Sensor unit and structure for attaching sensor unit

Abstract

A sensor unit and a structure for attaching the sensor unit. The present invention provides a sensor unit that can be attached to a housing from its back side. The sensor unit is attached to a receiving hole of the housing from the Z' direction side. The Z direction of the housing is closed by a covering portion. The unit includes a main body, a detection sensor, a vibration generator, a shock absorber, and a fixable portion. The main body includes a first component that is accommodated in the receiving hole of the housing from the Z' direction side and a second component that is located on the Z' direction side relative to the receiving hole. The detection sensor is disposed at the main body and is configured to detect contact between a detection target and the covering portion. The vibration generator is configured to vibrate the main body and the detection sensor. The fixable portion extends from the second portion and is fixed to the housing from the Z' direction side via the shock absorber. The shock absorber is at least partially interposed between the fixable portion and the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor unit and a structure for attaching a sensor unit. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-173896 (hereinafter referred to as "the document") describes a conventional structure for attaching a sensor unit. The structure includes a housing having a square ring shape, an elastic member having a square ring shape, and a sensor unit. The housing includes a receiving hole, a pair of edges, and a pair of supports. The receiving hole extends through the housing. The edges are opposite edges of the receiving hole of the housing and have respective inner faces on one side of the receiving hole. The supports are metal plates fixed to the inner faces of the edges and received in the receiving hole. The elastic member is received in the receiving hole from one side in the extension direction of the receiving hole and is supported on the supports. The sensor unit includes a touch sensor and a piezoelectric element. The touch sensor is placed on the elastic member from the one side in the extension direction and is screwed onto the support. The touch sensor includes a first face on the one side in the extension direction and a second face on the opposite side. The piezoelectric element is adhered to the second face of the touch sensor. The sensor unit is constructed so that when the touch sensor detects contact with a detection object, the piezoelectric element expands and contracts to vibrate the touch sensor. The abutment of the touch sensor on the elastic member makes it difficult to dampen vibrations of the touch sensor. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Technical issues

[0004] In short, the above document discloses only a configuration in which the elastic member and the sensor unit are attached from one side in the extending direction, that is, from the operation surface (front side) side of the touch sensor.

[0005] The present invention provides a sensor unit that is attachable to a housing from its back side. The present invention also provides a structure for attaching the sensor unit.

[0006] Technical Solution

[0007] A sensor unit in one aspect of the present invention is attachable to a receiving hole. The receiving hole extends through the housing in a first direction and is enclosed by a cover on one side of the first direction. The sensor unit is attachable to the receiving hole from the other side of the first direction. The sensor unit includes a main body, a detection sensor, a vibration generator, a vibration damper made of an elastic material, and a fixed portion. The main body includes a first portion and a second portion located on the other side of the first direction relative to the first portion. The first portion is receivable in the receiving hole of the housing from the other side of the first direction. When the first portion is accommodated in the receiving hole (this state will be referred to as the "receiving state"), the second portion is located on the other side of the receiving hole in the first direction relative to the receiving hole. The detection sensor is disposed on the main body. In the receiving state, the detection sensor is configured to detect contact between a detection object and the cover from one side of the first direction. The vibration generator is configured to vibrate the main body and the detection sensor in the receiving state, thereby providing tactile feedback to the detection object in contact with the cover. The fixed portion is disposed on the second portion of the main body. In the receiving state, the fixed portion is located on the other side of the housing in the first direction. In the accommodated state, the fixed portion is fixed to the housing via the vibration damper from the other side in the first direction, and the vibration damper is at least partially interposed between the fixed portion and the housing.

[0008] The sensor unit of this aspect is configured so that the first part of the main body can be accommodated in the accommodation hole of the shell from the other side of the first direction (from the back side). This is because, in the accommodated state, the second part of the main body is located on the other side of the first direction relative to the accommodation hole, and the fixed part provided in the second part is located on the other side of the first direction relative to the shell. Therefore, by fixing the fixed part to the shell from the other side of the first direction via the shock absorber, the fixed part can be fixed to the shell from the other side of the first direction. Moreover, the shock absorber that is at least partially interposed between the fixed part and the shell in the accommodated state can absorb the vibration of the main body, the fixed part and the detection sensor vibrated by the vibration generator.

[0009] The vibration damper may include a first vibration damper made of an elastic material. In the accommodated state, the fixed portion may be fixed to the housing from the other side of the first direction via the first vibration damper. In this state, the first vibration damper may be interposed between the fixed portion and the housing.

[0010] The sensor unit may further include a fixing portion. The fixing portion may be configured to be in an accommodated state to fix the fixed portion and the vibration absorber to the housing from the other side of the first direction.

[0011] The fixing portion may include an abutment portion on the other side of the first direction with respect to the vibration absorber.

[0012] The vibration damper may further include a second vibration damper formed of an elastic material. When the fixing portion fixes the fixed portion and the vibration damper to the housing from the other side of the first direction, the first vibration damper may be interposed between the fixed portion and the housing, and the second vibration damper may be interposed between the fixed portion and the abutting portion of the fixing portion.

[0013] The vibration damper may further include at least one first protrusion formed of an elastic material. The at least one first protrusion may extend from the first vibration damper to one side in the first direction and may be elastically deformable to contract in the first direction. When the fixed portion is fixed to the housing from the other side in the first direction via the vibration damper, the first vibration damper may abut the fixed portion, and the at least one first protrusion may be retained between the first vibration damper and the housing.

[0014] The vibration damper may further include at least one second protrusion formed of an elastic material. The at least one second protrusion may extend from the second vibration damper to the other side of the first direction and may be elastically deformable to retract in the first direction. When the fixed portion is fixed to the housing via the vibration damper from the other side of the first direction, the second vibration damper may abut the fixed portion, and the at least one second protrusion may be retained between the abutting portion of the second vibration damper and the fixed portion.

[0015] The sensor unit may further include a relay portion. The relay portion may be fixed to the fixed portion. In this case, in the accommodated state, the relay portion may be fixed to the housing from the other side of the first direction, replacing the fixed portion. The vibration damper may be at least partially interposed between the fixed portion and the relay portion, rather than between the fixed portion and the housing.

[0016] If a relay portion is provided and the vibration absorber includes a first vibration absorber, the relay portion may include a first abutting portion located on one side of the first vibration absorber in the first direction. In this case, the first vibration absorber may be at least partially interposed between the fixed portion and the first abutting portion of the relay portion, rather than between the fixed portion and the housing.

[0017] If a relay portion is provided and the vibration absorber includes a second vibration absorber, the relay portion may include a second abutting portion located on the other side of the second vibration absorber in the first direction. In this case, the second vibration absorber may be at least partially interposed between the fixed portion and the second abutting portion of the relay portion, rather than between the fixed portion and the abutting portion of the fixing portion.

[0018] When a relay portion is provided and the shock absorber includes a first shock absorber and at least one first protrusion, the first shock absorber may abut against the fixed portion, and the at least one first protrusion may be held between the first shock absorber and the first abutting portion of the relay portion, rather than between the first shock absorber and the housing.

[0019] In a case where a relay portion is provided and the shock absorber includes a second shock absorber and at least one second protrusion, the second shock absorber may abut against the fixed portion, and the at least one second protrusion may be held between the second shock absorber and the second abutting portion of the relay portion, rather than between the second shock absorber and the abutting portion of the fixed portion.

[0020] The first portion of the body may include a first face on one side in the first direction.

[0021] The first surface of the main body may have a shape and size substantially the same as that of the receiving hole of the housing when viewed from one side in the first direction. In the received state, the first surface of the main body may be arranged substantially continuously with a surface of a peripheral area of ​​the receiving hole of the housing on one side in the first direction.

[0022] The detection sensor may have a first surface on one side of the first direction and a second surface on the other side of the first direction.The second surface of the detection sensor may abut against the first surface of the body.

[0023] The detection sensor may have a shape and size substantially the same as that of the receiving hole of the housing when viewed from one side in the first direction. In the received state, the first surface of the detection sensor may be arranged substantially continuously with a surface of a peripheral area of ​​the receiving hole of the housing on one side in the first direction.

[0024] The main body may be a tube having a bottom portion that is closed on one side of the main body in the first direction. In this case, the vibration generator may be housed in and fixed to the main body. If the main body is not a tube having a bottom portion, the vibration generator is fixed to the main body. Alternatively, the vibration generator may be fixed to a member other than the main body and configured to vibrate the main body and the detection sensor in the manner described above.

[0025] A structure for attaching a sensor unit according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing, a cover, and a sensor unit according to one of the above aspects. The housing is provided with a receiving hole extending through the housing in a first direction. The cover closes the receiving hole of the housing from one side in the first direction.

[0026] In a case where the sensor unit does not include a relay portion, a first portion of the main body of the sensor unit may be accommodated in the accommodating hole, the main body of the sensor unit and / or the detection sensor may abut the covering portion, and the fixed portion of the sensor unit may be fixed to the shell from the other side of the first direction via the shock absorber, and the shock absorber of the sensor unit may be at least partially interposed between the fixed portion and the shell.

[0027] In the case where the sensor unit includes a relay portion, the first part of the main body of the sensor unit can be accommodated in the accommodating hole, the main body of the sensor unit and / or the detection sensor can abut the covering portion, and the relay portion of the sensor unit can be fixed to the shell from the other side of the first direction.

[0028] The cover may be made of a flexible and / or elastic material.

[0029] The cover portion may cover at least a peripheral area of ​​the accommodation hole of the housing and a main body of the sensor unit.

[0030] The covering portion may include a buffer portion and a cover portion. The buffer portion may be made of an elastic material, may close the housing's receiving hole from one side in the first direction, and may cover at least the periphery of the housing's receiving hole and the sensor unit's main body. The cover portion may cover the buffer portion from one side in the first direction. In this case, the main body and / or the detection sensor may abut the buffer portion.

[0031] The buffer portion may be recessed conformally to the shape of the detection sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1A is a side, top, right side perspective view of a structure for attaching a sensor unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 1B It is a perspective view of the front, bottom and left side of the structure.

[0034] Figure 2A is attached along Figure 1B A cross-sectional view taken along line 2A-2A in FIG.

[0035] Figure 2B It is along the structure Figure 1B A cross-sectional view taken along line 2B-2B in FIG.

[0036] Figure 2C It is along the structure Figure 1B A cross-sectional view taken along line 2C-2C in FIG.

[0037] Figure 2D It is along the structure Figure 1B A cross-sectional view taken along line 2D-2D in FIG.

[0038] Figure 2E It is along the structure Figure 2A A cross-sectional view taken along line 2E-2E in FIG.

[0039] Figure 3A It is an enlarged and exploded front, top and right side stereogram of the structure.

[0040] Figure 3BIt is an enlarged and exploded front, bottom and right side stereoscopic view of the structure.

[0041] Figure 4A Schematic partial bottom views of the main body and the fixed portion of the sensor unit according to first and second structural modifications.

[0042] Figure 4B The structure of the first modification corresponds to Figure 2D A partial cross-sectional view of a portion.

[0043] Figure 4C The structure of the second modification corresponds to Figure 2D A partial cross-sectional view of a portion.

[0044] Figure 5A The third variation of the structure corresponds to Figure 2D A partial cross-sectional view of a portion.

[0045] Figure 5B The fourth modification of the structure corresponds to Figure 2D A partial cross-sectional view of a portion.

[0046] Figure 5C The fifth modification of the structure corresponds to Figure 2D A partial cross-sectional view of a portion.

[0047] Figure 6 1 is a schematic partial bottom view of a main body and a fixed portion of a sensor unit according to a sixth modification example of the structure.

[0048] Figure 7A It is a schematic partial bottom view of a main body and a fixed portion of a sensor unit according to a seventh modification example of the structure.

[0049] Figure 7B The seventh modification of the structure corresponds to Figure 2D A partial cross-sectional view of a portion.

[0050] Figure 8A The eighth modification of the structure corresponds to Figure 2D A partial cross-sectional view of a portion.

[0051] Figure 8B The ninth variation of the structure corresponds to Figure 2D A partial cross-sectional view of a portion.

[0052] Figure 8C The tenth variation of the structure corresponds to Figure 2D A partial cross-sectional view of a portion.

[0053] Figure 8D is an eleventh variation of the structure Figure 2D The partial cross-sectional view corresponding to the part.

[0054] Figure 8E The twelfth variation of the structure corresponds to Figure 2D A partial cross-sectional view of a portion.

[0055] Figure 8F is a thirteenth variation of the structure Figure 2D A partial cross-sectional view corresponding to a portion of .

[0056] Figure 8G Fourteen variations of the structure are shown. Figure 2D A partial cross-sectional view of a portion.

[0057] Figure 8H The fifteenth variation of the structure corresponds to Figure 2D A partial cross-sectional view of a portion.

[0058] Figure 8I The sixteenth variation of the structure corresponds to Figure 2D A partial cross-sectional view of a portion.

[0059] Figure 8J The seventeenth variation of the structure corresponds to Figure 2D A partial cross-sectional view of a portion.

[0060] Figure 9A It is a perspective view of a first vibration absorber of a sensor unit according to another modification of the structures of the first, second, eighth, and ninth modifications.

[0061] Figure 9B It is a perspective view of a second vibration absorber of a sensor unit according to another modified example of the structure of the second and ninth modified examples.

[0062] Figure 10 is a structure for attaching a sensor unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention corresponding to Figure 2B Cross-sectional view of .

[0063] Figure 11 A modification of the structure of the second embodiment corresponds to Figure 2B Cross-sectional view of .

[0064] Figure 12 is a structure for attaching a sensor unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention corresponding to Figure 2B Cross-sectional view of . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] Various embodiments of the present invention, including a first embodiment, a second embodiment, and a third embodiment, and variations thereof, will now be described. The elements of the embodiments and variations thereof to be described may be combined in any possible manner. The materials, shapes, sizes, quantities, and arrangements of the components of various aspects of the embodiments and variations thereof discussed below are merely examples, and the materials, shapes, sizes, quantities, and arrangements of the components of various aspects of the embodiments and variations thereof may be modified as long as they achieve similar functions.

[0066] First embodiment

[0067] The following description is based on Figures 1A to 9B The structure S1 for attaching the sensor unit U1 according to various embodiments of the present invention including the first embodiment and its modified examples. Figures 1A to 3B The structure S1 of the first embodiment is illustrated. Figure 4A and Figure 4B A first modification example of the structure S1 of the first embodiment is illustrated. Figure 4A and Figure 4C A second modification example of the structure S1 of the first embodiment is illustrated. Figure 5A A third modification example of the structure S1 of the first embodiment is illustrated. Figure 5B A fourth modification example of the structure S1 of the first embodiment is illustrated. Figure 5C A fifth modification example of the structure S1 of the first embodiment is illustrated. Figure 6 A sixth modification example of the structure S1 of the first embodiment is illustrated. Figure 7A and Figure 7B A seventh modification example of the structure S1 of the first embodiment is illustrated. Figure 8A 、 Figure 8B 、 Figure 8C 、 Figure 8D 、 Figure 8E 、 Figure 8F 、 Figure 8G 、 Figure 8H 、 Figure 8I and Figure 8J An eighth modification, a ninth modification, a tenth modification, an eleventh modification, a twelfth modification, a thirteenth modification, a fourteenth modification, a fifteenth modification, a sixteenth modification, and a seventeenth modification of the structure S1 of the first embodiment are respectively illustrated. Figure 9A Another modification of the structures of the first modification, the second modification, the eighth modification, and the ninth modification is illustrated, and Figure 9B Another modification example of the structures of the second modification example and the ninth modification example is illustrated.

[0068] Figures 1B to 3B and Figures 5A to 6Indicates the ZZ' direction (first direction). The ZZ' direction includes the Z direction (one side of the first direction) and the Z' direction (the other side of the first direction). Figures 1B to 2B and Figures 2E to 3B Indicates the XX′ direction (second direction). The XX′ direction intersects the ZZ′ direction and can be aligned with the ZZ′ direction (see Figures 2A to 2B and Figures 2E to 3B The XX′ direction includes the X direction (one side in the second direction) and the X′ direction (the other side in the second direction). Figure 1B 、 Figures 2C to 3B and Figures 5A to 6 Indicates the YY' direction (third direction). The YY' direction intersects the ZZ' and XX' directions and is not on the plane in which the ZZ' and XX' directions extend. The YY' direction may intersect the ZZ' and XX' directions (see Figure 1B 、 Figures 2C to 3B and Figures 5A to 6 ) are substantially orthogonal. The YY′ direction includes the Y direction (one side in the third direction) and the Y′ direction (the other side in the third direction).

[0069] The structure S1 includes a shell 10, a cover 20 and a sensor unit U1. The shell 10 can be, for example, the interior of a car (for example, a dashboard, a console, an inner panel of a door, or a roof lining (lining)), the shell of a portable information terminal such as a smart phone, or the shell of a fixed information terminal to be operated by a user (for example, an automatic teller machine (ATM), a ticket vending machine, a receiving terminal for concluding a loan contract for a cash advance or similar service, a multimedia terminal for making ticket reservations and product purchase applications, a vending machine, a point of sale (POS) terminal, and a ticket vending machine installed at an airport, a train station, etc. for issuing boarding passes and other tickets). The shell 10 has a surface on the Z-direction side, which surface can be flat or at least partially curved. The shell 10 includes a receiving hole 11 and a peripheral area 12 of the receiving hole 11. The receiving hole 11 is a polygonal or circular through-hole extending through the shell 10 in the ZZ′ direction. The ZZ′ direction can be referred to as the extension direction of the receiving hole 11. It should be noted that Figures 1A to 6 The housing 10 is illustrated only partially and not in its entirety. The peripheral region 12 has one of the following configurations (1) to (4).

[0070] (1) The peripheral region 12 includes a plurality of bases 13 and a plurality of screw holes 14. The bases 13 are cylindrical bodies with circular or polygonal cross sections extending from the peripheral region 12 in the Z′ direction and are arranged at intervals around the accommodation hole 11. The screw holes 14 are provided in the respective bases 13 and open in the Z′ direction.

[0071] (2) The peripheral region 12 includes a plurality of screw holes 14. The screw holes 14 are provided in the peripheral region 12 and are arranged at spaced intervals around the accommodation hole 11. The screw holes 14 are open in the Z' direction. In this case, the base 13 is omitted.

[0072] (3) The peripheral region 12 has the configuration (1) in which the screw hole 14 is omitted.

[0073] (4) The peripheral region 12 has the configuration (2) in which the screw hole 14 is omitted.

[0074] The covering portion 20 covers at least the accommodating hole 11 of the housing 10 from the Z direction side. The covering portion 20 may include at least one layer. The at least one layer includes a cover portion 21, which is the only layer or the outermost layer in the at least one layer. The cover portion 21 is made of, for example, a flexible material, a stretchable fiber material, and / or a molded synthetic resin. The flexible material may be an elastic material, such as an elastomer (for example, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) or rubber). The stretchable fiber material may be a synthetic fiber containing polyurethane or a fiber material woven to have stretchability. The molded synthetic resin may be an elastomer or other moldable resin. The cover portion 21 includes an outermost portion (the surface of the covering portion 20 on the Z direction side). The outermost portion includes a touch area to be touched by a detection object such as a user's finger or a stylus. The outermost portion of the cover portion 21 may also be referred to as the outermost portion of the covering portion 20. The touch area may be any portion of the outermost portion, and may be an area including four L-shaped portions and three different icons, such as Figure 1A The outermost surface of the cover portion 21 (the outermost surface of the covering portion 20) may or may not have irregularly formed protrusions and depressions (for example, protrusions and depressions formed by surface texturing to imitate the surface of natural leather (hence, called leather grain)).

[0075] At least one layer of the cover 20 may further include a buffer portion 22. The buffer portion 22 may be composed of: a foam material made of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyurethane, silicon, etc.; a gel material made of silicon, polyurethane, etc.; a fiber material formed by three-dimensionally weaving polyester or other synthetic fibers; or a soft resin material such as an elastomer. The buffer portion 22 is arranged between the housing 10 and the cover portion 21 and closes the receiving hole 11 of the housing 10 from the Z direction side. The cover portion 21 and the buffer portion 22 may also have one of the following configurations (5) to (7).

[0076] (5) The buffer portion 22 may have the same shape and size as the housing 10 (see FIG. Figures 1A to 2D) is substantially the same shape and size. The buffer portion 22 covers the housing 10 from the Z direction side and closes the receiving hole 11 from the Z direction side. The buffer portion 22 can be fixed to the housing 10 by adhesive, multiple screws, multiple pins and / or other means. When viewed from the Z direction side, the cover portion 21 has the same shape and size as the buffer portion 22 (see Figures 1A to 2D ) are substantially the same shape and size. The cover portion 21 covers the cushioning portion 22 from the Z-direction side. The cover portion 21 may be fixed to the cushioning portion 22 and / or the housing 10 using an adhesive, or may be fixed to the housing 10 together with the cushioning portion 22 using an adhesive, multiple screws, multiple pins, and / or other means.

[0077] (6) The buffer portion 22 has any suitable shape when viewed from the Z direction side, and has a size larger than the size of the accommodating hole 11 of the housing 10 when viewed from the Z direction side. The buffer portion 22 covers the accommodating hole 11 and the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 from the Z direction side, and closes the accommodating hole 11 from the Z direction side. The buffer portion 22 can be fixed to the housing 10 in the same manner as in the above configuration (1). The cover portion 21 can have a shape and size substantially the same as those of the buffer portion 22 when viewed from the Z direction side. In this case, the cover portion 21 covers only the buffer portion 22 from the Z direction side. The cover portion 21 can have any suitable shape when viewed from the Z direction side, and can have a size larger than the size of the buffer portion 22 when viewed from the Z direction side. In this case, the cover portion 21 covers the buffer portion 22 and the portion of the housing 10 surrounding the buffer portion 22 from the Z direction side. The cover portion 21 can have a shape and size substantially the same as those of the housing 10 when viewed from the Z direction side. In this case, the cover portion 21 covers the cushioning portion 22 and the housing 10 from the Z direction side. In any of the above aspects, the cover portion 21 can be fixed to the cushioning portion 22 and / or the housing 10 in the same manner as in the above configuration (2).

[0078] (7) As viewed from the Z direction side, the buffer portion 22 and the cover portion 21 each have a shape and size substantially the same as those of the accommodating hole 11 of the housing 10. The buffer portion 22 closes the accommodating hole 11 from the Z direction side. The cover portion 21 covers the buffer portion 22 from the Z direction side. The buffer portion 22 and the cover portion 21 are supported by the main body 100 of the sensor unit U1 and / or the detection sensor 500 (to be described).

[0079] The at least one layer of the covering portion 20 may include one or more layers in addition to the cover portion 21 and the buffer portion 22. The buffer portion 22 may be omitted. In the case where the buffer portion 22 is omitted, the covering portion 21 of any of the above aspects may close the receiving hole 11 from the Z-direction side. In the case where the buffer portion 22 is omitted, the at least one layer of the covering portion 20 may include one or more layers in addition to the cover portion 21.

[0080] The sensor unit U1 includes a main body 100 made of insulating resin, carbon, or metal. The main body 100 is a tube having a bottom portion that closes the Z-direction side of the main body 100 (see Figures 1A to 3B ), a plate (not shown), or a block (not shown). Regardless, the main body 100 includes a first portion 101 and a second portion 102 located on the Z′ side relative to the first portion 101. The first portion 101 of the main body 100 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 11 of the housing 10 from the Z′ side. For ease of description, the term "accommodated state" herein refers to a state in which the first portion 101 of the main body 100 is accommodated in the accommodation hole 11 of the housing 10.

[0081] The first portion 101 of the main body 100 includes a first surface 101a on the Z direction side. The first surface 101a may be flat. The first surface 101a may not be a flat surface. In this case, the first surface 101a may partially or entirely form a curved or spherical surface that is convex in the Z direction. When the first portion 101 is accommodated in the accommodating hole 11 of the housing 10, the second portion 102 of the main body 100 is located on the Z′ direction side relative to the accommodating hole 11. The main body 100 may also have the following configuration (A) or (B).

[0082] (A) When viewed from the Z direction side, the first portion 101 of the main body 100 has a shape and size substantially the same as that of the receiving hole 11 of the housing 10 (see FIG. Figures 1A to 3B ). The first surface 101a of the first portion 101 also has a shape and size substantially the same as that of the receiving hole 11 of the housing 10 when viewed from the Z direction (see Figures 1A to 3B ).

[0083] (B) The first portion 101 of the main body 100 has any appropriate shape as viewed from the Z direction side, and has a size smaller than that of the accommodation hole 11 of the housing 10 as viewed from the Z direction side.

[0084] The main body 100 includes a second surface on the Z′ direction side. If the main body 100 is a tube having a bottom, the main body 100 includes the bottom and a peripheral wall extending from the bottom in the Z′ direction. In this case, the first portion 101 of the main body 100 includes the bottom and the portion of the peripheral wall on the Z direction side, and the second portion 102 of the main body 100 includes the portion of the peripheral wall on the Z′ direction side. The surface of the bottom on the Z direction side forms the first surface 101a, and the surface of the bottom of the main body 100 on the Z′ direction side forms the second surface. If the main body 100 is a plate or a block, the surface of the bottom of the main body 100 on the Z′ direction side forms the second surface.

[0085] The sensor unit U1 further includes a detection sensor 500 provided at the main body 100. The detection sensor 500 is configured to detect the accommodation state in which the detection object has contacted the touch area of ​​the cover 20 from the Z direction side. It should be understood that for ease of description, the detection sensor 500 is illustrated in an exaggerated size in the ZZ′ direction. Figures 2A to 2D middle.

[0086] The detection sensor 500 can be, for example, a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. The detection sensor 500 is a flexible sheet or a rigid plate, and includes a first surface 510 on the Z direction side and a second surface on the Z′ direction side. The detection sensor 500 can be fixed on the first surface 101a of the main body 100 and extend along the first surface 101a of the main body 100. In this case, the second surface of the detection sensor 500 abuts the first surface 101a of the main body 100 and can be fixed to the first surface 101a with an adhesive or other means. The detection sensor 500 can also have any one of the following structures (C) and (D).

[0087] (C) The detection sensor 500 has a shape and size substantially the same as those of the first surface 101a of the main body 100 when viewed from the Z direction side (see FIG. Figures 1A to 3B When the first portion 101 of the main body 100 has substantially the same shape and size as the receiving hole 11 of the housing 10 when viewed from the Z direction side, the detection sensor 500 also has substantially the same shape and size as the receiving hole 11 of the housing 10 when viewed from the Z direction side.

[0088] (D) The detection sensor 500 may have any suitable shape as viewed from the Z direction side, and may have any suitable shape as viewed from the Z direction side, as long as the detection sensor 500 can be placed on the first surface 101a of the main body 100. In other words, the detection sensor 500 may have a size smaller than the size of the receiving hole 11 of the housing 100 as viewed from the Z direction side.

[0089] In the case where the main body 100 has the above configuration (A) and the detection sensor 500 has the above configuration (C), the detection sensor 500 and the main body 100 can be arranged in an accommodated state so that the first surface 101a of the main body 100 is continuous with the surface of the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 on the Z direction side, or alternatively so that the first surface 510 of the detection sensor 500 is continuous with the surface of the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10e on the Z direction side. Hereinafter, the former arrangement and the latter arrangement may be referred to as "first continuous arrangement" and "second continuous arrangement", respectively. In the case where the first surface 101a of the main body 100 and the surface of the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 on the Z direction side are flat, the first surface 101a of the main body 100 is flush with and continuous with the surface of the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 on the Z direction side. This arrangement is also included in the first continuous arrangement. In a case where the first surface 510 of the detection sensor 500 and the surface of the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 on the Z direction side are flat, the first surface 510 of the detection sensor 500 is flush with and continuous with the surface of the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 on the Z direction side. This arrangement is also included in the second continuous arrangement. In a case where the detection sensor 500 and the main body 100 are in the first continuous arrangement, the detection sensor 500 abuts the covering portion 20 from the Z′ direction side. In a case where the buffer portion 22 is provided, the buffer portion 22 is conformally recessed with the shape of the detection sensor 500 and conformally with the thickness of the detection sensor 500 in the ZZ′ direction. In a case where the detection sensor 500 and the main body 100 are in the second continuous arrangement, the detection sensor 500 abuts the covering portion 20 from the Z′ direction side.

[0090] In the case where the main body 100 has the above configuration (B) and the detection sensor 500 has the above configuration (C), the detection sensor 500 and the main body 100 can be arranged so that the first surface 101a of the main body 100 and the surface of the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 on the Z-direction side are substantially located at the same height in the ZZ′ direction, or alternatively, the detection sensor 500 and the main body 100 can be arranged in a second continuous arrangement. In the former case, the detection sensor 500 abuts against the cover 20 from the Z′-direction side; and in the case where the buffer portion 22 is provided, the buffer portion 22 is recessed conformally to the shape of the detection sensor 500 and conformally to the thickness of the detection sensor 500 in the ZZ′ direction. In the latter case, the detection sensor 500 abuts against the cover 20 from the Z′-direction side.

[0091] When the main body 100 has the above configuration (A) and the detection sensor 500 has the above configuration (D), the detection sensor 500 and the main body 100 may be in a second continuous arrangement, or alternatively, the detection sensor 500 and the main body 100 may be arranged so that the first surface 510 of the detection sensor 500 and the surface of the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 on the Z-direction side are substantially located at the same height in the ZZ′ direction. In the former case, the detection sensor 500 and the main body 100 abut against the cover 20 from the Z′-direction side; and when the buffer portion 22 is provided, the buffer portion 22 is recessed conformally to the shape of the detection sensor 500 and conformally to the thickness of the detection sensor 500 in the ZZ′ direction. In the latter case, the detection sensor 500 and the main body 100 abut against the cover 20 from the Z′-direction side.

[0092] When the main body 100 has the above configuration (B) and the detection sensor 500 has the above configuration (D), the detection sensor 500 and the main body 100 can be arranged so that the first surface 101a of the main body 100 and the surface of the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 on the Z-direction side are substantially located at the same height in the ZZ′ direction, or alternatively, so that the first surface 510 of the detection sensor 500 and the surface of the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 on the Z-direction side are substantially located at the same height in the ZZ′ direction. In the former case, the detection sensor 500 and the main body 100 abut against the cover 20 from the Z′ direction side; and if the buffer portion 22 is provided, the buffer portion 22 is recessed conformally to the shape of the detection sensor 500 and conformally to the thickness of the detection sensor 500 in the ZZ′ direction. In the latter case, the detection sensor 500 and the main body 100 abut against the cover 20 from the Z′ direction side.

[0093] The detection sensor 500 may be fixed to and extend along the second face of the main body 100, or alternatively may be embedded in the main body 100. In any of these aspects, the main body 100 may have the above configuration (A) and be in a first continuous arrangement, or alternatively the main body 100 may have the above configuration (B), and the detection sensor 500 and the main body 100 may be arranged so that the first face 101a of the main body 100 and the face of the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 on the Z-direction side are substantially at the same height in the ZZ′ direction. In any arrangement, the first face 101a of the main body 100 abuts the cover layer 20 from the Z′-direction side.

[0094] In the case where the detection sensor 500 is a capacitive touch sensor, the capacitive touch sensor may be a self-capacitive touch sensor or a mutual-capacitive touch sensor, or function as a dual-purpose self-capacitive and mutual-capacitive touch sensor.

[0095] In the case where the capacitive touch sensor is a self-capacitive touch sensor, the touch sensor includes one or more electrodes and can be configured as follows: in the accommodated state, when the detection object contacts the outermost surface of the cover 20 while the one or more electrodes are charged and then discharged, the contact causes the capacitance between the one or more electrodes and the detection object to change, thereby changing one or more signals (e.g., voltage) of the one or more electrodes.

[0096] In the case where the capacitive touch sensor is a mutual capacitance touch sensor, the touch sensor includes at least one drive electrode and at least one detection electrode and can be constructed as follows: in the accommodated state, when the detection object contacts the outermost surface of the cover 20, and a drive pulse is applied to the at least one drive electrode and the at least one drive electrode is electrostatically coupled to the at least one detection electrode, such contact causes the capacitance between the at least one drive electrode and the at least one detection electrode to change, thereby changing at least one signal (e.g., voltage) of the at least one detection electrode.

[0097] In the case where the capacitive touch sensor is used as a dual-purpose self-capacitance and mutual capacitance touch sensor, the touch sensor includes at least one drive electrode and at least one detection electrode, and can be constructed as follows. In the accommodated state, when the detection object is in contact with the outermost surface of the covering portion 20 and at least one detection electrode is charged and then discharged, the contact causes the capacitance between the at least one detection electrode and the detection object to change to change at least one signal (e.g., voltage) of the at least one detection electrode. Moreover, in the accommodated state, when the detection object is in contact with the outermost surface of the covering portion 20 and a drive pulse is applied to the at least one drive electrode and the at least one drive electrode is electrostatically coupled to the at least one drive electrode, the contact causes the capacitance between the at least one drive electrode and the at least one detection electrode to change to change at least one signal (e.g., voltage) of the at least one detection electrode.

[0098] In the case where the detection sensor 500 is a resistive touch sensor, the touch sensor includes at least one group of resistive films, and the group or each group includes two resistive films. The resistive films of the group or each group face each other and have a gap between them. In the accommodated state, when the detection object contacts the outermost surface of the cover 20 and a voltage is applied to one resistive film of the group or each group, the resistive film contacts the other resistive film of the group or each group to change the signal (e.g., voltage) of the other resistive film.

[0099] In the case where the detection sensor 500 is a pressure sensor, the detection sensor 500 may be configured as follows: In the accommodated state, when the detection object comes into contact with the outermost surface of the cover 20 , the contact causes a signal (eg, voltage) of the pressure sensor to change.

[0100] It should be noted that the detection sensor 500 is not limited to a capacitive touch sensor, a resistive touch sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like. The detection sensor 500 may be an ultrasonic surface acoustic wave touch sensor, an optical touch sensor, an inductive touch sensor, or the like. In this case, the main body 100 and / or the detection sensor 500 abut against the cover 20 from the Z′ direction side. The detection sensor 500 and the main body 100 may or may not be in the first continuous arrangement.

[0101] The sensor unit U1 also includes a vibration generator 600. The vibration generator 600 is configured to vibrate the main body 100 and the detection sensor 500 when the detection object contacts the cover 20, thereby providing tactile feedback to the detection object via the cover 20. For example, the vibration generator 600 can be configured to vibrate the vibrating unit in a frequency band between 150 Hz and 200 Hz. The vibration in this frequency band can (but is not required to) be easy to sense but difficult to be heard by people. The vibration generator 600 can be composed of a linear resonant actuator (LRA), a voice coil motor (VCM), an eccentric rotating mass motor (ERM), a solenoid, a piezoelectric element or other vibration element. The vibration generator 600 can be configured to apply vibration to the main body 100 in the ZZ' direction or in a direction other than the ZZ' direction.

[0102] The vibration generator 600 may be fixed to the main body 100 or a support member (not shown) located on the ZZ′ direction side relative to the main body 100. In the case where the main body 100 is a tube having a bottom, the vibration generator 600 is fixed to and accommodated in the main body 100. The vibration generator 600 may be fixed to the second surface of the bottom of the main body 100 and accommodated in the main body 100, as shown in FIG. Figures 1B to 2E shown.

[0103] The sensor unit U1 also includes a plurality of fixed portions 200 and a plurality of vibration absorbers 300. The plurality of vibration absorbers 300 are made of an elastic material (e.g., a rubber material such as silicone and EPDM, or a gel material such as polyurethane and silicone). For ease of description and distinction, the plurality of vibration absorbers 300 may be referred to as "all vibration absorbers 300," some of the plurality of vibration absorbers 300 may be referred to as "some vibration absorbers 300," and one of the plurality of vibration absorbers 300 may be referred to as "one vibration absorber 300."

[0104] A plurality of fixed portions 200 are provided on the second portion 102 of the main body 100. The fixed portions 200 may be formed, for example, by flanges or protrusions extending from the second portion 102 in a direction intersecting the ZZ′ direction. The plurality of fixed portions 200 include at least one group of fixed portions 200, and the group or each group includes two fixed portions 200. The fixed portions 200 of the group or each group may extend from the second portion 102 in various directions intersecting the ZZ′ direction and be opposite to each other (these directions may be, for example, X and X′ directions (see FIG. 1 ). Figures 1A to 4B ) or Y and Y′ directions). Obviously, the fixed portion 200 may include a plurality of groups of fixed portions 200. Alternatively, three or more fixed portions 200 may extend from the second portion 102 in a radial direction that intersects the ZZ′ direction.

[0105] The plurality of fixed portions 200 may be integral with and adjacent to the second portion 102 of the main body 100. Alternatively, the plurality of fixed portions 200 may be provided separately from the second portion 102 of the main body 100 and fixed to the second portion 102, for example, by being assembled or screwed into an assembly hole of the second portion 102 of the main body 100.

[0106] On the other hand, the plurality of fixed portions 200 may be ends of the second portion 102 of the main body 100 in one or more directions intersecting the ZZ′ direction. In this case, the second portion 102 of the main body is larger than the first portion 101 of the main body 100 in the direction intersecting the ZZ′ direction. The plurality of fixed portions 200 of this aspect include at least one group of fixed portions 200, and the group or each group includes two fixed portions 200. The fixed portions 200 of the group or each group may be the first end and the second end, respectively, in directions opposite to each other and intersecting the ZZ′ direction (the first end and the second end may be, for example, the first end and the second end in the X and X′ directions, or the first end and the second end in the Y and Y′ directions, respectively). Obviously, the plurality of fixed portions 200 may include multiple groups of fixed portions 200, and may include three or more groups of fixed portions 200.

[0107] In any aspect, each fixed portion 200 can be arranged on the Z′ direction side relative to the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 and fixed to the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 from the Z′ direction side via a corresponding one of the vibration absorbers 300 in the accommodated state. This fixed state can also be referred to as a first fixed state. In this case, each corresponding vibration absorber 300 is at least partially interposed between each fixed portion 200 and the shell 10. Each fixed portion 200 can be arranged on the Z′ direction side relative to the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 and fixed to the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 from the Z′ direction side via corresponding some of the vibration absorbers 300 in the accommodated state. This fixed state can also be referred to as a second fixed state. In this case, corresponding some of the vibration absorbers 300 are at least partially interposed between each fixed portion 200 and the shell 10.

[0108] The sensor unit U1 may also include a plurality of fixing parts. For ease of description and distinction, in a distinguishable manner, all the plurality of fixing parts may be referred to as "all fixing parts", and some of all the fixing parts may be referred to as "some fixing parts", and one of all the fixing parts may be referred to as "one fixing part". In the case where the fixing parts are provided, each fixing part may be configured to fix a corresponding fixed part 200 from the Z' direction side to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 via a corresponding vibration damper 300 from the Z' direction side in a first fixed state. Alternatively, each group of some fixing parts or each fixing part may be configured to fix a corresponding fixed part 200 to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 from the Z' direction side via a corresponding vibration damper 300 in a second fixed state.

[0109] In the case where the fixed portion 200, the vibration absorber 300, and the fixing portion are arranged in a one-to-one relationship, each fixed portion 200, a corresponding vibration absorber 300, and a corresponding fixing portion may also have any of the configurations (a) to (g) described below. For ease of description, configurations (a) to (g) will be described with reference to the fixed portion 200, a corresponding vibration absorber 300, and a corresponding fixing portion, but each configuration can be applied to multiple fixed portions 200, multiple vibration absorbers 300, and multiple fixing portions.

[0110] (a) The fixed portion 200 includes an attachment hole 210 (see Figure 4A ). The attachment hole 210 extends through the fixed portion 200 in the ZZ′ direction. The vibration absorber 300 includes a first vibration absorber 310 (see Figure 4B ). The first vibration absorber 310 includes a through hole 311. The through hole 311 extends through the first vibration absorber 310 in the ZZ′ direction. The fixing portion includes a screw 400 and a washer 430 (see Figure 4BThe washer 430 includes a through hole 431. The through hole 431 extends through the washer 430 in the ZZ' direction. The screw 400 includes a screw body 410 and a head 420. The screw body 410 has an outer diameter smaller than the cross-sectional diameter of each of the through hole 311, the attachment hole 210, and the through hole 431 in the XX' direction. In the first fixed state, the head 420 of the screw 400, the washer 430, the fixed part 200, the first vibration damper 310 and the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 are arranged in this order from the Z′ direction side; the through hole 431 of the washer 430 is connected with the attachment hole 210 of the fixed part 200; and the through hole 311 of the first vibration damper 310 is connected with the attachment hole 210 of the fixed part 200 and a corresponding screw hole 14; and the screw body 410 of the screw 400 is sequentially received in the through hole 431 of the washer 430, the attachment hole 210 of the fixed part 200 and the through hole 311 of the first vibration damper 310, and is screwed into the corresponding screw hole 14. In the case where the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 has the above configuration (1), the first vibration damper 310 is interposed between the corresponding one of the bases 13 and the fixed portion 200, and the washer 430 is inserted between the head 420 of the screw 400 and the fixed portion 200. In the case where the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 has the above configuration (2), the first vibration damper 310 is interposed between the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 and the fixed portion 200, and the washer 430 is interposed between the head 420 of the screw 400 and the fixed portion 200. The washer 430 can be omitted. In the case where the washer 430 is omitted, the head 420 of the screw 400 abuts against the fixed portion 200.

[0111] Configuration (a) can be configured without a fixing portion. In this case, the fixed portion 200 and the vibration damper 300 are similar to those of the above configuration (a), but differ in the following points. The fixed portion 200 is a plate without an attachment hole 210. The first vibration damper 310 of the vibration damper 300 is configured without a through hole 311. The fixed portion 200 is coupled to the first vibration damper 310, and the first vibration damper 310 is coupled to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10, so that the fixed portion 200 is fixed to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 via the first vibration damper 310.

[0112] (b) The fixed portion 200, the vibration absorber 300 and the fixing portion are similar to those of the above configuration (a), but differ in that the vibration absorber 300 further includes a second vibration absorber 320 provided separately from the first vibration absorber 310 (see FIG. Figure 4C). This difference will be described separately below in conjunction with configuration (b). The second vibration damper 320 is made of the elastic material described above. The second vibration damper 320 includes a through hole 321. The through hole 321 extends through the second vibration damper 320 in the ZZ′ direction. The outer diameter of the screw body 410 is smaller than the diameter of each of the through hole 311 of the first vibration damper 310, the attachment hole 210 of the fixed portion 200, the through hole 321 of the second vibration damper 320, and the through hole 431 of the washer 430. In the first fixed state, the head 420 of the screw 400, the washer 430, the second vibration damper 320, the fixed part 200, the first vibration damper 310, and the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 are arranged in this order from the Z′ direction side; the through hole 321 of the second vibration damper 320 is connected with the attachment hole 210 of the fixed part 200 and the through hole 431 of the washer 430; the through hole 311 of the first vibration damper 310 is connected with the attachment hole 210 of the fixed part 200 and a corresponding screw hole 14; and the screw body 410 of the screw 400 is sequentially received in the through hole 431 of the washer 430, the through hole 321 of the second vibration damper 320, the attachment hole 210 of the fixed part 200 and the through hole 311 of the first vibration damper 310 and is threadedly connected in the corresponding screw hole 14. In the case where the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 has the above configuration (1), the first vibration damper 310 is interposed between the corresponding one of the bases 13 and the fixed portion 200, the second vibration damper 320 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the washer 430 (abutment portion), and the washer 430 is interposed between the head 420 of the screw 400 and the second vibration damper 320. In the case where the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 has the above configuration (2), the first vibration damper 310 is interposed between the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 and the fixed portion 200, the second vibration damper 320 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the washer 430 (abutment portion), and the washer 430 is interposed between the head 420 of the screw 400 and the second vibration damper 320. The washer 430 can be omitted. In the case where the washer 430 is omitted, the second vibration damper 320 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the head 420 (abutment portion).

[0113] (c) The fixed portion 200, the vibration damper 300 and the fixing portion are similar to those of the above configuration (b), but differ in that the fixed portion 200 further includes a cutout 220 (see FIG. Figure 3A and Figure 3B ), and the shock absorber 300 further includes a coupling portion 330 and a through hole 340 (see Figure 5A). These differences will be described separately below in conjunction with configuration (c). The connecting portion 330 is connected between the first vibration damper 310 and the second vibration damper 320. The connecting portion 330 has a cross-sectional outer dimension in the XX′ direction that is larger than the cross-sectional outer dimension of each of the first vibration damper 310 and the second vibration damper in the XX′ direction. The through hole 311 in the first vibration damper 310 and the through hole 321 in the second vibration damper 320 are replaced with a through hole 340 extending in the ZZ′ direction through the first vibration damper 310, the second vibration damper 320, and the connecting portion 330. The outer diameter of the screw body 410 is smaller than the diameter of each of the through hole 340 in the vibration damper 300 and the through hole 431 in the washer 430. The attachment hole 210 has a diameter that is substantially the same as or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting portion 330. The cutout 220 is connected to the attachment hole 210 and opens to the outside of the corresponding fixed portion 200. The cutout 220 has a widthwise dimension that is smaller than the diameter of the attachment hole 210, and this widthwise dimension allows the coupling portion 330 to be pushed into the attachment hole 210 through the cutout 220. The coupling portion 330 is assembled into the attachment hole 210. In the first fixed state, the head 420 of the screw 400, the washer 430, the vibration damper 300, and the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 are arranged in this order from the Z′ direction side. The second vibration damper 320 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the washer 430; the first vibration damper 310 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10; the through hole 340 of the vibration damper 300 communicates with the through hole 431 of the washer 430 and a corresponding one of the screw holes 14; the screw body 410 of the screw 400 is sequentially received in the through hole 431 of the washer 430 and the through hole 340 of the vibration damper 300, and is threadedly connected to the corresponding screw hole 14. In the case where the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 has the above configuration (1), the first vibration damper 310 is interposed between the corresponding one of the bases 13 and the fixed portion 200, the second vibration damper 320 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the washer 430 (abutment portion), and the washer 430 is interposed between the head 420 of the screw 400 and the second vibration damper 320. In the case where the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 has the above configuration (2), the first vibration damper 310 is interposed between the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 and the fixed portion 200, the second vibration damper 320 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the washer 430 (abutment portion), and the washer 430 is interposed between the head 420 of the screw 400 and the second vibration damper 320. In the case where the washer 430 is omitted, the second vibration damper 320 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the head 420 (abutment portion).

[0114] (d) The fixed portion 200, the vibration damper 300 and the fixing portion are similar to those of the above configuration (c), but differ in that the fixing portion includes a fastener 440 (see Figure 5B) instead of the washer 430. This difference will be described separately below in conjunction with construction (d). The fastener 440 includes an abutment portion 441 and a pair of generally L-shaped legs 442. The abutment portion 441 is a flat plate and includes a through hole 441a. The through hole 441a extends through the abutment portion 441 in the ZZ′ direction. The outer diameter of the screw body 410 is smaller than the diameter of each of the through hole 340 of the vibration absorber 300 and the through hole 441a of the fastener 440. The legs 442 each include a first leg and a second leg. The first leg of the leg 442 extends in the Z direction from the opposite end of the abutment portion 441. The second leg of the leg 442 extends in the opposite direction at each end of the first leg in the Z direction and substantially at an angle. In the first fixed state, the head 420 of the screw 400, the abutment portion 441 of the fastener 440, the shock absorber 300 and the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 are arranged in this order from the Z′ direction side; the second leg of the fastener 440 abuts the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10; the second shock absorber 320 is interposed between the fixed part 200 and the abutment portion 441; the first shock absorber 310 is interposed between the fixed part 200 and the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10; the through hole 340 of the shock absorber 300 is connected to the through hole 441a of the abutment portion 441 and a corresponding screw hole 14; and the screw body 410 is sequentially received in the through hole 441a of the fastener 440 and the through hole 340 of the shock absorber 300, and is threadedly connected in the corresponding screw hole 14. In the case where the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 has the above configuration (1), the first vibration damper 310 is interposed between the corresponding one of the bases 13 and the fixed portion 200, the second vibration damper 320 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the abutting portion 441 of the fastener 440, and the abutting portion 441 of the fastener 440 is interposed between the head 420 of the screw 400 and the second vibration damper 320. In the case where the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 has the above configuration (2), the first vibration damper 310 is interposed between the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 and the fixed portion 200, the second vibration damper 320 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the abutting portion 441 of the fastener 440, and the abutting portion 441 of the fastener 440 is interposed between the head 420 of the screw 400 and the second vibration damper 320. In any respect, the distance between the abutment portion 441 and the peripheral region 12 in the ZZ′ direction is slightly smaller than the dimension of the vibration absorber 300 in the ZZ′ direction, and the vibration absorber 300 is compressed between the abutment portion 441 and the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 .

[0115] (e) The fixed portion 200, the vibration absorber 300 and the fixing portion are similar to those of the above configuration (d), but differ in that the fixing portion includes a plurality of screws 400, the fastener 440 is provided with a plurality of through holes 442a instead of the through holes 441a, and the vibration absorber 300 is not provided with the through holes 340 (see Figure 5C). These differences will be described separately below in conjunction with construction (e). Each second leg of the leg 442 of the fastener 440 is provided with at least one through hole 442a. The outer diameter of each screw body 410 of the screw 400 is smaller than the diameter of a corresponding through hole 442a of the fastener 440. In the first fixed state, the abutting portion 441 of the fastener 440, the vibration damper 300 and the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 are arranged in this order from the Z′ direction side; the second leg abuts the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10; the second vibration damper 320 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the abutting portion 441; the first vibration damper 310 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10; the through hole 442a is connected to the corresponding screw hole 14 in the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10; the screw body 410 is received in the corresponding through hole 442a of the fastener 440 and is threadedly connected in the corresponding screw hole 14. In the case where the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 has the above configuration (1), the first vibration damper 310 is interposed between the corresponding one of the bases 13 and the fixed portion 200, and the second vibration damper 320 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the abutment portion 441 of the fastener 440. In the case where the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 has the above configuration (2), the first vibration damper 310 is interposed between the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 and the fixed portion 200, and the second vibration damper 320 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the abutment portion 441 of the fastener 440.

[0116] (f) The fixed portion 200, the vibration damper 300 and the fixing portion are similar to those of the above configuration (c), (d) or (e), but differ in that the fixed portion 200 is provided with an insertion hole 230 (see FIG. Figure 6 ) instead of the incision 220. This difference will be described separately below in conjunction with construction (f). The insertion hole 230 is connected to the attachment hole 210. The insertion hole 230 has a shape and size in the XX′ direction that is slightly larger than the cross-sectional shape and external size in the XX′ direction of one or each of the first shock absorber 310 and the second shock absorber 320. The connecting portion 330 is assembled in the attachment hole 210 and assembled in the following manner. The first shock absorber 310 or the second shock absorber 320 and then the connecting portion 330 are inserted through the insertion hole 230; with the connecting portion 330 accommodated in the insertion hole 230, the connecting portion 330 is moved from the insertion hole 230 to the attachment hole 210.

[0117] (g) The fixed portion 200, the vibration damper 300 and the fixing portion are similar to those in the above configuration (e), but differ in that the fixed portion 200 is a plate provided with neither the attachment hole 210 nor the cutout 220 (see FIG. Figure 7A ). Similar to the above configuration (b), the vibration absorber 300 includes a first vibration absorber 310 and a second vibration absorber 320 that are separately provided from each other (see Figure 7B ).

[0118] In the case where the fixed portion 200, the shock absorber 300, and the fixing portion are arranged in a one-to-many-to-many relationship, each fixed portion 200, the corresponding shock absorber 300 in the shock absorber (i.e., some shock absorbers 300), and the corresponding fixing portion in the fixing portion (i.e., some fixing portions) can also have one of the following configurations (h) to (j). For ease of description, configurations (h) to (j) will be described with reference to one fixed portion 200, the corresponding shock absorber 300 in the shock absorber (i.e., some shock absorbers 300), and the corresponding fixing portion in the fixing portion (i.e., some fixing portions), but each configuration can be applied to multiple fixed portions 200, multiple shock absorbers 300 corresponding to each fixed portion 200, and multiple fixing portions.

[0119] (h) The fixed portion 200, some vibration dampers 300 and some fixing portions are similar to the fixed portion 200, vibration dampers 300 and fixing portions in the above configuration (a), but are different in the following points. The fixed portion 200 is provided with a plurality of attachment holes 210 (see Figure 8A ). The number of some vibration absorbers 300 and their first vibration absorbers 310 and the number of some fixing parts and their screws 400 and washers 430 corresponds to the number of attachment holes 210 of the fixed part 200 (see Figure 8A For ease of description, the first vibration absorbers 310 of some vibration absorbers 300 may be referred to as “some first vibration absorbers 310 ”, the screws 400 of some fixing parts may be referred to as “some screws 400 ”, and the washers 430 of some fixing parts may be referred to as “some washers 430 ”. In the second fixed state, the heads 420 of some screws 400, some washers 430, the fixed part 200, some first vibration absorbers 310 and the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 are arranged in this order from the Z′ direction side; the through holes 431 of some washers 430 are connected with the corresponding attachment holes 210 of the fixed part 200; the through holes 311 of some first vibration absorbers 310 are connected with the corresponding attachment holes 210 of the fixed part 200 and the corresponding multiple screw holes 14; and the screw bodies 410 of some screws 400 are sequentially received in the through holes 431 of some washers 430, the corresponding attachment holes 210 of the fixed part 200, and the through holes 311 of some first vibration absorbers 310, and are threadedly connected in the corresponding screw holes 14.

[0120] (i) The fixed portion 200, some vibration dampers 300 and some fixing portions are similar to the fixed portion 200, vibration dampers 300 and fixing portions of the above configuration (b), but are different in the following points. The fixed portion 200 is provided with a plurality of attachment holes 210 (see Figure 8B). The number of some vibration absorbers 300 and their first vibration absorbers 310 and second vibration absorbers 320, and the number of some fixing parts and their screws 400 and washers 430 corresponds to the number of attachment holes 210 of the fixed part 200 (see Figure 8B For ease of description, the first vibration absorber 310 and the second vibration absorber 320 of some vibration absorber 300 may be referred to as “some first vibration absorber 310” and “some second vibration absorber 320”, respectively, the screw 400 of some fixing portion may be referred to as “some screw 400”, and the washer 430 in some fixing portion may be referred to as “some washer 430”. In the second fixed state, the heads 420 of some screws 400, some washers 430, some second vibration absorbers 320, the fixed part 200, some first vibration absorbers 310 and the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 are arranged in this order from the Z′ direction side; the through holes 321 of some second vibration absorbers 320 are connected with the corresponding attachment holes 210 of the fixed part 200 and the through holes 431 of some washers 430; the through holes 311 of some first vibration absorbers 310 are connected with the corresponding attachment holes 210 of the fixed part 200 and the corresponding multiple corresponding screw holes 14; and the screw bodies 410 of some screws 400 are sequentially received in the through holes 431 of some washers 430, the through holes 321 of some second vibration absorbers 320, the corresponding attachment holes 210 of the fixed part 200, and the through holes 311 of some first vibration absorbers 310 and are threadedly connected in the corresponding screw holes 14.

[0121] (j) The fixed portion 200, some vibration dampers 300 and some fixing portions are similar to the fixed portion 200, vibration dampers 300 and fixing portions of configuration (c), but differ in the following points. The fixed portion 200 is provided with a plurality of attachment holes 210 and a plurality of cutouts 220 (see Figure 8C ). The number of some vibration absorbers 300, and the number of the plurality of fixing parts and their screws 400 and washers 430 (see Figure 8C) corresponds to the number of attachment holes 210 of the fixed portion 200. The coupling portions 330 of some vibration absorbers 300 are fitted into the corresponding attachment holes 210. For ease of description, the screws 400 of some fixing portions may be referred to as "some screws 400", and the washers 430 of some fixing portions may be referred to as "some washers 430". In the second fixed state, the heads 420 of some screws 400, some washers 430, some vibration absorbers 300, and the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 are arranged in this order from the Z′ direction side; the second vibration absorbers 320 of some vibration absorbers 300 are interposed between the fixed part 200 and the corresponding washers 430; the first vibration absorbers 310 of some vibration absorbers 300 are interposed between the fixed part 200 and the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10, and the through holes 340 of some vibration absorbers 300 are connected with the corresponding through holes 431 of some washers 430 and the corresponding multiple screw holes 14; the screw bodies 410 of some screws 400 are sequentially received in the through holes 431 of some washers 430 and the through holes 340 of some vibration absorbers 300, and are threadedly connected in the corresponding screw holes 14.

[0122] In the case where the fixed portion 200, the shock absorber 300, and the fixing portion are arranged in a one-to-many-to-one relationship, each fixed portion 200, the corresponding shock absorber 300 among the shock absorbers (i.e., some shock absorbers 300), and the corresponding fixing portion may further have the following configuration (k) or (l). For ease of description, configurations (k) and (l) will be described with reference to one fixed portion 200, one corresponding shock absorber 300, and the corresponding fixing portion among the fixing portions (i.e., some fixing portions), but each configuration can be applied to multiple fixed portions 200, multiple fixing portions, and multiple shock absorbers 300 corresponding to each fixed portion 200 and each fixing portion.

[0123] (k) The fixed portion 200, some vibration dampers 300 and the fixing portion are similar to the fixed portion 200, vibration dampers 300 and the fixing portion of the above configuration (d), but are different in the following points. The fixed portion 200 is provided with a plurality of attachment holes 210 and a plurality of cutouts 220 (see Figure 8D ). The fixing portion includes a plurality of screws 400 and a single fastener 440. The number of some vibration absorbers 300 and the number of screws 400 correspond to the number of attachment holes 210 of the fixed portion 200. The through holes 441a of the abutment portion 441 of the fastener 440 correspond to the number of attachment holes 210 (see Figure 8D). The coupling portions 330 of some of the vibration absorbers 300 are fitted in the corresponding attachment holes 210 . In the second fixed state, the head 420 of the screw 400, the abutting portion 441 of the fastener 440, some vibration dampers 300 and the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 are arranged in this order from the Z′ direction side; the second leg of the fastener 440 abuts the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10; the second vibration dampers 320 of some vibration dampers 300 are interposed between the fixed part 200 and the abutting portion 441 of the fastener 440; the first vibration dampers 310 of some vibration dampers 300 are interposed between the fixed part 200 and the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10; the through holes 340 of some vibration dampers 300 are connected with the corresponding through holes 441a of the abutting portion 441 of the fastener 440 and the corresponding multiple screw holes 14; and the screw bodies 410 of some screws 400 are sequentially received in the corresponding through holes 441a of the fastener 440 and the corresponding through holes 340 of some vibration dampers 300, and are threadedly connected in the corresponding screw holes 14.

[0124] (l) The fixed portion 200, some vibration dampers 300 and the fixing portion are similar to the fixed portion 200, vibration dampers 300 and the fixing portion of the above configuration (e), but are different in the following points. The fixed portion 200 is provided with a plurality of attachment holes 210 and a plurality of cutouts 220 (see Figure 8E ). The number of some vibration absorbers 300 corresponds to the number of attachment holes 210 of the fixed portion 200 (see Figure 8E ). The coupling portion 330 of some of the vibration absorbers 300 is assembled in the corresponding attachment hole 210. The fixing portion includes a plurality of screws 400 and a single fastener 440. In the second fixed state, in the abutting portion 441 of the fastener 440, some of the vibration absorbers 300 and the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 are arranged in this order from the Z′ direction side; the second leg of the fastener 440 abuts the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10; the second vibration absorber 320 of some of the vibration absorbers 300 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the abutting portion 441; the first vibration absorber 310 of some of the vibration absorbers 300 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10; the through hole 442a of the fastener 440 is connected to the corresponding plurality of screw holes 14 in the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10; and the screw body 410 of the screw 400 is received in the corresponding through hole 442a of the fastener 440 and is threadedly connected in the corresponding screw hole 14.

[0125] In the case where the fixed portion 200, the vibration absorber 300, and the fixing portion are arranged in a one-to-many relationship, each fixed portion 200, a corresponding vibration absorber 300, and the corresponding fixing portion among the fixing portions (i.e., some fixing portions) may further have one of the following configurations (m) to (o). For ease of description, configurations (m) to (o) will be described with reference to one fixed portion 200, a corresponding vibration absorber 300, and the corresponding fixing portion among the fixing portions (i.e., some fixing portions), but each configuration can be applied to multiple fixed portions 200, multiple vibration absorbers 300, and multiple fixing portions corresponding to each fixed portion 200 and each vibration absorber 300.

[0126] (m) Configuration (h) is modified as follows. Some of the first vibration dampers 310 are replaced with a single first vibration damper 310 having a plurality of through holes 311; and the number of through holes 311 corresponds to the number of attachment holes 210 (see Figure 8F In the first fixed state, the heads 420 of some screws 400, some washers 430, the fixed part 200, the first vibration damper 310, and the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 are arranged in this order from the Z′ direction side; the through holes 431 of some washers 430 are connected with the corresponding attachment holes 210 of the fixed part 200; the through holes 311 of the first vibration damper 310 are connected with the corresponding attachment holes 210 of the fixed part 200 and the corresponding plurality of screw holes 14; the screw bodies 410 of some screws 400 are sequentially received in the corresponding through holes 431 of some washers 430, the corresponding attachment holes 210 of the fixed part 200, and the corresponding through holes 311 of the first vibration damper 310, and are threadedly connected in the corresponding screw holes 14.

[0127] (n) Configuration (i) is modified as follows. Some of the first vibration absorbers 310 are replaced by one first vibration absorber 310 having a plurality of through holes 311; some of the second vibration absorbers 320 are replaced by one second vibration absorber 320 having a plurality of through holes 321; and the number of through holes 311 of the first vibration absorber 310 and the number of through holes 321 of the second vibration absorber 320 correspond to the number of attachment holes 210 (see Figure 8GIn the first fixed state, the heads 420 of some of the screws 400, some of the washers 430, the second vibration dampers 320, the fixed portion 200, the first vibration dampers 310, and the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 are arranged in this order from the Z′ direction side; the through holes 321 of the second vibration dampers 320 are communicated with the corresponding attachment holes 210 of the fixed portion 200 and the corresponding through holes 431 of some of the washers 430; the through holes 311 of the first vibration dampers 310 are communicated with the corresponding attachment holes 210 of the fixed portion 200 and the corresponding screw holes 14; and the screw bodies 410 of some of the screws 400 are sequentially received in the corresponding through holes 431 of some of the washers 430, the corresponding through holes 321 of the second vibration dampers 320, the corresponding attachment holes 210 of the fixed portion 200, and the corresponding through holes 311 of the first vibration dampers 310, and are threadedly connected in the corresponding screw holes 14.

[0128] (o) Configuration (j) is modified as follows. Some of the first vibration absorbers 310 are replaced by a single first vibration absorber 310; some of the second vibration absorbers 320 are replaced by a single second vibration absorber 320; the number of the coupling portions 330 and the number of the through holes 340 correspond to the number of the attachment holes 210 (see Figure 8H ); a plurality of coupling portions 330 are coupled between the first vibration absorber 310 and the second vibration absorber 320; and a plurality of through holes 340 extend through the first vibration absorber 310, the second vibration absorber 320 and the corresponding coupling portions 330 in the ZZ' direction. In the first fixed state, the heads 420 of some screws 400, some washers 430, the shock absorber 300 and the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 are arranged in this order from the Z′ direction side; the second shock absorber 320 of the shock absorber 300 is interposed between the fixed part 200 and some washers 430, the first shock absorber 310 of the shock absorber 300 is interposed between the fixed part 200 and the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10, the through hole 340 of the shock absorber 300 is connected with the corresponding through holes 431 of some washers 430 and the corresponding multiple screw holes 14; and the screw bodies 410 of some screws 400 are sequentially received in the corresponding through holes 431 of some washers 430 and the corresponding through holes 340 of the shock absorber 300, and are threadedly connected to the corresponding screw holes 14.

[0129] In the case where the fixed portion 200, the vibration absorber 300, and the fixing portion are arranged in a one-to-one relationship, each fixed portion 200, each vibration absorber 300, and each fixing portion may further have the following configuration (p) or (q). For ease of description, configurations (p) and (q) will be described with reference to one fixed portion 200, one corresponding vibration absorber 300, and one corresponding fixing portion, but each configuration can be applied to more than one fixed portion 200, one corresponding vibration absorber 300, and one corresponding fixing portion.

[0130] (p) Configuration (k) is modified as follows. Some of the first vibration absorbers 310 are replaced by a single first vibration absorber 310; some of the second vibration absorbers 320 are replaced by a single second vibration absorber 320; the number of the coupling portions 330 and the number of the through holes 340 correspond to the number of the attachment holes 210 (see Figure 8I ); a plurality of coupling portions 330 are coupled between the first vibration absorber 310 and the second vibration absorber 320; and a plurality of through holes 340 extend through the first vibration absorber 310, the second vibration absorber 320 and the corresponding coupling portions 330 in the ZZ' direction. In the first fixed state, the head 420 of the screw 400, the abutment portion 441 of the fastener 440, the shock absorber 300 and the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 are arranged in this order from the Z′ direction side; the second leg of the fastener 440 abuts the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10; the second shock absorber 320 of the shock absorber 300 is interposed between the fixed part 200 and the abutment portion 441 of the fastener 440; the first shock absorber 310 of the shock absorber 300 is interposed between the fixed part 200 and the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10; the through hole 340 of the shock absorber 300 is connected with the corresponding through hole 441a of the abutment portion 441 of the fastener 440 and the corresponding multiple screw holes 14; and the screw bodies 410 of some screws 400 are sequentially received in the corresponding through holes 441a of the fastener 440 and the corresponding through holes 340 of the shock absorber 300, and are threadedly connected in the corresponding screw holes 14.

[0131] (q) Configuration (1) is modified as follows. Some of the first vibration absorbers 310 are replaced by a single first vibration absorber 310; some of the second vibration absorbers 320 are replaced by a single second vibration absorber 320; the number of the coupling portions 330 corresponds to the number of the attachment holes 210 (see Figure 8J ); a plurality of coupling portions 330 are coupled between the first vibration damper 310 and the second vibration damper 320. In the first fixed state, the abutting portion 441 of the fastener 440, the vibration damper 300, and the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 are arranged in this order from the Z′ direction side; the second leg of the fastener 440 abuts the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10; the second vibration damper 320 of the vibration damper 300 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the abutting portion 441; the first vibration damper 310 of the vibration damper 300 is interposed between the fixed portion 200 and the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10; the through-hole 442a of the fastener 440 communicates with the corresponding plurality of screw holes 14 in the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10; and the screw body 410 of the screw 400 is received in the corresponding through-hole 442a of the fastener 440 and is threadedly connected in the corresponding screw hole 14.

[0132] In any of the above configurations in which each fixed portion 200 is provided with a plurality of cutouts 220 , the cutouts 220 of each fixed portion 200 may be replaced with a plurality of insertion holes 230 .

[0133] Each of the vibration absorbers 300 of any of the above aspects may further include at least one first protrusion 350 (see Figures 2A to 2D 、 Figure 3A and Figure 3B as well as Figure 9A The one or more first protrusions 350 are made of the elastic material described above, extend from the first vibration damper 310 in the Z direction, and are elastically deformable to contract in the ZZ′ direction. In this case, each first vibration damper 310 abuts the corresponding fixed portion 200, and its one or more first protrusions 350 are retained between the first vibration damper 310 and the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10.

[0134] Each of the vibration absorbers 300 of any of the above aspects may further include at least one second protrusion 360 (see Figures 2A to 2D 、 Figure 3A and Figure 3B as well as Figure 9B The one or more second protrusions 360 are made of the elastic material described above, extend from the second vibration damper 320 in the Z′ direction, and are elastically deformable to contract in the ZZ′ direction. In this case, each second vibration damper 320 abuts the corresponding fixed portion 200, and its one or more second protrusions 360 are held between the second vibration damper 320 and the abutting portion of any of the above aspects.

[0135] It should be noted that Figures 1A to 3B The shock absorber 300 shown in FIG. Figure 5A The shock absorber 300 shown has the same configuration except for the presence or absence of the first protrusion 350 and the second protrusion 360. In other words, the structure S1 of the first embodiment and the structure S1 of the third modification have the same configuration except for the presence or absence of the first protrusion 350 and the second protrusion 360.

[0136] The sensor unit U1 may further include a circuit board 700. The circuit board 700 may be fixed to the main body 100 from the Z′ direction side. In this case, the detection sensor 500 and the vibration generator 600 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 700. The sensor unit U1 may further include a load detector or a distance sensor (not shown). The load detector or the distance sensor is also electrically connected to the circuit board 700.

[0137] Where a load detector is provided, it may be arranged, for example, between the head 420 of the screw 400 and the washer 430, or between the washer 430 and the fixed portion 200, in configuration (a) above; between the head 420 of the screw 400 and the washer 430, or between the washer 430 and the second vibration damper 320, in configurations (b) or (c) above; or between the head 420 of the screw 400 and the abutment portion 441 of the fastener 440, or between the abutment portion 441 and the second vibration damper 320, in configurations (d), (e), or (g) above. The load detector includes a pressure-sensitive element. When a detection object contacts the touch area of ​​the cover 20, the touch area and the main body 100 are pressed in the Z′ direction, firmly sandwiching the load detector therebetween. The pressure-sensitive element of the load detector is thereby subjected to pressure, thereby changing its voltage.

[0138] In the case of providing a distance measuring sensor, it can be an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an electromagnetic sensor configured to measure distance and mounted on the surface of the circuit board 700 on the Z′ direction side. The distance measuring sensor can be configured to output an infrared or other type of light beam, ultrasonic wave, or electromagnetic wave to an object on the Z′ direction side relative to the distance measuring sensor, and receive an infrared or other type of light beam, ultrasonic wave, or electromagnetic wave reflected by the object, thereby continuously measuring the distance between the distance measuring sensor and the object, and outputting a signal or changing a signal based on the measurement result. When the detection object contacts the touch area of ​​the cover 20, the touch area and the main body 100 are pressed in the Z′ direction, and the distance between the distance measuring sensor and the object changes. As a result, the distance measuring sensor outputs a signal or changes a signal.

[0139] The sensor unit U1 may also include a controller (not shown). The controller is composed of a logic circuit (e.g., an integrated circuit (IC)) or software to be processed by a processor or the like. In the former case, the controller can be mounted on the circuit board 700. In the case of providing a load detector, the controller can be configured to drive the vibration generator 600 to vibrate the main body 100 in response to changes in the signal of the load detector. In the case of providing a distance sensor, the controller can be configured to drive the vibration generator 600 for a predetermined period of time in response to the signal or signal changes output from the distance sensor to vibrate the main body 100. In the case of omitting the load detector and the distance sensor, the controller can be configured to drive the vibration generator 600 in response to the above-mentioned changes in the signal of the detection sensor 500 to vibrate the main body 100. It should be understood that the circuit board 700 and / or the controller can be omitted in the sensor unit U1. In this case, the circuit board 700 and / or the controller can be replaced by another circuit board and / or controller attached to the sensor unit U1 and provided in the housing 10, and the detection sensor 500 and the vibration generator 600 can be electrically connected to such a circuit board and / or controller. Also where a load detector or distance sensor is provided, it may be electrically connected to such another circuit board and / or controller.

[0140] The sensor unit U1 may further include a light emitter (not shown) such as one or more LEDs, a display device, and the like. The light emitter may be mounted on the surface of the circuit board 700 on the Z direction side, or may be fixed to the main body 100 so as to be located on the Z direction side relative to the circuit board 700. In the latter case, the light emitter may be electrically connected to the circuit board 700. The light emitter is configured to emit light in the Z direction. In this case, the main body 100 and the detection sensor 500 may be translucent or transparent as a whole or in a portion on the Z direction side relative to the light emitter (for example, in a portion between the above-mentioned icon and the light emitter), and the covering layer 20 may be translucent or transparent in the entire portion covering the accommodating hole 11 or in a portion on the Z direction side relative to the light emitter in the portion covering the accommodating hole 11 (for example, a portion between the above-mentioned icon and the light emitter). These configurations allow light emitted from the light emitter to pass through the main body 100, the detection sensor 500, and the covering portion 20.

[0141] For ease of description, the “vibratory unit” hereinafter refers to a unit that includes at least a main body 100, a plurality of fixed portions 200, and a detection sensor 500 and is configured to be vibrated by a vibration generator 600. In the case where the vibration generator 600 is fixed to the main body 100, the vibratory unit also includes the vibration generator 600. In the case where a circuit board 700 is provided, the vibratory unit also includes the circuit board 700. In the case where the circuit board 700 is provided with a controller, a ranging sensor, and / or a light emitter mounted thereon, in addition to the circuit board 700, the vibratory unit also includes the controller, the ranging sensor, and / or the light emitter. In the case where the circuit board 700 and the light emitter are provided with a light emitter fixed to the main body 100, in addition to the circuit board 700, the vibratory unit also includes the light emitter.

[0142] In view of the mass of the vibrating unit, the total elastic modulus (spring constant) of all the vibration absorbers 300 in any of the above aspects can be appropriately set so that all the vibration absorbers 300 will absorb the vibration of the vibrating unit in any of the above aspects. In other words, in view of the mass of the vibrating unit, it is only necessary to set the total elastic modulus (spring constant) of all the vibration absorbers 300 in any of the above aspects so that all the vibration absorbers 300 prevent or suppress the vibration of the vibrating unit in any of the above aspects from being transmitted to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 (hereinafter this may be referred to as vibration isolation performance).

[0143] In order to adjust the vibration isolation performance and resonant frequency of the vibratory unit of any aspect of the above aspects relative to the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10, the total elastic modulus (spring constant) of all shock absorbers 300 of any aspect of the above aspects can be adjusted, or the mass of the vibratory unit of any aspect of the above aspects can be adjusted, or both can be adjusted.

[0144] For example, the total elastic modulus (spring constant) of all shock absorbers 300 can be adjusted as follows. Each shock absorber 300 includes one or more portions (hereinafter referred to as one or more first contact portions) that contact the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 and one or more portions (hereinafter referred to as one or more contact portions) that contact a corresponding one of the abutment portions. The sum of the cross-sectional areas of the first and second contact portions of each shock absorber 300 in the XX′ direction will be referred to as the “cross-sectional area” of the contact portion of each shock absorber 300. The elastic modulus (spring constant) of each shock absorber 300 in any of the above aspects is proportional to the cross-sectional area of ​​the contact portion of each shock absorber 300 and inversely proportional to the dimension (length) of each shock absorber in the ZZ′ direction. These relationships allow the total elastic modulus (spring constant) of all shock absorbers 300 to be adjusted by adjusting the cross-sectional area of ​​the contact portion of each shock absorber 300 and / or the dimension in the ZZ′ direction. In the case where one of the contact portions of each vibration absorber 300 is composed of at least one first protrusion 350, changing the number, size in the ZZ′ direction, area of ​​contact with the housing 10, and / or shape of the at least one first protrusion 350 allows adjustment of the elastic modulus (spring constant) of each vibration absorber 300, and thus allows adjustment of the total elastic modulus (spring constant) of all vibration absorbers 300. In the case where one of the contact portions of each vibration absorber 300 is composed of at least one second protrusion 360, changing the number, size in the ZZ′ direction, area of ​​contact with the corresponding abutment portion of any of the above aspects, and / or shape of the at least one second protrusion 360 allows adjustment of the elastic modulus (spring constant) of each vibration absorber 300, and thus allows adjustment of the total elastic modulus (spring constant) of all vibration absorbers 300. In the case where the contact portion in each vibration absorber 300 is composed of at least one first protrusion 350 and at least one second protrusion 360, changing the respective number, respective dimensions in the ZZ′ direction, the above-mentioned contact area, and / or shape of the at least one first protrusion 350 and the at least one second protrusion 360 allows adjustment of the elastic modulus (spring constant) of each vibration absorber 300, and thus allows adjustment of the total elastic modulus (spring constant) of all vibration absorbers 300.

[0145] The mass of the vibratory unit in any of the above aspects can be adjusted, for example, by increasing or decreasing the components of the vibratory unit, adjusting the wall thickness of the body 100 of the vibratory unit, increasing or decreasing the ribs provided at the body 100 of the vibratory unit, and / or increasing or decreasing the weight fixed to the body 100 (not shown).

[0146] It should be understood that the natural frequency (f0) of the vibratory unit can be calculated by the formula shown below, where "M" is the mass of the vibratory unit and "k" is the total elastic modulus (spring constant) of the entire vibration absorber 300. This formula can be used (but is not required) to adjust M and / or k so as to set the natural frequency (f0) of the vibratory unit to a frequency within or close to a frequency band in which a user can easily sense vibrations through a detection object.

[0147] Formula 1:

[0148]

[0149] The sensor unit U1 and structure S1 described above provide the following technical features and effects (1) to (7).

[0150] Technical Features and Effects (1): The sensor unit U1 is easily attached to the peripheral area 12 of the accommodating hole 11 of the housing 10 from the Z′ direction side for the following reasons. The first portion 101 of the main body 100 can be accommodated in the accommodating hole 11 of the housing 10 from the Z′ direction side. In the accommodated state, the second portion 102 of the main body 100 is located on the Z′ direction side relative to the accommodating hole 11, and the fixed portion 200 provided in the second portion 102 is located on the Z′ direction side relative to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10. Therefore, each fixed portion 200 can be fixed to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 from the Z′ direction side via a corresponding one of the vibration dampers 300 or corresponding some of the vibration dampers 300.

[0151] Technical Features and Effects (2): The sensor unit U1 and the structure S1 have improved vibration isolation performance relative to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 because the vibration of the vibratory unit of the sensor unit U1 is absorbed by the vibration absorber 300 and thus will not or is less likely to be transmitted to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10. Specifically, in the case where each vibration absorber 300 includes a first vibration absorber 310 and a second vibration absorber 300, the vibration of the vibratory unit of the sensor unit U1 is absorbed by the first vibration absorber 310 between the corresponding fixed portion 200 and the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 and thus will not or is less likely to be transmitted to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 through the fixed portion 200. The vibration is also absorbed by the second vibration absorber 320 between the corresponding fixed portion 200 and the corresponding abutting portion of the fixing portion and thus will not or is less likely to be transmitted from the fixed portion 200 through the abutting portion of the fixing portion to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10.

[0152] Technical features and effects (3): The vibration isolation performance of the peripheral area 12 relative to the shell 10 and / or the resonance frequency band of the vibratory unit in any aspect of the above aspects can be adjusted by adjusting the elastic modulus (spring constant) of the shock absorber 300 and / or the mass of the vibratory unit.

[0153] Technical features and effects (4): When the detection sensor 500 and the main body 100 are arranged in the first continuous arrangement described above, there is no or almost no height difference between the first surface 101a of the main body 100 and the surface of the peripheral area 12 of the receiving hole 11 of the shell 10 on the Z direction side. When the detection sensor 500 and the main body 100 are arranged in the second continuous arrangement, there is no or almost no height difference between the first surface 510 of the detection sensor 500 and the surface of the peripheral area 12 of the receiving hole 11 of the shell 10 on the Z direction side. In the case where at least one layer of the covering portion 20 is flexible, stretchable and / or elastic, and the covering portion 20 covers the receiving hole 11 and the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 at least from the Z direction side, the covering portion 20 itself deforms to absorb the height difference (if any) to prevent the height difference from occurring in the covering portion 20. Specifically, in the case where the covering portion 20 includes the buffer portion 22, the buffer portion 22 can be recessed conformally with the height difference to absorb the height difference.

[0154] Technical Features and Effects (5): When at least one layer of the cover 20 is flexible, stretchable, and / or elastic, the cover 20 bends, expands, contracts, or elastically deforms in response to vibrations of the main body 100 and the detection sensor 500, so that at least one layer of the cover 20 absorbs the vibrations, thereby making it difficult for the vibrations to be transmitted to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10. Specifically, when the cover 20 includes the buffer portion 22, the cover 20 absorbs the vibrations of the main body 100 and the detection sensor 500, and makes it difficult for the vibrations to be transmitted to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10.

[0155] Technical Features and Effects (6): In the case where each vibration absorber 300 includes at least one first protrusion 350, even if the vibratable unit is subjected to a large load from the Z′ direction side and thereby displaced in the Z direction, the at least one first protrusion 350 of each vibration absorber 300 is compressed and contracted between the corresponding first vibration absorber 310 and the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 to be buried in the first vibration absorber 310. Therefore, the first vibration absorber 310 of each vibration absorber 300 abuts against the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10, increasing the area of ​​each vibration absorber 300 in contact with the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10, thereby suppressing further expansion and contraction of each vibration absorber 300 in the ZZ′ direction.

[0156] Technical Features and Effects (7): In the case where each vibration absorber 300 includes at least one second protrusion 360, even if the vibratable unit is subjected to a large load from the Z direction side and thereby displaced in the Z′ direction, the at least one second protrusion 360 of each vibration absorber 300 is compressed and contracted between the corresponding second vibration absorber 320 and the corresponding abutting portion to be buried in the second vibration absorber 320. As a result, the second vibration absorber 320 of each vibration absorber 300 abuts against the abutting portion, increasing the area of ​​contact between each vibration absorber 300 and the corresponding abutting portion, thereby suppressing further expansion and contraction of each vibration absorber 300 in the ZZ′ direction.

[0157] Second embodiment

[0158] In the following, reference is made to Figure 10 and Figure 11 A structure S2 for attaching the sensor unit U2 according to a plurality of embodiments of the present invention including the second embodiment and its modified examples is described. Figure 10 The structure S2 of the second embodiment is illustrated. Figure 11 A modification example of the structure S2 of the second embodiment is illustrated. Figure 10 and Figure 11 The ZZ' direction and the XX' direction are also indicated.

[0159] The structure S2 has substantially the same configuration as the structure S1 except that the sensor unit U2 further includes at least one relay portion 800 and a plurality of screws 900, and the at least one relay portion 800 is fixed to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10. The structure S2 will now be described focusing on the differences from the structure S1 and omitting overlapping descriptions.

[0160] In the case where at least one relay portion 800 is a single relay portion 800, the relay portion 800 may have a receiving hole extending through the relay portion 800 in the ZZ′ direction. In this case, the main body 100 includes a third portion between the first portion 101 and the second portion 102. The third portion is received in the receiving hole of the relay portion 800, the first portion 101 is located on the Z direction side relative to the receiving hole of the relay portion 800, the second portion 102 is located on the Z′ direction side relative to the receiving hole of the relay portion 800, and the second portion 102 is provided with a plurality of fixed portions 200 located on the Z′ direction side relative to the peripheral area of ​​the receiving hole of the relay portion 800.

[0161] In the case where the at least one relay 800 is a plurality of relays 800, the relays 800 include at least one group of relays 800, with the group or each group including two relays 800. The relays 800 in the group or each group are arranged spaced apart from each other in the XX′ direction, that is, include a relay 800 located on the X-direction side and another relay 800 located on the X′-direction side. The third portion of the main body 100 is arranged between the relays 800 in the group or each group, with the first portion 101 located on the Z-direction side relative to the relays 800 in the group or each group, and the second portion 102 located on the Z′-direction side relative to the relays 800 in the group or each group. The one or more fixed portions 200 located on the X-direction side can be located on the Z′-direction side relative to the one or more relays 800 on the X-direction side, and the one or more fixed portions 200 located on the X′-direction side can be located on the Z′-direction side relative to the one or more relays 800 located on the X′-direction side.

[0162] In the accommodated state described above, one or more relay parts 800 abut against the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 from the Z′ direction side. One or more relay parts 800 include a plurality of screw holes 810 and a plurality of connecting holes 820. The screw holes 810 are open at least in the Z′ direction. The connecting holes 820 extend in the ZZ′ direction through the one or more relay parts 800 and are connected with the corresponding screw holes 14 of the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 in the accommodated state. The screws 900 are received in the corresponding connecting holes 820 and are threadedly connected to the corresponding screw holes 14 of the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10. In this way, one or more relay parts 800 are fixed to the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 from the Z′ direction side.

[0163] Each fixed portion 200 can be fixed to the corresponding relay portion 800 from the Z′ direction side via a corresponding one of the vibration absorbers 300. This fixed state is hereinafter referred to as the third fixed state. In the third fixed state, a corresponding one of the vibration absorbers 300 is at least partially interposed between each fixed portion 200 and the corresponding relay portion 800. Each fixed portion 200 can be fixed to the corresponding relay portion 800 from the Z′ direction side via corresponding ones of the vibration absorbers 300. This fixed state is hereinafter referred to as the fourth fixed state. In the fourth fixed state, some of the corresponding vibration absorbers 300 are at least partially interposed between each fixed portion 200 and the corresponding one or more relay portions 800.

[0164] In the case where the fixed portion 200, the shock absorber 300 and the fixing portion are arranged in a one-to-one relationship, each fixed portion 200, a corresponding shock absorber 300, and a corresponding fixing portion can have any of the configurations (a) to (g) described above except that the screw body 410 of the screw 400 of each fixing portion is not threadedly connected in the screw hole 14, but is threadedly connected in a corresponding screw hole 810 of the corresponding relay portion 800 in the third fixed state. Configuration (a) without a fixing portion can be provided. In this case, the fixed portion 200 and the shock absorber 300 are similar to those of the above configuration (a), but differ in the following points. The fixed portion 200 is a plate without an attachment hole 210. The first shock absorber 310 of the shock absorber 300 is set to have no through hole 311. The fixed portion 200 is coupled to the first vibration absorber 310 , and the first vibration absorber 310 is coupled to at least one relay portion 800 , so that the fixed portion 200 is fixed to the at least one relay portion 800 via the first vibration absorber 310 .

[0165] In the case where the fixed portion 200, the vibration absorber 300, and the fixing portion are arranged in a one-to-many-to-many relationship, each fixed portion 200, the corresponding plurality of vibration absorbers 300 (i.e., some of the vibration absorbers 300), and the corresponding fixing portion in the fixing portion (i.e., some of the fixing portions) can have one of the above configurations (h) to (j), except for the following points: In the fourth fixing state, the screw bodies 410 of the screws 400 of some of the fixing portions are not threadedly connected to the corresponding plurality of screw holes 14, but are threadedly connected to the corresponding screw holes 810 of the corresponding relay portion 800.

[0166] In the case where the fixed portion 200, the shock absorber 300, and the fixing portion are arranged in a one-to-many-to-one relationship, each fixed portion 200, the corresponding shock absorber 300 in the shock absorber (i.e., some shock absorbers 300), and the corresponding fixing portion can also have the above configuration (k) or (l), but with the following differences. In the fourth fixing state, the screw body 410 of the screw 400 of each fixing portion is not threadedly connected to the corresponding plurality of screw holes 14, but is threadedly connected to the corresponding screw hole 810 of the corresponding relay portion 800.

[0167] In the case where the fixed portion 200, the vibration damper 300, and the fixing portion are arranged in a one-to-many relationship, each fixed portion 200, a corresponding vibration damper 300, and a corresponding fixing portion in the fixing portion (i.e., some fixing portions) can have one of the above configurations (m) to (o), but with the following differences. In the third fixing state, the screw body 410 of the screw 400 of each fixing portion is not threadedly connected to the corresponding plurality of screw holes 14, but is threadedly connected to the corresponding screw hole 810 of the corresponding relay portion 800.

[0168] In the case where the fixed portion 200, the vibration damper 300, and the fixing portion are arranged in a one-to-one relationship, each fixed portion 200, a corresponding vibration damper 300, and a corresponding fixing portion may have the above configuration (p) or (q), but the following points are different. In the third fixing state, the screw body 410 of the screw 400 of each fixing portion is not threadedly connected to the corresponding plurality of screw holes 14, but is threadedly connected to the corresponding screw hole 810 of the corresponding relay portion 800.

[0169] In any of the above configurations in which each fixed portion 200 is provided with a plurality of cutouts 220 , the cutouts 220 of each fixed portion 200 may be replaced with a plurality of insertion holes 230 .

[0170] One or more relay parts 800 may include a plurality of coupling holes 830 instead of the plurality of communicating holes 820. The coupling holes 830 extend through the one or more relay parts 800 in the ZZ′ direction. In this case, the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10 is provided with a plurality of coupling parts 15. Each coupling part 15 may include a plurality of arms extending in the Z′ direction from the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10, and claws protruding outward from the free ends on the Z′ direction side of each arm. In this case, in the accommodated state, the arms of each coupling part 15 of the shell 10 are inserted through the corresponding coupling holes 830 of the corresponding relay part 800, and the claws of each coupling part 15 are hooked on the respective edges on the Z′ direction side of the corresponding coupling hole 830. This coupling arrangement also makes it possible to fix one or more relay parts 800 to the peripheral area 12 of the shell 10. Each coupling part 15 can be modified to a protrusion to fit into the corresponding coupling hole 830 of the corresponding relay part 800.

[0171] Alternatively, the one or more relay portions 800 may be configured to be coupled to the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10. In this case, the one or more relay portions 800 do not include the communication hole 820, the coupling hole 830, the screw hole 14, or the coupling portion 15.

[0172] The above-described sensor unit U2 and structure S2 provide the following technical features and effects (8) to (10) in addition to the above-described technical features and effects (3) to (5) and (7) discussed with respect to the sensor unit U1 and structure S1.

[0173] Technical Features and Effects (8): The sensor unit U2 is easily attached to the peripheral area 12 of the accommodating hole 11 of the housing 10 from the Z′ direction side for the following reasons. The first portion 101 of the main body 100 can be accommodated in the accommodating hole 11 of the housing 10 from the Z′ direction side. The plurality of fixed portions 200 provided in the second portion 102 of the main body 100 are fixed to at least one relay portion 800. In the accommodated state, the at least one relay portion 800 is located on the Z′ direction side relative to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10, and can therefore be fixed to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 from the Z′ direction side.

[0174] Technical Features and Effects (9): The sensor unit U2 and the structure S2 have improved vibration isolation performance relative to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10. This is because the vibration of the vibrating unit of the sensor unit U2 is absorbed by the vibration absorber 300 and will not or is unlikely to be transmitted to the at least one relay portion 800. As a result, the vibration will not or is unlikely to be transmitted to the at least one peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 through the at least one relay portion 800. In the case where each vibration absorber 300 includes a first vibration absorber 310 and a second vibration absorber 320, the vibration of the vibrating unit of the sensor unit U2 is absorbed by the first vibration absorber 310 between the corresponding fixed portion 200 and the at least one relay portion 800 and will not or is unlikely to be transmitted to the at least one relay portion 800 through the fixed portion 200. The vibration is also absorbed by the second vibration absorber 320 between the corresponding fixed portion 200 and the corresponding abutting portion of the fixing portion and will not or is unlikely to be transmitted to the at least one relay portion 800 through the abutting portion of the fixing portion.

[0175] Technical Features and Effects (10): In the case where each vibration absorber 300 includes at least one first protrusion 350, even if the vibrating unit is subjected to a large load from the Z′ direction side and is thereby displaced in the Z direction, the at least one first protrusion 350 of each vibration absorber 300 is compressed and contracted between the corresponding first vibration absorber 310 and the at least one relay portion 800 to be buried in the first vibration absorber 310. As a result, the first vibration absorber 310 of each vibration absorber 300 abuts against the corresponding relay portion 800, increasing the area of ​​contact between each vibration absorber 300 and the at least one relay portion 800, thereby suppressing further expansion and contraction of each vibration absorber 300 in the ZZ′ direction. In this case, the relay portion 800 or each relay portion 800 includes a first abutting portion located on the Z direction side relative to the at least one first protrusion 350, and the at least one first protrusion 350 is held between the relay portion 800 or each relay portion 800 and the corresponding fixed portion in the fixed portion 200.

[0176] Third embodiment

[0177] In the following, reference is made to Figure 12A structure S3 for attaching the sensor unit U3 according to a plurality of embodiments of the present invention including the third embodiment and its modifications is described. Figure 12 The structure S3 of the third embodiment is illustrated. Figure 12 The ZZ' direction and the XX' direction are also indicated.

[0178] The structure S3 includes substantially the same configuration as the structure S2 except that the sensor unit U3 includes a plurality of relay portions 800, and the relay portions 800 include a plurality of fixing holes 840 instead of the plurality of screw holes 810, and the plurality of fixed portions 200 are flanges extending from the second portion 102 of the main body 100. The structure S3 will now be described focusing on the differences from the structure S2 and omitting overlapping descriptions.

[0179] When multiple fixed portions 200 and multiple vibration dampers 300 are arranged in a one-to-one relationship, they can have the above configuration (e) or (q). In either case, the fixed portions 200 and vibration dampers 300 include at least one fixed portion 200 and at least one vibration damper 300 on the X-direction side, and at least one fixed portion 200 and at least one vibration damper 300 on the X'-direction side. The or each fixed portion 200 on the X-direction side extends from the second portion 102 of the main body 100 in the X' direction. The or each fixed portion 200 on the X'-direction side extends from the second portion 102 of the main body 100 in the X' direction. The or each vibration damper 300 on the X-direction side includes a coupling portion 330 that fits into the attachment hole 210 of the corresponding fixed portion 200 on the X-direction side. The or each vibration damper 300 on the X'-direction side includes a coupling portion 330 that fits into the attachment hole 210 of the corresponding fixed portion 200 on the X'-direction side.

[0180] The plurality of relay portions 800 include relay portions 800 on the X-direction side and relay portions 800 on the X′-direction side. The relay portion 800 in the X-direction includes at least one fixing hole 840 on the X-direction side that is open on the X′-direction side, and at least one first abutting portion 841 and at least one second abutting portion 842 on the X-direction side as walls of the at least one fixing hole 840 on the Z-direction and Z′-direction sides, respectively. The relay portion 800 in the X′-direction includes at least one fixing hole 840 on the X′-direction side that is open on the X-direction side, and at least one first abutting portion 841 and at least one second abutting portion 842 on the X′-direction side as walls of the at least one fixing hole 840 on the Z-direction and Z′-direction sides, respectively.

[0181] The or each fixing hole 840 on the X-direction side accommodates, from the X'-direction side, one or more fixed portions 200 on the X-direction side and one or more vibration dampers 300 on the X-direction side. The distance from the first abutment portion 841 to the second abutment portion of the or each fixing hole 840 in the X-direction in the ZZ' direction is substantially the same as, or slightly smaller than, the ZZ'-direction dimension of the or each vibration damper 300 in the X-direction. Thus, the or each vibration damper 300 on the X-direction side is held between the first abutment portion 841 and the second abutment portion 842 of the or each fixing hole 840 in the X-direction.

[0182] In the case where the or each vibration absorber 300 on the X-direction side includes neither the at least one first protrusion 350 nor the at least one second protrusion 360, the first vibration absorber 310 of the or each vibration absorber 300 on the X-direction side is interposed between the first abutment portion 841 of the corresponding fixing hole 840 on the X-direction side and the corresponding fixed portion 200 on the X-direction side, and the second vibration absorber 320 of the or each vibration absorber 300 on the X-direction side is interposed between the second abutment portion 842 of the corresponding fixing hole 840 on the X-direction side and the corresponding fixed portion 200 on the X-direction side.

[0183] In the case where the or each vibration absorber 300 on the X-direction side includes at least one first protrusion 350 but does not include at least one second protrusion 360, the first vibration absorber 310 of the or each vibration absorber 300 on the X-direction side abuts against the corresponding fixed portion 200, the at least one first protrusion 350 of the or each vibration absorber 300 on the X-direction side is held between the or each first vibration absorber 310 and the first abutting portion 841 of the corresponding fixing hole 840 on the X-direction side, and the second vibration absorber 320 of the or each vibration absorber 300 on the X-direction side is interposed between the second abutting portion 842 of the corresponding fixing hole 840 on the X-direction side and the corresponding fixed portion 200 on the X-direction side.

[0184] When the or each vibration absorber 300 on the X-direction side does not include at least one first protrusion 350 but includes at least one second protrusion 360, the first vibration absorber 310 of the or each vibration absorber 300 on the X-direction side is interposed between the first abutting portion 841 of the corresponding fixing hole 840 on the X-direction side and the corresponding fixed portion 200 on the X-direction side, the second vibration absorber 320 of the or each vibration absorber 300 on the X-direction side abuts against the corresponding fixed portion 200, and the at least one second protrusion 360 of the or each vibration absorber 300 on the X-direction side is held between the or each second vibration absorber 320 and the second abutting portion 842 of the corresponding fixing hole 840 on the X-direction side.

[0185] In the case where the or each vibration absorber 300 on the X-direction side includes at least one first protrusion 350 and at least one second protrusion 360, the first vibration absorber 310 of the or each vibration absorber 300 on the X-direction side abuts the corresponding fixed portion 200, the at least one first protrusion 350 of the or each vibration absorber 300 on the X-direction side is held between the or each first vibration absorber 310 and the first abutting portion 841 of the corresponding fixing hole 840 on the X-direction side, the second vibration absorber 320 of the or each vibration absorber 300 on the X-direction side abuts the corresponding fixed portion 200, and the at least one second protrusion 360 of the or each vibration absorber 300 on the X-direction side is held between the or each second vibration absorber 320 and the second abutting portion 842 of the corresponding fixing hole 840 on the X-direction side.

[0186] In any of the above aspects, one or more vibration absorbers 300 and fixed portions 200 on the X-direction side are fixed to the relay portion 800 on the X-direction side. Similarly, one or more vibration absorbers 300 and fixed portions 200 on the X′-direction side are fixed to the relay portion 800 on the X′-direction side.

[0187] In the case where a plurality of fixed parts 200 and a plurality of vibration absorbers 300 are arranged in a one-to-many relationship, they may have the above configuration (1). In this case, the coupling portion 330 of the plurality of vibration absorbers 300 is fitted into the attachment hole of the or each fixed part 200 on the X-direction side, and the or each fixed part 200 on the X-direction side and the vibration absorber 300 thus fitted are received and fixed in the corresponding fixing hole 840 on the X-direction side from the X′-direction side. Moreover, the coupling portion 330 of the plurality of vibration absorbers 300 is fitted into the fixing hole 210 of the or each fixed part 200 on the X′-direction side, and the or each fixed part 200 on the X′-direction side and the vibration absorber 300 thus fitted are received and fixed in the corresponding fixing hole 840 on the X′-direction side from the X′-direction side. In other respects, the fixed portion 200 and the vibration absorber 300 in a one-to-many relationship may have the same configuration as the fixed portion and the vibration absorber 300 in a one-to-one relationship.

[0188] In any of the above configurations in which each fixed portion 200 is provided with a plurality of cutouts 220 , the cutouts 220 of each fixed portion 200 may be replaced with a plurality of insertion holes 230 .

[0189] Each of the relay portion 800 on the X-direction side and the relay portion 800 on the X′-direction side includes a plurality of communication holes 820 or a plurality of engagement holes 830. In the case where the communication holes 820 are provided, each of the relay portions 800 on the X and X′-direction sides is constructed so that, in the above-mentioned accommodation state, the screw 900 is received through the corresponding communication hole 820 and is threadedly connected (i.e., fixed) to the corresponding screw hole 14 of the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10. In the case where the engagement holes 830 are provided, the plurality of engagement portions 15 of the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10 engage with the plurality of engagement holes 830 in the manner described above, so that the relay portion 800 on the X-direction and X′-direction sides is fixed to the peripheral area 12 of the housing 10.

[0190] In addition to the above-described technical features and effects (3) to (5), (8) and (9) discussed for the sensor unit U2 and structure S2, the above-mentioned sensor unit U3 and structure S3 also provide the following technical features and effects (11) and (12).

[0191] Technical Features and Effects (11): In the case where each vibration absorber 300 includes at least one first protrusion 350, even if the vibratable unit is subjected to a large load from the Z′ direction side and is thereby displaced in the Z direction, the at least one first protrusion 350 of each vibration absorber 300 is compressed and contracted between the corresponding first vibration absorber 310 and the corresponding first abutting portion 841 to be buried in the first vibration absorber 310. As a result, the first vibration absorber 310 of each vibration absorber 300 abuts against the corresponding first abutting portion 841, increasing the area of ​​each vibration absorber 300 in contact with the corresponding first abutting portion 841, thereby suppressing further expansion and contraction of each vibration absorber 300 in the ZZ′ direction.

[0192] Technical Features and Effects (12): In the case where each vibration absorber 300 includes at least one second protrusion 360, even if the vibratable unit is subjected to a large load from the Z direction side and is thus displaced in the Z′ direction, the at least one second protrusion 360 of each vibration absorber 300 is compressed and contracted between the corresponding second vibration absorber 320 and the corresponding second abutting portion 842 to be buried in the second vibration absorber 320. As a result, the second vibration absorber 320 of each vibration absorber 300 abuts against the second abutting portion 842, increasing the area of ​​contact between each vibration absorber 300 and the corresponding second abutting portion 842, thereby suppressing further expansion and contraction of each vibration absorber 300 in the ZZ′ direction.

[0193] It should be noted that the sensor unit and the structure for attaching the sensor unit are not limited to the above embodiment, but can be modified in any way within the scope of the claims. Some examples of specific modifications will be described below.

[0194] The fixed portion of the present invention can be modified to at least one fixed portion. In the case of providing a single fixed portion 200, the fixed portion 200 can be an annular flange extending from the second part 102 of the main body 100 (or alternatively, the peripheral area of ​​the second part 102) in a direction intersecting the ZZ' direction. In addition to being an annular flange, the single fixed portion 200 can have the same structure as the fixed portion 200 of any structure (m) to (q) described above for the sensor units U1, U2 and U3. Specifically, in the case where the single fixed portion 200 has the above structure (p) or (q), the multiple fixing portions may include a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion, each of the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion may include a fastener 440 and a plurality of screws 400, and the single fixed portion 200 may include an end on the X direction side and an end on the X' direction side. In this case, the abutting portions 441 of the fasteners 440 of the first fixing portion abut against the plurality of vibration absorbers 300 fitted in the corresponding attachment holes 210 in the end portion of the fixed portion 200 on the X-direction side from the Z′-direction side, and are screwed to the corresponding screw holes 810 of the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 or at least one relay portion 800 with the screws 400 in the manner described above for configuration (p) or (q). Moreover, the abutting portions 441 of the fasteners 440 of the second fixing portion abut against the plurality of vibration absorbers 300 fitted in the corresponding attachment holes 210 in the end portion of the fixed portion 200 on the X′-direction side from the Z′-direction side, and are screwed to the corresponding screw holes 810 of the peripheral region 12 of the housing 10 or at least one relay portion 800 with the screws 400 in the manner described above for configuration (p) or (q). In addition, in the case where the relay portion 800 on the X and X′ direction sides has a fixing hole 840, the fixed portion 200 as a flange is constructed so that the end portion of the fixed portion 200 on the X direction side is provided with a plurality of attachment holes 210, and the end portion and the plurality of shock absorbers 300 assembled in the attachment holes 210 are received in the fixing hole 840 of the relay portion 800 on the X direction side and are fixed as described above; and the end portion of the fixed portion 200 on the X′ direction side is provided with a plurality of attachment holes 210, and the end portion and the plurality of shock absorbers 300 fitted in the attachment holes 210 are received in the fixing hole 840 of the relay portion 800 on the X′ direction side and are fixed as described above.

[0195] The vibration absorber of the present invention can be modified to include at least one vibration absorber. In the case of a single vibration absorber 300, the vibration absorber 300 can include a single annular first vibration absorber 310, or a single annular first vibration absorber 310 and a single annular second vibration absorber 320. In the former case, the single first vibration absorber 310, except for its annular shape, can have the same configuration as the first vibration absorber 310 of the configuration (m) described above for the sensor units U1 and U2. In the latter case, the single first vibration absorber 310 and the single second vibration absorber 320, except for their annular shape, can have the same configuration as the first vibration absorber 310 and the second vibration absorber 320 of the configuration (n) described above for the sensor units U1 and U2.

[0196] Of course, the single fixed portion 200 and the single vibration absorber 300 may be generally annular.

[0197] It should be noted that the first direction of the present invention is any direction in which the receiving hole of the housing of the present invention extends. The second direction of the present invention can be any direction that intersects the first direction. The third direction of the present invention can be any direction that intersects the first and second directions and is not located on the plane in which the first and second directions extend.

[0198] Reference Signs List

[0199] S1, S2, S3: Structures for attaching sensor units

[0200] 10: Shell

[0201] 11: Accommodation hole; 12: Peripheral area; 13: Base; 14: Screw hole

[0202] 20: Covering

[0203] 21: Cover part; 22: Buffer part;

[0204] U1, U2, U3: sensor units

[0205] 100: Main body

[0206] 101: first part; 101a: first side; 102: second side

[0207] 200: Fixed part

[0208] 210: Attachment hole; 220: Cutout; 230: Insertion hole

[0209] 300: shock absorber

[0210] 310: First vibration absorber; 311: Through hole; 320: Second vibration absorber; 321: Through hole; 330: Connecting portion; 340: Through hole; 350: First protrusion; 360: Second protrusion

[0211] 400: screws

[0212] 410: Screw body; 420: Head

[0213] 430: Washer

[0214] 431: Through hole

[0215] 440: Fasteners

[0216] 441: abutment portion; 441a: through hole; 442: leg; 442a: through hole

[0217] 500: Detection sensor

[0218] 510: Side 1

[0219] 600: Vibration generator

[0220] 700: Circuit board

[0221] 800: Relay Department

[0222] 810: screw hole; 820: connecting hole; 830: connecting hole

[0223] 900: Screws

Claims

1. A sensor unit, the sensor unit being attachable to a receiving hole, the receiving hole extending through a housing in a first direction and being closed by a cover on one side of the first direction, the sensor unit being attachable to the receiving hole from the other side of the first direction, the sensor unit comprising: a main body, the main body comprising a first portion and a second portion on the other side of the first direction relative to the first portion, the first portion being receivable in the receiving hole of the housing from the other side of the first direction, the second portion being located on the other side of the first direction relative to the receiving hole when the first portion is received in the receiving hole; a detection sensor disposed at the main body and configured to detect contact between a detection object and the covering portion from one side of the first direction when the first portion of the main body is accommodated in the accommodation hole; a vibration generator configured to vibrate the main body and the detection sensor when the first portion of the main body is received in the receiving hole, and thereby provide tactile feedback to the detection object in contact with the cover; A vibration absorber, the vibration absorber being composed of an elastic material; as well as a fixed portion, the fixed portion being arranged at the second portion of the main body, the fixed portion being located on the other side of the first direction relative to the peripheral area of ​​the accommodating hole of the housing when the first portion of the main body is accommodated in the accommodating hole, Wherein, when the first part of the main body is accommodated in the accommodating hole, the fixed portion is fixed to the peripheral area of ​​the accommodating hole of the shell from the other side of the first direction via the shock absorber, and the shock absorber is at least partially interposed between the fixed portion and the peripheral area of ​​the accommodating hole of the shell.

2. The sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein: The shock absorber comprises: a first vibration absorber, the first vibration absorber being composed of an elastic material; and at least one first protrusion, the at least one first protrusion being made of an elastic material, extending from the first vibration damper to one side of the first direction, and being elastically deformable to contract in the first direction, and When the first portion of the main body is accommodated in the accommodating hole, the fixed portion is fixed to the shell from the other side of the first direction via the first shock absorber, the first shock absorber abuts against the fixed portion, and the at least one first protrusion is held between the first shock absorber and the shell.

3. The sensor unit according to claim 1, further comprising a fixing portion, the fixing portion comprising an abutment portion, wherein When the first portion of the main body is accommodated in the accommodation hole, the fixing portion is configured to fix the fixed portion and the shock absorber to the housing from the other side of the first direction, and the abutting portion is located on the other side of the first direction relative to the shock absorber. The vibration absorber comprises a first vibration absorber made of an elastic material and a second vibration absorber made of an elastic material, and In a state where the fixing portion fixes the fixed portion and the damper to the housing from the other side of the first direction, the first damper is interposed between the fixed portion and the housing, and the second damper is interposed between the abutting portion of the fixing portion and the fixed portion.

4. The sensor unit according to claim 3, wherein: The vibration absorber further comprises: at least one first protrusion, the at least one first protrusion being made of an elastic material, extending from the first vibration damper to one side in the first direction, and being elastically deformable to contract in the first direction, and at least one second protrusion, which is made of an elastic material, extends from the second vibration damper to the other side of the first direction, and is elastically deformable to contract in the first direction, and In a state where the fixing portion fixes the fixed portion and the shock absorber to the housing from the other side of the first direction, the first shock absorber abuts against the fixed portion, the at least one first protrusion is held between the first shock absorber and the housing, the second shock absorber abuts against the fixed portion, and the at least one second protrusion is held between the abutting portion of the fixing portion and the second shock absorber.

5. A sensor unit, the sensor unit being attachable to a receiving hole, the receiving hole extending through a housing in a first direction and being closed by a cover portion on one side of the first direction, the sensor unit being attachable to the receiving hole from the other side of the first direction, the sensor unit comprising: a main body, the main body comprising a first portion and a second portion on the other side of the first direction relative to the first portion, the first portion being receivable in the receiving hole of the housing from the other side of the first direction, the second portion being located on the other side of the first direction relative to the receiving hole when the first portion is received in the receiving hole; a detection sensor disposed at the main body and configured to detect contact between a detection object and the covering portion from one side of the first direction when the first portion of the main body is accommodated in the accommodation hole; a vibration generator configured to vibrate the main body and the detection sensor when the first portion of the main body is received in the receiving hole, and thereby provide tactile feedback to the detection object that is in direct or indirect contact with the cover; a fixed portion, the fixed portion being arranged at the second portion of the main body, the fixed portion being located on the other side of the first direction relative to the peripheral area of ​​the accommodating hole of the housing when the first portion of the main body is accommodated in the accommodating hole, a relay portion fixed to the fixed portion from one side in the first direction, wherein, when the first portion of the main body is accommodated in the accommodation hole, the relay portion is fixed to the peripheral area of ​​the accommodation hole of the housing from the other side in the first direction; as well as A vibration absorber is made of an elastic material and is at least partially interposed between the fixed portion and the relay portion.

6. The sensor unit according to claim 5, wherein The shock absorber comprises: A first vibration absorber, the first vibration absorber being made of an elastic material; as well as at least one first protrusion, the at least one first protrusion being made of an elastic material, extending from the first vibration damper to one side of the first direction, and being elastically deformable to contract in the first direction, and The relay portion includes a first abutment portion located on one side of the first direction relative to the at least one first protrusion, and The first vibration damper abuts against the fixed portion, and the at least one first protrusion is held between the first abutting portion with the relay portion and the first vibration damper.

7. The sensor unit according to claim 5, wherein: The vibration absorber comprises a first vibration absorber formed of an elastic material and a second vibration absorber formed of an elastic material, and The relay portion includes a first abutting portion and a second abutting portion, the first abutting portion is located on one side of the first direction relative to the first vibration absorber, and the second abutting portion is located on the other side of the first direction relative to the second vibration absorber, The first vibration damper is interposed between the first abutting portion of the relay portion and the fixed portion, and The second vibration damper is interposed between the second contact portion of the relay portion and the fixed portion.

8. The sensor unit according to claim 7, wherein: The vibration absorber further comprises: at least one first protrusion, the at least one first protrusion being made of an elastic material, extending from the first vibration absorber to one side in the first direction, and being elastically deformable to contract in the first direction; and at least one second protrusion, which is made of an elastic material, extends from the second vibration damper to the other side of the first direction, and is elastically deformable to contract in the first direction, The first vibration damper abuts against the fixed portion, and the at least one first protrusion is held between the first abutting portion of the relay portion and the first vibration damper, and The second vibration damper abuts against the fixed portion, and the at least one second protrusion is held between the second abutting portion of the relay portion and the second vibration damper.

9. The sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The first portion of the body has a first surface on one side of the first direction, The first surface of the main body has the same shape and size as the receiving hole of the housing when viewed from one side in the first direction, and In a case where the first portion of the body is accommodated in the accommodation hole, the first surface of the body is continuously arranged with a surface on one side in the first direction of the peripheral area of ​​the accommodation hole of the housing.

10. The sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The first portion of the body has a first surface on one side of the first direction, The detection sensor has a first surface on one side of the first direction and a second surface on the other side of the first direction, The second surface of the detection sensor abuts against the first surface of the main body, The detection sensor has the same shape and size as the receiving hole of the housing when viewed from one side in the first direction, and When the first portion of the main body is accommodated in the accommodation hole, the first surface of the detection sensor is arranged continuously with a surface on one side in the first direction of the peripheral area of ​​the accommodation hole of the housing.

11. The sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The body is a tube having a bottom that is closed on one side of the body in the first direction, and The vibration generator is accommodated in and fixed to the body.

12. A structure for attaching a sensor unit, the structure comprising: a housing, the housing being provided with a receiving hole, the receiving hole extending through the housing in a first direction; a covering portion that closes the receiving hole of the housing from one side of the first direction; as well as The sensor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The first portion of the main body of the sensor unit is accommodated in the accommodation hole, The main body of the sensor unit and / or the detection sensor abuts against the cover portion, The fixed portion of the sensor unit is fixed to the housing via the vibration damper from the other side of the first direction, and The vibration absorber of the sensor unit is at least partially interposed between the fixed portion and the housing.

13. A structure for attaching a sensor unit, the structure comprising: a housing, the housing being provided with a receiving hole, the receiving hole extending through the housing in a first direction; a covering portion that closes the receiving hole of the housing from one side of the first direction; as well as The sensor unit according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein The first portion of the main body of the sensor unit is accommodated in the accommodation hole, The main body of the sensor unit and / or the detection sensor abuts against the cover portion, and The relay portion of the sensor unit is fixed to the housing from the other side of the first direction.

14. The structure according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The cover portion is made of a flexible and / or elastic material and covers at least the peripheral area of ​​the receiving hole of the housing and the main body of the sensor unit.

15. The structure according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The covering portion comprises: a buffer portion made of an elastic material, closing the receiving hole of the housing from one side in the first direction and covering at least the peripheral area of ​​the receiving hole of the housing and the main body of the sensor unit; and a cover portion, the cover portion covering the buffer portion from one side of the first direction, wherein The main body and / or the detection sensor abuts against the buffer portion.

16. The structure according to claim 15, wherein: The buffer portion is recessed conformally to a shape of the detection sensor.

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