WO2024043050A1

WO2024043050A1 - Sensor module

Info

Publication number: WO2024043050A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/028701
Authority: WO
Inventors: 暢謙森田; 花菜大江
Original assignee: 株式会社村田製作所
Priority date: 2022-08-26
Filing date: 2023-08-07
Publication date: 2024-02-29

Abstract

This sensor module comprises: a first member; a second member having a Young's modulus lower than that of the first member; and a sensor that is for detecting deformation of the second member and that is in contact with the second member. The distance between the first member and the sensor is longer than the distance between the first member and the second member.

Description

sensor module

The present invention relates to a sensor module that includes a sensor that detects deformation of a member.

Patent Document 1 describes a displacement sensor that includes an elastic body and a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element is attached to the first main surface of the elastic body. The elastic body bends when an external force is applied to the elastic body. For example, when the elastic body is bent, the piezoelectric element expands. The piezoelectric element generates a voltage depending on the amount of expansion of the piezoelectric element.

International Publication No. 2012/137897

Incidentally, in the field of displacement sensors described in Patent Document 1, there is a desire for a sensor module in which noise is less likely to be included in a signal output by a sensor that detects deformation of a member.

An object of the present invention is to provide a sensor module in which noise is less likely to be included in a signal output by a sensor that detects deformation of a member.

A sensor module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:
a first member;
a second member having a Young's modulus lower than the Young's modulus of the first member;
a sensor for detecting deformation of the second member, the sensor being in contact with the second member;
Equipped with
The distance between the first member and the sensor is longer than the distance between the first member and the second member.

In the following, X and Y are parts or members of the sensor module. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, each part of X is defined as follows. The front part of the X means the front half of the X. The rear part of the X means the rear half of the X. The left part of X means the left half of X. The right side of X means the right half of X. The upper part of X means the upper half of X. The lower part of X means the lower half of X. The front end of X means the front end of X. The rear end of X means the end of X in the rear direction. The left end of X means the left end of X. The right end of X means the right end of X. The upper end of X means the upper end of X. The lower end of X means the lower end of X.

Furthermore, "X is located above Y" means that X is located directly above Y. Therefore, when viewed in the vertical direction, X overlaps Y. "X is located above Y" means that X is located directly above Y, and that X is located diagonally above Y. Therefore, when viewed in the vertical direction, X may or may not overlap Y. This definition also applies to directions other than the upward direction.

According to the sensor module according to the present invention, noise is less likely to be included in the signal output by the sensor that detects the deformation of a member.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the sensor module 1. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the first member 10 being elastically deformed in the vertical direction. FIG. 4 is a diagram of the sensor 13 viewed from below. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a signal Sig output from the sensor 13 when the first member 10 is elastically deformed in the vertical direction. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the first member 10 being elastically deformed in the left-right direction. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a signal Sig output from the sensor 13 when the first member 10 is elastically deformed in the left-right direction. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a signal Sig output from the sensor 13 when the upper part UP and right part RP of the first member 10 is elastically deformed in the lower left direction. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1a according to modification 1. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1b1 according to a second modification. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1b2 according to modification 2. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1c according to modification example 3. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1d according to modification example 4. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1e according to modification 5. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1f according to modification 6. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1g1 according to modification example 7. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1g2 according to modification example 7.

[First embodiment]
Hereinafter, a sensor module 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the sensor module 1. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the first member 10 being elastically deformed in the vertical direction. FIG. 4 is a diagram of the sensor 13 viewed from below. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.

In this embodiment, the direction is defined as follows. As shown in FIG. 1, the direction in which the sensor module 1 extends is defined as the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the direction in which the sensor 13 and the second member 12 are lined up is defined as the up-down direction. The direction in which the sensor 13 and the second member 12 are lined up in this order is defined as the downward direction. The direction in which the second member 12 and the sensor 13 are lined up in this order is defined as an upward direction. A direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is defined as the left-right direction. However, the front-back direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction are directions defined for the purpose of explanation. Therefore, the front-back direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction when the sensor module 1 is actually used do not necessarily have to match the front-back direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the sensor module 1 is used, for example, in an electronic device such as an electronic cigarette. The sensor module 1 includes a first member 10, a support member 11, a second member 12, and a sensor 13, as shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the first member 10 has a cylindrical shape including an inner circumferential surface IS and an outer circumferential surface OS, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The first member 10 has a cylindrical shape with a central axis CAX extending in the front-rear direction. The first member 10 is symmetrical about the central axis CAX. In this embodiment, the first member 10 has a cylindrical shape. The material of the first member 10 is, for example, a metal having a Young's modulus of 40 GPa or more. Such a first member 10 is, for example, a magnesium alloy.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first member 10 undergoes elastic deformation. For example, the first member 10 is elastically deformed in the vertical direction when the user 200 pushes the first member 10 in the vertical direction. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first member 10 has a lower part DP located below the central axis CAX and an upper part UP located above the central axis CAX. are doing. The upper part UP can be elastically deformed downward, and the lower part DP can be elastically deformed upward. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the user 200 holds the lower part DP and the upper part UP between the user's 200 fingers. As a result, an upward force is applied to the lower part DP. Therefore, the lower part DP is elastically deformed upward. Therefore, when the first member 10 is elastically deformed, the lower part DP is elastically deformed upward. Further, a downward force is applied to the upper portion UP. Therefore, the upper portion UP is elastically deformed downward. Therefore, when the first member 10 is elastically deformed, the upper part UP is elastically deformed downward.

As shown in FIG. 2, the support member 11 is plate-shaped and has an upper surface and a lower surface that are aligned in the vertical direction. Support member 11 is located within first member 10 . Therefore, the user 200 cannot touch the support member 11. The support member 11 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface IS. The right end and left end of the support member 11 are in contact with the inner circumferential surface IS. The right end and left end of the support member 11 are fixed to the inner circumferential surface IS. The support member 11 supports the second member 12 and the sensor 13. The Young's modulus of the support member 11 is, for example, higher than the Young's modulus of the second member 12. Such a support member 11 is, for example, a circuit board on which electronic components are mounted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second member 12 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an upper surface and a lower surface arranged in the vertical direction. Therefore, the second member 12 has a rectangular shape when viewed in the front-rear direction. The second member 12 is located within the first member 10. The second member 12 is located on the support member 11. The lower surface of the second member 12 is in contact with the upper surface of the support member 11. The right end of the second member 12 is located to the right of the central axis CAX. The left end of the second member 12 is located to the left of the central axis CAX. The upper surface of the second member 12 is located above the central axis CAX. When the first member 10 is not elastically deformed, the second member 12 is not in contact with the first member 10. Specifically, in the second member 12, the upper right corner PE1 and the upper left corner PE2 are located closest to the first member 10. A gap exists between the corner PE1 and the inner circumferential surface IS, and a gap exists between the corner PE2 and the inner circumferential surface IS. Therefore, when the first member 10 is not elastically deformed, the second member 12 is separated from the first member 10. The second member 12 is softer than the first member 10. Specifically, the Young's modulus of the second member 12 is lower than that of the first member 10. The second member 12 is made of resin such as silicone rubber, for example.

When the first member 10 is elastically deformed, the second member 12 comes into contact with the first member 10. Specifically, when the first member 10 is elastically deformed, the second member 12 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface IS. In this embodiment, when the first member 10 is elastically deformed, the corner PE1 and the corner PE2 come into contact with the inner circumferential surface IS. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the upper part UP includes a first contact part CP1 located to the right of the central axis CAX and a second contact part CP1 located to the left of the central axis CAX. CP2. When the first member 10 is elastically deformed, the first contact portion CP1 and the second contact portion CP2 contact the second member 12. Specifically, when the first member 10 is elastically deformed, the first contact portion CP1 contacts the corner portion PE1. When the first member 10 is elastically deformed, the second contact portion CP2 contacts the corner portion PE2. A gap exists between the corner PE1 and the inner circumferential surface IS and between the corner PE2 and the inner circumferential surface IS. Therefore, when the amount of deformation of the first member 10 is small, the second member 12 does not come into contact with the first member 10.

As shown in FIG. 4, the sensor 13 has a rectangular shape with long sides extending in the front-rear direction and short sides extending in the left-right direction. The sensor 13 is located within the first member 10, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The sensor 13 is located on the second member 12. Sensor 13 is in contact with second member 12 . The sensor 13 is not in contact with the first member 10. Specifically, the sensor 13 does not come into contact with the first member 10 in both cases, when the first member 10 is not elastically deformed and when the first member 10 is elastically deformed. The shortest distance between the first member 10 and the sensor 13 is longer than the shortest distance between the first member 10 and the second member 12. In this embodiment, the distance between the first member 10 and the sensor 13 is longer than the distance between the first contact portion CP1 and the corner PE1. Further, the shortest distance between the first member 10 and the sensor 13 is longer than the shortest distance between the second contact portion CP2 and the corner portion PE2. Therefore, as shown in FIG. come into contact with.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor 13 includes a first electrode 130, a piezoelectric film 131, a second electrode 132, a charge amplifier (not shown), and an AD converter (not shown).

The piezoelectric film 131 has a sheet shape with long sides extending in the front-rear direction and short sides extending in the left-right direction. The piezoelectric film 131 has a first main surface SF1 and a second main surface SF2 that are arranged in the vertical direction.

The piezoelectric film 131 generates an electric charge according to the amount of deformation of the piezoelectric film 131. The piezoelectric film 131 has a characteristic that the polarity of the charge generated when the piezoelectric film 131 is stretched in the left-right direction is opposite to the polarity of the charge generated when the piezoelectric film 131 is stretched in the front-back direction. There is. Specifically, the piezoelectric film 131 is a film formed from chiral polymer. The chiral polymer is, for example, polylactic acid (PLA), particularly L-type polylactic acid (PLLA). PLLA has a main chain having a helical structure. PLLA has piezoelectricity in which molecules are oriented by being uniaxially stretched. The piezoelectric film 131 has a piezoelectric constant of d14. As shown in FIG. 4, the uniaxial stretching direction OD of the piezoelectric film 131 forms an angle of 45 degrees with respect to each of the left-right direction and the front-back direction. This 45 degrees includes, for example, an angle including approximately 45 degrees ±10 degrees. As a result, the piezoelectric film 131 generates electric charges as the piezoelectric film 131 is stretched in the left-right direction or the front-back direction. For example, when the piezoelectric film 131 is stretched in the left-right direction, it generates a positive charge. For example, when the piezoelectric film 131 is stretched in the front-back direction, it generates a negative charge. The magnitude of the charge depends on the differential value of the amount of deformation of the piezoelectric film 131 in the left-right direction or front-back direction due to stretching.

Furthermore, the piezoelectric film 131 has a characteristic that the polarity of the charge generated when the piezoelectric film 131 is compressed in the left-right direction is opposite to the polarity of the charge generated when the piezoelectric film 131 is compressed in the front-back direction. are doing. For example, when the piezoelectric film 131 is compressed in the left-right direction, it generates negative charges. For example, when the piezoelectric film 131 is compressed in the front-back direction, it generates a positive charge.

The first electrode 130 is a ground electrode. The first electrode 130 is connected to ground potential. The first electrode 130 is fixed to the first main surface SF1 with an adhesive (not shown). The first electrode 130 covers the first main surface SF1.

The second electrode 132 is a signal electrode. The second electrode 132 is fixed to the second main surface SF2 with an adhesive (not shown). The second electrode 132 covers the second main surface SF2.

The charge amplifier converts the charge generated by the piezoelectric film 131 into a voltage signal. An AD converter generates a digital signal by AD converting a voltage signal.

The sensor 13 detects deformation of the second member 12. Specifically, when the first member 10 is elastically deformed, the second member 12 is elastically deformed. When the second member 12 is elastically deformed, the sensor 13 provided on the upper surface of the second member 12 is deformed. The sensor 13 outputs a signal (hereinafter referred to as signal Sig) according to the deformation of the sensor 13. The signal Sig output from the sensor 13 will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a signal Sig output from the sensor 13 when the first member 10 is elastically deformed in the vertical direction. FIG. 6 shows a case where the user 200 repeatedly elastically deforms the first member 10 in the vertical direction. In FIG. 6, time t1 is the time when the first member 10 begins to be elastically deformed by the external force applied to the first member 10. In FIG. 6, time t2 is the time when the restoring force applied to the first member 10 begins to return to the shape before deformation. In FIG. 6, time t3 is the time when the sensor 13 returns to its pre-deformation shape.

In this embodiment, when the first member 10 is deformed in the vertical direction, the sensor 13 generates a signal Sig having a positive polarity with respect to the reference potential VE. Specifically, the user 200 elastically deforms the upper part UP downward and elastically deforms the lower part DP upward. Thereby, the first contact portion CP1 comes into contact with the upper right corner PE1 of the second member 12, as shown in FIG. At this time, a force Pw1 in the lower left direction is applied to the corner PE1 by the first contact portion CP1. As a result, the upper surface of the second member 12 is pulled in the lower left direction. Further, the second contact portion CP2 contacts the upper left corner PE2 of the second member 12. At this time, a force Pw2 in the lower right direction is applied to the corner PE2 by the second contact portion CP2. As a result, the upper surface of the second member 12 is pulled in the lower right direction. By pulling the upper surface of the second member 12 toward the lower left and toward the lower right, the upper surface of the second member 12 is curved so as to protrude upward. As a result, the sensor 13 provided on the upper surface of the second member 12 extends in the left-right direction. Therefore, the piezoelectric film 131 generates positive charges. When the sensor 13 stops extending in the left-right direction, the piezoelectric film 131 no longer generates positive charges. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, between time t1 and time t2, the sensor 13 generates a signal Sig having a positive polarity with respect to the reference potential VE.

The user 200 finishes pushing the first member 10 in the vertical direction. In this case, the restoring force generated in the first member 10 causes the first member 10 to return to its pre-deformation shape. Thereby, the second member 12 no longer comes into contact with the first member 10. At this time, the restoring force generated in the second member 12 causes the second member 12 to return to its pre-deformation shape. In this case, the sensor 13 provided on the upper surface of the second member 12 is deformed so as to return to its original shape due to the restoring force generated in the sensor 13. At this time, the piezoelectric film 131 generates negative charges. When the sensor 13 returns to its pre-deformed shape, the piezoelectric film 131 no longer generates negative charges. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, between time t2 and time t3, the sensor 13 generates a signal Sig having a negative polarity with respect to the reference potential VE.

(effect)
According to the sensor module 1, the signal Sig output by the sensor 13 is less likely to contain noise. For example, when the user 200 drops the sensor module 1, the sensor module 1 collides with the floor or the like. As a result, an impact is applied to the first member 10. The first member 10 is elastically deformed by the impact applied to the first member 10. Here, in the sensor module 1, the distance between the first member 10 and the sensor 13 is longer than the distance between the first member 10 and the second member 12. Since the distance between the first member 10 and the sensor 13 is longer than the distance between the first member 10 and the second member 12, even if the first member 10 is elastically deformed due to an impact such as falling, the sensor 13 is The deformation of one member 10 is difficult to be transmitted. As a result, the signal Sig output by the sensor 13 in the sensor module 1 is less likely to contain noise, compared to a sensor module in which the sensor is provided in the first member.

According to the sensor module 1, the signal Sig output by the sensor 13 is less likely to contain noise. For example, when a force is applied to the first member 10 due to an impact such as a fall, the first member 10 is elastically deformed. Here, in a state where the first member 10 is not elastically deformed in the sensor module 1, the second member 12 is separated from the first member 10. Therefore, when the first member 10 is elastically deformed due to impact such as falling, the first member 10 is unlikely to come into contact with the second member 12. Therefore, the second member 12 is unlikely to be elastically deformed by the force generated when the sensor module 1 is dropped or the like. This makes it difficult for the sensor 13 provided on the second member 12 to be elastically deformed. Therefore, the sensor 13 is less likely to be elastically deformed due to causes such as falling. As a result, the signal Sig output by the sensor 13 is less likely to contain noise.

In the sensor module 1, the second member 12 and the sensor 13 are located within the first member 10. The Young's modulus of the first member 10 is higher than that of the second member 12. Therefore, when an impact is applied to the sensor module 1, the impact is unlikely to be applied to the second member 12 and the sensor 13 located within the first member 10. Therefore, the signal Sig output by the sensor 13 is less likely to contain noise.

According to the sensor module 1, the sensor 13 can easily detect deformation of the second member 12. Specifically, the Young's modulus of the second member 12 is lower than that of the first member 10. Therefore, when the second member 12 is elastically deformed due to the elastic deformation of the first member 10, the amount of deformation of the second member 12 tends to be larger than the amount of deformation of the first member 10. The sensor 13 is in contact with the second member 12, which has a larger amount of deformation than the first member 10. Therefore, the output value of the sensor 13 in the sensor module 1 tends to be larger than the output value of the sensor in a sensor module in which the sensor is provided in the first member.

In the sensor module 1, when the first member 10 is elastically deformed, the first contact portion CP1 located to the right of the central axis CAX and the second contact portion CP2 located to the left of the central axis CAX, Contact with the second member 12 . For example, a force Pw1 in the lower left direction is applied to the upper right corner PE1 of the second member 12 by the first contact portion CP1. As a result, the upper surface of the second member 12 is pulled in the lower left direction. In addition, a force Pw2 in the lower right direction is applied to the upper left corner PE2 of the second member 12 by the second contact portion CP2. As a result, the upper surface of the second member 12 is pulled in the lower right direction. That is, the upper surface of the second member 12 is extended both in the lower left direction and the lower right direction by the first contact part CP1 and the second contact part CP2. As a result, the amount of deformation of the upper surface of the second member 12 tends to be larger than the amount of deformation of the first member 10. The sensor 13 is in contact with the upper surface of the second member 12, which has a larger amount of deformation than the first member 10. In this case, the output value of the sensor 13 in the sensor module 1 tends to be larger than the output value of the sensor in a sensor module in which the sensor is provided in the first member. Therefore, according to the sensor module 1, the sensor 13 can easily detect the deformation of the second member 12.

The sensor module 1 includes a support member 11 that supports a second member 12 and a sensor 13. This stabilizes the sensor 13. In other words, the sensor 13 becomes less likely to vibrate due to the impact applied to the sensor module 1. Therefore, the signal Sig output by the sensor 13 is less likely to contain noise.

In a state where the first member 10 is not elastically deformed, the second member 12 and the sensor 13 are not in contact with the first member. The support member 11 supports the second member 12 and the sensor 13. In this case, the vibration applied to the first member 10 will be transmitted to the sensor 13 via the support member 11. Therefore, compared to a sensor module in which the second member is in direct contact with the first member, the signal Sig output by the sensor 13 is less likely to contain noise.

In the sensor module 1, the support member 11 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface IS of the first member 10. Thereby, the support member 11 and the second member 12 fixed to the support member 11 are stabilized. In other words, the support member 11 and the second member 12 are less likely to vibrate.

[Other operation examples 1 of sensor module 1]
Hereinafter, another example of operation of the sensor module 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the first member 10 being elastically deformed in the left-right direction. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a signal Sig output from the sensor 13 when the first member 10 is elastically deformed in the left-right direction. FIG. 8 shows a case where the user 200 repeatedly elastically deforms the first member 10 in the left-right direction. In FIG. 8, time t1 is the time when the first member 10 begins to be elastically deformed by the external force applied to the first member 10. In FIG. 8, time t2 is the time when the first member 10 begins to return to its pre-deformation shape due to the restoring force. In FIG. 8, time t3 is the time when the sensor 13 returns to its pre-deformation shape.

The sensor module 1 is elastically deformed in directions other than the vertical direction. For example, the sensor module 1 is elastically deformed in the left-right direction, as shown in FIG. Specifically, the first member 10 has a right part RP located to the right of the central axis CAX and a left part LP located to the left of the central axis CAX. The right portion RP is elastically deformable in the left direction, and the left portion LP is elastically deformable in the right direction. For example, the user 200 holds the right part RP and the left part LP between the user's 200 fingers. As a result, a leftward force is applied to the right portion RP. Therefore, the right portion RP is elastically deformed to the left. Therefore, when the first member 10 is elastically deformed, the right portion RP is elastically deformed to the left. Further, a rightward force is applied to the left portion LP. Therefore, the left portion LP is elastically deformed in the right direction. Therefore, when the first member 10 is elastically deformed, the left portion LP is elastically deformed in the right direction.

When the first member 10 is elastically deformed in the left-right direction, the sensor 13 generates a signal Sig having a negative polarity with respect to the reference potential VE. Specifically, the user 200 elastically deforms the left portion LP in the right direction and elastically deforms the right portion RP in the left direction. Thereby, the first contact portion CP1 comes into contact with the upper right corner PE1 of the second member 12, as shown in FIG. At this time, a leftward force Pw3 is applied to the upper part of the second member 12 by the first contact portion CP1. Further, the second contact portion CP2 contacts the upper left corner PE2 of the second member 12. At this time, a rightward force Pw4 is applied to the upper part of the second member 12 by the second contact portion CP2. The upper part of the second member 12 is compressed in the left-right direction by the force Pw3 and the force Pw4. By compressing the upper part of the second member 12 in the left-right direction, a force is applied to the lower part of the second member 12 that causes the lower part of the second member 12 to expand in the left-right direction. In this case, the upper surface of the second member 12 is curved so as to protrude downward. As a result, the sensor 13 provided on the upper surface of the second member 12 is compressed in the left-right direction. Therefore, the piezoelectric film 131 generates negative charges. When the sensor 13 stops being compressed in the left-right direction, the piezoelectric film 131 no longer generates negative charges. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, between time t1 and time t2, the sensor 13 generates a signal Sig having a negative polarity with respect to the reference potential VE.

The user 200 finishes pushing the first member 10 in the left and right direction. In this case, the restoring force generated in the first member 10 causes the first member 10 to return to its pre-deformation shape. As a result, the sensor 13 provided on the upper surface of the second member 12 attempts to return to its pre-deformation shape due to the restoring force generated in the sensor 13. At this time, the piezoelectric film 131 generates positive charges. When the sensor 13 returns to its pre-deformed shape, the piezoelectric film 131 no longer generates positive charges. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, between time t2 and time t3, the sensor 13 generates a signal Sig having a positive polarity with respect to the reference potential VE.

[Other operation example 2 of sensor module 1]
Hereinafter, another example 2 of the operation of the sensor module 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a signal Sig output from the sensor 13 when the upper part UP and right part RP of the first member 10 is elastically deformed in the lower left direction. In FIG. 9, time t1 is the time when the user 200 starts pushing the first member 10.

The first member 10 may be elastically deformed in directions other than the up-down direction or the left-right direction. The magnitude of the signal Sig output from the sensor 13 when the first member 10 is elastically deformed in a direction other than the vertical direction or the horizontal direction is It is smaller than the magnitude of the signal Sig output from the . For example, in the sensor module 1, the user 200 elastically deforms the upper part UP and right part RP of the first member 10 in the lower left direction. At this time, the corner PE1 is elastically deformed leftward and downward by the first contact portion CP1. In this case, a force that compresses the rear surface of the second member 12 leftward and a force that stretches the rear surface of the second member 12 rightward are applied to the rear surface of the second member 12 . In addition, no force that stretches or compresses the rear surface of the second member 12 is applied to the corner PE2. Therefore, the rear surface of the second member 12 is difficult to expand or compress in the left-right direction. As a result, the sensor 13 provided on the rear surface of the second member 12 becomes less likely to be elastically deformed. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the magnitude of the signal Sig output from the sensor 13 when the upper part UP and right part RP of the first member 10 is elastically deformed in the lower left direction is This is less than 1/2 of the magnitude of the signal Sig output from the sensor 13 when the sensor 13 is elastically deformed in the direction or in the left-right direction.

[Modification 1]
Hereinafter, a sensor module 1a according to modification 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1a according to modification 1.

The sensor module 1a differs from the sensor module 1 in that the sensor 13 is provided on a surface other than the top surface of the second member 12. In the sensor module 1a, the sensor 13 is located on the side surface of the second member 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the sensor 13 is provided on the right side of the second member 12 in the sensor module 1a. Such a sensor module 1a has the same effects as the sensor module 1.

[Modification 2]
Hereinafter, sensor modules 1b1 and 1b2 according to modification 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1b1 according to a second modification. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1b2 according to modification 2.

Each of the sensor modules 1b1 and 1b2 differs from the sensor module 1 in that each of the sensor modules 1b1 and 1b2 includes a first member 10b1 and 10b2 having a different shape from the first member 10. The first members 10b1 and 10b2 have a polygonal shape when viewed in the front-rear direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the first member 10b1 has a triangular shape when viewed in the front-rear direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the first member 10b2 has an octagonal shape when viewed in the front-rear direction. Alternatively, the first member may have a semicircular shape when viewed in the front-rear direction. Such sensor modules 1b1 and 1b2 have the same effects as the sensor module 1.

[Modification 3]
Hereinafter, a sensor module 1c according to modification 3 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1c according to modification example 3.

As shown in FIG. 13, the sensor module 1c differs from the sensor module 1 in that it includes a first member 10c that includes a plurality of protrusions TK. The protrusion TK is provided on the upper part UP. The protrusion TK protrudes downward from the inner circumferential surface IS. The protrusion TK is located on the second member 12. When the first member 10c is elastically deformed, the protrusion TK comes into contact with the second member 12. Such a sensor module 1c has the same effects as the sensor module 1.

[Modification 4]
Hereinafter, a sensor module 1d according to modification 4 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1d according to modification example 4.

The sensor module 1d differs from the sensor module 1 in that it includes a first member 10d that has a different shape from the first member 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the thickness of the upper portion UP of the first member 10d in the vertical direction is larger than the thickness of the lower portion DP of the first member 10d in the vertical direction. Such a sensor module 1d has the same effects as the sensor module 1.

[Modification 5]
Hereinafter, a sensor module 1e according to modification 5 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1e according to modification 5.

As shown in FIG. 15, the sensor module 1e differs from the sensor module 1 in that it includes a second member 12e that is different in size from the second member 12. Specifically, the length of the second member 12e in the left-right direction is shorter than the radius of the first member 10. When viewed in the front-rear direction, the second member 12e is located to the left of the central axis CAX.

According to the sensor module 1e, the sensor 13 can detect the deformation of the second member 12e only when, for example, the upper part UP and left part LP of the sensor module 1e is elastically deformed in the rightward or downward direction.

[Modification 6]
Hereinafter, a sensor module 1f according to modification 6 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1f according to modification 6. In FIG. 16, the second member 12 is seen through. The sensor module 1f differs from the sensor module 1 in that the sensor 13 is located within the second member 12, as shown in FIG. Such a sensor module 1f has the same effects as the sensor module 1.

[Modification 7]
Hereinafter, sensor modules 1g1 and 1g2 according to modification 7 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1g1 according to modification example 7. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a sensor module 1g2 according to modification example 7. Note that in FIGS. 17 and 18, illustration of the support member 11 is omitted.

Each of the sensor modules 1g1 and 1g2 differs from the sensor module 1 in that each of the sensor modules 1g1 and 1g2 includes a first member 10g1 and 10g2 having a different shape from the first member 10.

As shown in FIG. 17, the first member 10g1 has a plate shape having an upper main surface and a lower main surface that are aligned in the vertical direction. In this modification, the second member 12 is in contact with the first member 10g1. The upper surface of the second member 12 is covered by the first member 10g1. The second member 12 is located between the first member 10g1 and the sensor 13.

As shown in FIG. 18, the first member 10g2 has a plate shape having a left main surface and a right main surface that are aligned in the left-right direction. The length of the first member 10g2 in the vertical direction may be longer than or the same as the length of the first member 10g2 in the horizontal direction. In this modification, the second member 12 is in contact with the first member 10g2. The center and the vicinity of the center in the left-right direction of the second member 12 are in contact with the lower end of the first member 10g2. The second member 12 is located between the first member 10g2 and the sensor 13. The length of the second member 12 in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the first member 10g2 in the left-right direction.

(effect)
According to the sensor module 1g1, the signal Sig output from the sensor 13 is less likely to contain noise. For example, when the user 200 drops the sensor module 1g1, the sensor module 1g1 collides with the floor or the like. As a result, an impact is applied to the first member 10g1. The first member 10g1 is elastically deformed by the impact applied to the first member 10g1. Here, in the sensor module 1g1, the distance between the first member 10g1 and the sensor 13 is longer than the distance between the first member 10 and the second member 12. Since the distance between the first member 10g1 and the sensor 13 is longer than the distance between the first member 10g1 and the second member 12, even if the first member 10g1 is elastically deformed due to impact such as falling, the sensor 13 It is difficult for the force generated by the deformation of the first member 10g1 to be transmitted. As a result, noise is less likely to be included in the signal Sig output by the sensor 13 in the sensor module 1g1, compared to a sensor module in which the sensor is provided in the first member. For the same reason, according to the sensor module 1g2, the signal Sig output from the sensor 13 is less likely to contain noise.

According to the sensor module 1g1, the sensor 13 can easily detect the deformation of the second member 12. Specifically, in the sensor module 1g1, the Young's modulus of the second member 12 is lower than the Young's modulus of the first member 10g1. Therefore, when the second member 12 is elastically deformed due to the elastic deformation of the first member 10g1, the amount of deformation of the second member 12 tends to be larger than the amount of deformation of the first member 10g1. The sensor 13 is in contact with the rear surface of the second member 12, which has a larger amount of deformation than the rear surface of the first member 10g1. Therefore, the output value of the sensor 13 in the sensor module 1g1 tends to be larger than the output value of the sensor in the sensor module in which the sensor is provided in the first member. For the same reason, according to the sensor module 1g2, the sensor 13 can easily detect the deformation of the second member 12.

In the sensor module 1g1, the sensor 13 is not in contact with the first member 10g1. The sensor 13 is in contact with the second member 12, which is in contact with the first member 10g1. In this case, the vibration applied to the first member 10g1 is transmitted to the sensor 13 via the second member 12. Here, the Young's modulus of the second member 12 is lower than that of the first member 10g1. Thereby, the second member 12 having a low Young's modulus has an anti-vibration effect. Therefore, when applied to the first member 10g1, vibrations having a high frequency are attenuated by the second member 12. As a result, the signal Sig output by the sensor 13 is less likely to contain high-frequency noise.

[Other embodiments]
The sensor module according to the present invention is not limited to the

sensor modules

1, 1a, 1b1, 1b2, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g1, and 1g2, and can be modified within the scope of the gist. Furthermore, the configurations of the

sensor modules

1, 1a, 1b1, 1b2, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g1, and 1g2 may be combined arbitrarily.

The

second members

12, 12e may have an anti-vibration effect. As a result, the sensor 13 no longer detects vibrations having a frequency higher than a specific frequency. In this case, the

second members

12, 12e are air springs, metal coil springs, anti-vibration rubber, rubber pads, or the like. For example, air springs dampen vibrations having frequencies of 1 Hz or higher. For example, metal coil springs dampen vibrations having frequencies of 5 Hz or higher. For example, anti-vibration rubber damps vibrations having frequencies of 20 Hz or higher. For example, rubber pads dampen vibrations having frequencies of 30 Hz or higher.

Note that in the sensor module 1a, the sensor 13 may be provided on the left surface, front surface, or rear surface of the second member 12.

Note that the material of the first member 10 does not necessarily have to be a magnesium alloy. Moreover, the material of the first member 10 does not necessarily have to be metal.

Note that in the sensor module 1e, the second member 12e may be located to the right of the central axis CAX when viewed in the front-rear direction.

Note that the sensor modules 1g1 and 1g2 may include a plurality of second members 12.

In addition, in the sensor modules 1, 1b1, 1b2, 1c, 1d, if the center of the second member 12 in the left-right direction coincides with the center of the first member 10, 10b1, 10b2, 10c, 10d in the left-right direction, the sensor 13 makes it easier to equally detect the forces applied to the corner PE1 and the corner PE2.

The present invention has the following structure.

(1)
a first member;
a second member having a Young's modulus lower than the Young's modulus of the first member;
a sensor for detecting deformation of the second member, the sensor being in contact with the second member;
Equipped with
The distance between the first member and the sensor is longer than the distance between the first member and the second member.
sensor module.

(2)
the first member is elastically deformed;
When the first member is not elastically deformed, the second member is separated from the first member.
The sensor module according to (1).

(3)
the first member is elastically deformed;
When the first member is elastically deformed, the second member comes into contact with the first member,
The sensor module according to (1) or (2).

(4)
The first member has a cylindrical shape including an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface,
the second member and the sensor are located within the first member;
When the first member is elastically deformed, the second member comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface.
The sensor module according to any one of (1) to (3).

(5)
the first member has a cylindrical shape;
The sensor module according to any one of (1) to (4).

(6)
The first member has a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending in the front-rear direction,
The first member has a lower part located below the central axis and an upper part located above the central axis,
The upper part is elastically deformable in a downward direction, and the lower part is elastically deformable in an upward direction.
the sensor and the second member are arranged in a vertical direction;
The sensor module according to any one of (1) to (5).

(7)
The upper part includes a first contact part located to the right of the central axis, and a second contact part located to the left of the central axis,
When the first member is elastically deformed, the first contact portion and the second contact portion contact the second member;
The sensor module according to (6).

(8)
The first member has a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending in the front-rear direction,
The first member has a right part located to the right of the central axis, and a left part located to the left of the central axis,
The right part is elastically deformable in the left direction, and the left part is elastically deformable in the right direction,
the sensor and the second member are arranged in a vertical direction;
The sensor module according to any one of (1) to (7).

(9)
The first member has a lower part located below the central axis and an upper part located above the central axis,
The upper part includes a first contact part located to the right of the central axis, and a second contact part located to the left of the central axis,
When the first member is elastically deformed, the first contact portion and the second contact portion contact the second member;
The sensor module according to any one of (1) to (8).

(10)
the first member is in contact with the second member,
The sensor module according to (1).

(11)
the second member is located between the first member and the sensor;
The sensor module according to (10).

(12)
the sensor is located within the second member;
The sensor module according to any one of (1) to (11).

(13)
The second member has an anti-vibration effect.
The sensor module according to any one of (1) to (12).

(14)
The sensor module further includes a support member supporting the second member and the sensor.
The sensor module according to any one of (1) to (9).

(15)
the support member is fixed to the inner circumferential surface;
The sensor module according to (14).

(16)
The first member has a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending in the front-rear direction,
The first member is symmetrical about the central axis,
the second member and the sensor are located within the first member;
The sensor module according to any one of (1) to (9).

1, 1a, 1b1, 1b2, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f, 1g1, 1g2: sensor module 10, 10b1, 10b2, 10c, 10d, 10g1, 10g2:

first member

12, 12e: second member 13: sensor

Claims

a first member;
a second member having a Young's modulus lower than the Young's modulus of the first member;
a sensor for detecting deformation of the second member, the sensor being in contact with the second member;
Equipped with
The distance between the first member and the sensor is longer than the distance between the first member and the second member.
sensor module.
the first member is elastically deformed;
When the first member is not elastically deformed, the second member is separated from the first member.
The sensor module according to claim 1.
the first member is elastically deformed;
When the first member is elastically deformed, the second member comes into contact with the first member,
The sensor module according to claim 1 or claim 2.
The first member has a cylindrical shape including an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface,
the second member and the sensor are located within the first member;
When the first member is elastically deformed, the second member comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface.
The sensor module according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
the first member has a cylindrical shape;
The sensor module according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The first member has a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending in the front-rear direction,
The first member has a lower part located below the central axis and an upper part located above the central axis,
The upper part is elastically deformable in a downward direction, and the lower part is elastically deformable in an upward direction.
the sensor and the second member are arranged in a vertical direction;
The sensor module according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
The upper part includes a first contact part located to the right of the central axis, and a second contact part located to the left of the central axis,
When the first member is elastically deformed, the first contact portion and the second contact portion contact the second member;
The sensor module according to claim 6.
The first member has a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending in the front-rear direction,
The first member has a right part located to the right of the central axis, and a left part located to the left of the central axis,
The right part is elastically deformable in the left direction, and the left part is elastically deformable in the right direction,
the sensor and the second member are arranged in a vertical direction;
The sensor module according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
The first member has a lower part located below the central axis and an upper part located above the central axis,
The upper part includes a first contact part located to the right of the central axis, and a second contact part located to the left of the central axis,
When the first member is elastically deformed, the first contact portion and the second contact portion contact the second member;
The sensor module according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
the first member is in contact with the second member,
The sensor module according to claim 1.
the second member is located between the first member and the sensor;
The sensor module according to claim 10.
the sensor is located within the second member;
The sensor module according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
The second member has an anti-vibration effect.
The sensor module according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
The sensor module further includes a support member supporting the second member and the sensor.
The sensor module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
the support member is fixed to the inner circumferential surface;
The sensor module according to claim 14.
The first member has a cylindrical shape with a central axis extending in the front-rear direction,
The first member is symmetrical about the central axis,
the second member and the sensor are located within the first member;
The sensor module according to any one of claims 1 to 9.