JP7428317B2 - MEMS element - Google Patents

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JP7428317B2
JP7428317B2 JP2020099816A JP2020099816A JP7428317B2 JP 7428317 B2 JP7428317 B2 JP 7428317B2 JP 2020099816 A JP2020099816 A JP 2020099816A JP 2020099816 A JP2020099816 A JP 2020099816A JP 7428317 B2 JP7428317 B2 JP 7428317B2
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connecting member
electrode
movable electrode
film
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竜平 根本
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Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc
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Description

本発明は、MEMS素子に関し、特にマイクロフォン、各種センサ、スイッチ等として用いられる容量型のMEMS素子に関する。 The present invention relates to a MEMS device, and particularly to a capacitive MEMS device used as a microphone, various sensors, switches, etc.

近年、急速に需要が拡大しているスマートフォンには、小型、薄型で、組立のハンダリフロー工程の高温処理耐性を有するMEMS(Micro Electro Mechanical Systems)技術を用いたマイクロフォンが多く使われている。さらにMEMSマイクロフォンに限らず、その他のMEMS素子が様々な分野で急速に普及してきている。 In recent years, demand for smartphones has been rapidly increasing, and many smartphones use microphones that use MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) technology, which is small, thin, and resistant to high-temperature processing during the solder reflow assembly process. Furthermore, not only MEMS microphones but other MEMS elements are rapidly becoming popular in various fields.

例えば容量型のMEMS素子であるコンデンサマイクロフォンでは、音圧を通過させる複数の貫通孔を備えた固定電極膜と、音圧を受けて振動する可動電極膜とを対向配置させ、可動電極膜の変位を容量変化として検出する構成となっている。この種のMEMS素子は、例えば特許文献1に記載されている。 For example, in a capacitor microphone, which is a capacitive MEMS element, a fixed electrode film equipped with a plurality of through holes through which sound pressure passes and a movable electrode film that vibrates in response to sound pressure are arranged facing each other, and the displacement of the movable electrode film The structure is such that it is detected as a change in capacitance. This type of MEMS element is described in Patent Document 1, for example.

一般的なこの種のMEMS素子の断面図を図10に示す。図10に示すように、支持基板1上に絶縁膜2を介して可動電極膜3が固定、配置され、可動電極膜3上にスペーサー4を介して固定電極膜5が固定、配置されている。可動電極膜3が音圧等を受けて矢印方向あるいは逆方向に振動すると、固定電極膜5の固定電極と可動電極膜3の可動電極との間で形成されるキャパシタの容量値が変化する。この容量変化を図示しない電極から取り出すことで、可動電極膜3が受ける音圧等に応じた出力信号を得ることが可能となる。 A cross-sectional view of a general MEMS element of this type is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, a movable electrode film 3 is fixed and arranged on a support substrate 1 with an insulating film 2 interposed therebetween, and a fixed electrode film 5 is fixed and arranged on the movable electrode film 3 with a spacer 4 interposed therebetween. . When the movable electrode film 3 vibrates in the direction of the arrow or in the opposite direction due to sound pressure or the like, the capacitance value of the capacitor formed between the fixed electrode of the fixed electrode film 5 and the movable electrode of the movable electrode film 3 changes. By extracting this capacitance change from an electrode (not shown), it is possible to obtain an output signal corresponding to the sound pressure, etc. that the movable electrode film 3 receives.

特開2011-55087号公報Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-55087

ところでこの種のMEMS素子では、図10に示すように音圧等を受ける可動電極膜3は、周囲全体をスペーサー4と支持基板1上の絶縁膜2によって挟持され固定されているため、中央部の変位量は大きいものの、固定部に近づくほど変位量が小さくなってしまう。 By the way, in this type of MEMS element, as shown in FIG. 10, the movable electrode film 3 that receives sound pressure etc. is fixed by being sandwiched around the entire periphery between the spacer 4 and the insulating film 2 on the support substrate 1. Although the amount of displacement is large, the closer to the fixed part the amount of displacement becomes smaller.

可動電極膜3がこのように湾曲して変形すると、可動電極も同様に変形して固定電極に対向するため、平行平板の電極とならず出力信号が小さくなってしまうという問題があった。本発明はこのような問題点を解消し、大きな出力信号を得ることができるMEMS素子を提供することを目的とする。 When the movable electrode film 3 is curved and deformed in this way, the movable electrode is similarly deformed and faces the fixed electrode, so there is a problem that the electrode does not become a parallel plate electrode and the output signal becomes small. An object of the present invention is to solve these problems and provide a MEMS element that can obtain a large output signal.

上記目的を達成するため、本願請求項1に係る発明は、支持基板上に、振動膜と、該振動膜の振動に応じた容量変化を検知する第1の電極と第2の電極とを配置したMEMS素子において、前記支持基板上に固定された前記振動膜と、第1の電極膜連結部材によって前記振動膜と連結された前記第1の電極を含む第1の電極膜と、前記第1の電極に対向するように配置された前記第2の電極を含む第2の電極膜と、を備え、前記第1の電極膜連結部材は、前記振動膜の上下動に応じて前記第1の電極膜を水平方向に移動させ、前記第1の電極と前記第2の電極とで検知する容量が変化するように前記振動膜と前記第1の電極膜とを連結していることを特徴とする。 In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 includes a vibrating membrane, and a first electrode and a second electrode for detecting a capacitance change according to the vibration of the vibrating membrane, which are disposed on a support substrate. In the MEMS device, the vibrating membrane fixed on the support substrate, a first electrode membrane including the first electrode connected to the vibrating membrane by a first electrode membrane connecting member, and the first electrode membrane are connected to the vibrating membrane by a first electrode membrane connecting member. a second electrode film including the second electrode disposed to face the electrode of The vibrating membrane and the first electrode membrane are connected so that the electrode membrane is moved in the horizontal direction and the capacitance detected by the first electrode and the second electrode is changed. do.

本願請求項2に係る発明は、請求項1記載のMEMS素子において、前記第2の電極膜は第2の電極膜連結部材によって前記振動膜に連結され、該第2の電極膜連結部材は、前記振動膜の上下動に応じて前記第1の電極膜が水平方向に移動するとき、該振動膜の上下動に応じて前記第2の電極膜を前記第1の電極膜が移動する方向とは異なる水平方向に移動させ、前記第1の電極と前記第2の電極とで検知する容量が変化するように前記振動膜と前記第2の電極膜とを連結していることを特徴とする。 The invention according to claim 2 of the present application is the MEMS device according to claim 1, wherein the second electrode membrane is connected to the vibrating membrane by a second electrode membrane connecting member, and the second electrode membrane connecting member is When the first electrode film moves horizontally in response to the vertical movement of the diaphragm, the second electrode film is moved in the direction in which the first electrode film moves in response to the vertical movement of the diaphragm. are moved in different horizontal directions, and the vibrating membrane and the second electrode membrane are connected so that the capacitance detected by the first electrode and the second electrode changes. .

本願請求項3に係る発明は、請求項1記載のMEMS素子において、バックチャンバーを備えた前記支持基板上に、前記振動膜と前記第2の電極膜からなる固定電極膜とをスペーサーを介して対向するように配置し、前記振動膜と前記固定電極膜との間のエアギャップ内に、第1の連結部材と第2の連結部材とからなる前記第1の電極膜連結部材に連結した前記第1の電極膜となる第1の可動電極膜を配置し、前記第1の連結部材は、前記振動膜と前記第1の可動電極膜とを連結し、前記第2の連結部材は、前記第1の可動電極膜と、前記固定電極膜あるいは前記スペーサーの少なくともいずれかと、を連結していることを特徴とする。 The invention according to claim 3 of the present application is the MEMS device according to claim 1, in which a fixed electrode film consisting of the vibrating membrane and the second electrode film is placed on the support substrate provided with a back chamber via a spacer. The first electrode membrane connecting member is arranged to face each other and is connected to the first electrode membrane connecting member comprising a first connecting member and a second connecting member within an air gap between the vibrating membrane and the fixed electrode membrane. A first movable electrode film serving as a first electrode film is disposed, the first connecting member connects the vibrating membrane and the first movable electrode film, and the second connecting member connects the vibrating membrane and the first movable electrode film. The first movable electrode film is connected to at least either the fixed electrode film or the spacer.

本願請求項4に係る発明は、請求項2記載のMEMS素子において、バックチャンバーを備えた前記支持基板上に、前記振動膜と支持膜とをスペーサーを介して対向するように配置し、前記振動膜と前記支持膜との間のエアギャップ内に、第3の連結部材と第4の連結部材とからなる前記第1の電極膜連結部材に連結した前記第1の電極膜となる第1の可動電極膜と、第5の連結部材と第6の連結部材とからなる前記第2の電極膜連結部材に連結した前記第2の電極膜となる第2の可動電極膜とを対向するように配置し、前記第3の連結部材は、前記振動膜と前記第1の可動電極膜とを連結し、前記第4の連結部材は、前記第1の可動電極膜と、前記支持膜あるいは前記スペーサーの少なくともいずれかと、を連結し、前記第5の連結部材は、前記振動膜と前記第2の可動電極膜とを連結し、前記第6の連結部材は、前記第2の可動電極膜と、前記支持膜あるいは前記スペーサーの少なくともいずれかと、を連結していることを特徴とする。 The invention according to claim 4 of the present application is the MEMS element according to claim 2, in which the vibrating membrane and the supporting membrane are disposed to face each other via a spacer on the supporting substrate provided with a back chamber, and In the air gap between the membrane and the support membrane, a first electrode membrane connected to the first electrode membrane connecting member consisting of a third connecting member and a fourth connecting member is provided. The movable electrode membrane and the second movable electrode membrane, which is the second electrode membrane connected to the second electrode membrane connecting member consisting of a fifth connecting member and a sixth connecting member, are arranged to face each other. The third connecting member connects the vibrating membrane and the first movable electrode membrane, and the fourth connecting member connects the first movable electrode membrane and the supporting membrane or the spacer. The fifth connecting member connects the vibrating membrane and the second movable electrode membrane, and the sixth connecting member connects the second movable electrode membrane. It is characterized in that it is connected to at least either the support membrane or the spacer.

本願請求項5に係る発明は、請求項1または2いずれか記載のMEMS素子において、前記第1の電極膜は、前記水平方向に移動するとともに、垂直方向に移動することを特徴とする。 The invention according to claim 5 of the present application is the MEMS device according to either claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first electrode film moves in the horizontal direction and also moves in the vertical direction.

本発明のMEMS素子は、振動膜が湾曲して変位しても、第1の電極膜と第2の電極膜が平板状態のまま移動するため、大きな出力信号を得ることができる。特に、振動膜の変位の大きい部分と可動電極膜となる電極膜を電極膜連結部材で連結することで、振動膜の大きな変位を電極膜の大きな移動に変換することができ、特性の優れたMEMS素子を提供することができる。 In the MEMS element of the present invention, even if the vibrating membrane is bent and displaced, the first electrode film and the second electrode film move while remaining in a flat state, so that a large output signal can be obtained. In particular, by connecting the large displacement part of the diaphragm and the electrode membrane that becomes the movable electrode membrane with an electrode membrane connecting member, it is possible to convert the large displacement of the diaphragm into a large movement of the electrode membrane, resulting in excellent characteristics. A MEMS device can be provided.

また本発明のMEMS素子は、第1の電極膜を振動膜に連結するだけでなく第2の電極膜も振動膜に連結し、第1の電極膜が移動する方向と第2の電極膜が移動する方向とを変える構成とすることで、第1の電極膜と第2の電極膜との相対位置が大きく変化し、特性の優れたMEMS素子を得ることが可能となる。 Furthermore, in the MEMS device of the present invention, not only the first electrode film is connected to the vibrating membrane, but also the second electrode membrane is connected to the vibrating membrane, and the direction in which the first electrode membrane moves and the second electrode membrane are connected to the vibrating membrane. By changing the direction of movement, the relative positions of the first electrode film and the second electrode film change significantly, making it possible to obtain a MEMS element with excellent characteristics.

さらに本発明のMEMS素子は、第1の電極膜が水平方向に移動するとともに、第2の電極膜に近づくように垂直方向にも移動させることで、第1の電極と第2の電極とが重なる面積が増すとともに、第1の電極と第2の電極が近づくことで大きな容量変化となり、特性の優れたMEMS素子を得ることができる。 Further, in the MEMS device of the present invention, the first electrode film is moved in the horizontal direction and also moved in the vertical direction so as to approach the second electrode film, so that the first electrode and the second electrode are separated. As the overlapping area increases, the first electrode and the second electrode become closer, resulting in a large capacitance change, making it possible to obtain a MEMS element with excellent characteristics.

本発明のMEMS素子は、第1の電極あるいは第2の電極の形状を変更することで、振動膜の上下動に応じて第1の電極と第2の電極とが重なる面積を線形に変化させ、あるいは非線形に変化させることができる。またその変化量も適宜変更することができ、使用形態に応じた出力信号を容易に得ることができる。 In the MEMS device of the present invention, by changing the shape of the first electrode or the second electrode, the area where the first electrode and the second electrode overlap linearly changes according to the vertical movement of the diaphragm. , or can be varied non-linearly. Further, the amount of change can be changed as appropriate, and an output signal suitable for the type of use can be easily obtained.

本発明の第1の実施例のMEMS素子の説明図である。FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a MEMS element according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第1の実施例のMEMS素子の可動電極の移動を説明する図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating movement of the movable electrode of the MEMS element according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第2の実施例のMEMS素子の説明図である。FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a MEMS element according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第2の実施例のMEMS素子の第1の可動電極の移動を説明する図である。FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the first movable electrode of the MEMS element according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第2の実施例の別のMEMS素子の説明図である。FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of another MEMS element according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 本発明の第3の実施例のMEMS素子の説明図である。It is an explanatory view of the MEMS element of the 3rd example of the present invention. 本発明の第4の実施例のMEMS素子の説明図である。It is an explanatory view of the MEMS element of the 4th example of the present invention. 本発明の第5の実施例のMEMS素子の説明図である。It is an explanatory view of the MEMS element of the 5th example of the present invention. 本発明の第5の実施例のMEMS素子の可動電極の移動を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the movement of the movable electrode of the MEMS element of the 5th example of this invention. 一般的なMEMS素子を説明する図である。1 is a diagram illustrating a general MEMS element.

本発明のMEMS素子は、振動膜と電極膜とを電極膜連結部材により連結し、振動膜の上下動に応じて電極膜を水平方向に移動させ、電極膜上に配置した電極によって形成されるキャパシタの容量変化を検知する構成としている。以下、本発明の実施例について詳細に説明する。 The MEMS element of the present invention is formed by connecting a vibrating membrane and an electrode membrane by an electrode membrane connecting member, moving the electrode membrane in a horizontal direction in accordance with the vertical movement of the vibrating membrane, and disposing an electrode on the electrode membrane. It is configured to detect changes in capacitance of the capacitor. Examples of the present invention will be described in detail below.

本発明の第1の実施例について説明する。本実施例のMEMS素子は、容量変化を検知するために配置される2枚の電極膜の一方の電極膜を、振動膜の振動に応じて水平方向に移動させる構成のMEMS素子となる。図1は、第1の実施例のMEMS素子の断面図である。図1に示すようにシリコン基板からなる支持基板1上に、熱酸化膜からなる絶縁膜2とUSG膜からなる第1のスペーサー4aに挟持された振動膜6が配置されている。さらに第1のスペーサー4aとUSG膜からなる第2のスペーサー4bに挟持された可動電極膜3(第1の電極膜に相当)が配置され、第2のスペーサー4b上に固定電極膜5(第2の電極膜に相当)が配置されている。可動電極膜3上には可動電極3a(第1の電極に相当)が、固定電極膜5上には固定電極5a(第2の電極に相当)がそれぞれ対向するように配置されている。 A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The MEMS element of this embodiment is a MEMS element configured such that one of two electrode films arranged to detect capacitance changes is moved in the horizontal direction in response to the vibration of the vibrating membrane. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the MEMS element of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, a vibrating membrane 6 is disposed on a support substrate 1 made of a silicon substrate, which is sandwiched between an insulating film 2 made of a thermal oxide film and a first spacer 4a made of a USG film. Further, a movable electrode film 3 (corresponding to the first electrode film) sandwiched between a first spacer 4a and a second spacer 4b made of a USG film is disposed, and a fixed electrode film 5 (corresponding to the first electrode film) is placed on the second spacer 4b. (corresponding to the electrode film No. 2) is arranged. A movable electrode 3a (corresponding to a first electrode) is arranged on the movable electrode film 3, and a fixed electrode 5a (corresponding to a second electrode) is arranged on the fixed electrode film 5 so as to face each other.

さらに振動膜6と固定電極膜5との間の空間(エアギャップ)内に配置された可動電極膜3は、連結部材7a(第1の電極膜連結部材であって第1の連結部材に相当)によって振動膜6に連結されている。この連結は、連結部材7aの一端を振動膜6の振動の振幅が大きい領域(中央近傍)に連結し、連結部材7aの他端を可動電極膜3に、連結部材7aが所定の方向(図1では左方向)に傾くように連結する構造となっている。 Furthermore, the movable electrode membrane 3 disposed in the space (air gap) between the vibrating membrane 6 and the fixed electrode membrane 5 is connected to a connecting member 7a (a first electrode membrane connecting member, which corresponds to the first connecting member). ) is connected to the vibrating membrane 6. In this connection, one end of the connecting member 7a is connected to a region (near the center) where the vibration amplitude of the vibrating membrane 6 is large, the other end of the connecting member 7a is connected to the movable electrode membrane 3, and the connecting member 7a is connected in a predetermined direction (see the figure). 1 has a structure in which they are connected so that they are tilted to the left (in the case of 1).

図2は、可動電極膜3の平面図である。可動電極3aを備えた可動電極膜3は、第1のスペーサー4aと第2のスペーサー4bに挟持される周辺部と、弾性のある連結部材7b1(第1の電極膜連結部材であって第2の連結部材に相当)によっても連結されている。図2において5a1は図1に示す固定電極5aが対向配置する位置を示しており、7a1は連結部材7aとの接合位置を示している。このような構造の可動電極膜3は、外圧が加わると弾性のある連結部材7b1が変形して水平方向への移動が可能となっている。 FIG. 2 is a plan view of the movable electrode film 3. The movable electrode membrane 3 including the movable electrode 3a has a peripheral portion sandwiched between a first spacer 4a and a second spacer 4b, and an elastic connecting member 7b1 (a first electrode membrane connecting member and a second electrode membrane connecting member). (equivalent to the connecting member). In FIG. 2, 5a1 indicates a position where the fixed electrodes 5a shown in FIG. 1 are arranged facing each other, and 7a1 indicates a joining position with the connecting member 7a. In the movable electrode film 3 having such a structure, when external pressure is applied, the elastic connecting member 7b1 is deformed and can be moved in the horizontal direction.

また可動電極膜3は、図1に示すように固定電極膜5との対向面で連結部材7b2(第1の電極膜連結部材であって第2の連結部材に相当)によって固定電極膜5と連結されている。 Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the movable electrode membrane 3 is connected to the fixed electrode membrane 5 by a connecting member 7b2 (a first electrode membrane connecting member and equivalent to a second connecting member) on a surface facing the fixed electrode membrane 5. connected.

上記のような構造の本実施例のMEMS素子は、図1に示すようにキャビティ8側から音圧等が加わると、振動膜6が振動する。この振動膜6に加わる圧力は、連結部材7aを介して可動電極膜3に伝えられる。ここで可動電極膜3には、連結部材7aと同等で対称の連結部材7b2を配置している。連結部材7aと対称となる接合位置、長さ、材質等を選定した連結部材7b2を配置することで、可動電極膜3を固定電極膜5側へ変位させる圧力に連結部材7b2が対抗し、可動電極膜3を弾性のある連結部材7b1側に変位させることになる。当然ながら、このとき固定電極膜5は変位しない。 In the MEMS element of this embodiment having the above-described structure, the vibrating membrane 6 vibrates when sound pressure or the like is applied from the cavity 8 side, as shown in FIG. This pressure applied to the vibrating membrane 6 is transmitted to the movable electrode membrane 3 via the connecting member 7a. Here, a connecting member 7b2 that is equivalent to and symmetrical to the connecting member 7a is arranged on the movable electrode film 3. By arranging the connecting member 7b2 whose joining position, length, material, etc. are selected to be symmetrical to the connecting member 7a, the connecting member 7b2 resists the pressure that displaces the movable electrode membrane 3 toward the fixed electrode membrane 5 side, and becomes movable. This causes the electrode film 3 to be displaced toward the elastic connecting member 7b1. Naturally, the fixed electrode film 5 is not displaced at this time.

具体的には、振動膜6にキャビティ8側から矢印方向の圧力が加わり振動膜6が振動すると、振動膜6がエアギャップ側に上がる変位(矢印と同じ方向への変位)が生じ、連結部材7a、連結部材7b2および連結部材7b1で支持された可動電極膜3は、図面左方向へ水平移動する。その結果、可動電極3aと固定電極5aとが重なる面積が増加し、容量値が増加するように変化する。また振動膜6の振動によりキャビティ8側に下がる変位(矢印と逆の方向への変位)が生じると、可動電極膜3は、図面右方向へ水平移動する。その結果、可動電極3aと固定電極5aとが重なる面積が減少し、容量値が減少するように変化する。 Specifically, when pressure is applied to the vibrating membrane 6 from the cavity 8 side in the direction of the arrow and the vibrating membrane 6 vibrates, the vibrating membrane 6 is displaced upward toward the air gap side (displacement in the same direction as the arrow), and the connecting member 7a, the movable electrode film 3 supported by the connecting member 7b2 and the connecting member 7b1 moves horizontally to the left in the drawing. As a result, the area where the movable electrode 3a and the fixed electrode 5a overlap increases, and the capacitance value changes so as to increase. Further, when the vibration of the vibrating membrane 6 causes a downward displacement toward the cavity 8 (displacement in the direction opposite to the arrow), the movable electrode membrane 3 horizontally moves to the right in the drawing. As a result, the area where the movable electrode 3a and the fixed electrode 5a overlap decreases, and the capacitance value changes to decrease.

このように振動膜6の振動による上下動は、可動電極膜3を水平方向へ移動させ、可動電極3aと固定電極5aの重なる面積が変化し、容量変化として検知することが可能となる。なお、連結部材7b1と連結部材7b2は必ずしも両方を備える必要はなく、可動電極膜3を固定電極膜5に平行に対向するように支持することができれば、いずれか一方でもよい。また連結部材7a、連結部材7b2は、複数設けることも可能である。連結部材7b1の配置や形状、可動電極膜との連結位置等も適宜変更可能である。 In this way, the vertical movement due to the vibration of the vibrating membrane 6 moves the movable electrode membrane 3 in the horizontal direction, and the overlapping area of the movable electrode 3a and the fixed electrode 5a changes, which can be detected as a capacitance change. Note that it is not necessary to include both the connecting member 7b1 and the connecting member 7b2, and either one may be used as long as the movable electrode membrane 3 can be supported so as to face the fixed electrode membrane 5 in parallel. Moreover, it is also possible to provide a plurality of connecting members 7a and connecting members 7b2. The arrangement and shape of the connecting member 7b1, the connecting position with the movable electrode film, etc. can also be changed as appropriate.

連結部材7aと連結部材7b2は、剛性があり、振動膜6の上下動を可動電極膜3の水平方向の動きとして伝えることができる材料から適宜選択して使用することができる。また単一の材料により構成されることに限定されず、多層構造のような集合体で構成してもよい。 The connecting member 7a and the connecting member 7b2 can be appropriately selected from materials that have rigidity and can transmit the vertical movement of the vibrating membrane 6 as horizontal movement of the movable electrode membrane 3. Further, the structure is not limited to being made of a single material, but may be formed of an aggregate such as a multilayer structure.

連結部材7aと連結部材7b2の傾斜した連結構造は、例えば、第1のスペーサー4aおよび第2のスペーサー4bを形成する工程において次のように形成することができる。まず、第1のスペーサー4aとなる犠牲層を形成する際、傾斜面を有する犠牲層を形成して、傾斜面上に連結部材7aをパターニングする。別の犠牲層を形成して傾斜面を覆い、連結部材7aの一部を露出して平坦化した第1のスペーサー4aとなる犠牲層を形成する。その後、露出する連結部材7aに連結するように可動電極膜3および可動電極3aを形成する。同様に第2のスペーサー4bとなる犠牲層を形成する際、傾斜面を有する犠牲層を形成して、傾斜面上に連結部材7b2をパターニングする。別の犠牲層を形成して傾斜面を覆い、連結部材7b2の一部を露出して平坦化した第2のスペーサー4bとなる犠牲層を形成する。その後、露出する連結部材7b2に連結する固定電極5aおよび固定電極膜5を形成する。第1のスペーサー4aおよび第2のスペーサー4bを形成するため、犠牲層を除去することで、傾斜した連結部材7a、連結部材7b2を形成することができる。 The inclined connection structure of the connection member 7a and the connection member 7b2 can be formed, for example, as follows in the process of forming the first spacer 4a and the second spacer 4b. First, when forming a sacrificial layer that will become the first spacer 4a, a sacrificial layer having an inclined surface is formed, and the connecting member 7a is patterned on the inclined surface. Another sacrificial layer is formed to cover the inclined surface, and a part of the connecting member 7a is exposed to form a sacrificial layer that becomes the flattened first spacer 4a. Thereafter, the movable electrode film 3 and the movable electrode 3a are formed so as to be connected to the exposed connecting member 7a. Similarly, when forming the sacrificial layer that will become the second spacer 4b, the sacrificial layer having an inclined surface is formed, and the connecting member 7b2 is patterned on the inclined surface. Another sacrificial layer is formed to cover the inclined surface, and a part of the connecting member 7b2 is exposed to form a sacrificial layer that becomes the flattened second spacer 4b. Thereafter, the fixed electrode 5a and the fixed electrode film 5 connected to the exposed connecting member 7b2 are formed. In order to form the first spacer 4a and the second spacer 4b, by removing the sacrificial layer, the inclined connecting member 7a and the connecting member 7b2 can be formed.

なお、連結部材7aと連結部材7b2とが均等に変形しない場合、あるいは連結部材7b2を備えない場合であって、連結部材7b1が可動電極膜3の上下動を完全に抑えることができない場合もある。その場合、容量値が増加する水平方向の移動とともに可動電極3aと固定電極5aが近づくように変位し、容量値が減少する水平方向の移動とともに可動電極3aと固定電極5aが離れるように変位するように構成すると、より大きな容量変化を得ることができ好ましい。 Note that there are cases where the connecting member 7a and the connecting member 7b2 are not deformed equally, or where the connecting member 7b2 is not provided, and the connecting member 7b1 cannot completely suppress the vertical movement of the movable electrode membrane 3. . In that case, the movable electrode 3a and the fixed electrode 5a are displaced toward each other as the capacitance increases in the horizontal direction, and the movable electrode 3a and the fixed electrode 5a are displaced away from each other as the capacitance decreases in the horizontal direction. This configuration is preferable because a larger capacitance change can be obtained.

次に第2の実施例について説明する。本実施例のMEMS素子は、容量変化を検知するために配置される2枚の電極膜を、振動膜の振動に応じてそれぞれ水平方向に移動させる構成のMEMS素子となる。図3は、第2の実施例のMEMS素子の断面図である。図3に示すようにシリコン基板からなる支持基板1上に、熱酸化膜からなる絶縁膜2とUSG膜からなる第1のスペーサー4aに挟持された振動膜6が配置されている。さらに第1のスペーサー4aとUSG膜からなる第2のスペーサー4bに挟持された第1の可動電極膜31(第1の電極膜に相当)が配置され、第2のスペーサー4b上に第2の可動電極膜32((第2の電極膜に相当)が配置されている。第1の可動電極膜31上には第1の可動電極31a(第1の電極に相当)が、第2の可動電極膜32上には第2の可動電極32a(第2の電極に相当)がそれぞれ対向するように配置されている。 Next, a second embodiment will be described. The MEMS element of this embodiment is a MEMS element having a configuration in which two electrode films arranged to detect capacitance changes are moved in the horizontal direction in accordance with the vibration of the vibrating membrane. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the MEMS element of the second example. As shown in FIG. 3, a vibrating membrane 6 is disposed on a support substrate 1 made of a silicon substrate, which is sandwiched between an insulating film 2 made of a thermal oxide film and a first spacer 4a made of a USG film. Further, a first movable electrode film 31 (corresponding to the first electrode film) is disposed between the first spacer 4a and a second spacer 4b made of a USG film, and a second movable electrode film 31 (corresponding to the first electrode film) is arranged on the second spacer 4b. A movable electrode film 32 (corresponding to a second electrode film) is arranged.A first movable electrode 31a (corresponding to a first electrode) is disposed on the first movable electrode film 31, Second movable electrodes 32a (corresponding to second electrodes) are arranged on the electrode film 32 so as to face each other.

さらに振動膜6と第1の可動電極膜31は、連結部材7c(第1の電極膜連結部材であって第3の連結部材に相当)によって連結されている。この連結は、連結部材7cの一端を振動膜6に連結し、連結部材7cの他端を第1の可動電極膜31に、連結部材7cが所定の方向(図3では左方向)に傾くように連結する構造となっている。 Further, the vibrating membrane 6 and the first movable electrode membrane 31 are connected by a connecting member 7c (which is a first electrode membrane connecting member and corresponds to a third connecting member). This connection is made by connecting one end of the connecting member 7c to the vibrating membrane 6, and connecting the other end of the connecting member 7c to the first movable electrode membrane 31, so that the connecting member 7c is tilted in a predetermined direction (leftward in FIG. 3). The structure is connected to the

さらにまた振動膜6と第2の可動電極膜32は、連結部材7e(第2の電極膜連結部材であって第5の連結部材に相当)によって連結されている。この連結も、連結部材7eの一端を振動膜6に連結し、連結部材7eの他端を第2の可動電極膜32に、連結部材7eが所定の方向(図3では右方向)に傾くように連結する構造となっている。 Furthermore, the vibrating membrane 6 and the second movable electrode membrane 32 are connected by a connecting member 7e (which is a second electrode membrane connecting member and corresponds to a fifth connecting member). In this connection, one end of the connecting member 7e is connected to the vibrating membrane 6, and the other end of the connecting member 7e is connected to the second movable electrode membrane 32, so that the connecting member 7e is tilted in a predetermined direction (rightward in FIG. 3). The structure is connected to the

図4は、第1の可動電極膜31の平面図である。第1の可動電極31aを備えた第1の可動電極膜31は、第1のスペーサー4aと第2のスペーサー4bに挟持される周辺部と、弾性のある連結部材7d(第1の電極膜連結部材であって第4の連結部材に相当)によっても連結されている。図4において32a1は図3に示す第2の可動電極32aが対向配置する位置を示している。また、7c1は連結部材7cとの接合位置を示し、9は連結部材7eが貫通する貫通孔を示している。このような構造の第1の可動電極膜31は、外圧が加わると弾性のある連結部材7dが変形して変位可能となっている。 FIG. 4 is a plan view of the first movable electrode film 31. The first movable electrode membrane 31 including the first movable electrode 31a has a peripheral portion sandwiched between the first spacer 4a and the second spacer 4b, and an elastic connecting member 7d (first electrode membrane connecting member). (a member corresponding to the fourth connecting member). In FIG. 4, 32a1 indicates a position where the second movable electrode 32a shown in FIG. 3 is arranged to face each other. Further, 7c1 indicates a joining position with the connecting member 7c, and 9 indicates a through hole through which the connecting member 7e passes. The first movable electrode film 31 having such a structure can be displaced by deforming the elastic connecting member 7d when external pressure is applied.

第2の可動電極膜32も、第1の可動電極膜31同様、第2のスペーサー4bと接合する周辺部と、弾性のある連結部材7f(第2の電極膜連結部材であって第6の連結部材に相当)によって連結されている。 Similarly to the first movable electrode film 31, the second movable electrode film 32 also has a peripheral part that joins with the second spacer 4b, and an elastic connecting member 7f (the second electrode film connecting member and the sixth (equivalent to a connecting member).

上記のような構造の本実施例のMEMS素子は、図3に示すようにキャビティ8側から音圧等が加わると、振動膜6が振動する。この振動膜6に加わる圧力は、連結部材7cを介して第1の可動電極膜31に伝えられる。同時に、振動膜6に加わる圧力は、連結部材7eを介して第2の可動電極膜32にも伝えられる。ここで、第1の可動電極膜31が第2の可動電極膜32側へ変位するより連結部材7d側に変位するように連結部材7dを形成することで、第1の可動電極膜31は水平方向に変位することになる。同様に第2の可動電極膜32が表面側へ変位するより結部材7f側に変位するように連結部材7fを形成することで、第2の可動電極膜32は水平方向に変位することになる。 In the MEMS element of this embodiment having the above-described structure, the vibrating membrane 6 vibrates when sound pressure or the like is applied from the cavity 8 side, as shown in FIG. This pressure applied to the vibrating membrane 6 is transmitted to the first movable electrode membrane 31 via the connecting member 7c. At the same time, the pressure applied to the vibrating membrane 6 is also transmitted to the second movable electrode membrane 32 via the connecting member 7e. Here, by forming the connecting member 7d so that the first movable electrode film 31 is displaced toward the connecting member 7d rather than toward the second movable electrode film 32, the first movable electrode film 31 is horizontally It will be displaced in the direction. Similarly, by forming the connecting member 7f so that the second movable electrode film 32 is displaced toward the connecting member 7f rather than toward the surface side, the second movable electrode film 32 is displaced in the horizontal direction. .

具体的には、振動膜6にキャビティ8側から矢印方向の圧力が加わり振動膜6が振動すると、振動膜6がエアギャップ側に上がる変位(矢印と同じ方向への変位)が生じ、連結部材7cと連結部材7dで支持された第1の可動電極膜31は、図面左方向へ水平移動する。同時に、連結部材7eと連結部材7fで支持された第2の可動電極膜32は、図面右方向へ水平移動する。その結果、第1の可動電極31aと第2の可動電極32aとが重なる面積が増加し、容量値が増加するように変化する。また振動膜6の振動によりキャビティ8側に下がる変位(矢印と逆方向への変位)が生じると、第1の可動電極膜31は図面右方向へ水平移動し、同時に第2の可動電極膜32は図面左方向へ水平移動する。その結果、第1の可動電極31aと第2の可動電極32aとが重なる面積が減少し、容量値が減少するように変化する。本実施例では、第1の可動電極31aと第2の可動電極32aが、相互に反対方向に移動するため、相対的な移動寸法が大きくなり、容量変化が大きくなる。 Specifically, when pressure is applied to the vibrating membrane 6 from the cavity 8 side in the direction of the arrow and the vibrating membrane 6 vibrates, the vibrating membrane 6 is displaced upward toward the air gap side (displacement in the same direction as the arrow), and the connecting member The first movable electrode film 31 supported by the connecting member 7c and the connecting member 7d moves horizontally to the left in the drawing. At the same time, the second movable electrode film 32 supported by the connecting member 7e and the connecting member 7f moves horizontally to the right in the drawing. As a result, the area where the first movable electrode 31a and the second movable electrode 32a overlap increases, and the capacitance value changes to increase. Further, when the vibration of the vibrating membrane 6 causes a downward displacement toward the cavity 8 side (displacement in the direction opposite to the arrow), the first movable electrode membrane 31 moves horizontally to the right in the drawing, and at the same time the second movable electrode membrane 32 moves horizontally to the left in the drawing. As a result, the area where the first movable electrode 31a and the second movable electrode 32a overlap decreases, and the capacitance value changes to decrease. In this embodiment, since the first movable electrode 31a and the second movable electrode 32a move in opposite directions, the relative movement dimension becomes large and the capacitance change becomes large.

このように振動膜6の振動による上下動は、第1の可動電極膜31と第2の可動電極膜32をそれぞれ反対の水平方向へ移動させ、第1の可動電極31aと第2の可動電極32aの重なる面積が変化し、容量変化として検知することが可能となる。なお、連結部材7c、連結部材7eの数、配置や形状、第1の可動電極膜31あるいは第2の可動電極膜32との接続位置や配置、材質等は適宜変更可能である。連結部材7d、7fの配置や形状、第1、第2の可動電極膜31、32とのそれぞれの連結位置等も適宜設定可能である。 In this way, the vertical movement due to the vibration of the vibrating membrane 6 moves the first movable electrode film 31 and the second movable electrode film 32 in opposite horizontal directions, and the first movable electrode 31a and the second movable electrode The overlapping area of 32a changes, which can be detected as a capacitance change. Note that the number, arrangement and shape of the connecting members 7c and 7e, the connection position and arrangement with the first movable electrode film 31 or the second movable electrode film 32, material, etc. can be changed as appropriate. The arrangement and shape of the connecting members 7d and 7f, the respective connecting positions with the first and second movable electrode films 31 and 32, etc. can also be set as appropriate.

連結部材7cの傾斜した連結構造は、上記第1の実施例で説明した連結部材7aを形成する方法により形成することができる。一方連結部材7eは、第1の可動電極膜31の貫通孔9を貫通する構造となっている。そこで、連結部材7cを形成する際、同時に連結部材7eの一部を形成して第1の可動電極膜31を形成する。その後、第1の可動電極膜31の一部を除去して貫通孔9を形成し、貫通孔9内に連結部材7eの一部を露出させる。この連結部材7eに連続するように、上記第1の実施例で説明した連結部材7b2を形成する方法により、連結部材7eの他の部分を形成する。あるいは、図5に示すMEMS素子のように、貫通孔9を形成する代わりに、接合部材7eと接合する第1の可動電極膜の一部を貫通孔形成予定領域内に残し、この第1の可動電極膜31から独立して残された第1の可動電極膜の一部に接合するように接合部材7eを形成することで、第1の可動電極膜の一部を中継部材10として用いることもできる。 The inclined connection structure of the connection member 7c can be formed by the method of forming the connection member 7a described in the first embodiment. On the other hand, the connecting member 7e has a structure that penetrates through the through hole 9 of the first movable electrode film 31. Therefore, when forming the connecting member 7c, a part of the connecting member 7e is formed at the same time to form the first movable electrode film 31. Thereafter, a portion of the first movable electrode film 31 is removed to form a through hole 9, and a portion of the connecting member 7e is exposed within the through hole 9. The other portions of the connecting member 7e are formed so as to be continuous with the connecting member 7e by the method of forming the connecting member 7b2 described in the first embodiment. Alternatively, as in the MEMS device shown in FIG. 5, instead of forming the through-hole 9, a part of the first movable electrode film that is to be joined to the joining member 7e is left in the through-hole formation area, and this first A part of the first movable electrode film can be used as the relay member 10 by forming a joining member 7e to be joined to a part of the first movable electrode film left independently from the movable electrode film 31. You can also do it.

なお、連結部材7dが第1の可動電極膜31の上下動を完全に抑えることができない場合や、連結部材7fが第2の可動電極膜32の上下動を完全に抑えられない場合もある。その場合、容量値が増加する水平方向の移動とともに第1の可動電極31aと第2の可動電極32aが近づくように変位し、容量値が減少する水平方向の移動とともに第1の可動電極31aと第2の可動電極32aが離れるように変位するように構成すると、より大きな容量変化を得ることができ好ましい。 Note that there are cases where the connecting member 7d cannot completely suppress the vertical movement of the first movable electrode film 31, and cases where the connecting member 7f cannot completely suppress the vertical movement of the second movable electrode film 32. In that case, as the capacitance value increases, the first movable electrode 31a and the second movable electrode 32a are displaced closer to each other, and as the capacitance value decreases, the first movable electrode 31a and the second movable electrode 32a move closer together. It is preferable to configure the second movable electrode 32a to be displaced away from each other because a larger capacitance change can be obtained.

次に第3の実施例について説明する。本実施例のMEMS素子は、上記第2の実施例同様、容量変化を検知するために配置される2枚の電極膜を、振動膜の振動に応じてそれぞれ水平方向に移動させる構成のMEMS素子となる。図6は、第3の実施例のMEMS素子の断面図である。図6に示すようにシリコン基板からなる支持基板1上に、熱酸化膜からなる絶縁膜2とUSG膜からなる第1のスペーサー4aに挟持された振動膜6が配置されている。さらに第1のスペーサー4aとUSG膜からなる第2のスペーサー4bに挟持された第1の可動電極膜31(第1の電極膜に相当)が配置され、第2のスペーサー4bとUSG膜からなる第3のスペーサー4cに挟持された第2の可動電極膜32(第2の電極膜に相当)が配置され、第3のスペーサー4c上に支持膜11が配置されている。第1の可動電極膜31上には第1の可動電極31a(第1の電極に相当)が、第2の可動電極膜32上には第2の可動電極32a(第2の電極に相当)がそれぞれ対向するように配置されている。 Next, a third embodiment will be described. Similar to the second embodiment, the MEMS element of this embodiment has a structure in which two electrode films arranged for detecting capacitance changes are moved in the horizontal direction in response to the vibration of the vibrating membrane. becomes. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the MEMS element of the third example. As shown in FIG. 6, a vibrating membrane 6 is disposed on a support substrate 1 made of a silicon substrate, which is sandwiched between an insulating film 2 made of a thermal oxide film and a first spacer 4a made of a USG film. Furthermore, a first movable electrode film 31 (corresponding to the first electrode film) sandwiched between a first spacer 4a and a second spacer 4b made of a USG film is disposed, and a first movable electrode film 31 (corresponding to the first electrode film) is sandwiched between a first spacer 4a and a second spacer 4b made of a USG film. A second movable electrode film 32 (corresponding to a second electrode film) sandwiched between third spacers 4c is arranged, and a support film 11 is arranged on the third spacer 4c. A first movable electrode 31a (corresponding to the first electrode) is on the first movable electrode film 31, and a second movable electrode 32a (corresponding to the second electrode) is on the second movable electrode film 32. are arranged so as to face each other.

さらに振動膜6と第1の可動電極膜31は、連結部材7c(第1の電極膜連結部材であって第3の連結部材に相当)によって連結されている。この連結は、連結部材7cの一端を振動膜6に連結し、連結部材7cの他端を第1の可動電極膜31に、連結部材7cが所定の方向(図6では左方向)に傾くように連結する構造となっている。 Furthermore, the vibrating membrane 6 and the first movable electrode membrane 31 are connected by a connecting member 7c (a first electrode membrane connecting member and equivalent to a third connecting member). This connection is made by connecting one end of the connecting member 7c to the vibrating membrane 6, and connecting the other end of the connecting member 7c to the first movable electrode membrane 31, so that the connecting member 7c is tilted in a predetermined direction (leftward in FIG. 6). The structure is connected to the

また第1の可動電極膜31は、第2の可動電極膜32との対向面で連結部材7d2(第1の連結部材であって第4の連結部材に相当)によって支持膜11に連結している。この連結は、連結部材7d2の一端を第1の可動電極膜31に連結し、連結部材7d2の他端を支持膜11に、連結部材7d2が所定の方向(図6では右方向)に傾くように連結する構造となっている。なお連結部材7d2は、第2の可動電極膜32に形成された貫通孔を貫通するように配置されている。 Further, the first movable electrode film 31 is connected to the support film 11 by a connecting member 7d2 (a first connecting member and equivalent to a fourth connecting member) on a surface facing the second movable electrode membrane 32. There is. This connection is made by connecting one end of the connecting member 7d2 to the first movable electrode membrane 31, and connecting the other end of the connecting member 7d2 to the support membrane 11 so that the connecting member 7d2 is tilted in a predetermined direction (rightward in FIG. 6). The structure is connected to the Note that the connecting member 7d2 is arranged so as to pass through a through hole formed in the second movable electrode film 32.

さらにまた振動板6と第2の可動電極膜32は、連結部材7e(第2の電極膜連結部材であって第5の連結部材に相当)によって連結されている。この連結は、連結部材7eの一端を振動膜6に連結し、連結部材7eの他端を第2の可動電極膜32に、連結部材7eが所定の方向(図6では右方向)に傾くように連結する構造となっている。なお連結部材7eは、第1の可動電極膜31に形成された貫通孔を貫通するように配置されている。 Furthermore, the diaphragm 6 and the second movable electrode membrane 32 are connected by a connecting member 7e (which is a second electrode membrane connecting member and corresponds to a fifth connecting member). This connection is made by connecting one end of the connecting member 7e to the vibrating membrane 6, and connecting the other end of the connecting member 7e to the second movable electrode membrane 32, so that the connecting member 7e is tilted in a predetermined direction (rightward in FIG. 6). The structure is connected to the Note that the connecting member 7e is arranged so as to pass through a through hole formed in the first movable electrode film 31.

また第2の可動電極膜32は、支持膜11との対向面で連結部材7f2(第2の電極膜連結部材であって第6の連結部材に相当)によって支持膜11に連結している。この連結は、連結部材7f2の一端を第2の可動電極膜32に連結し、連結部材7f2の他端を支持膜11に、連結部材7f2が所定の方向(図6では左方向)に傾くように連結する構造となっている。 Further, the second movable electrode membrane 32 is connected to the support membrane 11 by a connection member 7f2 (a second electrode membrane connection member and equivalent to a sixth connection member) on the surface facing the support membrane 11. This connection is made by connecting one end of the connecting member 7f2 to the second movable electrode membrane 32, and connecting the other end of the connecting member 7f2 to the support membrane 11 so that the connecting member 7f2 is tilted in a predetermined direction (leftward in FIG. 6). The structure is connected to the

本実施例においても、第1の可動電極31aを備えた第1の可動電極膜31は、第1のスペーサー4aと第2のスペーサー4bに挟持される周辺部と、弾性のある連結部材7d1によっても連結されている。このような構造の第1の可動電極膜31は、外圧が加わると弾性のある連結部材7d1が変形して変位可能となっている。また第2の電極32aを備えた第2の可動電極膜32は、第2のスペーサー4bと第3のスペーサー4cに挟持される周辺部と、弾性のある連結部材7f1によって連結されている。このような構造の第2の可動電極膜32も、外圧が加わると弾性のある連結部材7f1が変形して変位可能となっている。 In this embodiment as well, the first movable electrode film 31 including the first movable electrode 31a has a peripheral portion sandwiched between the first spacer 4a and the second spacer 4b, and an elastic connecting member 7d1. are also connected. The first movable electrode film 31 having such a structure can be displaced by deforming the elastic connecting member 7d1 when external pressure is applied. Further, the second movable electrode film 32 including the second electrode 32a is connected to the peripheral portion sandwiched between the second spacer 4b and the third spacer 4c by an elastic connecting member 7f1. The second movable electrode film 32 having such a structure can also be displaced by deforming the elastic connecting member 7f1 when external pressure is applied.

上記のような構造の本実施例のMEMS素子も、上記第2の実施例で説明したMEMS素子同様、図6に示すようにキャビティ8側から音圧等が加わると、振動膜6が振動する。この振動膜6に加わる圧力は、連結部材7cを介して第1の可動電極膜31に伝えられる。ここで第1の可動電極膜31には、連結部材7d2が連結しており、この連結部材7d2の接合位置、長さ、材質等を適宜選定することで、第1の可動電極膜31を支持膜11側へ変位させる圧力に連結部材7d2が対抗し、第1の可動電極膜31は弾性のある連結部材7d1側に変位することになる。同時に、振動膜6に加わる圧力は、連結部材7eを介して第2の可動電極膜32にも伝えられる。ここで第2の可動電極膜32には、連結部材7f2が連結しており、この連結部材7f2の接合位置、長さ、材質等を適宜選定することで、第2の可動電極膜32を支持膜11側へ変位させる圧力に連結部材7f2が対抗し、第2の可動電極膜32は弾性のある連結部材7f1側に変位することになる。 Similarly to the MEMS element described in the second embodiment, in the MEMS element of this embodiment having the above-described structure, when sound pressure or the like is applied from the cavity 8 side as shown in FIG. 6, the vibrating membrane 6 vibrates. . This pressure applied to the vibrating membrane 6 is transmitted to the first movable electrode membrane 31 via the connecting member 7c. Here, a connecting member 7d2 is connected to the first movable electrode film 31, and the first movable electrode film 31 is supported by appropriately selecting the joining position, length, material, etc. of this connecting member 7d2. The connecting member 7d2 opposes the pressure to displace it toward the membrane 11, and the first movable electrode membrane 31 is displaced toward the elastic connecting member 7d1. At the same time, the pressure applied to the vibrating membrane 6 is also transmitted to the second movable electrode membrane 32 via the connecting member 7e. Here, a connecting member 7f2 is connected to the second movable electrode film 32, and the second movable electrode film 32 is supported by appropriately selecting the joining position, length, material, etc. of this connecting member 7f2. The connecting member 7f2 opposes the pressure that causes the membrane 11 to be displaced, and the second movable electrode membrane 32 is displaced toward the elastic connecting member 7f1.

具体的には、振動膜6にキャビティ8側から矢印方向の圧力が加わり振動膜6が振動すると、振動膜6が振動膜6と支持膜11との間のエアギャップ側に上がる変位(矢印と同じ方向への変位)が生じ、連結部材7cと連結部材7d2で支持された第1の可動電極膜31は、図面左方向へ水平移動する。同時に連結部材7eと連結部材7f2で支持された第2の可動電極膜32は、図面右方向へ水平移動する。第1の可動電極31aと第2の可動電極32aの配置を図4に示す配置と同じとすると、第1の可動電極31aと第2の可動電極32aとが重なる面積が増加し、容量値が増加するように変化する。また振動膜6の振動によりキャビティ8側に下がる変位(矢印と逆方向への変位)が生じると、第1の可動電極膜31は図面右方向へ水平移動し、同時に第2の可動電極膜32は図面左方向へ水平移動する。その結果、第1の可動電極31aと第2の可動電極32aとが重なる面積が減少し、容量値が減少するように変化する。本実施例でも第2の実施例同様、第1の可動電極31aと第2の可動電極32aが、相互に反対方向に移動するため、相対的な移動寸法が大きくなり、容量変化が大きくなる。 Specifically, when pressure is applied to the diaphragm 6 from the cavity 8 side in the direction of the arrow and the diaphragm 6 vibrates, the diaphragm 6 is displaced toward the air gap between the diaphragm 6 and the support membrane 11 (as indicated by the arrow). (displacement in the same direction), and the first movable electrode film 31 supported by the connecting member 7c and the connecting member 7d2 horizontally moves to the left in the drawing. At the same time, the second movable electrode film 32 supported by the connecting member 7e and the connecting member 7f2 moves horizontally to the right in the drawing. If the arrangement of the first movable electrode 31a and the second movable electrode 32a is the same as that shown in FIG. 4, the area where the first movable electrode 31a and the second movable electrode 32a overlap increases, and the capacitance value increases. Change to increase. Further, when the vibration of the vibrating membrane 6 causes a downward displacement toward the cavity 8 side (displacement in the direction opposite to the arrow), the first movable electrode membrane 31 moves horizontally to the right in the drawing, and at the same time the second movable electrode membrane 32 moves horizontally to the left in the drawing. As a result, the area where the first movable electrode 31a and the second movable electrode 32a overlap decreases, and the capacitance value changes to decrease. In this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the first movable electrode 31a and the second movable electrode 32a move in opposite directions, so the relative movement dimension becomes large and the capacitance change becomes large.

このように振動膜6の振動による上下動は、第1の可動電極膜31と第2の可動電極膜32をそれぞれ反対の水平方向へ移動させ、第1の可動電極31aと第2の可動電極32aの重なる面積が変化し、容量変化として検知することが可能となる。なお連結部材7c、連結部材7d2、連結部材7e、連結部材7f2の数、配置や形状、第1の可動電極膜31あるいは第2の可動電極膜32との接続位置や配置、材質等は適宜変更可能である。連結部材7d1、7f1の配置や形状、第1、第2の可動電極膜31、32とのそれぞれの接続位置等も適宜設定可能である。 In this way, the vertical movement due to the vibration of the vibrating membrane 6 moves the first movable electrode film 31 and the second movable electrode film 32 in opposite horizontal directions, and the first movable electrode 31a and the second movable electrode The overlapping area of 32a changes, which can be detected as a capacitance change. Note that the number, arrangement, and shape of the connecting members 7c, 7d2, 7e, and 7f2, their connection positions and positions with the first movable electrode film 31 or the second movable electrode film 32, their materials, etc. may be changed as appropriate. It is possible. The arrangement and shape of the connecting members 7d1 and 7f1, the respective connection positions with the first and second movable electrode films 31 and 32, etc. can also be set as appropriate.

連結部材7cの傾斜した形状、連結部材7eの傾斜した形状は、上記第3の実施例で説明したように形成することができる。連結部材7d2の傾斜した形状は、連結部材7eの一部を形成する際、同時に連結部材7d2の一部を形成し、その後第2の可動電極膜32の一部を除去して貫通孔を形成し、連結部材7d2の一部を露出させる。この連結部材7d2の一部に連続するように、第3のスペーサー4cとなる犠牲層を形成する際、傾斜面を有する犠牲層を形成して、傾斜面状に連結部材7d2の他の部分を形成する。同様に連結部材7f2も形成する。別の犠牲層を形成して傾斜面を覆い、連結部材7d2、連結部材7f2の一部を露出して平坦化した第3のスペーサー4cとなる犠牲層を形成する。その後、露出する連結部材7d2、連結部材7f2に連結する支持膜11を形成する。第1乃至第3のスペーサー4a~4cを形成するため犠牲層を除去することで、連結部材7c、連結部材7d2、連結部材7e、連結部材7f2を形成することができる。第1の可動電極膜31、第2の可動電極膜32に貫通孔を形成する代わりに、中継部材を形成することも可能である。 The inclined shape of the connecting member 7c and the inclined shape of the connecting member 7e can be formed as described in the third embodiment. The inclined shape of the connecting member 7d2 is such that when forming a part of the connecting member 7e, a part of the connecting member 7d2 is formed at the same time, and then a part of the second movable electrode film 32 is removed to form a through hole. Then, a part of the connecting member 7d2 is exposed. When forming a sacrificial layer that becomes the third spacer 4c so as to be continuous with a part of the connecting member 7d2, a sacrificial layer having an inclined surface is formed, and the other part of the connecting member 7d2 is formed in an inclined surface shape. Form. A connecting member 7f2 is also formed in the same manner. Another sacrificial layer is formed to cover the inclined surface, and a part of the connecting member 7d2 and the connecting member 7f2 are exposed to form a sacrificial layer that becomes the flattened third spacer 4c. After that, the support film 11 connected to the exposed connecting member 7d2 and connecting member 7f2 is formed. By removing the sacrificial layer to form the first to third spacers 4a to 4c, the connecting member 7c, the connecting member 7d2, the connecting member 7e, and the connecting member 7f2 can be formed. Instead of forming through holes in the first movable electrode film 31 and the second movable electrode film 32, it is also possible to form a relay member.

なお、連結部材7cと連結部材7d2、連結部材7eと連結部材7fの変形の仕方によっては、第1の可動電極膜31と第2の可動電極膜32の上下動を完全に抑えることができない場合もある。その場合、容量値が増加する水平方向の移動とともに第1の可動電極31と第2の可動電極32が近づくように変位し、容量値が減少する水平方向の移動とともに可動電極3aと固定電極5aが離れるように変位するように構成すると、より大きな容量変化を得ることができ好ましい。 Note that depending on how the connecting member 7c and the connecting member 7d2 and the connecting member 7e and the connecting member 7f are deformed, the vertical movement of the first movable electrode film 31 and the second movable electrode film 32 cannot be completely suppressed. There is also. In that case, the first movable electrode 31 and the second movable electrode 32 are displaced closer to each other as the capacitance increases in the horizontal direction, and the movable electrode 3a and the fixed electrode 5a move in the horizontal direction as the capacitance decreases. It is preferable to configure the capacitance so that it is displaced away from the capacitance, since a larger change in capacitance can be obtained.

次に第4の実施例について説明する。本発明のMEMS素子は、上記第2の実施例、第3の実施例同様、容量変化を検知するために配置される2枚の電極膜を、振動膜の振動に応じてそれぞれ水平方向に移動させる構成のMEMS素子となる。また、上記第3の実施例と比較して、第1の可動電極膜31と連結部材7cおよび連結部材7d2との接続、第2の可動電極膜32と連結部材7eおよび連結部材7f2との接続を、中継部材10aを介して行っている点で相違している。以下、実施例3との相違点について詳細に説明する。 Next, a fourth example will be described. Similar to the second and third embodiments, the MEMS element of the present invention moves two electrode films arranged to detect capacitance changes in the horizontal direction in response to the vibration of the vibrating film. The MEMS element has a configuration that allows Furthermore, compared to the third embodiment, the connection between the first movable electrode film 31 and the connecting member 7c and the connecting member 7d2, and the connection between the second movable electrode film 32 and the connecting member 7e and the connecting member 7f2 are different. The difference is that this is performed via a relay member 10a. Hereinafter, the differences from Example 3 will be explained in detail.

図7に示すように、振動膜6と第1の可動電極膜31は、連結部材7c(第1の電極膜連結部材であって第3の連結部材に相当)によって連結されている。この連結は、連結部材7cの一端は振動膜6に直接連結し、連結部材7cの他端は中継部材10aを介して第1の可動電極膜31に、連結部材7cが所定の方向(図7では左方向)に傾くように連結する構造となっている。なお連結部材7cは、第1の可動電極膜32に形成された貫通孔を貫通するように配置されている。 As shown in FIG. 7, the vibrating membrane 6 and the first movable electrode membrane 31 are connected by a connecting member 7c (which is a first electrode membrane connecting member and corresponds to a third connecting member). In this connection, one end of the connecting member 7c is directly connected to the vibrating membrane 6, the other end of the connecting member 7c is connected to the first movable electrode membrane 31 via the relay member 10a, and the connecting member 7c is connected in a predetermined direction (Fig. The structure is such that they are connected so that they are tilted to the left. Note that the connecting member 7c is arranged so as to pass through a through hole formed in the first movable electrode film 32.

また第1の可動電極膜31は、連結部材7d2(第1の連結部材であって第4の連結部材に相当)によって支持膜11に連結している。この連結は、連結部材7d2の一端を第1の可動電極膜31に連結した中継部材10aに連結し、連結部材7d2の他端を支持膜11に、連結部材7d2が所定の方向(図7では右方向)に傾くように連結する構造となっている。なお、連結部材7d2は、第2の可動電極膜32に形成された貫通孔を貫通するように配置されている。 Further, the first movable electrode film 31 is connected to the support film 11 by a connecting member 7d2 (a first connecting member and equivalent to a fourth connecting member). In this connection, one end of the connecting member 7d2 is connected to the relay member 10a connected to the first movable electrode membrane 31, the other end of the connecting member 7d2 is connected to the support membrane 11, and the connecting member 7d2 is moved in a predetermined direction (in FIG. The structure is such that they are connected so that they are tilted to the right (rightward). Note that the connecting member 7d2 is arranged to pass through a through hole formed in the second movable electrode film 32.

さらにまた振動膜6と第2の可動電極膜32は、連結部材7e(第2の電極膜連結部であって第5の連結部材に相当)によって連結されている。この連結も、連結部材7eの一端を振動膜6に連結し、連結部材7eの他端を第2の可動電極膜32に連結した中継部材10aに連結し、連結部材7eが所定の方向(図7では右方向)に傾くように連結している。なお連結部材7eは、第1の可動電極膜31に形成された貫通孔を貫通するように配置されている。 Furthermore, the vibrating membrane 6 and the second movable electrode membrane 32 are connected by a connecting member 7e (which is a second electrode membrane connecting part and corresponds to a fifth connecting member). In this connection, one end of the connecting member 7e is connected to the vibrating membrane 6, the other end of the connecting member 7e is connected to the relay member 10a connected to the second movable electrode membrane 32, and the connecting member 7e is moved in a predetermined direction (Fig. 7, they are connected so as to tilt to the right). Note that the connecting member 7e is arranged so as to pass through a through hole formed in the first movable electrode film 31.

また第2の可動電極膜32は、連結部材7f2(第2の連結部材であって第6の連結部材に相当)によって支持膜11に連結している。この連結は、連結部材7f2の一端を第2の可動電極膜32に連結した中継部材10aに連結し、連結部材7f2の他端を支持膜11に、連結部材7f2が所定の方向(図7では左方向)に傾くように連結している。なお、連結部材7f2は、第2の可動電極膜32に形成された貫通孔を貫通するように配置されている。 Further, the second movable electrode film 32 is connected to the support film 11 by a connecting member 7f2 (a second connecting member and equivalent to a sixth connecting member). In this connection, one end of the connecting member 7f2 is connected to the relay member 10a connected to the second movable electrode membrane 32, the other end of the connecting member 7f2 is connected to the support membrane 11, and the connecting member 7f2 is moved in a predetermined direction (in FIG. They are connected so that they are tilted to the left (towards the left). Note that the connecting member 7f2 is arranged so as to pass through a through hole formed in the second movable electrode film 32.

上記のような構造の本実施例のMEMS素子も、上記第3の実施例で説明したMEMS素子同様、図7に示すようにキャビティ8側から音圧等が加わると、振動膜6が振動する。この振動膜6に加わる圧力は、連結部材7cを介して第1の可動電極膜31に伝えられる。ここで、第1の可動電極膜31には中継部材10aを介して連結部材7d2が連結しており、連結部材7cと連結部材7d2を対称の形状とすることができ、第1の可動電極膜31を支持膜11側へ変位させる圧力に連結部材7d2が対抗し、第1の可動電極膜31を弾性のある連結部材7d1側に変位させることになる。同時に、振動膜6に加わる圧力は、連結部材7eを介して第2の可動電極膜32にも伝えられる。ここで第2の可動電極膜32には中継部材10aを介して連結部材7f2が連結しており、連結部材7eと連結部材7f2を対称の形状とすることができ、第2の可動電極膜32を支持膜11側へ変位させる圧力に連結部材7f2が対抗し、第2の可動電極膜32を弾性のある連結部材7f1側に変位させることになる。 Similarly to the MEMS element described in the third embodiment, the MEMS element of this embodiment having the above-described structure causes the vibrating membrane 6 to vibrate when sound pressure or the like is applied from the cavity 8 side, as shown in FIG. . This pressure applied to the vibrating membrane 6 is transmitted to the first movable electrode membrane 31 via the connecting member 7c. Here, the connecting member 7d2 is connected to the first movable electrode film 31 via the relay member 10a, and the connecting member 7c and the connecting member 7d2 can have a symmetrical shape. The connecting member 7d2 opposes the pressure that displaces the first movable electrode membrane 31 toward the supporting membrane 11 side, thereby displacing the first movable electrode membrane 31 toward the elastic connecting member 7d1. At the same time, the pressure applied to the vibrating membrane 6 is also transmitted to the second movable electrode membrane 32 via the connecting member 7e. Here, the connecting member 7f2 is connected to the second movable electrode film 32 via the relay member 10a, and the connecting member 7e and the connecting member 7f2 can have a symmetrical shape, and the second movable electrode film 32 The connecting member 7f2 opposes the pressure that causes the second movable electrode membrane 32 to move toward the supporting membrane 11 side, thereby displacing the second movable electrode membrane 32 toward the elastic connecting member 7f1.

具体的には、振動膜6にキャビティ8側から矢印方向の圧力が加わり振動膜6が振動すると、振動膜6が振動膜6と支持膜11との間のエアギャップ側に上がる変位(矢印と同じ方向への変位)が生じ、連結部材7cと連結部材7d2で支持された第1の可動電極膜31は、図面左方向へ水平移動する。同時に連結部材7eと連結部材7f2で支持された第2の可動電極膜32は、図面右方向へ水平移動する。第1の可動電極31aと第2の可動電極32aの配置を図4に示す配置と同じとすると、第1の可動電極31aと第2の可動電極32aとが重なる面積が増加し、容量値が増加するように変化する。また振動膜6の振動によりキャビティ8側に下がる変位(矢印と逆方向への変位)が生じると、第1の可動電極膜31は図面右方向へ水平移動し、同時に第2の可動電極膜32は図面左方向へ水平移動する。その結果、第1の可動電極31aと第2の可動電極32aとが重なる面積が減少し、容量値が減少するように変化する。本実施例でも第2、第3の実施例同様、第1の可動電極31aと第2の可動電極32aが、相互に反対方向に移動するため、相対的な移動寸法が大きくなり、容量変化が大きくなる。 Specifically, when pressure is applied to the diaphragm 6 from the cavity 8 side in the direction of the arrow and the diaphragm 6 vibrates, the diaphragm 6 is displaced toward the air gap between the diaphragm 6 and the support membrane 11 (as indicated by the arrow). (displacement in the same direction), and the first movable electrode film 31 supported by the connecting member 7c and the connecting member 7d2 horizontally moves to the left in the drawing. At the same time, the second movable electrode film 32 supported by the connecting member 7e and the connecting member 7f2 moves horizontally to the right in the drawing. If the arrangement of the first movable electrode 31a and the second movable electrode 32a is the same as that shown in FIG. 4, the area where the first movable electrode 31a and the second movable electrode 32a overlap increases, and the capacitance value increases. Change to increase. Further, when the vibration of the vibrating membrane 6 causes a downward displacement toward the cavity 8 side (displacement in the direction opposite to the arrow), the first movable electrode membrane 31 moves horizontally to the right in the drawing, and at the same time the second movable electrode membrane 32 moves horizontally to the left in the drawing. As a result, the area where the first movable electrode 31a and the second movable electrode 32a overlap decreases, and the capacitance value changes to decrease. In this embodiment, as in the second and third embodiments, the first movable electrode 31a and the second movable electrode 32a move in opposite directions, so the relative movement dimension increases and the capacitance changes. growing.

このように振動膜6の振動による上下動は、第1の可動電極膜31と第2の可動電極膜32をそれぞれ反対の水平方向へ移動させ、第1の可動電極31aと第2の可動電極32aの重なる面積が変化し、容量変化して検知することが可能となる。なお、連結部材7c、連結部材7d2、連結部材7e、連結部材7f2、中継部材10aの数、配置や形状、第1の可動電極膜31あるいは第2の可動電極膜32との接続位置や配置、材質等は適宜変更可能である。特に本実施例の連結部材は、中継部材10aを挟んで対称の形状とすることができ、第1の可動電極膜31と第2の可動電極膜32を水平方向に変位しやすくすることができる。連結部材7d1、7f1の配置や形状、第1、第2の可動電極膜31、32とのそれぞれの接続位置等も適宜設定可能である。 In this way, the vertical movement due to the vibration of the vibrating membrane 6 moves the first movable electrode film 31 and the second movable electrode film 32 in opposite horizontal directions, and the first movable electrode 31a and the second movable electrode The overlapping area of 32a changes, making it possible to change the capacitance and detect it. In addition, the number, arrangement and shape of the connecting member 7c, the connecting member 7d2, the connecting member 7e, the connecting member 7f2, and the relay member 10a, the connection position and arrangement with the first movable electrode film 31 or the second movable electrode film 32, The material etc. can be changed as appropriate. In particular, the connecting member of this embodiment can have a symmetrical shape with the relay member 10a in between, and can easily displace the first movable electrode film 31 and the second movable electrode film 32 in the horizontal direction. . The arrangement and shape of the connecting members 7d1 and 7f1, the respective connection positions with the first and second movable electrode films 31 and 32, etc. can also be set as appropriate.

中継部材10aは、第2のスペーサー4bとなる犠牲層を形成する工程において、中継部材10aを形成する工程を付加して所望の形状に形成することができる。 The relay member 10a can be formed into a desired shape by adding a step of forming the relay member 10a to the step of forming the sacrificial layer that will become the second spacer 4b.

次に第5の実施例について説明する。上記実施例では、対向する矩形の電極が相互にスライドするように水平方向に移動する場合について説明したが、連結部材の配置によっては電極が相互に回転するように水平移動するように構成することができる。 Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the opposing rectangular electrodes move horizontally so as to slide relative to each other. However, depending on the arrangement of the connecting members, the electrodes may be configured to move horizontally so as to rotate relative to each other. Can be done.

例えば、図1で説明したMEMS素子において、電極が回転するように水平移動する第5の実施例について説明する。図8は、第5の実施例のMEMS素子の断面図である。図8に示すようにシリコン基板からなる支持基板1上に、熱酸化膜からなる絶縁膜2とUSG膜からなる第1のスペーサー4aに挟持された振動膜6が配置されている。さらに第1のスペーサー4aとUSG膜からなる第2のスペーサー4bに挟持された可動電極膜3(第1の電極膜に相当)が配置され、第2のスペーサー4b上に固定電極膜5(第2の電極膜に相当)が配置されている。可動電極膜3上には可動電極3a(第1の電極に相当)が、固定電極膜5上には可動電極5a(第2の電極に相当)がそれぞれ対向するように配置されている。 For example, in the MEMS element described in FIG. 1, a fifth embodiment will be described in which the electrode moves horizontally so as to rotate. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the MEMS element of the fifth example. As shown in FIG. 8, a vibrating membrane 6 is disposed on a support substrate 1 made of a silicon substrate, which is sandwiched between an insulating film 2 made of a thermal oxide film and a first spacer 4a made of a USG film. Further, a movable electrode film 3 (corresponding to the first electrode film) sandwiched between a first spacer 4a and a second spacer 4b made of a USG film is disposed, and a fixed electrode film 5 (corresponding to the first electrode film) is placed on the second spacer 4b. (corresponding to the electrode film No. 2) is arranged. A movable electrode 3a (corresponding to a first electrode) is disposed on the movable electrode film 3, and a movable electrode 5a (corresponding to a second electrode) is disposed on the fixed electrode film 5 so as to face each other.

さらに振動膜6と固定電極膜5との間の空間(エアギャップ)内に配置された可動電極膜3は、連結部材7a(第1の電極膜連結部材であって第1の連結部材に相当)によって振動膜6に連結されている。この連結は、連結部材7aの一端を振動膜6に連結し、連結部材7aの他端を可動電極膜3に、連結部材7aが所定の方向に傾くように連結する。図8に示す例では、1対の連結部材7aを配置しており、各連結部材7aは、逆方向に傾くように連結する構造となっている。 Furthermore, the movable electrode membrane 3 disposed in the space (air gap) between the vibrating membrane 6 and the fixed electrode membrane 5 is connected to a connecting member 7a (a first electrode membrane connecting member, which corresponds to the first connecting member). ) is connected to the vibrating membrane 6. In this connection, one end of the connecting member 7a is connected to the vibrating membrane 6, and the other end of the connecting member 7a is connected to the movable electrode membrane 3 so that the connecting member 7a is tilted in a predetermined direction. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a pair of connecting members 7a are arranged, and each connecting member 7a has a structure in which the connecting members 7a are connected so as to be inclined in opposite directions.

図9は、可動電極膜3の平面図である。扇型の可動電極3aを備えた可動電極膜3は、第1のスペーサー4aと第2のスペーサー4bに挟持される周辺部と、弾性のある連結部材7b1(第1の電極膜連結部材であって第2の連結部材に相当)によって連結されている。図9において5a1は図8に示す固定電極5aが対向配置する位置を示しており、固定電極5aも扇型としている。7a1は、連結部材7aとの接合位置を示しており、円形の可動電極膜3の中心に対して点対称に配置されている。このような構造の可動電極膜3は、外圧が加わると弾性のある連結部材7b1が変形して回転移動(水平方向への移動)が可能となっている。 FIG. 9 is a plan view of the movable electrode film 3. The movable electrode membrane 3 including the fan-shaped movable electrode 3a has a peripheral portion sandwiched between the first spacer 4a and the second spacer 4b, and an elastic connecting member 7b1 (the first electrode membrane connecting member). (corresponding to the second connecting member). In FIG. 9, 5a1 indicates a position where the fixed electrodes 5a shown in FIG. 8 are arranged facing each other, and the fixed electrodes 5a are also fan-shaped. 7a1 indicates a joining position with the connecting member 7a, which is arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center of the circular movable electrode film 3. In the movable electrode film 3 having such a structure, when external pressure is applied, the elastic connecting member 7b1 is deformed and rotational movement (movement in the horizontal direction) is possible.

また可動電極膜3は、図8に示すように固定電極膜5との対向面で連結部材7b2(第1の電極膜連結部材であって第2の連結部材に相当)によって固定電極膜5と連結される。この連結部材7b2は、それぞれ、連結部材7aと同等で対称の形状となるように、位置、長さ、材質等を選定して配置される。 Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the movable electrode membrane 3 is connected to the fixed electrode membrane 5 by a connecting member 7b2 (a first electrode membrane connecting member and equivalent to a second connecting member) on the surface facing the fixed electrode membrane 5. Concatenated. The position, length, material, etc. of the connecting members 7b2 are selected and arranged so that the connecting members 7b2 have the same and symmetrical shape as the connecting members 7a.

上記のような構造の本実施例のMEMS素子は、図8示すようにキャビティ8側から音圧等が加わると、振動膜6が振動する。この振動膜6に加わる圧力は、連結部材7aを介して可動電極膜3に伝えられる。ここで可動電極膜3には、連結部材7aと対称に連結部材7b2を配置し、さらに連結部材7aと連結部材7b2の組を可動電極膜3の中心に対して点対称の位置に配置することで、可動電極膜3を固定電極膜5側へ変位させる圧力に連結部材7b2が対抗し、可動電極膜3を回転移動させることになる。 In the MEMS element of this embodiment having the above-described structure, the vibrating membrane 6 vibrates when sound pressure or the like is applied from the cavity 8 side, as shown in FIG. This pressure applied to the vibrating membrane 6 is transmitted to the movable electrode membrane 3 via the connecting member 7a. Here, in the movable electrode film 3, a connecting member 7b2 is arranged symmetrically with the connecting member 7a, and a pair of the connecting member 7a and the connecting member 7b2 is arranged in a point-symmetrical position with respect to the center of the movable electrode film 3. Then, the connecting member 7b2 opposes the pressure that displaces the movable electrode membrane 3 toward the fixed electrode membrane 5, causing the movable electrode membrane 3 to rotate.

具体的には、振動膜6にキャビティ8側から矢印方向の圧力が加わり振動膜6が振動すると、振動膜6がエアギャップ側に上がる変位(矢印と同じ方向への変位)が生じ、連結部材7a、連結部材7b2および連結部材7b1で支持された可動電極膜3は、水平移動する。このとき連結部材7aと対称に配置された連結部材7b2との組で支持された可動電極膜3には、図9に示す接続位置7a1にそれぞれ180度異なる矢印方向に変位する圧力が加わり、回転するように水平移動する。その結果、可動電極3aと固定電極5aとが重なる面積が増加し、容量値が増加するように変化する。また振動膜6の振動によりキャビティ8側に下がる変位(矢印と逆の方向への変位)が生じると、可動電極膜3は、図9に示す矢印と逆方向に回転するように水平移動する。その結果、可動電極3aと固定電極5aとが重なる面積が減少し、容量値が減少するように変化する。 Specifically, when pressure is applied to the vibrating membrane 6 from the cavity 8 side in the direction of the arrow and the vibrating membrane 6 vibrates, the vibrating membrane 6 is displaced upward toward the air gap side (displacement in the same direction as the arrow), and the connecting member 7a, the movable electrode film 3 supported by the connecting member 7b2 and the connecting member 7b1 moves horizontally. At this time, pressure is applied to the movable electrode membrane 3 supported by the pair of the connecting member 7a and the symmetrically arranged connecting member 7b2 to cause the connection position 7a1 shown in FIG. Move horizontally as shown. As a result, the area where the movable electrode 3a and the fixed electrode 5a overlap increases, and the capacitance value changes so as to increase. Further, when the vibration of the vibrating membrane 6 causes a downward displacement toward the cavity 8 side (displacement in the direction opposite to the arrow), the movable electrode membrane 3 moves horizontally so as to rotate in the direction opposite to the arrow shown in FIG. As a result, the area where the movable electrode 3a and the fixed electrode 5a overlap decreases, and the capacitance value changes to decrease.

このように振動膜6の振動による上下動は、可動電極膜3を回転するように水平移動させ、可動電極3aと固定電極5aの重なる面積が変化し、容量変化として検知することが可能となる。なお、可動電極膜3を固定電極膜5に平行に対向するように支持することができれば、連結部材7b1を除くことで、可動電極膜3を回転方向へ移動しやすくすることも可能である。また、連結部材と可動電極膜等との連結位置や配置、材質等は、適宜変更可能である。 In this way, the vertical movement due to the vibration of the vibrating membrane 6 horizontally moves the movable electrode membrane 3 in a rotational manner, and the overlapping area of the movable electrode 3a and the fixed electrode 5a changes, which can be detected as a capacitance change. . Note that if the movable electrode membrane 3 can be supported so as to face the fixed electrode membrane 5 in parallel, it is also possible to make the movable electrode membrane 3 easier to move in the rotational direction by removing the connecting member 7b1. Further, the connection position, arrangement, material, etc. of the connection member and the movable electrode film etc. can be changed as appropriate.

以上、図1に示すMEMS素子において可動電極膜が回転するように水平移動する場合について説明したが、図3に示すMEMS素子、図5に示すMEMS素子、図6に示すMEMS素子および図7に示しMEMS素子においても可動電極膜が回転するように水平移動するように構成することが可能である。 The case where the movable electrode film rotates and horizontally moves in the MEMS device shown in FIG. 1 has been described above, but the MEMS device shown in FIG. 3, the MEMS device shown in FIG. It is also possible to configure the MEMS element shown in the figure so that the movable electrode film rotates and moves horizontally.

このように電極膜の形状を変えることで、可動電極3aと固定電極5aとが重なる面積の変化を非線形とすることも容易となる。 By changing the shape of the electrode film in this way, it is also easy to make the change in the area where the movable electrode 3a and the fixed electrode 5a overlap nonlinear.

以上本発明の実施例について説明したが、本発明は上記実施例に限定されるものでないことは言うまでもない。例えば、可動電極や固定電極の形状や配置等は、所望の容量変化を検知できるように種々変更可能である。振動膜の上下動を可動電極膜の移動に伝搬させるため連結部材により直接接続する代わりに、振動膜の上下動の大きい部分と中継部材とを配置し、連結部材の一部となる中継部材を介して振動膜と可動電極膜とを接続するようにしてもよい。可動電極の水平移動の移動量、あるいは可動電極の水平移動と垂直移動のそれぞれの移動量は、連結部材を適宜選択することで調整すればよい。なお、上記実施例では振動膜6を絶縁膜2と第1のスペーサー4a等とで固定する構造として説明したが、図1、図8に示すMEMS素子において振動膜6と固定電極膜5とを反転した構造、図3、図5に示すMEMS素子において振動膜6と第2の可動電極膜32とを反転した構造、図6、図7に示すMEMS素子において振動膜6と支持膜11とを反転した構造とし、振動膜1がスペーサー等を介して支持基板1に固定された構造とすることも可能である。 Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the shape, arrangement, etc. of the movable electrode and the fixed electrode can be changed in various ways so that a desired capacitance change can be detected. In order to propagate the vertical movement of the diaphragm to the movement of the movable electrode membrane, instead of directly connecting it with a connecting member, a part of the diaphragm that has a large vertical movement and a relay member are arranged, and the relay member that becomes a part of the connecting member is arranged. The vibrating membrane and the movable electrode membrane may be connected through the vibrating membrane and the movable electrode membrane. The amount of horizontal movement of the movable electrode, or the amount of each of horizontal movement and vertical movement of the movable electrode may be adjusted by appropriately selecting a connecting member. Note that in the above embodiment, the vibrating membrane 6 is fixed with the insulating membrane 2 and the first spacer 4a, etc., but in the MEMS device shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the vibrating membrane 6 and the fixed electrode membrane 5 are fixed. An inverted structure, a structure in which the vibrating membrane 6 and the second movable electrode membrane 32 are inverted in the MEMS device shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, and a structure in which the vibrating membrane 6 and the support membrane 11 are inverted in the MEMS device shown in FIGS. It is also possible to have an inverted structure in which the vibrating membrane 1 is fixed to the support substrate 1 via a spacer or the like.

1:支持基板、2:絶縁膜、3:可動電極膜、31:第1の可動電極膜、32:第2の可動電極膜、3a:可動電極、31a:第1の可動電極、32a:第2の可動電極、4:スペーサー、4a:第1のスペーサー、4b:第2のスペーサー、4c:第3のスペーサー、5:固定電極膜、5a:固定電極、6:振動膜、7a、7b、7c:連結部材、7a1、7c1:連結位置、8:キャビティ、9:貫通孔、10、10a:中継部材、11:支持膜 Reference Signs List 1: supporting substrate, 2: insulating film, 3: movable electrode film, 31: first movable electrode film, 32: second movable electrode film, 3a: movable electrode, 31a: first movable electrode, 32a: first movable electrode 2 movable electrode, 4: spacer, 4a: first spacer, 4b: second spacer, 4c: third spacer, 5: fixed electrode membrane, 5a: fixed electrode, 6: vibrating membrane, 7a, 7b, 7c: Connection member, 7a1, 7c1: Connection position, 8: Cavity, 9: Through hole, 10, 10a: Relay member, 11: Support membrane

Claims (5)

支持基板上に、振動膜と、該振動膜の振動に応じた容量変化を検知する第1の電極と第2の電極とを配置したMEMS素子において、
前記支持基板上に固定された前記振動膜と、
第1の電極膜連結部材によって前記振動膜と連結された前記第1の電極を含む第1の電極膜と、
前記第1の電極に対向するように配置された前記第2の電極を含む第2の電極膜と、を備え、
前記第1の電極膜連結部材は、前記振動膜の上下動に応じて前記第1の電極膜を水平方向に移動させ、前記第1の電極と前記第2の電極とで検知する容量が変化するように前記振動膜と前記第1の電極膜とを連結していることを特徴とするMEMS素子。
In a MEMS element in which a vibrating membrane and a first electrode and a second electrode for detecting a capacitance change in response to vibration of the vibrating membrane are arranged on a support substrate,
the vibrating membrane fixed on the support substrate;
a first electrode membrane including the first electrode connected to the vibrating membrane by a first electrode membrane connecting member;
a second electrode film including the second electrode arranged to face the first electrode,
The first electrode membrane connecting member moves the first electrode membrane in a horizontal direction in accordance with the vertical movement of the vibrating membrane, and the capacitance detected by the first electrode and the second electrode changes. A MEMS device characterized in that the vibrating membrane and the first electrode membrane are connected to each other in such a manner that the vibrating membrane and the first electrode membrane are connected to each other.
請求項1記載のMEMS素子において、
前記第2の電極膜は第2の電極膜連結部材によって前記振動膜に連結され、
該第2の電極膜連結部材は、前記振動膜の上下動に応じて前記第1の電極膜が水平方向に移動するとき、該振動膜の上下動に応じて前記第2の電極膜を前記第1の電極膜が移動する方向とは異なる水平方向に移動させ、前記第1の電極と前記第2の電極とで検知する容量が変化するように前記振動膜と前記第2の電極膜とを連結していることを特徴とするMEMS素子。
The MEMS device according to claim 1,
the second electrode membrane is connected to the vibrating membrane by a second electrode membrane connecting member;
The second electrode membrane connecting member connects the second electrode membrane to the second electrode membrane in accordance with the vertical movement of the vibrating membrane when the first electrode membrane moves in the horizontal direction in accordance with the vertical movement of the vibrating membrane. The vibrating membrane and the second electrode membrane are moved in a horizontal direction different from the direction in which the first electrode membrane moves, so that the capacitance detected by the first electrode and the second electrode changes. A MEMS element characterized by connecting two.
請求項1記載のMEMS素子において、
バックチャンバーを備えた前記支持基板上に、前記振動膜と前記第2の電極膜からなる固定電極膜とをスペーサーを介して対向するように配置し、
前記振動膜と前記固定電極膜との間のエアギャップ内に、第1の連結部材と第2の連結部材とからなる前記第1の電極膜連結部材に連結した前記第1の電極膜となる第1の可動電極膜を配置し、
前記第1の連結部材は、前記振動膜と前記第1の可動電極膜とを連結し、
前記第2の連結部材は、前記第1の可動電極膜と、前記固定電極膜あるいは前記スペーサーの少なくともいずれかと、を連結していることを特徴とするMEMS素子。
The MEMS device according to claim 1,
The vibrating membrane and a fixed electrode film made of the second electrode film are arranged to face each other on the support substrate including a back chamber with a spacer interposed therebetween,
The first electrode membrane is connected to the first electrode membrane connecting member consisting of a first connecting member and a second connecting member in an air gap between the vibrating membrane and the fixed electrode membrane. arranging a first movable electrode film;
The first connecting member connects the vibrating membrane and the first movable electrode membrane,
A MEMS device, wherein the second connecting member connects the first movable electrode film and at least one of the fixed electrode film and the spacer.
請求項2記載のMEMS素子において、
バックチャンバーを備えた前記支持基板上に、前記振動膜と支持膜とをスペーサーを介して対向するように配置し、
前記振動膜と前記支持膜との間のエアギャップ内に、第3の連結部材と第4の連結部材とからなる前記第1の電極膜連結部材に連結した前記第1の電極膜となる第1の可動電極膜と、第5の連結部材と第6の連結部材とからなる前記第2の電極膜連結部材に連結した前記第2の電極膜となる第2の可動電極膜とを対向するように配置し、
前記第3の連結部材は、前記振動膜と前記第1の可動電極膜とを連結し、
前記第4の連結部材は、前記第1の可動電極膜と、前記支持膜あるいは前記スペーサーの少なくともいずれかと、を連結し、
前記第5の連結部材は、前記振動膜と前記第2の可動電極膜とを連結し、
前記第6の連結部材は、前記第2の可動電極膜と、前記支持膜あるいは前記スペーサーの少なくともいずれかと、を連結していることを特徴とするMEMS素子。
The MEMS device according to claim 2,
The vibrating membrane and the supporting membrane are arranged to face each other with a spacer interposed therebetween on the supporting substrate including a back chamber,
A first electrode membrane connected to the first electrode membrane connecting member comprising a third connecting member and a fourth connecting member is provided in the air gap between the vibrating membrane and the support membrane. The first movable electrode membrane and the second movable electrode membrane, which becomes the second electrode membrane connected to the second electrode membrane connecting member consisting of a fifth connecting member and a sixth connecting member, are opposed to each other. Place it like this,
The third connecting member connects the vibrating membrane and the first movable electrode membrane,
The fourth connecting member connects the first movable electrode membrane and at least either the support membrane or the spacer,
The fifth connecting member connects the vibrating membrane and the second movable electrode membrane,
A MEMS device, wherein the sixth connection member connects the second movable electrode film and at least one of the support film and the spacer.
請求項1または2いずれか記載のMEMS素子において、
前記第1の電極膜は、前記水平方向に移動するとともに、垂直方向に移動することを特徴とするMEMS素子。
The MEMS device according to claim 1 or 2,
The MEMS device, wherein the first electrode film moves in the horizontal direction and also moves in the vertical direction.
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Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010097974A1 (en) 2009-02-26 2010-09-02 パイオニア株式会社 Voice coil for speaker device, and speaker device
JP2011055087A (en) 2009-08-31 2011-03-17 New Japan Radio Co Ltd Mems microphone and method of manufacturing the same
JP2017135456A (en) 2016-01-25 2017-08-03 新日本無線株式会社 MEMS element
WO2019226958A1 (en) 2018-05-24 2019-11-28 The Research Foundation For The State University Of New York Capacitive sensor

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010097974A1 (en) 2009-02-26 2010-09-02 パイオニア株式会社 Voice coil for speaker device, and speaker device
JP2011055087A (en) 2009-08-31 2011-03-17 New Japan Radio Co Ltd Mems microphone and method of manufacturing the same
JP2017135456A (en) 2016-01-25 2017-08-03 新日本無線株式会社 MEMS element
WO2019226958A1 (en) 2018-05-24 2019-11-28 The Research Foundation For The State University Of New York Capacitive sensor

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