JP4163992B2

JP4163992B2 - Sensor

Info

Publication number: JP4163992B2
Application number: JP2003129654A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 慎木内; 秀昭佐藤; 敏生小川
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-05-08
Filing date: 2003-05-08
Publication date: 2008-10-08
Anticipated expiration: 2023-05-08
Also published as: JP2004333296A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、電子機器等の傾斜角や振動状態を電気抵抗の変化で検出するセンサに係わり、特に小型化においても振動部の耐久性を向上させることができ、良好な検出特性を維持することが可能なセンサに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
下記に示す特許文献１には傾斜角センサに関する発明が開示されている。特許文献１に記載された傾斜角センサには、弾性を有する板バネの自由端に錘が設けられ、さらに前記板バネ上には絶縁膜を介して電極及び抵抗膜が印刷焼成によって形成されている。
【０００３】
特許文献１では、前記板バネの自由端と反対側の端部が、ちょうど前記電極上に設けられた固定板と、ケース内部に設けられた板バネ用支持部との間に挟み込まれ、前記固定板に設けられたねじ穴からねじを前記板バネ用支持部方向に向けて締め付けることで前記板バネを前記ケース内部に取り付けている。
【０００４】
特許文献１に示す傾斜角センサは、前記ケースを前記板バネが撓む方向に傾けると、前記板バネに設けられた抵抗膜の抵抗値が傾斜角の変化によって変化し、この抵抗値の変化を測定することで前記傾斜角を検出できるようになっている。
【０００５】
【特許文献１】
実開昭６１―１６１７０６号公報
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで傾斜角センサなど電子機器等の内部に搭載されるセンサは、前記電子機器等自体の小型化によって、より小型化されることが要求されている。
【０００７】
そしてその小型化にあっては、軽い錘でも板バネが外力により歪む材質であるとともに、激しい振動等が繰り返えされても白色化などの劣化や塑性変形を起こさずに常に良好な弾性を維持し続け耐久性に優れたものであることが重要である。
【０００８】
しかしながら特許文献１に記載された傾斜角センサでは、前記板バネの基端は、固定板とケース内部に設けられた前記板ばね用支持部との間に挟持され、ねじによって支持固定されているため、前記板ばねは強固にケース内部に支持固定された状態にあり、従って前記板ばねが何回も上下に振動を繰り返すとそのうちに、前記板バネの固定板との境界部分が劣化し始め、上記した塑性変形等を起こしやすい構造となっている。また特許文献１では前記板バネが如何なる材質で形成されたものかも明示されていない。
【０００９】
またセンサの小型化を促進させるには、そもそも、ねじや接着剤等によって前記板ばねをケース内部に支持固定するのに限界がある。よって前記板ばねの支持固定構造には工夫を要する。
【００１０】
そこで本発明は上記従来の課題を解決するためのものであり、特に小型化を実現できるとともに、振動部の耐久性を向上させ良好な検出特性を維持することが可能なセンサを提供することを目的としている。
【００１１】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明のセンサは、上ケースと、導電部材が側面から側壁内部を通り側壁部の上面に接続電極部が露出した下ケースと、弾性変形可能な弾性部及び固定部を有する板ばね部材と、前記弾性部の自由端に設けられた錘と、前記弾性部に設けられ、前記弾性部が弾性変形したときに電気抵抗が変化する可変抵抗部と、前記固定部の下面に設けられ、可変抵抗部に導通接続する電極部とを有し、
前記板ばね部材は、有機系絶縁フィルムで形成され、
前記固定部は、前記弾性部の基端から両ケースの側壁部間に沿って形成されており、前記下ケースの側壁部と前記固定部間に弾性部材が介在するとともに、前記固定部が両ケース間に挟持されて、前記固定部に設けられた前記電極部と、前記下ケースに形成された前記接続電極部とが、前記弾性部材に設けられた穴を介して当接して電気的に接続されることを特徴とするものである。
あるいは、本発明におけるセンサは、上ケースと、導電部材が側面から側壁内部を通り側壁部の上面に接続電極部が露出した下ケースと、弾性変形可能な弾性部及び固定部を有する板ばね部材と、前記弾性部の自由端に設けられた錘と、前記弾性部に設けられ、前記弾性部が弾性変形したときに電気抵抗が変化する可変抵抗部と、前記固定部の下面に設けられ、可変抵抗部に導通接続する電極部とを有し、
前記板ばね部材は、有機系絶縁フィルムで形成され、
前記固定部は、前記弾性部の基端から両ケースの側壁部間に沿って形成されており、前記上ケースの側壁部と前記固定部間に弾性部材が介在するとともに、前記固定部が両ケース間に挟持されて、前記固定部に設けられた前記電極部と、前記下ケースに形成された前記接続電極部とが電気的に接続されることを特徴とするものである。
または本発明におけるセンサは、上ケースと、導電部材が側面から側壁内部を通り側壁部の上面に接続電極部が露出した下ケースと、弾性変形可能な弾性部及び固定部を有する板ばね部材と、前記弾性部の自由端に設けられた錘と、前記弾性部に設けられ、前記弾性部が弾性変形したときに電気抵抗が変化する可変抵抗部と、前記固定部の下面に設けられ、可変抵抗部に導通接続する電極部とを有し、
前記板ばね部材は、有機系絶縁フィルムで形成され、
前記固定部は、前記弾性部の基端から両ケースの側壁部間に沿って形成されており、前記上ケースの側壁部と前記固定部間、及び前記下ケースの側壁部と前記固定部間に弾性部材が介在するとともに、前記固定部が両ケース間に挟持されて、前記固定部に設けられた前記電極部と、前記下ケースに形成された前記接続電極部とが、前記下ケースの側壁部と前記固定部間に介在する前記弾性部材に設けられた穴を介して当接して電気的に接続されることを特徴とするものである。
【００１２】
本発明では前記板ばね部材は前記弾性部と、前記固定部とで構成され、前記固定部は前記弾性部の基端から側方に延出形成されたものである。従って前記固定部の面積を前記弾性部に比べて広くでき、前記板ばね部材を確実に前記ケース内に固定支持することが可能である。
【００１３】
特に本発明では、前記板ばね部材の固定部が弾性部材を介して前記ケース内に固定支持されているため、前記弾性部材からの押圧力によって前記板ばね部材をケース内に例えば接着剤等を用いなくても支持固定できるとともに、前記板ばね部材の弾性部が振動することによって生じる応力が適度に弾性部材によって緩和され、前記弾性部の付け根部分に集中することを抑制できる。このため前記弾性部の付け根部分が白色化したり塑性変形する等の不具合を防ぎ、耐久性に優れたセンサを提供することができる。
【００１４】
そして本発明では前記板ばね部材を有機系絶縁フィルムで形成しているため、前記板ばね部材を従来に比べて小型化するともに、軽い錘を前記板ばね部材の弾性部の自由端に取り付けても、振動による前記弾性部の弾性変形を可能にしセンサの小型化を促進させることができるとともに、上記した弾性部材による応力緩和によって耐久性に優れ且つ前記板ばね部材の取り付け構造を簡単にできるセンサを実現することが可能になる。
【００１５】
また本発明では、前記固定部は、前記側方に延出形成された側方部と、前記側方部から前記弾性部の自由端方向に伸びる脚部とを有して構成されることが好ましい。これによって前記固定部の面積をより広く取ることができ、前記板ばね部材をより確実に前記ケース内に支持固定することができる。
【００１６】
またかかる場合、前記電極部は前記脚部に設けられることが好ましい。
【００１７】
また本発明では、前記可変抵抗部及び電極部は、前記板ばね部材に直接、印刷成形されたものであることが好ましい。本発明では前記板ばね部材は有機系絶縁フィルムで形成されているので、前記板ばね部材に直接、前記可変抵抗部及び電極部を印刷形成することができる。また前記板ばね部材に直接、可変抵抗等を印刷形成することで前記板ばね部材の剛性が強まることを抑制でき、良好な検出特性を維持することができる。
【００１８】
なお本発明では、前記有機系絶縁フィルムはポリイミドで形成された樹脂フィルムであることが好ましい。
【００２０】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１は本発明におけるセンサ（振動センサ）を各構成部材に分解して示した組立前の振動センサの斜視図、図２は図１に示す各構成部材を組み立てた後の振動センサを、符号２の部材がちょうどII―II線から図示Ｙ―Ｚ平面と平行な方向に切断される位置で切断し、その切断面を矢印方向から見た部分断面図、図３は、図１に示す各構成部材を組み立てた後の振動センサを、符号３の部材がちょうどIII―III線から図示Ｙ―Ｚ平面と平行な方向に切断される位置で切断し、その切断面を矢印方向から見た部分断面図、図４は、図１に示す各構成部材を組み立てた後の振動センサを、符号５の部材がちょうどＩＶ―IＶ線から下方向に切断される位置で切断しその切断面を矢印方向から見た部分断面図、図５は図１に示す符号３の部材を拡大し、且つ符号９の部材を符号３の部材から取り外した状態を示す部分拡大斜視図である。
【００２１】
図１に示す符号１は上ケースであり、例えばポリエチレン（PE）やポリプロピレン（PP）、ポリフェニレンサルファイド（PPS）等の樹脂で形成された樹脂ケースである。図３に示すように、前記上ケース１は上板７と前記上板７の周囲から前記上板７と一体となって下方に突出する４つの側壁６とで構成される。これによって前記上ケース１には、前記上板７と側壁６とで囲まれた空間部８が形成される。前記側壁６は、さらに内壁部６ａと、前記内壁部６ａよりも外方に位置し、前記内壁部６ａよりも下方に突出する外壁部６ｂとで構成される。
【００２２】
図１に示す符号２はゴム等で形成された弾性部材である。前記弾性部材２は、温度変化による硬度変化の少ないことが重要で、例えばシリコン系ゴムやフッ素系ゴムであることが好ましい。また前記弾性部材２の最大弾性損失周波数（以下、ＭＥＦ）は、使用温度の範囲内のおいて板ばね部材３の弾性部３ａでの自己共振周波数（以下、ＳＲＦ）より大きいことが好ましい。これにより、自己共振周波数での振動を利用するアプリケーションを制限しなくて済む。仮にＭＥＦがＳＲＦより低いと、例えば、センサ出力のＳＲＦをモニタして衝突を検知しようというような用途の場合に、衝撃のエネルギーがゴム弾性体に吸収され、著しく感度が低下する。振動センサ自体が振動吸収のダンパで保持されてしまうことになる。
【００２３】
前記弾性部材２は、中央に四角形状の窓部２ｂを有するように四つの片２ａの端部同士を一体に繋いだ囲み形状である。前記弾性部材２の各片２ａは前記上ケース１のちょうど内壁部６ａの下面に設置される。
【００２４】
図１に示すように前記弾性部材２の図示左側の片２ａには、２つの突出部２ａ１が下方に向けて突出している。同様に図示右側の片２ａには、１つの突出部２ａ１が下方に向けて突出している。これら突出部２ａ１は、次に説明する板ばね部材３に形成された電極部１１，１３とちょうど対向する位置に形成される。
【００２５】
図１に示す符号３は、板ばね部材である。前記板ばね部材３は、弾性変形可能な弾性部３ａと、前記上ケース１と下ケース５間に挟持されて支持固定される固定部３ｂとで構成される。
【００２６】
図５に示すように、前記弾性部３ａの自由端３ａ１には、錘９が取り付けられる。前記錘９には、前記弾性部３ａの自由端３ａ１と対向する位置に挿入孔９ａが設けられており、前記自由端３ａ１が前記挿入孔９ａ内に挿入されることで、前記錘９が前記弾性部３ａの自由端３ａ１に取り付けられるようになっている。
【００２７】
前記錘９は、例えば黄銅であり、重さは例えば２２ｍｇである。
図５に示す板ばね部材３は、有機系絶縁フィルムで形成される。前記有機系絶縁フィルムには、ポリイミド、ポリエチレンテレフタレート、ポリブチレンテレフタレート等の使用温度範囲（例えば−４０℃〜８５℃程度）内において、ガラス転移等の物理的、科学的変性を生じない樹脂フィルムが使用可能であるが、この中でも特にポリイミドで形成された樹脂フィルムを使用することが好ましい。
【００２８】
図５に示すように前記固定部３ｂは、前記板ばね部材３の前記弾性部３ａの基端３ａ２から両側方（図示Ｘ方向）に向けて延出形成された側方部３ｂ１と、前記側方部３ｂ１の両端部から屈曲して前記弾性部３ａの自由端３ａ１方向（図示Ｙ方向）に延びる脚部３ｂ２，３ｂ２とで構成される。
【００２９】
図５に示すように、前記弾性部３ａの下面には、可変抵抗部１０が形成されている。また前記固定部３ｂの図示左側の脚部３ｂ２の下面には、２つの電極部１１，１１と、前記電極部１１，１１間に形成された抵抗部１９が形成されている。また前記固定部３ｂの図示右側の脚部３ｂ２の下面には、１つの電極部１３が形成されている。
【００３０】
図５に示すように、図示右側の脚部３ｂ２の下面に形成された電極部１３と、弾性部３ａの下面に形成された可変抵抗部１０とが導通接続されており、また前記可変抵抗部１０と、図示左側の脚部３ｂ２の下面に形成された電極部１１―抵抗部１９―電極部１１とが導通接続されている。
【００３１】
図５に示す前記可変抵抗部１０は例えばカーボン膜である。前記弾性部３ａが弾性変形すると、前記カーボン膜はそれに合わせて伸縮し、これによって前記カーボン膜の抵抗値が変化する。前記伸縮による前記抵抗値の変化量を大きくするには、本発明のようにカーボン膜を使用することが好ましい。
【００３２】
また前記電極部１１，１３は銀膜など導電性に優れ且つ耐腐食性に優れた材質で形成されることが好ましい。また前記抵抗部１９は可変抵抗部１０と同様にカーボン膜等で形成される。
【００３３】
前記可変抵抗部１０，電極部１１，１３及び抵抗部１９は有機系絶縁フィルムで形成された板ばね部材３の下面に直接、印刷成形されたものである。印刷方法は例えばスクリーン印刷法である。
【００３４】
図１に示す符号４は、ゴム等の弾性部材４である。前記弾性部材４は、弾性部材２と同様に、その中央に四角形状の窓部４ｂが形成されるように４つの片４ａの端部同士を一体に繋いだ囲み形状である。前記弾性部材４の各片４ａは前記下ケース５のちょうど内壁部１２ａの上面に設置される。なお前記弾性部材４の材質等は弾性部材２と同じである。
【００３５】
図１に示すように前記弾性部材４の図示左側の片４ａには、２つの穴部４ａ１が形成されている。同様に図示右側の片４ａには、１つの穴部４ａ１が形成されている。これら穴部４ａ１は、次に説明する下ケース５から突出する接続電極部１５，１６と対向する位置に形成され、前記接続電極部１５，１６を貫通させることが可能な程度の大きさで形成される。
【００３６】
図１に示す符号５は下ケースである。前記下ケース５は上ケース１と同様に例えばポリエチレン（PE）やポリプロピレン（PP）、ポリフェニレンサルファイド（PPS）等の樹脂で形成された樹脂ケースである。図３に示すように、前記下ケース５は底板１４と、前記底板１４の周囲から前記底板１４と一体となって上方に突出する４つの側壁１２とで構成される。これによって前記下ケース５には、前記底板１４と側壁１２とで囲まれた空間部２０が形成される。前記側壁１２は、さらに内壁部１２ａと、前記内壁部１２ａよりも外方に位置し、前記内壁部１２ａよりも上方に突出する外壁部１２ｂとで構成される。
【００３７】
図１に示すように２つの導電部材１７が、ちょうど下ケース５の図示左側の側面５ａから側壁１２内部を通り、前記側壁１２の上面に露出すべく設けられ、また１つの導電部材１８が、ちょうど下ケース５の図示右側の側面５ａから側壁１２内部を通り、前記側壁１２の上面に露出すべく設けられている。
【００３８】
図示左側の側壁１２の上面から突出した導電部材１７の部分は、接続電極部１５，１５を構成し、図示右側の側壁１２の上面から突出した導電部材１８の部分は、接続電極部１６を構成する。これら各接続電極部１５，１６は、前記板ばね部材３の脚部３ｂ２の下面に形成された電極部１１，１３と対向する位置となるように、前記下ケース５の内壁部１２ａの上面から突出形成される。
【００３９】
図１に示すように前記導電部材１７，１８はそれぞれ下ケース５の側面５ａから外方に突出し、その突出した部分がそれぞれ端子部１７ａ，１７ｂ，１８ａを構成している。
【００４０】
前記導電部材１７，１８は前記下ケース５内部に例えばインサート成形により形成されたものである。
【００４１】
次に、下ケース５に形成された接続電極部１５と、板ばね部材３の脚部３ｂ２に形成された電極部１１，１３との接続構造について説明する。
【００４２】
図２は、図１に示す各構成部材が組立てられて完成したセンサの前記電極の接続構造を示す部分断面図である。なお図２では、前記接続電極部１５と電極部１１間の接続構造を説明するが、接続電極部１６と電極部１３間の接続構造も同じである。
【００４３】
図２に示すように、下ケース５の内壁部１２ａの上面から突出した接続電極部１５は、弾性部材４に形成された穴部４ａ１内を貫通して、前記穴部４ａ１内から露出し、前記接続電極部１５と対向する位置に配置された前記板ばね部材３の脚部３ｂ２の下面に形成された電極部１１と、前記接続電極部１５とが前記弾性部材４の穴部４ａ１を介して当接する。
【００４４】
本発明では、前記板ばね部材３と下ケース５間に弾性部材４を介在させているため、上ケース１と下ケース５とを接合させたときの押圧力で、前記弾性部材４が若干の弾性変形を起こす。この結果、前記板ばね部材３に形成された電極部１１と下ケース５に形成された接続電極部１５とが極端に強い力によって接合されず、適度な当接力を受けて前記電極部１１，１５が当接するので、前記電極部１１，１５が破損等することなく常に良好な導通状態を保つことが可能である。
【００４５】
また本発明では、図２に示すように、前記弾性部材２に形成された下方に突出する突出部２ａ１は、前記上ケース１と下ケース５とが接合されたときに、下方に押圧力を生じるため、前記突出部２ａ１は、前記板ばね部材３の電極部１１を下方に押し、その結果、前記板ばね部材３の電極部１１と前記下ケース５に形成された接続電極部１５とがより良好に導通接続された状態になるとともに、接着剤や半田等を用いなくても衝撃等によって前記電極部１１，１５同士が位置ずれを起こすことを抑制できる。
【００４６】
なお前記下ケース５の側壁１２の上面から突出する接続電極部１５の高さは、前記弾性部材４の厚みよりも若干低くなるように調整されている。これによって上ケース１と下ケース５とが接合される際に前記弾性部材４は、若干の弾性変形を起こすとともに前記弾性部材２の突出部２ａ１からの適度な押圧力を受けて前記板ばね部材３の電極部１１と前記下ケース５の接続電極部１５とが良好な導通状態を保つようになる。
【００４７】
図３に示すように、前記弾性部材２，４の各片２ａ，４ａは、ちょうど上ケース１及び下ケース５の内壁部６ａ，１２ａ間に挟まれる大きさで形成され、また板ばね部材３の固定部３ｂは、上下で対向する弾性部材２，４の各片２ａ，４ａの大きさの範囲内で形成される。このため、前記上ケース１及び下ケース５の外形寸法は、前記弾性部材２，４及び板ばね部材３よりも若干大きくなっている。
【００４８】
図３に示すように、前記上ケース１の外壁部６ｂの下面と下ケース５の外壁部１２ｂの上面とがそれぞれ合わさり、この接合面間に接着剤等が付与されることで前記上ケース１と下ケース５とが接着固定される。例えば前記接着剤は前記上ケース１と下ケース５とを上下に重ねたときの境界部上に塗布することで毛細管作用によって前記接合面間に浸透していく。このとき前記弾性部材２，４上に若干接着剤が及んでいてもよい。
【００４９】
図３に示すように上ケース１及び下ケース５とが接合されると、その内部には、三次元的に囲まれた空間が形成される。図３及び図４に示すようにその空間内には、前記板ばね部材３の弾性部３ａと前記弾性部３ａの自由端３ａ１に取り付けられた錘９が位置し、前記錘９が振動によって上下に振れることで前記弾性部３ａが前記空間内で弾性変形を起こす。
【００５０】
例えば図１に示す端子部１７ａには電源部（図示しない）が接続され、図１に示す端子部１８ａがアースに落とされ、端子部１７ｂが検出部（図示しない）に接続されているとし、電源部での電圧をＶｃｃ、抵抗部１９の抵抗値をＲ、可変抵抗部１０の抵抗値をＲｘ、検出部での電圧をＶｏとすると、式Ｖｏ＝[Ｒｘ／（Ｒｘ＋Ｒ）]Ｖｃｃが成立する。
【００５１】
今、前記錘９が上下に振動し、前記板ばね部材３の弾性部３ａが上下に弾性変形を起こすと前期弾性部３ａの下面に設けられた可変抵抗部１０であるカーボン膜が伸縮することで前記可変抵抗部１０の抵抗値Ｒｘが変化し、この結果、電位差ΔＶｏが生じ、これによって前記弾性部３ａの振動状態や傾斜角を検出することが可能になっている。
【００５２】
本発明では上記したように前記板ばね部材３が有機系絶縁フィルムで形成される。この結果、前記板ばね部材３を非常に小さい寸法で形成し、重さの軽い錘９を前記板ばね部材３の弾性部３ａに取り付けても前記弾性部３ａを良好に弾性変形させることが可能である。従って前記板ばね部材３自体の大きさを従来に比べて非常に小さくできる。
【００５３】
図５に示すように、前記板ばね部材３の長さ寸法Ｔ１は、例えば５ｍｍ程度である。また前記板ばね部材３の幅寸法Ｔ２は７ｍｍ程度である。また前記板ばね部材３の弾性部３ａの長さ寸法Ｔ３は２ｍｍ程度で、前記弾性部３ａの幅寸法Ｔ４は１ｍｍ程度である。また前記板ばね部材３の厚みは前記板ばね部材３がポリイミドである場合、０．０７５ｍｍ程度まで薄くできる。
【００５４】
本発明におけるセンサの特徴的部分について以下に説明する。
図１ないし図５に示すセンサでは、板ばね部材３として有機系絶縁フィルムを使用している。このため上記したように前記板ばね部材３の大きさを従来に比べて非常に小さく形成しても、前記板ばね部材３の弾性部３ａを振動板として機能させることが可能であり、センサ全体の小型化をより効果的に促進させることができる。
【００５５】
本発明では、さらに前記板ばね部材３の固定部３ｂが前記弾性部３ａの基端３ａ２から側方に向けて延び、前記固定部３ｂの上面と上ケース１の側壁６間及び固定部３ｂの下面と下ケース５の側壁１２間に弾性部材２，４を介在させている。
【００５６】
その結果、前記固定部３ｂの面積を前記弾性部３ａの面積に比べて大きくすることが可能であり、前記固定部３ｂを弾性部材２，４からの押圧力を利用して前記ケース内部に支持固定することで、従来のようにねじや接着剤等を用いなくても前記固定部３ｂでしっかりと板ばね部材３をケース内に固定支持できる。
【００５７】
しかも前記弾性部３ａが弾性変形した際に生じる応力は、前記弾性部材２，４によって適度に緩和されるから、前記弾性部３ａの付け根３ａ３，３ａ３部分に前記応力が集中することを抑制できる。このため繰り返し弾性部３ａが振動しても、あるいは前記弾性部３ａが極端に大きく振れた場合でも前記弾性部３ａの付け根３ａ３部分が白色化等により劣化したり、前記弾性部３ａが塑性変形することを抑制でき耐久性を向上させることが可能になっている。
【００５８】
本発明では単に板ばね部材３を従来よりも小さくしただけではなく、そのような小型化においても簡単な構造で安定して前記板ばね部材３をケース内で支持固定できるとともに耐久性を向上させて、良好な検出特性を維持すべく、前記板ばね部材３を有機系絶縁フィルムで形成するとともに、板ばね部材３の固定部３ｂの面積を弾性部３ａの面積よりも広く形成し、且つ板ばね部材３の固定部３ｂとケース間に弾性部材２，４を介在させることとしたのである。
【００５９】
なお本発明では、前記弾性部材２，４は一方のみに設けられていてもよい。かかる場合、板ばね部材３に設けられた電極部１１，１３と下ケース５に設けられた接続電極部１５，１６間に介在する方の弾性部材２が設けられていることが好ましい。これによって前記電極部間を適度な力で接触させ前記電極部の破損等を防止できる。
【００６０】
本発明では図５に示すように、前記板ばね部材３の固定部３ｂは、前記弾性部３ａの基端３ａ２から側方に向けて延びる側方部３ｂ１と、その側方部３ｂ１の両側端部から前記弾性部３ａの自由端３ａ１方向に向けて延びる脚部３ｂ２とで構成されることが好ましい。前記固定部３ｂに側方部３ｂ１のみならず脚部３ｂ２を設けることで、より前記固定部３ｂの面積を前記弾性部３ａの面積に比べて広げることができ、より安定して前記板ばね部材３を前記ケース内に支持固定することが可能になる。また前記固定部３ｂに脚部３ｂ２を設けることで、この脚部３ｂ２に電極部１１，１３や抵抗部１９を設けることができ、前記電極部１１，１３及び抵抗部１９の形成位置の自由度を広げることができる。
【００６１】
なお本発明では、前記弾性部３ａの基端３ａ２の両側方に向けて固定部３ｂが延びているが、前期基端３ａ２の一方の側方のみに前記固定部３ｂが延出形成されていてもよい。ただし前記弾性部３ａの基端３ａ２の両側方に向けて前記固定部３ｂが延出形成されている方が、より安定して前記板ばね部材３を前記ケース内部に支持固定することが可能である。
【００６２】
また本発明ではケースは、上ケース１と下ケース５とに分割形成されており、前記上ケース１と下ケース５間に、前記弾性部材２，４及び板ばね部材３が挟持されるようになっている。そして前記板ばね部材３の固定部３ｂは、両ケース１，５の内壁部６ａ，１２ａ間に沿って形成されたものであり、前記固定部３ｂが前記弾性部材２，４を介して前記内壁部６ａ，１２ａ間に挟持される構造となっている。このように前記板ばね部材３は、前記上ケース１及び下ケース５間に前記弾性部材２，４を介して挟持されて支持固定されるようになっているから、前記板ばね部材３を前記ケース内に支持固定する際に前記板ばね部材３を固定するために余分な部材を設ける必要がなく、また半田や接着剤などにより固定する必要もなく、非常に簡単な構造で且つ確実に前記板ばね部材３をケース内部に支持固定できる。
【００６３】
特に上記のように本発明では前記板ばね部材３が有機系絶縁フィルムで形成された非常に薄くて小さい部材であるから、このような板ばね部材３をそもそもケース内に半田付け等で支持固定することは作業が煩雑化するとともに確実に支持固定することが困難であるため、本発明のようにケースを分割ケースにし、その分割ケースの接合の際に、前記板ばね部材３を挟持できるようにすれば、非常に簡単な構造で確実に前記板ばね部材３をケース内に支持固定することが可能になる。
【００６４】
また本発明では、上記したように前記板ばね部材３に形成された可変抵抗部１０、電極部１１，１３及び抵抗部１９を、前記板ばね部材３が有機系絶縁フィルムであるため、前記板ばね部材３の表面に直接、印刷成形することが可能であり、前記可変抵抗部１０、電極部１１，１３及び抵抗部１９の形成を容易化できるとともに前記板ばね部材３の弾性部３ａの剛性が強まることを抑制でき、良好な検出特性を維持することができる。
【００６５】
また本発明では、前記可変抵抗部１０、電極部１１，１３及び抵抗部１９を前記板ばね部材３の上下面のいずれか一方の面のみに形成し、下ケース５から前記電極部１１，１３に電気的に接触する接続電極部１５，１６を突出形成することで非常に簡単な構造で良好な電極間の接続構造を得ることができる。
【００６６】
なお前記抵抗部１９は、板ばね部材３に印刷等によって形成されていなくても良く、センサ外部に設けられていてもよい。図５に示す電極部１１，１３及び抵抗部１９の配置は一例にすぎない。
【００６７】
また特に前記板ばね部材３を所定位置に設置するためには、例えば図１に示す下ケース５の側壁部１２から上ケース１方向に向くリブ（図示しない）を設け、弾性部材２，４及び板ばね部材３には、前記リブと対向する位置に穴部を設け、弾性部材２，４及び板ばね部材３を上ケース１及び下ケース５間に挟持するときに、前記穴部内に前記リブを貫通させることで、前記板ばね部材３をより所定位置に設置しやすなる。
【００６８】
上記した本発明におけるセンサは例えば携帯電話などの小型化機器への使用が期待される。
【００６９】
【発明の効果】
以上説明した本発明では、板ばね部材を有機系絶縁フィルムで形成するとともに、板ばね部材の固定部の面積を弾性部の面積よりも広く形成し、且つ板ばね部材の固定部とケース間に弾性部材を介在させることとしたのである。
【００７０】
これによってセンサの小型化を実現でき、そのような小型化においても簡単な構造で安定して前記板ばね部材をケース内で支持固定できるとともに耐久性を向上させて、良好な検出特性を維持することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明のセンサを各構成部材に分解した分解斜視図、
【図２】図１に示す各構成部材を組み立てた後のセンサを、弾性部材２がちょうどII―II線から図示Ｙ―Ｚ平面と平行な方向に切断される位置で切断し、その切断面を矢印方向から見た部分断面図、
【図３】図１に示す各構成部材を組み立てた後のセンサを、板ばね部材３がちょうどIII―III線から図示Ｙ―Ｚ平面と平行な方向に切断される位置で切断し、その切断面を矢印方向から見た部分断面図、
【図４】図１に示す各構成部材を組み立てた後のセンサを、下ケース５がちょうどＩＶ―IＶ線から下方向に切断される位置で切断しその切断面を矢印方向から見た部分断面図、
【図５】図１に示す板ばね部材３を拡大し、且つ錘９を板ばね部材３から取り外した状態を示す部分拡大斜視図、
【符号の説明】
１上ケース
２、４弾性部材
３板ばね部材
３ａ弾性部
３ｂ固定部
５下ケース
６、１２側壁部
９錘
１０可変抵抗部
１１、１３電極部
１５、２６接続電極部
１７、１８導電部材[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sensor that detects an inclination angle or a vibration state of an electronic device or the like by a change in electric resistance, and can improve durability of a vibration part even in downsizing, and maintain good detection characteristics. It is related with the sensor which can do.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Patent Document 1 shown below discloses an invention related to a tilt angle sensor. In the tilt angle sensor described in Patent Document 1, a weight is provided at the free end of a plate spring having elasticity, and an electrode and a resistance film are formed on the plate spring through an insulating film by printing and baking. Yes.
[0003]
In Patent Document 1, the end opposite to the free end of the leaf spring is sandwiched between a fixed plate provided on the electrode and a leaf spring support provided in the case, The plate spring is attached to the inside of the case by tightening a screw from a screw hole provided in the fixed plate toward the support portion for the plate spring.
[0004]
In the tilt angle sensor shown in Patent Document 1, when the case is tilted in the direction in which the leaf spring bends, the resistance value of the resistance film provided on the leaf spring changes due to the change in the tilt angle, and the change in the resistance value. The inclination angle can be detected by measuring.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-161706
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, a sensor mounted inside an electronic device or the like such as an inclination angle sensor is required to be further downsized by downsizing the electronic device or the like.
[0007]
In the miniaturization, even a light weight is a material in which the leaf spring is distorted by an external force, and even if repeated intense vibrations, it always has good elasticity without causing deterioration such as whitening or plastic deformation. It is important to maintain and maintain durability.
[0008]
However, in the tilt angle sensor described in Patent Document 1, the base end of the leaf spring is sandwiched between a stationary plate and the leaf spring support provided inside the case, and is supported and fixed by screws. For this reason, the leaf spring is firmly supported and fixed inside the case. Therefore, when the leaf spring repeatedly vibrates up and down several times, the boundary portion of the leaf spring with the fixed plate starts to deteriorate. The structure is easy to cause the plastic deformation described above. Further, Patent Document 1 does not clearly indicate what material the leaf spring is formed of.
[0009]
In order to promote the downsizing of the sensor, there is a limit in supporting and fixing the leaf spring inside the case with screws, adhesives, or the like. Therefore, it is necessary to devise a structure for supporting and fixing the leaf spring.
[0010]
Accordingly, the present invention is to solve the above-described conventional problems, and in particular, to provide a sensor that can achieve downsizing and can improve the durability of the vibration part and maintain good detection characteristics. It is aimed.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The sensor of the present invention includes an upper case,Conductive member passes through the inside of the side wall from the sideA lower case in which the connection electrode portion is exposed on the upper surface of the side wall portion; a leaf spring member having an elastically deformable elastic portion and a fixing portion; a weight provided at a free end of the elastic portion; and the elastic portion. A variable resistance portion whose electrical resistance changes when the elastic portion is elastically deformed, and an electrode portion provided on the lower surface of the fixed portion and electrically connected to the variable resistance portion,
  The leaf spring member is formed of an organic insulating film,
  The fixing part is formed between the side walls of both cases from the base end of the elastic part,Between the side wall portion of the lower case and the fixed portionWhile the elastic member is interposed, the fixed portion is sandwiched between both cases, the electrode portion provided in the fixed portion, and the connection electrode portion formed in the lower case,Through the hole provided in the elastic memberIt is characterized by being in contact and being electrically connected.
Alternatively, the sensor according to the present invention includes a plate spring member having an upper case, a lower case in which the conductive member passes through the side wall from the side surface and the connection electrode portion is exposed on the upper surface of the side wall portion, and an elastically deformable elastic portion and a fixing portion. A weight provided at a free end of the elastic part, a variable resistance part provided in the elastic part, and having an electric resistance that changes when the elastic part is elastically deformed, and provided on a lower surface of the fixed part, Having an electrode portion that is conductively connected to the variable resistance portion,
The leaf spring member is formed of an organic insulating film,
The fixing portion is formed between the side wall portions of both cases from the base end of the elastic portion, an elastic member is interposed between the side wall portion of the upper case and the fixing portion, and the fixing portions are both The electrode part provided between the cases and sandwiched between cases is electrically connected to the connection electrode part formed on the lower case.
Alternatively, the sensor according to the present invention includes an upper case, a lower case in which the conductive member passes through the side wall from the side surface and the connection electrode portion is exposed on the upper surface of the side wall portion, and a leaf spring member having an elastically deformable elastic portion and a fixing portion. , A weight provided at a free end of the elastic part, a variable resistance part provided in the elastic part, and having an electric resistance that changes when the elastic part is elastically deformed, and provided on a lower surface of the fixed part Having an electrode part conductively connected to the resistance part,
The leaf spring member is formed of an organic insulating film,
The fixing portion is formed between the side wall portions of the upper case and the side wall portions of the upper case, and between the side wall portion of the lower case and the fixing portion. An elastic member is interposed between the two cases, and the electrode portion provided on the fixing portion and the connection electrode portion formed on the lower case are connected to the lower case. It is electrically connected by abutting through a hole provided in the elastic member interposed between the side wall portion and the fixed portion.
[0012]
In this invention, the said leaf | plate spring member is comprised by the said elastic part and the said fixing | fixed part, and the said fixing | fixed part is extended and formed in the side from the base end of the said elastic part. Accordingly, the area of the fixing portion can be made larger than that of the elastic portion, and the leaf spring member can be securely fixed and supported in the case.
[0013]
In particular, in the present invention, since the fixing portion of the leaf spring member is fixedly supported in the case via an elastic member, the leaf spring member is placed in the case by a pressing force from the elastic member. It can be supported and fixed without being used, and stress generated by vibration of the elastic portion of the leaf spring member can be moderated by the elastic member, and can be prevented from concentrating on the base portion of the elastic portion. For this reason, it is possible to provide a sensor having excellent durability by preventing problems such as whitening or plastic deformation of the base portion of the elastic portion.
[0014]
In the present invention, since the leaf spring member is formed of an organic insulating film, the leaf spring member is reduced in size as compared with the prior art, and a light weight is attached to the free end of the elastic portion of the leaf spring member. In addition, the elastic part can be elastically deformed by vibration to facilitate the downsizing of the sensor, and the sensor is excellent in durability and can simplify the mounting structure of the leaf spring member by stress relaxation by the elastic member. Can be realized.
[0015]
Further, in the present invention, the fixing portion includes a side portion extending to the side and a leg portion extending from the side portion toward the free end of the elastic portion. preferable. As a result, the area of the fixing portion can be increased, and the leaf spring member can be more securely supported and fixed in the case.
[0016]
  In such a case, the electrode part is preferably provided on the leg part..
[0017]
Moreover, in this invention, it is preferable that the said variable resistance part and an electrode part are directly printed by the said leaf | plate spring member. In the present invention, since the leaf spring member is formed of an organic insulating film, the variable resistance portion and the electrode portion can be directly printed on the leaf spring member. Further, by directly forming a variable resistor or the like on the leaf spring member, it is possible to suppress the rigidity of the leaf spring member from being increased, and good detection characteristics can be maintained.
[0018]
In the present invention, the organic insulating film is preferably a resin film formed of polyimide.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vibration sensor before assembly in which the sensor (vibration sensor) according to the present invention is disassembled into constituent members, and FIG. 2 is a reference numeral for the vibration sensor after the constituent members shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of the member 2 cut from the line II-II at a position cut in a direction parallel to the YZ plane shown in FIG. The vibration sensor after assembling the components is cut at a position where the member 3 is cut from the line III-III in a direction parallel to the YZ plane shown in the figure, and the cut surface is viewed from the direction of the arrow. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vibration sensor after assembling the components shown in FIG. 1 at a position where the member 5 is cut downward from the IV-IV line, and the cut surface is in the direction of the arrow. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the member denoted by reference numeral 3 shown in FIG. The members of the reference numeral 9 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a state removed from the member code 3.
[0021]
Reference numeral 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an upper case, which is a resin case formed of a resin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), or the like. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper case 1 includes an upper plate 7 and four side walls 6 that project downward from the periphery of the upper plate 7 together with the upper plate 7. Thus, a space 8 surrounded by the upper plate 7 and the side wall 6 is formed in the upper case 1. The side wall 6 further includes an inner wall portion 6a and an outer wall portion 6b that is located outward from the inner wall portion 6a and projects downward from the inner wall portion 6a.
[0022]
Reference numeral 2 shown in FIG. 1 is an elastic member made of rubber or the like. It is important that the elastic member 2 has a small change in hardness due to a temperature change. For example, the elastic member 2 is preferably a silicon rubber or a fluorine rubber. The maximum elastic loss frequency (hereinafter referred to as MEF) of the elastic member 2 is preferably greater than the self-resonant frequency (hereinafter referred to as SRF) at the elastic portion 3a of the leaf spring member 3 within the range of operating temperature. This eliminates the need to limit applications that use vibration at the self-resonant frequency. If the MEF is lower than the SRF, for example, in a case where the collision is detected by monitoring the SRF of the sensor output, the impact energy is absorbed by the rubber elastic body, and the sensitivity is significantly lowered. The vibration sensor itself is held by the vibration absorbing damper.
[0023]
The elastic member 2 has a surrounding shape in which the end portions of the four pieces 2a are integrally connected so as to have a rectangular window portion 2b in the center. Each piece 2 a of the elastic member 2 is installed on the lower surface of the inner wall 6 a of the upper case 1.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 1, two protruding portions 2a1 protrude downward from the left piece 2a of the elastic member 2. Similarly, one protrusion 2a1 protrudes downward from the piece 2a on the right side of the figure. These projecting portions 2a1 are formed at positions just opposite to the electrode portions 11 and 13 formed on the leaf spring member 3 described below.
[0025]
Reference numeral 3 shown in FIG. 1 is a leaf spring member. The leaf spring member 3 includes an elastic portion 3a that can be elastically deformed and a fixing portion 3b that is sandwiched between the upper case 1 and the lower case 5 and supported and fixed.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 5, a weight 9 is attached to the free end 3a1 of the elastic portion 3a. The weight 9 is provided with an insertion hole 9a at a position facing the free end 3a1 of the elastic portion 3a, and the free end 3a1 is inserted into the insertion hole 9a, whereby the weight 9 is It can be attached to the free end 3a1 of the elastic part 3a.
[0027]
The weight 9 is, for example, brass and the weight is, for example, 22 mg.
The leaf spring member 3 shown in FIG. 5 is formed of an organic insulating film. The organic insulating film includes a resin film that does not cause physical or scientific modification such as glass transition within a use temperature range (for example, about −40 ° C. to 85 ° C.) such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, and polybutylene terephthalate. Although it can be used, it is particularly preferable to use a resin film formed of polyimide.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 5, the fixing portion 3b includes a side portion 3b1 extending from the base end 3a2 of the elastic portion 3a of the leaf spring member 3 toward both sides (X direction in the drawing), and the side The leg portions 3b2 and 3b2 are bent from both ends of the side portion 3b1 and extend in the direction of the free end 3a1 (Y direction in the drawing) of the elastic portion 3a.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 5, a variable resistance portion 10 is formed on the lower surface of the elastic portion 3a. In addition, two electrode portions 11 and 11 and a resistance portion 19 formed between the electrode portions 11 and 11 are formed on the lower surface of the left leg portion 3b2 of the fixed portion 3b. Further, one electrode portion 13 is formed on the lower surface of the leg portion 3b2 on the right side of the fixed portion 3b.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 5, the electrode portion 13 formed on the lower surface of the leg 3b2 on the right side of the drawing and the variable resistance portion 10 formed on the lower surface of the elastic portion 3a are electrically connected, and the variable resistance portion 10 and the electrode part 11-resistor part 19-electrode part 11 formed on the lower surface of the leg part 3b2 on the left side of the figure are connected in conduction.
[0031]
The variable resistance portion 10 shown in FIG. 5 is, for example, a carbon film. When the elastic portion 3a is elastically deformed, the carbon film expands and contracts accordingly, thereby changing the resistance value of the carbon film. In order to increase the amount of change in the resistance value due to the expansion and contraction, it is preferable to use a carbon film as in the present invention.
[0032]
The electrode portions 11 and 13 are preferably formed of a material having excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance, such as a silver film. The resistance portion 19 is formed of a carbon film or the like, similar to the variable resistance portion 10.
[0033]
The variable resistance part 10, the electrode parts 11 and 13, and the resistance part 19 are directly printed on the lower surface of the leaf spring member 3 formed of an organic insulating film. The printing method is, for example, a screen printing method.
[0034]
Reference numeral 4 shown in FIG. 1 is an elastic member 4 such as rubber. Like the elastic member 2, the elastic member 4 has a surrounding shape in which the ends of the four pieces 4a are integrally connected so that a rectangular window 4b is formed at the center thereof. Each piece 4 a of the elastic member 4 is installed on the upper surface of the inner wall portion 12 a of the lower case 5. The material of the elastic member 4 is the same as that of the elastic member 2.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 1, two holes 4 a 1 are formed in the left side piece 4 a of the elastic member 4. Similarly, one hole 4a1 is formed in the right piece 4a in the drawing. These hole portions 4a1 are formed at positions facing connection electrode portions 15 and 16 projecting from the lower case 5 to be described below, and have a size that allows the connection electrode portions 15 and 16 to pass therethrough. Is done.
[0036]
Reference numeral 5 shown in FIG. 1 is a lower case. The lower case 5 is a resin case formed of a resin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), etc., like the upper case 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the lower case 5 includes a bottom plate 14 and four side walls 12 that project upward from the periphery of the bottom plate 14 together with the bottom plate 14. Accordingly, a space 20 surrounded by the bottom plate 14 and the side wall 12 is formed in the lower case 5. The side wall 12 further includes an inner wall portion 12a and an outer wall portion 12b that is located outward from the inner wall portion 12a and projects upward from the inner wall portion 12a.
[0037]
As shown in FIG. 1, two conductive members 17 are provided so as to pass through the inside of the side wall 12 from the side surface 5a on the left side of the lower case 5 to be exposed on the upper surface of the side wall 12, and one conductive member 18 is provided. The lower case 5 is provided so as to pass through the inside of the side wall 12 from the right side surface 5a of the lower case 5 and be exposed on the upper surface of the side wall 12.
[0038]
The portion of the conductive member 17 protruding from the upper surface of the left side wall 12 shown in the drawing constitutes the connection electrode portions 15, 15, and the portion of the conductive member 18 protruding from the upper surface of the right side wall 12 shown in the drawing constitutes the connection electrode portion 16. To do. These connection electrode portions 15 and 16 are arranged from the upper surface of the inner wall portion 12a of the lower case 5 so as to face the electrode portions 11 and 13 formed on the lower surface of the leg portion 3b2 of the leaf spring member 3. Protrusions are formed.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 1, the conductive members 17 and 18 protrude outward from the side surface 5a of the lower case 5, and the protruding portions constitute terminal portions 17a, 17b and 18a, respectively.
[0040]
The conductive members 17 and 18 are formed in the lower case 5 by, for example, insert molding.
[0041]
Next, a connection structure between the connection electrode portion 15 formed on the lower case 5 and the electrode portions 11 and 13 formed on the leg portions 3b2 of the leaf spring member 3 will be described.
[0042]
FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the connection structure of the electrodes of the sensor completed by assembling the constituent members shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the connection structure between the connection electrode portion 15 and the electrode portion 11 will be described, but the connection structure between the connection electrode portion 16 and the electrode portion 13 is the same.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 2, the connection electrode portion 15 protruding from the upper surface of the inner wall portion 12a of the lower case 5 passes through the hole portion 4a1 formed in the elastic member 4, and is exposed from the hole portion 4a1. The electrode portion 11 formed on the lower surface of the leg portion 3b2 of the leaf spring member 3 disposed at a position facing the connection electrode portion 15 and the connection electrode portion 15 are interposed through the hole 4a1 of the elastic member 4. Abut.
[0044]
In the present invention, since the elastic member 4 is interposed between the leaf spring member 3 and the lower case 5, the elastic member 4 is slightly deformed by the pressing force when the upper case 1 and the lower case 5 are joined. Causes elastic deformation. As a result, the electrode part 11 formed on the leaf spring member 3 and the connection electrode part 15 formed on the lower case 5 are not joined by an extremely strong force, and receive an appropriate abutting force to receive the electrode part 11, Since 15 contacts, it is possible to always maintain a good conduction state without damaging the electrode portions 11 and 15.
[0045]
Further, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 2, the downward projecting portion 2a1 formed on the elastic member 2 applies a downward pressure when the upper case 1 and the lower case 5 are joined. Therefore, the protruding portion 2a1 pushes the electrode portion 11 of the leaf spring member 3 downward. As a result, the electrode portion 11 of the leaf spring member 3 and the connection electrode portion 15 formed on the lower case 5 are connected. It is possible to prevent the electrode parts 11 and 15 from being misaligned due to an impact or the like without using an adhesive, solder, or the like, as well as being in a conductive connection state.
[0046]
The height of the connection electrode portion 15 protruding from the upper surface of the side wall 12 of the lower case 5 is adjusted to be slightly lower than the thickness of the elastic member 4. As a result, when the upper case 1 and the lower case 5 are joined, the elastic member 4 undergoes a slight elastic deformation and receives an appropriate pressing force from the protruding portion 2a1 of the elastic member 2 so as to receive the leaf spring member. 3 electrode portion 11 and connection electrode portion 15 of lower case 5 are kept in a good conductive state.
[0047]
As shown in FIG. 3, the pieces 2 a and 4 a of the elastic members 2 and 4 are formed to have a size that is sandwiched between the inner walls 6 a and 12 a of the upper case 1 and the lower case 5, and the leaf spring member 3. The fixed portion 3b is formed within a size range of the pieces 2a and 4a of the elastic members 2 and 4 opposed vertically. For this reason, the outer dimensions of the upper case 1 and the lower case 5 are slightly larger than those of the elastic members 2, 4 and the leaf spring member 3.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 3, the lower surface of the outer wall portion 6b of the upper case 1 and the upper surface of the outer wall portion 12b of the lower case 5 are joined together, and an adhesive or the like is applied between the joint surfaces to thereby form the upper case 1. And the lower case 5 are bonded and fixed. For example, the adhesive permeates between the joint surfaces by capillary action by applying the adhesive on the boundary portion when the upper case 1 and the lower case 5 are stacked one above the other. At this time, a slight amount of adhesive may be applied to the elastic members 2 and 4.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 3, when the upper case 1 and the lower case 5 are joined, a three-dimensionally enclosed space is formed in the interior. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an elastic portion 3 a of the leaf spring member 3 and a weight 9 attached to the free end 3 a 1 of the elastic portion 3 a are located in the space, and the weight 9 is moved up and down by vibration. The elastic part 3a causes elastic deformation in the space.
[0050]
For example, a power supply unit (not shown) is connected to the terminal unit 17a shown in FIG. 1, the terminal unit 18a shown in FIG. 1 is grounded, and the terminal unit 17b is connected to a detection unit (not shown). When the voltage at the power supply unit is Vcc, the resistance value of the resistance unit 19 is R, the resistance value of the variable resistance unit 10 is Rx, and the voltage at the detection unit is Vo, the formula Vo = [Rx / (Rx + R)] Vcc is established. To do.
[0051]
Now, when the weight 9 vibrates up and down and the elastic part 3a of the leaf spring member 3 is elastically deformed up and down, the carbon film which is the variable resistance part 10 provided on the lower surface of the previous elastic part 3a expands and contracts. As a result, the resistance value Rx of the variable resistance portion 10 is changed, and as a result, a potential difference ΔVo is generated, whereby the vibration state and inclination angle of the elastic portion 3a can be detected.
[0052]
In the present invention, as described above, the leaf spring member 3 is formed of an organic insulating film. As a result, even if the leaf spring member 3 is formed with a very small size and a light weight 9 is attached to the elastic portion 3a of the leaf spring member 3, the elastic portion 3a can be elastically deformed satisfactorily. It is. Therefore, the size of the leaf spring member 3 itself can be made very small as compared with the prior art.
[0053]
As shown in FIG. 5, the length dimension T1 of the leaf spring member 3 is, for example, about 5 mm. The width T2 of the leaf spring member 3 is about 7 mm. The length T3 of the elastic portion 3a of the leaf spring member 3 is about 2 mm, and the width T4 of the elastic portion 3a is about 1 mm. Further, the thickness of the leaf spring member 3 can be reduced to about 0.075 mm when the leaf spring member 3 is polyimide.
[0054]
The characteristic part of the sensor in the present invention will be described below.
In the sensor shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, an organic insulating film is used as the leaf spring member 3. Therefore, as described above, even if the leaf spring member 3 is formed to be very small compared to the conventional size, the elastic portion 3a of the leaf spring member 3 can function as a diaphragm, and the entire sensor Downsizing can be more effectively promoted.
[0055]
In the present invention, the fixed portion 3b of the leaf spring member 3 further extends laterally from the base end 3a2 of the elastic portion 3a, and between the upper surface of the fixed portion 3b and the side wall 6 of the upper case 1 and the fixed portion 3b. Elastic members 2, 4 are interposed between the lower surface and the side wall 12 of the lower case 5.
[0056]
As a result, the area of the fixed portion 3b can be made larger than the area of the elastic portion 3a, and the fixed portion 3b is supported inside the case using the pressing force from the elastic members 2 and 4. By fixing, the leaf spring member 3 can be firmly fixed and supported in the case by the fixing portion 3b without using a screw or an adhesive as in the prior art.
[0057]
Moreover, since the stress generated when the elastic portion 3a is elastically deformed is moderately relaxed by the elastic members 2 and 4, the stress can be prevented from concentrating on the base portions 3a3 and 3a3 of the elastic portion 3a. For this reason, even if the elastic portion 3a repeatedly vibrates or the elastic portion 3a swings extremely large, the base 3a3 portion of the elastic portion 3a is deteriorated due to whitening or the elastic portion 3a is plastically deformed. This can be suppressed and durability can be improved.
[0058]
In the present invention, the leaf spring member 3 is not only made smaller than the conventional one, but also in such a downsizing, the leaf spring member 3 can be stably supported and fixed in the case with a simple structure, and the durability can be improved. In order to maintain good detection characteristics, the leaf spring member 3 is formed of an organic insulating film, the area of the fixed portion 3b of the leaf spring member 3 is formed wider than the area of the elastic portion 3a, and the plate The elastic members 2 and 4 are interposed between the fixing portion 3b of the spring member 3 and the case.
[0059]
In the present invention, the elastic members 2 and 4 may be provided on only one side. In such a case, it is preferable that the elastic member 2 that is interposed between the electrode portions 11 and 13 provided in the leaf spring member 3 and the connection electrode portions 15 and 16 provided in the lower case 5 is provided. As a result, the electrodes can be brought into contact with each other with an appropriate force, and damage to the electrodes can be prevented.
[0060]
In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the fixed portion 3b of the leaf spring member 3 includes a side portion 3b1 extending from the base end 3a2 of the elastic portion 3a toward the side, and both side ends of the side portion 3b1. It is preferable that it is comprised by the leg part 3b2 extended toward the free end 3a1 direction of the said elastic part 3a from a part. By providing not only the side part 3b1 but also the leg part 3b2 in the fixing part 3b, the area of the fixing part 3b can be expanded more than the area of the elastic part 3a, and the leaf spring member can be more stably provided. 3 can be supported and fixed in the case. Further, by providing the leg portion 3b2 on the fixed portion 3b, the electrode portions 11 and 13 and the resistance portion 19 can be provided on the leg portion 3b2, and the degree of freedom of the positions where the electrode portions 11 and 13 and the resistance portion 19 are formed. Can be spread.
[0061]
In the present invention, the fixing portion 3b extends toward both sides of the base end 3a2 of the elastic portion 3a. However, the fixing portion 3b is formed to extend only on one side of the base end 3a2. Also good. However, it is possible to more stably support and fix the leaf spring member 3 in the case when the fixing portion 3b is extended and formed toward both sides of the base end 3a2 of the elastic portion 3a. is there.
[0062]
In the present invention, the case is divided into an upper case 1 and a lower case 5, and the elastic members 2, 4 and the leaf spring member 3 are sandwiched between the upper case 1 and the lower case 5. It has become. The fixed portion 3b of the leaf spring member 3 is formed between the inner wall portions 6a and 12a of the cases 1 and 5, and the fixed portion 3b is inserted into the inner wall via the elastic members 2 and 4. The structure is sandwiched between the parts 6a and 12a. Thus, the leaf spring member 3 is sandwiched between the upper case 1 and the lower case 5 via the elastic members 2 and 4 so as to be supported and fixed. There is no need to provide an extra member for fixing the leaf spring member 3 when supporting and fixing in the case, and it is not necessary to fix the plate spring member 3 with solder or an adhesive. The leaf spring member 3 can be supported and fixed inside the case.
[0063]
In particular, as described above, in the present invention, the leaf spring member 3 is a very thin and small member formed of an organic insulating film. Therefore, the leaf spring member 3 is supported and fixed in the case by soldering or the like. Doing so complicates the work and makes it difficult to reliably support and fix the case, so that the case can be divided into cases as in the present invention, and the leaf spring member 3 can be sandwiched when the divided cases are joined. Thus, the leaf spring member 3 can be securely supported and fixed in the case with a very simple structure.
[0064]
Moreover, in this invention, since the said leaf | plate spring member 3 is an organic type insulation film, the said variable spring part 10, the electrode parts 11 and 13, and the resistance part 19 formed in the said leaf | plate spring member 3 as mentioned above, It is possible to perform printing directly on the surface of the spring member 3, which can facilitate the formation of the variable resistance portion 10, the electrode portions 11, 13 and the resistance portion 19, and the rigidity of the elastic portion 3 a of the leaf spring member 3. Can be suppressed, and good detection characteristics can be maintained.
[0065]
In the present invention, the variable resistance portion 10, the electrode portions 11 and 13, and the resistance portion 19 are formed on only one of the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf spring member 3, and the electrode portions 11 and 13 are formed from the lower case 5. By forming the connection electrode portions 15 and 16 in electrical contact with each other in a protruding manner, a good connection structure between the electrodes can be obtained with a very simple structure.
[0066]
The resistance portion 19 may not be formed on the leaf spring member 3 by printing or the like, and may be provided outside the sensor. The arrangement of the electrode parts 11 and 13 and the resistance part 19 shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example.
[0067]
In particular, in order to install the leaf spring member 3 at a predetermined position, for example, a rib (not shown) facing the upper case 1 from the side wall 12 of the lower case 5 shown in FIG. The leaf spring member 3 is provided with holes at positions facing the ribs, and when the elastic members 2, 4 and the leaf spring member 3 are sandwiched between the upper case 1 and the lower case 5, the ribs are inserted into the holes. The leaf spring member 3 can be more easily installed at a predetermined position.
[0068]
The above-described sensor according to the present invention is expected to be used for miniaturized devices such as mobile phones.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
In the present invention described above, the leaf spring member is formed of an organic insulating film, the area of the fixing portion of the leaf spring member is formed wider than the area of the elastic portion, and the leaf spring member is fixed between the fixing portion and the case. An elastic member is interposed.
[0070]
This makes it possible to reduce the size of the sensor, and even in such a size reduction, the leaf spring member can be stably supported and fixed in the case with a simple structure, and the durability is improved and good detection characteristics are maintained. be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view in which a sensor of the present invention is disassembled into constituent members;
2 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor after assembling the constituent members shown in FIG. 1 at a position where the elastic member 2 is cut from the line II-II in a direction parallel to the YZ plane shown in FIG. Is a partial cross-sectional view as seen from the direction of the arrow,
3 cuts the sensor after assembling the constituent members shown in FIG. 1 at a position where the leaf spring member 3 is cut from the line III-III in a direction parallel to the YZ plane shown in FIG. Partial sectional view of the surface viewed from the direction of the arrow,
4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sensor after assembling the constituent members shown in FIG. 1 at a position where the lower case 5 is cut downward from the IV-IV line and the cut surface is seen from the arrow direction. Figure,
5 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a state in which the leaf spring member 3 shown in FIG. 1 is enlarged and a weight 9 is removed from the leaf spring member 3. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Upper case
2, 4 Elastic member
3 Leaf spring member
3a Elastic part
3b fixed part
5 Lower case
6, 12 Side wall
9 spindles
10 Variable resistance section
11, 13 Electrode section
15, 26 Connection electrode part
17, 18 Conductive member

Claims

上ケースと、導電部材が側面から側壁内部を通り側壁部の上面に接続電極部が露出した下ケースと、弾性変形可能な弾性部及び固定部を有する板ばね部材と、前記弾性部の自由端に設けられた錘と、前記弾性部に設けられ、前記弾性部が弾性変形したときに電気抵抗が変化する可変抵抗部と、前記固定部の下面に設けられ、可変抵抗部に導通接続する電極部とを有し、
前記板ばね部材は、有機系絶縁フィルムで形成され、
前記固定部は、前記弾性部の基端から両ケースの側壁部間に沿って形成されており、前記下ケースの側壁部と前記固定部間に弾性部材が介在するとともに、前記固定部が両ケース間に挟持されて、前記固定部に設けられた前記電極部と、前記下ケースに形成された前記接続電極部とが、前記弾性部材に設けられた穴を介して当接して電気的に接続されることを特徴とするセンサ。An upper case, a lower case in which the conductive member passes through the inside of the side wall from the side surface and the connection electrode part is exposed on the upper surface of the side wall part, a leaf spring member having an elastically deformable elastic part and a fixing part, and a free end of the elastic part A weight provided on the elastic portion, a variable resistance portion provided on the elastic portion and having an electric resistance that changes when the elastic portion is elastically deformed, and an electrode provided on a lower surface of the fixed portion and electrically connected to the variable resistance portion. And
The leaf spring member is formed of an organic insulating film,
The fixing portion is formed between the side wall portions of the two cases from the base end of the elastic portion , an elastic member is interposed between the side wall portion of the lower case and the fixing portion , and the fixing portions are both The electrode part sandwiched between cases and provided in the fixed part and the connection electrode part formed in the lower case are brought into contact with each other through a hole provided in the elastic member to electrically A sensor characterized by being connected.

上ケースと、導電部材が側面から側壁内部を通り側壁部の上面に接続電極部が露出した下ケースと、弾性変形可能な弾性部及び固定部を有する板ばね部材と、前記弾性部の自由端に設けられた錘と、前記弾性部に設けられ、前記弾性部が弾性変形したときに電気抵抗が変化する可変抵抗部と、前記固定部の下面に設けられ、可変抵抗部に導通接続する電極部とを有し、  An upper case, a lower case in which the conductive member passes through the inside of the side wall from the side surface and the connection electrode part is exposed on the upper surface of the side wall part, a leaf spring member having an elastically deformable elastic part and a fixing part, and a free end of the elastic part A weight provided on the elastic portion, a variable resistance portion provided on the elastic portion and having an electric resistance that changes when the elastic portion is elastically deformed, and an electrode provided on a lower surface of the fixed portion and electrically connected to the variable resistance portion. And
前記板ばね部材は、有機系絶縁フィルムで形成され、  The leaf spring member is formed of an organic insulating film,
前記固定部は、前記弾性部の基端から両ケースの側壁部間に沿って形成されており、前記上ケースの側壁部と前記固定部間に弾性部材が介在するとともに、前記固定部が両ケース間に挟持されて、前記固定部に設けられた前記電極部と、前記下ケースに形成された前記接続電極部とが電気的に接続されることを特徴とするセンサ。  The fixing portion is formed between the side wall portions of both cases from the base end of the elastic portion, an elastic member is interposed between the side wall portion of the upper case and the fixing portion, and the fixing portions are both A sensor sandwiched between cases, wherein the electrode portion provided in the fixed portion and the connection electrode portion formed in the lower case are electrically connected.

上ケースと、導電部材が側面から側壁内部を通り側壁部の上面に接続電極部が露出した下ケースと、弾性変形可能な弾性部及び固定部を有する板ばね部材と、前記弾性部の自由端に設けられた錘と、前記弾性部に設けられ、前記弾性部が弾性変形したときに電気抵抗が変化する可変抵抗部と、前記固定部の下面に設けられ、可変抵抗部に導通接続する電極部とを有し、  An upper case, a lower case in which the conductive member passes through the inside of the side wall from the side surface and the connection electrode part is exposed on the upper surface of the side wall part, a leaf spring member having an elastically deformable elastic part and a fixing part, and a free end of the elastic part A weight provided on the elastic portion, a variable resistance portion provided on the elastic portion and having an electric resistance that changes when the elastic portion is elastically deformed, and an electrode provided on a lower surface of the fixed portion and electrically connected to the variable resistance portion. And
前記板ばね部材は、有機系絶縁フィルムで形成され、  The leaf spring member is formed of an organic insulating film,
前記固定部は、前記弾性部の基端から両ケースの側壁部間に沿って形成されており、前記上ケースの側壁部と前記固定部間、及び前記下ケースの側壁部と前記固定部間に弾性部材が介在するとともに、前記固定部が両ケース間に挟持されて、前記固定部に設けられた前記電極部と、前記下ケースに形成された前記接続電極部とが、前記下ケースの側壁部と前記固定部間に介在する前記弾性部材に設けられた穴を介して当接して電気的に接続されることを特徴とするセンサ。  The fixing portion is formed between the side wall portions of the upper case and the side wall portions of the upper case, and between the side wall portion of the lower case and the fixing portion. An elastic member is interposed between the two cases, and the electrode portion provided on the fixing portion and the connection electrode portion formed on the lower case are connected to the lower case. A sensor which is in contact with and electrically connected through a hole provided in the elastic member interposed between the side wall portion and the fixed portion.

前記固定部は、前記側方に延出形成された側方部と、前記側方部から前記弾性部の自由端方向に伸びる脚部とを有して構成される請求項１ないし３のいずれかに記載のセンサ。The fixing portion includes a side portion formed to extend the lateral, either from the side portion of the 3 claims 1 configured to include a leg portion extending to the free end direction of the elastic portion The sensor of crab .

前記電極部は前記脚部に設けられる請求項４記載のセンサ。The sensor according to claim 4 , wherein the electrode portion is provided on the leg portion.

前記可変抵抗部及び電極部は、前記板ばね部材に直接、印刷成形されたものである請求項１ないし５のいずれかに記載のセンサ。The variable resistor and the electrode portion, the sensor according to any one of directly to said plate spring member, claims 1 in which printed molded 5.

前記有機系絶縁フィルムはポリイミドで形成された樹脂フィルムである請求項１ないし６のいずれかに記載のセンサ。A sensor according to any one of the organic insulating film claims 1 is a resin film formed of polyimide 6.