecting portion connects the second extending intermediate portion to the second beam intermediate portion,the second extending portion is located between the second detection electrode and the second counter detection electrode in the third direction,the second beam end is connected to the first movable base portion,the second beam other end portion is connected to the second movable base portion,the connection base portion is located between the second beam and the first beam in the third direction,the controller includes a second differential circuit, andthe second differential circuit is configured to output a signal according to a difference between a capacitance between the second detection electrode and the second extending portion, and a capacitance between the second counter detection electrode and the second extending portion.

12. The sensor according to claim 11, wherein the first detection element includes a second drive electrode fixed to the base portion, andthe second drive electrode faces the second extending intermediate portion.

13. The sensor according to claim 12, wherein the first drive circuit is configured to supply a second drive signal to the second drive electrode, andthe second beam is configured to vibrate in response to the second drive signal.

14. The sensor according to claim 11, wherein the first detection element includes a second other detection electrode fixed to the base body, andthe second other counter detection electrode fixed to the base body,the second extending other portion is located between the second other detection electrode and the second other counter detection electrode in the third direction, andthe second differential circuit is configured to output a signal according to a difference between a capacitance between the second other detection electrode and the second extending other portion, and a capacitance between the second other counter detection electrode and the second extending other portion.

15. The sensor according to claim 14, wherein a position of the second other detection electrode in the third direction is between a position of the second beam other end portion in the third direction and a position of the second other counter detection electrode in the third direction.

16. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein a position of the second detection electrode in the third direction is between a position of the second beam end portion in the third direction and a position of the second counter detection electrode in the third direction.

17. The sensor according to claim 11, wherein the controller includes a processor, andthe processor is configured to output a signal according to a difference between a resonance frequency of the first beam and a resonance frequency of the second beam based on an output signal of the first differential circuit and an output signal of the second differential circuit.

18. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the first movable portion includes a plurality of the first conductive extending portions and a plurality of the first connecting portions,one of the plurality of first connecting portions connects one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions and an other one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions,the first detection element includes a plurality of the first detection electrodes and a plurality of the first counter detection electrodes, anda part of one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions is located between one of the plurality of first detection electrodes and one of the plurality of first counter detection electrodes in the third direction.

19. The sensor according to claim 18, wherein the one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions is located between the first beam and the other one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions in the third direction, anda length of the one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions in the second direction is longer than a length of the other one of the plurality of first conductive extending portions in the second direction.

20. An electronic device, comprising, the sensor according to claim 1, anda circuit processing portion configured to control a circuit based on a signal obtained from the sensor.