Sensor

Abstract

To provide a sensor capable of improving characteristics.SOLUTION: The sensor comprises first to fourth resistive elements, first to fourth opposing resistive elements, and a first conductive member. A direction from the first resistive element to the first opposing resistive element is along a first direction. A second direction from the first resistive element to the second resistive element intersects the first direction. A direction from the first opposing resistive element to the second opposing resistive element is along the second direction. A third direction from the third resistive element to the third opposing resistive element intersects a flat surface including the first direction and the second direction. A direction from the third resistive element to the fourth resistive element is along the second direction. A direction from the third opposing resistive element to the fourth opposing resistive element is along the second direction. In the first direction, the first conductive member is located between the first resistive element and a first opposing sensor. In the third direction, the first conductive member is located between the third resistive element and the third opposing resistive element.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to a sensor. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, there are sensors using MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) elements, etc. Improvement of the characteristics of sensors is desired. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-41893 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The embodiments provide sensors that allow for improved performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an embodiment, a sensor includes a sensor unit. The sensor unit includes a first resistor element, a first opposing resistor element, a second resistor element, a second opposing resistor element, a third resistor element, a third opposing resistor element, a fourth resistor element, a fourth opposing resistor element, and a first conductive member. A direction from the first resistor element to the first opposing resistor element is along a first direction. A second direction from at least a portion of the first resistor element to the second opposing resistor element intersects the first direction. A direction from the second resistor element to the second opposing resistor element is along the first direction. A direction from at least a portion of the first opposing resistor element to the second opposing resistor element is along the second direction. A third direction from the third resistor element to the third opposing resistor element intersects a plane including the first direction and the second direction. A direction from at least a portion of the third resistor element to the fourth resistor element is along the second direction. A direction from the fourth resistor element to the fourth opposing resistor element is along the third direction. A direction from at least a part of the third opposing resistor element to the fourth opposing resistor element is along the second direction. A position of the first conductive member in the first direction is between a position of the first resistor element in the first direction and a position of the first opposing resistor element in the first direction. A position of the first conductive member in the third direction is between a position of the third resistor element in the third direction and a position of the third opposing resistor element in the third direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the sensor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are schematic plan views illustrating the sensor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating a part of the sensor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the sensor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are schematic plan views illustrating the sensor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the sensor according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are schematic plan views illustrating the sensor according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the sensor according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 9A and 9B are schematic plan views illustrating the sensor according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are schematic plan views illustrating the sensor according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the sensor according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 12A and 12B are schematic plan views illustrating the sensor according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the sensor according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the size ratio between parts, etc. are not necessarily the same as those in reality. Even when the same part is shown, the dimensions and ratios may be different depending on the drawing. In this specification and in each drawing, elements similar to those previously described with reference to the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0008] (First embodiment) 1A and 1B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the sensor according to the first embodiment. 2A and 2B are schematic plan views illustrating the sensor according to the first embodiment. Figure 1(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A2 in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), and Figure 1(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B1-B2 in Figures 2(a) and 2(b).

[0009] 1(a), 1(b), 2(a), and 2(b), a sensor 110 according to this embodiment includes a sensor unit 10S. The sensor unit 10S includes a first resistor 11a, a first opposing resistor 11b, a second resistor 12a, a second opposing resistor 12b, a third resistor 13a, a third opposing resistor 13b, a fourth resistor 14a, a fourth opposing resistor 14b, and a first conductive member 21.

[0010] The direction from the first resistor element 11a to the first opposing resistor element 11b is along the first direction D1. The first direction D1 is defined as the X-axis direction. A direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction is defined as the Z-axis direction. A direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Z-axis directions is defined as the Y-axis direction.

[0011] A second direction D2 extending from at least a portion of the first resistor 11a to the second resistor 12a intersects with the first direction D1. The second direction D2 may be, for example, the Z-axis direction.

[0012] The direction from the second opposing resistor 12a to the second opposing resistor 12b is along the first direction D1, and the direction from at least a part of the first opposing resistor 11b to the second opposing resistor 12b is along the second direction.

[0013] A third direction D3 from the third resistor 13a to the third opposing resistor 13b intersects with a plane including the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The third direction D3 may be, for example, the Y-axis direction.

[0014] The direction from at least a part of the third resistor element 13a to the fourth resistor element 14a is along the second direction D2.

[0015] The direction from the fourth resistive element 14a to the fourth opposing resistive element 14b is along the third direction D3, and the direction from at least a part of the third opposing resistive element 13b to the fourth opposing resistive element 14b is along the second direction D2.

[0016] The position of the first conductive member 21 in the first direction D1 is between the position of the first resistor element 11a in the first direction D1 and the position of the first opposing resistor element 11b in the first direction D1. The position of the first conductive member 21 in the first direction D1 is between the position of the second resistor element 12a in the first direction D1 and the position of the second opposing resistor element 12b in the first direction D1.

[0017] Fig. 2(a) is a plan view in a plane including the first conductive member 21, the first resistor element 11a, the first opposing resistor element 11b, the third resistor element 13a, and the third opposing resistor element 13b, and Fig. 2(b) is a plan view in a plane including the second resistor element 12a, the second opposing resistor element 12b, the fourth resistor element 14a, and the fourth opposing resistor element 14b.

[0018] The position of the first conductive member 21 in the third direction D3 is between the position of the third resistor element 13a in the third direction D3 and the position of the third opposing resistor element 13b in the third direction D3. The position of the first conductive member 21 in the third direction D3 is between the position of the fourth resistor element 14a in the third direction D3 and the position of the fourth opposing resistor element 14b in the third direction D3.

[0019] In this example, the first conductive member 21 is provided between the first resistor 11a and the first opposing resistor 11b in the first direction D1. The first conductive member 21 is provided between the third resistor 13a and the third opposing resistor 13b in the third direction D3.

[0020] The first conductive member 21 may be provided between the second resistor 12a and the second opposing resistor 12b in the first direction D1. The first conductive member 21 may be provided between the fourth resistor 14a and the fourth opposing resistor 14b in the third direction D3.

[0021] For example, at least a portion of the first resistor element 11a overlaps with the second resistor element 12a in the second direction D2. For example, at least a portion of the first opposing resistor element 11b overlaps with the second opposing resistor element 12b in the second direction D2. For example, at least a portion of the third resistor element 13a overlaps with the fourth resistor element 14a in the second direction D2. For example, at least a portion of the third opposing resistor element 13b overlaps with the fourth opposing resistor element 14b in the second direction D2.

[0022] In the embodiment, a current is supplied to the first conductive member 21, causing the temperature of the first conductive member 21 to rise. The first conductive member 21 functions as, for example, a heater. For example, heat generated in the first conductive member 21 is transferred to the first resistor element 11a, the first opposing resistor element 11b, the second resistor element 12a, the second opposing resistor element 12b, the third resistor element 13a, the third opposing resistor element 13b, the fourth resistor element 14a, and the fourth opposing resistor element 14b. The temperatures of the first resistor element 11a, the first opposing resistor element 11b, the second resistor element 12a, the second opposing resistor element 12b, the third resistor element 13a, the third opposing resistor element 13b, the fourth resistor element 14a, and the fourth opposing resistor element 14b rise.

[0023] The electrical resistance of a resistance element changes with temperature. For example, a detection target substance (such as a gas) flows from the first resistance element 11a to the first opposing resistance element 11b. At this time, the detection target substance absorbs heat from the first resistance element 11a, which is located upstream of the gas flow, causing the temperature to drop. Meanwhile, the detection target substance heated by the first conductive member 21 passes through the first opposing resistance element 11b, which is located downstream of the gas flow. This causes the temperature of the downstream first opposing resistance element 11b to rise. This causes a temperature difference between the first opposing resistance element 11b and the first resistance element 11a. The temperature difference can be detected as a difference in electrical resistance.

[0024] In this embodiment, one pair of a first resistor element 11a and a first opposing resistor element 11b and another pair of a second resistor element 12a and a second opposing resistor element 12b are provided in the first direction D1. By detecting the difference between the signals obtained from these pairs, the flow rate of the substance to be transferred out can be detected with high sensitivity.

[0025] Furthermore, in addition to the two pairs of elements in the first direction D1, two other pairs are provided in the third direction D3. The two other pairs in the third direction D3 are one pair of the third resistor element 13a and the third opposing resistor element 13b, and the other pair of the fourth resistor element 14a and the fourth opposing resistor element 14b. By processing the detection results obtained from the elements in these two directions, the flow direction of the detection target substance can be detected.

[0026] For example, a reference example is possible in which the first resistor element 11a and the second resistor element 12a are not stacked but are arranged along the first direction D1. In this reference example, for example, the first opposing resistor element 11b and the second opposing resistor element 12b are not stacked but are arranged along the first direction D1. In such a reference example, the distance between any of the multiple resistor elements and the first conductive member 21 (heater) is long. Therefore, for example, by the time a temperature-increased detection target substance passes through the position of that resistor element, its temperature decreases due to diffusion or the like. For example, in a resistor element that is far from the first conductive member 21 (heater), the temperature is less likely to increase. For this reason, it is difficult to obtain high sensitivity. Furthermore, in this reference example, it is difficult to reduce the size of the sensor.

[0027] In contrast, in the embodiment, for example, the direction from the first resistor element 11a to the second resistor element 12a is the second direction D2 (Z-axis direction). That is, a plurality of resistor elements are stacked. With this configuration, the distance from the first conductive member 21 to the resistor element can be shortened. The detection target substance, whose temperature has been increased by the first conductive member 21, can pass through the position of the resistor element while maintaining that temperature. This allows high sensitivity to be obtained. A compact sensor can be obtained. According to the embodiment, a sensor capable of improving characteristics can be provided.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), for example, the sensor unit 10S includes an insulating member 10i. A portion of the insulating member 10i is provided between the first resistive element 11a and the second resistive element 12a. A portion of the insulating member 10i is provided between the first opposing resistive element 11b and the second opposing resistive element 12b. A portion of the insulating member 10i is provided between the first resistive element 11a and the first conductive member 21. A portion of the insulating member 10i is provided between the first opposing resistive element 11b and the first conductive member 21.

[0029] 1(b), another portion of the insulating member 10i is provided between the third resistive element 13a and the fourth resistive element 14a. Another portion of the insulating member 10i is provided between the third opposing resistive element 13b and the fourth opposing resistive element 14b. Another portion of the insulating member 10i is provided between the third resistive element 13a and the first conductive member 21. Another portion of the insulating member 10i is provided between the third opposing resistive element 13b and the first conductive member 21.

[0030] The first resistor element 11a and the second resistor element 12a are interchangeable, and the third resistor element 13a and the fourth resistor element 14a are interchangeable.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the sensor 110 includes a base 41, a first support 31Sa, a first opposing support 31Sb, a second support 32Sa, and a second opposing support 32Sb. The base 41 includes, for example, a substrate 41s and an insulating film 41i. The substrate 41s may be, for example, a semiconductor substrate (e.g., a silicon substrate). The insulating film 41i is provided on the substrate 41s. For example, the above-mentioned support is provided on the insulating film 41i.

[0032] The first support portion 31Sa is fixed to the base 41 and supports the sensor portion 10S. The first opposing support portion 31Sb is fixed to the base 41 and supports the sensor portion 10S. The second support portion 32Sa is fixed to the base 41 and supports the sensor portion 10S. The second opposing support portion 32Sb is fixed to the base 41 and supports the sensor portion 10S. The sensor portion 10S may be, for example, in the form of a film.

[0033] For example, a first gap g1 is provided between the base 41 and the sensor unit 10S. The first gap g1 can, for example, suppress the influence of external temperature on the sensor unit 10S via the base 41. This enables detection with higher accuracy.

[0034] The sensor 110 may include a first connection portion 31Ca, a first opposing connection portion 31Cb, a second connection portion 32Ca, and a second opposing connection portion 32Cb. The first connection portion 31Ca is supported by the first support portion 31Sa and supports the sensor unit 10S. The first opposing connection portion 31Cb is supported by the first opposing support portion 31Sb and supports the sensor unit 10S. The second connection portion 32Ca is supported by the second support portion 32Sa and supports the sensor unit 10S. The second opposing connection portion 32Cb is supported by the second opposing support portion 32Sb and supports the sensor unit 10S.

[0035] Portions of the first gap g1 are provided between the base 41 and the first connecting portion 31Ca, between the base 41 and the first opposing connecting portion 31Cb, between the base 41 and the second connecting portion 32Ca, and between the base 41 and the second opposing connecting portion 32Cb. The widths of these connecting portions are narrower than the width of the insulating member 10i. This suppresses heat conduction from the sensor unit 10S via these connecting portions. These connecting portions may have, for example, a meandering structure.

[0036] 2(a), a portion of the first conductive member 21 is supported by a conductive member support portion 21Sa. Another portion of the first conductive member 21 is supported by a conductive member opposing support portion 21Sb. For example, a current for heating is supplied to the first conductive member 21 via the conductive member support portion 21Sa and the conductive member opposing support portion 21Sb.

[0037] 1(a), the sensor 110 may include a circuit section 70. The circuit section 70 may be provided separately from the sensor 110. The circuit section 70 includes, for example, a current circuit 73. The current circuit 73 is capable of supplying a current to the first conductive member 21 to heat the first conductive member 21. The circuit section 70 may include a detection circuit, as described below.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating a part of the sensor according to the first embodiment. 3, the circuit unit 70 may include a first detection circuit 71 and a second detection circuit 72. For example, a Wheatstone bridge circuit is formed by a first resistor element 11a, a first opposing resistor element 11b, a second resistor element 12a, and a second opposing resistor element 12b. A voltage Vcc is applied to the Wheatstone bridge circuit.

[0039] The first detection circuit 71 is, for example, a differential circuit. The first detection circuit 71 detects, for example, the difference in potential between two midpoints of a Wheatstone bridge circuit. For example, the first detection circuit 71 can output a first value Va1 corresponding to the difference between a first difference between a first electrical resistance of the first resistance element 11a and a first opposing electrical resistance of the first opposing resistance element 11b and a second difference between a second electrical resistance of the second resistance element 12a and a second opposing electrical resistance of the second opposing resistance element 12b. The first value Va1 corresponds, for example, to a flow rate along the first direction D1.

[0040] For example, the third resistor element 13a, the third opposing resistor element 13b, the third resistor element 13a, and the third opposing resistor element 13b form another Wheatstone bridge circuit. The second detection circuit 72 is, for example, a differential circuit. The second detection circuit 72 detects, for example, the difference in potential between two midpoints of the Wheatstone bridge circuit. For example, the second detection circuit 72 can output a second value Va2 corresponding to the difference between a third difference between the third electrical resistance of the third resistor element 13a and the third opposing electrical resistance of the third opposing resistor element 13b and a fourth difference between the fourth electrical resistance of the fourth resistor element 14a and the fourth opposing electrical resistance of the fourth opposing resistor element 14b. The second value Va2 corresponds, for example, to a flow rate along the third direction D3.

[0041] 3, the circuit unit 70 may further include a processing circuit 75. The processing circuit 75 can output a third value Va3 based on the first value Va1 and the second value Va2. For example, the third value Va3 is the ratio of the first value Va1 to the second value Va2. The ratio of the first value Va1 to the second value Va2 corresponds to the tangent of the flow angle θ. Information about the flow direction (angle θ) can be obtained from the first value Va1 and the second value Va2.

[0042] 4A and 4B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the sensor according to the first embodiment. 5A and 5B are schematic plan views illustrating the sensor according to the first embodiment. Figure 4(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A2 in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), and Figure 4(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B1-B2 in Figures 5(a) and 5(b). As shown in these figures, in the sensor 111 according to the embodiment, the sensor unit 10S includes a fifth resistor element 15. The configuration of the sensor 111 other than this may be similar to the configuration of the sensor 110.

[0043] 4(a) and 4(b), in the sensor 111, the direction from at least a part of the first conductive member 21 to the fifth resistor element 15 is along the second direction D2. For example, the fifth resistor element 15 overlaps with the first conductive member 21 in the second direction D2.

[0044] For example, when a current is supplied to the first conductive member 21, the temperature of the first conductive member 21 rises. Accordingly, the temperature of the fifth resistor element 15 rises. The temperature of the fifth resistor element 15 changes depending on the type and concentration of the detection target substance (e.g., gas) present around the fifth resistor element 15. This is because the thermal conductivity characteristics (heat dissipation) change depending on the type and concentration of the detection target substance (e.g., gas). The temperature change of the fifth resistor element 15 can be detected by detecting the resistance of the fifth resistor element 15. The concentration of the detection target substance can be detected from the detection result of the resistance change of the fifth resistor element 15.

[0045] 5(b) is a plan view of a plane including the fifth resistor element 15. As shown in FIG. 5(b), a portion of the fifth resistor element 15 is supported by a fifth support portion 15Sa. Another portion of the fifth resistor element 15 is supported by a fifth opposing support portion 15Sb. For example, the electrical resistance of the fifth resistor element 15 may be detected via these support portions.

[0046] The sensor 111 can detect, for example, the flow rate, the direction of the flow, and the concentration of the detection target substance.

[0047] (Second embodiment) 6A and 6B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the sensor according to the second embodiment. 7A and 7B are schematic plan views illustrating the sensor according to the second embodiment. Figure 6(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A2 in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), and Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B1-B2 in Figures 7(a) and 7(b).

[0048] 6(a), 6(b), 7(a), and 7(b), a sensor 120 according to this embodiment includes a sensor unit 10S. The sensor unit 10S includes a first resistor 11a, a first opposing resistor 11b, a second resistor 12a, a second opposing resistor 12b, a third resistor 13a, a third opposing resistor 13b, a fourth resistor 14a, a fourth opposing resistor 14b, and a first conductive member 21.

[0049] The first conductive member 21 includes a first conductive portion 21a, a second conductive portion 21b, a third conductive portion 21c, and a fourth conductive portion 21d. These conductive portions are aligned along the XY plane. These conductive portions may be continuous with one another. For example, each of the first conductive portion 21a, the second conductive portion 21b, the third conductive portion 21c, and the fourth conductive portion 21d may have a meander structure. Thin wiring may be applied to the meander structure of each of these conductive portions. In the example of FIG. 7(a), the meander structure is omitted for simplicity.

[0050] 6(a), the direction from the first resistor element 11a to the second resistor element 12a is along a first direction D1. The first direction D1 is, for example, the X-axis direction. A second direction D2 from the first conductive portion 21a to the first resistor element 11a and the second resistor element 12a intersects with the first direction D1. The second direction D2 may be the Z-axis direction.

[0051] The direction from the first resistor 11a to the first opposing resistor 11b is along the first direction D1. The direction from the second resistor 12a to the second opposing resistor 12b is along the first direction D1. The direction from the second conductive portion 21b to the first opposing resistor 11b and the second opposing resistor 12b is along the second direction D2.

[0052] 7(b), a third direction D3 from the third resistor element 13a to the fourth resistor element 14a intersects with a plane including the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The third direction D3 is, for example, the Y-axis direction. The direction from the third conductive portion 21c to the third resistor element 13a and the fourth resistor element 14a is along the second direction D2.

[0053] The direction from the third resistor 13a to the third opposing resistor 13b is along the third direction D3. The direction from the fourth resistor 14a to the fourth opposing resistor 14b is along the third direction D3. The direction from the fourth conductive portion 21d to the third opposing resistor 13b and the fourth opposing resistor 14b is along the second direction D2.

[0054] In the sensor 120, for example, at least a portion of the first conductive portion 21a overlaps with the first resistor 11a and the second resistor 12a in the second direction D2. For example, at least a portion of the second conductive portion 21b overlaps with the first opposing resistor 11b and the second opposing resistor 12b in the second direction D2. For example, at least a portion of the third conductive portion 21c overlaps with the third resistor 13a and the fourth resistor 14a in the second direction D2. At least a portion of the fourth conductive portion 21d overlaps with the third opposing resistor 13b and the fourth opposing resistor 14b.

[0055] In the sensor 120, the first conductive member 21, which functions as a heater, overlaps with multiple resistive elements. This allows the distance between the first conductive member 21 and the multiple resistive elements to be shortened. Compared to the reference example in which the first conductive member 21 and the multiple resistive elements do not overlap, higher sensitivity can be obtained. For example, heating efficiency can be improved, and power consumption can be reduced. The sensor 120 can provide a sensor with improved characteristics.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the sensor unit 10S may include an insulating member 10i. At least a portion of the insulating member 10i is provided between the first conductive portion 21a and the first resistor element 11a. At least a portion of the insulating member 10i is directed between the first conductive portion 21a and the second resistor element 12a. At least a portion of the insulating member 10i is provided between the second conductive portion 21b and the first opposing resistor element 11b. At least a portion of the insulating member 10i is provided between the second conductive portion 21b and the second opposing resistor element 12b. At least a portion of the insulating member 10i is provided between the third conductive portion 21c and the third resistor element 13a. At least a portion of the insulating member 10i is provided between the third conductive portion 21c and the fourth resistor element 14a. At least a portion of the insulating member 10i is provided between the fourth conductive portion 21d and the third opposing resistor element 13b. At least a portion of the insulating member 10i is provided between the fourth conductive portion 21d and the fourth opposing resistor element 14b.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b), the sensor 120 includes a base 41, a first support portion 31Sa, a first opposing support portion 31Sb, a second support portion 32Sa, and a second opposing support portion 32Sb. The first support portion 31Sa is fixed to the base 41 and supports the sensor portion 10S. The first opposing support portion 31Sb is fixed to the base 41 and supports the sensor portion 10S. The second support portion 32Sa is fixed to the base 41 and supports the sensor portion 10S. The second opposing support portion 32Sb is fixed to the base 41 and supports the sensor portion 10S. A first gap g1 is provided between the base 41 and the sensor portion 10S.

[0058] The sensor 120 may include the circuitry 70 described with respect to the sensor 110. The circuitry 70 may perform the operations described with respect to the sensor 110.

[0059] 6(a), the circuit section 70 includes a current circuit 73. The current circuit 73 is capable of supplying a current to the first conductive member 21 to heat the first conductive member 21.

[0060] The circuit unit 70 may include a first detection circuit 71 and a second detection circuit 72 (see FIG. 3). In the sensor 120, the first detection circuit 71 is capable of outputting a first value Va1 corresponding to a difference between a first difference between a first electrical resistance of the first resistance element 11a and a first opposing electrical resistance of the first opposing resistance element 11b and a second difference between a second electrical resistance of the second resistance element 12a and a second opposing electrical resistance of the second opposing resistance element 12b.

[0061] The second detection circuit 72 is capable of outputting a second value Va2 corresponding to the difference between a third difference between the third electrical resistance of the third resistance element 13a and the third opposing electrical resistance of the third opposing resistance element 13b and a fourth difference between the fourth electrical resistance of the fourth resistance element 14a and the fourth opposing electrical resistance of the fourth opposing resistance element 14b.

[0062] The circuit unit 70 may further include a processing circuit 75 (see FIG. 3). The processing circuit 75 can output a third value Va3 based on the first value Va1 and the second value Va2. For example, the third value Va3 is the ratio of the first value Va1 to the second value Va2. The ratio of the first value Va1 to the second value Va2 corresponds to the tangent of the flow angle θ. Information about the flow direction (angle θ) can be obtained from the first value Va1 and the second value Va2.

[0063] 7(a), a first connecting portion 31Ca, a first opposing connecting portion 31Cb, a second connecting portion 32Ca, and a second opposing connecting portion 32Cb may be provided. These connecting portions are fixed to the base 41. These connecting portions support the sensor unit 10S. These connecting members may have, for example, a meander structure.

[0064] For example, the first resistor element 11a may be connected to the circuit section 70 via the first connecting portion 31Ca. For example, the first opposing resistor element 11b may be connected to the circuit section 70 via the first opposing connecting portion 31Cb. For example, the second resistor element 12a may be connected to the circuit section 70 via the second connecting portion 32Ca. For example, the second opposing resistor element 12b may be connected to the circuit section 70 via the second opposing connecting portion 32Cb.

[0065] For example, the third resistive element 13a may be connected to the circuit section 70 via the third connecting portion 33Ca. For example, the third opposing resistive element 13b may be connected to the circuit section 70 via the third opposing connecting portion 33Cb. For example, the fourth resistive element 14a may be connected to the circuit section 70 via the fourth connecting portion 34Ca. For example, the fourth opposing resistive element 14b may be connected to the circuit section 70 via the fourth opposing connecting portion 34Cb.

[0066] 8A and 8B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the sensor according to the second embodiment. 9A and 9B are schematic plan views illustrating the sensor according to the second embodiment. Figure 8(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A2 in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), and Figure 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B1-B2 in Figures 9(a) and 9(b).

[0067] As shown in these figures, in the sensor 121 according to the embodiment, the sensor unit 10S includes a fifth resistor element 15. The configuration of the sensor 121 other than this may be similar to the configuration of the sensor 120.

[0068] 8(a) and 8(b), the first conductive member 21 may further include a fifth conductive portion 21e. The fifth conductive portion 21e may be continuous with another conductive portion (such as the first conductive portion 21a), for example. The direction from the fifth conductive portion 21e to the fifth resistor element 15 is along the second direction D2. For example, the fifth resistor element 15 overlaps with the fifth conductive portion 21e.

[0069] The type and concentration of the detection target substance can be detected from the detection result of the resistance change of the fifth resistor element 15. In the sensor 121, for example, the flow rate, the flow direction, and the type (or concentration) of the detection target substance can be detected.

[0070] In the sensor 121, the fifth conductive portion 21e is located between the first conductive portion 21a and the second conductive portion 21b. The fifth conductive portion 21e is located between the third conductive portion 21c and the fourth conductive portion 21d. As already described, each of the multiple conductive portions may have a meander structure. In the example of FIG. 9(a), the meander structure is omitted for simplicity of illustration.

[0071] 10A and 10B are schematic plan views illustrating the sensor according to the second embodiment. 10(a) and 10(b), in the sensor 122 according to the embodiment, the configuration of the connection portion is different from the configuration of the connection portion in the sensor 121. Except for this, the configuration of the sensor 122 may be the same as the configuration of the sensor 120. In the embodiment, the configuration of the connection portion can be modified in various ways.

[0072] 11A and 11B are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating the sensor according to the second embodiment. 12A and 12B are schematic plan views illustrating the sensor according to the second embodiment. Figure 11(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A2 in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), and Figure 11(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B1-B2 in Figures 12(a) and 12(b).

[0073] As shown in these figures, in the sensor 123 according to this embodiment, the first conductive member 21 included in the sensor unit 10S includes a first portion p1, a second portion p2, a third portion p3, a fourth portion p4, a fifth portion p5, a sixth portion p6, a seventh portion p7, and an eighth portion p8. These multiple portions may have a meander structure. In the example of FIG. 12(a), the meander structure is omitted for simplicity.

[0074] These multiple portions may be independent of each other, or two or more of these multiple portions may be connected to each other.

[0075] For example, the first portion p1 and the second portion p2 may be included in the first conductive portion 21a, the third portion p3 and the fourth portion p4 may be included in the second conductive portion 21b, the fifth portion p5 and the sixth portion p6 may be included in the third conductive portion 21c, and the seventh portion p7 and the eighth portion p8 may be included in the fourth conductive portion 21d.

[0076] High sensitivity can also be obtained in the sensors 121, 122, and 123. For example, heating efficiency can be increased, and power consumption can be reduced. The sensor 120 can provide a sensor with improved characteristics.

[0077] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the sensor according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the sensor 130 according to the embodiment includes a housing 45. The housing 45 includes, for example, a first housing portion 45a and a second housing portion 45b. The first housing portion 45a faces the sensor unit 10S in the second direction D2. The first housing portion 45a is, for example, a lid portion. The second housing portion 45b supports the first housing portion 45a so that a second gap g2 is provided between the sensor unit 10S and the first housing portion 45a. The second housing portion 45b is, for example, a pillar portion.

[0078] A plurality of second housing portions 45b may be provided discretely. Gaps 45x exist between the plurality of second housing portions 45b. The detection target substance passes over the sensor unit 10S (second gaps g2) through the gaps 45x.

[0079] The embodiments may include the following technical solutions. (Technical proposal 1) A sensor unit is provided, The sensor unit a first resistive element; a first opposing resistor element, the direction from the first resistor element to the first opposing resistor element being along a first direction; a second resistor element, wherein a second direction from at least a portion of the first resistor element to the second resistor element intersects with the first direction; a second opposing resistor element, the direction from the second opposing resistor element to the second opposing resistor element being along the first direction, and the direction from at least a part of the first opposing resistor element to the second opposing resistor element being along the second direction; a third resistive element; a third opposing resistor element, wherein a third direction from the third resistor element to the third opposing resistor element intersects with a plane including the first direction and the second direction; a fourth resistor element, the direction from at least a part of the third resistor element to the fourth resistor element being along the second direction; a fourth opposing resistor element, the direction from the fourth opposing resistor element to the fourth opposing resistor element being along the third direction, and the direction from at least a part of the third opposing resistor element to the fourth opposing resistor element being along the second direction; a first conductive member, wherein a position of the first conductive member in the first direction is between a position of the first resistor element in the first direction and a position of the first opposing resistor element in the first direction, and a position of the first conductive member in the third direction is between a position of the third resistor element in the third direction and a position of the third opposing resistor element in the third direction; a sensor.

[0080] (Technical proposal 2) the first conductive member is located between the first resistor element and the first opposing resistor element in the first direction, The sensor described in Technical Solution 1, wherein the first conductive member is located between the third resistive element and the third opposing resistive element in the third direction.

[0081] (Technical proposal 3) the sensor unit further includes an insulating member, The sensor described in Technical Solution 1 or 2, wherein a portion of the insulating member is provided between the first resistance element and the second resistance element, between the first opposing resistance element and the second opposing resistance element, between the first resistance element and the first conductive member, and between the first opposing resistance element and the first conductive member.

[0082] (Technical proposal 4) The sensor described in Technical Proposal 3, wherein another portion of the insulating member is provided between the third resistance element and the fourth resistance element, between the third opposing resistance element and the fourth opposing resistance element, between the third resistance element and the first conductive member, and between the third opposing resistance element and the first conductive member.

[0083] (Technical proposal 5) a substrate; a first support portion fixed to the base and supporting the sensor portion; a first opposing support portion fixed to the base and supporting the sensor portion; a second support portion fixed to the base and supporting the sensor portion; a second opposing support portion fixed to the base and supporting the sensor portion; Furthermore, The sensor according to any one of Technical Schemes 1 to 4, wherein a first gap is provided between the base and the sensor portion.

[0084] (Technical proposal 6) a first connection portion supported by the first support portion and supporting the sensor portion; a first opposing connection portion supported by the first opposing support portion and supporting the sensor portion; a second connection portion supported by the second support portion and supporting the sensor portion; a second opposing connection portion supported by the second opposing support portion and supporting the sensor portion; Furthermore, A sensor described in Technical Proposal 5, wherein a portion of the first gap is provided between the base and the first connection portion, between the base and the first opposing connection portion, between the base and the second connection portion, and between the base and the second opposing connection portion.

[0085] (Technical proposal 7) Further comprising a circuit unit, the circuit unit includes a first detection circuit, a second detection circuit, and a current circuit; the current circuit is capable of supplying a current to the first conductive member to heat the first conductive member; the first detection circuit is capable of outputting a first value corresponding to a difference between a first difference between a first electrical resistance of the first resistive element and a first opposing electrical resistance of the first opposing resistive element and a second difference between a second electrical resistance of the second resistive element and a second opposing electrical resistance of the second opposing resistive element; The sensor described in any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 6, wherein the second detection circuit is capable of outputting a second value corresponding to the difference between a third difference between the third electrical resistance of the third resistive element and the third opposing electrical resistance of the third opposing resistive element, and a fourth difference between the fourth electrical resistance of the fourth resistive element and the fourth opposing electrical resistance of the fourth opposing resistive element.

[0086] (Technical proposal 8) the circuitry further includes a processing circuit; The sensor described in Technical Solution 7, wherein the processing circuit is capable of outputting a third value based on the first value and the second value.

[0087] (Technical proposal 9) the sensor unit further includes a fifth resistor element, The sensor according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 8, wherein a direction from at least a portion of the first conductive member to the fifth resistor element is along the second direction.

[0088] (Technical proposal 10) At least a portion of the first resistor element overlaps with the second resistor element in the second direction; at least a portion of the first opposing resistor element overlaps with the second opposing resistor element in the second direction; at least a portion of the third resistor element overlaps with the fourth resistor element in the second direction; The sensor according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 9, wherein at least a portion of the third opposing resistor element overlaps with the fourth opposing resistor element in the second direction.

[0089] (Technical proposal 11) A sensor unit is provided, The sensor unit a first conductive member including a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion, a third conductive portion, and a fourth conductive portion; a first resistive element; a second resistive element, the direction from the first resistive element to the second resistive element being along a first direction, and the second direction from the first conductive portion to the first resistive element and the second resistive element being intersecting the first direction; a first opposing resistor element, the direction from the first resistor element to the first opposing resistor element being along the first direction; a second opposing resistor element, the direction from the second resistive element to the second opposing resistor element being along the first direction, and the direction from the second conductive portion to the first opposing resistor element and the second opposing resistor element being along the second direction; a third resistive element; a fourth resistor element, wherein a third direction from the third resistor element to the fourth resistor element intersects a plane including the first direction and the second direction, and a direction from the third conductive portion to the third resistor element and the fourth resistor element is along the second direction; a third opposing resistor element, the direction from the third opposing resistor element to the third opposing resistor element being along the third direction; a fourth opposing resistor element, the direction from the fourth resistive element to the fourth opposing resistor element being along the third direction, and the direction from the fourth conductive portion to the third opposing resistor element and the fourth opposing resistor element being along the second direction; a sensor.

[0090] (Technical proposal 12) the sensor unit further includes an insulating member, At least a portion of the insulating member is Between the first conductive portion and the first resistive element, Between the first conductive portion and the second resistive element, Between the second conductive portion and the first opposing resistor element, Between the second conductive portion and the second opposing resistor element, Between the third conductive portion and the third resistive element, Between the third conductive portion and the fourth resistive element, Between the fourth conductive portion and the third opposing resistor element, and The sensor according to Technical Solution 11, which is provided between the fourth conductive portion and the fourth opposing resistor element.

[0091] (Technical proposal 13) a substrate; a first support portion fixed to the base and supporting the sensor portion; a first opposing support portion fixed to the base and supporting the sensor portion; a second support portion fixed to the base and supporting the sensor portion; a second opposing support portion fixed to the base and supporting the sensor portion; Furthermore, The sensor according to Technical Solution 11 or 12, wherein a first gap is provided between the base and the sensor portion.

[0092] (Technical proposal 14) Further comprising a circuit unit, the circuit unit includes a first detection circuit, a second detection circuit, and a current circuit; the current circuit is capable of supplying a current to the first conductive member to heat the first conductive member; the first detection circuit is capable of outputting a first value corresponding to a difference between a first difference between a first electrical resistance of the first resistive element and a first opposing electrical resistance of the first opposing resistive element and a second difference between a second electrical resistance of the second resistive element and a second opposing electrical resistance of the second opposing resistive element; The sensor described in any one of Technical Solutions 11 to 13, wherein the second detection circuit is capable of outputting a second value corresponding to the difference between a third difference between the third electrical resistance of the third resistive element and the third opposing electrical resistance of the third opposing resistive element, and a fourth difference between the fourth electrical resistance of the fourth resistive element and the fourth opposing electrical resistance of the fourth opposing resistive element.

[0093] (Technical proposal 15) the circuitry further includes a processing circuit; The sensor described in Technical Solution 14, wherein the processing circuit is capable of outputting a third value based on the first value and the second value.

[0094] (Technical proposal 16) the sensor unit further includes a fifth resistor element, the first conductive member further includes a fifth conductive portion; The sensor according to any one of Technical Suggestions 11 to 15, wherein the direction from the fifth conductive portion to the fifth resistive element is along the second direction.

[0095] (Technical proposal 17) The sensor according to any one of Technical Solutions 11 to 16, wherein at least a portion of the first conductive portion overlaps with the first resistor element in the second direction.

[0096] (Technical proposal 18) further comprising a housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion; the first housing portion faces the sensor portion in the second direction, The sensor described in any one of Technical Schemes 1 to 17, wherein the second housing portion supports the first housing portion so that a second gap is provided between the sensor portion and the first housing portion.

[0097] (Technical proposal 19) A sensor unit is provided, The sensor unit a first resistive element; a first opposing resistor element, the direction from the first resistor element to the first opposing resistor element being along a first direction; a second resistor element, wherein a second direction from at least a portion of the first resistor element to the second resistor element intersects with the first direction; a second opposing resistor element, the direction from the second opposing resistor element to the second opposing resistor element being along the first direction, and the direction from at least a part of the first opposing resistor element to the second opposing resistor element being along the second direction; a first conductive member, the position of the first conductive member in the first direction being between the position of the first resistor element in the first direction and the position of the first opposing resistor element in the first direction; A sensor comprising:

[0098] (Technical proposal 20) A sensor unit is provided, The sensor unit a first conductive member including a first conductive portion and a second conductive portion; a first resistive element; a second resistive element, the direction from the first resistive element to the second resistive element being along a first direction, and the second direction from the first conductive portion to the first resistive element and the second resistive element being intersecting the first direction; a first opposing resistor element, the direction from the first resistor element to the first opposing resistor element being along the first direction; a second opposing resistor element, the direction from the second resistive element to the second opposing resistor element being along the first direction, and the direction from the second conductive portion to the first opposing resistor element and the second opposing resistor element being along the second direction; a sensor.

[0099] According to the embodiment, a sensor capable of improving characteristics can be provided.

[0100] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. For example, the specific configurations of the elements included in the sensor, such as the substrate, detection unit, and circuit unit, are within the scope of the present invention as long as a person skilled in the art can implement the present invention in a similar manner and obtain similar effects by appropriately selecting them from known ranges.

[0101] Furthermore, any combination of two or more elements of each specific example within the scope of technical feasibility is also included within the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the gist of the present invention.

[0102] In addition, all sensors that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art by appropriately modifying the design based on the sensor described above as an embodiment of the present invention also fall within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the gist of the present invention.

[0103] In addition, within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art may come up with various modifications and alterations, and it will be understood that these modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0104] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10S: sensor portion, 10i: insulating member, 11a to 14a: first to fourth resistor elements, 11b to 14b: first to fourth opposing resistor elements, 15: fifth resistor element, 15Sa: fifth support portion, 15Sb: fifth opposing support portion, 21: first conductive member, 21Sa: conductive member support portion, 21Sb: conductive member opposing support portion, 21a to 21e: first to fifth conductive portions, 31Ca to 34Ca: first to fourth connecting portions, 31Cb to 34Cb: first to fourth opposing connecting portions, 31Sa, 32Sa: first and second supporting portions, 31Sb, 32Sb: first and second opposing supporting portions, 41: base, 41i: insulating film, 41s: substrate, 45: housing, 45a, 45b: first and second housing parts, 45x: gap, 70: circuit part, 71: first detection circuit, 72: second detection circuit, 73: current circuit, 75: processing circuit, 110, 111, 120-123, 130: sensors, D1-D3: first to third directions, Va1-Va3: first to third values, g1, g2: first and second gaps, p1-p8: first to eighth parts

Claims

1. A sensor unit is provided, The sensor unit a first resistor element; a first opposing resistor element, the direction from the first resistor element to the first opposing resistor element being along a first direction; a second resistor element, wherein a second direction from at least a portion of the first resistor element to the second resistor element intersects with the first direction; a second opposing resistor element, the direction from the second opposing resistor element to the second opposing resistor element being along the first direction, and the direction from at least a part of the first opposing resistor element to the second opposing resistor element being along the second direction; a third resistor element; a third opposing resistor element, wherein a third direction from the third resistor element to the third opposing resistor element intersects with a plane including the first direction and the second direction; a fourth resistor element, the direction from at least a part of the third resistor element to the fourth resistor element being along the second direction; a fourth opposing resistor element, the direction from the fourth opposing resistor element to the fourth opposing resistor element being along the third direction, and the direction from at least a part of the third opposing resistor element to the fourth opposing resistor element being along the second direction; a first conductive member, wherein a position of the first conductive member in the first direction is between a position of the first resistor element in the first direction and a position of the first opposing resistor element in the first direction, and a position of the first conductive member in the third direction is between a position of the third resistor element in the third direction and a position of the third opposing resistor element in the third direction; a sensor.

2. Further comprising a circuit unit, the circuit section includes a first detection circuit, a second detection circuit, and a current circuit; the current circuit is capable of supplying a current to the first conductive member to heat the first conductive member; the first detection circuit is capable of outputting a first value corresponding to a difference between a first difference between a first electrical resistance of the first resistive element and a first opposing electrical resistance of the first opposing resistive element and a second difference between a second electrical resistance of the second resistive element and a second opposing electrical resistance of the second opposing resistive element, 2. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein the second detection circuit is capable of outputting a second value corresponding to a difference between a third difference between a third electrical resistance of the third resistive element and a third opposing electrical resistance of the third opposing resistive element and a fourth difference between a fourth electrical resistance of the fourth resistive element and a fourth opposing electrical resistance of the fourth opposing resistive element.

3. the circuitry further includes a processing circuit; The sensor of claim 2 , wherein the processing circuitry is capable of outputting a third value based on the first value and the second value.

4. the sensor unit further includes a fifth resistor element, 4. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein a direction from at least a portion of the first conductive member to the fifth resistive element is along the second direction.

5. At least a portion of the first resistor element overlaps with the second resistor element in the second direction; At least a portion of the first opposing resistor element overlaps with the second opposing resistor element in the second direction, at least a portion of the third resistor element overlaps with the fourth resistor element in the second direction; 4. The sensor according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the third opposing resistor element overlaps with the fourth opposing resistor element in the second direction.

6. A sensor unit is provided, The sensor unit a first conductive member including a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion, a third conductive portion, and a fourth conductive portion; a first resistor element; a second resistive element, the direction from the first resistive element to the second resistive element being along a first direction, and the second direction from the first conductive portion to the first resistive element and the second resistive element being intersecting the first direction; a first opposing resistor element, the direction from the first resistor element to the first opposing resistor element being along the first direction; a second opposing resistor element, the direction from the second resistive element to the second opposing resistor element being along the first direction, and the direction from the second conductive portion to the first opposing resistor element and the second opposing resistor element being along the second direction; a third resistor element; a fourth resistor element, wherein a third direction from the third resistor element to the fourth resistor element intersects a plane including the first direction and the second direction, and a direction from the third conductive portion to the third resistor element and the fourth resistor element is along the second direction; a third opposing resistor element, the direction from the third opposing resistor element to the third opposing resistor element being along the third direction; a fourth opposing resistor element, the direction from the fourth resistive element to the fourth opposing resistor element being along the third direction, and the direction from the fourth conductive portion to the third opposing resistor element and the fourth opposing resistor element being along the second direction; a sensor.

7. a substrate; a first support portion fixed to the base and supporting the sensor portion; a first opposing support portion fixed to the base and supporting the sensor portion; a second support portion fixed to the base and supporting the sensor portion; a second opposing support portion fixed to the base and supporting the sensor portion; Furthermore, The sensor according to claim 6 , wherein a first gap is provided between the base and the sensor portion.

8. Further comprising a circuit unit, the circuit section includes a first detection circuit, a second detection circuit, and a current circuit; the current circuit is capable of supplying a current to the first conductive member to heat the first conductive member; the first detection circuit is capable of outputting a first value corresponding to a difference between a first difference between a first electrical resistance of the first resistive element and a first opposing electrical resistance of the first opposing resistive element and a second difference between a second electrical resistance of the second resistive element and a second opposing electrical resistance of the second opposing resistive element, 7. The sensor according to claim 6, wherein the second detection circuit is capable of outputting a second value corresponding to a difference between a third difference between a third electrical resistance of the third resistive element and a third opposing electrical resistance of the third opposing resistive element and a fourth difference between a fourth electrical resistance of the fourth resistive element and a fourth opposing electrical resistance of the fourth opposing resistive element.

9. the circuitry further includes a processing circuit; The sensor of claim 8 , wherein the processing circuitry is capable of outputting a third value based on the first value and the second value.

10. the sensor unit further includes a fifth resistor element, the first conductive member further includes a fifth conductive portion; The sensor according to claim 6, wherein a direction from the fifth conductive portion to the fifth resistive element is along the second direction.

Images