U.S. patent application number 14/991508 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-05 for acceleration sensor.
The applicant listed for this patent is RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Akira TANABE.
Application Number | 20160124012 14/991508 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50185541 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160124012 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TANABE; Akira |
May 5, 2016 |
ACCELERATION SENSOR
Abstract
An acceleration sensor includes an outer frame body, a heating
element, a first temperature sensing element for temperature
measurement and a second temperature sensing element for
temperature measurement, and an operational amplifier. In the outer
frame body, a fluid chamber capable of sealing a fluid inside
thereof is formed. The heating element is formed on a circuit
mounting surface which is a specific inner wall surface of a
plurality of inner wall surfaces defining the fluid chamber. The
first temperature sensing element and the second temperature
sensing element are formed on the circuit mounting surface. The
distance from the first temperature sensing element to the heating
element is shorter than the distance from the second temperature
sensing element to the heating element. The operational amplifier
calculates a difference between a measurement result by the first
temperature sensing element and a measurement result by the second
temperature sensing element.
Inventors: |
TANABE; Akira; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
50185541 |
Appl. No.: |
14/991508 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14013350 |
Aug 29, 2013 |
9261529 |
|
|
14991508 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
73/514.33 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01P 15/0897 20130101;
G01P 15/008 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01P 15/08 20060101
G01P015/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 31, 2012 |
JP |
2012-190966 |
Claims
1. An acceleration sensor comprising: an outer frame body in which
a chamber inside thereof is formed; a heating element formed on a
specific inner wall surface which is a specific inner wall surface
of a plurality of inner wall surfaces defining the chamber; a first
temperature sensing element for temperature measurement and a
second temperature sensing element for temperature measurement,
which are formed on the specific inner surface, with the distance
from the first temperature sensing element to the heating element
being shorter than the distance from the second temperature sensing
element to the heating element; and a difference operation circuit
configured to calculate a difference between a measurement result
by the first temperature sensing element and a measurement result
by the second temperature sensing element.
2. An acceleration sensor comprising: an outer frame body in which
a chamber inside thereof is formed; a heating element formed on a
specific inner wall surface which is a specific inner wall surface
of a plurality of inner wall surfaces defining the chamber; a pair
of first temperature sensing elements for temperature measurement
and a pair of second temperature sensing elements for temperature
measurement which are formed on the specific inner wall surface,
with the pair of first temperature sensing elements being arranged
at a same distance from the heating element, the pair of first
temperature sensing elements being arranged so as to sandwich the
heating element, the pair of second temperature sensing elements
being arranged at a same distance from the heating element, the
pair of second temperature sensing elements being arranged so as to
sandwich the heating element, and the distance from the pair of
first temperature sensing elements to the heating element being
shorter than the distance from the pair of second temperature
sensing elements to the heating element; a first sum total
operation circuit configured to calculate a sum total of
measurement results by the pair of first temperature sensing
elements; a second sum total operation circuit configured to
calculate a sum of measurement results by the pair of second
temperature sensing elements; and a difference operation circuit
configured to calculate a difference between a calculation result
by the first sum total operation circuit and a calculation result
by the second sum operation circuit.
3. The acceleration sensor according to claim 2, wherein the
heating element, the pair of first temperature sensing elements,
and the pair of second temperature sensing elements are arranged
side by side in a line.
4. The acceleration sensor according to claim 3, further
comprising: a pair of first protrusion parts which is arranged,
respectively, between the pair of first temperature sensing
elements and the pair of second temperature sensing elements, and
which is formed so as to protrude from the specific inner wall
surface.
5. The acceleration sensor according to claim 4, further
comprising: a pair of second protrusion parts which is arranged,
respectively, on the opposite sides of the pair of first protrusion
parts, with the pair of second temperature sensing elements being
sandwiched in between, and which is formed so as to protrude from
the specific inner wall surface.
6. The acceleration sensor according to claim 5, wherein an amount
of protrusion of the pair of first protrusion parts and an amount
of protrusion of the pair of second protrusion parts are equal to
each other.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation application of U.S. Ser.
No. 14/013,350 filed Aug. 29, 2013, which claims priority to
Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-190966 filed on Aug. 31, 2012.
The subject matter of each is incorporated herein by reference in
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to an acceleration sensor that
detects an acceleration of an object.
[0003] As this type of technique, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
2000-193677 (Patent Document 1) discloses a sensor element in which
there are provided a heater resistor for producing heat and a pair
of temperature-detecting resistors sandwiching the heater resistor
for producing heat, over one plane inside a vessel filled with a
fluid. If the sensor element receives acceleration in a state where
the heater resistor for producing heat is caused to produce heat,
the convection direction of the fluid changes and a difference is
caused between the resistance values of the pair of
temperature-detecting resistors. By detecting the difference
between the resistance values, it is possible to detect the
acceleration acting on the sensor element.
SUMMARY
[0004] However, with the configuration of the above-described
Patent Document 1, it is possible to detect only the acceleration
component in a direction parallel to the one plane over which the
heater resistor for producing heat and the pair of
temperature-detecting resistors are arranged.
[0005] The other problems and the new features will become clear
from the description of the present specification and the
accompanying drawings.
[0006] According to an embodiment, the acceleration sensor includes
an outer frame body in which a fluid sealing chamber capable of
sealing a fluid inside thereof is formed, a heating element formed
on a specific inner wall surface which is a specific inner wall
surface of a plurality of inner wall surfaces defining the fluid
sealing chamber, a first temperature sensing element for
temperature measurement and a second temperature sensing element
for temperature measurement which are formed on the specific inner
wall surface, with the distance from the first temperature sensing
element to the heating element being shorter than the distance from
the second temperature sensing element to the heating element, and
a difference operation circuit configured to calculate a difference
between a measurement result by the first temperature sensing
element and a measurement result by the second temperature sensing
element. According to another embodiment, the acceleration sensor
includes an outer frame body in which a fluid sealing chamber
capable of sealing a fluid inside thereof is formed, a heating
element formed on a specific inner wall surface which is a specific
inner wall surface of a plurality of inner wall surfaces defining
the fluid sealing chamber, a pair of first temperature sensing
elements for temperature measurement and a pair of second
temperature sensing elements for temperature measurement which are
formed on the specific inner wall surface, with the pair of first
temperature sensing elements being arranged at the same distance
from the heating element, the pair of first temperature sensing
elements being arranged so as to sandwich the heating element, the
pair of second temperature sensing elements being arranged at the
same distance from the heating element, the pair of second
temperature sensing elements being arranged so as to sandwich the
heating element, and the distance from the pair of first
temperature sensing elements to the heating element being shorter
than the distance from the pair of second temperature sensing
elements to the heating element, a first sum total operation
circuit configured to calculate a sum of measurement results by the
pair of first temperature sensing elements, a second sum total
operation circuit configured to calculate a sum of measurement
results by the pair of second temperature sensing elements, and a
difference operation circuit configured to calculate a difference
between a calculation result by the first sum total operation
circuit and a calculation result by the second sum total sum
operation circuit.
[0007] By the calculation result by the difference operation
circuit, it is possible to detect the acceleration in the direction
orthogonal to the specific inner wall surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an external appearance of an
acceleration sensor (First Embodiment);
[0009] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the
acceleration sensor (First Embodiment);
[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along a III-III line in
FIG. 1 (First Embodiment);
[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view when movement of heat is
imaged (First Embodiment);
[0012] FIG. 5A is a contour chart of a temperature distribution
when the acceleration is in the downward direction, and FIG. 5B is
a contour chart of a temperature distribution when the acceleration
is in the upward direction (First Embodiment);
[0013] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the acceleration sensor
(First Embodiment);
[0014] FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway perspective view of an
acceleration sensor (Second Embodiment);
[0015] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the acceleration sensor
(Second Embodiment);
[0016] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view when movement of heat is
imaged (Second Embodiment);
[0017] FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of the acceleration sensor
(Second Embodiment);
[0018] FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway perspective view of an
acceleration sensor (Third Embodiment);
[0019] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the acceleration sensor
(Third Embodiment);
[0020] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view when movement of heat is
imaged (Third Embodiment);
[0021] FIG. 14 is a partially cutaway perspective view of an
acceleration sensor (Fourth Embodiment);
[0022] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the acceleration sensor
(Fourth Embodiment); and
[0023] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view when movement of heat is
imaged (Fourth Embodiment).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
First Embodiment
[0024] Hereinafter, a First Embodiment will be explained with
reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6.
[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 6, an acceleration
sensor 1 includes an outer frame body 2, a heating element 3, a
first temperature sensing element 4, a second temperature sensing
element 5, and an operational amplifier (difference operation
circuit).
[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the outer frame body 2 includes a Si
substrate 7 (semiconductor substrate), a first insulating layer 8,
a second insulating layer 9, and a third insulating layer 10,
laminated in this order. The second insulating layer 9 is formed
into the shape of a ring when viewed in the lamination direction.
Due to this, inside the outer frame body 2, a fluid chamber 11
capable of sealing a gas G (fluid) is formed. In the present
embodiment, the fluid chamber 11 is formed into the form of
substantially a cuboid. On a circuit mounting surface 12 which is
an inner wall surface closest to the Si substrate 7 of a plurality
of inner wall surfaces defining the fluid chamber 11, the heating
element 3, the first temperature sensing element 4, and the second
temperature sensing element 5 are arranged. In the present
embodiment, the gas G is an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon. By
selecting such an inert gas, it is possible to prevent corrosion of
the heating element 3, the first temperature sensing element 4, and
the second temperature sensing element 5.
[0027] Here, "mounting surface orthogonal direction", "chamber
longitudinal direction", and "chamber width direction" are defined.
The "mounting surface orthogonal direction" is a direction
orthogonal to the circuit mounting surface 12. Of the mounting
surface orthogonal directions, the direction in which the first
insulating layer 8 is viewed from the third insulating layer 10 is
referred to as a mounting surface approaching direction, and the
direction in which the third insulating layer 10 is viewed from the
first insulating layer 8 is referred to as a mounting surface
leaving direction. The "chamber longitudinal direction" is the
longitudinal direction of the fluid chamber 11 in the form of
substantially a cuboid. The "chamber width direction" is the width
direction of the fluid chamber 11 in the form of substantially a
cuboid. The mounting surface orthogonal direction, the chamber
longitudinal direction, and the chamber width direction have a
relationship of being orthogonal to one another. In FIG. 3 and the
subsequent diagrams, for convenience of explanation, the fluid
chamber 11 is shown by a two-dot chain line drawn so as to surround
the fluid chamber 11.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the second insulating layer 9
has a small inner wall surface 9a and a small inner wall surface 9b
defining the fluid chamber 11 in the chamber longitudinal
direction. The small inner wall surface 9a and the small inner wall
surface 9b are surfaces parallel to each other. The third
insulating layer 10 has a ceiling surface 10a defining the mounting
surface leaving direction side of the fluid chamber 11. The ceiling
surface 10a is a surface parallel to the circuit mounting surface
12.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the heating element 3, the first
temperature sensing element 4, and the second temperature sensing
element 5 each have a shape elongated along the chamber width
direction. Then, the heating element 3, the first temperature
sensing element 4, and the second temperature sensing element 5 are
each formed over the circuit mounting surface 12 so as to be
parallel to the circuit mounting surface 12. As shown in FIG. 2 and
FIG. 3, the heating element 3, the first temperature sensing
element 4, and the second temperature sensing element 5 are
arranged in this order from the small inner wall surface 9a toward
the small inner wall surface 9b. The heating element 3, the first
temperature sensing element 4, and the second temperature sensing
element 5 are arranged side by side in a line along the chamber
longitudinal direction. The heating element 3 is arranged in the
vicinity of the small inner wall surface 9a. The first temperature
sensing element 4 is arranged in the vicinity of the heating
element 3. The second temperature sensing element 5 is arranged in
the vicinity of the small inner wall surface 9b. Consequently, a
distance D1 from the first temperature sensing element 4 to the
heating element 3 is shorter than a distance D2 from the second
temperature sensing element 5 to the heating element 3.
[0030] With the above configuration, when the heating element 3 is
caused to produce heat by causing a current to flow through the
heating element 3, a heat-transfer phenomenon as shown by thick
lines in FIG. 4 occurs. In FIG. 4, a heat-transfer path from the
heating element 3 to the first temperature sensing element 4 via
the gas G sealed in the fluid chamber 11 is shown by a
heat-transfer path p. In the same manner, a heat-transfer path from
the heating element 3 to the second temperature sensing element 5
via the gas G sealed in the fluid chamber 11 is shown by a
heat-transfer path q. In the same manner, a heat-transfer path from
the heating element 3 to the first temperature sensing element 4
via the Si substrate 7 and the first insulating layer 8 is shown by
a heat-transfer path r. In the same manner, a heat-transfer path
from the heating element 3 to the second temperature sensing
element 5 via the Si substrate 7 and the first insulating layer 8
is shown by a heat-transfer path s.
[0031] Here, the heat-transfer path r and the heat-transfer path s
are not affected at all even if the acceleration sensor 1 is
accelerated in any direction. In contrast to this, the
heat-transfer path p and the heat-transfer path q are affected in a
variety of manners by the acceleration of the acceleration sensor 1
since the gas G sealed in the fluid chamber 11 moves if the
acceleration sensor 1 is accelerated in any of the directions. Note
that, generally, the thermal conductivity of the Si substrate 7 and
the first insulating layer 8 is higher than that of the gas G.
Consequently, the conduction of heat from the heating element 3 to
the first temperature sensing element 4 and from the heating
element 3 to the second temperature sensing element 5 is mainly
through the heat-transfer path r and the heat-transfer path s and
is subordinately through the heat-transfer path p and the
heat-transfer path q.
[0032] FIG. 5A shows, by a contour chart, a temperature
distribution when the acceleration acting on the acceleration
sensor 1 is in the mounting surface approaching direction. FIG. 5B
shows, by a contour chart, a temperature distribution when the
acceleration acting on the acceleration sensor 1 is in the mounting
surface leaving direction. The predominant heat-transfer path is
the heat-transfer path r and the heat-transfer path s shown in FIG.
4, and thus, in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the temperature in the
vicinity of the first insulating layer 8 is uniformly high and the
temperature in the vicinity of the third insulating layer 10 is
uniformly low. Here, the specific gravity of the gas G heated by
the heating element 3 becomes low, and thus the gas G tries to move
in the direction opposite to the direction of the acceleration
acting on the gas G. That is, in the case where the acceleration
acting on the gas G is in the mounting surface approaching
direction as in FIG. 5A, the gas G tries to move in the mounting
surface leaving direction, and in the case where the acceleration
acting on the gas G is in the mounting surface leaving direction as
in FIG. 5B, the gas G tries to move in the mounting surface
approaching direction. Consequently, as shown in FIG. 5A, in the
case where the acceleration acting on the gas G is in the mounting
surface approaching direction, the difference in the temperature in
the mounting surface orthogonal direction within the fluid chamber
11 is smaller than that in the case where the acceleration acting
on the gas G is in the mounting surface leaving direction.
[0033] Returning to FIG. 4, when making a comparison between the
heat-transfer path p from the heating element 3 to the first
temperature sensing element 4 and the heat-transfer path q from the
heating element 3 to the second temperature sensing element 5, as
will be found by a comparison between FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5A and 5B,
the latter is more likely to be affected by the acceleration in the
mounting surface orthogonal direction than the former. This is
because, in the case of the heat transfer from the heating element
3 to the first temperature sensing element 4, the heat transfer
becomes strong and predominant in the chamber longitudinal
direction, whereas in the case of the heat transfer from the
heating element 3 to the second temperature sensing element 5, the
movement of the gas G in the mounting surface orthogonal direction
in the vicinity of the second temperature sensing element 5 becomes
predominant to a certain degree. In brief, the acceleration acting
on the gas G in the mounting surface orthogonal direction does not
affect the heat-transfer path p, but affects the heat-transfer path
q. Consequently, by making a comparison between the temperature
measurement results of the first temperature sensing element 4 and
the second temperature sensing element 5, it is possible to detect
the acceleration acting on the gas G in the mounting surface
orthogonal direction.
[0034] FIG. 6 shows a comparator circuit configured to make a
comparison between the temperature measurement results of the first
temperature sensing element 4 and the second temperature sensing
element 5. It is preferable to adopt, as the first temperature
sensing element 4 and the second temperature sensing element 5, a
temperature-dependent resistor, the resistance value of which
varies depending on temperature. As shown in FIG. 6, to the first
temperature sensing element 4 and the second temperature sensing
element 5, a constant-current source I is coupled, respectively,
and through the first temperature sensing element 4 and the second
temperature sensing element 5, a predetermined current is caused to
flow, respectively. With this configuration, the voltage on the
high-potential side of the first temperature sensing element 4 and
the voltage on the high-potential side of the second temperature
sensing element 5 are input to the operational amplifier 6. Then, a
difference between the measurement result by the first temperature
sensing element 4 and the measurement result by the second
temperature sensing element 5 is taken out as an output voltage
from the operational amplifier 6. After that, by monitoring the
output voltage from the operational amplifier 6, it is possible to
detect the acceleration in the mounting surface orthogonal
direction.
[0035] In FIG. 4, note that it is preferable to arrange the second
temperature sensing element 5 as close as possible to the small
inner wall surface 9b in order to cause the direction of the flow
of the gas G in the vicinity of the second temperature sensing
element 5 to be more parallel to the mounting surface orthogonal
direction. According to this configuration, it is possible to
enhance the sensitivity of the acceleration detection of the
acceleration sensor 1.
[0036] As above, the First Embodiment has been explained, and has
the following features.
[0037] (1) The acceleration sensor 1 includes the outer frame body
2, the heating element 3, the first temperature sensing element 4
for temperature measurement and the second temperature sensing
element 5 for temperature measurement, and the operational
amplifier 6 (difference operation circuit). In the outer frame body
2, the fluid chamber 11 (fluid sealing chamber) capable of sealing
a fluid inside thereof is formed. The heating element 3 is formed
on the circuit mounting surface 12 (specific inner wall surface)
which is a specific inner wall surface of the plurality of inner
wall surfaces defining the fluid chamber 11. The first temperature
sensing element 4 and the second temperature sensing element 5 are
formed on the circuit mounting surface 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the
distance D1 from the first temperature sensing element 4 to the
heating element 3 is shorter than the distance D2 from the second
temperature sensing element 5 to the heating element 3. The
operational amplifier 6 calculates the difference between the
measurement result by the first temperature sensing element 4 and
the measurement result by the second temperature sensing element 5.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to detect the
acceleration in the direction orthogonal to the circuit mounting
surface 12 by the calculation result by the operational amplifier
6. Furthermore, the calculation result of the difference by the
operational amplifier 6 is used, and thus it is possible to remove
the influences from the environmental temperature of the external
environment by offsetting them each other.
[0038] In the First Embodiment described above, as the gas G, an
inert gas such as nitrogen and argon is used. In place of this,
however, as the gas G, air or helium may be used. Helium has
thermal conductivity higher than that of nitrogen, and thus helium
is more excellent in terms of the sensitivity of the acceleration
sensor 1. In contrast, the molecule of helium is small, and thus
there is a disadvantage that helium tends to leak from the fluid
chamber 11.
[0039] Furthermore, in terms of the sensitivity of the acceleration
sensor 1, it is preferable for the distance D2 in FIG. 3 to be as
large as possible (for example, hundreds of micrometers) and for
the distance D1 to be as small as possible. When making a
comparison between FIG. 3 and FIGS. 5A and 5B, the dimension ratio
shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is closer to that of an actual device
although the dimension ratio of the distance D1 and the distance D2
is not uniformed.
Second Embodiment
[0040] Next, with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 10, a Second
Embodiment will be explained. Here, points of the present
embodiment different from those of the First Embodiment described
above will be explained mainly and duplicated explanation is
omitted appropriately. Furthermore, to components corresponding to
the respective components of the First Embodiment described above,
the same symbols are attached as a principle.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, on
the circuit mounting surface 12, there are arranged a pair of first
temperature sensing element 4a and first temperature sensing
element 4b for temperature measurement and a pair of second
temperature sensing element 5a and second temperature sensing
element 5b for temperature measurement. The pair of first
temperature sensing element 4a and first temperature sensing
element 4b and the pair of second temperature sensing element 5a
and second temperature sensing element 5b each have a shape
elongated along the chamber width direction. Then, the heating
element 3, the first temperature sensing element 4a, the first
temperature sensing element 4b, the second temperature sensing
element 5a, and the second temperature sensing element 5b are each
formed over the circuit mounting surface 12 so as to be parallel to
the circuit mounting surface 12. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the
second temperature sensing element 5a, the first temperature
sensing element 4a, the heating element 3, the first temperature
sensing element 4b, and the second temperature sensing element 5b
are arranged in this order from the small inner wall surface 9a
toward the small inner wall surface 9b. The heating element 3, the
pair of first temperature sensing element 4a and first temperature
sensing element 4b, and the pair of second temperature sensing
element 5a and second temperature sensing element 5b are arranged
side by side in a line along the chamber longitudinal direction.
The heating element 3 is arranged at the center in the chamber
longitudinal direction of the fluid chamber 11. The pair of first
temperature sensing element 4a and first temperature sensing
element 4b is arranged at the same distance from the heating
element 3. The pair of first temperature sensing element 4a and
first temperature sensing element 4b is arranged so as to sandwich
the heating element 3. The pair of second temperature sensing
element 5a and second temperature sensing element 5b is arranged at
the same distance from the heating element 3. The pair of second
temperature sensing element 5a and second temperature sensing
element 5b is arranged so as to sandwich the heating element 3.
Then, the distance D1 from the pair of first temperature sensing
element 4a and first temperature sensing element 4b to the heating
element 3 is shorter than the distance D2 from the pair of second
temperature sensing element 5a and second temperature sensing
element 5b to the heating element 3.
[0042] With the above configuration, when the heating element 3 is
caused to produce heat by causing a current to flow through the
heating element 3, a heat-transfer phenomenon as shown by thick
lines in FIG. 9 occurs. In FIG. 9, a heat-transfer path from the
heating element 3 to the first temperature sensing element 4a and
the first temperature sensing element 4b, via the gas G sealed in
the fluid chamber 11 is shown by the heat-transfer path p. In the
same manner, a heat-transfer path from the heating element 3 to the
second temperature sensing element 5a and the second temperature
sensing element 5b, via the gas G sealed in the fluid chamber 11 is
shown by the heat-transfer path q. In the same manner, a
heat-transfer path from the heating element 3 to the first
temperature sensing element 4a and the first temperature sensing
element 4b, via the Si substrate 7 and the first insulating layer 8
is shown by the heat-transfer path r. In the same manner, a
heat-transfer path from the heating element 3 to the second
temperature sensing element 5a and the second temperature sensing
element 5b, via the Si substrate 7 and the first insulating layer 8
is shown by the heat-transfer path s.
[0043] Here, the heat-transfer path r and the heat-transfer path s
are not affected at all even if the acceleration sensor 1 is
accelerated in any direction. In contrast to this, the
heat-transfer path p and the heat-transfer path q are affected in a
variety of manners by the acceleration of the acceleration sensor 1
since the gas G sealed in the fluid chamber 11 moves if the
acceleration sensor 1 is accelerated in any of the directions. Note
that, generally, the thermal conductivity of the Si substrate 7 and
the first insulating layer 8 is higher than that of the gas G.
Consequently, the conduction of heat from the heating element 3 to
the first temperature sensing element 4a and the first temperature
sensing element 4b and from the heating element 3 to the second
temperature sensing element 5a and the second temperature sensing
element 5b is mainly through the heat-transfer path r and the
heat-transfer path s and is subordinately through the heat-transfer
path p and the heat-transfer path q.
[0044] When making a comparison between the heat-transfer path p
from the heating element 3 to the first temperature sensing element
4a and the first temperature sensing element 4b, and the
heat-transfer path q from the heating element 3 to the second
temperature sensing element 5a and the second temperature sensing
element 5b, the latter is more likely to be affected by the
acceleration acting on the gas G in the mounting surface orthogonal
direction than the former. This is because, in the case of the heat
transfer from the heating element 3 to the first temperature
sensing element 4a and the first temperature sensing element 4b,
the heat transfer becomes strong and predominant in the chamber
longitudinal direction, whereas in the case of the heat transfer
from the heating element 3 to the second temperature sensing
element 5a and the second temperature sensing element 5b, the
movement of the gas G in the mounting surface orthogonal direction
in the vicinity of the second temperature sensing element 5a and
the second temperature sensing element 5b becomes predominant to a
certain degree. In brief, the acceleration acting on the gas G in
the mounting surface orthogonal direction does not affect the
heat-transfer path p, but affects the heat-transfer path q.
Consequently, by making a comparison between the temperature
measurement results of the first temperature sensing element 4a and
the first temperature sensing element 4b and the second temperature
sensing element 5a and the second temperature sensing element 5b,
it is possible to detect the acceleration acting on the gas G in
the mounting surface orthogonal direction.
[0045] Here, the mechanism of acceleration detection in the present
embodiment will be explained in detail. First, refer to formulas
(1) to (4) below.
[Formula 1]
T.sub.4a=T.sub.40+.DELTA.T.sub.H4+.DELTA.T.sub.V4 (1)
[Formula 2]
T.sub.4b=T.sub.40-.DELTA.T.sub.H4+.DELTA.T.sub.V4 (2)
[Formula 3]
T.sub.5a=T.sub.50+.DELTA.T.sub.H5+.DELTA.T.sub.V5 (3)
[Formula 4]
T.sub.5b=T.sub.50-.DELTA.T.sub.H5+.DELTA.T.sub.V5 (4)
[0046] Here, T.sub.40 is a measurement result of the first
temperature sensing element 4a and the first temperature sensing
element 4b in the state where the acceleration sensor 1 is not
accelerated. T.sub.50 is a measurement result of the second
temperature sensing element 5a and the second temperature sensing
element 5b in the state where the acceleration sensor 1 is not
accelerated. T.sub.4a is a measurement result of the first
temperature sensing element 4a. T.sub.4b is a measurement result of
the first temperature sensing element 4b. T.sub.5a is a measurement
result of the second temperature sensing element 5a. T.sub.5b is a
measurement result of the second temperature sensing element 5b.
.DELTA.T.sub.H4 is a change in temperature that occurs in the first
temperature sensing element 4a and the first temperature sensing
element 4b by the acceleration having acted in the chamber
longitudinal direction. .DELTA.T.sub.H5 is a change in temperature
that occurs in the second temperature sensing element 5a and the
second temperature sensing element 5b by the acceleration having
acted in the chamber longitudinal direction. .DELTA.T.sub.V4 is a
change in temperature that occurs in the first temperature sensing
element 4a and the first temperature sensing element 4b by the
acceleration having acted in the mounting surface orthogonal
direction. .DELTA.T.sub.V5 is a change in temperature that occurs
in the second temperature sensing element 5a and the second
temperature sensing element 5b by the acceleration having acted in
the mounting surface orthogonal direction.
[0047] In the formulas (1) to (4) described above, as to
.DELTA.T.sub.H4, the first temperature sensing element 4a and the
first temperature sensing element 4b are arranged at the same
distance from the heating element 3 so as to sandwich the heating
element 3, and thus the absolute values of the measurement results
of the first temperature sensing element 4a and the first
temperature sensing element 4b are equal to each other, and the
.DELTA.T.sub.H4 acts, with signs opposite to each other, on the
measurement results. As to .DELTA.T.sub.H5, the second temperature
sensing element 5a and the second temperature sensing element 5b
are arranged at the same distance from the heating element 3 so as
to sandwich the heating element 3, and thus the absolute values of
the measurement results of the second temperature sensing element
5a and the second temperature sensing element 5b are equal to each
other, and the .DELTA.T.sub.H5 acts, with signs opposite to each
other, on the measurement results. As to .DELTA.T.sub.V4, the first
temperature sensing element 4a and the first temperature sensing
element 4b are arranged at the same distance from the heating
element 3, and thus the absolute values of the measurement results
of the first temperature sensing element 4a and the first
temperature sensing element 4b are equal to each other, and the
.DELTA.T.sub.H5 acts, with the same signs as each other, on the
measurement results. As to .DELTA.T.sub.V5, the second temperature
sensing element 5a and the second temperature sensing element 5b
are arranged at the same distance from the heating element 3, and
thus the absolute values of the measurement results of the second
temperature sensing element 5a and the second temperature sensing
element 5b are equal to each other, and the .DELTA.T.sub.V5 acts,
with the same signs as each other, on the measurement results.
[0048] From the formulas (1) and (2) described above, a formula (5)
below is derived.
[Formula 5]
T.sub.sum4=T.sub.4a+T.sub.4b=2T.sub.40+2.DELTA.T.sub.V4 (5)
[0049] From the formulas (3) and (4) described above, a formula (6)
below is derived.
[Formula 6]
T.sub.sum5=T.sub.5a+T.sub.5b=2T.sub.50+2.DELTA.T.sub.V5 (6)
[0050] From the formulas (5) and (6) described above, a formula (7)
below is derived.
[Formula 7]
T.sub.sum4-T.sub.sum5=2T.sub.40-2T.sub.50+2.DELTA.T.sub.V4+2.DELTA.T.sub-
.V5 (7)
[0051] According to the above-mentioned formulas (5) to (7), if a
difference between the sum of the respective measurement results of
the first temperature sensing element 4a and the first temperature
sensing element 4b and the sum of the respective measurement
results of the second temperature sensing element 5a and the second
temperature sensing element 5b is calculated, the terms of the
temperature change resulting from the acceleration component in the
chamber longitudinal direction are offset each other, and thus only
the terms of the temperature change resulting from the acceleration
component in the mounting surface orthogonal direction are left.
Consequently, according to the above-mentioned formula (7), it is
possible to detect the acceleration component in the mounting
surface orthogonal direction regardless of the presence or absence
of the acceleration component in the chamber longitudinal
direction. The temperature change resulting from the acceleration
component in the chamber width direction does not occur originally
if the heating element 3, the first temperature sensing element 4a
and the first temperature sensing element 4b, and the second
temperature sensing element 5a and the second temperature sensing
element 5b are arranged so as to be elongated along the chamber
width direction as in FIG. 7, and thus the temperature change is
not referred to in particular.
[0052] FIG. 10 shows a first sum total operation circuit 4s (first
sum total operation circuit) configured to calculate the sum
T.sub.sum4 of the measurement results by the pair of first
temperature sensing element 4a and first temperature sensing
element 4b, a second sum total operation circuit 5s (second sum
total operation circuit) configured to calculate the sum T.sub.sum5
of the measurement results by the pair of second temperature
sensing element 5a and second temperature sensing element 5b, and
the operational amplifier 6 (difference operation circuit)
configured to calculate a difference between the calculation result
by the first sum total operation circuit 4s and the calculation
result by the second sum total operation circuit 5s. As shown in
FIG. 10, the first sum total operation circuit 4s is realized as a
circuit in which the first temperature sensing element 4a and the
first temperature sensing element 4b are coupled in series. The
second sum total operation circuit 5s is realized as a circuit in
which the second temperature sensing element 5a and the second
temperature sensing element 5b are coupled in series. Then, to the
first sum total operation circuit 4s and the second sum total
operation circuit 5s, the constant-current source I is coupled,
respectively, and a predetermined current is caused to flow through
the first sum total operation circuit 4s and the second sum total
operation circuit 5s, respectively. With this configuration, the
voltage on the high-potential side of the first sum total operation
circuit 4s and the voltage on the high-potential side of the second
sum total operation circuit 5s are input to the operational
amplifier 6. Then, the difference between the calculation result by
the first sum total operation circuit 4s and the calculation result
by the second sum total operation circuit 5s is taken out as an
output voltage from the operational amplifier 6. After that, by
monitoring the output voltage from the operational amplifier 6, it
is possible to detect the acceleration in the mounting surface
orthogonal direction.
[0053] Note that, in FIG. 9, it is preferable to arrange the second
temperature sensing element 5a and the second temperature sensing
element 5b as close as possible to the small inner wall surface 9a
and the small inner wall surface 9b, respectively, in order to
cause the direction of the flow of the gas G in the vicinity of the
second temperature sensing element 5a and the second temperature
sensing element 5b to be more parallel to the mounting surface
orthogonal direction. According to this configuration, it is
possible to enhance sensitivity of the acceleration detection of
the acceleration sensor 1.
[0054] As above, the Second Embodiment has been explained, and has
the following features.
[0055] (2) The acceleration sensor 1 includes the outer frame body
2, the heating element 3, the first temperature sensing element 4a
and the first temperature sensing element 4b for temperature
measurement, the second temperature sensing element 5a and the
second temperature sensing element 5b for temperature measurement,
the first sum total operation circuit 4s (first sum total operation
circuit), the second sum total operation circuit 5s (second sum
total operation circuit), and the operational amplifier 6
(difference operation circuit). In the outer frame body 2, the
fluid chamber 11 (fluid sealing chamber) capable of sealing a fluid
inside thereof is formed. The heating element 3 is formed on the
circuit mounting surface 12 (specific inner wall surface) which is
a specific inner wall surface of the plurality of inner wall
surfaces defining the fluid chamber 11. The first temperature
sensing element 4a and the first temperature sensing element 4b are
formed on the circuit mounting surface 12. The second temperature
sensing element 5a and the second temperature sensing element 5b
are formed on the circuit mounting surface 12. The pair of first
temperature sensing element 4a and first temperature sensing
element 4b is arranged at the same distance from the heating
element 3. The pair of first temperature sensing element 4a and
first temperature sensing element 4b is arranged so as to sandwich
the heating element 3. The pair of second temperature sensing
element 5a and second temperature sensing element 5b is arranged at
the same distance from the heating element 3. The pair of second
temperature sensing element 5a and second temperature sensing
element 5b is arranged so as to sandwich the heating element 3. The
distance D1 from the pair of first temperature sensing element 4a
and first temperature sensing element 4b to the heating element 3
is shorter than the distance D2 from the pair of second temperature
sensing element 5a and second temperature sensing element 5b to the
heating element 3. The first sum total operation circuit 4s
calculates the sum total of the measurement results by the pair of
first temperature sensing element 4a and first temperature sensing
element 4b. The second sum total operation circuit 5s calculates
the sum total of the measurement results by the pair of second
temperature sensing element 5a and second temperature sensing
element 5b. The operational amplifier 6 calculates the difference
between the calculation result by the first sum total operation
circuit 4s and the calculation result by the second sum total
operation circuit 5s. According to the above configuration, it is
possible to detect the acceleration in the direction orthogonal to
the circuit mounting surface 12 by the calculation result by the
operational amplifier 6. Furthermore, the calculation result of the
difference by the operational amplifier 6 is used, and thus it is
possible to remove the influences from the environmental
temperature of the external environment by offsetting them each
other. Moreover, the calculation results of the sum of the first
sum total operation circuit 4s and the second sum total operation
circuit 5s are used, and thus it is possible to remove the
influences by the acceleration component in the direction parallel
to the circuit mounting surface 12 by offsetting them each
other.
[0056] (3) In addition, the heating element 3, the pair of first
temperature sensing element 4a and first temperature sensing
element 4b, and the pair of second temperature sensing element 5a
and second temperature sensing element 5b are arranged side by side
in a line along the chamber longitudinal direction. According to
the above configuration, it is possible to form the acceleration
sensor 1 into a compact one.
Third Embodiment
[0057] Next, with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13, a Third Embodiment
will be explained. Here, different points between the present
embodiment and the Second Embodiment described above will be
explained mainly and duplicated explanation is omitted
appropriately. Further, to components corresponding to the
respective components of the Second Embodiment described above, the
same symbols are attached as a principle.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, in the present embodiment,
the acceleration sensor 1 includes a pair of inner fluid control
protrusion part 13a and inner fluid control protrusion part 13b.
The inner fluid control protrusion part 13a is arranged between the
first temperature sensing element 4a and the second temperature
sensing element 5a. The inner fluid control protrusion part 13b is
arranged between the first temperature sensing element 4b and the
second temperature sensing element 5b. The inner fluid control
protrusion part 13a and the inner fluid control protrusion part 13b
are formed so as to protrude in the mounting surface leaving
direction from the circuit mounting surface 12. Specifically, the
amount of protrusion of the inner fluid control protrusion part 13a
and the inner fluid control protrusion part 13b is smaller than the
thickness in the mounting surface orthogonal direction of the
second insulating layer 9, and is larger than the thickness in the
mounting surface orthogonal direction of the metal wiring
constituting the heating element 3, the first temperature sensing
element 4a and the first temperature sensing element 4b, and the
second temperature sensing element 5a and the second temperature
sensing element 5b. As shown in FIG. 12, in the present embodiment,
the amount of protrusion of the inner fluid control protrusion part
13a and the inner fluid control protrusion part 13b is
approximately half the thickness in the mounting surface orthogonal
direction of the second insulating layer 9. Consequently, between
the inner fluid control protrusion part 13a and the ceiling surface
10a of the third insulating layer 10, and between the inner fluid
control protrusion part 13b and the ceiling surface 10a of the
third insulating layer 10, a gap g in which the gas G can flow is
left. As shown in FIG. 13, the inner fluid control protrusion part
13a and the inner fluid control protrusion part 13b can prevent the
movement of the gas G in the chamber longitudinal direction, in the
vicinity of the first insulating layer 8, from the heating element
3 toward the second temperature sensing element 5a and the second
temperature sensing element 5b, and thus, for the measurement
results of the second temperature sensing element 5a and the second
temperature sensing element 5b, the acceleration component in the
mounting surface orthogonal direction becomes more predominant.
Consequently, the sensitivity of the acceleration sensor 1 for the
acceleration component in the mounting surface orthogonal direction
is further improved.
[0059] As above, the Third Embodiment has been explained, and has
the following feature.
[0060] (4) The acceleration sensor 1 further includes the pair of
inner fluid control protrusion part 13a and inner fluid control
protrusion part 13b which is arranged between the pair of first
temperature sensing element 4a and first temperature sensing
element 4b, and the pair of second temperature sensing element 5a
and second temperature sensing element 5b, respectively, and which
is formed so as to protrude from the circuit mounting surface 12.
According to the above configuration, the detection sensitivity of
the acceleration component in the mounting surface orthogonal
direction is improved.
[0061] Note that, in FIG. 12, the thickness in the chamber
longitudinal direction of the inner fluid control protrusion part
13a and the inner fluid control protrusion part 13b is drawn so as
to be smaller than the amount of protrusion of the inner fluid
control protrusion part 13a and the inner fluid control protrusion
part 13b. However, actually, due to manufacturing reasons, the
thickness in the chamber longitudinal direction of the inner fluid
control protrusion part 13a and the inner fluid control protrusion
part 13b is substantially equal to the amount of protrusion of the
inner fluid control protrusion part 13a and the inner fluid control
protrusion part 13b.
Fourth Embodiment
[0062] Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16, a Fourth Embodiment
will be explained. Here, different points between the present
embodiment and the Third Embodiment described above will be
explained mainly and duplicated explanation is omitted
appropriately. Further, to components corresponding to the
respective components of the Third Embodiment described above, the
same symbols are attached as a principle.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, in the present embodiment,
the acceleration sensor 1 further includes a pair of outer fluid
control protrusion part 14a and outer fluid control protrusion part
14b. As shown in FIG. 15, the outer fluid control protrusion part
14a is arranged on the opposite side of the inner fluid control
protrusion part 13a with the second temperature sensing element 5a
being sandwiched in between. The outer fluid control protrusion
part 14b is arranged on the opposite side of the inner fluid
control protrusion part 13b with the second temperature sensing
element 5b being sandwiched in between. The outer fluid control
protrusion part 14a and the outer fluid control protrusion part 14b
are formed so as to protrude in the mounting surface leaving
direction from the circuit mounting surface 12. Specifically, the
amount of protrusion of the outer fluid control protrusion part 14a
and the outer fluid control protrusion part 14b is smaller than the
thickness in the mounting surface orthogonal direction of the
second insulating layer 9, and is larger than the thickness in the
mounting surface orthogonal direction of the metal wiring
constituting the heating element 3, the first temperature sensing
element 4a and the first temperature sensing element 4b, and the
second temperature sensing element 5a and the second temperature
sensing element 5b. As shown in FIG. 15, in the present embodiment,
the amount of protrusion of the outer fluid control protrusion part
14a and the outer fluid control protrusion part 14b is
approximately half the thickness in the mounting surface orthogonal
direction of the second insulating layer 9. Furthermore, the amount
of protrusion of the outer fluid control protrusion part 14a and
the outer fluid control protrusion part 14b is equal to the amount
of protrusion of the inner fluid control protrusion part 13a and
the inner fluid control protrusion part 13b. As shown in FIG. 16,
by being sandwiched by the inner fluid control protrusion part 13a
and the outer fluid control protrusion part 14a, the flow of the
gas G in the vicinity of the second temperature sensing element 5a
is greatly restricted so as to be in the mounting surface
orthogonal direction. Consequently, the dependence of the
measurement result of the second temperature sensing element 5a on
the acceleration component in the mounting surface orthogonal
direction is increased. In the same manner, by being sandwiched by
the inner fluid control protrusion part 13b and the outer fluid
control protrusion part 14b, the flow of the gas G in the vicinity
of the second temperature sensing element 5b is greatly restricted
so as to be in the mounting surface orthogonal direction.
Therefore, the dependence of the measurement result of the second
temperature sensing element 5b on the acceleration component in the
mounting surface orthogonal direction is increased. As a result,
the sensitivity of the acceleration sensor 1 for the acceleration
component in the mounting surface orthogonal direction is improved
greatly.
[0064] Furthermore, it is possible to form the inner fluid control
protrusion part 13a and the outer fluid control protrusion part
14a, at the same time in the same process. Consequently, it is
possible to form the inner fluid control protrusion part 13a and
the outer fluid control protrusion part 14a with high accuracy with
respect to the second temperature sensing element 5a. In the same
manner, it is possible to form the inner fluid control protrusion
part 13b and the outer fluid control protrusion part 14b, at the
same time in the same process. Consequently, it is possible to form
the inner fluid control protrusion part 13b and the outer fluid
control protrusion part 14b with high accuracy with respect to the
second temperature sensing element 5b.
[0065] As above, the Fourth Embodiment has been explained, and has
the following features.
[0066] (5) The acceleration sensor 1 further includes the pair of
outer fluid control protrusion part 14a and outer fluid control
protrusion part 14b which is arranged on the opposite sides of the
pair of inner fluid control protrusion part 13a and inner fluid
control protrusion part 13b, respectively, with the pair of second
temperature sensing element 5a and second temperature sensing
element 5b being sandwiched in between, respectively, and which is
formed so as to protrude from the circuit mounting surface 12.
According to the above configuration, the sensitivity of the
acceleration sensor 1 for the acceleration component in the
mounting surface orthogonal direction is improved greatly.
[0067] (6) Furthermore, the amount of protrusion of the pair of
inner fluid control protrusion part 13a and inner fluid control
protrusion part 13b is equal to the amount of protrusion of the
pair of outer fluid control protrusion part 14a and outer fluid
control protrusion part 14b. According to the above configuration,
it is possible to form the inner fluid control protrusion part 13a
and the inner fluid control protrusion part 13b, and the outer
fluid control protrusion part 14a and the outer fluid control
protrusion part 14b, at the same time in the same process.
[0068] Note that, in FIG. 15, the thickness in the chamber
longitudinal direction of the outer fluid control protrusion part
14a and the outer fluid control protrusion part 14b is drawn as
being smaller than the amount of protrusion of the outer fluid
control protrusion part 14a and the outer fluid control protrusion
part 14b. However, actually, due to manufacturing reasons, the
thickness in the chamber longitudinal direction of the outer fluid
control protrusion part 14a and the outer fluid control protrusion
part 14b is approximately equal to the amount of protrusion of the
outer fluid control protrusion part 14a and the outer fluid control
protrusion part 14b.
[0069] As above, the invention made by the inventor has been
explained specifically on the basis of the embodiments, but it is
needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the
embodiments already described and various modifications are
possible within the scope not deviating from the gist of the
invention.
* * * * *