US20230296577A1 - Sensor module - Google Patents
Sensor module Download PDFInfo
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- US20230296577A1 US20230296577A1 US18/324,482 US202318324482A US2023296577A1 US 20230296577 A1 US20230296577 A1 US 20230296577A1 US 202318324482 A US202318324482 A US 202318324482A US 2023296577 A1 US2023296577 A1 US 2023296577A1
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- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 32
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 abstract description 21
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 20
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 20
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012216 screening Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/0004—Gaseous mixtures, e.g. polluted air
- G01N33/0009—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment
- G01N33/0027—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment concerning the detector
- G01N33/0036—Specially adapted to detect a particular component
- G01N33/004—Specially adapted to detect a particular component for CO, CO2
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/0004—Gaseous mixtures, e.g. polluted air
- G01N33/0009—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment
- G01N33/0022—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment using a number of analysing channels
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D21/00—Measuring or testing not otherwise provided for
- G01D21/02—Measuring two or more variables by means not covered by a single other subclass
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D11/00—Component parts of measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D11/00—Component parts of measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable
- G01D11/16—Elements for restraining, or preventing the movement of, parts, e.g. for zeroising
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D11/00—Component parts of measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable
- G01D11/24—Housings ; Casings for instruments
- G01D11/245—Housings for sensors
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
- G01N27/02—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
- G01N27/04—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance
- G01N27/12—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluid; of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid, for detecting components in the fluid
- G01N27/128—Microapparatus
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/0004—Gaseous mixtures, e.g. polluted air
- G01N33/0009—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
- H05K5/0026—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus provided with connectors and printed circuit boards [PCB], e.g. automotive electronic control units
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a sensor module and, more particularly, to a sensor module for detecting, e.g., a predetermined gas component contained in a measurement atmosphere.
- a gas sensor for detecting a predetermined gas component is described in Japanese Patent No. 4,280,705.
- the gas sensor described in Japanese Patent No. 4,280,705 includes a substrate having a cavity, a gas detection element housed in the cavity, and a protective cap covering the cavity.
- the protective cap has a plurality of vent holes, through which an external gas to be measured is introduced into the cavity.
- the protective cap has, at its top, a planar portion having no vent hole. With the planar portion sucked by a suction nozzle of a chip mounter, the gas sensor is surface-mounted on a circuit board.
- the planar portion of the protective cap is formed eccentric to the center position, so that when it is sucked by the chip mounter suction nozzle, the posture of the gas sensor may become unstable.
- Such a problem may occur not only in the gas sensor but also in all the sensor modules that are surface-mountable on a circuit board, including, for example, sensor modules for detecting vibration, pressure, and temperature of air, which are specifically microphones, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors.
- a sensor module includes: a substrate having a top surface and a back surface; a sensor element mounted on the top surface of the substrate; an external terminal formed on the back surface of the substrate; and a case covering the sensor element fixed to the substrate.
- the case has a top plate part having a plurality of through holes.
- the top plate part has a center area having no through holes and a through hole formation area positioned so as to surround the center area and having the plurality of through holes.
- no through holes are formed in the center area of the top plate part, so that the center area can be sucked by a suction nozzle of a chip mounter, allowing the sensor module to be surface-mounted on a circuit board with a stable posture.
- the top plate part may have a rectangular outer shape. This can maximize the volume of a space surrounded by the case.
- the through hole formation area may include a clearance area having no through holes, and the clearance area may be positioned in the vicinity of the corner portion of the top plate part or in the vicinity of substantially the center portion of the side of the top plate part.
- the sensor module according to the present invention may further include a filter overlapping the plurality of through holes. This can prevent foreign matters from entering the space surrounded by the case.
- the filter may selectively cover the through hole formation area so as to overlap the plurality of through holes without covering the center area. This can prevent contact between the filters and the suction nozzle during the suction process using the chip mounter suction nozzle.
- the filter may be formed as a single member having a continuous shape. This simplifies a filter attachment process and can enhance attachment strength between the filter and the top plate part.
- the top plate part may include an attachment area covered with the filter and a non-attachment area not covered with the filter, and the attachment area may overlap the through hole formation area, and the non-attachment area may include the center area, an outside area positioned outside the through hole formation area, and a separation area overlapping the through hole formation area and connecting the center area and the outside area.
- the present invention it is possible to make the posture of the sensor module more stable during a suction process using the chip mounter suction nozzle while ensuring sufficient air circulation.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 1 A according to a first embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the sensor module 1 A
- FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the sensor module 1 A as viewed from a back surface;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view for explaining the shape of the top plate part 41 in more detail
- FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a conveying method for the sensor module 1 A;
- FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view for explaining an inspection method for the sensor module 1 A;
- FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 1 C according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 1 D according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearances of sensor module 2 A according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearances of sensor module 2 B according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearances of sensor module 2 C according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearances of sensor module 2 D according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearances of sensor module 3 A according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearances of sensor module 3 B according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 3 C according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 3 D according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 3 E according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 4 A according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 20 and 21 are schematic perspective views for explaining a part of the manufacturing process of the sensor module 4 A according to the fourteenth embodiment
- FIGS. 22 A to 22 C are schematic views for explaining examples in which the edge portion of the filter 65 is chamfered
- FIGS. 23 A and 23 B are schematic views for explaining examples in which the width of the separation area 41 D becomes wider from the center area 41 A toward the outside area 41 C;
- FIG. 24 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 4 B according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 25 A to 25 C are schematic views for explaining examples in which the edge portion of the filter 65 is chamfered
- FIGS. 26 A and 26 B are schematic views for explaining examples in which the width of the separation area 41 D becomes wider from the center area 41 A toward the outside area 41 C;
- FIG. 27 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 4 C according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 1 A according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the sensor module 1 A.
- the sensor module 1 A includes a substrate 10 , a sensor chip 20 and a control IC 30 which are mounted on a surface 11 of the substrate 10 , and a case 40 which is fixed to the substrate 10 and covers the sensor chip 20 and control IC 30 .
- the substrate 10 has a plurality of external terminals 13 on a back surface 12 thereof.
- the surface 11 and back surface 12 of the substrate 10 constitute the xy plane.
- the sensor chip 20 has a sensor element for measuring the concentration of a predetermined gas component (CO 2 , etc.) contained in a measurement atmosphere.
- the sensor chip 20 may not necessarily be a gas sensor but may be a sensor for detecting vibration, pressure, temperature, humidity, or the like of the air in a measurement atmosphere, which is specifically, a microphone, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or the like.
- two sensor chips 20 are mounted on the substrate 10 ; however, the number of the sensor chips 20 to be mounted on the substrate 10 is not limited to a particular value.
- the control IC 30 is connected to the sensor chip 20 and has an integrated control circuit for calculating measurement values based on the output from the sensor chip 20 .
- the control IC 30 may be a semiconductor IC in a bare-chip state.
- the control IC 30 is also connected to the external terminals 13 . Some external terminals 13 may be connected directly to the sensor chip 20 .
- the sensor chip 20 and the control IC 30 may not necessarily be separated chips, and an IC including a sensor element and a control circuit in one chip may be used.
- the case 40 is made of a material having sufficient strength, such as metal or resin, and includes a top plate part 41 facing the surface 11 of the substrate 10 and a side plate part 42 connected to the top plate part 41 and surrounds the sensor chip 20 and control IC 30 in a plan view (as viewed in the z-direction).
- the top plate part 41 is parallel to the surface 11 of the substrate 10 and constitutes the xy plane.
- the side plate part 42 is perpendicular to the surface 11 of the substrate 10 and constitutes the xz plane or yz plane.
- the top plate part 41 has a plurality of through holes 43 .
- the through holes 43 allow air to circulate therethrough from outside to inside of the case 40 .
- the sensor chip 20 when the sensor chip 20 is a gas sensor, a gas component to be measured enters the inside of the case 40 through the through holes 43 and is measured in concentration by the sensor chip 20 .
- the through hole 43 has a circular planar shape, which minimizes a reduction in strength of the top plate part 41 due to the presence of the through holes 43 .
- FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view for explaining the shape of the top plate part 41 in more detail.
- the top plate part 41 has a rectangular planar shape and includes a center area 41 A having no through holes 43 , a through hole formation area 41 B surrounding the center area 41 A, and an outside area 41 C positioned outside the through hole formation area 41 B.
- the through holes 43 are all formed in the through hole formation area 41 B. That is, the center area 41 A and outside area 41 C have no through holes 43 .
- Some through holes 43 may overlap the sensor chip 20 or control IC 30 as viewed in the z-direction.
- the center position of the center area 41 A coincides with the center position of the top plate part 41 .
- the through hole formation area 41 B has a ring shape and includes a linear part 41 B 1 in which three through holes 43 are arranged in the x-direction or y-direction and a corner part 41 B 2 connecting two linear parts 41 B 1 .
- the corner part 41 B 2 is positioned in the vicinity of the corner portion of the top plate part 41 and constitutes a clearance area having no through holes 43 .
- FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a conveying method for the sensor module 1 A according to the present embodiment.
- a suction nozzle 50 of a chip mounter is used to suck the center area 41 A of the top plate part 41 .
- no through holes 43 are formed in the center area 41 A of the top plate part 41 , thus allowing the center area 41 A to be sucked reliably by the suction nozzle 50 .
- the planar position of the center area 41 A of the top plate part 41 is not eccentric, so that the posture of the sensor module 1 A in a state of being sucked by the suction nozzle 50 can be made more stable. As a result, it is possible to stably perform the work of surface-mounting the sensor module 1 A on a not-shown circuit substrate.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view for explaining an inspection method for the sensor module 1 A according to the present embodiment.
- a not-shown probe is brought into contact with the external terminal 13 on the back surface 12 in a state where the top plate part 41 of the case 40 is held by a plurality of jigs 51 to 54 .
- the concentration of a gas to be measured in the atmosphere is set to a known predetermined value, and it is determined whether a measurement value output from the external terminal 13 indicates a correct value, whereby screening of the sensor module 1 A can be made.
- the jigs 51 to 54 are disposed so as to cover the corner portions of the top plate part 41 and their vicinities.
- the corner portions and their vicinities are comparatively higher in strength against a force in the z-direction, thus preventing the sensor module 1 A from being deformed and damaged during the inspection process.
- the jigs 51 to 54 are disposed so as to partially cover the through hole formation area 41 B, they are disposed so as to each overlap the clearance area so as not to close the through hole 43 . This allows the inspection to be performed under the same conditions as in actual use.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- the sensor module 1B illustrated in FIG. 7 differs from the sensor module 1 A according to the first embodiment in that the through hole 43 has a vertically or horizontally elongated shape. Other configurations are the same as those of the sensor module 1 A according to the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted.
- the through hole 43 in the present embodiment has a shape obtained by connecting three through holes 43 arranged in the x-direction or y-direction illustrated in FIG. 4 . Using the through holes 43 having such a shape allows greater circulation of air from outside to inside of the case 40 while maintaining sufficient area of the center area 41 A and outside area 41 C.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 1 C according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
- the sensor module 1 C illustrated in FIG. 8 differs from the sensor module 1 A according to the first embodiment in that three through holes 43 are arranged in an L-shape at the corner part 41 B 2 of the through hole formation area 41 B.
- Other configurations are the same as those of the sensor module 1 A according to the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted.
- substantially the center portion of the linear part 41 B 1 constitutes the clearance area.
- the substantially center portion of the linear part 41 B 1 is positioned in the vicinity of substantially the center portion of the side of the top plate part 41 .
- the clearance area may not necessarily be provided at the corner part 41 B 2 . Even with the configuration according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform the inspection without closing the through holes 43 by holding the clearance areas with the jigs 51 to 54 .
- FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 1 D according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- the sensor module 1 D illustrated in FIG. 9 differs from the sensor module 1 C according to the third embodiment in that individual through holes 43 have an L-shape. Other configurations are the same as those of the sensor module 1 C according to the third embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted. Using the through holes 43 having such a shape allows greater circulation of air from outside to inside of the case 40 .
- FIGS. 10 to 13 are schematic perspective views illustrating the outer appearances of sensor modules 2 A to 2 D according to fifth to eighth embodiments of the present invention.
- the sensor modules 2 A to 2 D illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 13 differ respectively from the sensor modules 1 A to 1 D according to the first to fourth embodiments in that filters 61 to 64 are attached so as to overlap the through holes 43 .
- Other configurations of the sensor modules 2 A to 2 D are the same respectively as those of the sensor modules 1 A to 1 D according to the first to fourth embodiments, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted.
- the filters 61 to 64 are each a member for preventing entering of a predetermined gas component that may deteriorate the sensor element, dust, and dirt.
- the filters 61 to 64 are attached along the linear part 41 B 1 of the through hole formation area 41 B.
- the filters 61 to 64 are attached along the corner part 41 B 2 of the through hole formation area 41 B. Since the filters 61 to 64 selectively cover the through hole formation area 41 B without covering the center area 41 A, the suction nozzle 50 of the chip mounter can avoid contacting the filters 61 to 64 , thereby preventing the filters 61 to 64 from being damaged during a mounting process.
- the filters 61 to 64 can be attached as follows. A filter sheet having cuts along which the filters 61 to 64 can be separated one from another is attached to the top plate part 41 , and an unnecessary part of the filter sheet is removed so as to leave the filters 61 to 64 on the top plate part 41 . This method can reduce the number of processes as compared to when the filters 61 to 64 are individually attached.
- FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic perspective views illustrating the outer appearances of sensor modules 3 A and 3 B according to ninth and tenth embodiments of the present invention.
- the sensor modules 3 A and 3 B illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 differ respectively from the sensor modules 2 A and 2 B according to the fifth and sixth embodiments in that a single ring-shaped filter 65 is used.
- Other configurations of the sensor modules 3 A and 3 B are the same respectively as those of the sensor modules 2 A and 2 B according to the fifth and sixth embodiments, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted.
- the filter to be attached to the top plate part 41 may be a signal member having a continuous shape.
- attachment strength between the top plate part 41 and the filter can be enhanced due to an increase in the attachment area.
- the filter may be attached to the entire inner surface (the surface of the top plate part 41 that faces the surface 11 of the substrate 10 ).
- the outer and inner shapes of the filter 65 are each not a quadrangle, but an octagon so as to sufficiently separate the filter 65 from the corner portions of the top plate part 41 . This can prevent contact between the jigs 51 to 54 and the filter 65 during the inspection process illustrated in FIG. 6 .
- the filter 65 can be attached as follows. A filter sheet having cuts is attached to the top plate part 41 , and an unnecessary part of the filter sheet positioned in the center area 41 A and an unnecessary part positioned in the outside area 41 C are removed so as to leave the filter 65 on the top plate part 41 .
- FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 3 C according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
- the sensor module 3 C illustrated in FIG. 16 differs from the sensor module 3 A according to the ninth embodiment in that the inner shape of the filter 65 is a quadrangle, and the outer shape thereof is a hexagon. Other configurations are the same as those of the sensor module 3 A according to the ninth embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted.
- the filter 65 has a two-fold symmetric shape in which vicinities of the two diagonally facing corners of the top plate part 41 are cut.
- the two jigs 52 and 53 which are positioned diagonally can be used in the inspection process illustrated in FIG. 6 so as not to contact the filter 65 .
- the filter 65 need not be offset from the vicinities of all the four corners of the top plate part 41 , but may be offset from the vicinities of only the two diagonally facing corners thereof.
- FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 3 D according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.
- the sensor module 3 D illustrated in FIG. 17 differs from the sensor module 3 C according to the eleventh embodiment in that the filter 65 has a four-fold symmetric shape with a quadrangular outer shape and with the vicinity of substantially the center portion of each side of the top plate part 41 cut.
- Other configurations are the same as those of the sensor module 3 C according to the eleventh embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted.
- the cut portions of the filter 65 are held with the jigs 51 to 54 , whereby it is possible to perform the inspection while preventing closing of the through holes 43 and preventing contact between the jigs 51 to 54 and the filter 65 .
- FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 3 E according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.
- the sensor module 3 E illustrated in FIG. 18 differs from the sensor modules 3 A to 3 D according to the ninth to twelfth embodiments in that the top plate part 41 of the case 40 has a circular shape and that the filter 65 has a three-fold symmetric shape.
- Other configurations are the same as those of the sensor modules 3 A to 3 D according to the ninth to twelfth embodiments, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted.
- the filter 65 has three cuts. When the sensor module 3 E is inspected, the three cut portions of the filter 65 are held with three jigs to fix the sensor module 3 E.
- the top plate part 41 of the case 40 may not necessarily have a rectangular shape in the present invention. Using the case 40 having the circular top plate part 41 can further enhance mechanical strength.
- FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 4 A according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.
- the sensor module 4 A illustrated in FIG. 19 differs from the sensor module 3 A according to the ninth embodiment in that the filter 65 has a separation part 65 a .
- Other configurations are the same as those of the sensor module 3 A according to the ninth embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted.
- the separation part 65 a is formed in the corner part 41 B 2 of the through hole formation area 41 B. Assuming that a part of the top plate part 41 that is covered with the filter 65 is referred to as “attachment area”, most of the attachment area overlaps the through hole formation area 41 B.
- the non-attachment area includes the center area 41 A, outside area 41 C, and a separation area 41 D overlapping the through hole formation area 41 B and connecting the center area 41 A and the outside area 41 C.
- FIGS. 20 and 21 are schematic perspective views for explaining a part of the manufacturing process of the sensor module 4 A according to the fourteenth embodiment.
- an aggregate substrate 10 A mounted with a large number of the sensor chips 20 and control ICs 30 is prepared, and the cases 40 are fixed to positions corresponding to individual sensor modules 4 A.
- a filter sheet 66 having a large area is attached to the plurality of cases 40 .
- the filter sheet 66 has cuts, along which it can be separated into individual filters 65 .
- an unnecessary part of the filter sheet 66 is removed so as to leave the individual filters 65 on the cases 40 .
- the filter sheet 66 is lift starting from the separation area 41 D side to separate the filters 65 from unnecessary parts 66 A, 66 C, and 66 D. That is, a point 66 P illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21 is lifted.
- the unnecessary part 66 C covering the outside area 41 C, the unnecessary part 66 D covering the separation area 41 D, and the unnecessary part 66 A covering the center area 41 A are removed in this order, allowing all the unnecessary parts 66 A, 66 C, and 66 D to be removed in a single removal step.
- the aggregate substrate 10 A is diced into individual sensor modules 1 A.
- the removal process of the filter sheet 66 can be simplified.
- the edge portion of the filter 65 is linearly chamfered.
- the edge portion of the filter 65 is chamfered in a circular arc shape.
- FIG. 22 A the edge portion of the filter 65 is chamfered in a circular arc shape.
- the edge portion of the filter 65 is chamfered in a linear shape, and the resultant corner portion is further chamfered in a circular arc shape.
- the dashed line in FIGS. 22 A to 22 C denotes the chamfered portion.
- the width of the separation area 41 D is preferable to make the width of the separation area 41 D wider from the center area 41 A toward the outside area 41 C, as illustrated in FIGS. 23 A and 23 B .
- the width of the separation area 41 D becomes continuously wider from the center area 41 A toward the outside area 41 C.
- the edge portion of the filter 65 is largely chamfered in a circular arc shape, whereby the width of the separation area 41 D is locally enlarged in the vicinity of the outside area 41 C.
- the dashed line in FIGS. 23 A and 23 B denotes the position of the separation area 41 D before being enlarged in width.
- FIG. 24 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 4 B according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.
- the sensor module 4 B illustrated in FIG. 24 differs from the sensor module 4 A according to the fourteenth embodiment in that the separation part 65 a of the filter 65 is formed in the linear part 41 B 1 of the through hole formation area 41 B.
- Other configurations are the same as those of the sensor module 4 A according to the fourteenth embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted.
- the separation part 65 a of the filter 65 may not necessarily be formed in the corner part 41 B 2 .
- the edge portion of the filter 65 positioned at the boundary between the outside area 41 C and the separation area 41 D, as illustrated in FIGS. 25 A to 25 C .
- the edge portion of the filter 65 is linearly chamfered.
- the edge portion of the filter 65 is chamfered in a circular arc shape.
- the edge portion of the filter 65 is chamfered in a linear shape, and the resultant corner portion is further chamfered in a circular arc shape.
- the dashed line in FIGS. 25 A to 25 C denotes the chamfered portion.
- the width of the separation area 41 D is preferable to make the width of the separation area 41 D wider from the center area 41 A toward the outside area 41 C, as illustrated in FIGS. 26 A and 26 B .
- the width of the separation area 41 D becomes continuously wider from the center area 41 A toward the outside area 41 C.
- the edge portion of the filter 65 is largely chamfered in a circular arc shape, whereby the width of the separation area 41 D is locally enlarged in the vicinity of the outside area 41 C.
- the dashed line in FIGS. 26 A and 26 B denotes the position of the separation area 41 D before being enlarged in width.
- FIG. 27 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 4 C according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.
- the sensor module 4 C illustrated in FIG. 27 differs from the sensor module 4 B according to the fifteenth embodiment in that the top plate part 41 of the case 40 has a circular shape.
- Other configurations are the same as those of the sensor module 4 B according to the fifteenth embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted.
- the top plate part 41 of the case 40 may not necessarily have a rectangular shape in the present invention. Using the case 40 having the circular top plate part 41 can further enhance mechanical strength.
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a sensor module that includes a substrate having a top surface and a back surface, a sensor element mounted on the top surface of the substrate, an external terminal formed on the back surface of the substrate, and a case fixed to the substrate so as to cover the sensor element. The case has a top plate part having a plurality of through holes. The top plate part has a center area having no through holes and a through hole formation area having the plurality of through holes, the through hole formation area being positioned so as to surround the center area.
Description
- This is a Continuation of U.S. Pat. Application No. 17/360,063 filed on Jun. 28, 2021, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-123506 filed on Jul. 20, 2020 including the specification, drawings and abstract are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- The present invention relates to a sensor module and, more particularly, to a sensor module for detecting, e.g., a predetermined gas component contained in a measurement atmosphere.
- A gas sensor for detecting a predetermined gas component is described in Japanese Patent No. 4,280,705. The gas sensor described in Japanese Patent No. 4,280,705 includes a substrate having a cavity, a gas detection element housed in the cavity, and a protective cap covering the cavity. The protective cap has a plurality of vent holes, through which an external gas to be measured is introduced into the cavity.
- In the gas sensor described in Japanese Patent No. 4,280,705, the protective cap has, at its top, a planar portion having no vent hole. With the planar portion sucked by a suction nozzle of a chip mounter, the gas sensor is surface-mounted on a circuit board.
- However, in the gas sensor described in Japanese Patent No. 4,280,705, the planar portion of the protective cap is formed eccentric to the center position, so that when it is sucked by the chip mounter suction nozzle, the posture of the gas sensor may become unstable. Such a problem may occur not only in the gas sensor but also in all the sensor modules that are surface-mountable on a circuit board, including, for example, sensor modules for detecting vibration, pressure, and temperature of air, which are specifically microphones, pressure sensors, and temperature sensors.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention, in a sensor module surface-mountable on a circuit board, to make the posture of the sensor module more stable during a sucking process using the chip mounter suction nozzle while ensuring sufficient air circulation.
- A sensor module according to the present invention includes: a substrate having a top surface and a back surface; a sensor element mounted on the top surface of the substrate; an external terminal formed on the back surface of the substrate; and a case covering the sensor element fixed to the substrate. The case has a top plate part having a plurality of through holes. The top plate part has a center area having no through holes and a through hole formation area positioned so as to surround the center area and having the plurality of through holes.
- According to the present invention, no through holes are formed in the center area of the top plate part, so that the center area can be sucked by a suction nozzle of a chip mounter, allowing the sensor module to be surface-mounted on a circuit board with a stable posture.
- In the present invention, the top plate part may have a rectangular outer shape. This can maximize the volume of a space surrounded by the case. In this case, the through hole formation area may include a clearance area having no through holes, and the clearance area may be positioned in the vicinity of the corner portion of the top plate part or in the vicinity of substantially the center portion of the side of the top plate part. With this configuration, when the top plate part needs to be held with a jig in an inspection process, the clearance area can be held with the jig, thus preventing the through holes from being closed by the jig.
- The sensor module according to the present invention may further include a filter overlapping the plurality of through holes. This can prevent foreign matters from entering the space surrounded by the case. In this case, the filter may selectively cover the through hole formation area so as to overlap the plurality of through holes without covering the center area. This can prevent contact between the filters and the suction nozzle during the suction process using the chip mounter suction nozzle.
- Further, the filter may be formed as a single member having a continuous shape. This simplifies a filter attachment process and can enhance attachment strength between the filter and the top plate part. In this case, the top plate part may include an attachment area covered with the filter and a non-attachment area not covered with the filter, and the attachment area may overlap the through hole formation area, and the non-attachment area may include the center area, an outside area positioned outside the through hole formation area, and a separation area overlapping the through hole formation area and connecting the center area and the outside area. With this configuration, in a process of removing an unnecessary part of a filter sheet that has been attached to the top plate part, the unnecessary part that has been attached to the outside area and the unnecessary part that has been attached to the center area can be removed in a single step.
- As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to make the posture of the sensor module more stable during a suction process using the chip mounter suction nozzle while ensuring sufficient air circulation.
- The above features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of asensor module 1A according to a first embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of thesensor module 1A; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of thesensor module 1A as viewed from a back surface; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view for explaining the shape of thetop plate part 41 in more detail; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a conveying method for thesensor module 1A; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view for explaining an inspection method for thesensor module 1A; -
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 1C according to a third embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of asensor module 1D according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearances ofsensor module 2A according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearances of sensor module 2B according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearances of sensor module 2C according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearances ofsensor module 2D according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearances ofsensor module 3A according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearances ofsensor module 3B according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 3C according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of asensor module 3D according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of asensor module 3E according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of asensor module 4A according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 20 and 21 are schematic perspective views for explaining a part of the manufacturing process of thesensor module 4A according to the fourteenth embodiment; -
FIGS. 22A to 22C are schematic views for explaining examples in which the edge portion of thefilter 65 is chamfered; -
FIGS. 23A and 23B are schematic views for explaining examples in which the width of theseparation area 41D becomes wider from thecenter area 41A toward the outside area 41C; -
FIG. 24 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 4B according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 25A to 25C are schematic views for explaining examples in which the edge portion of thefilter 65 is chamfered; -
FIGS. 26A and 26B are schematic views for explaining examples in which the width of theseparation area 41D becomes wider from thecenter area 41A toward the outside area 41C; and -
FIG. 27 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 4C according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. - Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of asensor module 1A according to a first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of thesensor module 1A. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thesensor module 1A according to the first embodiment includes asubstrate 10, asensor chip 20 and acontrol IC 30 which are mounted on asurface 11 of thesubstrate 10, and acase 40 which is fixed to thesubstrate 10 and covers thesensor chip 20 andcontrol IC 30. As illustrated inFIG. 3 , thesubstrate 10 has a plurality ofexternal terminals 13 on aback surface 12 thereof. Thesurface 11 and back surface 12 of thesubstrate 10 constitute the xy plane. - The
sensor chip 20 has a sensor element for measuring the concentration of a predetermined gas component (CO2, etc.) contained in a measurement atmosphere. However, thesensor chip 20 may not necessarily be a gas sensor but may be a sensor for detecting vibration, pressure, temperature, humidity, or the like of the air in a measurement atmosphere, which is specifically, a microphone, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or the like. In the example illustrated inFIG. 2 , twosensor chips 20 are mounted on thesubstrate 10; however, the number of the sensor chips 20 to be mounted on thesubstrate 10 is not limited to a particular value. - The
control IC 30 is connected to thesensor chip 20 and has an integrated control circuit for calculating measurement values based on the output from thesensor chip 20. Although not particularly limited, thecontrol IC 30 may be a semiconductor IC in a bare-chip state. Thecontrol IC 30 is also connected to theexternal terminals 13. Someexternal terminals 13 may be connected directly to thesensor chip 20. Thesensor chip 20 and thecontrol IC 30 may not necessarily be separated chips, and an IC including a sensor element and a control circuit in one chip may be used. - The
case 40 is made of a material having sufficient strength, such as metal or resin, and includes atop plate part 41 facing thesurface 11 of thesubstrate 10 and aside plate part 42 connected to thetop plate part 41 and surrounds thesensor chip 20 andcontrol IC 30 in a plan view (as viewed in the z-direction). Thetop plate part 41 is parallel to thesurface 11 of thesubstrate 10 and constitutes the xy plane. Theside plate part 42 is perpendicular to thesurface 11 of thesubstrate 10 and constitutes the xz plane or yz plane. Thetop plate part 41 has a plurality of throughholes 43. The through holes 43 allow air to circulate therethrough from outside to inside of thecase 40. For example, when thesensor chip 20 is a gas sensor, a gas component to be measured enters the inside of thecase 40 through the throughholes 43 and is measured in concentration by thesensor chip 20. In the present embodiment, the throughhole 43 has a circular planar shape, which minimizes a reduction in strength of thetop plate part 41 due to the presence of the through holes 43. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view for explaining the shape of thetop plate part 41 in more detail. - As illustrated in
FIG. 4 , thetop plate part 41 has a rectangular planar shape and includes acenter area 41A having no throughholes 43, a throughhole formation area 41B surrounding thecenter area 41A, and an outside area 41C positioned outside the throughhole formation area 41B. The through holes 43 are all formed in the throughhole formation area 41B. That is, thecenter area 41A and outside area 41C have no through holes 43. Some throughholes 43 may overlap thesensor chip 20 orcontrol IC 30 as viewed in the z-direction. The center position of thecenter area 41A coincides with the center position of thetop plate part 41. The throughhole formation area 41B has a ring shape and includes alinear part 41B1 in which three throughholes 43 are arranged in the x-direction or y-direction and acorner part 41B2 connecting twolinear parts 41B1. In the present embodiment, thecorner part 41B2 is positioned in the vicinity of the corner portion of thetop plate part 41 and constitutes a clearance area having no through holes 43. -
FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view for explaining a conveying method for thesensor module 1A according to the present embodiment. - As illustrated in
FIG. 5 , when thesensor module 1A is conveyed, asuction nozzle 50 of a chip mounter is used to suck thecenter area 41A of thetop plate part 41. As described above, no throughholes 43 are formed in thecenter area 41A of thetop plate part 41, thus allowing thecenter area 41A to be sucked reliably by thesuction nozzle 50. Moreover, the planar position of thecenter area 41A of thetop plate part 41 is not eccentric, so that the posture of thesensor module 1A in a state of being sucked by thesuction nozzle 50 can be made more stable. As a result, it is possible to stably perform the work of surface-mounting thesensor module 1A on a not-shown circuit substrate. -
FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view for explaining an inspection method for thesensor module 1A according to the present embodiment. - As illustrated in
FIG. 6 , in a process of inspecting thesensor module 1A according to the present embodiment, a not-shown probe is brought into contact with theexternal terminal 13 on theback surface 12 in a state where thetop plate part 41 of thecase 40 is held by a plurality ofjigs 51 to 54. In this state, the concentration of a gas to be measured in the atmosphere is set to a known predetermined value, and it is determined whether a measurement value output from theexternal terminal 13 indicates a correct value, whereby screening of thesensor module 1A can be made. - The
jigs 51 to 54 are disposed so as to cover the corner portions of thetop plate part 41 and their vicinities. The corner portions and their vicinities are comparatively higher in strength against a force in the z-direction, thus preventing thesensor module 1A from being deformed and damaged during the inspection process. Although thejigs 51 to 54 are disposed so as to partially cover the throughhole formation area 41B, they are disposed so as to each overlap the clearance area so as not to close the throughhole 43. This allows the inspection to be performed under the same conditions as in actual use. -
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 1B according to a second embodiment of the present invention. - The sensor module 1B illustrated in
FIG. 7 differs from thesensor module 1A according to the first embodiment in that the throughhole 43 has a vertically or horizontally elongated shape. Other configurations are the same as those of thesensor module 1A according to the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted. The throughhole 43 in the present embodiment has a shape obtained by connecting three throughholes 43 arranged in the x-direction or y-direction illustrated inFIG. 4 . Using the throughholes 43 having such a shape allows greater circulation of air from outside to inside of thecase 40 while maintaining sufficient area of thecenter area 41A and outside area 41C. -
FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 1C according to a third embodiment of the present invention. - The sensor module 1C illustrated in
FIG. 8 differs from thesensor module 1A according to the first embodiment in that three throughholes 43 are arranged in an L-shape at thecorner part 41B2 of the throughhole formation area 41B. Other configurations are the same as those of thesensor module 1A according to the first embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted. In the present embodiment, substantially the center portion of thelinear part 41B1 constitutes the clearance area. The substantially center portion of thelinear part 41B1 is positioned in the vicinity of substantially the center portion of the side of thetop plate part 41. As exemplified in the present embodiment, the clearance area may not necessarily be provided at thecorner part 41B2. Even with the configuration according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform the inspection without closing the throughholes 43 by holding the clearance areas with thejigs 51 to 54. -
FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the outer appearance of asensor module 1D according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. - The
sensor module 1D illustrated inFIG. 9 differs from the sensor module 1C according to the third embodiment in that individual throughholes 43 have an L-shape. Other configurations are the same as those of the sensor module 1C according to the third embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted. Using the throughholes 43 having such a shape allows greater circulation of air from outside to inside of thecase 40. -
FIGS. 10 to 13 are schematic perspective views illustrating the outer appearances ofsensor modules 2A to 2D according to fifth to eighth embodiments of the present invention. - The
sensor modules 2A to 2D illustrated inFIGS. 10 to 13 differ respectively from thesensor modules 1A to 1D according to the first to fourth embodiments in that filters 61 to 64 are attached so as to overlap the through holes 43. Other configurations of thesensor modules 2A to 2D are the same respectively as those of thesensor modules 1A to 1D according to the first to fourth embodiments, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted. - The
filters 61 to 64 are each a member for preventing entering of a predetermined gas component that may deteriorate the sensor element, dust, and dirt. In thesensor modules 2A and 2B illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11 , thefilters 61 to 64 are attached along thelinear part 41B1 of the throughhole formation area 41B. In thesensor modules 2C and 2D illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 13 , thefilters 61 to 64 are attached along thecorner part 41B2 of the throughhole formation area 41B. Since thefilters 61 to 64 selectively cover the throughhole formation area 41B without covering thecenter area 41A, thesuction nozzle 50 of the chip mounter can avoid contacting thefilters 61 to 64, thereby preventing thefilters 61 to 64 from being damaged during a mounting process. - The
filters 61 to 64 can be attached as follows. A filter sheet having cuts along which thefilters 61 to 64 can be separated one from another is attached to thetop plate part 41, and an unnecessary part of the filter sheet is removed so as to leave thefilters 61 to 64 on thetop plate part 41. This method can reduce the number of processes as compared to when thefilters 61 to 64 are individually attached. -
FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic perspective views illustrating the outer appearances ofsensor modules - The
sensor modules FIGS. 14 and 15 differ respectively from thesensor modules 2A and 2B according to the fifth and sixth embodiments in that a single ring-shapedfilter 65 is used. Other configurations of thesensor modules sensor modules 2A and 2B according to the fifth and sixth embodiments, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted. - As exemplified in the ninth and tenth embodiments, the filter to be attached to the
top plate part 41 may be a signal member having a continuous shape. In this case, attachment strength between thetop plate part 41 and the filter can be enhanced due to an increase in the attachment area. To further enhance the attachment strength, the filter may be attached to the entire inner surface (the surface of thetop plate part 41 that faces thesurface 11 of the substrate 10). The outer and inner shapes of thefilter 65 are each not a quadrangle, but an octagon so as to sufficiently separate thefilter 65 from the corner portions of thetop plate part 41. This can prevent contact between thejigs 51 to 54 and thefilter 65 during the inspection process illustrated inFIG. 6 . - The
filter 65 can be attached as follows. A filter sheet having cuts is attached to thetop plate part 41, and an unnecessary part of the filter sheet positioned in thecenter area 41A and an unnecessary part positioned in the outside area 41C are removed so as to leave thefilter 65 on thetop plate part 41. -
FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 3C according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. - The sensor module 3C illustrated in
FIG. 16 differs from thesensor module 3A according to the ninth embodiment in that the inner shape of thefilter 65 is a quadrangle, and the outer shape thereof is a hexagon. Other configurations are the same as those of thesensor module 3A according to the ninth embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted. As illustrated inFIG. 16 , thefilter 65 has a two-fold symmetric shape in which vicinities of the two diagonally facing corners of thetop plate part 41 are cut. When thefilter 65 having such a shape is used, the twojigs FIG. 6 so as not to contact thefilter 65. Thus, thefilter 65 need not be offset from the vicinities of all the four corners of thetop plate part 41, but may be offset from the vicinities of only the two diagonally facing corners thereof. -
FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of asensor module 3D according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. - The
sensor module 3D illustrated inFIG. 17 differs from the sensor module 3C according to the eleventh embodiment in that thefilter 65 has a four-fold symmetric shape with a quadrangular outer shape and with the vicinity of substantially the center portion of each side of thetop plate part 41 cut. Other configurations are the same as those of the sensor module 3C according to the eleventh embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted. When thesensor module 3D according to the twelfth embodiment is inspected, the cut portions of thefilter 65 are held with thejigs 51 to 54, whereby it is possible to perform the inspection while preventing closing of the throughholes 43 and preventing contact between thejigs 51 to 54 and thefilter 65. -
FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of asensor module 3E according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. - The
sensor module 3E illustrated inFIG. 18 differs from thesensor modules 3A to 3D according to the ninth to twelfth embodiments in that thetop plate part 41 of thecase 40 has a circular shape and that thefilter 65 has a three-fold symmetric shape. Other configurations are the same as those of thesensor modules 3A to 3D according to the ninth to twelfth embodiments, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted. Thefilter 65 has three cuts. When thesensor module 3E is inspected, the three cut portions of thefilter 65 are held with three jigs to fix thesensor module 3E. As exemplified in the present embodiment, thetop plate part 41 of thecase 40 may not necessarily have a rectangular shape in the present invention. Using thecase 40 having the circulartop plate part 41 can further enhance mechanical strength. -
FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of asensor module 4A according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. - The
sensor module 4A illustrated inFIG. 19 differs from thesensor module 3A according to the ninth embodiment in that thefilter 65 has aseparation part 65 a. Other configurations are the same as those of thesensor module 3A according to the ninth embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted. In the present embodiment, theseparation part 65 a is formed in thecorner part 41B2 of the throughhole formation area 41B. Assuming that a part of thetop plate part 41 that is covered with thefilter 65 is referred to as “attachment area”, most of the attachment area overlaps the throughhole formation area 41B. On the other hand, assuming that a part of thetop plate part 41 that is not covered with thefilter 65 is referred to as “non-attachment area”, the non-attachment area includes thecenter area 41A, outside area 41C, and aseparation area 41D overlapping the throughhole formation area 41B and connecting thecenter area 41A and the outside area 41C. -
FIGS. 20 and 21 are schematic perspective views for explaining a part of the manufacturing process of thesensor module 4A according to the fourteenth embodiment. - First, as illustrated in
FIG. 20 , anaggregate substrate 10A mounted with a large number of the sensor chips 20 andcontrol ICs 30 is prepared, and thecases 40 are fixed to positions corresponding toindividual sensor modules 4A. In this state, afilter sheet 66 having a large area is attached to the plurality ofcases 40. Thefilter sheet 66 has cuts, along which it can be separated intoindividual filters 65. - Then, as illustrated in
FIG. 21 , an unnecessary part of thefilter sheet 66 is removed so as to leave theindividual filters 65 on thecases 40. Specifically, upon the removal, thefilter sheet 66 is lift starting from theseparation area 41D side to separate thefilters 65 fromunnecessary parts point 66P illustrated inFIGS. 20 and 21 is lifted. As a result, the unnecessary part 66C covering the outside area 41C, theunnecessary part 66D covering theseparation area 41D, and theunnecessary part 66A covering thecenter area 41A are removed in this order, allowing all theunnecessary parts aggregate substrate 10A is diced intoindividual sensor modules 1A. - Thus, according to the
sensor module 4A of the fourteenth embodiment, the removal process of thefilter sheet 66 can be simplified. To prevent unintended peeling of thefilter 65 during the removal process of thefilter sheet 66, it is preferable to chamfer the edge portion of thefilter 65 positioned at the boundary between the outside area 41C and theseparation area 41D, as illustrated inFIGS. 22A to 22C . In the example illustrated inFIG. 22A , the edge portion of thefilter 65 is linearly chamfered. In the example illustrated inFIG. 22B , the edge portion of thefilter 65 is chamfered in a circular arc shape. In the example illustrated inFIG. 22C , the edge portion of thefilter 65 is chamfered in a linear shape, and the resultant corner portion is further chamfered in a circular arc shape. The dashed line inFIGS. 22A to 22C denotes the chamfered portion. - To facilitate the removal of the
unnecessary part 66D, it is preferable to make the width of theseparation area 41D wider from thecenter area 41A toward the outside area 41C, as illustrated inFIGS. 23A and 23B . In the example illustrated inFIG. 23A , the width of theseparation area 41D becomes continuously wider from thecenter area 41A toward the outside area 41C. In the example illustrated inFIG. 23B , the edge portion of thefilter 65 is largely chamfered in a circular arc shape, whereby the width of theseparation area 41D is locally enlarged in the vicinity of the outside area 41C. The dashed line inFIGS. 23A and 23B denotes the position of theseparation area 41D before being enlarged in width. -
FIG. 24 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 4B according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. - The sensor module 4B illustrated in
FIG. 24 differs from thesensor module 4A according to the fourteenth embodiment in that theseparation part 65 a of thefilter 65 is formed in thelinear part 41B1 of the throughhole formation area 41B. Other configurations are the same as those of thesensor module 4A according to the fourteenth embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted. As exemplified in the present embodiment, theseparation part 65 a of thefilter 65 may not necessarily be formed in thecorner part 41B2. - To prevent unintended peeling of the
filter 65 in the removal process of thefilter sheet 66, it is preferable to chamfer the edge portion of thefilter 65 positioned at the boundary between the outside area 41C and theseparation area 41D, as illustrated inFIGS. 25A to 25C . In the example illustrated inFIG. 25A , the edge portion of thefilter 65 is linearly chamfered. In the example illustrated inFIG. 25B , the edge portion of thefilter 65 is chamfered in a circular arc shape. In the example illustrated inFIG. 25C , the edge portion of thefilter 65 is chamfered in a linear shape, and the resultant corner portion is further chamfered in a circular arc shape. The dashed line inFIGS. 25A to 25C denotes the chamfered portion. - To facilitate the removal of
unnecessary part 66D, it is preferable to make the width of theseparation area 41D wider from thecenter area 41A toward the outside area 41C, as illustrated inFIGS. 26A and 26B . In the example illustrated inFIG. 26A , the width of theseparation area 41D becomes continuously wider from thecenter area 41A toward the outside area 41C. In the example illustrated inFIG. 26B , the edge portion of thefilter 65 is largely chamfered in a circular arc shape, whereby the width of theseparation area 41D is locally enlarged in the vicinity of the outside area 41C. The dashed line inFIGS. 26A and 26B denotes the position of theseparation area 41D before being enlarged in width. -
FIG. 27 is a schematic plan view illustrating the outer appearance of a sensor module 4C according to a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention. - The sensor module 4C illustrated in
FIG. 27 differs from the sensor module 4B according to the fifteenth embodiment in that thetop plate part 41 of thecase 40 has a circular shape. Other configurations are the same as those of the sensor module 4B according to the fifteenth embodiment, so the same reference numerals are given to the same elements, and overlapping description will be omitted. As exemplified in the present embodiment, thetop plate part 41 of thecase 40 may not necessarily have a rectangular shape in the present invention. Using thecase 40 having the circulartop plate part 41 can further enhance mechanical strength. - It is apparent that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but may be modified and changed without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Claims (18)
1. A sensor module comprising:
a substrate having a top surface, the top surface having first and second regions;
a first sensor chip mounted on the first region of the top surface of the substrate;
a control IC mounted on the second region of the top surface of the substrate and electrically connected to the first sensor chip; and
a case fixed to the substrate so as to cover the first sensor chip and the control IC,
wherein the case has a plurality of through holes.
2. The sensor module as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of through holes includes a first through hole that overlaps the first sensor chip.
3. The sensor module as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the plurality of through holes further includes a second through hole that overlaps the control IC.
4. The sensor module as claimed in claim 3 , further comprising a second sensor chip electrically connected to the control IC,
wherein the top surface further has a third region on which the second sensor chip is mounted.
5. The sensor module as claimed in claim 4 , wherein the plurality of through holes further includes a third through hole that overlaps the second sensor chip.
6. The sensor module as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the plurality of through holes further includes a plurality of fourth through holes that do not overlap the first sensor chip, the second sensor chip, and the control IC.
7. The sensor module as claimed in claim 6 ,
wherein the first and third through holes are arranged along a first virtual line extending in a first direction, and
wherein the plurality of fourth through holes are arranged along a second virtual line extending in a second direction different from the first direction.
8. The sensor module as claimed in claim 7 ,
wherein the plurality of through holes further includes a plurality of fifth through holes that do not overlap the first sensor chip, the second sensor chip, and the control IC, and
wherein the plurality of fifth through holes are arranged along a third virtual line extending in parallel with the second virtual line.
9. The sensor module as claimed in claim 8 ,
wherein the case has a center area positioned between the plurality of fourth through holes and the plurality of fifth through holes in the first direction, and
wherein the center area of the case has no through hole.
10. The sensor module as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the center area of the case is positioned between the first and third through holes and the second through hole in the second direction.
11. A sensor module comprising:
a substrate having a top surface having a rectangular planar shape;
a first sensor chip mounted on the top surface of the substrate;
a case fixed to the substrate so as to cover the first sensor chip,
wherein the case has:
a plurality of first through holes arranged along a first virtual line extending in a first direction;
a plurality of second through holes arranged along a second virtual line extending in parallel with the first virtual line;
a plurality of third through holes arranged along a third virtual line substantially perpendicular to the first and second virtual lines; and
a plurality of fourth through holes arranged along a fourth virtual line extending in parallel with the third virtual line, and
wherein one of the plurality of first through holes overlaps the first sensor chip.
12. The sensor module as claimed in claim 11 ,
wherein the case has a center area positioned between the plurality of first through holes and the plurality of second through holes in the second direction and positioned between the plurality of third through holes and the plurality of fourth through holes in the first direction, and
wherein the center area of the case has no through hole.
13. The sensor module as claimed in claim 12 ,
wherein the case further has:
a first corner area at which the first and third virtual lines cross each other;
a second corner area at which the first and fourth virtual lines cross each other;
a third corner area at which the second and third virtual lines cross each other; and
a fourth corner area at which the second and fourth virtual lines cross each other, and
wherein the first, second, third, and fourth corner areas of the case have no through hole.
14. The sensor module as claimed in claim 11 , further comprising a control IC mounted on the top surface of the substrate and electrically connected to the first sensor chip,
wherein the covers the first sensor chip and the control IC.
15. The sensor module as claimed in claim 14 , wherein at least one of the plurality of second through holes overlaps the control IC.
16. The sensor module as claimed in claim 15 , wherein each of the plurality of second through holes overlaps the control IC.
17. The sensor module as claimed in claim 14 , wherein the plurality of third through holes and the plurality of fourth through holes do not overlap the first sensor chip and the control IC.
18. The sensor module as claimed in claim 14 , further comprising a second sensor chip mounted on the top surface of the substrate and electrically connected to the control IC,
wherein another one of the plurality of first through holes overlap the second sensor chip.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US18/324,482 US20230296577A1 (en) | 2020-07-20 | 2023-05-26 | Sensor module |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2020-123506 | 2020-07-20 | ||
JP2020123506A JP2022020159A (en) | 2020-07-20 | 2020-07-20 | Sensor module |
US17/360,063 US11703491B2 (en) | 2020-07-20 | 2021-06-28 | Sensor module |
US18/324,482 US20230296577A1 (en) | 2020-07-20 | 2023-05-26 | Sensor module |
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US20070107493A1 (en) * | 2003-12-01 | 2007-05-17 | Ngk Spark Plug Co., Ltd. | Gas sensor |
US20120262123A1 (en) * | 2011-04-14 | 2012-10-18 | Tae-Jong Lee | Circuit Module and Battery Pack Including the Same |
US20150075258A1 (en) * | 2013-09-16 | 2015-03-19 | Lg Innotek Co., Ltd. | Gas sensor package |
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JP4195466B2 (en) | 2003-06-12 | 2008-12-10 | エフアイエス株式会社 | Gas detector for automobile |
JP4280705B2 (en) | 2003-12-01 | 2009-06-17 | 日本特殊陶業株式会社 | Gas sensor |
US10761046B2 (en) * | 2010-11-24 | 2020-09-01 | Sensirion Ag | Electrochemical sensors and packaging and related methods |
JP5703373B2 (en) * | 2012-02-29 | 2015-04-15 | 日本特殊陶業株式会社 | Gas sensor |
JP6255197B2 (en) * | 2012-09-25 | 2017-12-27 | 北陸電気工業株式会社 | Gas sensor |
CN106716095A (en) * | 2014-09-19 | 2017-05-24 | 株式会社村田制作所 | Pressure sensor module |
JP6359049B2 (en) * | 2016-05-09 | 2018-07-18 | Nissha株式会社 | Gas sensor device and manufacturing method thereof |
KR20180039349A (en) | 2016-10-10 | 2018-04-18 | (주)포인트엔지니어링 | Micro sensor package |
JP6553587B2 (en) * | 2016-12-20 | 2019-07-31 | Nissha株式会社 | Gas sensor module and method of manufacturing the same |
JPWO2019188692A1 (en) * | 2018-03-28 | 2021-04-15 | Tdk株式会社 | Gas sensors, gas alarms, gas shutoffs and smart devices |
RU196983U1 (en) | 2019-11-07 | 2020-03-23 | федеральное государственное автономное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Национальный исследовательский ядерный университет МИФИ" (НИЯУ МИФИ) | GAS SENSOR |
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US20070107493A1 (en) * | 2003-12-01 | 2007-05-17 | Ngk Spark Plug Co., Ltd. | Gas sensor |
US20120262123A1 (en) * | 2011-04-14 | 2012-10-18 | Tae-Jong Lee | Circuit Module and Battery Pack Including the Same |
US20150075258A1 (en) * | 2013-09-16 | 2015-03-19 | Lg Innotek Co., Ltd. | Gas sensor package |
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US20220018819A1 (en) | 2022-01-20 |
CN113959482A (en) | 2022-01-21 |
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JP2022020159A (en) | 2022-02-01 |
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