Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. patent applications published on November 30th, 2023

Summary of the patent applications from Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. on November 30th, 2023

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has recently filed several patents related to various technologies. These patents cover a range of inventions, including cases with sliding shutters for discharge ports, acoustic wave filters and devices, power amplification circuits, ultrasonic motors, antenna devices, and methods of manufacturing secondary batteries.

In terms of the cases with sliding shutters, the patents describe a case that includes a guide portion to facilitate the sliding movement of the shutter. The shutter can be selectively inserted into different branching pathways depending on whether a pin is fitted into the case or not. This allows for easy identification of the shutter's position from the exterior.

The patents related to acoustic wave filters and devices describe circuits and structures that improve the performance of these devices. For example, one patent describes a filter circuit connected to input-and-output terminals and a canceling circuit connected in parallel to a portion of the first path. The canceling circuit includes acoustic wave resonators connected to the ground, with at least one resonator having an anti-resonant frequency within the pass band of the filter circuit.

The power amplification circuit patent describes a circuit that adjusts the amplification based on the input signal. It includes a splitter with variable inductance and capacitance elements, a carrier amplifier, a peaking amplifier, and a combiner.

The ultrasonic motor patent describes a motor consisting of a stator and a stator fixing member. The stator has a vibrating body with a through-hole and a piezoelectric element, while the stator fixing member includes a rotor and a whirl-stop portion that fits into the through-hole.

The antenna device patent describes a device with ground and radiating electrode plates, feeder lines, and a ground line. The radiating electrode plates are positioned facing the ground electrode plate, with the second radiating electrode plate located between the ground electrode plate and the first radiating electrode plates. The ground line connects the second radiating electrode plate to the ground electrode plate.

Finally, the method of manufacturing a secondary battery patent describes a simplified process using laser welding to join the cup-shaped and lid-shaped exterior members of the battery.

Notable applications:

• Cases with sliding shutters for discharge ports
• Acoustic wave filters and devices
• Power amplification circuits
• Ultrasonic motors
• Antenna devices
• Methods of manufacturing secondary batteries.

Patent applications for Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. on November 30th, 2023

GRIP FORCE ESTIMATION DEVICE AND GRIP FORCE ESTIMATION METHOD (18446090)

Main Inventor

Tomoshige FURUHI

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a grip force estimation device for sports equipment.

• The device includes a sensor attached to the sports equipment, specifically to a columnar portion with a grip and hitting portion.
• The sensor detects bending and twisting of the sports equipment and outputs this as a sensor signal.
• A feature data extraction unit extracts feature data from the sensor signal when pressure is applied to the hitting portion.
• The grip force estimation unit uses the feature data to estimate the pressure applied to the grip portion of the sports equipment.

Abstract

A grip force estimation device includes a sensor that is attached to sports equipment including a columnar portion having a grip portion at one end and a hitting portion connected to the columnar portion and is attached not at the grip portion but at the columnar portion, and that is configured to detect at least one of bending and twisting of the sports equipment and output detected bending and/or twisting as a sensor signal, a feature data extraction unit configured to extract feature data including a feature when a waveform generated by the hitting portion being externally applied with pressure is attenuated by using the sensor signal, and a grip force estimation unit configured to estimate pressure applied to the grip portion by using the feature data.

IMPACT DETECTION DEVICE AND IMPACT DETECTION METHOD (18446633)

Main Inventor

Takehiko IIZUKA

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an impact detection device for sports equipment.

• The device includes a sensor that is attached to the sports equipment.
• The sensor is connected to a columnar portion and a hitting portion of the equipment.
• The sensor is attached to the columnar portion, not the hitting portion.
• The sensor is designed to output a signal when the sports equipment is swung.
• The device also includes a feature data extraction unit.
• The feature data extraction unit uses the sensor signal to detect the timing at which the hitting portion of the equipment receives external pressure.
• This allows the device to detect impacts on the hitting portion of the sports equipment.

Abstract

An impact detection device includes a sensor that is attached to sports equipment including a columnar portion and a hitting portion connected to the columnar portion and is attached not at the hitting portion but at the columnar portion, and that is configured to output a sensor signal obtained by the sports equipment being swung, and a feature data extraction unit configured to detect, by using the sensor signal, from a temporal change of the sensor signal outputted by the hitting portion externally receiving pressure, timing at which the hitting portion externally receives the pressure.

HIT POSITION ESTIMATION DEVICE AND HIT POSITION ESTIMATION METHOD (18446770)

Main Inventor

Tomoshige FURUHI

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a device that estimates the position where a golf ball hits the head of a golf club. This device includes a sensor attached to the shaft of the club, which detects twisting of the shaft when the ball hits the head. A calculation unit then uses the sensor signal to estimate the position of impact.

• The device includes a sensor that detects twisting of the golf club shaft when the ball hits the head.
• A calculation unit is used to estimate the position where the ball hits the head based on the sensor signal.
• The device provides a more accurate estimation of the impact position on the golf club head.
• This estimation can be useful for analyzing and improving golf swing techniques.
• The device can be easily attached to any golf club shaft.
• The sensor signal provides real-time feedback on the impact position, allowing for immediate adjustments during practice or play.

Abstract

A hit position estimation device includes a sensor and a calculation unit. The sensor is attached to a shaft of a golf club and outputs a sensor signal including twisting of the shaft. The calculation unit estimates a position at which a ball hits a head from a twist component when the ball hits the head of the golf club, by using the sensor signal.

COIL COMPONENT AND ADHESIVE FOR COIL COMPONENT (18447022)

Main Inventor

Hiroshi MARUSAWA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a coil component that prevents a decrease in adhesion in a magnetic adhesive. The component consists of a core and a top plate made of magnetic materials. It also includes two wires wound around the core and an adhesive that is placed between the core and the top plate to adhere them together. The adhesive is composed of a thermosetting resin, a soft magnetic metal powder, and a ferrite powder.

• Coil component designed to prevent adhesion decrease in magnetic adhesive
• Consists of a core and a top plate made of magnetic materials
• Includes two wires wound around the core
• Adhesive is placed between the core and top plate to adhere them together
• Adhesive composed of thermosetting resin, soft magnetic metal powder, and ferrite powder

Abstract

A coil component that suppresses a decrease in adhesion in a magnetic adhesive. The coil component includes a core and a top plate. The core and the top plate are made of magnetic materials. The coil component includes a first wire and a second wire. The first wire and the second wire are wound around the core. The coil component includes an adhesive. The adhesive is interposed between the core and the top plate. The adhesive adheres the core to the top plate. The adhesive includes a thermosetting resin, a metal powder made of a soft magnetic material, and a ferrite powder.

ELECTRONIC COMPONENT AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING ELECTRONIC COMPONENT (18322284)

Main Inventor

Hiromitsu ITO

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an electronic component that includes a glass substrate, an outer surface conductor, and a protective film. The glass substrate has different surface roughness values at the interfaces with the outer surface conductor and the protective film. The outer surface conductor also has a specific surface roughness at its interface with the protective film.

• Glass substrate with different surface roughness at interfaces
• Outer surface conductor in contact with the glass substrate
• Protective film covering the glass substrate and outer surface conductor
• Glass substrate has first surface roughness at interface with outer surface conductor
• Glass substrate has second surface roughness at interface with protective film
• Outer surface conductor has third surface roughness at interface with protective film
• Ra<Ra<Ra relationship is satisfied

Abstract

An electronic component includes a glass substrate, an outer surface conductor that is in contact with an outer surface of the glass substrate, and a protective film that covers the outer surface of the glass substrate and the outer surface conductor and is in contact with the outer surface of the glass substrate and the outer surface conductor. When the glass substrate has first surface roughness Ra at an interface between the glass substrate and the outer surface conductor, the glass substrate has second surface roughness Ra at an interface between the glass substrate and the protective film, and the outer surface conductor has third surface roughness Ra at an interface between the outer surface conductor and the protective film, Ra<Ra<Ra is satisfied.

MULTILAYER CERAMIC CAPACITOR (18233407)

Main Inventor

Kazuhisa UCHIDA

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a multilayer ceramic capacitor with improved performance.

• The capacitor consists of multiple layers of dielectric ceramic and internal electrode layers.
• External electrodes are connected to the internal electrode layers.
• The multilayer body of the capacitor has segregation near the end of the internal electrode layer, with silicon (Si) as the main component.
• The average particle size of the dielectric particles near the end of the internal electrode layer is smaller than the average particle size in the central portion of the internal electrode layer.

Abstract

A multilayer ceramic capacitor includes a multilayer body including the dielectric ceramic layers and the internal electrode layers which are laminated, and external electrodes connected to the internal electrode layers. The multilayer body includes segregation including Si as a main component in a vicinity of an end of the internal electrode layer in a width direction. An average particle size of the dielectric particles in the vicinity of the end of the internal electrode layer in the width direction in the dielectric ceramic layer is smaller than an average particle size of a dielectric particles in a central portion of the internal electrode layer in the width direction in the dielectric ceramic layer.

A METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE WITH AN ANODIC POROUS OXIDE REGION DELIMITED BY PLANARIZING A STACK OF MATERIALS (18065188)

Main Inventor

Brigitte SOULIER

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a method for manufacturing an electrical device. Here are the key points:

• The method involves anodizing a metal layer to create a porous oxide region and an adjoining metal region.
• The porous oxide region is thicker than the metal region.
• A layer of liner material is deposited on both the porous oxide region and the metal region.
• A layer of filler material is then deposited on top of the liner material.
• The stacked structure is planarized from the top surface until the liner material is exposed.
• The exposed portion of the liner material is then removed.

Overall, this method allows for the creation of an electrical device with a specific structure and composition, which may have various applications in the field of electronics.

Abstract

A method for manufacturing an electrical device that includes: anodizing a portion of an anodizable metal layer so as to obtain an anodic porous oxide region and an anodizable metal region adjoining the anodic porous oxide region, the anodic porous oxide region being thicker than the anodizable metal region; depositing a layer of liner material on the anodic porous oxide region and on the anodizable metal region; depositing a layer of filler material on the layer of liner material to obtain a stacked structure having a top surface; planarizing the stacked structure from a top surface thereof until reaching the layer of the liner material, so as to expose a portion of liner material located above at least a portion of the anodic porous oxide region; and removing the exposed portion of liner material.

STRUCTURE EXHIBITING A FLEXOELECTRIC EFFECT (18364758)

Main Inventor

Takashi TATEISHI

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a flexoelectric structure that consists of a flexible ceramic electret portion and a flexible member outside of it.

• The flexible ceramic electret portion contains a ceramic component.
• The flexible ceramic electret portion includes a charge retaining ceramic portion and an internal electrode positioned within it.
• The flexible member is located outside of the flexible ceramic electret portion.

Abstract

A flexoelectric structure that includes a flexible ceramic electret portion containing a ceramic component, the flexible ceramic electret portion including a charge retaining ceramic portion and an internal electrode positioned at an internal location of the charge retaining ceramic portion; and a flexible member outside the flexible ceramic electret portion.

INTEGRATED CIRCUIT, FRONT-END MODULE, AND COMMUNICATION APPARATUS (18233459)

Main Inventor

Hiroshi NISHIKAWA

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an integrated circuit (IC) that includes switches and an amplifier connected in a specific order to create an RF signal path.

• IC includes a first switch, a second switch, and an amplifier connected between them.
• The RF signal path passes through the first switch, the amplifier, and the second switch in that order.
• The IC has an input terminal and an output terminal that can be connected outside of the IC with a component in between.
• In the top view of the IC, the first switch, the amplifier, and the second switch are arranged in a straight line.
• The arrangement ensures that any point on the first switch, any point on the amplifier, and any point on the second switch can be connected in order.

Abstract

An integrated circuit (IC) includes a first switch, a second switch, and an amplifier electrically connected between the first switch and the second switch. An RF signal path passes through first switch, the amplifier, and the second switch in this order. The IC includes an input terminal and an output terminal that are to be connected to each other between the first switch and the amplifier or between the amplifier and the second switch outside of the IC with a component connected therebetween. In a top view of the IC, a first region of the first switch, a second region of the amplifier, and a third region of the second switch are disposed on a straight line such that a virtual straight line connects any point of the first region, any point of the second region, and any point of the second region in this order.

ACTIVE MATERIAL, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME, ELECTRODE, AND SECONDARY BATTERY (18227118)

Main Inventor

Daisuke ITO

Brief explanation

The abstract describes an active material that contains silicon, oxygen, and three other elements.

• The first element can be boron, phosphorus, or both.
• The second element can be an alkali metal, a transition element, or a typical element.
• The third element is an alkaline earth metal.
• The content of silicon in the material is between 60% and 98%.
• The content of the first element is between 1% and 25%.
• The content of the second element is between 1% and 34%.
• The content of the third element is between 0% and 6%.

Abstract

An active material includes silicon, oxygen, a first element, a second element, and a third element. The first element includes boron, phosphorus, or both. The second element includes at least one of an alkali metal element, a transition element, or a typical element. The third element includes the alkaline earth metal element. A content of silicon is greater than or equal to 60 at % and less than or equal to 98 at %. A content of the first element is greater than or equal to 1 at % and less than or equal to 25 at %. A content of the second element is greater than or equal to 1 at % and less than or equal to 34 at %. A content of the third element is greater than or equal to 0 at % and less than or equal to 6 at %.

METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SECONDARY BATTERY (18233053)

Main Inventor

Teppei AKIYOSHI

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes a method of manufacturing a secondary battery.

- The method involves placing an electrode assembly in a cup-shaped exterior member. - An electrolytic solution is then injected into the cup-shaped exterior member. - A lid-shaped exterior member is provided to cover the cavity of the cup-shaped exterior member and is fitted into at least a part of the cavity. - A laser is used to irradiate the boundary portion between the cup-shaped exterior member and the lid-shaped exterior member, forming a welded portion. - Both the cup-shaped exterior member and the lid-shaped exterior member have a first extending surface and a second extending surface. - The laser is emitted from one second extending surface to the other second extending surface, with the boundary portion in between. - This method simplifies the manufacturing process of secondary batteries by using laser welding to join the cup-shaped and lid-shaped exterior members.

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a secondary battery is provided and includes providing an electrode assembly in a cup-shaped exterior member; injecting an electrolytic solution into the cup-shaped exterior member; providing the lid-shaped exterior member so as to cover a cavity of the cup-shaped exterior member with a lid and to be fitted into at least a part of the cavity; and irradiating a boundary portion between the cup-shaped exterior member and the lid-shaped exterior member with laser to form a welded portion. In particular, in an embodiment, each of the cup-shaped exterior member and the lid-shaped exterior member includes a first extending surface constituting a boundary portion and a second extending surface facing the first extending surface while being spaced apart from each other, and the laser is emitted from one second extending surface of the cup-shaped exterior member and the lid-shaped exterior member to the other second extending surface of the cup-shaped exterior member and the lid-shaped exterior member with the boundary portion interposed therebetween.

ANTENNA DEVICE AND ANTENNA UNIT (18448506)

Main Inventor

Ryo KOMURA

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an antenna device that includes several components such as ground electrode plate, radiating electrode plates, feeder lines, and a ground line.

• The antenna device consists of a ground electrode plate, one or more first radiating electrode plates, and a second radiating electrode plate.
• The first radiating electrode plates are positioned facing the ground electrode plate, while the second radiating electrode plate lies between the ground electrode plate and the first radiating electrode plates.
• The first radiating electrode plates are connected to one or more first feeder lines, while the second radiating electrode plate is connected to a separate second feeder line.
• The ground line connects the second radiating electrode plate to the ground electrode plate, but does not connect the first radiating electrode plates to the ground electrode plate.
• The first radiating electrode plates are positioned inside the second radiating electrode plate when viewed from the thickness direction of the ground electrode plate.

Abstract

An antenna device includes: a ground electrode plate; one or more first radiating electrode plates which face the ground electrode plate; a second radiating electrode plate which lies between the ground electrode plate and the one or more first radiating electrode plates; one or more first feeder lines which are connected to the one or more first radiating electrode plates; a second feeder line which is not connected to the one or more first feeder lines but is connected to the second radiating electrode plate; and a ground line which does not connect the one or more first radiating electrode plates to the ground electrode plate but connects the second radiating electrode plate to the ground electrode plate. The one or more first radiating electrode plates lie inside the second radiating electrode plate as viewed from a thickness direction of the ground electrode plate.

ULTRASONIC MOTOR (18450121)

Main Inventor

Hiroshi ASANO

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an ultrasonic motor that consists of a stator and a stator fixing member.

• The stator has a plate-shaped vibrating body with two opposing main surfaces and a through-hole that goes through the body.
• A piezoelectric element is placed on one of the main surfaces of the vibrating body.
• The stator fixing member includes a rotor that contacts the other main surface of the vibrating body.
• The stator fixing member also has a main body portion on the same side as the piezoelectric element and a whirl-stop portion that extends from the main body portion towards the vibrating body.
• The whirl-stop portion and the through-hole of the stator have a polygonal shape when viewed from above.
• The number of vertices of the whirl-stop portion and the through-hole is the same, and they are fitted to each other.

Abstract

An ultrasonic motor is provided that includes a stator having a plate-shaped vibrating body with first and second opposing main surfaces and a through-hole penetrating in a direction in which the first and second main surfaces face each other, and a piezoelectric element on the first main surface. Moreover, a stator fixing member is provided having a rotor in contact with the second main surface, a main body portion is disposed on the first main surface side, and a whirl-stop portion extends from the main body portion toward the vibrating body side. The whirl-stop portion and the through-hole of the stator have a polygonal shape in a plan view. The number of vertices of the whirl-stop portion and the through-hole is the same, and the whirl-stop portion and the through-hole are fitted to each other.

POWER AMPLIFICATION CIRCUIT (18446542)

Main Inventor

Takeshi OSHIMA

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a power amplification circuit that adjusts the amplification based on the input signal.

• The circuit includes a splitter with variable inductance and capacitance elements to divide the signal into two power levels.
• A carrier amplifier amplifies the signal, while a peaking amplifier only outputs a signal if the second power level meets a certain threshold.
• The two signals from the amplifiers are then combined using a combiner.

Abstract

A power amplification circuit performs power amplification appropriate for the condition of an input signal. The power amplification circuit includes a splitter that includes a variable inductance element and a variable capacitance element and that splits a signal into a signal having a first power level and a signal having a second power level based on a value of inductance of the variable inductance element and a value of capacitance of the variable capacitance element. A carrier amplifier is connected to the splitter and amplifies the signal and output a signal. A peaking amplifier is connected to the splitter and outputs a signal when the second power level is greater than or equal to a predetermined power level, and a combiner (combines the two signals from the respective amplifiers.

ACOUSTIC WAVE DEVICE (18319505)

Main Inventor

Yutaka KISHIMOTO

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an acoustic wave device with specific structural features. 

• The device consists of an intermediate film, a piezoelectric film, and a first electrode, all layered on a support substrate.
• In plan view, a void portion overlaps with at least a part of the first electrode on the second main surface of the piezoelectric film.
• A groove portion is present, passing through at least a part of the piezoelectric film but not reaching the void portion.

Abstract

An acoustic wave device includes an intermediate film, a piezoelectric film , and a first electrode, which are laminated in this order on a support substrate. A void portion is provided to overlap at least a part of the first electrode on the side of a second main surface of the piezoelectric film in plan view from the side of a first main surface. A groove portion is also provided to pass through at least a part of the piezoelectric film but not reach the void portion.

ACOUSTIC WAVE DEVICE (18227333)

Main Inventor

Yasumasa TANIGUCHI

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an acoustic wave device that includes a support substrate and a piezoelectric layer.

• The device has a first IDT electrode on one side and a second IDT electrode on the other side.
• The second IDT electrode is embedded in the support.
• The support has at least one cavity around the area where the electrode fingers of the second IDT electrode are embedded.

Abstract

An acoustic wave device includes a support including a support substrate, a piezoelectric layer provided on the support and including a first principal surface and a second principal surface facing each other, a first IDT electrode provided on the first principal surface, and a second IDT electrode provided on the second principal surface. The second IDT electrode is embedded in the support. At least one cavity is provided in a periphery of a portion of the support in which electrode fingers of the second IDT electrode is embedded.

ACOUSTIC WAVE FILTER (18231918)

Main Inventor

Akira NOGUCHI

Brief explanation

The patent application describes an acoustic wave filter that includes a filter circuit and a canceling circuit.

• The filter circuit is connected to input-and-output terminals and includes series-arm resonators and parallel-arm resonators.
• The canceling circuit is connected in parallel to a portion of the first path and includes acoustic wave resonators.
• The acoustic wave resonators in the canceling circuit are connected to the ground.
• The anti-resonant frequency of at least one of the acoustic wave resonators in the canceling circuit is within the pass band of the filter circuit.

Abstract

An acoustic wave filter includes a filter circuit connected to input-and-output terminals, and a canceling circuit connected in parallel to at least a portion of a first path connecting the input-and-output terminals. The filter circuit includes one or more series-arm resonators on the first path, and one or more parallel-arm resonators between the first path and a ground. The canceling circuit includes acoustic wave resonators in parallel or substantially in parallel in a propagation direction of an acoustic wave. At least one of the acoustic wave resonators is connected to the ground, and an anti-resonant frequency of the at least one of the acoustic wave resonators is in a pass band of the filter circuit.

CASE (18231859)

Main Inventor

Kiyoyuki NAKAGAWA

Brief explanation

- The patent application describes a case with a detachable case body and a slidable shutter for a discharge port.

- The case body is set on a feeder and includes an exposing hole to allow access to an operating hole. - The slider, which is integrated with the shutter, has an elongated hole for inserting a drive pin. - The drive pin is inserted through the exposing hole and can move reciprocally to slide the slider and open or close the discharge port via the shutter.

Abstract

A case includes a case body detachably set on a feeder, a shutter slidable to open and close a discharge port, and a slider integrally provided with the shutter on an interior of the case body. The slider includes an operating hole including an elongated hole into which, in a state in which the case body is set on the feeder, a drive pin can be inserted, and extending along a reciprocal movement direction of the drive pin. The case body includes an exposing hole to expose the operating hole to outside. The drive pin is inserted into the operating hole via the exposing hole and is reciprocally movable to cause the slider to slide to open or close the discharge port via the shutter.

CASE (18231857)

Main Inventor

Kiyoyuki NAKAGAWA

Brief explanation

The abstract describes a case that is used to supply electronic components to a target location. 

• The case has a storage space to hold the electronic components.
• It also has a transport section that is connected to the case body.
• The transport section has a transport path that moves the electronic components to the target location.
• There is a discharge port in the transport section where the electronic components are released.
• The case also has a communication port that allows the electronic components to move from the storage space to the transport path.

Abstract

A case to be set to a feeder to supply electronic components to a supply target includes a case body including a storage space to accommodate electronic components, a transport section integrally joined to the case body and including a transport path to transport the electronic components to a supply target, a discharge port through which the electronic components in the transport path are discharged, and a communication port to communicate between the storage space and the transport path to enable the electronic components to move from the storage space to the transport path.

CASE (18231858)

Main Inventor

Kiyoyuki NAKAGAWA

Brief explanation

The patent application describes a case with a sliding shutter that opens and closes a discharge port.

• The case includes a guide portion that helps in the sliding movement of the shutter.
• There is a main pathway where one end of the shutter is located when the discharge port is open.
• The shutter can be selectively inserted into either the first or second branching pathways when the discharge port is closed.
• When a pin is fitted into the case, the end of the shutter is inserted into the first branching pathway.
• When the pin is not fitted, the end of the shutter is inserted into the second branching pathway.
• This allows for easy identification from the exterior whether the end of the shutter is inserted into the first or second branching pathway.

Abstract

A case includes a guide portion to guide sliding of a shutter to open and close a discharge port of a case body, a main pathway at which an end of the shutter is located when the shutter is in a state to open the discharge port, and first and second branching pathways into which the end of the shutter can be selectively inserted when the shutter is in a state to close the discharge port. When a pin is fitted into the case body, the end of the shutter is inserted into the first branching pathway, and when the pin is not fitted, the end is inserted into the second branching pathway, so that it is apparent from the exterior that the distal end is inserted into the first or second branching pathway.