JP2021162385A - Sensor unit - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve the durability and secure the flexibility.SOLUTION: A sensor unit 10 is formed in a manner that a pressure-sensitive sensor 20 and a circuit part 30 are disposed apart from each other through a separation region 40 on a first sheet part 11 with flexibility. The pressure-sensitive sensor 20 includes a positive electrode layer 24 and a negative electrode layer 21 disposed apart from each other in a thickness direction of the first sheet part 11. The pressure-sensitive sensor 20 includes a first sensor electrode 22 connected to the positive electrode layer 24, and a second sensor electrode 25 connected to the negative electrode layer 21. A first circuit part electrode 34 and a second circuit part electrode 35 connected to the circuit part 30 are disposed on the first sheet part 11. The first circuit part electrode 34 is formed while being integrated with the first sensor electrode 22, also serves as the first sensor electrode 22, and is electrically connected to the positive electrode layer 24. The second circuit part electrode 35 is electrically connected to the second sensor electrode 25 through a coupling part 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a sensor unit having a sensor function for detecting pressure applied from the outside.

A sensor unit configured by arranging a pressure-sensitive sensor and a circuit unit on a flexible sheet portion such as a flexible printed wiring board is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). The pressure-sensitive sensors are arranged in a state of being separated from each other in the thickness direction of the seat portion, and include two types of electrode layers having different polarities from each other. The pressure-sensitive sensor includes a first sensor electrode connected to one electrode layer and a second sensor electrode connected to the other electrode layer. The first circuit section electrode and the second circuit section electrode are connected to the circuit section, respectively. In the above sensor unit, the first sensor electrode and the first circuit unit electrode are connected to each other, and the second sensor electrode and the second circuit unit electrode are connected to each other, so that the pressure-sensitive sensor and the circuit unit are electrically connected. Connection is made.

The sensor unit is required to have a simplified structure including a wiring structure. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode in the pressure-sensitive sensor and the first circuit part electrode and the second circuit part electrode in the circuit part are arranged on the same sheet part, and the patent document In 2, they are arranged on different seat portions. Here, in the sensor unit described in Patent Document 2, the sheet portion in which the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode are arranged is referred to as a sensor sheet portion, and the first circuit portion electrode and the second circuit portion electrode are arranged. The seat section is referred to as a circuit section sheet section. In the sensor unit described in Patent Document 2, the first sensor electrode and the second sensor electrode are arranged on both sides in the thickness direction of the sensor sheet portion.

Further, Patent Document 2 describes the following two types of sensor units.
In one type, as the circuit section sheet section, a first sheet section on which the first circuit section electrode is formed and a second sheet section on which the second circuit section electrode is formed are used. Then, in a state where the first circuit portion electrode is in contact with the first sensor electrode and the second circuit portion electrode is in contact with the second sensor electrode, the pressure sensitive sensor is placed on the first sheet portion and the first sheet portion from both sides in the thickness direction. It is sandwiched by the second sheet part.

In the other type, as the circuit section sheet portion, a main body portion on which the first circuit portion electrode is formed and a folded portion connected to the main body portion via a curved portion and on which the second circuit portion electrode is formed are provided. What is provided is used. With the first circuit section electrode in contact with the first sensor electrode and the second circuit section electrode in contact with the second sensor electrode, the pressure-sensitive sensor is sandwiched between the main body and the folded portion from both sides in the thickness direction. It has been.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-23595 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-178241

According to the sensor units described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the structure including the wiring structure can be simplified. On the other hand, in order to electrically connect the pressure sensor and the circuit unit, the first sensor electrode and the first circuit unit electrode are brought into contact with each other, and the second sensor electrode and the second circuit unit electrode are brought into contact with each other. If there are many contact points between the electrodes in this way, there is a problem in terms of durability. Further, when a joining material such as solder is used for the above electrical connection, the connecting portion becomes hard as the joining material hardens, the flexibility of the sheet portion is impaired, or when an external stress is applied. There is a risk of cracks and poor contact.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sensor unit capable of ensuring flexibility while improving durability.

The sensor unit that solves the above-mentioned problems is arranged on a flexible seat portion in a state in which the pressure-sensitive sensor and the circuit portion are separated from each other via a separation region, and the circuit portion is the detection result of the pressure-sensitive sensor. By integrating the processing unit that performs processing using the above, the transmission unit that transmits the processing result of the processing unit to the outside, and the battery unit that supplies power to the pressure sensor, the processing unit, and the transmission unit. The pressure-sensitive sensor is a configured sensor unit, the pressure-sensitive sensor is arranged in a state of being separated from each other in the thickness direction of the sheet portion, and includes two types of electrode layers having different polarities from each other. The first sensor electrode connected to the electrode layer and the second sensor electrode connected to the other electrode layer, and the first circuit unit electrode and the second circuit unit connected to the circuit unit, respectively. The electrodes are arranged on the sheet portion, the first circuit portion electrode also serves as the first sensor electrode, and is electrically connected to one of the electrode layers, and the second circuit portion electrode. Is electrically connected to the second sensor electrode.

According to the above configuration, the first circuit unit electrode also serves as the first sensor electrode of the pressure-sensitive sensor, and is electrically connected to one electrode layer of the pressure-sensitive sensor. Therefore, the number of contacts (contact points) is reduced as compared with the case where the first circuit unit electrode and the first sensor electrode are separately provided and the electrical connection is made by the contact between the two, and the connection is made accordingly. The durability of the part is improved. Further, since it is not necessary to connect the first circuit portion electrode and the first sensor electrode using a bonding material such as solder, the connecting portion becomes hard as the bonding material hardens, and the flexibility of the sheet portion is impaired. It is possible to prevent cracks from forming when an external stress is applied. Further, since the first circuit portion electrode and the first sensor electrode are formed on the same sheet portion, the tensile strength is increased.

In the sensor unit, when the seat portion is used as the first seat portion, a part of the second circuit portion electrode is arranged in the separation region in the first seat portion, and the pressure-sensitive sensor has flexibility. A second sheet portion having the first sheet portion and arranged at a position separated from the first sheet portion in the thickness direction is further provided, and the one electrode layer is attached to the second sheet portion of the first sheet portion. The second electrode layer is formed on the surface on the near side, and the other electrode layer is formed on the surface of the second sheet portion on the side closer to the first sheet portion, and is connected to the other electrode layer. It is preferable that the sensor electrode is electrically connected to the second circuit portion electrode in the separation region via a coupling portion.

According to the above configuration, when the pressure sensor includes the second sheet portion in addition to the first sheet portion, the second sensor electrode connected to the other electrode layer on the second sheet portion is the first sheet portion. In the separation region, it is electrically connected to the second circuit portion electrode on the first sheet portion via the coupling portion.

In the sensor unit, the pressure-sensitive sensor is flexible and further includes a third sheet portion arranged at a position opposite to the first sheet portion with respect to the second sheet portion. An electrode layer having the same polarity as the other electrode layer is formed on the surface of the second sheet portion closer to the third sheet portion, and the second sheet portion of the third sheet portion is formed. An electrode layer having the same polarity as the one electrode layer is formed on the surface on the side close to the above, and a third sensor electrode is connected to the electrode layer, and the third sensor electrode is said in the separation region. It is preferable that the electrode of the first circuit portion is electrically connected to the electrode via a coupling portion.

According to the above configuration, when the pressure-sensitive sensor includes a third sheet portion in addition to the first sheet portion and the second sheet portion, the third sensor electrode connected to the electrode layer on the third sheet portion is In the separation region of the first sheet portion, it is electrically connected to the electrode of the first circuit portion on the first sheet portion via the coupling portion.

In the sensor unit, the second circuit portion electrode is formed on a surface opposite to the first circuit portion electrode in the thickness direction of the sheet portion, and the sheet portion has the first circuit portion electrode. The formed main body portion is provided with a folded-back portion that is connected to the main body portion via a curved portion and is arranged at a position separated from the main body portion in one direction in the thickness direction, and the folded-back portion of the main body portion is provided. The one electrode layer is formed on the surface close to the portion, and the other electrode layer is formed on the surface of the folded portion close to the main body portion, and at least one of the second sensor electrodes is formed. The portion is formed on the surface of the folded portion on the side far from the main body portion and is connected to the other electrode layer, and the second circuit portion electrode is formed from the main body portion via the curved portion. It is preferable that the folded portion extends to the surface far from the main body portion and also serves as the second sensor electrode.

According to the above configuration, the second circuit portion electrode extending from the main body portion via the curved portion to the surface of the folded portion on the side far from the main body portion also serves as the second sensor electrode, and the main body portion of the folded portion. It is electrically connected to the other electrode layer formed on the surface closer to.

Therefore, the number of contacts (contact points) is further reduced as compared with the case where the second circuit portion electrode and the second sensor electrode are separately provided and the electrical connection is made by the contact between the two, and the connection portion. Durability is further improved. Further, it is not necessary to connect the second sensor electrode to the second circuit portion electrode by using a bonding material such as solder, and the connecting portion becomes hard as the bonding material hardens, and the flexibility of the sheet portion may be impaired. It is possible to prevent cracks from forming when an external stress is applied.

In the sensor unit, a through hole penetrating in the thickness direction is formed in the folded portion, and the second circuit portion electrode passes through the through hole with respect to the other electrode layer on the folded portion. It is preferably electrically connected.

According to the above configuration, in the folded portion of the sheet portion, the other electrode layer formed on the surface near the main body portion and the second circuit portion electrode formed on the surface far from the main body portion. The electrical connection is made through a through hole that penetrates the folded portion in the thickness direction.

In the sensor unit, when the curved portion is the first curved portion and the folded portion is the first folded portion, the seat portion is the end of the first folded portion on the opposite side of the first curved portion. A second folded portion connected to the portion via a second curved portion and arranged on the opposite side of the main body portion with the first folded portion interposed therebetween is further provided, and the second folded portion of the second folded portion is provided. An electrode layer having the same polarity as the one electrode layer is formed on the surface close to the one folded portion, a third sensor electrode is connected to the electrode layer, and the first circuit portion electrode is the above-mentioned. The third sensor extends from the main body portion via the first curved portion, the first folded portion, and the second curved portion to the surface of the second folded portion on the side far from the first folded portion. It is preferable that it also serves as an electrode.

According to the above configuration, the first circuit portion extending from the main body portion via the first curved portion, the first folded portion, and the second curved portion to the surface of the second folded portion on the side far from the first folded portion. The electrode also serves as a third sensor electrode, and is electrically connected to an electrode layer formed on the surface of the second folded portion on the side closer to the first folded portion.

Therefore, the number of contacts (contact points) is further reduced as compared with the case where the first circuit unit electrode and the third sensor electrode are separately provided and the electrical connection is made by the contact between the two, and the connection portion. Durability is further improved. Further, it is not necessary to connect the third sensor electrode to the electrode of the first circuit portion by using a bonding material such as solder, and the connecting portion becomes hard as the bonding material hardens, and the flexibility of the sheet portion may be impaired. It is possible to prevent cracks from forming when an external stress is applied.

In the sensor unit, when the through hole is a first through hole, a second through hole penetrating in the thickness direction is formed in the second folded portion, and the first circuit portion electrode is the second through hole. It is preferable that the electrode layer on the folded portion is electrically connected to the electrode layer via the second through hole.

According to the above configuration, in the second folded portion of the seat portion, the electrode layer formed on the surface near the first folded portion and the first circuit portion formed on the surface far from the first folded portion. The electrical connection with the electrode is made through a second through hole that penetrates the second folded portion in the thickness direction.

According to the sensor unit, flexibility can be ensured while improving durability.

The perspective view which shows the schematic structure of the sensor unit in 1st Embodiment. The plan view of the sensor unit of FIG. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. An exploded perspective view of the sensor unit of FIG. The partial side view which shows by breaking a part of the sensor unit in 2nd Embodiment. In the second embodiment, the plan view which shows the sensor unit before the seat part is folded back. Bottom view of FIG. 7. The partial side view which shows by breaking a part of the sensor unit in 3rd Embodiment. In the third embodiment, the plan view which shows the sensor unit before the seat part is folded back. Bottom view of FIG.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the sensor unit will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.
The dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation and differ from the actual ratios.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sensor unit 10 of the first embodiment includes a first seat portion 11 as a flexible seat portion and a pressure-sensitive sensor 20 arranged on the first seat portion 11. The pressure-sensitive sensor 20 is provided with a circuit unit 30 arranged on the first sheet unit 11 in a state of being separated from the pressure-sensitive sensor 20 via a separation region 40. In other words, the region between the pressure sensor 20 and the circuit portion 30 in the first sheet portion 11 is the separation region 40. Since neither the pressure sensor 20 nor the circuit unit 30 is provided in the separation region 40, the first sheet unit 11 can be bent in the separation region 40.

The first sheet portion 11 is composed of a flexible printed wiring board (FPC: an abbreviation for Flexible Printed Circuits) and has flexibility. In the first embodiment, as the first sheet portion 11, a long and slender shape in the left-right direction in FIG. 2 is used. The flexible printed wiring board is a form of a printed circuit board, in which a wiring pattern (wiring portion) made of copper foil or the like is formed on a thin film formed of a resin material such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, or polycarbonate. It is thin, light, and has the characteristics of being bendable.

The circuit unit 30 includes a processing unit 31 that performs processing using the detection result of the pressure sensor 20, a transmission unit 32 that transmits the processing result of the processing unit 31 to the outside by wireless communication, a pressure sensor 20, and a processing unit 31. And the battery unit 33 that supplies electric power to the transmission unit 32 are integrated. As the battery unit 33, a primary battery may be used, or a secondary battery or a power storage device such as a capacitor may be used.

The pressure-sensitive sensor 20 is a sensor that detects the pressure applied thereto, and is lightweight and has flexibility. In the first embodiment, a capacitance type pressure sensor is used as the pressure sensor 20.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the pressure sensor 20 is arranged at a position separated from the first sheet portion 11 in the thickness direction of the first sheet portion 11 (upper of FIGS. 3 to 5). A second seat portion 23 and a third seat portion 26 arranged at a position distant from the first seat portion 11 with respect to the second seat portion 23 are provided. Like the first sheet portion 11, the second sheet portion 23 and the third seat portion 26 are composed of a flexible printed wiring board.

Negative electrode layers 21 are formed as electrode layers on both sides of the second sheet portion 23 in the thickness direction. Both negative electrode layers 21 are connected on both sides by through holes (not shown). A positive electrode layer 24 is formed as an electrode layer on the surface of the first sheet portion 11 on the side close to the second sheet portion 23. A positive electrode layer 27 is formed as an electrode layer on the surface of the third sheet portion 26 on the side close to the second sheet portion 23.

Examples of the material forming both the negative electrode layers 21 and the positive electrode layers 24 and 27 include conductive elastomers, carbon nanotubes, Ketjen black (registered trademark), metal foils such as copper and aluminum, and metal vapor deposition films. .. Examples of the conductive elastomer include a conductive elastomer containing an insulating polymer and a conductive filler.

Examples of the insulating polymer include crosslinked polyrotaxane, silicone elastomer, acrylic elastomer, and urethane elastomer. One of these insulating polymers may be used, or a plurality of types may be used in combination. Examples of the conductive filler include metal particles such as Ketjen Black (registered trademark), carbon black, and copper and silver. One of these conductive fillers may be used, or a plurality of types may be used in combination.

On the other hand (lower part of FIGS. 3 to 5), a sheet-shaped dielectric layer 29 made of a dielectric elastomer is arranged between the negative electrode layer 21 and the positive electrode layer 24. Further, the same dielectric layer 29 as described above is also arranged between the negative electrode layer 21 and the positive electrode layer 27 on the other side (upper of FIGS. 3 to 5).

The dielectric elastomer constituting each dielectric layer 29 is not particularly limited, and known dielectric elastomers can be used. Examples of the dielectric elastomer include crosslinked polyrotaxane, silicone elastomer, acrylic elastomer, and urethane elastomer. One of these dielectric elastomers may be used, or a plurality of types may be used in combination.

Both the negative electrode layers 21, the positive electrode layers 24, 27 and the dielectric layers 29 described above are also constituent members of the pressure sensitive sensor 20. The pressure-sensitive sensor 20 formed by stacking the negative electrode layer 21 and the dielectric layer 29 sandwiched between the positive electrode layers 24 and 27 in two stages as described above has the positive electrode layers 24 and 27 and the negative electrode layer 21. The configuration is such that two capacitors that are inverted of and are stacked. The pair of positive electrode layers 24 and 27 are electrically connected to each other externally. With the above structure, when the pressure-sensitive sensor 20 is exposed to an external electromagnetic field, a reverse-phase voltage or a reverse-phase current is generated in one capacitor and the other capacitor, and these are added. Then, since it becomes zero, the influence of noise due to the external electromagnetic field can be eliminated. Further, by forming the laminated structure as described above, the capacitance change can be made large, so that the S / N ratio (signal-to-noise ratio) can be improved.

The first circuit unit electrode 34 and the second circuit unit electrode 35 are electrically connected to the circuit unit 30 as part of the wiring unit. The first circuit section electrode 34 and the second circuit section electrode 35 are arranged on the first sheet portion 11 on the same side (upper side in FIGS. 3 to 5) in the thickness direction. A part of each of the first circuit section electrode 34 and the second circuit section electrode 35 is arranged in the separation region 40 in the first sheet section 11.

The pressure-sensitive sensor 20 includes a first sensor electrode 22 connected to the positive electrode layer 24, a pair of second sensor electrodes 25 connected to both negative electrode layers 21, and a third sensor connected to the positive electrode layer 27. It includes an electrode 28.

The first circuit unit electrode 34 and the first sensor electrode 22 are integrally formed. A part of the first circuit unit electrode 34 also serves as the first sensor electrode 22, and is directly electrically connected to the positive electrode layer 24.

The second sensor electrode 25 is formed on both side surfaces of the second sheet portion 23 in the thickness direction. Each of the second sensor electrodes 25 is integrally formed with the negative electrode layer 21 formed on the same side surface in the thickness direction of the second sheet portion 23, and is electrically connected to the negative electrode layer 21. There is. Both second sensor electrodes 25 are electrically connected to each other (not shown).

Both second sensor electrodes 25 are electrically connected to the second circuit portion electrode 35 on the first sheet portion 11 via the coupling portion 41 in the separation region 40. Note that FIG. 4 shows a state before connection. At the time of connection, the second sheet portion 23 is bent toward the first sheet portion 11 side together with the second sensor electrode 25. The second sensor electrode 25 is brought close to the second circuit portion electrode 35, and the coupling portion 41 forms a coupling.

The coupling portion 41 may be any as long as it can electrically connect the second sensor electrode 25 to the second circuit portion electrode 35. For example, a solder, a connector, or an anisotropic conductive film (ACF: an abbreviation for Anisotropic Conductive Film). Can be mentioned. Soldering is a method of joining without melting the base metal using a solder alloy (an alloy containing lead and tin as main components). The connector is a component used for electrically connecting or disconnecting the second sensor electrode 25 and the second circuit unit electrode 35. For example, the connector consists of two components, a plug and a socket, both of which are inserted and removed. Type is used.

The anisotropic conductive film is a film in which fine conductive particles composed of metal particles, metal-plated resin particles, and the like are uniformly dispersed. The anisotropic conductive film has electrical anisotropy that maintains conductivity in the thickness direction (pressurization direction) of the joint portion (bonding portion 41) and insulation in the plane direction (direction orthogonal to the pressurization direction). It is a bonding material that has, and is generally used when mounting electronic components. At the time of mounting, an anisotropic conductive film is arranged between the second sensor electrode 25 and the second circuit portion electrode 35, and pressure is applied while applying heat. Then, the particles dispersed in the anisotropic conductive film are overlapped while being in contact with each other, and eventually form a conductive path. Since the particles under no pressure in the anisotropic conductive film retain the insulating layer, the anisotropic conductive film has the above-mentioned electrical anisotropy.

The third sensor electrode 28 is formed on the surface of the third seat portion 26 on the side closer to the second seat portion 23. The third sensor electrode 28 is electrically connected to the first circuit portion electrode 34 on the first sheet portion 11 in the separation region 40 via a coupling portion 42 similar to the coupling portion 41. Note that FIG. 3 shows a state before connection. At the time of connection, the third seat portion 26 is bent toward the first seat portion 11 side together with the third sensor electrode 28. The third sensor electrode 28 is brought close to the first circuit portion electrode 34, and the coupling portion 42 connects the third sensor electrode 28.

The sensor unit 10 of the first embodiment is configured as described above. Next, the operation of the sensor unit 10 will be described. In addition, the effects caused by the action will also be described.

In the first embodiment, a part of the first circuit unit electrode 34 also serves as the first sensor electrode 22, and is directly electrically connected to the positive electrode layer 24. Therefore, the number of contacts (contact points) is reduced as compared with the case where the first circuit unit electrode 34 and the first sensor electrode 22 are separately provided and the electrical connection is made by the contact between the two. , The durability of the connection part is improved. Further, since it is not necessary to connect the first circuit portion electrode 34 and the first sensor electrode 22 using a bonding material such as solder, the connecting portion becomes hard as the bonding material hardens, and the first sheet portion 11 Flexibility is not impaired, and cracks can be prevented when external stress is applied. Further, since the first circuit portion electrode 34 to the first sensor electrode 22 are formed on the same sheet portion (first sheet portion 11), the tensile strength is increased.

The pressure sensor 20 is connected to the negative electrode layer 21 on the second sheet portion 23 in the first embodiment including the second sheet portion 23 and the third sheet portion 26 in addition to the first sheet portion 11. The second sensor electrode 25 is electrically connected to the second circuit portion electrode 35 on the first sheet portion 11 in the separation region 40 via the coupling portion 41. Further, the third sensor electrode 28 connected to the positive electrode layer 27 on the third sheet portion 26 is connected to the first circuit portion electrode 34 on the first sheet portion 11 via the coupling portion 42 in the separation region 40. Is electrically connected.

By the way, the sensor unit 10 can be bent in the thickness direction of the first sheet portion 11 in a portion such as the separation region 40 where the circuit portion 30 is not arranged. Since the pressure sensor 20 also has flexibility, it can be slightly curved. Therefore, furniture, shelves, boxes, tools, robot hands, and other items with various external shapes are targeted for attachment (attached portion), and the sensor unit 10 is bent to match the external shape of the attached portion. It can be transformed. Since the wiring portion constitutes a part of the first sheet portion 11 and has flexibility, there is no problem even if it is bent together with the separation region 40 and the like. Then, the sensor unit 10 is attached to the attached portion by a double-sided adhesive tape or the like.

In the sensor unit 10 attached to the attached portion as described above, when pressure is applied to the pressure sensitive sensor 20 by pressing the third seat portion 26 with a finger or the like, the capacitance changes according to the pressure. Change. In the pressure sensor 20, pressure is detected based on the change in capacitance. The processing unit 31 uses the detection result of the pressure sensitive sensor 20 to perform processing. The processing result of the processing unit 31 is wirelessly transmitted from the transmission unit 32.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the sensor unit will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. Note that FIG. 6 shows the seat portion 51 folded back at the first curved portion 53, and FIGS. 7 and 8 show the seat portion 51 folded back. Incidentally, in FIGS. 7 and 8, the illustration of the dielectric layer 58 is omitted. Further, the reference numerals in parentheses in FIGS. 7 and 8 indicate a portion formed when the sensor unit 50 is formed by folding back the sheet portion 51 and laminating the dielectric layer 58 or the like. The same applies to FIGS. 10 and 11 in the third embodiment.

In the sensor unit 50 of the second embodiment, a seat portion 51 including a main body portion 52, a first curved portion 53 (curved portion), and a first folded portion 54 (folded portion) is used. As shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first curved portion 53 arrows the sheet portion 51 along the folding line 59 extending in the width direction of the sheet portion 51 (vertical direction in FIGS. 7 and 8). It is formed by bending in the direction indicated by, and has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape. The first folded-back portion 54 is connected to the main body portion 52 via the first curved portion 53, and is arranged at a position separated from the main body portion 52 in the thickness direction toward one side (upper in FIG. 6).

The main body portion 52 corresponds to the first seat portion 11 in the first embodiment, and the first folded portion 54 corresponds to the second seat portion 23 in the first embodiment.
A circuit unit 30 having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is arranged on the main body 52. The pressure sensor 55 is arranged on the main body 52 and on the side opposite to the circuit 30 (on the left side in FIG. 6) with the separation region 40 in between.

A positive electrode layer 56 is formed as an electrode layer on the surface of the main body 52 near the first folded portion 54 (upper side in FIG. 6). A negative electrode layer 57 is formed as an electrode layer on the surface of the first folded-back portion 54 near the main body portion 52 (lower side in FIG. 6). The positive electrode layer 56 corresponds to the positive electrode layer 24 in the first embodiment, and the negative electrode layer 57 corresponds to the negative electrode layer 21 in the first embodiment. A dielectric layer 58 similar to the dielectric layer 29 is arranged between the positive electrode layer 56 and the negative electrode layer 57.

A first sensor electrode 61 similar to the first sensor electrode 22 is connected to the positive electrode layer 56, and a second sensor electrode 62 similar to the second sensor electrode 25 is connected to the negative electrode layer 57. .. The circuit unit 30 is connected to a first circuit unit electrode 63 similar to the first circuit unit electrode 34 and a second circuit unit electrode 64 similar to the second circuit unit electrode 35. The first circuit unit electrode 63 and the second circuit unit electrode 64 are arranged on the seat portion 51.

More specifically, the first circuit portion electrode 63 is formed on the same surface as the positive electrode layer 56 in the thickness direction of the main body portion 52. The first circuit unit electrode 63 and the first sensor electrode 61 are integrally formed. A part of the first circuit unit electrode 63 also serves as the first sensor electrode 61, and is directly electrically connected to the positive electrode layer 56.

The second sensor electrode 62 is formed on the surface of the first folded portion 54 on the side opposite to the negative electrode layer 57 (upper side in FIG. 6). The first folded-back portion 54 is formed with a first through hole 65 (through hole) penetrating in the thickness direction thereof. The second sensor electrode 62 is electrically connected to the negative electrode layer 57 via the first through hole 65.

The second circuit portion electrode 64 is formed on the surface of the main body portion 52, the first curved portion 53, and the first folded portion 54 of the seat portion 51 on the side opposite to the first circuit portion electrode 63. The second circuit unit electrode 64 and the second sensor electrode 62 are integrally formed. A part of the second circuit portion electrode 64, that is, a portion formed on the side opposite to the negative electrode layer 57 in the first folded portion 54 also serves as the second sensor electrode 62.

The configuration other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same elements as those described in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.
According to the second embodiment, the first circuit unit electrode 63 and the first sensor electrode 61 are integrally formed, and a part of the first circuit unit electrode 63 also serves as the first sensor electrode 61. , The same action and effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

Further, the second circuit unit electrode 64 and the second sensor electrode 62 are integrally formed, and a part of the second circuit unit electrode 64 also serves as the second sensor electrode 62. Therefore, the number of contacts (contact points) is further reduced as compared with the case where the second circuit unit electrode 64 and the second sensor electrode 62 are separately provided and the electrical connection is made by their contact. The durability of the connection part is further improved. Further, it is not necessary to connect the second sensor electrode 62 to the second circuit portion electrode 64 by using a bonding material such as solder, and the connecting portion becomes hard as the bonding material hardens, and the flexibility of the sheet portion 51 is impaired. It is possible to prevent cracks from forming when an external stress is applied.

Further, the second sensor electrode 62 (second circuit portion electrode 64) and the negative electrode layer 57 are formed on opposite sides in the thickness direction of the first folded portion 54, but the thickness of the first folded portion 54 is increased. By using the first through hole 65 penetrating in the direction, they can be electrically connected to each other.

(Third Embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the sensor unit will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11. Note that, in FIG. 9, the seat portion 71 is shown in a folded state at the first curved portion 73 and the second curved portion 75, and in FIGS. 10 and 11, the seat portion 71 is shown in a state before being folded back. There is. Incidentally, in FIGS. 10 and 11, the dielectric layer 82 is not shown.

In the sensor unit 70 according to the third embodiment, the seat portion 71 includes a main body portion 72, a first curved portion 73, a first folded portion 74, a second curved portion 75, and a second folded portion 76. ing. The second folded-back portion 76 corresponds to the third seat portion 26 in the first embodiment. The main body portion 72, the first curved portion 73, and the first folded portion 74 correspond to the main body portion 52, the first curved portion 53, and the first folded portion 54 in the second embodiment.

As shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first curved portion 73 has the sheet portion 71 along the folding line 91 extending in the width direction of the sheet portion 71 (vertical direction in FIGS. 10 and 11). It is formed by bending in the direction indicated by the arrow, and has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape. The first folded-back portion 74 is connected to the main body portion 72 via the first curved portion 73, and is arranged at a position separated from the main body portion 72 in the thickness direction toward one side (upper in FIG. 9).

The second curved portion 75 is located at an end portion of the first folded portion 74 opposite to the first curved portion 73. The second curved portion 75 is formed by bending the sheet portion 71 in the direction indicated by the arrow along the folding line 92 extending in the width direction of the sheet portion 71 as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIGS. 10 and 11. It has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape. The second folded-back portion 76 is arranged on the side opposite to the main body portion 72 with the first folded-back portion 74 interposed therebetween, and is connected to the second curved portion 75.

A circuit unit 30 having the same configuration as that of the first and second embodiments is arranged on the main body 72. A pressure sensor 77 is arranged on the main body 72 on the opposite side of the separation region 40 from the circuit portion 30.

A positive electrode layer 78 is formed as an electrode layer on the surface of the main body 72 near the first folded portion 74. Negative electrode layers 79 are formed as electrode layers on both side surfaces of the first folded portion 74 in the thickness direction. A positive electrode layer 81 is formed as an electrode layer on the surface of the second folded portion 76 on the side closer to the first folded portion 74.

The positive electrode layer 78 corresponds to the positive electrode layers 24 and 56, the negative electrode layer 79 corresponds to the negative electrode layers 21 and 57, and the positive electrode layer 81 corresponds to the positive electrode layer 27. A dielectric layer 82 similar to the dielectric layers 29 and 58 is arranged between the positive electrode layer 78 and the negative electrode layer 79 on one side (lower side of FIG. 9). Further, a dielectric layer 82 similar to the dielectric layers 29 and 58 is also arranged between the negative electrode layer 79 and the positive electrode layer 81 on the other side (upper side of FIG. 9).

A first sensor electrode 83 similar to the first sensor electrodes 22 and 61 is connected to the positive electrode layer 78, and the second sensor electrode 25, is connected to the other negative electrode layer 79 (upper part of FIG. 9). A second sensor electrode 84 similar to 62 is connected, and a third sensor electrode 85 similar to the third sensor electrode 28 is connected to the positive electrode layer 81.

A first circuit unit electrode 86 similar to the first circuit unit electrodes 34 and 63 and a second circuit unit electrode 87 similar to the second circuit unit electrodes 35 and 64 are connected to the circuit unit 30, respectively. There is. The first circuit section electrode 86 and the second circuit section electrode 87 are arranged on the seat section 71.

More specifically, the first circuit portion electrode 86 is formed on the same surface as the positive electrode layer 78 in the thickness direction of the main body portion 72. The first circuit unit electrode 86 and the first sensor electrode 83 are integrally formed. A part of the first circuit unit electrode 86 also serves as the first sensor electrode 83, and is directly electrically connected to the positive electrode layer 78.

The second sensor electrode 84 is formed on the surface of the first folded portion 74 on the same side as the other negative electrode layer 79 (upper in FIG. 9) and the first curved portion 73. A first through hole 88 penetrating in the thickness direction of the first folded portion 74 is formed in the first folded portion 74. Both negative electrode layers 79 are electrically connected via the first through hole 88.

The second circuit portion electrode 87 is formed on the surface of the main body portion 72, the first curved portion 73, and the first folded portion 74 of the seat portion 71 on the side opposite to the first circuit portion electrode 86. The second circuit unit electrode 87 and the second sensor electrode 84 are integrally formed. A part of the second circuit portion electrode 87, that is, a portion formed in a part of the first curved portion 73 and the first folded portion 74 also serves as the second sensor electrode 84.

The third sensor electrode 85 is formed on the surface of the second folded-back portion 76 on the side far from the first folded-back portion 74 (upper side in FIG. 9).
Further, the first circuit portion electrode 86 passes from the positive electrode layer 78 through the main body portion 72, the first curved portion 73, the first folded portion 74, and the second curved portion 75 in the thickness direction of the second folded portion 76. Extends from the first folding portion 74 to the surface on the far side. The first circuit portion electrode 86 is arranged on the first folded portion 74 in a state of being separated from the negative electrode layer 79 along the outer shape of the negative electrode layer 79. In other words, the first circuit unit electrode 86 bypasses the negative electrode layer 79 on the first folded portion 74. The first circuit unit electrode 86 and the third sensor electrode 85 are integrally formed. A part of the first circuit portion electrode 86, that is, a portion formed in a part of the second curved portion 75 and the second folded portion 76 also serves as the third sensor electrode 85. A second through hole 89 penetrating in the thickness direction of the second folded-back portion 76 is formed. The portion of the first circuit portion electrode 86 that also serves as the third sensor electrode 85 is electrically connected to the positive electrode layer 81 via the second through hole 89.

The configurations other than the above are the same as those of the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the same elements as those described in the first and second embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.
According to the third embodiment, since the first circuit unit electrode 86 also serves as the first sensor electrode 83, the same operations and effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.

Further, a part of the first circuit unit electrode 86 also serves as the third sensor electrode 85. Therefore, the number of contacts (contact points) is further reduced as compared with the case where the first circuit unit electrode 86 and the third sensor electrode 85 are separately provided and the electrical connection is made by the contact between the two. The durability of the connection part is further improved. Further, it is not necessary to connect the third sensor electrode 85 to the first circuit portion electrode 86 by using a bonding material such as solder, and the connecting portion becomes hard as the bonding material hardens, and the flexibility of the sheet portion 71 is impaired. It is possible to prevent cracks from forming when an external stress is applied.

Further, the third sensor electrode 85 (first circuit portion electrode 86) and the positive electrode layer 81 are formed on opposite sides in the thickness direction of the second folded portion 76, but the thickness of the second folded portion 76 is formed. By using the second through hole 89 penetrating in the direction, they can be electrically connected to each other.

It should be noted that the above embodiment can also be implemented as a modified example in which this is modified as follows. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

In the first embodiment, the second sensor electrode 25 may be electrically connected to the second circuit portion electrode 35 via the coupling portion 41 in a region different from the separation region 40 of the first sheet portion 11. ..

In the first embodiment, the third sensor electrode 28 may be electrically connected to the first circuit portion electrode 34 via the coupling portion 42 in a region different from the separation region 40 of the first sheet portion 11. ..

The pressure-sensitive sensor 20 in the sensor unit 10 of the first embodiment may be changed to one having one dielectric layer 29. In this case, the third sheet portion 26, the positive electrode layer 27, and the third sensor electrode 28 are omitted from the sensor unit 10. Further, of the pair of negative electrode layers 21, the negative electrode layer 21 located on the side far from the first sheet portion 11 is omitted. Also in this case, the first circuit unit electrode 34 and the first sensor electrode 22 are integrally formed, and a part of the first circuit unit electrode 34 also serves as the first sensor electrode 22. Similarly, the effect of ensuring flexibility while improving durability can be obtained.

-As the pressure sensitive sensors 20, 55, 77, a pressure sensor of a type different from the above-mentioned capacitance type pressure sensor, for example, a resistance type, provided that it has flexibility and can detect pressure. A pressure sensor may be used.

10, 50, 70 ... Sensor unit 11 ... First seat part (seat part)
20, 55, 77 ... Pressure-sensitive sensor 21, 57, 79 ... Negative electrode layer (electrode layer)
22, 61, 83 ... 1st sensor electrode 23 ... 2nd sheet part 24, 27, 56, 78, 81 ... Positive electrode layer (electrode layer)
25, 62, 84 ... 2nd sensor electrode 26 ... 3rd sheet unit 28, 85 ... 3rd sensor electrode 30 ... Circuit unit 31 ... Processing unit 32 ... Transmission unit 33 ... Battery unit 34, 63, 86 ... 1st circuit unit Electrodes 35, 64, 87 ... Second circuit part Electrode 40 ... Separation area 41, 42 ... Coupling part 51, 71 ... Sheet part 52, 72 ... Main body part 53, 73 ... First curved part (curved part)
54, 74 ... 1st folding part (folding part)
65, 88 ... 1st through hole (through hole)
75 ... 2nd curved part 76 ... 2nd folding part 89 ... 2nd through hole

Claims (7)

The pressure sensor and the circuit section are arranged on the flexible seat section in a state of being separated from each other via a separation region.
The circuit unit has a processing unit that performs processing using the detection result of the pressure sensor, a transmission unit that transmits the processing result of the processing unit to the outside, and the pressure sensor, the processing unit, and the transmission unit. It is a sensor unit configured by integrating the battery unit that supplies power.
The pressure-sensitive sensor includes two types of electrode layers that are arranged apart from each other in the thickness direction of the sheet portion and have different polarities from each other.
The pressure-sensitive sensor includes a first sensor electrode connected to one of the electrode layers and a second sensor electrode connected to the other electrode layer.
The first circuit section electrode and the second circuit section electrode connected to the circuit section are arranged on the sheet section.
The first circuit unit electrode also serves as the first sensor electrode and is electrically connected to one of the electrode layers, and the second circuit unit electrode is electrically connected to the second sensor electrode. The sensor unit that is being used. When the sheet portion is used as the first sheet portion,
A part of the second circuit section electrode is arranged in the separation region in the first sheet section.
The pressure-sensitive sensor further includes a second sheet portion that is flexible and is arranged at a position distant from the first sheet portion to one side in the thickness direction.
The one electrode layer is formed on the surface of the first sheet portion that is closer to the second sheet portion.
The other electrode layer is formed on the surface of the second sheet portion that is closer to the first sheet portion.
The sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein the second sensor electrode connected to the other electrode layer is electrically connected to the second circuit portion electrode in the separation region via a coupling portion. The pressure-sensitive sensor is flexible and further includes a third seat portion arranged at a position opposite to the first seat portion with respect to the second seat portion.
An electrode layer having the same polarity as the other electrode layer is formed on the surface of the second sheet portion on the side closer to the third sheet portion.
An electrode layer having the same polarity as the one electrode layer is formed on the surface of the third sheet portion on the side closer to the second sheet portion, and the third sensor electrode is connected to the electrode layer.
The sensor unit according to claim 2, wherein the third sensor electrode is electrically connected to the first circuit portion electrode in the separation region via a coupling portion. The second circuit portion electrode is formed on a surface opposite to the first circuit portion electrode in the thickness direction of the sheet portion.
The sheet portion was arranged at a position connected to the main body portion on which the first circuit portion electrode was formed via a curved portion and separated from the main body portion in one direction in the thickness direction. Equipped with a folding part,
One of the electrode layers is formed on the surface of the main body portion close to the folded portion.
The other electrode layer is formed on the surface of the folded portion on the side close to the main body portion.
At least a part of the second sensor electrode is formed on the surface of the folded-back portion on the side far from the main body portion, and is connected to the other electrode layer.
The second circuit portion electrode extends from the main body portion via the curved portion to the surface of the folded portion on the side far from the main body portion, and also serves as the second sensor electrode according to claim 1. The sensor unit described. A through hole penetrating in the thickness direction is formed in the folded portion.
The sensor unit according to claim 4, wherein the second circuit unit electrode is electrically connected to the other electrode layer on the folded-back portion via the through hole. When the curved portion is the first curved portion and the folded portion is the first folded portion,
The seat portion is connected to the end portion of the first folded portion on the opposite side of the first curved portion via the second curved portion, and the first folded portion is sandwiched between the seat portion and the main body portion. Further equipped with a second folding part located on the opposite side,
An electrode layer having the same polarity as the one electrode layer is formed on the surface of the second folded portion near the first folded portion, and a third sensor electrode is connected to the electrode layer.
The first circuit portion electrode is located on the side of the second folded portion far from the first folded portion via the first curved portion, the first folded portion, and the second curved portion from the main body portion. The sensor unit according to claim 5, which extends to a surface and also serves as the third sensor electrode. When the through hole is used as the first through hole,
A second through hole penetrating in the thickness direction is formed in the second folded portion.
The sensor unit according to claim 6, wherein the electrode of the first circuit portion is electrically connected to the electrode layer on the second folded portion via the second through hole.

Images