Sensor and gripping load detection device

Abstract

This sensor comprises: a piezoelectric film having a first main surface and a second main surface; a first electrode disposed on the first main surface; a second electrode disposed on the second main surface; and a wiring section. The first electrode and the second electrode, when viewed in a first direction, overlap each other, and each include a first portion that overlaps with the piezoelectric film. Also, when viewed in the first direction, the first electrode and the second electrode overlap each other, and each include a second portion that does not overlap with the piezoelectric film. The first portion and the second portion are arranged side-by-side in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The wiring section, when viewed in the first direction, overlaps with the second portion, and includes: a wiring board having a third main surface and a fourth main surface; a first conductor disposed on the third main surface and electrically connected to the first electrode; and a second conductor disposed on the fourth main surface and electrically connected to the second electrode.

Description

Sensor and grip load detection device

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor and a grip load detection device comprising the sensor.

[0002] A known example of a conventional sensor-related invention is the piezoelectric film sensor described in Patent Document 1. The piezoelectric film sensor described in Patent Document 1 includes a sensor unit, a circuit unit, and a holding member. The sensor unit outputs a piezoelectric voltage corresponding to the amount of strain of the piezoelectric film from an output conductor pattern. The circuit unit includes an input conductor pattern that inputs the piezoelectric voltage output from the output conductor pattern. The holding member holds the sensor unit and the circuit unit in a state in which the output conductor pattern and the input conductor pattern are electrically connected.

[0003] International Publication No. 2016 / 27615

[0004] In the piezoelectric film sensor described in Patent Document 1, there is a demand to reduce the total area of ​​the portion where the output conductor pattern of the sensor portion and the input conductor pattern of the circuit portion are connected when viewed in the normal direction to the main surface of the sensor portion.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sensor and a grip load detection device equipped with a sensor that can reduce the area of ​​the portion where the output conductor of the sensor unit and the input conductor of the circuit unit are connected when viewed in the normal direction to the main surface of the sensor unit.

[0006] A sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a piezoelectric film having first and second main surfaces opposing each other in a first direction; a first electrode provided on the first main surface; a second electrode provided on the second main surface; and a wiring portion, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode include first portions that overlap each other and overlap with the piezoelectric film when viewed in the first direction; the first electrode and the second electrode include second portions that overlap each other but do not overlap with the piezoelectric film when viewed in the first direction; the first portion and the second portion are aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and the wiring portion comprises: a wiring board that is an insulator, the wiring board having third and fourth main surfaces that overlap with the second portions when viewed in the first direction and that face the first direction; a first conductor provided on the third main surface and electrically connected to the first electrode; and a second conductor provided on the fourth main surface and electrically connected to the second electrode.

[0007] According to the sensor of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the connection area between the output conductor of the sensor section and the input conductor of the circuit section when viewed in the normal direction to the main surface of the sensor section.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sensor 100 according to the first embodiment, as viewed in the Z- direction. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor unit 1 according to the first embodiment, as viewed in the Y+ direction. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a piezoelectric film 11 according to the first embodiment, as viewed in the Z- direction. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a sensor unit 1 according to the first embodiment, as viewed in the Z- direction. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a wiring unit 2 according to the first embodiment, as viewed in the Z- direction. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a wiring unit 2 according to the first embodiment, as viewed in the Y+ direction. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor 100 according to the first embodiment, taken along line A-A. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the wiring unit 2 and a second portion P2 according to the first embodiment, as viewed in the Z- direction. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a sensor 1000 according to a comparative example, as viewed in the Z- direction. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor 1000 according to the comparative example, taken along line B-B. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor 1000 according to the comparative example, taken along line C-C. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a gripping load detection device 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the grip load detection device 200 according to the first embodiment taken along line D-D. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the grip load detection device 200 according to the first embodiment viewed in the Z-direction. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the grip load detection device 200 according to the first embodiment taken along line E-E. FIG. 16 is a plan view of the transparent housing 3, first grip 4L, second grip 4R, and light emitter 5 according to the first embodiment viewed in the Z-direction. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the transparent region ATP and the non-transparent region ANTP of the sensor unit 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a plan view of the sensor 100a according to the first modified example viewed in the Z-direction. FIG. 19 is a plan view of the sensor unit 1 according to the first modified example viewed in the Z-direction. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the grip load detection device 200a according to the first modified example. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the transparent region ATP and the non-transparent region ANTP of the sensor 100a according to the first modified example. Fig. 22 is a plan view of a sensor 100b according to a second modified example when viewed in the Z-direction. Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a grip load detection device 200b according to a second modified example. Fig. 24 is a plan view of a grip load detection device 200b according to a second modified example when viewed in the Z-direction.

[0009] First Embodiment (Configuration of Sensor 100) The configuration of a sensor 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a sensor 100 according to the first embodiment as viewed in the Z- direction. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor unit 1 according to the first embodiment as viewed in the Y+ direction. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a piezoelectric film 11 according to the first embodiment as viewed in the Z- direction. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a sensor unit 1 according to the first embodiment as viewed in the Z- direction. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a wiring unit 2 according to the first embodiment as viewed in the Z- direction. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a wiring unit 2 according to the first embodiment as viewed in the Y+ direction. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor 100 according to the first embodiment taken along line A-A. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the wiring unit 2 and the second portion P2 according to the first embodiment as viewed in the Z- direction. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a sensor 1000 according to a comparative example as viewed in the Z- direction. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor 1000 according to the comparative example taken along line B-B. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of the sensor 1000 according to the comparative example.

[0010] In this specification, the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are perpendicular to one another. The Z-axis direction corresponds to the "first direction" of the present invention. The X-axis direction corresponds to the "second direction" of the present invention. The Y-axis direction corresponds to the "third direction" of the present invention. Furthermore, the X+ direction is the positive direction of the X-axis. The X-direction is the negative direction of the X-axis. The Y+ direction is the positive direction of the Y-axis. The Y-direction is the negative direction of the Y-axis. The Z+ direction is the positive direction of the Z-axis. The Z-direction is the negative direction of the Z-axis. The Z-axis direction is an example of the "first direction" of the present invention. The X-axis direction is an example of the "second direction" of the present invention. The Y-axis direction is an example of the "third direction" of the present invention.

[0011] In this specification, "object 10 is transparent" means that when object 10 is viewed from the Y- direction from object 10, the inside of object 10 and the Y+ direction from object 10 can be seen through. This definition also applies when object 10 is viewed from a direction other than the Y- direction from object 10. This definition also applies to objects and regions other than object 10.

[0012] The sensor 100 detects deformation of an object to be measured. As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor 100 includes a sensor unit 1 and a wiring unit 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor unit 1 includes a piezoelectric film 11, a first electrode 12, a second electrode 13, a first adhesive material 14, and a second adhesive material 15. As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor unit 1 also has a first principal surface US1 and a second principal surface DS1. The first principal surface US1 and the second principal surface DS1 face each other in the Z-axis direction. The first principal surface US1 is located in the Z+ direction from the second principal surface DS1. The first principal surface US1 and the second principal surface DS1 are parallel to each other.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2 , the piezoelectric film 11 has a third principal surface US11 and a fourth principal surface DS11. The third principal surface US11 and the fourth principal surface DS11 face each other in the Z-axis direction. The third principal surface US11 corresponds to the "first principal surface" of the present invention. The fourth principal surface DS11 corresponds to the "second principal surface" of the present invention. The third principal surface US11 is located in the Z+ direction from the fourth principal surface DS11. The third principal surface US11 and the fourth principal surface DS11 are parallel to each other. Each of the third principal surface US11 and the fourth principal surface DS11 has a rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Each of the third principal surface US11 and the fourth principal surface DS11 has a long side extending in the X-axis direction and a short side extending in the Y-axis direction.

[0014] The piezoelectric film 11 is transparent. The piezoelectric film 11 is highly flexible. The piezoelectric film 11 generates an electric charge according to the amount of deformation of the piezoelectric film 11. In this embodiment, the piezoelectric film 11 is a PLLA film. The piezoelectric film 11 will be described in more detail below.

[0015] The piezoelectric film 11 has a characteristic in which the polarity of the electric charge generated when the piezoelectric film 11 is stretched in a 45-degree direction relative to the X-axis is opposite to the polarity of the electric charge generated when the piezoelectric film 11 is stretched in a 45-degree direction relative to the Y-axis. Specifically, the piezoelectric film 11 is a film formed from a chiral polymer. An example of a chiral polymer is polylactic acid (PLA), particularly poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). PLLA, which is a chiral polymer, has a helical main chain structure. PLLA exhibits piezoelectricity in which the molecules are oriented when uniaxially stretched. The piezoelectric film 11 has a piezoelectric constant of d14. As shown in FIG. 3 , the uniaxial stretching direction (orientation direction) OD of the piezoelectric film 11 forms an angle of 0 degrees with respect to the X-axis direction. This 0 degree angle includes, for example, an angle of approximately 0 degrees ±10 degrees. When the piezoelectric film 11 is twisted, the piezoelectric film 11 stretches in a 45-degree direction relative to the X-axis and Y-axis directions, generating an electric charge. The magnitude of the charge depends on the amount of twist of the piezoelectric film 11 .

[0016] The first electrode 12 is a ground electrode. The first electrode 12 is electrically connected to the ground potential. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the first electrode 12 has a first base material 121 and a first conductive film 122. The first conductive film 122 covers the end surface of the first base material 121 in the Z-direction. The first conductive film 122 is electrically connected to the ground potential.

[0017] The first electrode 12 is transparent. The first electrode 12 also has high flexibility. The first base material 121 is, for example, a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film. The first conductive film 122 is, for example, a transparent conductive film. The material of the first conductive film 122 is, for example, ITO (indium tin oxide).

[0018] The first electrode 12 is provided on the third principal surface US11. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 , the first electrode 12 is provided in the Z+ direction from the first adhesive 14 provided on the third principal surface US11. The first electrode 12 is fixed in the Z+ direction from the third principal surface US11 by the first adhesive 14. The first electrode 12 covers the end surface of the first adhesive 14 in the Z+ direction. The first conductive film 122 is located between the first base material 121 and the first adhesive 14. The first principal surface US1 of the sensor 100 is the end surface of the first electrode 12 in the Z+ direction.

[0019] The first adhesive material 14 is transparent. The first adhesive material 14 is, for example, an optical transparent adhesive sheet. The first adhesive material 14 fixes the first conductive film 122 in the +Z direction from the third main surface US11.

[0020] The second electrode 13 is a signal electrode. The second electrode 13 outputs a deformation detection signal SigD corresponding to the deformation of the piezoelectric film 11. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 , the second electrode 13 has a second base material 131 and a second conductive film 132. The second conductive film 132 covers the end face of the second base material 131 in the Z+ direction. The second conductive film 132 outputs the deformation detection signal SigD corresponding to the deformation of the piezoelectric film 11.

[0021] The second electrode 13 is transparent. The second electrode 13 also has high flexibility. The second base material 131 is, for example, a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film. The second conductive film 132 is, for example, a transparent conductive film. The material of the second conductive film 132 is, for example, ITO (indium tin oxide).

[0022] The second electrode 13 is provided on the fourth principal surface DS11. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 , the second electrode 13 is provided in the Z-direction from the second adhesive material 15 provided on the fourth principal surface DS11. The second electrode 13 is fixed in the Z-direction from the fourth principal surface DS11 by the second adhesive material 15. The second electrode 13 covers the end surface of the second adhesive material 15 in the Z-direction. The second conductive film 132 is located between the second base material 131 and the second adhesive material 15. Furthermore, the second principal surface DS1 of the sensor 100 is the end surface of the second electrode 13 in the Z-direction.

[0023] The second adhesive material 15 is transparent. The second adhesive material 15 is, for example, an optical transparent adhesive sheet. The second adhesive material 15 fixes the second conductive film 132 in the Z-direction from the fourth main surface DS11.

[0024] 2 and 4, the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 overlap each other when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Each of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 has a first portion P1 that overlaps with the piezoelectric film 11. Therefore, the first portion P1 is transparent. Each of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 overlaps each other when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Each of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 has a second portion P2 that does not overlap with the piezoelectric film 11. Therefore, the second portion P2 is transparent.

[0025] The outer edge of the first portion P1 coincides with the outer edge of the piezoelectric film 11 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 , the first portion P1 has a rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the first portion P1 has a long side extending in the X-axis direction and a short side extending in the Y-axis direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction. That is, the first portion P1 has a first side SI1 and a second side SI2 extending in the X-axis direction, and a third side SI3 and a fourth side SI4 extending in the Y-axis direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The first side SI1 is located in the Y+ direction relative to the second side SI2. The third side SI3 is located in the Y- direction relative to the fourth side SI4. Therefore, the first portion P1 includes the first side SI1, which is the first end in the Y+ direction, and the second side SI2, which is the second end in the Y- direction.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the second portion P2 has a rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, when viewed in the Z-axis direction, the second portion P2 has a long side extending in the X-axis direction and a short side extending in the Y-axis direction. That is, when viewed in the Z-axis direction, the second portion P2 has a fifth side SI5 and a sixth side SI6 extending in the X-axis direction, and a seventh side SI7 and an eighth side SI8 extending in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the second portion P2 includes the fifth side SI5, which is the third end in the Y+ direction, and the sixth side SI6, which is the fourth end in the Y- direction.

[0027] 4, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 are aligned in the X-axis direction. The length of the second portion P2 in the Y-axis direction is shorter than the length of the first portion P1 in the Y-axis direction.

[0028] 4, the first side SI1 of the first portion P1 is located in the Y+ direction from the fifth side SI5 of the second portion P2 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. That is, the first end of the first portion P1 is located in the Y+ direction from the third end of the second portion P2 when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0029] 4, the second side SI2 of the first portion P1 is located further in the Y-direction than the sixth side SI6 of the second portion P2 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. That is, the second end of the first portion P1 is located further in the Y-direction than the fourth end of the second portion P2 when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0030] 5, the wiring section 2 includes a wiring substrate 21, a first conductor 22, a second conductor 23, a first conductive adhesive material 24, and a second conductive adhesive material 25. The first conductive adhesive material 24 is an example of the "first conductive adhesive material" in the present invention. The second conductive adhesive material 25 is an example of the "second conductive adhesive material" in the present invention.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1 , the wiring board 21 overlaps the second portion P2 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5 , the wiring board 21 has a fifth main surface US21 and a sixth main surface DS21 that face each other in the Z-axis direction. The fifth main surface US21 corresponds to the "third main surface" of the present invention. The sixth main surface DS21 corresponds to the "fourth main surface" of the present invention. The fifth main surface US21 is located in the Z+ direction from the sixth main surface DS21. The fifth main surface US21 and the sixth main surface DS21 are parallel to each other. Each of the fifth main surface US21 and the sixth main surface DS21 has a rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Each of the fifth main surface US21 and the sixth main surface DS21 has a long side extending in the X-axis direction and a short side extending in the Y-axis direction. The wiring board 21 is a flexible substrate. Furthermore, the wiring board 21 is an insulator.

[0032] The first conductor 22 is a ground line and is electrically connected to the ground potential. As shown in FIG. 6 , the first conductor 22 is provided on the fifth main surface US21.

[0033] The second conductor 23 is a signal line. The second conductor 23 is electrically connected to an input terminal of an arithmetic circuit (not shown). As shown in FIG. 6 , the second conductor 23 is provided on the sixth main surface DS21.

[0034] The first conductive adhesive material 24 is conductive. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1 , the first conductive adhesive material 24 overlaps with the second portion P2 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6 , the first conductive adhesive material 24 is provided on the end surface of the first conductor 22 in the Z+ direction. The first conductive adhesive material 24 fixes the first electrode 12 in the Z+ direction from the end surface of the first conductor 22 in the Z+ direction. This electrically connects the first conductor 22 to the first electrode 12 via the first conductive adhesive material 24.

[0035] The second conductive adhesive material 25 is conductive. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1 , the second conductive adhesive material 25 overlaps with the second portion P2 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6 , the second conductive adhesive material 25 is provided on the Z-direction end face of the second conductor 23. The second conductive adhesive material 25 fixes the second electrode 13 in the Z-direction from the Z-direction end face of the second conductor 23. This electrically connects the second conductor 23 to the second electrode 13 via the second conductive adhesive material 25.

[0036] As shown in Figure 7, the first electrode 12, the first conductive adhesive 24, the first conductor 22, the wiring board 21, the second conductor 23, the second conductive adhesive 25, and the second electrode 13 are arranged in this order along the Z-axis direction in a third portion P3 that overlaps with the second portion P2 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the first electrode 12, the first conductive adhesive 24, the wiring board 21, the second conductive adhesive 25, and the second electrode 13 are arranged in this order along the Z-axis direction in the third portion P3 that overlaps with the second portion P2 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Note that a portion of the third portion P3 coincides with a portion of the second portion P2. The third portion P3 corresponds to the "fifth portion" of the present invention.

[0037] Here, as viewed in the Z-axis direction, the position in the X-axis direction where the third portion P3 exists is defined as a first position PO1, as shown in Fig. 8. Note that the first position PO1 may be any position in the X-axis direction where the third portion P3 is located.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 8, the length L21 of the wiring substrate 21 in the Y-axis direction at the first position PO1 is longer than the length LP2 of the second portion P2 in the Y-axis direction at the first position PO1.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 8, the length L24 in the Y-axis direction of the first conductive adhesive material 24 at the first position PO1 is shorter than the length LP2 in the Y-axis direction of the second portion P2 at the first position PO1.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 8, the length L25 of the second conductive adhesive material 25 in the Y-axis direction at the first position PO1 is shorter than the length LP2 of the second portion P2 in the Y-axis direction at the first position PO1.

[0041] [Effect] According to the sensor 100, the connection area between the output conductor of the sensor unit 1 and the input conductor of the circuit unit can be reduced when viewed in the normal direction to the main surface of the sensor unit 1. First, a sensor 1000 according to a comparative example will be described. Regarding the sensor 1000 according to the comparative example, only differences from the sensor 100 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the rest will be omitted. In the sensor 1000 according to the comparative example, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 , the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 do not have the second portion P2. More specifically, the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 do not overlap each other at the X-direction end of the sensor unit 1 (the X-direction end of the sensor unit 1 and its vicinity) when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The first electrode 12 is located at the X-direction end of the sensor unit 1 in the Y+ direction half of the sensor unit 1 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The second electrode 13 is located at the X-direction end of the sensor unit 1 in the Y-direction half of the sensor unit 1 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. That is, the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 are aligned in the Y-axis direction at the end of the sensor unit 1 in the X-axis direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 10 , the first electrode 12 is electrically connected to the first conductor 22 via a first conductive adhesive 24. As shown in FIG. 9 , the connection area between the first electrode 12 and the first conductor 22 when viewed in the Z-axis direction (the normal direction to the first main surface US1 of the sensor unit 1) is defined as S1. As shown in FIG. 11 , the second electrode 13 is electrically connected to the second conductor 23 via a second conductive adhesive 25. As shown in FIG. 9 , the connection area between the second electrode 13 and the second conductor 23 when viewed in the Z-axis direction (the normal direction to the first main surface US1 of the sensor unit 1) is defined as S2. Therefore, in the sensor 1000 according to the comparative example, the connection area between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 of the sensor unit 1 and the first conductor 22 and the second conductor 23 of the wiring unit 2 when viewed in the normal direction of the first main surface US1 of the sensor unit 1 is S1 + S2.

[0042] On the other hand, in the sensor 100 according to the first embodiment, the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 include a second portion P2 that overlaps with each other and does not overlap with the piezoelectric film 11 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Each of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 is electrically connected to the first conductor 22 and the second conductor 23, respectively, in a region that overlaps with the second portion P2 when viewed in the Z-axis direction and is a region between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 when viewed in the X-axis direction. This allows the connection region between the first electrode 12 and the first conductor 22 and the connection region between the second electrode 13 and the second conductor 23 to overlap with each other when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, if the connection area between the first electrode 12 and the first conductor 22 as viewed in the Z-axis direction (normal direction of the first main surface US1 of the sensor unit 1) is S1 as shown in Figure 1, and the connection area between the second electrode 13 and the second conductor 23 as viewed in the Z-axis direction (normal direction of the first main surface US1 of the sensor unit 1) is S2, in the sensor 100 of the first embodiment, the connection area between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 of the sensor unit 1 and the first conductor 22 and the second conductor 23 of the wiring unit 2 as viewed in the normal direction of the first main surface US1 of the sensor unit 1 will be S1 or S2. When the outer edge of the connection area between the second electrode 13 and the second conductor 23 as viewed in the Z-axis direction coincides with the outer edge of the connection area between the first electrode 12 and the first conductor 22 as viewed in the Z-axis direction, or is surrounded by the outer edge of the connection area between the first electrode 12 and the first conductor 22 as viewed in the Z-axis direction, the total connection area between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 of the sensor unit 1 and the first conductor 22 and the second conductor 23 of the wiring unit 2 as viewed in the normal direction to the first main surface US1 of the sensor unit 1 is S1. Therefore, according to the sensor 100, the connection area between the output conductor of the sensor unit 1 and the input conductor of the circuit unit as viewed in the normal direction to the main surface of the sensor unit 1 can be made smaller than the connection area between the output conductor of the sensor unit 1 and the input conductor of the circuit unit in the sensor 1000 according to the comparative example as viewed in the normal direction to the main surface of the sensor unit 1.

[0043] (Configuration of Grip Load Detection Device 200) The configuration of the grip load detection device 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the grip load detection device 200 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the grip load detection device 200 according to the first embodiment taken along line D-D. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the grip load detection device 200 according to the first embodiment as viewed in the Z-direction. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the grip load detection device 200 according to the first embodiment taken along line E-E. FIG. 16 is a plan view of the transparent housing 3, first grip 4L, second grip 4R, and light-emitting body 5 according to the first embodiment as viewed in the Z-direction. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the transparent region ATP and the non-transparent region ANTP of the sensor unit 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 12, the grip load detection device 200 includes a transparent housing 3, a first grip 4L, a second grip 4R, a sensor 100, a light emitter 5, and a calculation circuit (not shown).

[0045] The transparent casing 3 has a cylindrical shape. More specifically, the transparent casing 3 has a square cylindrical shape as shown in Fig. 12. The axial direction of the square cylindrical shape is the X-axis direction.

[0046] The outer surface OS3 of the transparent casing 3 includes a polygonal plane. More specifically, the outer surface OS3 of the transparent casing 3 includes a quadrilateral plane, as shown in FIG. 13 . The outer surface OS3 of the transparent casing 3 includes a first plane OS31, a second plane OS32, a third plane OS33, and a fourth plane OS34. As shown in FIG. 13 , the first plane OS31 and the third plane OS33 are end faces of the outer surface OS3 of the transparent casing 3 in the Z-axis direction. The first plane OS31 is an end face in the Z+ direction. The third plane OS33 is an end face in the Z- direction. The second plane OS32 and the fourth plane OS34 are end faces of the outer surface OS3 of the transparent casing 3 in the Y-axis direction. The second plane OS32 is an end face in the Y+ direction. The fourth plane OS34 is an end face in the Y- direction. The first plane OS31, the second plane OS32, the third plane OS33, and the fourth plane OS34 each have a rectangular shape when viewed in a normal direction of the first plane OS31, the second plane OS32, the third plane OS33, and the fourth plane OS34. A cross section of the outer surface OS3 of the transparent casing 3 when viewed in the X-axis direction is quadrangular. Each of the Z-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is one of the normal directions of the outer surface OS3 of the transparent casing 3.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 13 , the inner surface IS3 of the transparent casing 3 includes a quadrangular plane. More specifically, the inner surface IS3 of the transparent casing 3 includes four planes. The shape of each of the four planes is rectangular when viewed in the normal direction of each of the four planes. The cross section of the inner surface IS3 of the transparent casing 3 when viewed in the X-axis direction is quadrangular.

[0048] The transparent housing 3 has transparency. That is, when the transparent housing 3 is viewed from the outside of the transparent housing 3, a hollow portion surrounded by an inner surface IS3 of the transparent housing 3 can be seen through the transparent housing 3. Furthermore, light emitted by the light emitter 5 provided in the hollow portion surrounded by the inner surface IS3 of the transparent housing 3 is emitted from an outer surface OS3 of the transparent housing 3.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 12 , the first grip 4L includes a first grip portion LGP and a first connecting portion LCP. The second grip 4R includes a second grip portion RGP and a second connecting portion RCP. The user grasps the first grip 4L and the second grip 4R. More specifically, the user grasps the first grip portion LGP and the second grip portion RGP. As shown in FIG. 12 , the first grip 4L is attached to the end of the transparent housing 3 in the X- direction by an adhesive member (not shown). The second grip 4R is attached to the end of the transparent housing 3 in the X+ direction. Note that the second grip 4R has a structure symmetrical to the first grip 4L. Therefore, the following description will focus on the first grip 4L, and a description of the second grip 4R will be omitted. The material of each of the first grip 4L and the second grip 4R is, for example, resin.

[0050] The first grip 4L covers the periphery of a part of the outer surface OS3 of the transparent housing 3. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12 , the first connecting part LCP is attached to the outer surface OS3 of the transparent housing 3 so as to cover the periphery of the end part in the X-direction of the outer surface OS3 of the transparent housing 3. In other words, the end part in the X-direction of the outer surface OS3 of the transparent housing 3 is provided in a hollow part surrounded by the inner surface of the first connecting part LCP. This allows the user to grip the first grip part LGP and the second grip part RGP and twist the transparent housing 3.

[0051] The sensor 100 is provided on the outer surface OS3 of the transmissive housing 3. More specifically, the end surface of the second electrode 13 in the Z-direction is fixed to the outer surface OS3 of the transmissive housing 3 via a transparent adhesive member (not shown). The adhesive member (not shown) is, for example, an optical transparent adhesive sheet. The adhesive member (not shown) covers the entire end surface of the second electrode 13 in the Z-direction. The adhesive member (not shown) is also fixed to the outer surface OS3 of the transmissive housing 3.

[0052] 12 , the sensor 100 is provided such that the long side of the third main surface US11 of the piezoelectric film 11 extends in the X-axis direction and the short side of the third main surface US11 of the piezoelectric film 11 straddles multiple planes of the outer side surface OS3. When viewed in the X-axis direction, the short side of the third main surface US11 of the piezoelectric film 11 goes around the X-axis direction.

[0053] When the user twists the transparent casing 3, the piezoelectric film 11 is deformed. Therefore, the sensor 100 outputs a deformation detection signal SigD corresponding to the amount of twist of the transparent casing 3. The deformation detection signal SigD output by the sensor 100 is input to an arithmetic circuit (not shown).

[0054] As shown in FIG. 14, the first portion P1 is disposed in a first area A1 that does not overlap with the first grip 4L and the second grip 4R when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 14, the second portion P2 and the wiring portion 2 are arranged in the second region A2 that overlaps with the first grip 4L when viewed in the Z-axis direction. More specifically, the second portion P2 and the wiring portion 2 are arranged in the region that overlaps with the first connecting portion LCP when viewed in the Z-axis direction. That is, the second portion P2 and the wiring portion 2 are provided in a hollow portion surrounded by the inner surface of the first connecting portion LCP. Therefore, the second portion P2 and the wiring portion 2 are not arranged in the first region A1.

[0056] The second portion P2 is provided on one of the planes of the outer surface OS3 of the transparent casing 3. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 15 , the second portion P2 is provided on a first plane OS31 of the outer surface OS3 of the transparent casing 3. In this embodiment, the length of the second portion P2 in the Y-axis direction is equal to the length of the first plane OS31 in the Y-axis direction.

[0057] The light emitter 5 is a light emitting diode (LED). The light emitter 5 emits light when a current flows through the light emitter 5. As shown in Fig. 12, the light emitter 5 is provided in a hollow portion surrounded by the inner surface IS3 of the transparent housing 3. As shown in Fig. 16, the light emitter 5 is disposed in the first area A1.

[0058] The arithmetic circuit (not shown) controls the current flowing through the light-emitting body 5 based on the input deformation detection signal SigD. For example, a judgment value is set in the arithmetic circuit (not shown) in advance. For example, the arithmetic circuit (not shown) causes a current to flow through the light-emitting body 5 at a time when the deformation detection signal SigD is equal to or greater than the judgment value. In other words, the light-emitting body 5 emits light based on the deformation detection signal SigD.

[0059] The arithmetic circuit (not shown) is provided in a hollow portion surrounded by the inner surface IS3 of the transparent housing 3. The arithmetic circuit (not shown) is arranged in the second area A2. Moreover, the arithmetic circuit (not shown) is not arranged in the first area A1.

[0060] [Effect] The sensor 100 can reduce the non-transparent area ANTP. The transparent area ATP and non-transparent area ANTP of the sensor unit 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. 17 . The non-transparent area ANTP of the sensor unit 1 is defined as follows: First, the sensor 100 is curved so that the first side SI1 of the first portion P1 and the second side SI2 of the first portion P1 coincide with each other, as shown in FIG. 17 . In the example of FIG. 17 , the first portion P1 has a cylindrical shape. The axial direction of the cylindrical shape is the X-axis direction. Here, the first conductor 22 and the second conductor 23 are not transparent. The position in the X-axis direction where the first conductor 22 or the second conductor 23 is present is defined as the non-transparent position. The non-transparent area ANTP is the portion of the sensor 100 located in the non-transparent position. The non-transparent region ANTP is not transparent when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction (for example, the Z-axis direction). On the other hand, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 are transparent. A position in the X-axis direction where the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 are present and where the first conductor 22 and the second conductor 23 are not present is defined as a transparent position. The transparent region ATP is a portion of the sensor 100 located at the transparent position. The transparent region ATP is transparent when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction (for example, the Z-axis direction).

[0061] Therefore, according to the sensor 100, the length of the second portion P2 in the Y-axis direction is shorter than the length of the first portion P1 in the Y-axis direction. This makes it possible to make the area of ​​the non-transparent region ANTP as viewed in the Z-axis direction smaller than the area of ​​the non-transparent region ANTP as viewed in the Z-axis direction when the length of the second portion P2 in the Y-axis direction is not shorter than the length of the first portion P1 in the Y-axis direction. As a result, according to the sensor 100, it is possible to make the non-transparent region ANTP smaller.

[0062] The sensor 100 can reduce the area of ​​the sensor 100 when viewed in the normal direction to the main surface of the sensor unit 1. More specifically, the first conductor 22 is provided on a fifth main surface US21 of the wiring board 21. The second conductor 23 is provided on a sixth main surface DS21 of the wiring board 21. The first electrode 12, the first conductive adhesive 24, the first conductor 22, the wiring board 21, the second conductor 23, the second conductive adhesive 25, and the second electrode 13 are arranged in this order along the Z-axis direction in a third portion P3 that overlaps with the second portion P2 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, by arranging the first conductor 22 and the second conductor 23 so that they overlap when viewed in the Z-axis direction (the normal direction of the first main surface US1 of the sensor unit 1), the area of ​​the sensor 100 when viewed in the normal direction of the main surface of the sensor unit 1 can be made smaller than the area of ​​the sensor 100 when viewed in the normal direction of the main surface of the sensor unit 1 when the first conductor 22 and the second conductor 23 are arranged so that they do not overlap when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0063] Sensor 100 can prevent first electrode 12 and second electrode 13 from being electrically connected to each other. More specifically, the position in the X-axis direction where third portion P3 exists is defined as first position PO1. The length in the Y-axis direction of wiring board 21 at first position PO1 is longer than the length in the Y-axis direction of second portion P2 at first position PO1. This allows wiring board 21 to be positioned between first electrode 12 and second electrode 13 even if the position of wiring board 21 in the Y-axis direction is shifted due to manufacturing variations. As a result, sensor 100 can prevent first electrode 12 and second electrode 13 from being electrically connected to each other.

[0064] According to the sensor 100, it is possible to prevent the first conductive adhesive 24 or the second conductive adhesive 25 from being electrically connected to devices external to the sensor 100. More specifically, the length of the first conductive adhesive 24 in the Y-axis direction at the first position PO1 is shorter than the length of the second portion P2 in the Y-axis direction at the first position PO1. As a result, even if the position of the first conductive adhesive 24 in the Y-axis direction is shifted due to manufacturing variations, the first conductive adhesive 24 can overlap the first electrode 12 when viewed in the Z-axis direction and be located further in the Z-direction than the first electrode 12. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first conductive adhesive 24 from being exposed in the Z-axis direction, and it is possible to prevent the first conductive adhesive 24 from being electrically connected to devices external to the sensor 100. Furthermore, the length of the second conductive adhesive 25 in the Y-axis direction at the first position PO1 is shorter than the length of the second portion P2 in the Y-axis direction at the first position PO1. As a result, even if the position of the second conductive adhesive material 25 in the Y-axis direction is shifted due to manufacturing variations, the second conductive adhesive material 25 can overlap the second electrode 13 when viewed in the Z-axis direction and be located in the +Z direction relative to the second electrode 13. Therefore, the second conductive adhesive material 25 can be prevented from being exposed in the Z-axis direction, and electrical connection of the second conductive adhesive material 25 with devices external to the sensor 100 can be suppressed. As a result, according to the sensor 100, electrical connection of the first conductive adhesive material 24 or the second conductive adhesive material 25 with devices external to the sensor 100 can be suppressed.

[0065] According to the grip load detection device 200, the inside of the portion of the transparent housing 3 that is visible when the grip load detection device 200 is viewed from outside the grip load detection device 200 can be made transparent. More specifically, the sensor 100 is provided on the outer surface OS3 of the transparent housing 3. The first portion P1 is arranged in a first region A1 that does not overlap with the first grip 4L and the second grip 4R when viewed in the Z-axis direction (the normal direction of the outer surface OS3 of the transparent housing 3). The first region A1 is a portion of the transparent housing 3 that is visible when the grip load detection device 200 is viewed from outside the grip load detection device 200. The first portion P1 is transparent. Therefore, according to the grip load detection device 200, the inside of the portion of the transparent housing 3 that is visible when the grip load detection device 200 is viewed from outside the grip load detection device 200 can be made transparent.

[0066] The grip load detection device 200 can prevent the light emitted by the light-emitting body 5 from being blocked by the sensor 100. More specifically, the light-emitting body 5 is disposed in a first area A1 that does not overlap with the first grip 4L and the second grip 4R when viewed in the Z-axis direction (the normal direction of the outer surface OS3 of the transparent housing 3). The light-emitting body 5 emits light based on the deformation detection signal SigD. A first portion P1 of the sensor 100 is disposed in the first area A1. The first portion P1 is transparent. As a result, the grip load detection device 200 can prevent the light emitted by the light-emitting body 5 from being blocked by the sensor 100.

[0067] According to the grip load detection device 200, the sensor 100 can be easily positioned on the outer surface OS3 of the transparent housing 3. More specifically, the outer surface OS3 of the transparent housing 3 includes a polygonal plane. The second portion P2 is provided on one of the planes of the outer surface OS3. In particular, in this embodiment, the length of the second portion P2 in the Y-axis direction is equal to the length of the first plane OS31 in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the second portion P2 is provided on the first plane OS31 of the outer surface OS3 of the transparent housing 3. This determines the position of the second portion P2. Therefore, according to the grip load detection device 200, the sensor 100 can be easily positioned on the outer surface OS3 of the transparent housing 3.

[0068] The grip load detection device 200 can detect the amount of twist of the transparent housing 3 with higher accuracy. More specifically, the first electrode 12 is a ground electrode electrically connected to ground potential. The second electrode 13 is a signal electrode that outputs a deformation detection signal SigD corresponding to the amount of twist of the transparent housing 3. The Z-direction end face of the second electrode 13 is fixed to the outer surface OS3 of the transparent housing 3. Therefore, the second electrode 13 is located between the first electrode 12 and the outer surface OS3 of the transparent housing 3. The first electrode 12 serves as a shield against noise entering from outside the grip load detection device 200. As a result, the grip load detection device 200 makes it difficult for noise to enter the sensor unit 1 from outside the grip load detection device 200. As a result, the grip load detection device 200 can detect the amount of twist of the transparent housing 3 with higher accuracy.

[0069] [First Modification] A sensor 100a according to a first modification of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 18 is a plan view of the sensor 100a according to the first modification as viewed in the Z-direction. FIG. 19 is a plan view of the sensor unit 1 according to the first modification as viewed in the Z-direction. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a grip load detection device 200a according to the first modification. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the transparent region ATP and the non-transparent region ANTP of the sensor 100a according to the first modification. Regarding the sensor 100a according to the first modification, only the parts that are different from the sensor 100 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0070] 18, the sensor 100a differs from the sensor 100 in that the first portion P1 has a fourth portion P4 and a fifth portion P5. The fourth portion P4 corresponds to the "third portion" of the present invention. The fifth portion P5 corresponds to the "fourth portion" of the present invention.

[0071] 19, the fourth portion P4 has a rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Also, when viewed in the Z-axis direction, the fourth portion P4 has a long side extending in the X-axis direction and a short side extending in the Y-axis direction.

[0072] 19, the fifth portion P5 has a rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Also, when viewed in the Z-axis direction, the fifth portion P5 has a long side extending in the X-axis direction and a short side extending in the Y-axis direction.

[0073] As shown in Figure 19, the fifth portion P5 is located between the second portion P2 and the fourth portion P4. The length LP5 of the fifth portion P5 in the Y-axis direction is shorter than the length LP4 of the fourth portion P4 in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the length LP5 of the fifth portion P5 in the Y-axis direction is equal to the length of the second portion P2 in the Y-axis direction. The position of the fifth portion P5 in the Y-axis direction is equal to the position of the second portion P2 in the Y-axis direction.

[0074] As shown in Figure 20, the sensor 100a, the transparent housing 3, the first grip 4L, the second grip 4R, the light-emitting body 5, and the arithmetic circuit (not shown) may be modularized to form a grip load detection device 200a.

[0075] The sensor 100a described above also achieves the same effects as the sensor 100. Furthermore, the sensor 100a allows the transparent region ATP to be enlarged by using a small amount of piezoelectric film 11. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 21 , the first portion P1 has a fourth portion P4 and a fifth portion P5. The fifth portion P5 is located between the second portion P2 and the fourth portion P4. This allows the distance between the second portion P2 and the fourth portion P4 to be increased, thereby enlarging the transparent region ATP. Meanwhile, the length of the fifth portion P5 in the Y-axis direction is shorter than the length of the fourth portion P4. Therefore, the piezoelectric film 11 located in the fifth portion P5 can be smaller. As a result, the sensor 100a allows the transparent region ATP to be enlarged by using a small amount of piezoelectric film 11.

[0076] [Second Modification] (Configuration of Sensor 100b) A sensor 100b according to a second modification of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 22 is a plan view of the sensor 100b according to the second modification as viewed in the Z-direction. Regarding the sensor 100b according to the second modification, only the parts that are different from the sensor 100 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 22, the sensor 100b differs from the sensor 100 in that the length of the second portion P2 in the Y-axis direction is equal to the length of the first portion P1 in the Y-axis direction.

[0078] 22, the sensor 100b has a rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Also, when viewed in the Z-axis direction, the sensor 100b has a long side extending in the X-axis direction and a short side extending in the Y-axis direction.

[0079] (Configuration of grip load detection device 200b) The configuration of grip load detection device 200b according to a second modified example of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 23 is a perspective view of grip load detection device 200b according to the second modified example. Fig. 24 is a plan view of grip load detection device 200b according to the second modified example as viewed in the Z-direction. Furthermore, with regard to grip load detection device 200b according to the second modified example, only the parts that differ from grip load detection device 200 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the rest will be omitted.

[0080] The grip load detection device 200b differs from the grip load detection device 200 in that the grip load detection device 200b includes a sensor 100b instead of the sensor 100.

[0081] As shown in Fig. 23, the first portion P1 and the second portion P2 are each provided on the outer surface OS3 of the transparent housing 3. As shown in Fig. 24, the first portion P1 is disposed in a first region A1 that does not overlap with the first grip 4L and the second grip 4R when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0082] 24, the second portion P2 is disposed in a second area A2 that overlaps with the first grip 4L and the second grip 4R when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The second portion P2 is not disposed in the first area A1.

[0083] The grip load detection device 200b as described above also has the same effects as the grip load detection device 200.

[0084] Other Embodiments The sensor according to the present invention is not limited to the sensors 100, 100a, and 100b, and can be modified within the scope of the gist thereof. Furthermore, the structures of the sensors 100, 100a, and 100b may be combined in any manner. Furthermore, the grip load detection device according to the present invention is not limited to the grip load detection devices 200, 200a, and 200b, and can be modified within the scope of the gist thereof. Furthermore, the structures of the grip load detection devices 200, 200a, and 200b may be combined in any manner.

[0085] The first adhesive material 14 is not an essential component.

[0086] The second adhesive material 15 is not an essential component.

[0087] The first main surface US1 and the second main surface DS1 do not have to be parallel to each other.

[0088] The third principal surface US11 and the fourth principal surface DS11 do not have to be parallel to each other.

[0089] Each of the third principal surface US11 and the fourth principal surface DS11 does not have to have a rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, each of the third principal surface US11 and the fourth principal surface DS11 does not have to have a long side extending in the X-axis direction and a short side extending in the Y-axis direction.

[0090] The piezoelectric film 11 is not limited to a PLLA film.

[0091] The first electrode 12 may be a signal electrode that outputs a deformation detection signal SigD corresponding to the deformation of the piezoelectric film 11. The second electrode 13 may be a ground electrode that is electrically connected to a ground potential.

[0092] The first electrode 12 does not necessarily have to have the first base material 121 .

[0093] The second electrode 13 does not necessarily have to have the second base material 131 .

[0094] The outer edge of the first portion P1 does not have to coincide with the outer edge of the piezoelectric film 11 when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0095] The first portion P1 does not have to have a rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Also, the first portion P1 does not have to have a long side extending in the X-axis direction and a short side extending in the Y-axis direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0096] The second portion P2 does not have to have a rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Also, the second portion P2 does not have to have a long side extending in the X-axis direction and a short side extending in the Y-axis direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0097] The first end of the first portion P1 does not have to be located further in the Y+ direction than the third end of the second portion P2 when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0098] The second end of the first portion P1 does not have to be located further in the Y-direction than the fourth end of the second portion P2 when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0099] The fifth principal surface US21 and the sixth principal surface DS21 do not have to be parallel to each other.

[0100] Each of the fifth principal surface US21 and the sixth principal surface DS21 does not have to have a rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, each of the fifth principal surface US21 and the sixth principal surface DS21 does not have to have a long side extending in the X-axis direction and a short side extending in the Y-axis direction.

[0101] The arithmetic circuit is not an essential component.

[0102] The adhesive member is not an essential component.

[0103] In addition, the shapes of the first plane OS31, the second plane OS32, the third plane OS33, and the fourth plane OS34 are not limited to being rectangular when viewed in the normal direction of each of the first plane OS31, the second plane OS32, the third plane OS33, and the fourth plane OS34.

[0104] The shape of each of the four planes included in the outer surface OS3 of the transmissive casing 3 is not limited to a rectangular shape when viewed in the normal direction of each of the four planes.

[0105] The shape of the transparent housing 3 is not limited to a rectangular cylindrical shape, but may be any other shape such as a polygonal cylindrical shape or a cylindrical shape.

[0106] The first grip 4L does not have to be attached to the end of the transparent casing 3 in the X- direction. Moreover, the second grip 4R does not have to be attached to the end of the transparent casing 3 in the X+ direction.

[0107] The length of the second portion P2 in the Y-axis direction does not have to be equal to the length of the first plane OS31 in the Y-axis direction.

[0108] In addition, the sensor 100 does not have to be arranged so that the long side of the third main surface US11 of the piezoelectric film 11 extends in the X-axis direction and the short side of the third main surface US11 of the piezoelectric film 11 straddles multiple planes of the inner surface IS3.

[0109] The light emitter 5 is not limited to a light emitting diode (LED).

[0110] The fourth portion P4 does not have to have a rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Also, the fourth portion P4 does not have to have a long side extending in the X-axis direction and a short side extending in the Y-axis direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0111] The fifth portion P5 does not have to have a rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the fifth portion P5 does not have to have a long side extending in the X-axis direction and a short side extending in the Y-axis direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0112] The length LP5 of the fifth portion P5 in the Y-axis direction does not have to be equal to the length of the second portion P2 in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the position of the fifth portion P5 in the Y-axis direction does not have to be equal to the position of the second portion P2 in the Y-axis direction.

[0113] In the sensor 100b, the length of the second portion P2 in the Y-axis direction does not have to be equal to the length of the first portion P1 in the Y-axis direction.

[0114] In sensor 100b, sensor 100 does not have to have a rectangular shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Also, in sensor 100b, sensor 100 does not have to have a long side extending in the X-axis direction and a short side extending in the Y-axis direction when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0115] The uniaxial stretching direction (orientation direction) OD of the piezoelectric film 11 may form an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the X-axis direction. This 90 degrees includes, for example, an angle of about 90 degrees ±10 degrees.

[0116] The present invention has the following configuration.

[0117] (1) A sensor comprising: a piezoelectric film having a first main surface and a second main surface opposing each other in a first direction; a first electrode provided on the first main surface; a second electrode provided on the second main surface; and a wiring portion, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode include first portions that overlap each other and overlap with the piezoelectric film when viewed in the first direction; the first electrode and the second electrode include second portions that overlap each other and do not overlap with the piezoelectric film when viewed in the first direction; the first portion and the second portion are aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and the wiring portion comprises: a wiring board that is an insulator, the wiring board having third and fourth main surfaces that overlap with the second portions when viewed in the first direction and that face the first direction; a first conductor provided on the third main surface and electrically connected to the first electrode; and a second conductor provided on the fourth main surface and electrically connected to the second electrode.

[0118] (2) The sensor according to (1), wherein the length of the second portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is shorter than the length of the first portion in the third direction.

[0119] (3) The sensor according to (1) or (2), wherein the first portion is transparent.

[0120] (4) The sensor according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first portion has a rectangular shape when viewed in the first direction.

[0121] (5) The sensor according to (4), wherein the first portion has a long side extending in the second direction when viewed in the first direction, and a short side extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0122] (6) The sensor according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the second portion has a rectangular shape when viewed in the first direction.

[0123] (7) The sensor according to (6), wherein the second portion has a long side extending in the second direction when viewed in the first direction, and a short side extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

[0124] (8) The sensor described in any of (1) to (7), wherein the first portion includes a first end in one direction of a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, and a second end in an opposite direction to the one direction; the second portion includes a third end in the one direction and a fourth end in the opposite direction; the first end is located in the one direction from the third end when viewed in the first direction; and the second end is located in the opposite direction from the fourth end when viewed in the first direction.

[0125] (9) The sensor according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the first portion has a third portion and a fourth portion, the fourth portion is located between the second portion and the third portion, and a length of the fourth portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is shorter than a length of the third portion in the third direction.

[0126] (10) The sensor according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the wiring board is a flexible board.

[0127] (11) The sensor described in any of (1) to (10), wherein the wiring portion includes: a first conductive adhesive that overlaps the second portion when viewed in the first direction and is provided on an end face of the first conductor in one direction within the first direction; and a second conductive adhesive that overlaps the second portion when viewed in the first direction and is provided on an end face of the second conductor in the opposite direction to the one direction; the first electrode, the first conductive adhesive, the first conductor, the wiring board, the second conductor, the second conductive adhesive, and the second electrode are arranged in this order along the first direction in a fifth portion that overlaps the second portion when viewed in the first direction; the first conductor is electrically connected to the first electrode via the first conductive adhesive; and the second conductor is electrically connected to the second electrode via the second conductive adhesive.

[0128] (12) The sensor described in (11), wherein, when viewed in the first direction, the position in the second direction where the fifth portion exists is defined as a first position, and the length of the wiring board in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions at the first position is longer than the length of the second portion in the third direction at the first position.

[0129] (13) The sensor described in (11) or (12), wherein, when viewed in the first direction, the position in the second direction where the fifth portion exists is defined as the first position, the length of the first conductive adhesive at the first position in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions is shorter than the length of the second portion at the first position in the third direction, and the length of the second conductive adhesive at the first position in the third direction is shorter than the length of the second portion at the first position in the third direction.

[0130] (14) A grip load detection device comprising: a sensor according to any one of (1) to (13); a transparent casing having transparency and a cylindrical shape; and a grip to be held by a user, the grip covering the periphery of a portion of the outer surface of the transparent casing, wherein the sensor is provided on the outer surface, the first portion is disposed in a first region that does not overlap with the grip when viewed in a normal direction of the outer surface, and the wiring portion is disposed in a second region that overlaps with the grip when viewed in the normal direction, and is not disposed in the first region.

[0131] (15) The grip load detection device described in (14), further comprising an illuminant provided in a hollow portion surrounded by the inner surface of the transparent housing, the sensor outputs a deformation detection signal according to an amount of twist of the transparent housing, the illuminant is disposed in the first region, and the illuminant emits light based on the deformation detection signal.

[0132] (16) The grip load detection device according to (14) or (15), wherein the outer surface includes a flat surface of a polygon, and the second portion is provided on one of the flat surfaces of the outer surface.

[0133] (17) The grip load detection device according to any one of (14) to (16), wherein the first electrode is a ground electrode electrically connected to a ground potential, the second electrode is a signal electrode that outputs a deformation detection signal according to an amount of twist of the transparent housing, and an end face of the second electrode in the first direction is fixed to the outer surface.

[0134] 1: Sensor section 2: Wiring section 3: Transparent housing 4L: First grip 4R: Second grip 5: Light emitter 10: Object 11: Piezoelectric film 12: First electrode 13: Second electrode 14: First adhesive material 15: Second adhesive material 21: Wiring board 22: First conductor 23: Second conductor 24: First conductive adhesive material 25: Second conductive adhesive material 100, 100a, 100b: Sensor 121: First base material 122: First conductive film 131: Second base material 132: Second conductive film 200, 200a, 200b: Grip load detection device A1: First region A2: Second region DS11: Fourth main surface DS21: Sixth main surface IS3: Inner surface OS3: Outer surface OS31: First plane OS32: Second plane OS33: Third plane OS34: Fourth plane P1: First part P2: Second part P3: Third part P4: Fourth part P5: Fifth part PO1: First position SigD: Deformation detection signal US11: Third principal surface US21: Fifth principal surface SI1: First edge SI2: Second edge SI3: Third edge SI4: Fourth edge SI5: Fifth edge SI6: Sixth edge SI7: Seventh edge SI8: Eighth edge

Claims

1. a piezoelectric film having a first principal surface and a second principal surface opposed to each other in a first direction; a first electrode provided on the first main surface; a second electrode provided on the second main surface; A wiring unit, the first electrode and the second electrode include first portions that overlap each other and overlap the piezoelectric film when viewed in the first direction; the first electrode and the second electrode include second portions that overlap each other and do not overlap the piezoelectric film when viewed in the first direction; the first portion and the second portion are aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The wiring portion is a wiring board that is an insulator and has a third main surface and a fourth main surface that overlap the second portion when viewed in the first direction and that face each other in the first direction; a first conductor provided on the third main surface and electrically connected to the first electrode; a second conductor provided on the fourth main surface and electrically connected to the second electrode; A length of the second portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is shorter than a length of the first portion in the third direction. Sensor.

2. The first portion is transparent. The sensor of claim 1 .

3. The first portion has a rectangular shape when viewed in the first direction. The sensor according to claim 1 or 2.

4. When viewed in the first direction, the first portion has a long side extending in the second direction and a short side extending in the third direction. The sensor of claim 3.

5. The second portion has a rectangular shape when viewed in the first direction. The sensor according to claim 1 or 2.

6. When viewed in the first direction, the second portion has a long side extending in the second direction and a short side extending in the third direction. The sensor of claim 5.

7. the first portion includes a first end in one of the third directions and a second end in an opposite direction to the one direction, the second portion includes a third end in the one direction and a fourth end in the opposite direction; the first end is located in the one direction further than the third end when viewed in the first direction, The second end is located in the opposite direction from the fourth end when viewed in the first direction. The sensor according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the first portion has a third portion and a fourth portion; the fourth portion is located between the second portion and the third portion, The length of the fourth portion in the third direction is shorter than the length of the third portion in the third direction. The sensor according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The wiring board is a flexible board. The sensor according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The wiring portion is a first conductive adhesive material that overlaps the second portion when viewed in the first direction and is provided on an end surface of the first conductor in one direction in the first direction; a second conductive adhesive material that overlaps the second portion when viewed in the first direction and is provided on an end surface of the second conductor in a direction opposite to the one direction, the first electrode, the first conductive adhesive, the first conductor, the wiring board, the second conductor, the second conductive adhesive, and the second electrode are arranged in this order along the first direction in a fifth portion overlapping with the second portion as viewed in the first direction, the first conductor is electrically connected to the first electrode via the first conductive adhesive; The second conductor is electrically connected to the second electrode via the second conductive adhesive. The sensor according to claim 1 or 2.

11. A position in the second direction where the fifth portion is present as viewed in the first direction is defined as a first position; a length in the third direction of the wiring substrate at the first position is longer than a length in the third direction of the second portion at the first position; The sensor of claim 10.

12. A position in the second direction where the fifth portion is present as viewed in the first direction is defined as a first position; a length in the third direction of the first conductive adhesive at the first position is shorter than a length in the third direction of the second portion at the first position; a length in the third direction of the second conductive adhesive at the first position is shorter than a length in the third direction of the second portion at the first position; The sensor of claim 10.

13. A piezoelectric film having a first principal surface and a second principal surface opposed to each other in a first direction; a first electrode provided on the first main surface; a second electrode provided on the second main surface; A wiring unit, the first electrode and the second electrode include first portions that overlap each other and overlap the piezoelectric film when viewed in the first direction; the first electrode and the second electrode include second portions that overlap each other and do not overlap the piezoelectric film when viewed in the first direction; the first portion and the second portion are aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The wiring portion is a wiring board that is an insulator and has a third main surface and a fourth main surface that overlap the second portion when viewed in the first direction and that face each other in the first direction; a first conductor provided on the third main surface and electrically connected to the first electrode; a second conductor provided on the fourth main surface and electrically connected to the second electrode; the first portion includes a first end in one direction among the first direction and a third direction perpendicular to the second direction, and a second end in a direction opposite to the one direction; the second portion includes a third end in the one direction and a fourth end in the opposite direction; the first end is located in the one direction further than the third end when viewed in the first direction, The second end is located in the opposite direction from the fourth end when viewed in the first direction. Sensor.

14. A piezoelectric film having a first principal surface and a second principal surface opposed to each other in a first direction; a first electrode provided on the first main surface; a second electrode provided on the second main surface; A wiring unit, the first electrode and the second electrode include first portions that overlap each other and overlap the piezoelectric film when viewed in the first direction; the first electrode and the second electrode include second portions that overlap each other and do not overlap the piezoelectric film when viewed in the first direction; the first portion and the second portion are aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The wiring portion is a wiring board that is an insulator and has a third main surface and a fourth main surface that overlap the second portion when viewed in the first direction and that face each other in the first direction; a first conductor provided on the third main surface and electrically connected to the first electrode; a second conductor provided on the fourth main surface and electrically connected to the second electrode; the first portion has a third portion and a fourth portion; the fourth portion is located between the second portion and the third portion, a length of the fourth portion in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction is shorter than a length of the third portion in the third direction; Sensor.

15. A piezoelectric film having a first principal surface and a second principal surface opposed to each other in a first direction; a first electrode provided on the first main surface; a second electrode provided on the second main surface; A wiring unit, the first electrode and the second electrode include first portions that overlap each other and overlap the piezoelectric film when viewed in the first direction; the first electrode and the second electrode include second portions that overlap each other and do not overlap the piezoelectric film when viewed in the first direction; the first portion and the second portion are aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The wiring portion is a wiring board that is an insulator and has a third main surface and a fourth main surface that overlap the second portion when viewed in the first direction and that face each other in the first direction; a first conductor provided on the third main surface and electrically connected to the first electrode; a second conductor provided on the fourth main surface and electrically connected to the second electrode; a first conductive adhesive material that overlaps the second portion when viewed in the first direction and is provided on an end surface of the first conductor in one direction in the first direction; a second conductive adhesive material that overlaps the second portion when viewed in the first direction and is provided on an end surface of the second conductor in a direction opposite to the one direction, the first electrode, the first conductive adhesive, the first conductor, the wiring board, the second conductor, the second conductive adhesive, and the second electrode are arranged in this order along the first direction in a fifth portion overlapping with the second portion as viewed in the first direction, the first conductor is electrically connected to the first electrode via the first conductive adhesive; the second conductor is electrically connected to the second electrode via the second conductive adhesive; A position in the second direction where the fifth portion is present as viewed in the first direction is defined as a first position; a length of the wiring substrate in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction at the first position is longer than a length of the second portion in the third direction at the first position; Sensor.

16. A sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 15, and A transparent housing having transparency and a cylindrical shape; A grip that is gripped by a user and that covers a periphery of a portion of the outer surface of the transparent housing; The sensor is provided on the outer surface, The first portion is disposed in a first region that does not overlap with the grip when viewed in a normal direction of the outer surface, The wiring portion is arranged in a second region overlapping with the grip when viewed in the normal direction, and is not arranged in the first region. Gripping load detection device.

17. The transparent housing further includes a light emitter provided in a hollow portion surrounded by an inner surface of the transparent housing, The sensor outputs a deformation detection signal corresponding to an amount of twist of the transparent housing, The light emitter is disposed in the first region, The light emitter emits light based on the deformation detection signal.

17. The grip load detection device of claim 16.

18. The outer surface includes a polygonal plane, The second portion is disposed in one of the planes of the outer surface.

17. The grip load detection device of claim 16.

19. the first electrode is a ground electrode electrically connected to a ground potential; the second electrode is a signal electrode that outputs a deformation detection signal corresponding to an amount of twist of the transparent housing, An end surface of the second electrode in the first direction is fixed to the outer surface.

17. The grip load detection device of claim 16.