Sensor and electronic apparatus

Abstract

This sensor comprises a holding member that includes a first main surface and a second main surface which are aligned in a first direction and has a rectangular shape when viewed in the first direction; a deformation detection sensor which outputs a signal corresponding to the deformation of the holding member; and a plurality of first fixed sections that are fixed to the second main surface and overlap corner sections of the holding member when viewed in the first direction, wherein the plurality of first fixed sections are spaced apart from each other.

Description

Sensors and Electronic Devices

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor and an electronic device that include a deformation detection sensor that detects deformation of a member.

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a terminal that detects a load applied by a user. The terminal includes a housing, a holding member, and a piezoelectric sensor. The entire outer periphery of the holding member is fixed to the housing with an adhesive. The piezoelectric sensor is provided on the holding member. The piezoelectric sensor outputs a signal in response to deformation of the holding member.

[0003] International Publication No. 2016 / 027603

[0004] In the field of the terminal described in Patent Document 1, there is a demand for a deformation detection sensor that can easily detect deformation of a member.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a deformation detection sensor that detects deformation of a member and that can easily detect deformation of the member.

[0006] A sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a holding member including a first main surface and a second main surface aligned in a first direction and having a rectangular shape when viewed from the first direction; a deformation detection sensor that outputs a signal according to deformation of the holding member; and a plurality of first fixing portions fixed to the second main surface and overlapping corners of the holding member when viewed from the first direction, wherein the plurality of first fixing portions are spaced apart from one another.

[0007] According to the sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention, the deformation detection sensor that detects deformation of a member can more easily detect deformation of the member.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device EE including a sensor 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor 1. FIG. 3 is a view of the sensor 1 as viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a view showing a sensor 1a according to a first modification. FIG. 6 is a view showing a sensor 1b according to a second modification. FIG. 7 is a view showing a sensor 1c according to a third modification. FIG. 8 is a view showing a sensor 1d according to a fourth modification. FIG. 9 is a view showing a sensor 1e according to a fifth modification. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device EEa1. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device EEa2. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device EEb1. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device EEb2.

[0009] [First embodiment] A sensor 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an electronic device EE equipped with a sensor 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor 1. Fig. 3 is a view of the sensor 1 as viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 2.

[0010] In this embodiment, directions are defined as follows. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the Z-axis direction is the direction in which the holding member 10 and the deformation detection sensor 12 are lined up. The negative direction of the Z-axis is the direction in which the holding member 10 and the deformation detection sensor 12 are lined up in this order. The positive direction of the Z-axis is the direction in which the deformation detection sensor 12 and the holding member 10 are lined up in this order. The X-axis direction is the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis. The Y-axis direction is the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis and X-axis directions. In this embodiment, the first direction F coincides with the Z-axis direction. In this embodiment, the second direction S coincides with the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, the third direction T coincides with the Y-axis direction.

[0011] In the following, M is a part or member of the sensor 1. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, each part of M is defined as follows: The end of M in the positive direction of the X axis means the end of M in the positive direction of the X axis and its vicinity. The end of M in the negative direction of the X axis means the end of M in the negative direction of the X axis and its vicinity. The end of M in the positive direction of the Y axis means the end of M in the positive direction of the Y axis and its vicinity. The end of M in the negative direction of the Y axis means the end of M in the negative direction of the Y axis and its vicinity. The end of M in the positive direction of the Z axis means the end of M in the positive direction of the Z axis and its vicinity. The end of M in the negative direction of the Z axis means the end of M in the negative direction of the Z axis and its vicinity.

[0012] As shown in Fig. 1, the sensor 1 is a module provided in an electronic device EE such as a smartphone. As shown in Fig. 2, the sensor 1 includes a holding member 10, a housing 11, a deformation detection sensor 12, and a plurality of first fixing portions. In this embodiment, the sensor 1 includes four first fixing portions 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d.

[0013] The holding member 10 is a member that holds electronic components such as a circuit board. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the holding member 10 has a rectangular shape when viewed in a first direction F. The holding member 10 has a rectangular shape with two long sides extending in a second direction S and two short sides extending in a third direction T. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , the holding member 10 has a first side H1 and a second side H2 that extend along the X-axis. Each of the first side H1 and the second side H2 is one of the two long sides of the holding member 10. The first side H1 and the second side H2 are aligned in this order in the positive direction of the Y-axis. The holding member 10 has a third side H3 and a fourth side H4 that extend along the Y-axis. Each of the third side H3 and the fourth side H4 is one of the two short sides of the holding member 10. The third side H3 and the fourth side H4 are aligned in this order in the positive direction of the X-axis.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the holding member 10 has a rectangular shape with four corners. Specifically, the holding member 10 has a first corner D1 formed by a first side H1 and a third side H3. The first corner D1 includes the corner formed by the first side H1 and the third side H3 and the vicinity thereof. The holding member 10 has a second corner D2 formed by a second side H2 and the third side H3. The second corner D2 includes the corner formed by the second side H2 and the third side H3 and the vicinity thereof. The holding member 10 has a third corner D3 formed by the first side H1 and a fourth side H4. The third corner D3 includes the corner formed by the first side H1 and the fourth side H4 and the vicinity thereof. The holding member 10 has a fourth corner D4 formed by the second side H2 and the fourth side H4. The fourth corner portion D4 includes the corner formed by the second side H2 and the fourth side H4 and the vicinity thereof.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1 , the holding member 10 includes a first main surface UF10 and a second main surface DF10 aligned in a first direction F. The first main surface UF10 and the second main surface DF10 are aligned in this order in the negative direction of the Z axis. The holding member 10 is elastic. The holding member 10 is deformed by a force applied to the holding member 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , a user 200 pushes the holding member 10 in the negative direction of the Z axis. The force applied to the holding member 10 in the negative direction of the Z axis causes the holding member 10 to deform so as to protrude in the negative direction of the Z axis.

[0016] The housing 11 is formed of, for example, resin. As an example, the housing 11 has a plate-shaped portion 110 and a frame-shaped portion 111 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The plate-shaped portion 110 and the frame-shaped portion 111 are arranged in this order in the positive direction of the Z axis. The plate-shaped portion 110 has a plate shape with two sides extending along the X axis and two sides extending along the Y axis. The frame-shaped portion 111 is in contact with the plate-shaped portion 110. The frame-shaped portion 111 has a ring shape when viewed in the Z axis direction. The vicinity of the center of the plate-shaped portion 110 in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction is not in contact with the frame-shaped portion 111.

[0017] 2 and 3, the deformation detection sensor 12 has a rectangular shape with long sides extending along the X-axis and short sides extending along the Y-axis. As shown in Fig. 4, the deformation detection sensor 12 includes a piezoelectric film 121, a first electrode 120, a second electrode 122, and a detection circuit (not shown). The first electrode 120, the piezoelectric film 121, and the second electrode 122 are arranged in this order in the negative direction of the Z-axis.

[0018] 2 and 3, the piezoelectric film 121 has a rectangular shape with long sides extending along the X-axis and short sides extending along the Y-axis. As shown in Fig. 4, the piezoelectric film 121 has a first main surface SF1 and a second main surface SF2 aligned in the Z-axis direction.

[0019] The piezoelectric film 121 generates charges according to the amount of deformation of the piezoelectric film 121. For example, the polarity of the charges generated when the piezoelectric film 121 is stretched in the negative direction of the X-axis and the positive direction of the Y-axis is different from the polarity of the charges generated when the piezoelectric film 121 is stretched in the negative direction of the X-axis and the negative direction of the Y-axis, or the polarity of the charges generated when the piezoelectric film 121 is stretched in the positive direction of the X-axis and the positive direction of the Y-axis. Specifically, the piezoelectric film 121 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 has a helical main chain structure. PLLA has piezoelectricity in which the molecules are oriented when uniaxially stretched. The piezoelectric film 121 has a piezoelectric constant of d14. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the uniaxial stretching direction OD of the piezoelectric film 121 forms an angle of 0 degrees or 180 degrees with respect to the X-axis direction. This 0 degrees includes, for example, angles including approximately 0 degrees ±10 degrees. This 180 degrees includes, for example, angles including approximately 180 degrees ±10 degrees. As a result, the piezoelectric film 121 generates electric charge when the piezoelectric film 121 is stretched in the positive direction of the X axis and the positive direction of the Y axis, the positive direction of the X axis and the negative direction of the Y axis, the negative direction of the X axis and the positive direction of the Y axis, or the negative direction of the X axis and the negative direction of the Y axis. For example, the piezoelectric film 121 generates a positive electric charge when stretched in the negative direction of the X axis and the positive direction of the Y axis. For example, the piezoelectric film 121 generates a negative electric charge when stretched in the negative direction of the X axis and the negative direction of the Y axis. The magnitude of the electric charge depends on the differential value of the deformation of the piezoelectric film 121 due to stretching or compression.

[0020] In this embodiment, the first electrode 120 is a reference electrode connected to a reference potential. The first electrode 120 is fixed to the first main surface SF1 with an adhesive (not shown) such as OCA. The first electrode 120 covers the first main surface SF1.

[0021] In this embodiment, the second electrode 122 is a signal electrode. The second electrode 122 is fixed to the second main surface SF2 by an adhesive (not shown) such as OCA. The second electrode 122 covers the second main surface SF2.

[0022] The detection circuit includes a charge amplifier (not shown), an AD converter (not shown), etc. The charge amplifier converts the charge generated by the piezoelectric film 121 into a voltage signal. The AD converter generates a digital signal by AD converting the voltage signal.

[0023] The deformation detection sensor 12 outputs a signal corresponding to the deformation of the holding member 10. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the deformation detection sensor 12 is fixed to the holding member 10 with an adhesive (not shown) such as OCA. This causes the deformation detection sensor 12 to deform in accordance with the deformation of the holding member 10. The deformation detection sensor 12 outputs a signal corresponding to the deformation of the deformation detection sensor 12.

[0024] 2 and 3, the first fixing portion 13a has a rectangular shape with two sides extending along the X-axis and two sides extending along the Y-axis. In the Z-axis direction, the first fixing portion 13a is located between the holding member 10 and the housing 11. The first fixing portion 13a is in contact with the second main surface DF10. The first fixing portion 13a is in contact with the frame-shaped portion 111 of the housing 11. The first fixing portion 13a is, for example, double-sided tape. This allows the first fixing portion 13a to be fixed to the second main surface DF10. The first fixing portion 13a is fixed to the housing 11.

[0025] The first fixed portion 13a is disposed at the first corner D1. When viewed from the first direction F, the first fixed portion 13a overlaps the first corner D1. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the end of the first fixed portion 13a in the negative direction of the X axis overlaps the third side H3 when viewed in the Z axis direction. The end of the first fixed portion 13a in the negative direction of the Y axis overlaps the first side H1 when viewed in the Z axis direction. When viewed in the Z axis direction, the first fixed portion 13a does not overlap the deformation detection sensor 12. The first fixed portion 13a is not in contact with the deformation detection sensor 12. The first fixed portion 13a is separated from the first fixed portion 13b, the first fixed portion 13c, and the first fixed portion 13d. When viewed in the Z axis direction, the first fixed portion 13a does not overlap the first fixed portion 13b, the first fixed portion 13c, and the first fixed portion 13d. The first fixed portion 13a is not in contact with the first fixed portion 13b, the first fixed portion 13c, and the first fixed portion 13d.

[0026] The size of the first fixing portion 13a is smaller than the size of the holding member 10. Specifically, the length of the first fixing portion 13a in the second direction S is equal to or greater than 1 / 5 and less than 1 / 2 of the length of the holding member 10 in the second direction S. Furthermore, the length of the first fixing portion 13a in the third direction T is equal to or greater than 1 / 3 and less than 1 / 2 of the length of the holding member 10 in the third direction T.

[0027] The first fixed portion 13b is disposed at the second corner D2. When viewed from the first direction F, the first fixed portion 13b overlaps the second corner D2. In this embodiment, the end of the first fixed portion 13b in the negative direction of the X axis overlaps the third side H3 when viewed in the Z axis direction. The end of the first fixed portion 13b in the positive direction of the Y axis overlaps the second side H2 when viewed in the Z axis direction. The first fixed portion 13b is separated from the first fixed portion 13a, the first fixed portion 13c, and the first fixed portion 13d. When viewed in the Z axis direction, the first fixed portion 13b does not overlap the first fixed portion 13a, the first fixed portion 13c, or the first fixed portion 13d. The first fixed portion 13b does not contact the first fixed portion 13a, the first fixed portion 13c, or the first fixed portion 13d. The other configurations of the first fixed portion 13b are the same as those of the first fixed portion 13a, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0028] The first fixed portion 13c is disposed at the third corner D3. When viewed from the first direction F, the first fixed portion 13c overlaps the third corner D3. In this embodiment, the end of the first fixed portion 13c in the positive direction of the X axis overlaps the fourth side H4 when viewed in the Z axis direction. The end of the first fixed portion 13c in the negative direction of the Y axis overlaps the first side H1 when viewed in the Z axis direction. The first fixed portion 13c is separated from the first fixed portion 13a, the first fixed portion 13b, and the first fixed portion 13d. When viewed in the Z axis direction, the first fixed portion 13c does not overlap with the first fixed portion 13a, the first fixed portion 13b, and the first fixed portion 13d. The first fixed portion 13c does not contact the first fixed portion 13a, the first fixed portion 13b, and the first fixed portion 13d. The other configurations of the first fixed portion 13c are the same as those of the first fixed portion 13a, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0029] The first fixed portion 13d is disposed at the fourth corner D4. When viewed from the first direction F, the first fixed portion 13d overlaps the fourth corner D4. In this embodiment, the end of the first fixed portion 13d in the positive direction of the X axis overlaps the fourth side H4 when viewed in the Z axis direction. The end of the first fixed portion 13d in the positive direction of the Y axis overlaps the second side H2 when viewed in the Z axis direction. The first fixed portion 13d is separated from the first fixed portion 13a, the first fixed portion 13b, and the first fixed portion 13c. When viewed in the Z axis direction, the first fixed portion 13d does not overlap with the first fixed portion 13a, the first fixed portion 13b, and the first fixed portion 13c. The first fixed portion 13d does not contact the first fixed portion 13a, the first fixed portion 13b, and the first fixed portion 13c. The other configurations of the first fixed portion 13d are the same as those of the first fixed portion 13a, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0030] The four first fixing portions 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d create gaps between the holding member 10 and the housing 11. For example, a gap exists between the holding member 10 and the housing 11 between the first fixing portion 13a and the first fixing portion 13b. A gap exists between the holding member 10 and the housing 11 between the first fixing portion 13a and the first fixing portion 13c. A gap exists between the holding member 10 and the housing 11 between the first fixing portion 13c and the first fixing portion 13d. A gap exists between the holding member 10 and the housing 11 between the first fixing portion 13b and the first fixing portion 13d.

[0031] (Effect) In the terminal described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter referred to as the comparative example), the entire outer periphery of the holding member is fixed to the housing. In this case, when a user presses the outer periphery of the holding member in the negative direction of the Z axis, the holding member is unlikely to deform so as to protrude in the negative direction of the Z axis. Therefore, in the comparative example, when a user presses the outer periphery of the holding member, the piezoelectric sensor provided on the holding member is unlikely to deform. As a result, in the comparative example, there is a possibility that the piezoelectric sensor will not be able to detect deformation of the holding member.

[0032] Meanwhile, the sensor 1 includes four first fixing portions 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d. The four first fixing portions 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d are disposed at four corners of the holding member 10. As a result, the portions of the holding member 10 where the four first fixing portions 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d are in contact (hereinafter referred to as contact portions) are fixed to the housing 11. At this time, for example, compared to the contact portions, the portions of the holding member 10 located between the first fixing portions 13a and 13b are not firmly fixed to the housing 11. Therefore, compared to the contact portions, the portions of the holding member 10 located between the first fixing portions 13a and 13b are more likely to deform and protrude in the negative direction of the Z axis. Therefore, the deformation detection sensor 12 fixed to the holding member 10 is more likely to deform. As a result, with the sensor 1, the deformation detection sensor 12 can more easily detect the deformation of the holding member 10.

[0033] For the same reason, the portion of the holding member 10 located between the first fixed portion 13a and the first fixed portion 13c is more easily deformed than the contact portion, making it easier for the deformation detection sensor 12 to detect deformation of the holding member 10. The portion of the holding member 10 located between the first fixed portion 13b and the first fixed portion 13d is more easily deformed than the contact portion, making it easier for the deformation detection sensor 12 to detect deformation of the holding member 10. The portion of the holding member 10 located between the first fixed portion 13c and the first fixed portion 13d is more easily deformed than the contact portion, making it easier for the deformation detection sensor 12 to detect deformation of the holding member 10.

[0034] In the sensor 1, a gap exists between the holding member 10 and the housing 11 due to the four first fixing portions 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d (plurality of first fixing portions). For example, a gap exists between the holding member 10 and the housing 11, between the first fixing portion 13a and the first fixing portion 13b. As a result, when the user 200 presses the area between the first fixing portion 13a and the first fixing portion 13b of the holding member 10 (the outer peripheral edge of the holding member 10) in the negative direction of the Z axis, the holding member 10 is likely to deform so as to protrude in the negative direction of the Z axis. Therefore, the deformation detection sensor 12 fixed to the holding member 10 is likely to deform. As a result, according to the sensor 1, the deformation detection sensor 12 can easily detect deformation of the holding member 10.

[0035] For the same reason, the holding member 10 is easily deformed between first fixed portion 13b and first fixed portion 13d, making it easier for the deformation detection sensor 12 to detect deformation of the holding member 10. For the same reason, the holding member 10 is easily deformed between first fixed portion 13a and first fixed portion 13b, making it easier for the deformation detection sensor 12 to detect deformation of the holding member 10. For the same reason, the holding member 10 is easily deformed between first fixed portion 13c and first fixed portion 13d, making it easier for the deformation detection sensor 12 to detect deformation of the holding member 10.

[0036] [Modification 1] A sensor 1a according to Modification 1 will now be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the sensor 1a according to Modification 1. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the holding member 10, the four first fixing portions 13a to 13d, and the four second fixing portions 14a to 14d as viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis.

[0037] Sensor 1a differs from sensor 1 in that it further includes at least one second fixed portion. In this modification, as shown in FIG. 5 , sensor 1a further includes four second fixed portions 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. Each of the four second fixed portions 14a to 14d is fixed to the second main surface DF10 of holding member 10. Each of the four second fixed portions 14a to 14d overlaps the outer periphery of holding member 10 when viewed from first direction F. Each of the four second fixed portions 14a to 14d does not overlap one another when viewed from the Z-axis direction. Each of the four second fixed portions 14a to 14d does not contact one another. Each of the four second fixed portions 14a to 14d does not overlap one another with the four first fixed portions 13a to 13d (multiple first fixed portions) when viewed from first direction F. Each of the four second fixing portions 14a to 14d does not overlap with the deformation detection sensor 12. Each of the four second fixing portions 14a to 14d is, for example, a double-sided tape.

[0038] The second fixed portion 14a is located between the first fixed portion 13a and the first fixed portion 13c when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The second fixed portion 14a overlaps with the first side H1 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The end of the second fixed portion 14a in the negative direction of the Y-axis overlaps with the first side H1 when viewed in the Z-axis direction.

[0039] The second fixing portion 14a is softer than the first fixing portion 13a. Specifically, the product of the Young's modulus of the first fixing portion 13a and the thickness of the first fixing portion 13a in the first direction F is the first coefficient of the first fixing portion 13a. The product of the Young's modulus of the second fixing portion 14a and the thickness of the second fixing portion 14a in the first direction F is the second coefficient of the second fixing portion 14a. In this case, the second coefficient of the second fixing portion 14a is smaller than the first coefficient of the first fixing portion 13a.

[0040] Similarly, second fixed portion 14a is softer than first fixed portions 13b, 13c, and 13d. Specifically, the second coefficient of second fixed portion 14a is smaller than the first coefficient of first fixed portion 13b. The second coefficient of second fixed portion 14a is smaller than the first coefficient of first fixed portion 13c. The second coefficient of second fixed portion 14a is smaller than the first coefficient of first fixed portion 13d.

[0041] The second fixed portion 14b is located between the first fixed portion 13b and the first fixed portion 13d when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The second fixed portion 14b overlaps with the second side H2 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The end of the second fixed portion 14b in the positive direction of the Y-axis overlaps with the second side H2 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. As with the second fixed portion 14a, the second coefficient of the second fixed portion 14b is smaller than the first coefficients of each of the first fixed portions 13a to 13d. The other configuration of the second fixed portion 14b is the same as that of the second fixed portion 14a, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] The second fixed portion 14c is located between the first fixed portion 13a and the first fixed portion 13b when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The second fixed portion 14c overlaps with the third side H3 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The end of the second fixed portion 14c in the negative direction of the X-axis overlaps with the third side H3 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. As with the second fixed portion 14a, the second coefficient of the second fixed portion 14c is smaller than the first coefficients of each of the first fixed portions 13a to 13d. The other configuration of the second fixed portion 14c is the same as the configuration of the second fixed portion 14a, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0043] Second fixed portion 14d is located between first fixed portion 13c and first fixed portion 13d when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Second fixed portion 14d overlaps with fourth side H4 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The end of second fixed portion 14d in the positive direction of the X-axis overlaps with fourth side H4 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. Similar to second fixed portion 14a, the second coefficient of second fixed portion 14d is smaller than the first coefficients of each of first fixed portions 13a to 13d. The other configuration of second fixed portion 14d is the same as that of second fixed portion 14a, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0044] In the above configuration, the largest second coefficient among the second coefficients possessed by each of the multiple second fixed portions 14a to 14d is smaller than the smallest first coefficient among the first coefficients possessed by each of the multiple first fixed portions 13a to 13d.

[0045] (Effect) When viewed in the Z-axis direction, the deformation detection sensor 12 of the sensor 1a is surrounded by four second fixing portions 14a to 14d in addition to four first fixing portions 13a to 13d. In this case, foreign matter such as liquid is less likely to enter the sensor 1a from outside. Therefore, the deformation detection sensor 12 and electronic components other than the deformation detection sensor 12 that the sensor 1a is equipped with are less likely to come into contact with foreign matter such as liquid. Therefore, the sensor 1a is less likely to break down.

[0046] For example, the second coefficient of the second fixing portion 14a is smaller than the first coefficient of the first fixing portion 13a. In this case, the portion of the holding member 10 where the second fixing portion 14a is arranged is more likely to deform so as to protrude in the negative direction of the Z axis than the portion of the holding member 10 where the first fixing portions 13a, 13b, and 13c are arranged. Therefore, the deformation detection sensor 12 provided on the holding member 10 can more easily detect deformation of the holding member 10. For the same reason, the portions of the holding member 10 where the second fixing portions 14b, 14c, and 14d are arranged are more likely to deform, making it easier for the deformation detection sensor 12 to detect deformation of the holding member 10.

[0047] [Modification 2] A sensor 1b according to Modification 2 will now be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the sensor 1b according to Modification 2. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the holding member 10, the first fixing portions 13a to 13d, and the second fixing portions 14a to 14d as viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis.

[0048] The softness of the second fixed portion 14c in sensor 1b is different from the softness of the second fixed portion 14c in sensor 1a. Specifically, in this modification, the second fixed portion 14c is softer than the second fixed portion 14a. More specifically, the second coefficient of the second fixed portion 14c is smaller than the second coefficient of the second fixed portion 14a. Similarly, the second coefficient of the second fixed portion 14c is smaller than the second coefficient of the second fixed portion 14b. The other configuration of the second fixed portion 14c in sensor 1b is the same as the configuration of the second fixed portion 14c in sensor 1a, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] Furthermore, the softness of the second fixed portion 14d in sensor 1b is different from the softness of the second fixed portion 14d in sensor 1a. Specifically, in this modification, the second fixed portion 14d is softer than the second fixed portion 14a. More specifically, the second coefficient of the second fixed portion 14d is smaller than the second coefficient of the second fixed portion 14a. Similarly, the second coefficient of the second fixed portion 14d is smaller than the second coefficient of the second fixed portion 14b. The other configuration of the second fixed portion 14d in sensor 1b is the same as the configuration of the second fixed portion 14d in sensor 1a, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] In the above configuration, the second coefficient of the second fixing portions 14a, 14b, which are arranged on the long sides of the holding member 10 among the multiple second fixing portions 14a to 14d, is larger than the second coefficient of the second fixing portions 14c, 14d, which are arranged on the short sides of the holding member 10 among the multiple second fixing portions 14a to 14d.

[0051] (Effect) For example, the vicinity of the first side H1, which is the long side, is more susceptible to deformation than the vicinity of the third side H3, which is the short side. Here, the second fixed portion 14c arranged near the third side H3 is softer than the second fixed portion 14a arranged near the first side H1. In this case, the second fixed portion 14a, which is less susceptible to deformation, is arranged near the first side H1, which is more susceptible to deformation. Furthermore, the second fixed portion 14c, which is more susceptible to deformation, is arranged near the third side H3, which is less susceptible to deformation. As a result, when the magnitude of the force applied near the first side H1 is the same as the magnitude of the force applied near the third side H3, the amount of deformation near the first side H1 is likely to be the same as the amount of deformation near the third side H3. As a result, an arithmetic circuit or the like (not shown) that receives the signal output by the deformation detection sensor 12 can more easily accurately determine the magnitude of the force applied to the holding member 10.

[0052] [Modification 3] A sensor 1c according to Modification 3 will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a sensor 1c according to Modification 3.

[0053] The sensor 1c differs from the sensor 1b in that it includes five or more second fixing portions 14aa to 14ae, 14ba to 14be, 14ca to 14cd, and 14da to 14dd.

[0054] The second fixed portions 14aa to 14ae are arranged in this order at intervals in the negative direction of the X axis. The ends of the second fixed portions 14aa to 14ae in the negative direction of the Y axis overlap with the first side H1 when viewed in the Z axis direction.

[0055] In this modification, the second coefficients of the second fixing portions 14aa to 14ae preferably have stepped values ​​according to the distance from the corners of the holding member 10. For example, the second coefficients of the second fixing portions 14ab and 14ad are preferably larger than the second coefficients of the second fixing portions 14aa and 14ae. The second coefficient of the second fixing portion 14ac is preferably larger than the second coefficients of the second fixing portions 14ab and 14ad.

[0056] The ends of second fixed portions 14ba-14be in the positive direction of the Y axis overlap with second side H2 when viewed in the Z axis direction. As with second fixed portions 14aa-14ae, the second coefficients of second fixed portions 14ba-14be preferably have stepped values ​​that correspond to the distance from the corners of holding member 10. The other configurations of second fixed portions 14ba-14be are the same as those of second fixed portions 14aa-14ae, and therefore will not be described here.

[0057] The second fixed portions 14ca to 14ce are arranged in this order at intervals in the negative direction of the Y axis. Similar to the second fixed portions 14aa to 14ae, the second coefficients of the second fixed portions 14ca to 14ce have stepped values ​​that correspond to the distance from the corners of the holding member 10. The ends of the second fixed portions 14ca to 14ce in the negative direction of the X axis overlap with the third side H3 when viewed in the Z axis direction.

[0058] The ends of second fixing portions 14da-14de in the positive direction of the X-axis overlap fourth side H4 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. As with second fixing portions 14aa-14ae, the second coefficients of second fixing portions 14da-14de preferably have stepped values ​​that correspond to the distance from the corners of holding member 10. The rest of the configuration of second fixing portions 14da-14de is the same as that of second fixing portions 14ca-14ce, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] As described above, in this modification, multiple second fixing portions are provided on each side of the holding member 10. In this case, the second coefficient is calculated based on the average value of the thicknesses of the multiple second fixing portions provided on each side of the holding member 10. For example, the average value of the thicknesses of the multiple second fixing portions 14aa to 14ae provided on the first side H1 is defined as the thickness of the second fixing portions on the first side H1. The average value obtained by dividing the second coefficients of the multiple second fixing portions 14aa to 14ae by the number of multiple second fixing portions arranged on the first side H1 is then defined as the second coefficient of the second fixing portions on the first side H1. In this case, the second coefficient of the second fixing portions on the first side H1 (the long side of the holding member 10) is greater than the second coefficient of the second fixing portions on the third side H3 (the short side of the holding member 10) or the second coefficient of the second fixing portions on the fourth side H4 (the short side of the holding member 10). Similarly, the second coefficient of the second fixed portion on the second side H2 is greater than the second coefficient of the second fixed portion on the third side H3 or the second coefficient of the second fixed portion on the fourth side H4.

[0060] (Effect) The vicinity of the center of the first side H1 is more susceptible to deformation than the vicinity of both ends of the first side H1. Here, the second coefficients of the second fixed portions 14ab and 14ad are greater than the second coefficients of the second fixed portions 14aa and 14ae. The second coefficient of the second fixed portion 14ac is greater than the second coefficients of the second fixed portions 14ab and 14ad. In this case, the second fixed portion 14ac, which is less susceptible to deformation, is disposed near the center of the first side H1, which is more susceptible to deformation. Furthermore, the second fixed portions 14aa and 14ae, which are more susceptible to deformation, are disposed near both ends of the first side H1, which is less susceptible to deformation. As a result, when the magnitude of the force applied near the center of the first side H1 is the same as the magnitude of the force applied near both ends of the first side H1, the amount of deformation near the center of the first side H1 is likely to be the same as the amount of deformation near both ends of the first side H1. As a result, an arithmetic circuit or the like (not shown) that receives the signal output by the deformation detection sensor 12 can more easily accurately identify the magnitude of the force applied to the holding member 10 .

[0061] For the same reason, the second fixed portions 14ba to 14be, 14ca to 14ce, or 14da to 14de having different softnesses make it easier for the calculation circuit to accurately determine the magnitude of the force applied to the holding member 10.

[0062] [Modification 4] A sensor 1d according to Modification 4 will now be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a sensor 1d according to Modification 4.

[0063] 8, sensor 1d differs from sensor 1 in that it includes first fixing portions 13a2, 13b2, 13c2, and 13d2 that have different shapes from first fixing portions 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d, instead of first fixing portions 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d. Each of first fixing portions 13a2, 13b2, 13c2, and 13d2 has an L-shape when viewed in the first direction F.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 8 , a portion of the first fixed portion 13a2 extends from the first corner D1 in the positive direction of the X-axis. A portion of the first fixed portion 13a2 extends from the first corner D1 in the positive direction of the Y-axis. A portion of the first fixed portion 13b2 extends from the second corner D2 in the positive direction of the X-axis. A portion of the first fixed portion 13b2 extends from the second corner D2 in the negative direction of the Y-axis. A portion of the first fixed portion 13c2 extends from the third corner D3 in the negative direction of the X-axis. A portion of the first fixed portion 13c2 extends from the third corner D3 in the positive direction of the Y-axis. A portion of the first fixed portion 13d2 extends from the fourth corner D4 in the negative direction of the X-axis. A portion of the first fixed portion 13d2 extends from the fourth corner D4 in the negative direction of the Y-axis.

[0065] (Effect) For example, the first fixing portion 13a2 is L-shaped when viewed in the Z-axis direction. In this case, the area of ​​the portion of sensor 1d where first fixing portion 13a2 is in contact with holding member 10 is larger than the area of ​​the portion of sensor 1 where first fixing portion 13a is in contact with holding member 10. Therefore, holding member 10 is more easily fixed to housing 11. For the same reason, first fixing portions 13b2, 13c2, and 13d2 make it easier to fix holding member 10 to housing 11.

[0066] When viewed in the Z-axis direction, the deformation detection sensor 12 is surrounded by the L-shaped first fixing portions 13a2, 13b2, 13c2, and 13d2. In this case, the distance between the portion of the holding member 10 pressed by the user 200 and the portion of the holding member 10 where the fixing portions 13a2, 13b2, 13c2, and 13d2 are provided tends to be constant. Therefore, when the force with which the user 200 presses the holding member 10 is constant, the amount of deformation of the holding member 10 tends to be constant regardless of the position where the user 200 presses the holding member 10. As a result, an arithmetic circuit (not shown) that receives the signal output by the deformation detection sensor 12 can easily accurately determine the magnitude of the force applied to the holding member 10. In addition, the sensor 1d achieves the same effects as the sensor 1.

[0067] [Modification 5] A sensor 1e according to Modification 5 will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a sensor 1e according to Modification 5.

[0068] 9, sensor 1e differs from sensor 1d in that it includes second fixed portions 14a to 14d. The configuration of second fixed portions 14a to 14d in sensor 1e is the same as the configuration of second fixed portions 14a to 14d in sensor 1a. Sensor 1e achieves the same effects as sensor 1a and sensor 1d.

[0069] [First Modification of Electronic Device EE] Hereinafter, electronic devices EEa1 and EEa2 according to a first modification of the electronic device EE will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device EEa1. Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device EEa2. In Figs. 10 and 11, the housing 11 is omitted.

[0070] The electronic device EEa1 includes a sensor 1 and a touch panel 16. As shown in Fig. 10, the touch panel 16 is located between the holding member 10 and the deformation detection sensor 12 in the Z-axis direction. The touch panel 16 is, for example, a capacitive touch panel. The touch panel 16 identifies the position on the holding member 10 that is pressed by the user 200. The electronic device EEa1 can identify the position on the holding member 10 that the user 200 pressed, in addition to information such as the amount of deformation of the holding member 10.

[0071] 11 , the electronic device EEa2 differs from the electronic device EEa1 in that the touch panel 16, the deformation detection sensor 12, and the holding member 10 are arranged in this order in the positive direction of the Z axis. The electronic device EEa2 has the same effects as the electronic device EEa1.

[0072] [Modification 2 of Electronic Device EE] Hereinafter, electronic devices EEb1 and EEb2 according to Modification 2 of the electronic device EE will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device EEb1. Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the electronic device EEb2. In Figs. 12 and 13, the housing 11 is omitted.

[0073] 12 , the electronic device EEb1 differs from the electronic device EEa1 in that it further includes a display 17. The display 17 is located between the deformation detection sensor 12 and the touch panel 16 in the Z-axis direction. The display 17 is an organic EL display, a liquid crystal display, or the like. The electronic device EEb1 allows the user 200 to view information displayed on the display 17. In addition, the electronic device EEb1 achieves the same effects as the electronic device EEa1.

[0074] 13, the electronic device EEb2 differs from the electronic device EEb1 in that the display 17, the deformation detection sensor 12, the touch panel 16, and the holding member 10 are arranged in this order in the positive direction of the Z axis. The electronic device EEb2 has the same effects as the electronic device EEb1.

[0075] The sensors and electronic devices according to the present invention are not limited to the sensors 1, 1a to 1e and the electronic devices EE, EEa1 to EEb2, and may be modified within the scope of the gist thereof. The configurations of the sensors 1, 1a to 1e and the electronic devices EE, EEa1 to EEb2 may be combined in any manner.

[0076] The holding member 10 may have a square shape when viewed in the first direction F.

[0077] The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions are defined for the purpose of explanation. Therefore, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions during actual use of the sensors 1, 1a-1e and the electronic devices EE, EEa1-EEb2 do not necessarily coincide with the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions in each embodiment and each modified example. For example, the long side of the holding member 10 may extend along the Y-axis, and the short side of the holding member 10 may extend along the X-axis.

[0078] The first direction F, the second direction S, and the third direction T are directions defined for the purpose of explanation. Therefore, the first direction F, the second direction S, and the third direction T during actual use of the sensors 1, 1a to 1e and the electronic devices EE, EEa1 to EEb2 do not necessarily have to match the first direction F, the second direction S, and the third direction T in each embodiment and each modified example.

[0079] It should be noted that each of the first fixing portions 13a to 13d does not necessarily have to be double-sided tape. It should be noted that each of the second fixing portions 14a to 14d does not necessarily have to be double-sided tape. It should be noted that each of the second fixing portions 14aa to 14ae and each of the second fixing portions 14ba to 14be does not necessarily have to be double-sided tape. It should be noted that each of the second fixing portions 14ca to 14cd does not necessarily have to be double-sided tape. It should be noted that each of the second fixing portions 14da to 14de does not necessarily have to be double-sided tape.

[0080] The sensor 1c may include 21 or more second fixing portions. The sensor 1c may include 5 to 19 second fixing portions.

[0081] The electronic devices EEa1, EEa2, EEb1, and EEb2 may include any one of sensors 1a to 1e instead of sensor 1.

[0082] It should be noted that the first electrode 120 does not necessarily have to be the reference electrode, and the second electrode 122 does not necessarily have to be the signal electrode. For example, in the sensors 1, 1a to 1e, the first electrode 120 may be the signal electrode, and the second electrode 122 may be the reference electrode.

[0083] It should be noted that the sensors 1, 1a to 1e do not necessarily have to include the housing 11. For example, the housing 11 may be one of the components of the electronic devices EEa1, EEa2, EEb1, and EEb2.

[0084] The configuration of the housing 11 is not limited to the example described in the first embodiment and Fig. 1. For example, the frame-shaped portion 111 of the housing 11 may be produced by cutting a plate having a planar shape.

[0085] In Modification 1, the sensor 1a does not necessarily have to include the four second fixing portions 14a to 14d. The sensor 1a only needs to include at least one of the four second fixing portions 14a to 14d.

[0086] In Modification 1, sensor 1a does not necessarily have to include four second fixed portions 14a to 14d. Sensor 1a may, for example, include only two of the four second fixed portions 14a to 14d. For example, sensor 1a may include only second fixed portions 14a and 14b, or only second fixed portions 14c and 14d.

[0087] In the first modification, the values ​​of the second coefficients of the second fixed parts 14a to 14d do not necessarily have to be the same.

[0088] The present invention has the following structure:

[0089] (1) A sensor comprising: a holding member including a first main surface and a second main surface aligned in a first direction and having a rectangular shape when viewed from the first direction; a deformation detection sensor that outputs a signal according to deformation of the holding member; and a plurality of first fixing portions fixed to the second main surface and overlapping corners of the holding member when viewed from the first direction, wherein the plurality of first fixing portions are spaced apart from one another.

[0090] (2) The sensor according to (1), further comprising at least one second fixing portion fixed to the second main surface, wherein the at least one second fixing portion overlaps an outer periphery of the holding member when viewed from the first direction, and does not overlap the plurality of first fixing portions when viewed from the first direction.

[0091] (3) The sensor described in (2), wherein in each first fixed portion, the product of Young's modulus and thickness is a first coefficient, and in each second fixed portion, the product of Young's modulus and thickness is a second coefficient, and the largest second coefficient among the second coefficients possessed by the at least one second fixed portion is smaller than the smallest first coefficient among the first coefficients possessed by each of the plurality of first fixed portions.

[0092] (4) The sensor described in (3), wherein the second coefficient of the second fixing portion of the at least one second fixing portion that is arranged on a long side of the holding member is larger than the second coefficient of the second fixing portion of the at least one second fixing portion that is arranged on a short side of the holding member.

[0093] (5) The sensor according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the number of the plurality of first fixing portions is four, and the four first fixing portions and corners of the holding member overlap when viewed from the first direction.

[0094] (6) A sensor module described in any of (1) to (5), wherein the holding member has a rectangular shape with two long sides extending in a second direction and two short sides extending in a third direction, the length of each of the plurality of first fixing portions in the second direction is greater than or equal to 1 / 5 and less than 1 / 2 of the length of the holding member in the second direction, and the length of each of the plurality of first fixing portions in the third direction is greater than or equal to 1 / 3 and less than 1 / 2 of the length of the holding member in the third direction.

[0095] (7) The sensor module according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein each of the plurality of first fixing portions has an L-shape when viewed in the first direction.

[0096] (8) The sensor module according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein each of the plurality of first fixing portions is a double-sided tape.

[0097] (9) The sensor according to any one of (1) to (8), further comprising a housing, wherein each of the plurality of first fixing portions is fixed to the housing, and wherein each of the plurality of first fixing portions is positioned between the holding member and the housing in the first direction.

[0098] (10) An electronic device comprising: the sensor according to any one of (1) to (9); and a touch panel.

[0099] (11) The electronic device according to (10), further comprising a display.

[0100] 1, 1a to 1e: Sensor 10: Holding member 11: Housing 12: Deformation detection sensor 13a to 13d: First fixing portion D1: First corner portion D2: Second corner portion D3: Third corner portion D4: Fourth corner portion SF1: First main surface SF2: Second main surface F: First direction S: Second direction T: Third direction EE, EEa1 to EEb2: Electronic device

Claims

1. A holding member including a first main surface and a second main surface arranged in a first direction and having a rectangular shape when viewed from the first direction, A deformation detection sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the deformation of the holding member, A plurality of first fixing portions fixed to the second main surface and overlapping with the corner portions of the holding member when viewed from the first direction, At least one second fixing portion fixed to the second main surface, Comprising: The plurality of first fixing portions are separated from each other, At least one of the second fixing portions overlaps with the outer peripheral portion of the holding member when viewed from the first direction and does not overlap with the plurality of first fixing portions when viewed from the first direction, In each first fixing portion, the integrated value of the Young's modulus and the thickness is a first coefficient, In each second fixing portion, the integrated value of the Young's modulus and the thickness is a second coefficient, The largest second coefficient among the second coefficients of each of the at least one second fixing portion is smaller than the smallest first coefficient among the first coefficients of each of the plurality of first fixing portions, Each of the plurality of first fixing portions has an L shape when viewed in the first direction, Sensor.

2. The second coefficient of the second fixing portion arranged on the long side of the holding member among the at least one second fixing portion is larger than the second coefficient of the second fixing portion arranged on the short side of the holding member among the at least one second fixing portion, The sensor according to claim 1.

3. The number of the plurality of first fixing portions is four, When viewed from the first direction, the four first fixing portions overlap with the corner portions of the holding member, The sensor according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The holding member has a rectangular shape having two long sides extending in a second direction and two short sides extending in a third direction, The length of each of the plurality of first fixing portions in the second direction is 1 / 5 or more and less than 1 / 2 of the length of the holding member in the second direction, The length of each of the plurality of first fixing portions in the third direction is 1 / 3 or more and less than 1 / 2 of the length of the holding member in the third direction, The sensor according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. Each of the plurality of first fixing portions is a double-sided tape, The sensor according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The sensor further includes a housing, Each of the plurality of first fixing portions is fixed to the housing, In the first direction, each of the plurality of first fixing portions is located between the holding member and the housing. The sensor according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. A holding member including a first main surface and a second main surface arranged in a first direction and having a rectangular shape when viewed from the first direction, A deformation detection sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the deformation of the holding member, A plurality of first fixing portions fixed to the second main surface and overlapping the corner portions of the holding member when viewed from the first direction, At least one second fixing portion fixed to the second main surface, Comprising: The plurality of first fixing portions are separated from each other, At least one of the second fixing portions overlaps the outer peripheral portion of the holding member when viewed from the first direction and does not overlap the plurality of first fixing portions when viewed from the first direction, In each first fixing portion, the integrated value of the Young's modulus and the thickness is a first coefficient, In each second fixing portion, the integrated value of the Young's modulus and the thickness is a second coefficient, The largest second coefficient among the second coefficients of each of the at least one second fixing portion is smaller than the smallest first coefficient among the first coefficients of each of the plurality of first fixing portions, The second coefficient of the second fixing portion arranged on the long side of the holding member among the at least one second fixing portion is larger than the second coefficient of the second fixing portion arranged on the short side of the holding member among the at least one second fixing portion. Sensor.

8. The sensor according to any one of claim 1, claim 2, and claim 7, A touch panel, An electronic device comprising:

9. The electronic device further comprises a display. The electronic device according to claim 8.