JP6579244B2 - Physical quantity sensor and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a physical quantity sensor and an electronic device using the same.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, angular velocity sensors that detect angular velocities are often used for camera shake correction of imaging devices such as digital cameras and attitude control of mobile navigation systems such as vehicles using GPS signals. Further, an angular velocity sensor that can detect angular velocities around three axes orthogonal to each other with one sensor is also known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

The sensor described in Patent Document 1 includes an annular driving mass, an anchor disposed at the center thereof, an elastic anchor element that connects the driving mass and the anchor, and a substrate 2 on which the anchor is fixed. The angular velocity around each axis is detected in a state where the drive mass is rotationally oscillated.
However, in such a configuration, the vibration of the driving mass is transmitted to the substrate 2 via the elastic anchor element and the anchor, and vibration leakage occurs. When such vibration leakage occurs, the Q value of vibration of the sensor is reduced (that is, energy loss is caused). When the Q value of vibration decreases, a desired vibration amplitude cannot be obtained, and the detection sensitivity of the sensor deteriorates. In addition, in order to obtain a necessary amplitude, a driving device having a high driving capability is required, which increases the size of the sensor.

JP 2007-271611 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a small physical quantity sensor having a high Q value and high detection sensitivity, and an electronic apparatus using the same.

Such an object is achieved by the present invention described below.
The physical quantity sensor of the present invention has two axes orthogonal to each other as a first axis and a second axis.
A ring portion capable of ring vibration;
Four support parts for supporting the ring part;
Four beams connecting each of the support portions and a portion of the ring portion that becomes a node of the ring vibration;
A pair of first mass parts each having a movable part and arranged to face each other in a direction parallel to the first axis via the ring part;
A pair of second mass parts having a movable part and arranged to face each other in a direction parallel to the second axis via the ring part;
A pair of first springs that connect each of the first mass parts and the ring part such that each of the first mass parts can vibrate in a direction parallel to the first axis with respect to the ring part. And
A pair of second springs connecting each of the second mass parts and the ring part such that each of the second mass parts can vibrate in a direction parallel to the second axis with respect to the ring part. And
Vibration that vibrates at least one of the pair of first mass parts and the pair of second mass parts in a plane direction including the first axis and the second axis so as to have mutually opposite phases at a first frequency. Means,
At least one transducer that converts the displacement of the movable part of each of the first mass parts and the movable part of each of the second mass parts into an electrical signal;
The ring portion is configured to vibrate in a ring shape in a direction parallel to the first axis and a direction parallel to the second axis in accordance with the first frequency.
Thereby, a small physical quantity sensor having a high Q value and high detection sensitivity can be provided.

The physical quantity sensor of the present invention has two axes orthogonal to each other as a first axis and a second axis.
A ring portion capable of ring vibration;
Four support parts for supporting the ring part;
Four beams that connect each of the support portions and four fixing points that become nodes of the ring vibration of the ring portion;
A first movable part displaceable about an axis parallel to the second axis, and a second movable part displaceable in a direction parallel to the second axis; parallel to the first axis via the ring part A pair of first mass parts disposed opposite to each other,
A third movable part displaceable about an axis parallel to the first axis and a fourth movable part displaceable in a direction parallel to the first axis; and parallel to the second axis via the ring part A pair of second mass parts disposed opposite to each other,
A pair of first spring parts connecting each of the first mass parts and the ring so that each of the first mass parts can vibrate in a direction parallel to the first axis with respect to the ring part. When,
A pair of second spring parts connecting each of the second mass parts and the ring such that each of the second mass parts can vibrate in a direction parallel to the second axis with respect to the ring; ,
Vibration that vibrates at least one of the pair of first mass parts and the pair of second mass parts in a plane direction including the first axis and the second axis so as to have mutually opposite phases at a first frequency. Means,
A transducer that converts a displacement amount of a first movable part of each of the first mass parts and a third movable part of each of the second mass parts into an electric signal;
A transducer that converts a displacement amount of a second movable part of each of the first mass parts and a fourth movable part of each of the second mass parts into an electrical signal;
The ring portion is configured to vibrate in a ring shape in a direction parallel to the first axis and a direction parallel to the second axis in accordance with the first frequency.
Thereby, a small physical quantity sensor having a high Q value and high detection sensitivity can be provided.

In the physical quantity sensor of the present invention, it has a substrate that supports the ring portion,
The substrate is preferably composed of a semiconductor substrate, an insulating substrate, or a composite substrate in which a semiconductor layer and an insulating layer are stacked.
This simplifies the device configuration.
In the physical quantity sensor according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the ring portion has an outer diameter and an inner diameter, a gap is formed inside the inner diameter, and the ring portion is elastically deformable.
Thereby, a ring part can be more efficiently circularly vibrated.

In the physical quantity sensor of the present invention, each of the first spring portions is deformed in a direction parallel to the second axis and deformed in a direction parallel to an axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis. Regulated,
It is preferable that the second spring portion is restricted from being deformed in a direction parallel to the first axis and deformed in a direction parallel to an axis perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis. .
Accordingly, the first mass unit can be stably vibrated in the direction parallel to the first axis, and the second mass unit can be stably vibrated in the direction parallel to the second axis.

In the physical quantity sensor of the present invention, the four support portions are located inside the pair of first mass portions and the pair of second mass portions and outside the ring portion, and intersect the center of the ring portion. It is preferable that the first axis and the second axis are provided at a mirror-symmetrical position.
Thereby, size reduction of an apparatus can be achieved. In addition, the ring portion can be stably supported.

In the physical quantity sensor according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that each of the beams is restricted from moving in the radial direction from the center of the ring.
Thereby, vibration leakage can be prevented or suppressed more effectively.
In the physical quantity sensor according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the vibration unit is one of electrostatic driving and piezoelectric driving.
Thereby, a 1st mass part and a 2nd mass part can be vibrated efficiently.

In the physical quantity sensor of the present invention, it is preferable that the transducer has a detection capability of any one of an electrostatic type, a piezoelectric type, and a piezoresistive type.
As a result, the physical quantity sensor has an excellent detection capability.
In the physical quantity sensor of the present invention, the transducer has an angular velocity around the first axis, an angular velocity around the second axis, and an angular velocity around a third axis orthogonal to both the first axis and the second axis. It is preferable to detect.
Thereby, it can be used as an angular velocity sensor.

In the physical quantity sensor according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the transducer is electrically canceled with a linear acceleration in a predetermined direction by being paired with another transducer.
Thereby, the detection accuracy of angular velocity improves.
In the physical quantity sensor of the present invention, it is preferable that each of the transducers also has a specific resonance frequency.
Thereby, since it can drive in a resonance mode, the detection accuracy of angular velocity improves more.

In the physical quantity sensor of the present invention, the ring vibration of the ring portion contracts in a direction parallel to the first axis and extends in a direction parallel to the second axis, and is parallel to the first axis. It is preferable that the vibration be a vibration that repeatedly extends in a direction and contracts in a direction parallel to the second axis.
In the physical quantity sensor of the present invention, each of the first spring part and each of the second spring part is connected to a part of the ring part that is inclined by 45 degrees from both the first axis and the second axis. Is preferred.
Thereby, it is possible to effectively prevent or suppress the ring vibration of the ring portion from leaking to the outside.

In the physical quantity sensor of the present invention, the projected outer shape of the aggregate of the pair of first mass parts and the pair of second mass parts is substantially circular.
Thereby, size reduction of an apparatus can be achieved.
In the physical quantity sensor of the present invention, the projected outer shape of the aggregate of the pair of first mass parts and the pair of second mass parts is substantially rectangular.
Thereby, size reduction of an apparatus can be achieved.

In the physical quantity sensor according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the vibration unit is connected to each of the first mass part and the second mass part.
Thereby, size reduction of an apparatus can be achieved.
In the physical quantity sensor according to the aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the transducer is connected to each of the first mass part and the second mass part.
Thereby, size reduction of an apparatus can be achieved.

The physical quantity sensor of the present invention has two axes orthogonal to each other as a first axis and a second axis.
An extendable connecting part;
Four support portions that are provided at positions inclined by a predetermined angle from both the first axis and the second axis that intersect the center of the connection portion of the connection portion, and support the connection portion;
Four beams connecting each of the support portions and the connecting portion;
A pair of first mass parts each having a movable part and arranged to face each other in a direction parallel to the first axis via the ring part;
A pair of second mass parts having a movable part and arranged to face each other in a direction parallel to the second axis via the ring part;
A pair of first springs that connect each of the first mass parts and the ring part such that each of the first mass parts can vibrate in a direction parallel to the first axis with respect to the ring part. And
A pair of second springs connecting each of the second mass parts and the ring part such that each of the second mass parts can vibrate in a direction parallel to the second axis with respect to the ring part. And
Vibration that vibrates at least one of the pair of first mass parts and the pair of second mass parts in a plane direction including the first axis and the second axis so as to have mutually opposite phases at a first frequency. Means,
At least one transducer that converts the displacement of the movable part of each of the first mass parts and the movable part of each of the second mass parts into an electrical signal;
When the connecting portion expands and contracts according to the first frequency, a connecting portion between the beam and the connecting portion becomes a node.
Thereby, a small physical quantity sensor having a high Q value and high detection sensitivity can be provided.
The electronic device of the present invention is characterized by using the physical quantity sensor of the present invention.
Thereby, an electronic device with high reliability can be provided.

1 is a schematic plan view showing a first embodiment of a physical quantity sensor of the present invention. It is a detailed top view of the physical quantity sensor shown in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating the vibration of the ring part which the physical quantity sensor shown in FIG. 2 has. It is a top view for demonstrating the structure of the detection means which the physical quantity sensor shown in FIG. 2 has. It is a figure for demonstrating the drive of a physical quantity sensor. It is a figure for demonstrating the drive of a physical quantity sensor. It is a figure for demonstrating the drive of a physical quantity sensor. It is a top view which shows 2nd Embodiment of the physical quantity sensor of this invention. It is a top view which shows 3rd Embodiment of the physical quantity sensor of this invention. It is a top view which shows 4th Embodiment of the physical quantity sensor of this invention. It is a top view which shows 5th Embodiment of the physical quantity sensor of this invention. It is a top view which shows 6th Embodiment of the physical quantity sensor of this invention. It is a top view which shows 7th Embodiment of the physical quantity sensor of this invention. It is a top view which shows 8th Embodiment of the physical quantity sensor of this invention. It is an electronic device (notebook type personal computer) provided with the physical quantity sensor of this invention. It is an electronic device (mobile phone) including the physical quantity sensor of the present invention. It is an electronic device (digital still camera) provided with the physical quantity sensor of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a physical quantity sensor of the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
<First Embodiment>
1 is a schematic plan view showing a physical quantity sensor according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a detailed plan view of the physical quantity sensor shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a ring included in the physical quantity sensor shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view for explaining the configuration of the detection means included in the physical quantity sensor shown in FIG. 2, and FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are diagrams of the physical quantity sensor, respectively. It is a figure for demonstrating a drive. In each figure, for convenience of explanation, an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis are illustrated as three axes orthogonal to each other. In the following, the direction parallel to the X axis (first axis) is the “X axis direction”, the direction parallel to the Y axis (second axis) is the Y axis direction, and the direction is parallel to the Z axis (third axis). Is referred to as “Z-axis direction”.

1. Physical Quantity Sensor The physical quantity sensor 1 of this embodiment is an angular velocity sensor that can detect an angular velocity around the X axis, an angular velocity around the Y axis, and an angular velocity around the Z axis. According to such an angular velocity sensor, the angular velocities around the three axes can be independently detected by one sensor, so that excellent convenience can be exhibited.

As shown in FIG. 1, the physical quantity sensor 1 includes a ring portion 31 capable of ring vibration, four substrate fixing portions (supporting portions) 61, 62, 63, 64 that support the ring portion 31, and a substrate fixing portion 61. , 62, 63, 64 and four beams 71, 72, 73, 74 connecting the ring vibration node of the ring portion 31, and a movable portion in the X-axis direction via the ring portion 31. A pair of first vibration parts (first mass parts) 51 and 52 arranged to face each other, and a pair of second vibration parts (second mass) arranged to face each other in the Y-axis direction via the ring part 31 having a movable part. Part) 53, 54 and a pair of first parts linking the first vibrating parts 51, 52 and the ring part 31 so that the first vibrating parts 51, 52 can vibrate in the X-axis direction with respect to the ring part 31. The inner spring portions (first spring portions) 81 and 82 and the second vibrating portions 53 and 54 are connected to the ring portion 31. A pair of second inner spring portions (second spring portions) 83 and 84 that connect the second vibrating portions 53 and 54 and the ring portion 31 are provided so as to be able to vibrate in a direction parallel to the axis. . Furthermore, the vibration means 4 that vibrates the first vibration parts 51 and 52 in the X-axis direction so as to be in opposite phases with each other at the first frequency, the movable part included in the first vibration parts 51 and 52, and the second vibration part. 53 and 54 have a transducer (detecting means 9) for converting the displacement amount of the movable part included in the electric signal into an electric signal.
The ring portion 31 performs ring vibration with respect to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction according to the first frequency. According to such a physical quantity sensor 1, the vibration of the ring portion 31 does not leak to the substrate, so that the Q value of the vibration can be increased while downsizing the apparatus. Therefore, a small physical quantity sensor with excellent detection accuracy can be provided.

Hereinafter, the physical quantity sensor 1 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 2, the physical quantity sensor 1 includes a vibration system structure 3 provided in the XY plane, a substrate 2 that supports the vibration system structure 3, and vibration means 4 that vibrates the vibration system structure 3. And detecting means 9 for detecting the angular velocity applied to the physical quantity sensor 1.
-Vibration system structure-
As shown in FIG. 2, the vibration system structure 3 includes a ring part (connecting part) 31 and a pair of first vibrating parts (first mass parts) 51 disposed to face each other in the X-axis direction via the ring part 31. , 52, first inner spring portions (first spring portions) 81, 82 that connect the first vibrating portions 51, 52 and the ring portion 31, and a pair disposed opposite to each other in the Y-axis direction via the ring portion 31. The second vibration parts (second mass parts) 53, 54, second inner spring parts (second spring parts) 83, 84 that connect the second vibration parts 53, 54 and the ring part 31, and the ring part 31. Inner fixing portions (support portions) 61, 62, 63, 64 provided around the beam, beams 71, 72, 73, 74 connecting the ring portion 31 and the inner fixing portions 61, 62, 63, 64, Outside fixing portions 651, 652, 661, 662, 6 provided outside the vibrating portions 51, 52, 53, 54 1, 672, 681, 682, outer spring portions 851, 852, 861, connecting the vibrating portions 51, 52, 53, 54 and the outer fixing portions 651, 652, 661, 662, 671, 672, 681, 682, 862, 871, 872, 881, and 882.

  The vibration system structure 3 of the present embodiment is composed of silicon as a main material, and is formed on a silicon substrate (silicon wafer) with a thin film formation technique (for example, deposition techniques such as an epitaxial growth technique and a chemical vapor deposition technique) and various types. Each part mentioned above is integrally formed by processing into a desired external shape using processing techniques (for example, etching techniques, such as dry etching and wet etching). Alternatively, after bonding the silicon substrate and the glass substrate, only the silicon substrate is processed into a desired outer shape, whereby the above-described portions can be formed.

  By using silicon as the main material of the vibration system structure 3, at least excellent vibration characteristics can be realized and excellent durability can be exhibited. Further, it is possible to apply a fine processing technique used for manufacturing a silicon semiconductor device, and the physical quantity sensor 1 can be downsized. Further, by using silicon as the main material of the vibration system structure 3, the physical quantity sensor 1 can be driven without forming electrodes on the vibration system structure 3, as will be described later. Can be made simpler. Even if it is a material other than silicon, for example, a material such as an insulator, it is possible to form the vibration system structure of the present invention by covering the outer periphery with a metal film.

In addition, the main material of the board | substrate 2 is not limited to a silicon | silicone, For example, a crystal | crystallization and various glass may be sufficient.
In the vibration system structure 3 of the present embodiment, the projected outer shape of the assembly of the vibration parts 51, 52, 53, and 54 is substantially circular in a plan view with the Z-axis direction as a normal line. Thereby, size reduction of the physical quantity sensor 1 can be achieved.

(Ring part)
The ring portion 31 has an annular shape in which the outer diameter and the inner diameter are concentric circles, and has no structure inside the inner diameter. Hereinafter, the center of the ring portion 31 is referred to as “center O”.
Moreover, the ring part 31 is arrange | positioned so that the axis | shaft may become parallel to a Z-axis. The ring portion 31 is elastically deformable. As shown in FIG. 3, the ring portion 31 is contracted in the X-axis direction and expanded in the Y-axis direction by the vibration of the first vibrating portions 51 and 52 by the vibrating means 4. And a second state that expands in the X-axis direction and contracts in the Y-axis direction. In the following, vibration that repeats the first state and the second state is also referred to as “annular vibration”.

(First vibration part)
The 1st vibration part 51 has comprised plate shape. The first vibrating part 51 includes a frame part 511 that forms an edge of the first vibrating part 51, and a Z-axis direction displacement part (first movable part, which is connected to the frame part 511 via shaft parts 513 and 514. (Movable part) 512, a comb-like drive electrode 515, and a Y-axis direction displacement part (second movable part, movable part) 516 connected to the frame via a spring part 517.

  Similarly, the first vibrating part 52 is also plate-shaped. The first vibrating part 52 also includes a frame part 521 constituting an edge of the first vibrating part 52 and a Z-axis direction displacement part (first movable part, which is connected to the frame part 521 via the shaft parts 523 and 524. The movable portion 522, the comb-like drive electrode 525, and a Y-axis direction displacement portion (second movable portion, movable portion) 526 coupled to the frame via the spring portion 527.

Hereinafter, the first vibrating units 51 and 52 will be described in detail. However, since the first vibrating units 51 and 52 have the same configuration, the first vibrating unit 51 will be described below as a representative. The description of the vibration unit 52 is omitted.
The outer shape of the frame portion 511 has a fan shape of approximately 90 degrees in plan view with the Z axis as a normal line. In the frame portion 511, a pair of first openings 511a, a pair of second openings 511b, and a third opening 511c are formed.

A plurality of comb-shaped drive electrodes 515 are arranged in each first opening 511a. Each drive electrode 515 extends in the Y-axis direction and is provided apart from each other in the X-axis direction. The drive electrode 515 constitutes a part of the vibration unit 4.
A Y-axis direction displacement portion 516 is provided inside each second opening 511b. The Y-axis direction displacement portion 516 includes a frame portion 516a and a plurality of detection electrodes 516b provided inside the frame portion 516a. The detection electrodes 516b extend in the X-axis direction and are separated from each other in the Y-axis direction.

  Each Y-axis direction displacement portion 516 is connected to the frame portion 511 by four spring portions 517. Each spring portion 517 has a shape extending in the Y-axis direction while reciprocating in the X-axis direction. By forming each spring part 517 in such a shape, the spring part 517 can be smoothly expanded and contracted in the Y-axis direction, and directions other than the Y-axis direction of the spring part 517 (ie, the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction). Deformation in the direction) can be effectively prevented or suppressed. Therefore, each Y-axis direction displacement portion 516 can be smoothly displaced in the Y-axis direction.

A Z-axis direction displacement portion 512 is provided inside the third opening 511c. The Z-axis direction displacement portion 512 is connected to the frame portion 511 by shaft portions 513 and 514. The shaft portions 513 and 514 extend in the Y-axis direction and are provided coaxially. For this reason, when a stress in the Z-axis direction is applied to the physical quantity sensor 1, the Z-axis direction displacement portion 512 rotates around the shaft portions 513 and 514 while twisting and deforming the shaft portions 513 and 514 around the axis.
The first vibrating unit 51 has been described above. As described above, the first vibrating portion 52 has the same configuration as the first vibrating portion 51 and is symmetric with respect to the Y axis that intersects the center O of the ring portion 31 in plan view with the Z axis as a normal line. Provided. However, the requirement of the present invention is a configuration that minimizes vibration leakage to the substrate 2, and the components do not have to be completely symmetric with respect to the center O and the Y axis.

(Second vibration part)
The second vibrating part 53 has a plate shape. The second vibrating portion 53 includes a frame portion 531 that forms an edge of the second vibrating portion 53, and a Z-axis direction displacement portion (third movable portion, which is connected to the frame portion 531 via shaft portions 533 and 534. (Movable part) 532 and an X-axis direction displacement part (fourth movable part, movable part) 536 coupled to the frame via a spring part 537.
Similarly, the second vibrating portion 54 has a plate shape. Further, the second vibrating portion 54 also includes a frame portion 541 that constitutes an edge portion of the second vibrating portion 54, and a Z-axis direction displacement portion (third movable portion, which is connected to the frame portion 541 via the shaft portions 543 and 544. (Movable part) 542 and an X-axis direction displacement part (fourth movable part, movable part) 546 connected to the frame via a spring part 547.

Hereinafter, the second vibrating sections 53 and 54 will be described in detail. However, since the second vibrating sections 53 and 54 have the same configuration, the second vibrating section 53 will be described as a representative, The description of the vibration unit 54 is omitted.
The outer shape of the frame portion 531 has a fan shape of approximately 90 degrees in plan view with the Z axis as a normal line. Further, the outer shape of the frame portion 531 is the same as the frame portions 511 and 521 of the first vibrating portions 51 and 52. The frame portion 531 has a pair of second openings 531b and a third opening 531c.

An X-axis direction displacement portion 536 is provided inside each second opening 511b. The X-axis direction displacement portion 536 includes a frame portion 536a and a plurality of detection electrodes 536b provided inside the frame portion 536a. The detection electrodes 536b extend in the Y-axis direction and are spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction.
Such an X-axis direction displacement portion 536 is connected to the frame portion 531 by four spring portions 537. Each spring portion 537 has a shape extending in the X-axis direction while reciprocating in the Y-axis direction. By forming each spring part 537 in such a shape, the spring part 537 can be smoothly expanded and contracted in the X-axis direction, and the direction other than the X-axis direction of the spring part 537 (that is, the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction). Deformation in the direction) can be effectively prevented or suppressed. Therefore, the X-axis direction displacement portion 536 can be smoothly displaced in the X-axis direction.

A Z-axis direction displacement portion 532 is provided inside the third opening 531c. The Z-axis direction displacement portion 532 is connected to the frame portion 531 by shaft portions 533 and 534. The shaft portions 533 and 534 extend in the X-axis direction and are provided coaxially. Therefore, when a stress in the Z-axis direction is applied to the physical quantity sensor 1, the Z-axis direction displacement portion 532 rotates around the shaft portions 533 and 534 while twisting and deforming the shaft portions 533 and 534 around the axis.
The second vibrating unit 53 has been described above. As described above, the second vibrating portion 54 has the same configuration as the second vibrating portion 53 and is symmetric with respect to the X axis that intersects the center O of the ring portion 31 in a plan view with the Z axis as a normal line. Provided. However, the second vibrating portions 53 and 54 need not be completely symmetric with respect to the center O and the X axis, as described above.

(First inner spring part)
The first inner spring portion 81 connects the first vibrating portion 51 and the ring portion 31. The first inner spring portion 82 connects the first vibrating portion 52 and the ring portion 31. Since the first inner spring portions 81 and 82 have the same configuration, the first inner spring portion 81 will be described below as a representative, and the description of the first inner spring portion 82 is omitted. To do.

  The first inner spring portion 81 includes a pair of spring portions 811 and 812, and each spring portion 811 and 812 has a shape extending in the X-axis direction while reciprocating in the Y-axis direction. The spring portions 811 and 812 are provided symmetrically with respect to the X axis that intersects the center O of the ring portion 31 in a plan view with the Z axis as a normal line. By making each spring part 811 and 812 into such a shape, the first inner spring part 81 is smoothly expanded and contracted in the X-axis direction while suppressing (regulating) deformation in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Can do. Therefore, as will be described later, the first vibrating portion 51 can be vibrated smoothly in the X-axis direction while the first inner spring portion 81 is expanded and contracted in the X-axis direction.

(Second inner spring part)
The second inner spring portion 83 connects the second vibrating portion 53 and the ring portion 31. Further, the second inner spring portion 84 connects the second vibrating portion 54 and the ring portion 31. Since the second inner spring portions 83 and 84 have the same configuration, the second inner spring portion 83 will be described below as a representative, and the description of the first inner spring portion 84 is omitted. To do.

  The second inner spring portion 83 includes a pair of spring portions 831 and 832, and each spring portion 831 and 832 has a shape extending in the Y-axis direction while reciprocating in the X-axis direction. The spring portions 831 and 832 are provided symmetrically with respect to the Y axis that intersects the center O of the ring portion 31 in a plan view with the Z axis as a normal line. By configuring the second inner spring portion 83 as described above, the second inner spring portion 83 can be smoothly expanded and contracted in the Y-axis direction while suppressing deformation (regulation) in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Can do. Therefore, as described later, the second vibrating portion 53 can be smoothly vibrated in the Y-axis direction while the second inner spring portion 83 is expanded and contracted in the Y-axis direction.

(Inner fixed part)
The inner fixing parts 61, 62, 63, 64 have a function of supporting the ring part 31. Such inner fixing parts 61, 62, 63, 64 are provided inside the four vibrating parts 51, 52, 53, 54, respectively. By arranging the inner fixing portions 61, 62, 63, 64 in this way, space can be used effectively and the physical quantity sensor 1 can be downsized. Moreover, since the length of the beams 71, 72, 73, 74 can be shortened, the ring portion 31 can be supported more stably. Furthermore, by arranging the inner fixing parts 61, 62, 63, 64 in this way, it is possible to play a role as a stopper for the first vibrating parts 51, 52 and the second vibrating parts 53, 54.

The inner fixing portions 61, 62, 63, 64 are provided at intervals of 90 degrees around the outer periphery of the ring portion 31 in a plan view with the Z axis as a normal line. Specifically, in a plan view with the Z axis as a normal line, a pair of axes that intersect with the center O of the ring portion 31 and are inclined by 45 degrees with respect to the X axis and the Y axis are denoted by J1, J2. When this is done, the inner fixing portions 61 and 63 are positioned on the axis J1 and are disposed opposite to each other via the ring portion 31. Further, the inner fixing portions 62 and 64 are located on the axis J <b> 2 and are opposed to each other via the ring portion 31.
In other words, the four inner fixing portions 61, 62, 63, 64 are provided at mirror target positions with respect to both the X axis and the Y axis. Thereby, the ring part 31 can be supported stably.

(Beam)
The beams 71, 72, 73, 74 connect the ring part 31 and the inner fixing parts 61, 62, 63, 64. The beam 71 extends linearly along the axis J <b> 1 and connects the ring portion 31 and the inner fixing portion 61. Similarly, the beam 72 extends linearly along the axis J <b> 2 and connects the ring portion 31 and the inner fixing portion 62. Further, the beam 73 extends linearly along the axis J <b> 1 and connects the ring portion 31 and the inner fixing portion 63. The beam 74 extends linearly along the axis J <b> 2 and connects the ring portion 31 and the inner fixing portion 64.

Such beams 71, 72, 73, and 74 are each part (fixed point, fixed point of the first group) inclined by 45 degrees with respect to the X axis and Y axis of the side surface of the ring portion 31. It is connected to the. As shown in FIG. 3, each fixed point is a portion that becomes a node of the ring vibration of the ring portion 31 (that is, a portion where displacement / deformation does not substantially occur). By connecting the beams 71, 72, 73, 74 to each such fixing point, the ring vibration of the ring portion 31 is not inhibited by the beams 71, 72, 73, 74, and is caused by the ring vibration. It is prevented or suppressed that the vibration leaks to the outside of the vibration system structure 3 via the beams 71, 72, 73, 74 and the fixing portions 61, 62, 63, 64. As a result, the Q value of the vibration of the vibration system structure 3 is increased, and the detection accuracy of the physical quantity sensor 1 is improved. Moreover, since the vibration system structure 3 can be vibrated efficiently, the output of the vibration means 4 can be reduced, and as a result, the physical quantity sensor 1 can be downsized.
Further, the beams 71, 72, 73 and 74 are restricted from moving (deforming) in the radial direction (extending direction) with respect to the center O of the ring portion 31. Thereby, while being able to support the ring part 31 more stably by the inner side fixing parts 61, 62, 63, 64, vibration leakage can be more effectively prevented or suppressed.

(Outside fixing part)
The outer fixing portions 651, 652, 661, 662, 671, 672, 681, and 682 are provided outside the four vibrating portions 51, 52, 53, and 54, respectively. The outer fixing portions 651 and 652 are provided corresponding to the first vibrating portion 51 and are separated from each other in the Y-axis direction. Similarly, the outer fixing portions 661 and 662 are provided corresponding to the first vibrating portion 52 and are separated from each other in the Y-axis direction. The outer fixing portions 671 and 672 are provided corresponding to the second vibrating portion 53 and are separated from each other in the X-axis direction. The outer fixing portions 681 and 682 are provided corresponding to the second vibrating portion 54, and are provided apart from each other in the X-axis direction.

(Outer spring part)
Outer spring parts 851, 852, 861, 862, 871, 872, 881, 882 are provided with outer fixing parts 651, 652, 661, 662, 671, 672, 681, 682 and vibrating parts 51, 52, 53, 54. It is connected. Specifically, the outer spring portions 851 and 852 connect the first vibrating portion 51 and the outer fixing portions 651 and 652, and the outer spring portions 861 and 862 are connected to the first vibrating portion 52 and the outer fixing portion 661. , 656, the outer spring portions 871, 872 connect the second vibrating portion 53 and the outer fixing portions 671, 672, and the outer spring portions 881, 882 are fixed to the second vibrating portion 54. The parts 681 and 682 are connected.

The outer spring portions 851 and 852 have a shape extending in the X-axis direction while reciprocating in the Y-axis direction. The outer spring portions 851 and 852 are provided symmetrically with respect to the X axis that intersects the center O of the ring portion 31.
Similarly, the outer spring portions 861 and 862 have a shape extending in the X-axis direction while reciprocating in the Y-axis direction. Further, the outer spring portions 861 and 862 are provided symmetrically with respect to the X axis that intersects the center O of the ring portion 31.
The outer spring portions 871 and 872 have a shape extending in the Y-axis direction while reciprocating in the X-axis direction. The outer spring portions 871 and 872 are provided symmetrically with respect to the Y axis that intersects the center O of the ring portion 31.

Similarly, the outer spring portions 881 and 882 have a shape extending in the Y-axis direction while reciprocating in the X-axis direction. The outer spring portions 881 and 882 are provided symmetrically with respect to the Y axis that intersects the center O of the ring portion 31. However, it is not an essential condition of the present invention that the outer spring portions 851 and 852, 861 and 862, 871 and 872, 881 and 882 are completely symmetrical with respect to the center O, the X axis, or the Y axis.
The vibration system structure 3 as described above has a specific resonance frequency. Thereby, as will be described later, the vibration system structure 3 can be driven in the resonance mode, and the detection accuracy of the angular velocity can be improved.

-Board-
The substrate 2 supports the vibration system structure 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the substrate 2 has a plate shape and is provided in the XY plane. Then, the inner fixing portions 61, 62, 63, 64 and the outer fixing portions 651, 652, 661, 662, 671, 672, 681, 682 of the vibration system structure 3 are joined to the upper surface of the substrate 2 to vibrate. The system structure 3 is fixed and supported on the substrate 2.

The bonding method of the substrate 2 and the inner fixing portions 61, 62, 63, 64 and the outer fixing portions 651, 652, 661, 662, 671, 672, 681, 682 is not particularly limited, and various methods such as direct bonding and anodic bonding are possible. Depending on the constituent materials of the vibration system structure 3 and the substrate 2 that may be bonded using a bonding method, bonding may be performed using a support member such as an adhesive.
Further, a concave portion is formed on the upper surface of the substrate 2 (the surface on the side facing the vibration system structure 3) as necessary. The concave portion has a function of preventing contact between the substrate 2 and the actually vibrating portion of the vibration system structure 3 (for example, the first vibrating portions 51 and 52 and the second vibrating portions 53 and 54).
As such a substrate 2, for example, a semiconductor substrate such as silicon, an insulating substrate such as glass or quartz, or a composite substrate formed by laminating a semiconductor layer and an insulating layer is processed into a desired outer shape using various processing techniques. It is formed by. Thereby, the structure of the physical quantity sensor 1 becomes simple.

-Vibration means-
The vibrating means 4 has a function of vibrating the first vibrating sections 51 and 52 at a predetermined frequency (first frequency) in the X-axis direction with opposite phases. That is, the vibrating means 4 is configured to displace the first vibrating parts 51 and 52 in the direction approaching the ring part 31 (inner side) and the direction separating the first vibrating parts 51 and 52 from the ring part 31 (outer side). The first vibrating parts 51 and 52 are vibrated so as to repeat the state of being displaced in the following manner.

  Such a vibrating means 4 has a plurality of fixed electrodes 41 provided corresponding to the drive electrodes 515 included in the first vibrating portion 51. Each fixed electrode 41 has a pair of comb-like electrode pieces 411 and 412 that are arranged to face each other in the X-axis direction via the drive electrode 515. Similarly, the vibration unit 4 includes a plurality of fixed electrodes 42 provided corresponding to the drive electrodes 525 included in the first vibration unit 52. Each fixed electrode 42 has a pair of comb-like electrode pieces 421 and 422 arranged to face each other in the X-axis direction via the drive electrode 525.

  The vibration means 4 applies an alternating voltage whose phase is shifted by 180 degrees to each of the electrode pieces 411 and 421 and each of the electrode pieces 412 and 422 by a power source (not shown), thereby Electrostatic forces are generated between the pieces 411 and 421, and between the drive electrodes 515 and 525 and the electrode pieces 412 and 422, respectively, and the first inner spring portions 81 and 82 and the outer spring portions 851, 852 and 861 are generated. , 862 expands and contracts in the X-axis direction, and the first vibrating portions 51 and 52 vibrate in the X-axis direction at opposite frequencies and at a predetermined frequency.

The frequency of the alternating voltage is not particularly limited, but is preferably substantially equal to the resonance frequency of the vibration system structure 3. Thereby, since the vibration system structure 3 can be driven in the resonance mode, the detection accuracy of the angular velocity can be improved.
When the first vibration parts 51 and 52 vibrate in mutually opposite phases, the vibrations are transmitted to the ring part 31 through the first inner spring parts 81 and 82. Then, when the first vibrating parts 51 and 52 are displaced inwardly, the ring part 31 is deformed so as to contract in the X-axis direction and extend in the Y-axis direction, so that the first vibrating parts 51 and 52 When displacing toward the outside, it deforms so as to expand in the X-axis direction and contract in the Y-axis direction. In other words, the ring portion 31 vibrates circularly in synchronization with the vibrations of the first vibrating portions 51 and 52.

  Further, when the ring portion 31 is deformed so as to contract in the X-axis direction and expand in the Y-axis direction due to the ring vibration, both the second vibrating portions 53 and 54 are displaced outward by the deformation, and conversely, When deformed so as to expand in the axial direction and contract in the Y-axis direction, the second vibrating portions 53 and 54 are both displaced inward. That is, in synchronization with the ring vibration of the ring portion 31, the second vibrating portions 53 and 54 vibrate in the Y-axis direction in opposite phases.

  That is, in the physical quantity sensor 1, using the ring vibration of the ring portion 31, the first vibrating portions 515 and 52 are displaced inward while the second vibrating portions 53 and 54 are displaced outward. The vibrating portions 51, 52, 53, and 54 may be vibrated so that the second vibrating portions 53 and 54 are displaced inward while the first vibrating portions 51 and 52 are displaced outward. it can.

The fixed point to which the beams 71, 72, 73, 74 of the ring part 31 are connected is a part that becomes a node of the ring vibration of the ring part 31 (that is, a part that is not substantially displaced / deformed). Therefore, the circular vibrations of the ring portion 31 are not hindered by the beams 71, 72, 73, 74, and vibrations caused by the circular vibrations are not caused by the beams 71, 72, 73, 74 and the fixing portions 61, 62, 63. , 64 is prevented or suppressed from leaking to the outside of the vibration system structure 3. As a result, the Q value of the vibration of the vibration system structure 3 is increased, and the detection accuracy of the physical quantity sensor 1 is improved. Moreover, since the vibration system structure 3 can be vibrated efficiently, the output of the vibration means 4 can be reduced, and as a result, the physical quantity sensor 1 can be downsized.
Further, according to the electrostatic drive as in the present embodiment, the vibration as described above can be caused more smoothly and reliably. Moreover, in this embodiment, since the vibration means 4 is connected inside each vibration part 51,52,53,54, a space can be utilized effectively and size reduction of the physical quantity sensor 1 can be achieved.

-Detection means 9-
As shown in FIG. 4, the detection means 9 includes displacement transducers 91, 92, 93, and 94 and rotation transducers 95, 96, 97, and 98. In FIG. 4, for convenience of explanation, some of the components of the physical quantity sensor 1 are not shown.
The displacement transducer 91 includes a Y-axis direction displacement portion 516 provided in the first vibrating portion 51, and a fixed electrode 911 fixed to the substrate 2 via an anchor. A plurality of fixed electrodes 911 are provided corresponding to the detection electrodes 516b included in the Y-axis direction displacement portion 516. Each fixed electrode 911 has a pair of electrode pieces 911a and 911b arranged to face each other via the detection electrode 516b, and each of these electrode pieces 911a and 911b is provided extending in the X-axis direction. .

  The displacement transducer 92 includes a Y-axis direction displacement portion 526 provided in the first vibration portion 52 and a fixed electrode 921 fixed to the substrate 2 via an anchor. A plurality of fixed electrodes 921 are provided corresponding to the detection electrodes 526b included in the Y-axis direction displacement portion 526. Each fixed electrode 921 has a pair of electrode pieces 921a and 921b arranged to face each other via the detection electrode 526b, and each of these electrode pieces 921a and 921b is provided extending in the X-axis direction. .

  The displacement transducer 93 includes an X-axis direction displacement portion 536 provided in the second vibrating portion 53, and a fixed electrode 931 fixed to the substrate 2 via an anchor. A plurality of fixed electrodes 931 are provided corresponding to the detection electrodes 536b included in the X-axis direction displacement portion 536. Each fixed electrode 931 has a pair of electrode pieces 931a and 931b disposed to face each other via the detection electrode 536b, and each electrode piece 931a and 931b is provided to extend in the Y-axis direction. .

The displacement transducer 94 includes an X-axis direction displacement portion 546 provided in the second vibration portion 54 and a fixed electrode 941 fixed to the substrate 2 via an anchor. A plurality of fixed electrodes 941 are provided corresponding to the detection electrodes 546b included in the X-axis direction displacement portion 546. Each fixed electrode 941 has a pair of electrode pieces 941a and 941b arranged to face each other via the detection electrode 546b, and each of these electrode pieces 941a and 941b is provided extending in the Y-axis direction. .
In this embodiment, since these displacement transducers 91, 92, 93, 94 are connected to the inside of the vibration parts 51, 52, 53, 54, the space of the apparatus can be used effectively, and the physical quantity sensor 1 can be downsized. Can be achieved.

The rotary transducer 95 is opposed to the Z-axis direction displacement part 512 provided on the first vibration part 51 via the shafts 513 and 514 and the Z-axis direction displacement part 512 fixed to the substrate 2 and spaced apart in the Z-axis direction. The fixed electrode 951 is disposed.
The rotary transducer 96 is opposed to the Z-axis direction displacement portion 522 provided on the first vibrating portion 52 via the shafts 523 and 524, and is fixed to the substrate 2 and spaced apart from the Z-axis direction displacement portion 522 in the Z-axis direction. The fixed electrode 961 is disposed.

The rotary transducer 97 is opposed to the Z-axis direction displacement portion 532 provided on the second vibrating portion 53 via the shafts 533 and 534 and the Z-axis direction displacement portion 532 fixed to the substrate 2 and spaced apart in the Z-axis direction. The fixed electrode 971 is disposed.
The rotary transducer 98 is opposed to the Z-axis direction displacement portion 542 provided on the second vibrating portion 54 via the shafts 543 and 544 and the Z-axis direction displacement portion 542 fixed to the substrate 2 and spaced apart in the Z-axis direction. The fixed electrode 981 is disposed.
In this embodiment, since these rotary transducers 95, 96, 97, and 98 are connected to the inside of the vibration units 51, 52, 53, and 54, the space of the apparatus can be effectively used, and the physical quantity sensor 1 can be downsized. Can be achieved.

Hereinafter, a method of detecting the angular velocity by the detecting means 9 will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, a part of the configuration of the physical quantity sensor 1 is omitted for convenience of explanation.
-Detection of angular velocity around the Z axis-
As shown in FIG. 5, the vibration unit 4 causes the first vibration units 51 and 52 to vibrate in the X-axis direction while the second vibration units 53 and 54 vibrate in the Y-axis direction. When an angular velocity ω around the axis is applied, the Coriolis force in the Y-axis direction acts on the first vibrating parts 51 and 52 that vibrate in the X-axis direction, and the second vibrating parts 53 and 54 that vibrate in the Y-axis direction act in the X-axis direction. Coriolis force acts.

  When such a Coriolis force is applied, in the first vibrating section 51, the Y-axis direction displacement section 516 is displaced in the Y-axis direction with respect to the frame section 511, whereby the static force between the detection electrode 516b and the electrode piece 911a. The capacitance and the capacitance between the detection electrode 516b and the electrode piece 911b change, and a difference occurs between these capacitances. Similarly, also in the 1st vibration part 52, the Y-axis direction displacement part 526 displaces to the Y-axis direction with respect to the flame | frame part 521, and, thereby, the electrostatic capacitance between the detection electrode 526b and the electrode piece 921a, and a detection electrode The capacitance between 516b and the electrode piece 921b changes, and a difference occurs between these capacitances.

Further, in the second vibrating portion 53, the X-axis direction displacement portion 536 is displaced in the X-axis direction with respect to the frame portion 531, thereby the capacitance between the detection electrode 536b and the electrode piece 931a and the detection electrode 536b. And the electrostatic capacity between the electrode pieces 931b change, and a difference occurs in these electrostatic capacity. Similarly, also in the second vibrating portion 54, the X-axis direction displacement portion 546 is displaced in the X-axis direction with respect to the frame portion 541, whereby the capacitance between the detection electrode 546b and the electrode piece 941a, and the detection electrode The capacitance between 546b and the electrode piece 941b changes, and a difference is generated between these capacitances.
Then, the detection means 9 detects such a change in electrostatic capacitance that occurs in each of the vibration parts 51, 52, 53, 54, and detects the angular velocity around the Z axis applied to the physical quantity sensor 1 from the detection result. Can do.

-Detection of angular velocity around the X axis-
As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 6, the physical quantity in a state where the first vibrating portions 51 and 52 are vibrated in the X-axis direction and the second vibrating portions 53 and 54 are vibrated in the Y-axis direction by the vibrating means 4. When an angular velocity around the X axis is applied to the sensor 1, a Coriolis force in the Z-axis direction acts on the second vibrating portions 53 and 54 that vibrate in the Y-axis direction.

When such a Coriolis force is applied, in the second vibrating portion 53, the Z-axis direction displacement portion 532 rotates around the shaft portions 533 and 534, whereby the static displacement between the Z-axis direction displacement portion 532 and the fixed electrode 971 is achieved. The capacitance changes. Similarly, in the second vibrating portion 54, the Z-axis direction displacement portion 542 rotates around the shaft portions 543 and 544, whereby the capacitance between the Z-axis direction displacement portion 542 and the fixed electrode 981 changes.
The detecting means 9 can detect such a change in electrostatic capacitance that occurs in the second vibrating sections 53 and 54, and can detect the angular velocity around the X axis applied to the physical quantity sensor 1 from the detection result.

-Detection of angular velocity around the Y axis-
As shown in FIG. 7, the vibration means 4 causes the physical quantity sensor 1 to Y while vibrating the second vibrating portions 53 and 54 in the Y-axis direction while vibrating the first vibrating portions 51 and 52 in the X-axis direction. When an angular velocity around the axis is applied, a Coriolis force in the Z-axis direction acts on the first vibrating portions 51 and 52 that vibrate in the X-axis direction.

  When such a Coriolis force is applied, in the first vibrating portion 51, the Z-axis direction displacement portion 512 rotates around the shaft portions 513 and 514, whereby the static vibration between the Z-axis direction displacement portion 512 and the fixed electrode 951 is obtained. The capacitance changes. Similarly, in the first vibrating portion 52, the Z-axis direction displacement portion 522 rotates around the shaft portions 523 and 524, whereby the capacitance between the Z-axis direction displacement portion 522 and the fixed electrode 961 changes.

Then, the detection means 9 can detect such a change in electrostatic capacitance that occurs in the first vibrating sections 51 and 52, and can detect the angular velocity around the X axis applied to the physical quantity sensor 1 from the detection result.
As described above, according to the physical quantity sensor 1, it is possible to detect angular velocities around all of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. Therefore, the physical quantity sensor 1 is small and excellent in convenience. In this embodiment, since the electrostatic detection means 9 is used, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy while reducing the size of the apparatus.

  The physical quantity sensor 1 has a function of canceling acceleration (linear acceleration) in the Y-axis direction applied to the physical quantity sensor 1 as a pair of displacement transducers 91 and 92. The displacement transducers 93 and 94 have a function of canceling acceleration in the X-axis direction applied to the physical quantity sensor 1 as a set. The rotary transducers 95, 96, 97, and 98 have a function of canceling acceleration in the Z-axis direction applied to the physical quantity sensor 1.

  Specifically, for example, when acceleration is applied to the physical quantity sensor 1 in the Y-axis direction, the Y-axis direction displacement unit 516 of the first vibration unit 51 and the Y-axis direction displacement unit 526 of the first vibration unit 52 are both Y-axis. Displace to the same direction. Such displacement of the Y-axis direction displacement portions 516 and 526 is different from the displacement when the angular velocity around the Z-axis is applied (that is, the displacement of the Y-axis direction displacement portions 516 and 526 to the opposite sides of the Y-axis direction). ing. Therefore, according to the physical quantity sensor 1, the physical quantity sensor 1 is changed from the capacitance between the detection electrode 516b and the electrode pieces 911a and 911b and the capacitance between the detection electrode 526b and the electrode pieces 921a and 921b. The applied acceleration can be detected, and when this angular velocity is detected, the detected acceleration can be canceled electrically by correction processing or the like. As a result, the detection accuracy of the angular velocity of the physical quantity sensor 1 is further improved. The acceleration in the X-axis direction and the acceleration in the Z-axis direction can be similarly canceled.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of the physical quantity sensor of the present invention.
The physical quantity sensor of the present embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the above-described embodiment, and description of similar matters will be omitted.
The physical quantity sensor 1 of the present embodiment is the same as the physical quantity sensor of the first embodiment described above except that the configuration of the vibration means is different. In FIG. 8, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the physical quantity sensor 1 of the present embodiment, the vibration unit 4 is also connected to the second vibration units 53 and 54. That is, the second vibrating portion 53 is provided with a plurality of drive electrodes 535 extending in the X-axis direction, and the second vibrating portion 54 is also provided with a plurality of drive electrodes 545 extending in the X-axis direction. Yes.
The vibration unit 4 includes a plurality of fixed electrodes 43 provided corresponding to the drive electrodes 535 included in the second vibration unit 53. Each fixed electrode 43 has a pair of comb-like electrode pieces 431 and 432 arranged to face each other in the Y-axis direction via the drive electrode 535. Similarly, the vibration unit 4 includes a plurality of fixed electrodes 44 provided corresponding to the drive electrodes 545 included in the second vibration unit 54. Each fixed electrode 44 has a pair of comb-like electrode pieces 441 and 442 arranged to face each other in the Y-axis direction via the drive electrode 545.

The vibrating means 4 applies the alternating voltage 180 degrees out of phase to the electrode pieces 411, 421, 432, 442 and the electrode pieces 412, 422, 431, 441 by a power source (not shown). While vibrating the vibrating parts 51 and 52 in the X axis direction with opposite phases, the second vibrating parts 53 and 54 are caused to vibrate in the Y axis direction with opposite phases and opposite to the first vibrating parts 51 and 52.
Also according to the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be exhibited.

<Third Embodiment>
FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a third embodiment of the physical quantity sensor of the present invention.
The physical quantity sensor of the present embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the above-described embodiment, and description of similar matters will be omitted.
The physical quantity sensor 1 of the present embodiment is the same as the physical quantity sensor of the first embodiment described above except that the projection shape of the vibration system structure is different. In FIG. 9, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the physical quantity sensor 1 of the present embodiment, the outer shapes of the vibrating parts 51, 52, 53, and 54 each form a trapezoid in a plan view with the Z axis as a normal line. Then, in a plan view with the Z-axis direction as a normal line, the projected external shape of the assembly of the vibrating portions 51, 52, 53, and 54 is substantially rectangular. Thereby, size reduction of the physical quantity sensor 1 can be achieved. Further, for example, when the physical quantity sensor 1 is mounted in the chip, it corresponds to the shape of the chip, so that mounting on the chip becomes simple.
Also according to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be exhibited.

<Fourth embodiment>
FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a fourth embodiment of the physical quantity sensor of the present invention.
The physical quantity sensor of the present embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the above-described embodiment, and description of similar matters will be omitted.
The physical quantity sensor 1 of the present embodiment is the same as the physical quantity sensor of the first embodiment described above except that the configuration of the vibration means is different. In FIG. 10, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The vibration means 4 of the present embodiment is configured to vibrate the first vibration parts 51 and 52 in the X-axis direction by piezoelectric driving. Hereinafter, the first vibration unit 51 will be described as a representative, and the description of the first vibration unit 52 will be omitted.
The first vibrating portion 51 is provided inside the first opening 511a and is fixed to the substrate 2 and is provided inside the first opening 511a and connects the fixing portion 518a and the frame portion 511. A plurality of connecting portions 518b. Each connecting portion 518b is provided to extend in the Y-axis direction and is spaced from each other in the X-axis direction.
The vibration means 4 has a pair of piezoelectric elements 45 and 46 provided in each connecting portion 518b. The piezoelectric elements 45 and 46 are provided so as to extend in the Y-axis direction and are separated in the X-axis direction.

  The piezoelectric elements 45 and 46 are composed of a pair of electrodes opposed to each other in the Z-axis direction and a piezoelectric layer having piezoelectricity interposed between the pair of electrodes, and a voltage is applied between the pair of electrodes. By doing so, it expands or contracts in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, when each piezoelectric element 45 is expanded and each piezoelectric element 46 is contracted, each connecting portion 518b is curved and the end connected to the frame portion 511 is displaced to the ring portion 31 side. As a result, the first vibrating part 51 is displaced inward. On the other hand, when each piezoelectric element 45 is contracted and each piezoelectric element 46 is expanded, each connecting portion 518b is curved and the end on the side connected to the frame portion 511 is opposite to the ring portion 31. As a result, the first vibrating part 51 is displaced outward.

In the vibration means 4 having the configuration, each piezoelectric element 45 is expanded and each piezoelectric element 46 is contracted, and each piezoelectric element 45 is contracted and each piezoelectric element 46 is expanded alternately. By applying a voltage to each of the piezoelectric elements 45 and 46 so as to be repeated, the first vibrating parts 51 and 52 are vibrated in the X-axis direction with opposite phases.
According to the fourth embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment described above can be exhibited.

<Fifth Embodiment>
FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a fifth embodiment of the physical quantity sensor of the present invention.
The physical quantity sensor of the present embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the above-described embodiment, and description of similar matters will be omitted.
The physical quantity sensor 1 of the present embodiment is the same as the physical quantity sensor of the first embodiment described above except that the configuration of the detection means is different. In FIG. 11, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, since the configurations of the first vibrating portions 51 and 52 are the same as each other and the configurations of the second vibrating portions 53 and 54 are the same as each other, the following description is representative of the first vibrating portion 51 and the second vibrating portion 53. Thus, the description of the first vibrating portion 52 and the second vibrating portion 54 is omitted.

The first vibrating portion 51 is provided inside the second opening 511b, and has a plate-like Y-axis direction displacement portion 519a that can be displaced in the Y-axis direction with respect to the frame portion 511, a Y-axis direction displacement portion 519a, and a frame portion. And a plurality of spring portions 519b that connect 511 to each other. Each spring part 519b is provided extending in the X-axis direction.
The second vibrating portion 53 is provided inside the second opening 531b, and has a plate-like X-axis direction displacement portion 539a that can be displaced in the X-axis direction with respect to the frame portion 531, the X-axis direction displacement portion 539a, and the frame portion. And a plurality of spring portions 539b that connect 531 to each other. Each spring part 539a is provided extending in the Y-axis direction.

  The detecting means 9 has a pair of piezoelectric elements 991 and 992 provided on each spring part 519b of the first vibrating part 51. The piezoelectric elements 991 and 992 extend in the X-axis direction and are spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction. In addition, the detection unit 9 includes a pair of piezoelectric elements 993 and 994 provided in each spring part 539 b of the second vibration part 53. The piezoelectric elements 993 and 994 are provided so as to extend in the Y-axis direction and be separated from each other in the X-axis direction.

Each of the piezoelectric elements 991, 992, 993, and 994 includes a pair of electrodes that are arranged to face each other in the Z-axis direction, and a piezoelectric layer having piezoelectricity that is interposed between the pair of electrodes. Such piezoelectric elements 991, 992, 993, and 994 have a property of generating electric charges by deformation, and a larger electric charge is generated as the deformation amount is larger.
Therefore, when an angular velocity around the Z-axis is applied to the physical quantity sensor 1 and the Y-axis direction displacement portion of the first vibrating portion 51 is displaced in the Y-axis direction while bending the spring portion 519b in the Y-axis direction, the piezoelectric element 991, 992 generates a charge having a magnitude corresponding to the amount of deformation of the spring portion 519b, and the X-axis direction displacement portion of the second vibrating portion 53 displaces the connecting portion 539b in the X-axis direction while displacing in the X-axis direction. The piezoelectric elements 993 and 994 generate charges having a magnitude corresponding to the deformation amount of the connecting portion 539b.
The detection means 9 detects the angular velocity around the Z-axis by detecting the magnitude of the electric charges generated from such piezoelectric elements 991, 992, 993, and 994.

<Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a sixth embodiment of the physical quantity sensor of the present invention.
The physical quantity sensor of the present embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the above-described embodiment, and description of similar matters will be omitted.
The physical quantity sensor 1 of the present embodiment is the same as the physical quantity sensor of the first embodiment described above except that the configuration of the detection means is different. In FIG. 12, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment described above. In addition, since the configurations of the first vibrating portions 51 and 52 are the same as each other and the configurations of the second vibrating portions 53 and 54 are the same as each other, the following description is representative of the first vibrating portion 51 and the second vibrating portion 53. Thus, the description of the first vibrating portion 52 and the second vibrating portion 54 is omitted.

The first vibrating portion 51 is provided inside the second opening 511b, and has a plate-like Y-axis direction displacement portion 519a that can be displaced in the Y-axis direction with respect to the frame portion 511, a Y-axis direction displacement portion 519a, and a frame portion. And a plurality of spring portions 519b that connect 511 to each other. Each spring part 519b is provided extending in the X-axis direction.
The second vibrating portion 53 is provided inside the second opening 531b, and has a plate-like X-axis direction displacement portion 539a that can be displaced in the X-axis direction with respect to the frame portion 531, the X-axis direction displacement portion 539a, and the frame portion. And a plurality of spring portions 539b that connect 531 to each other. Each spring part 539a is provided extending in the Y-axis direction.

  The detection means 9 of this embodiment includes a piezoresistive portion 995 provided in each spring portion 519b of the first vibrating portion 51 and a piezoresistive portion 996 provided in each spring portion 539b of the second vibrating portion 53. is doing. For example, when the vibration system structure 3 is formed using an n-type silicon substrate, the piezoresistive portions 995 and 996 diffuse impurities such as boron at a high concentration, and a p-type silicon layer is formed in the diffusion portion. It can be formed by forming.

The piezoresistive portions 995 and 996 have a property that the resistance value changes due to deformation, and the change amount of the resistance value increases as the deformation amount increases. Therefore, when an angular velocity around the Z-axis is applied to the physical quantity sensor 1 and the Y-axis direction displacement portion of the first vibration unit 51 is displaced in the Y-axis direction while bending the spring portion 519b in the Y-axis direction, the piezoresistive portion 995 is When the resistance value changes according to the amount of deformation of the spring portion 519b, and the X-axis direction displacement portion of the second vibrating portion 53 is displaced in the X-axis direction while bending the connecting portion 539b in the X-axis direction, the piezo The resistance portion 996 changes to a resistance value having a magnitude corresponding to the deformation amount of the connecting portion 539b.
The detecting means 9 detects the angular velocity around the Z axis by detecting such a change in resistance value of the piezoresistive portions 995 and 996.

<Seventh embodiment>
FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a seventh embodiment of the physical quantity sensor of the present invention. In FIG. 13, for convenience of explanation, illustration of a part of the configuration of the physical quantity sensor is omitted.
The physical quantity sensor of the present embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the above-described embodiment, and description of similar matters will be omitted.

  The physical quantity sensor 1 of the present embodiment is the same as the physical quantity sensor of the first embodiment described above except that the configuration of the detection means is different. In FIG. 13, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, since the configuration of the four vibration parts is the same except that the arrangement around the Z axis is different, the first vibration part 51 will be described below as a representative, and the first vibration part 52 and the second vibration part will be described below. The description of the parts 53 and 54 is omitted.

In the first vibrating portion 51, the Y-axis direction displacement portion 516 is provided outside the frame portion 511 and is connected to the frame portion 511 by a plurality of spring portions 517. Such a Y-axis direction displacement portion 516 includes a plate-like base portion 516c and a plurality of detection electrodes 516d protruding from the base portion 516c in the X-axis direction.
The displacement transducer 91 of the detection means 9 of the present embodiment has a Y-axis direction displacement portion 516 provided in the first vibrating portion 51, and a fixed electrode 911 fixed to the substrate 2 via an anchor. . A plurality of fixed electrodes 911 are provided corresponding to the detection electrodes 516d included in the Y-axis direction displacement portion 516. Each fixed electrode 911 has a pair of electrode pieces 911a and 911b arranged to face each other via the detection electrode 516d, and these electrode pieces 911a and 911b are provided to extend in the X-axis direction. .

<Eighth Embodiment>
FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an eighth embodiment of the physical quantity sensor of the present invention. In FIG. 13, for convenience of explanation, illustration of a part of the configuration of the physical quantity sensor is omitted.
The physical quantity sensor of the present embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the above-described embodiment, and description of similar matters will be omitted.

  The physical quantity sensor 1 of the present embodiment is the same as the physical quantity sensor of the first embodiment described above except that the configuration of the detection means is different. In FIG. 14, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, since the configuration of the four vibration parts is the same except that the arrangement around the Z axis is different, the first vibration part 51 will be described below as a representative, and the first vibration part 52 and the second vibration part will be described below. The description of the parts 53 and 54 is omitted.

  In the first vibrating portion 51, a Z-axis displacement portion 516A provided outside the frame portion 511 is connected to the frame portion 511 by a pair of connecting springs 517A. The pair of connecting springs 517 </ b> A extend along the radial direction with respect to the center O of the ring portion 31. The Z-axis displacement portion 516A includes a plate-like base portion 516Aa and a plurality of fixed electrodes 516Ab protruding from the base portion 516Aa in the radial direction with respect to the center O of the ring portion 31.

  In such a first vibrating part 51, the Z-axis displacement part 516A causes the pair of connecting springs 517A to bend and deform by the Coriolis force in the Y-axis direction when an angular velocity around the Z-axis is applied. Rotate around. According to such a configuration, since the Coriolis force in the Y-axis direction can be changed to the stress around the Z-axis, the amount of displacement of the Z-axis displacement portion 516A can be increased.

The rotation transducer 91 of the detection means 9 of the present embodiment includes a Z-axis rotation displacement portion 516A provided in the first vibration portion 51, and a fixed electrode 911 fixed to the substrate 2 via an anchor. . A plurality of fixed electrodes 911 are provided corresponding to the fixed electrodes 516Ab included in the Z-axis displacement portion 516A. Each fixed electrode 911 has a pair of electrode pieces 911a and 911b disposed to face each other with the fixed electrode 516Ab interposed therebetween.
The resonator element of each embodiment as described above can be applied to various electronic devices, and the obtained electronic device has high reliability.

Here, an electronic device including the resonator element according to the invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a mobile (or notebook) personal computer to which an electronic device including the physical quantity sensor of the present invention is applied.
In this figure, a personal computer 1100 includes a main body portion 1104 provided with a keyboard 1102 and a display unit 1106 provided with a display portion 100. The display unit 1106 is rotated with respect to the main body portion 1104 via a hinge structure portion. It is supported movably.
Such a personal computer 1100 incorporates a physical quantity sensor 1 that functions as angular velocity detection means (gyro sensor).

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a mobile phone (including PHS) to which an electronic device including the physical quantity sensor of the present invention is applied.
In this figure, a cellular phone 1200 includes a plurality of operation buttons 1202, an earpiece 1204, and a mouthpiece 1206, and the display unit 100 is disposed between the operation buttons 1202 and the earpiece 1204.
Such a cellular phone 1200 incorporates a physical quantity sensor 1 that functions as an angular velocity detection means (gyro sensor).

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a digital still camera to which an electronic device including the physical quantity sensor of the present invention is applied. In this figure, connection with an external device is also simply shown.
Here, an ordinary camera sensitizes a silver halide photographic film with a light image of a subject, whereas a digital still camera 1300 photoelectrically converts a light image of a subject with an imaging device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). An imaging signal (image signal) is generated.

A display unit is provided on the back of a case (body) 1302 in the digital still camera 1300, and is configured to perform display based on an imaging signal from the CCD. The display unit is a finder that displays an object as an electronic image. Function.
A light receiving unit 1304 including an optical lens (imaging optical system), a CCD, and the like is provided on the front side (the back side in the drawing) of the case 1302.

When the photographer confirms the subject image displayed on the display unit and presses the shutter button 1306, the CCD image pickup signal at that time is transferred and stored in the memory 1308.
In the digital still camera 1300, a video signal output terminal 1312 and an input / output terminal 1314 for data communication are provided on the side surface of the case 1302. As shown in the figure, a television monitor 1430 is connected to the video signal output terminal 1312 and a personal computer 1440 is connected to the input / output terminal 1314 for data communication as necessary. Further, the imaging signal stored in the memory 1308 is output to the television monitor 1430 or the personal computer 1440 by a predetermined operation.
Such a digital still camera 1300 incorporates a physical quantity sensor 1 that functions as angular velocity detection means (gyro sensor).

  In addition to the personal computer (mobile personal computer) shown in FIG. 15, the mobile phone shown in FIG. 16, and the digital still camera shown in FIG. Inkjet printers), laptop personal computers, televisions, video cameras, video tape recorders, car navigation devices, pagers, electronic notebooks (including those with communication functions), electronic dictionaries, calculators, electronic game devices, word processors, workstations, televisions Telephone, crime prevention TV monitor, electronic binoculars, POS terminal, medical equipment (for example, electronic thermometer, blood pressure monitor, blood glucose meter, electrocardiogram measuring device, ultrasonic diagnostic device, electronic endoscope), fish detector, various measuring devices, instruments (E.g., vehicle, aircraft, Instruments of 舶), can be applied to a flight simulator or the like.

The physical quantity sensor of the present invention has been described based on the illustrated embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of each part may be replaced with an arbitrary configuration having the same function. Can do.
In addition, any other component may be added to the present invention. Further, the present invention may be a combination of any two or more configurations (features) of the above embodiments.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Physical quantity sensor 2 ... Substrate 3 ... Vibration system structure 31 ... Ring part 4 ... Vibration means 41 ... Fixed electrode 411, 412 ... Electrode piece 42 ... Fixed electrode 421, 422 ... Electrode piece 43, 44 ... Fixed electrode 431, 432 ... Electrode piece 441, 442 ... Electrode piece 45, 46 ... Piezoelectric element 51 ... First vibration part 511 ... Frame part 511a ... First opening 511b ... 2nd opening 511c ... 3rd opening 512 ... Z-axis direction displacement part 513, 514 ... Shaft part 515 ... Drive electrode 516 ... Y-axis direction displacement part 516A ... Displacement part 516Aa ... Base part 516Ab ... Fixed Electrode 516a ... Frame part 516b ... Detection electrode 516c ... Base part 516d ... Detection electrode 517 ... Spring part 517A ... Pair of connecting springs 518a ... Solid Section 518b ... Connection section 519a ... Y-axis direction displacement section 519b ... Spring section 52 ... First vibration section 521 ... Frame section 522 ... Z-axis direction displacement section 523, 524 ... Shaft section 525 ... Drive Electrode 526 ... Y-axis direction displacement part 526b ... Detection electrode 527 ... Spring part 53 ... Second vibration part 531 ... Frame part 531a ... First opening 531b ... Second opening 531c ... Third opening 532 ... Z-axis direction displacement part 533, 534 ... Shaft part 535 ... Drive electrode 536 ... X-axis direction displacement part 536a ... Frame part 536b ... Detection electrode 537 ... Spring part 539a ... Spring part 539b ... Connecting part 519a ... X-axis direction displacement part 519b ... Spring part 54 ... Second vibration part 541 ... Frame part 542 ... Z-axis direction displacement part 543, 544 ... Portion 545 ··· Driving electrode 546 ··· Detection electrode 546b · · · Y-axis direction extending portion 547 · · · Spring portion 61, 62, 63, 64 · · · Inner fixing portion 651, 652, 661, 662, 671, 672, 681 , 682 ... Outer fixing part 71, 72, 73, 74 ... Beam 81 ... First inner spring part 811, 812 ... Spring part 82 ... First inner spring part 83 ... Second inner spring part 831, 832 ... Spring part 84 ... Second inner spring part 851, 852, 861, 862, 871, 872, 881, 882 ... Outer spring part 9 ... Detection means 91 ... Displacement transducer 911, 912 ... Fixed Electrodes 911a, 911b ... Electrode pieces 92 ... Displacement transducers 921, 922 ... Fixed electrodes 921a, 921b ... Electrode pieces 93 ... Displacement transducers Musser 931, 932 ... Fixed electrode 931a, 931b ... Electrode piece 94 ... Displacement transducer 941, 942 ... Fixed electrode 941a, 941b ... Electrode piece 95 ... Rotating transducer 951 ... Fixed electrode 96 ... Rotation Transducer 961 ··· Fixed electrode 97 ··· Rotary transducer 971 ··· Fixed electrode 98 ··· Rotary transducer 981 ··· Fixed electrode 991, 992 · · · Piezoelectric elements 993 and 994 · · · Piezoelectric elements 995 and 996 ... Piezoresistive unit 100 ... Display unit 1100 ... Personal computer 1102 ... Keyboard 1104 ... Main unit 1106 ... Display unit 1200 ... Mobile phone 1202 ... Operation buttons 1204 ... Earpiece 1206 ... Mouthpiece 1300 ... Digital still camera 1302 ‥‥ case 1304 ‥‥ receiving unit 1306 ‥‥ shutter button 1308 ‥‥ memory 1312 ‥‥ video signal output terminal 1314 ‥‥ output terminal 1430 ‥‥ television monitor 1440 ‥‥ personal computer J1, J2 ‥‥ shaft

Claims (13)

When the axis parallel to the substrate is the X axis, orthogonal to the X axis, the axis parallel to the substrate is the Y axis, the X axis and the Y axis are orthogonal, and the axis parallel to the normal of the substrate is the Z axis,
The substrate;
A pair of first mass parts including a movable part and arranged in the X-axis direction;
A pair of second mass parts including a movable part and arranged in the Y-axis direction;
A connecting portion disposed between the pair of first mass portions and disposed between the pair of second mass portions;
A pair of first spring parts connecting each of the pair of first mass parts and the connecting part;
A pair of second spring parts connecting each of the pair of second mass parts and the connecting part;
Supporting the connecting portion via a beam, and a supporting portion attached to the substrate;
Vibration means for vibrating the pair of first mass parts along the X axis so as to be in opposite phases to each other;
A transducer that converts the displacement of the movable part into an electrical signal;
Including
The connecting portion is supported by a plurality of the supporting portions.
A physical quantity sensor characterized by that. In claim 1,
The plurality of support parts include a first support part and a second support part,
The first support part and the second support part are provided symmetrically with respect to the X axis.
A physical quantity sensor characterized by that. In claim 1,
The plurality of support parts include a first support part and a third support part,
The first support part and the third support part are provided symmetrically with respect to the Y axis.
A physical quantity sensor characterized by that . In claim 1,
The plurality of support parts include a first support part and a fourth support part,
The first support part and the fourth support part are provided symmetrically with respect to the intersection of the X axis and the Y axis.
A physical quantity sensor characterized by that . In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 4,
The pair of first spring portions includes:
The deformation along the Y axis and the deformation along the Z axis are restricted.
A physical quantity sensor characterized by that . In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
The pair of second spring portions is
Deformation along the X axis and deformation along the Z axis are regulated,
A physical quantity sensor characterized by that . In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6,
The vibration means is provided in the second mass part,
A physical quantity sensor characterized by that . In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7,
The outer shape when the aggregate including the pair of first mass parts and the pair of second mass parts is projected onto the substrate is circular.
A physical quantity sensor characterized by that . In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7,
The outer shape when the aggregate including the pair of first mass parts and the pair of second mass parts is projected onto the substrate is rectangular.
A physical quantity sensor characterized by that . In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 9,
The substrate is composed of at least one of a semiconductor substrate, an insulating substrate, and a composite substrate formed by laminating a semiconductor layer and an insulating layer.
A physical quantity sensor characterized by that . In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 10,
The vibration means is either electrostatic drive or piezoelectric drive.
A physical quantity sensor characterized by that . In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 11,
The transducer detects an angular velocity about an axis orthogonal to the X axis;
A physical quantity sensor characterized by that . And a physical quantity sensor according to what Re one of claims 1 to 12,
An electronic device characterized by that.

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