Vibration actuator and electronic device

Abstract

A vibration actuator has a fixed body including a coil, a movable body including a magnet disposed on the inner side of the coil in a manner so as to be relatively movable in a vibration direction orthogonal to the radial direction of the coil, and an elastic support portion supporting the movable body in a manner so as to be freely movable relative to the fixed body, in which the movable body vibrates relative to the fixed body by cooperation of the coil supplied with electric power and the magnet, and the elastic support portion has an outer peripheral portion fixed to the fixed body, an inner peripheral portion disposed at a position more on the inner side in the radial direction than the outer peripheral portion and fixed to the movable body, and a deformation arm portion disposed between the outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral portion, linking the outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral portion and being elastically deformable, in which an attenuation portion is provided across the outer peripheral portion and a portion of the outer peripheral portion side of the deformation arm portion, the attenuation portion attenuating vibration at the elastic support portion when the movable body moves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration actuator and an electronic device having the vibration actuator. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, in electronic devices with vibration functionality, a vibration actuator is installed as the vibration source. The electronic device transmits vibrations to the user by driving the vibration actuator, allowing the user to feel the vibration, thereby enabling them to notify of incoming calls or enhance the sense of operation and immersion. Here, electronic devices include: portable gaming terminals, controllers (gamepads) for stationary gaming consoles, portable communication terminals such as mobile phones or smartphones, portable information terminals such as tablet PCs, and wearable devices attached to clothing or arms.

[0003] Vibration actuators, which are miniaturized structures that can be installed in portable devices, are known, for example, the vibration actuators used in pagers and the like, as shown in Patent Document 1.

[0004] In this vibration actuator, a pair of plate-shaped elastomers are positioned opposite each other and supported by the opening edge of a cylindrical frame. Each plate-shaped elastomer is arranged such that one end is fixed to a fixed body and the other end is fixed to a movable body. One of the plate-shaped elastomers is helical in shape, with its outer peripheral portion as one end positioned at the bottom of the frame, and its central portion as the other end protruding from the outer peripheral portion. A magnetic yoke with a magnet mounted thereon is fixed to this central portion, and the yoke is supported within the frame.

[0005] The yoke and magnet together constitute a magnetic field generator. Within the magnetic field of this generator, a coil is mounted on another plate-shaped elastic body. The coil is a cylindrical body made of enameled wire with resin bonded to the surface of copper wire. It is an air-core coil using a wire called a "self-fusing wire," allowing for a small configuration space. A switching current of different frequencies is applied to the coil via an oscillating circuit, causing the pair of plate-shaped elastic bodies to selectively resonate and vibrate. The yoke vibrates within the frame along the centerline of the frame.

[0006] In this vibration actuator, when adjusting the reciprocating range of the yoke, a structure can be considered, for example, as shown in Patent Document 2, which suppresses the vibration of the plate-shaped elastomer by providing a damping part in the plate-shaped elastomer.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3748637

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Published Patent No. 59-191427 Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0012] However, in the structure of conventional vibration actuators, the plate-shaped elastomer itself deforms when the movable body moves. This presents the following problems: the location where the damping section is installed varies considerably due to the vibration of the movable body; furthermore, over long periods of variation, misalignment of the damping section may occur at some installation positions. Consequently, the damping of the plate-shaped elastomer's vibration may deviate, meaning that the vibration performance of the vibration actuator may be compromised, preventing the actuator from vibrating stably.

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vibration actuator and electronic device that can generate appropriate vibration with a stable high output even when vibration is attenuated.

[0014] Solution to the problem

[0015] One embodiment of the vibration actuator of the present invention comprises: a fixed body including a coil; a movable body including a magnet disposed radially inside the coil such that it can move relative to the coil in a vibration direction orthogonal to the radial direction of the coil; and an elastic support portion supporting the movable body in a manner that allows it to move freely relative to the fixed body. In this vibration actuator, the movable body vibrates relative to the fixed body through the cooperation of the powered coil and the magnet.

[0016] The elastic support portion has:

[0017] The outer periphery is fixed to the fixing body;

[0018] An inner peripheral portion, positioned radially inward than the outer peripheral portion, and fixed to the movable body; and

[0019] A deformable arm is disposed between the outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral portion, connecting the outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral portion, and is capable of elastic deformation.

[0020] In the vibration actuator, an attenuation section is provided at the portion spanning the outer periphery and the outer periphery side of the deformable arm, which attenuates the vibration at the elastic support section when the movable body moves.

[0021] One embodiment of the vibration actuator of the present invention has the following structure, which includes:

[0022] A movable body has a columnar magnet in the center, and spring stops are respectively arranged on the front and back sides along the axial direction of the magnet;

[0023] The fixed body is a cylindrical fixed body that houses the movable body, and has a pair of annular coils disposed on the radially outer side of the movable body;

[0024] The elastic support portion is a pair of elastic support portions that support the movable body in a manner that allows the movable body to reciprocate in the vibration direction along the axial direction. The outer periphery of each elastic support portion engages with the fixed body, the inner periphery of each elastic support portion engages with the spring stop portion, and the deformable arm portion of each elastic support portion is elastically deformable, with the deformable arm portion connecting the outer periphery and the inner periphery.

[0025] The damping portion is provided across the outer peripheral portion and the outer peripheral side of the deformable arm portion to dampen the vibration at the elastic support portion when the movable body moves.

[0026] One embodiment of the electronic device of the present invention has the following structure, wherein a vibration actuator of the above structure is installed.

[0027] Invention Effects

[0028] According to the present invention, even with vibration attenuation, appropriate vibration can be generated with stable high output. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vibration actuator.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view showing the state of the vibratory actuator after the outer casing has been removed.

[0032] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram representing a movable body with a fixed elastic support.

[0033] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the movable body and the elastic support.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the coil assembly after the electromagnetic shielding has been removed.

[0035] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the coil assembly.

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 The top view of the drive unit shown.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a top view of the elastic support section.

[0038] Figure 10 It is along the direction of the arrow. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of line AA.

[0039] Figure 11 This diagram illustrates the installation status of the attenuation unit.

[0040] Figure 12 This diagram illustrates the installation status of the attenuation unit.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional view of the bottom side of the main body of the outer shell.

[0042] Figure 14 This is a three-dimensional view of the cover from the back side.

[0043] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the magnetic circuit structure of the vibration actuator.

[0044] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing the relative movement of the coil and the magnet.

[0045] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing the relative movement of the coil and the magnet.

[0046] Figure 18 This diagram shows an example of an electronic device equipped with the vibration actuator.

[0047] Figure 19 This diagram shows an example of an electronic device equipped with the vibration actuator.

[0048] Figure 20 This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 21 This is a three-dimensional view showing the state of the vibratory actuator after the outer casing has been removed.

[0050] Figure 22 This is a three-dimensional view of the bottom side of the main body of the outer shell.

[0051] Figure 23 This is a three-dimensional view of the cover from the back side.

[0052] Figure 24 This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 25 This is a three-dimensional view showing the state of the vibratory actuator after the outer casing has been removed.

[0054] Figure 26 This is a three-dimensional view of the bottom side of the main body of the outer shell.

[0055] Figure 27 This is a three-dimensional view of the cover from the back side.

[0056] Figure 28 This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 29 This is a three-dimensional view showing the state of the vibratory actuator after the outer casing has been removed.

[0058] Figure 30 It is a three-dimensional diagram representing a movable body with a fixed elastic support.

[0059] Figure 31 It is an exploded perspective view of the movable body and the elastic support.

[0060] Figure 32 This is a diagram showing the coil assembly after the electromagnetic shielding has been removed.

[0061] Figure 33 This is a three-dimensional view of the bottom side of the main body of the outer shell.

[0062] Figure 34 This is a three-dimensional view of the cover from the back side.

[0063] Figure 35 This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 36 This is a three-dimensional view showing the state of the vibratory actuator after the outer casing has been removed.

[0065] Figure 37 It is a three-dimensional diagram representing a movable body with a fixed elastic support.

[0066] Figure 38 It is an exploded perspective view of the movable body and the elastic support.

[0067] Figure 39 This is a diagram showing the coil assembly after the electromagnetic shielding has been removed.

[0068] Figure 40 This is a three-dimensional view of the bottom side of the main body of the outer shell.

[0069] Figure 41 This is a three-dimensional view of the cover from the back side.

[0070] Figure 42 This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 43 This is a three-dimensional view showing the state of the vibratory actuator after the outer casing has been removed.

[0072] Figure 44 This is a three-dimensional view of the bottom side of the main body of the outer shell.

[0073] Figure 45 This is a three-dimensional view of the cover from the back side.

[0074] Figure 46 This is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship between the drive unit and the housing in the vibration actuator of embodiment 6.

[0075] Figure 47 This is a perspective view of the vibration actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention, namely embodiment 7.

[0076] Figure 48 This is a three-dimensional view showing the state of the vibratory actuator after the outer casing has been removed.

[0077] Figure 49 This is a three-dimensional view of the bottom side of the main body of the outer shell.

[0078] Figure 50 This is a three-dimensional view of the cover from the back side.

[0079] Figure 51 This is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship between the drive unit and the housing in the vibration actuator of embodiment 7. Detailed Implementation

[0080] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0081] <Implementation Method 1>

[0082] [Overall structure of the vibration actuator]

[0083] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view of the vibration actuator. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the state of the vibratory actuator after the outer casing has been removed. Additionally, Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional diagram representing a movable body with a fixed elastic support. Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the movable body and the elastic support. Figure 6 This diagram shows the coil assembly after the electromagnetic shielding has been removed. Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the coil assembly. Figure 8 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a top view of the drive unit. Furthermore, the terms "upper side" and "lower side" in this embodiment are used for ease of understanding; they refer to one side and the other side in the vibration direction of the movable body of the vibration actuator. That is, when the vibration actuator is mounted on an electronic device (see reference...). Figure 18 and Figure 19When referring to something, up and down can be reversed, or it can be left and right.

[0084] In this embodiment 1, the vibration actuator 1 is installed as a vibration generation source in a portable gaming terminal device (e.g., Figure 18 The game controller (GC) shown is an electronic device that enables the vibration function of the electronic device. This electronic device also includes portable devices such as smartphones. Figure 19 The portable terminal M shown is used. The vibration actuator 1 is installed on portable gaming terminals or other portable devices. It vibrates by driving the device to notify the user of incoming calls or to give the user a sense of operation or immersion.

[0085] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the vibration actuator 1 of this embodiment is housed within a hollow outer casing 10, with the axial direction (vertical direction) of the outer casing 10 serving as the vibration direction. A movable body 20 is oscillatingly housed between the upper and lower end faces. The vibration actuator 1 functions as a vibrating body by vibrating the movable body 20 inside the outer casing 10.

[0086] The vibration actuator 1 includes: a movable body 20 having a magnet 30 and movable cores 41 and 42; a fixed body 50 having a pair of annular coils 61 and 62; and elastic support portions 81 and 82 supporting the movable body 20 in a manner that allows the movable body 20 to reciprocate freely relative to the fixed body 50.

[0087] In the vibration actuator 1, coils 61 and 62, magnet 30, and movable body cores 41 and 42 constitute a magnetic circuit that causes the movable body 20 to vibrate. The vibration actuator 1 is powered by a power supply unit (e.g., Figure 18 and Figure 19 The drive control unit 203 shown energizes the coils 61 and 62, causing the coils 61 and 62 to cooperate with the magnet 30, so that the movable body 20 reciprocates within the housing 10 along the vibration direction.

[0088] In the vibration actuator 1 of this embodiment, the movable body 20 is located inside the coils 61 and 62 held by the coil tube section 52, and reciprocates along the axial direction of the coils 61 and 62, i.e., the vibration direction, via the tube body section (coil protection wall section) 522 disposed between the coils 61 and 62 and the movable body 20. The axial direction of the coils 61 and 62 is the vibration direction of the movable body 20, the magnetization direction of the magnet 30, and also the axial direction of the coil tube section 52.

[0089] When the movable body 20 is not vibrating, it is configured, with the aid of elastic supports 81 and 82, such that the center of its length in the vibration direction is opposite to the center of its length in the vibration direction of the coil tube portion 52 at a predetermined interval in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the movable body 20. Preferably, the movable body 20 is positioned in a balanced position between the coils 61 and 62 without contacting the tube body portion 522 of the coil tube portion 52. In this embodiment, preferably, the center of its length in the vibration direction in the magnet 30 and the movable body cores 41 and 42, and the center of its length in the vibration direction between the vertically spaced coils 61 and 62, are positioned opposite each other in a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction. Furthermore, a magnetic fluid may be sandwiched between the tube body portion 522 and the movable body 20.

[0090] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the vibration actuator 1 has a drive unit 13 inside a housing 10 having a housing body 11 and a cover 12. The drive unit 13 has coils 61 and 62, a coil tube portion 52, a movable body 20, and elastic support portions 81 and 82.

[0091] <20 movable figures>

[0092] The movable body 20 is located inside the cylindrical coil tube portion 52 of the fixed body 50, and is supported by elastic support portions 81 and 82 connected to the upper and lower ends, enabling it to reciprocate along the inner side surface of the coil tube portion 52 (the inner circumferential surface 522a of the tube body portion 522). In other words, the movable body 20 is supported within the vibration actuator 1 in a manner that allows it to reciprocate in the direction opposite to the cover portion 12 and the bottom portion 114. The movable body 20 is provided in... Figure 3 The driving unit 13 shown.

[0093] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the movable body 20 includes a magnet 30, movable body cores 41 and 42, spring stops 22 and 24, and fixing pins 26 and 28. In this embodiment, the two sides oriented towards the vibration direction with the magnet 30 as the center ( Figures 1 to 5 Movable cores 41 and 42, and spring stop portions 22 and 24 are continuously provided in the vertical direction shown. In the movable body 20, the outer peripheral surface 20a of the magnet 30 and the movable cores 41 and 42 is located inside the inner peripheral surface 522a of the tube body 522, and is positioned opposite the inner peripheral surface 522a at a predetermined interval.

[0094] When the movable body 20 moves along the vibration direction, the outer peripheral surface 20a reciprocates along the inner peripheral surface 522a without contacting the inner peripheral surface 522a.

[0095] Magnet 30 is magnetized in the vibration direction. In this embodiment, magnet 30 is formed in the shape of a disk, and the front face 30a and back face 30b, which are spaced apart in the vibration direction, have different polarities. The front face 30a and back face 30b of magnet 30 are two magnetized surfaces spaced apart in the extension direction of the axes of coils 61 and 62.

[0096] The magnet 30 is arranged radially inside the coils 61 and 62 (details to be described later) at a distance that is open. Here, "radial" refers to a direction orthogonal to the axis of the coils 61 and 62, and also to the direction of vibration. This radial "distance" is the interval between the magnet 30 and the coils 61 and 62, which include the tube body 522, such that they can move without contacting each other in the direction of vibration of the movable body 20. That is, in this embodiment, "distance" refers to a predetermined interval between the tube body 522 and the magnet 30.

[0097] In this embodiment, the magnet 30 is arranged with its radial outer side facing the center of the tube body 522. Furthermore, the magnet 30 can be arranged inside the coils 61 and 62 such that its two magnetized surfaces face the axial extension direction of the coils 61 and 62, and it can be any shape other than a disc, such as a cylinder or plate. Preferably, the axial center of the magnet 30 coincides with the axial center of the movable body 20.

[0098] Movable cores 41 and 42 are respectively provided on the front side 30a and the back side 30b of the magnet 30.

[0099] Movable cores 41 and 42 are magnetic bodies that function as magnetic yokes, forming a magnetic circuit together with magnet 30 and coils 61 and 62. Movable cores 41 and 42, together with magnet 30, form a movable-body side magnetic circuit. Movable cores 41 and 42 concentrate the magnetic flux of magnet 30, preventing leakage and ensuring efficient flow, thus effectively distributing the magnetic flux flowing between magnet 30 and coils 61 and 62.

[0100] In addition to functioning as part of the magnetic circuit, the movable cores 41 and 42 also function as the main body of the movable body 20, the fixed spring stop parts 22 and 24, and as a counterweight.

[0101] In this embodiment, the movable cores 41 and 42 are formed as annular plates having the same surface shape as the magnet 30. The movable cores 41 and 42 are fixed to the magnet 30 such that their outer peripheral surfaces are on the same plane as the outer peripheral surfaces of the magnet, and together with the outer peripheral surfaces of the magnet, they form the outer peripheral surface 20a of the movable body 20.

[0102] In this embodiment, the movable cores 41 and 42 are identical components with the same structure. In this embodiment, the movable cores 41 and 42 are symmetrically arranged above and below the magnet 30, with the magnet 30 as the center, in a manner that clamps the magnet 30. Furthermore, the movable cores 41 and 42 are attracted by the magnet 30 and are fixed to the magnet 30, for example, using a thermosetting adhesive such as epoxy resin or an anaerobic adhesive.

[0103] Each of the movable cores 41 and 42 has a fitting port 411 and 421 at its center for the upper and lower spring stop parts 22 and 24 to fit into. The upper and lower spring stop parts 22 and 24 are inserted into the fitting ports 411 and 421.

[0104] At the fitting joints 411 and 421, the movable cores 41 and 42 contact the spring stops 22 and 24 at three or four points, thereby supporting the spring stops 22 and 24 such that their respective axes (which coincide with the centers of the elastic supports 81 and 82) are located on the central axis of the movable body 20. The weight of the movable body 20 can be adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of the fitting joints 411 and 421 in the movable cores 41 and 42, thus setting an appropriate vibration output.

[0105] In this embodiment, when the movable body 20 is not vibrating, the movable body cores 41 and 42 are located inside (radially inside) the coils 61 and 62, respectively, and are opposite to the coils 61 and 62 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the coils 61 and 62.

[0106] In the movable cores 41 and 42, preferably, the height position of the upper surface of the upper movable core 41 of the magnet 30 is opposite to the center position of the upper coil 61 in the height direction (vertical direction). Furthermore, preferably, the height position of the lower surface of the lower movable core 42 of the magnet 30 is opposite to the center position of the lower coil 62 in the height direction (vertical direction).

[0107] The spring stops 22 and 24 have the function of fixing the magnetic circuit on the movable body side to the elastic support parts 81 and 82, and also have the function of serving as a counterweight for the movable body 20. The spring stops 22 and 24 are symmetrically arranged in such a way that they clamp the magnet 30 and the movable body cores 41 and 42, thereby increasing the vibration output of the movable body 20.

[0108] In this embodiment, the spring stop parts 22 and 24 are shaft-shaped bodies arranged along the central axis of the movable body 20 and sandwiched between the movable body cores 41 and 42 and the elastic support parts 81 and 82.

[0109] In this embodiment, the spring stop portions 22 and 24 are formed with the same shape, having joint portions 222 and 242 and spring fixing portions 224 and 244. The joint portions 222 and 242 are continuously provided with the spring fixing portions 224 and 244 in the vibration direction (specifically the up and down direction).

[0110] The spring stops 22 and 24 have through holes. Furthermore, the spring stops 22 and 24 can also function as weight adjustment parts by adding weights into the through holes. By adding weights into the through holes, the movable body 20 can be made heavier, thereby increasing its vibration output.

[0111] The joints 222 and 242 are engaged with the movable cores 41 and 42, respectively. Specifically, the other ends of the joints 222 and 242 are inserted into the fitting openings 411 and 421 of the movable cores 41 and 42, respectively, and thus embedded. In this embodiment, the spring stops 22 and 24 are pressed into the movable cores 41 and 42 to fix them, but this is not a limitation. For example, thermosetting adhesives such as epoxy resin or anaerobic adhesives can also be used for bonding.

[0112] The upper spring fixing part 224 constitutes one end of the movable body 20 in the vibration direction, that is, the upper end of the movable body 20, and engages with the inner diameter side end (the other end) of the upper leaf spring, which serves as the elastic support part 81, namely the inner peripheral part 802. The spring fixing part 224 is provided in the spring stop part 22 in such a way that it protrudes upward from the joint part 222, and its front end engages with the inner peripheral part 802 of the elastic support part 81 via the fixing pin 26.

[0113] On the other hand, the lower spring fixing part 244 constitutes another end in the vibration direction of the movable body 20, that is, the lower end of the movable body 20, and engages with the inner diameter side end, i.e., the inner circumference 802, of the lower leaf spring that serves as the elastic support part 82. The spring fixing part 244 is provided in the spring stop part 24 in such a way that it protrudes downward from the joint part 242, and its front end engages with the inner circumference 802 of the elastic support part 82 via a fixing pin 28. Furthermore, details regarding the elastic support part 81 will be described later together with the elastic support part 82.

[0114] The retaining pins 26 and 28 securely fix the elastic support parts 81 and 82 and the movable body 20 so that they will not fall off due to the vibration of the movable body 20.

[0115] In this embodiment, the fixing pins 26 and 28 are formed in the same shape and each has: a shaft-shaped pin body 262 and 282 that can be pressed into the spring fixing part 224 and 244, and a flange 264 and 284 provided on one end side of the pin body 262 and 282.

[0116] Specifically, with the inner peripheral portions 802 of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 overlapping with the spring fixing portions 224 and 244, the pin bodies 262 and 282 of the fixing pins 26 and 28 are pressed into the through holes of the spring fixing portions 224 and 244 through the openings of the inner peripheral portions 802 and fixed. Thus, the flanges 264 and 284 and the spring fixing portions 224 and 244 clamp the inner peripheral portions 802 of the elastic support portions 81 and 82, thereby firmly joining the elastic support portions 81 and 82.

[0117] Furthermore, the inner periphery 802 of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 can be joined with the spring fixing portions 224 and 244 by welding, bonding, or riveting, and welding, bonding, or riveting can also be combined for joining.

[0118] The spring stops 22 and 24 are positioned at two ends (upper and lower ends) spaced apart in the vibration direction relative to the movable body-side magnetic circuit within the movable body 20. This eliminates the need to place the weight of the movable body 20 on the outer periphery of the movable body-side magnetic circuit. Consequently, the space for the coils 61 and 62, which are positioned opposite each other on the outer periphery of the movable body-side magnetic circuit and the outer periphery of the movable body 20, is not restricted. The distance between the movable body-side magnetic circuit and the coils 61 and 62 is not increased due to the space available for the weight, and the efficiency of electromagnetic conversion is not reduced. Therefore, the weight of the movable body 20 can be appropriately increased, enabling high vibration output.

[0119] Furthermore, since the spring stops 22 and 24 have both a load-bearing function and a spring-fixing function, it is not necessary to assemble components with each function separately. By simply providing the spring stops 22 and 24 in the magnetic circuit on the movable body side, the upper and lower leaf springs, which serve as elastic support parts 81 and 82, can be easily assembled onto the movable body 20 together with the load, thus improving assemblability.

[0120] Furthermore, while the spring stop portions 22 and 24 may also be made of magnetic material, they are preferably made of non-magnetic material. If the spring stop portions 22 and 24 are made of non-magnetic material, the magnetic flux from the movable core 41 will not flow upward, and the magnetic flux from the movable core 42 will not flow downward, allowing it to flow efficiently to the coils 61 and 62 located on the outer periphery of the movable cores 41 and 42.

[0121] Furthermore, preferably, the spring stop portions 22 and 24 are formed of a material with a higher specific gravity than materials such as silicon steel sheets (the specific gravity of the steel sheet is 7.70 to 7.98) (for example, a material with a specific gravity of about 16 to 19). For example, tungsten can be used as the material for the spring stop portions 22 and 24. As a result, even if the external dimensions of the movable body 20 are set in the design, the mass of the movable body 20 can be increased more easily, and the desired vibration output, that is, sufficiently tactile vibration for the user, can be achieved.

[0122] <Fixed body 50>

[0123] The fixed body 50 holds the coils 61 and 62, and supports the movable body 20 in a manner that allows it to move freely in the vibration direction (coil axis, movable body 20 axis) via elastic support parts 81 and 82 on the radial inner side of the coils 61 and 62.

[0124] The stationary body 50 includes a housing 10, coils 61 and 62, a coil tube portion 52, and an electromagnetic shielding portion 58. The coils 61 and 62 and the coil tube portion 52 constitute a coil assembly. In this embodiment, almost all the components that cause the movable body 20 and the housing 10 to vibrate by means of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 are connected to the coil assembly to form the vibration actuator 1.

[0125] The coil tube section 52 holds the coils 61 and 62 wound on the outer circumferential surface, and surrounds the magnet 30 with the inner circumferential surface 522a and guides the movement of the movable body 20 having the magnet 30.

[0126] The coil tube section 52 is a cylindrical body formed of resins such as phenolic resin and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). In this embodiment, the coil tube section 52 is made of a material containing phenolic resin such as Berkelite resin, which has high flame retardancy.

[0127] The coil tube section 52 is made of a material containing phenolic resin, thereby improving flame retardancy and enhancing safety during operation even when the coils 61 and 62 are heated due to Joule heating as current flows through them. Furthermore, the improved dimensional accuracy enhances the positional accuracy of the coils 61 and 62, thus reducing deviations in vibration characteristics.

[0128] The coil tube section 52 includes: a cylindrical tube body section 522; a central flange section 526 and flange sections 527 and 528 protruding radially from the outer periphery of the tube body section 522; a terminal binding section (coil wiring section) 53; a movable range forming section 54; and a connecting groove section 55.

[0129] Coils 61 and 62 are wound on the coil tube section 52. The coils 61 and 62 are covered by the electromagnetic shielding section 58. In addition, for ease of understanding, the terminal binding section (coil wiring section) 53 is sometimes illustrated as terminal binding section (coil wiring section) 53-1 and 53-2 for explanation.

[0130] The main body 522 of the tube functions as a protective wall, which protects the movable body 20 located on the inner side from collision with the coils 61 and 62 during operation. The thickness of the main body 522 is such that even if it comes into contact with the moving movable body 20, it will not have any effect on the coils 61 and 62 on the outer periphery.

[0131] On the outer periphery of the main body 522 of the tube, between the central flange 526 and each flange 527, 528 (coil mounting portions 52b, 52c), coils 61 and 62 are arranged in such a way that they surround the outer periphery of the movable body cores 41 and 42 of the movable body 20 (the outer periphery of the magnet 30 and the movable body cores 41 and 42). The coils 61 and 62 are arranged in the axial direction of the coils.

[0132] Specifically, concave coil mounting portions 52b and 52c are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tube body 522. These concave coil mounting portions 52b and 52c are separated by a central flange portion 526 and flange portions 527 and 528, and open radially outward on the outer peripheral side.

[0133] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the terminal binding part 53 functions as a connector wiring part for binding the windings of coils 61 and 62 to external devices. Coils 61 and 62 are connected to external devices through the terminal binding part 53, thereby supplying power to coils 61 and 62.

[0134] The terminal binding portion 53 is a conductive component that protrudes from the outer periphery of the tube body portion 522. In this embodiment, the terminal binding portion 53 is pressed into the outer peripheral surface of the central flange portion 526, which is located at the center of the vibration direction on the outer periphery of the tube body portion 522. Thus, the terminal binding portion 53 is provided in a manner that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the central flange portion 526.

[0135] Flange portions 527 and 528 are provided at two ends of the main body portion 522 of the coil tube that are spaced apart in the axial direction (in this embodiment, the vibration direction, which is also the up-down direction), forming the upper and lower ends of the coil tube portion 52.

[0136] Elastic support portions 81 and 82 are fixed at the ends of the flange portions 527 and 528 on the side away from the central flange portion 526 (the upper and lower ends in this embodiment).

[0137] The movable range forming part 54 is provided at the upper and lower ends of the coil tube part 52. When the coil tube part 52 is housed in the housing 10, it forms the vibration range between the cover part 12 and the bottom 114 of the housing 10 and the movable body 20.

[0138] The movable range forming portion 54 is a protruding edge that extends from the flange portions 527 and 528 in the vibration direction (vertical direction). The movable range forming portion 54 is provided at predetermined intervals between the annular upper and lower open end faces (also referred to as the "upper end face" and "lower end face") 527a and 528a of the flange portions 527 and 528. The upper end face 527a is the open end face on one side, and the lower end face 528a is the open end face on the other side.

[0139] The flange portion 527 has a protruding movable range forming portion 54 on one side of its open end face, which protrudes in the vibration direction. This one-sided open end face functions as a receiving portion for receiving the top surface of the cover portion 12 via the movable range forming portion 54. The flange portion 528 has a protruding movable range forming portion 54 on the other side of its open end face, which protrudes in the vibration direction. This other-sided open end face functions as a receiving portion for receiving the bottom surface of the bottom portion 114 via the movable range forming portion 54.

[0140] In addition, such as Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown, the movable range forming portion 54 engages with the positioning groove 808 provided on the elastic support portions 81 and 82 to perform radial positioning of the elastic support portions 81 and 82. The movable range forming portion 54 is formed to have a predetermined thickness in the radial direction and a circumferential length longer than the radial length, and is arc-shaped when viewed from the axial direction. The positioning groove 808 is formed in a shape corresponding to the movable range forming portion 54.

[0141] In this embodiment, the movable range forming part 54 restricts the radial and circumferential movement of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 by fitting into the positioning groove 808, thereby positioning the elastic support parts 81 and 82 relative to the coil tube part 52.

[0142] By fitting the movable range forming part 54 into the positioning groove 808, the mounting positions of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 relative to the coil tube part 52 can be consistently set in each individual drive unit 13, thereby achieving stable positioning of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 relative to the coil tube part 52.

[0143] Therefore, it is not necessary to use multiple components to fix the elastic supports 81 and 82 to the fixed body. As a result, in a structure that is not easily affected by component tolerances, circumferential movements such as rotation and radial movements are restricted, and as a product, deviations of the elastic supports 81 and 82 can be suppressed, achieving stable characteristics.

[0144] The movable range forming part 54 is provided at equal intervals with respect to the axis of the coil tube part 52. Although in this embodiment, the movable range forming part 54 is provided at three locations with equal intervals with respect to the axis of the coil tube part 52, any number of movable range forming parts 54 can be provided as long as they can be used to position the elastic support parts 81 and 82.

[0145] In addition, each of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 is supported by the three movable range forming portions 54 through the positioning groove 808, thereby reducing the hooking or friction when the movable body 20 is inserted into the coil tube portion 52, resulting in good assembly and easy positioning of the movable body 20 and the coil tube portion 52.

[0146] The coil tube portion 52 is housed in the outer casing 10 with the movable range forming portion 54 of the upper and lower end faces abutting against the edge of the cover portion 12 and the edge of the bottom portion 114, and is fixed to the edge of the cover portion 12 and the edge of the bottom portion 114.

[0147] Flange portions 527 and 528 have a positioning engagement portion 529 for positioning the electromagnetic shielding portion, which engages with the electromagnetic shielding portion 58 (see reference). Figure 3 The positioning engagement part 529 is provided on the outer periphery of the flange parts 527 and 528, that is, the outer diameter of the coil tube part 52, so that the electromagnetic shielding part 58 is located in a position surrounding the coils 61 and 62.

[0148] The positioning engagement portion 529 engages with the engagement portion 589 of the electromagnetic shielding portion 58. In this embodiment, the positioning engagement portion 529 is a concave groove that opens from the outer periphery of each flange portion 527, 528 toward the central flange portion 526, and engages with the convex engagement portion 589.

[0149] By engaging these positioning engagement portions 529 with the engaged portions 589, the electromagnetic shielding portion 58 can be configured in such a way that it does not shift relative to the coils 61, 62 wound around the coil tube portion 52, thereby obtaining stable magnetic properties.

[0150] Alternatively, adhesive portions can be provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of the central flange 526 and each flange 527, 528 with the same outer diameter, and the electromagnetic shielding portion 58 can be fixed to the central flange 526 and each flange 527, 528 by means of the adhesive portions. This can further achieve stable vibration characteristics.

[0151] <coil>

[0152] In the vibration actuator 1, coils 61 and 62, together with magnet 30 and movable cores 41 and 42, vibrate in the axial direction of coils 61 and 62 (the magnetization direction of magnet 30), forming the driving source of the vibration actuator 1. When driven (vibrating), coils 61 and 62 are energized, forming a voice coil motor together with magnet 30.

[0153] Coils 61 and 62 are arranged on the coil mounting part. In this embodiment, coils 61 and 62 are arranged in a position opposite to movable cores 41 and 42 in a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction.

[0154] Coils 61 and 62 are held on the coil tube portion 52 in such a way that the center position of the length of the coil in the axial direction (vibration direction) is approximately the same as (or includes the same) the center position of the length of the movable body 20 in the vibration direction (the center position of the magnet 30 in the vibration direction). Furthermore, in this embodiment, coils 61 and 62 are configured to be wound in opposite directions to each other, so that the current flows in opposite directions when energized.

[0155] The ends of coils 61 and 62 are each bound to the terminal binding portion 53 of the central flange portion 526. Coils 61 and 62 are connected to the power supply portion (e.g., via the terminal binding portion 53) via the terminal binding portion 53. Figure 18 and Figure 19 The drive control unit 203 shown is connected. For example, the ends of each of the coils 61 and 62 are connected to the AC supply unit, and AC power (AC voltage) is supplied to the coils 61 and 62 from the AC supply unit. As a result, a thrust can be generated between the coils 61 and 62 and the magnet, making it possible for them to move toward or away from each other in their respective axial directions.

[0156] Preferably, the coil shafts of coils 61 and 62 are arranged on the same shaft as the shaft of coil tube portion 52 or magnet 30.

[0157] The coils 61 and 62 are formed into a cylindrical shape by winding coil wire from the outside of the coil tube portion 52 toward the coil mounting portion. According to this structure, the coil tube portion 52 containing the coils 61 and 62 can be assembled without using self-fusing wire to maintain the cylindrical shape of each coil 61 and 62. In other words, an air-core coil is not required, thus reducing the cost of the coils 61 and 62 themselves, and consequently reducing the overall cost of the vibration actuator.

[0158] Furthermore, inside the outer casing 10, the outer peripheral surfaces of coils 61 and 62 are surrounded by an electromagnetic shielding portion 58. Coils 61 and 62 are sealed within a coil mounting portion and fixed therewith by adhesive or the like. In this embodiment, coils 61 and 62 are fixed to the entirety of the tube body portion 522, the central flange portion 526, and each flange portion 527 and 528 by adhesive. This increases the bonding strength between coils 61 and 62 and the coil tube portion 52, and compared to structures where the movable body and the coil are in direct contact, coils 61 and 62 will not break even under significant impact.

[0159] The electromagnetic shielding portion 58 is a cylindrical magnetic body disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the coil tube portion 52 and covering the coils 61 and 62 radially outward. The electromagnetic shielding portion 58 is positioned relative to the coil tube portion 52 by the terminal lead-out portion 90 and the positioning engagement portion 529 of the coil tube portion 52. In this embodiment, the terminal lead-out portion 90 engages with the opening 582 of the electromagnetic shielding portion 58. Thus, the terminal lead-out portion 90 functions as an anti-rotation portion of the electromagnetic shielding portion 58. The electromagnetic shielding portion 58, together with the coils 61 and 62, forms a fixed-body-side magnetic circuit, preventing magnetic flux leakage to the outside of the vibration actuator 1 from the movable-body-side magnetic circuit, that is, the magnetic circuit formed together with the magnet 30 and the movable-body cores 41 and 42.

[0160] The electromagnetic shielding portion 58 is configured such that the center of its length in the vibration direction is located at the same height as the center of the vibration direction of the magnet 30 disposed inside. Through the shielding effect of this electromagnetic shielding portion 58, leakage magnetic flux to the outside of the vibration actuator can be reduced.

[0161] Furthermore, the electromagnetic shielding part 58 can increase the thrust constant in the magnetic circuit, thereby improving the electromagnetic conversion efficiency. The electromagnetic shielding part 58, utilizing the magnetic attraction of the magnet 30, functions as a magnetic spring together with the magnet 30. The magnetic spring can reduce the stress on the elastic supports 81 and 82 when they function as mechanical springs, thus improving their durability.

[0162] <Elastic support parts 81, 82>

[0163] The elastic support parts 81 and 82 support the movable body 20 in such a way that the movable body 20 can move freely back and forth relative to the fixed body 50 in the vibration direction.

[0164] The elastic support portions 81 and 82 are mounted on both the movable body 20 and the fixed body 50 in a manner that sandwiches the movable body 20 in the vibration direction and intersects with the vibration direction. In this embodiment, as... Figures 2 to 4As shown, elastic support portions 81 and 82 are spaced apart from each other at two ends (upper and lower ends) of the movable body 20 in the vibration direction and are connected to the fixed body 50. In this embodiment, the elastic support portions 81 and 82 are arranged opposite each other in a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction.

[0165] The inner periphery 802 of each of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 is fitted into the two ends (spring fixing portions 224 and 244) of the movable body 20 that are spaced apart in the axial direction (vibration direction). In addition, the outer periphery fixing portion 806 is mounted on the movable body 20 in a radially outward manner.

[0166] The elastic support portions 81 and 82 are a pair of elastic support portions that support the movable body 20 in a manner that allows the movable body 20 to reciprocate in the vibration direction along the axial direction of the magnet 30. The outer peripheral fixing portion (outer peripheral portion) of each of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 is engaged with the fixed body 50, and the inner peripheral portion 802 of each of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 is engaged with the spring stop portions 22 and 24.

[0167] When the movable body 20 is not vibrating or vibrating, the elastic supports 81 and 82 support the movable body 20 in a manner that prevents it from contacting the fixed body 50. Furthermore, even when the movable body 20 is driven (vibrating), the elastic supports 81 and 82 contact the inner circumferential surface 522a of the tube body 522 of the movable body 20, the magnetic circuit, specifically the coils 61 and 62, will not be damaged. The elastic supports 81 and 82 can be made of any components as long as they can provide elastic support to the movable body 20 in a manner that allows the movable body 20 to move freely. In this embodiment, the elastic supports 81 and 82 are identical components with the same structure.

[0168] The elastic support portions 81 and 82 can be either non-magnetic or magnetic (specifically, strongly magnetic). If the elastic support portions 81 and 82 are non-magnetic leaf springs, they can be constructed using stainless steel sheets such as SUS304 or SUS316. Alternatively, if the elastic support portions 81 and 82 are magnetic, stainless steel sheets such as SUS301 can be used. It is known that, compared to non-magnetic materials (SUS304, SUS316, etc.), magnetic materials (e.g., SUS301) are more durable and less expensive as materials for the elastic support portions 81 and 82. In this embodiment, the elastic support portions 81 and 82 are constructed using SUS301.

[0169] The elastic support portions 81 and 82 are multiple leaf springs in the shape of flat plates. The movable body 20 may also use three or more leaf springs as multiple elastic support portions 81 and 82. These multiple leaf springs are installed in a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction.

[0170] The elastic support portions 81 and 82 of the leaf spring have a shape in which an annular inner peripheral portion 802, which is the inner end of the spring, and an outer peripheral fixing portion 806, which is the outer end of the spring, are joined by a deformable arm portion 804. The deformable arm portion 804 is elastically deformable and has an arc shape when viewed from above. In each of the elastic support portions 81 and 82, the inner peripheral portion 802 is displaced axially relative to the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 by the deformation of the deformable arm portion 804.

[0171] In this embodiment, the leaf springs serving as the elastic support portions 81 and 82 are formed from stainless steel sheets through sheet metal processing; more specifically, they are thin, flat, disc-shaped helical springs. Because the elastic support portions 81 and 82 are flat, compared to conical springs, they achieve improved positional accuracy, i.e., improved machining accuracy.

[0172] In this embodiment, the spiral orientations of the multiple elastic support portions 81 and 82 are the same, one end of their respective outer peripheral side, namely the outer peripheral fixing portion 806, is fixed to the fixing body 50, and the other end of their respective inner peripheral side, namely the inner peripheral portion 802, is fixed to the movable body 20.

[0173] Figure 9 This is a top view of the elastic support part 81. Figure 10 It is along the direction of the arrow. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view along line AA. Furthermore, the elastic support portion 82 has the same structure as the elastic support portion 81; therefore, the elastic support portion 81 will be described in detail, while the description of the elastic support portion 82 will be omitted.

[0174] The inner peripheral portion 802 is formed in a ring shape. The deformable arm portion 804 is elastically deformable and is disposed between the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 and the inner peripheral portion 802. One end of the deformable arm portion 804 is engaged with the outer peripheral fixing portion 806, and the other end is engaged with the inner peripheral portion 802. The deformable arm portion 804 connects the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 and the inner peripheral portion 802.

[0175] like Figure 9 As shown, the deformable arm 804 extends in a manner that intersects with a virtual line along the radial direction at multiple locations. The portion on the outer periphery side of the deformable arm 804 refers to the portion at the outermost peripheral position among the multiple locations.

[0176] In this embodiment, a plurality of deformable arms 804 are spirally arranged at equal intervals on the outer periphery of the inner peripheral portion 802. The deformable arms 804 are configured to extend along the outer periphery of the inner peripheral portion 802 and are opposed to the outer periphery of the inner peripheral portion 802 in a radially spaced manner.

[0177] Furthermore, in this embodiment, three deformable arms 804 are provided between the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 and the inner peripheral portion 802 to connect the two, but this is not limited to this; a single deformable arm may also be formed in a spiral shape. Alternatively, two or four or more deformable arms 804 may be provided as elastic support portions 81.

[0178] Thus, in this embodiment, multiple helical leaf springs are used as multiple elastic support portions 81, 82. These multiple helical leaf springs (elastic support portions 81, 82) are respectively installed at two ends of the movable body 20 spaced apart in the vibration direction (the upper and lower end faces 527a, 528a of the opening edge portion) to provide elastic support to the movable body 20 relative to the fixed body 50. Therefore, when the amount of movement of the movable body 20 increases, the movable body moves in the translational direction (in this case, the direction on the plane perpendicular to the vibration direction) while rotating slightly. If the helical directions of the multiple leaf springs are opposite, the multiple leaf springs move towards each other in the bending or stretching direction, thereby hindering smooth movement.

[0179] In this embodiment, the elastic support portions 81 and 82 are fixed to the movable body 20 in the same spiral orientation. Therefore, even if the amount of movement of the movable body 20 increases, it can move smoothly, that is, it can deform to a larger amplitude and improve vibration output.

[0180] However, depending on the desired vibration range of the movable body 20, it can also be designed as follows: the spiral directions of the multiple elastic support parts 81, 82 are set to be opposite to each other.

[0181] Relative to the movable body 20, the plate-shaped elastic support portions 81 and 82 are arranged such that the inner periphery 802 of each of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 overlaps with the spring fixing portions 224 and 244 at the ends constituting the vibration direction of the movable body 20. As described above, the inner periphery 802 of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 is clamped and fixed by the flanges 264 and 284 of the fixing pins 26 and 28 and the spring fixing portions 224 and 244.

[0182] On the other hand, the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the upper elastic support portion 81 is fixed to the upper end of the coil tube portion 52 radially outward. Specifically, the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the elastic support portion 81 is fixed to the annular upper end face 527a of the flange portion 527 forming the upper end of the coil tube portion 52, at a position that avoids the movable range forming portion 54.

[0183] The outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the elastic support portion 81 is fixed within the outer casing 10 by being clamped between the annular upper end face 527a of the flange portion 527 and the pressing portion 128 of the cover portion 12. Furthermore, the upper end face 527a refers to the upper end face of the upper side (one side) of the upper side (one side) of the flange portion 527 that avoids the portion of the movable range forming portion 54.

[0184] Furthermore, in the vibration actuator 1, at a position radially outward from the movable body 20, the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the lower elastic support portion 82 is fixed to the lower end of the coil tube portion 52. Specifically, in the flange portion 528 forming the lower end of the coil tube portion 52, the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the elastic support portion 82 is fixed to the portion of the annular lower end face 528a of the flange portion 528 that avoids the movable range forming portion 54.

[0185] The outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the elastic support portion 82 is fixed within the housing 10 by being clamped by the annular lower end face 528a of the flange portion 528 and the stepped portion 118 provided at the periphery of the bottom 114. Furthermore, the lower end face 528a refers to the upper end face of the lower side (other side) of the flange portion 528 on the lower side (other side) that avoids the portion of the movable range forming portion 54.

[0186] like Figure 9 As shown, in the elastic support portions 81 and 82, the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 has: an outermost peripheral portion 806a and an inner extension portion 806b extending inward from the outermost peripheral portion 806a.

[0187] The outermost peripheral portion 806a is fixed by the upper and lower end faces 527a and 528a, the pressing portion 128, and the stepped portion 118.

[0188] The inner protruding portion 806b is the location of the mounting attenuation portion 72 in the outer peripheral fixing portion 806.

[0189] In this way, the elastic support portions 81 and 82, arranged in a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction, are held by the upper and lower end faces (opening end faces) 527a and 528a of the upper and lower opening edges of the coil tube portion 52 and the cover portion 12 and bottom 114 of the outer casing 10. Furthermore, the movable body 20 is housed within the coil tube portion 52 on which the coils 61 and 62 are wound, the inner peripheral portions 802 of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 are fixed to the upper and lower ends of the movable body 20, and the outer peripheral fixing portions 806 of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 are fixed to the upper and lower ends of the coil tube portion 52. Thus, a drive unit 13 is configured to define the positional relationship between the coils 61 and 62 and the movable body 20, thereby facilitating its placement within the outer casing 10.

[0190] <Attenuation section 72>

[0191] The damping part (shock absorber) 72 is installed on the elastic support parts 81 and 82 to effectively dampen the vibration generated in the elastic support parts 81 and 82.

[0192] The attenuation part 72 is installed on the elastic support parts 81 and 82 in a manner that prevents it from falling off.

[0193] The damping portion 72 dampens the sharp spring resonance in the elastic support portion 81 (82), preventing the difference in vibration caused by frequency from increasing significantly due to a large increase in vibration near the resonance frequency. Thus, the movable body 20 can suppress the resonance peak before plastic deformation, generating stable vibration over a wide range without contacting the cover portion 12 and the bottom portion 114, and without producing abnormal noise due to contact. The damping portion 72, as long as it is a component that prevents sharp vibration in the elastic support portion 81 (82), can be formed from any shape, material, etc.

[0194] The attenuation portion 72 is provided across the outermost periphery of the plurality of radially opposed deformable arms 804 and the outer periphery fixing portion 806. More specifically, the attenuation portion 72 is installed across the inner protruding portion 806b of the outer periphery fixing portion 806 and the portion of the deformable arm 804 adjacent to the outer periphery fixing portion 806 on the radially inner side.

[0195] The attenuation part 72 is installed on the inner protruding portion 806b of the outer peripheral fixing part 806, and is installed on the deformable arm part 804 at a position adjacent to the outer peripheral fixing part 806. In the elastic support parts 81 and 82, between the movable body 20 side and the fixed body 50 side, the attenuation part 72 is located closer to the fixed body 50 side.

[0196] Therefore, even when the movable body 20 is driven, the damping part 72 on the inner protruding part 806b will not move significantly, which can suppress the risk of the damping part dislodging during driving, thus forming a highly reliable vibration actuator.

[0197] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the attenuation portion 72 is bonded to the side surface (side surface of the inner protruding portion 806b) 8062 of the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 by adhesive or the like (see reference). Figure 11 ), and the side 8042 of the deformable arm 804 (see reference) Figure 11 In addition, in the front surface 8064 and back surface 8066 (the front and back surfaces of the inner protruding portion 806b) of the upper and lower surfaces of the outer peripheral fixing portion 806, and the front surface 8044 and back surface 8046 of the deformable arm portion 804, the attenuation portion 72 is bonded to the surface by an adhesive on at least one of the front and back surfaces.

[0198] Figure 11 and Figure 12 is a diagram for explaining the installation state of the attenuation part.

[0199] Figures 10 to 12 The attenuation part 72 shown has: a clamping part 722 clamped between the inner protruding part 806b and the deformed arm part 804, and attenuation protrusions 724, 726 protruding from the clamping part 722 toward the front and back surfaces (the upper and lower surfaces which are surfaces spaced apart in the vibration direction) of the elastic support parts 81, 82 respectively.

[0200] The clamping part 722 is provided in the gap between the outer peripheral fixing part 806 and the part on the outer peripheral side of the deformed arm part 804, and is joined to each of the side surfaces facing each other in the radial direction at the part on the outer peripheral side of the outer peripheral fixing part 806 and the deformed arm part 804.

[0201] The clamping part 722 joins the attenuation protrusions 724, 726 to each other in such a manner that the attenuation protrusions 724, 726 do not separate from the elastic support parts 81, 82.

[0202] As Figure 11 shown, the two side surfaces of the clamping part 722 are joined to the side surface (the side surface of the inner protruding part 806b) 8062 of the outer peripheral fixing part 806 and the side surface 8042 of the deformed arm part 804. For example, the side surface 8062 of the outer peripheral fixing part 806 and the side surface 8042 of the deformed arm part 804 are tightly joined to the clamping part 722 via the adhesive layer S.

[0203] As Figure 12 shown, the length of the clamping part 722 in the radial direction, that is, the distance L3 between the outer peripheral fixing part 806 of the elastic support parts 81, 82 and the deformed arm part 804 adjacent to the outer peripheral fixing part 806, is larger than twice (2t) the thickness dimension t of the elastic support parts 81, 82 and is not more than six times (6t). The distance L3 is set in such a manner that 2t < L3 < 6t.

[0204] That is, when the distance L3 is narrower than twice (2t) the thickness dimension t of the elastic support parts 81, 82, the manufacturability of the leaf springs as the elastic support parts 81, 82 is poor, and when the movable body 20 is driven, the cutting force is likely to be applied to the joint part between the attenuation part 72 and the elastic support parts 81, 82. This cutting force may cause the attenuation part 72 to peel off from the elastic support parts 81, 82. In addition, if the distance L3 is wider than six times (6t) the thickness dimension t of the elastic support parts 81, 82, the attenuation part 72 itself becomes larger, resulting in cost and process consumption, and the attenuation force may decrease. For example, in Figure 9 shown elastic support part 81, the elastic support part 81 is formed in such a manner that the gap G1 is 2t and the gap G2 satisfies 2t < L3 < 6t.

[0205] The damping protrusions 724 and 726 are integrally formed with the clamping portion 722 and protrude from the clamping portion 722 along the thickness direction of the elastic support portions 81 and 82. The damping protrusions 724 and 726 protrude from both the front and back sides of the elastic support portions 81 and 82.

[0206] Alternatively, the damping protrusions 724 and 726 can be fixed to the elastic support portions 81 and 82 in a clamping state. Furthermore, the damping protrusions 724 and 726 and the clamping portion 722 can also be components integrally formed together.

[0207] The damping protrusion (one-sided protrusion) 724 is disposed on one side (upper side) of the vibration actuator 1 in the vibration direction on the elastic support portions 81 and 82. In addition, the damping protrusion (other-sided protrusion) 726 is disposed on the other side (lower side) of the movable body in the vibration actuator in the vibration direction.

[0208] The damping protrusions 724 and 726 respectively span the inner protrusion 806b and the deformable arm 804 and are fixed to each of the elastic support portions 81 and 82.

[0209] like Figure 12 As shown, in the attenuation protrusion 724, the length L1 protruding from the front of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 (inner protrusion portion 806b and deformable arm portion 804) is greater than the thickness t of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 (L1>t).

[0210] In addition, the length L2 of the attenuation protrusion 726 protruding from the back of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 (inner protrusion portion 806b and deformable arm portion 804) is greater than the thickness t of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 (L2>t).

[0211] like Figure 11 As shown, preferably, the bottom surfaces (surfaces on the clamping portion 722 side) 7242 and 7262 of the attenuation protrusions 724 and 726 are tightly joined to at least one side of the front and back surfaces of the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 (the front and back surfaces of the inner protruding portion 806b) and the front and back surfaces of the deformable arm portion 804, respectively.

[0212] In this embodiment, the bottom surfaces (surfaces on the side of clamping portion 722) 7242 and 7262 of the damping protrusions 724 and 726 are tightly engaged with the front surface 8064 and back surface 8066 (the front surface and back surface of the inner protruding portion 806b) of the outer peripheral fixing portion 806, and the front surface 8044 and back surface 8046 of the deformable arm portion 804. Thus, the damping portion 72 engages with the front surface and back surface (upper and lower surfaces) of the elastic support portions 81 and 82, thereby suppressing detachment from the elastic support portions 81 and 82, and enabling appropriate vibration of the movable body to achieve a more reliable vibration actuator.

[0213] like Figure 9 As shown, the attenuation protrusions 724 and 726 (especially attenuation protrusion 726) extend in a straight line on the elastic support portion 81, intersecting the virtual line and covering the gap that extends in a curved manner. In this way, the attenuation portion 72 is arranged across the outermost portion of the deformable arm portion 804 in the elastic support portions 81 and 82, and the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 is arranged to surround this portion radially outward.

[0214] That is, the attenuation protrusions 724 and 726 of the attenuation portion 72 are located on the outermost periphery of the elastic support portions 81 and 82, and are arranged in a straight line along the wiring direction of the deformable arm portion 804 opposite to the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 on the radially inner side. For example, the attenuation portion 72 is formed using a viscous material that will solidify due to changes over time, or a thixotropic material.

[0215] In this case, when the material before curing is placed on the elastic support 81, it does not need to be arranged in a curved shape along the gap between the deformable arm 804 and the outer peripheral fixing part 806; it can be arranged in a straight line, which makes the arrangement easy. That is, when the attenuation part 72 is arranged automatically and mechanically, there is no need for complex control that sets it to a curved shape; it can be easily set by simple control that sets it to a straight line.

[0216] The damping part 72 can be made of any material as long as it can dampen the vibrations generated by the elastic support parts 81 and 82. For example, the damping part 72 can be made of an elastomer, a thermosetting resin, or an adhesive.

[0217] Alternatively, if the attenuation section 72 is composed of an adhesive, a thixotropic adhesive that exhibits low viscosity during stirring and high viscosity under normal conditions can be used.

[0218] For example, preferably, the attenuation portion 72 is configured as a component that is fixed in a state of clamping the elastic support portions 81 and 82 from both sides. For example, it can also be an elastic body with a T-shaped cross-section and a protruding ridge hanging vertically from the center of the flange-like component. In this case, it can be configured such that the protruding ridge is inserted between the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 and the deformable arm portion 804 from one side of the front or back of the elastic support portions 81 and 82, so that the flange-like component is locked onto one side of the surface. Moreover, the adhesive or another component is integrally joined with the protruding ridge exposed on the other side of the surface and the other side of the surface, so that the protruding ridge will not detach from the other side of the surface and fall out of the gap.

[0219] In this way, the attenuation part 72 engages with the two side surfaces 8062 and 8042 at the gap between the outer peripheral fixing part 806 of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 and the deformable arm part 804 adjacent to the outer peripheral fixing part 806, and becomes a state in which it is partially provided in the deformable part of the elastic support parts 81 and 82.

[0220] The outermost peripheral portion 806a of the outer peripheral fixing part 806 is mounted to the fixing body 50 (coil tube portion 52), and the damping part 72 is mounted on the inner protruding portion 806b. The damping part 72 is located on the elastic support portions 81 and 82 near the fixing body 50, in a position where the assembly dimensions are stable. In this way, the damping part 72 is in a state where the damping part 72 itself will not move significantly, and the risk of the damping part 72 detaching from the elastic support portions 81 and 82 during driving is suppressed. The damping part 72 is less likely to misalign with the elastic support portions 81 and 82, and deviations in vibration damping can be prevented. In addition, the damping part 72 can be prevented from detaching from the elastic support portions 81 and 82, and changes in the initial vibration characteristics can be suppressed.

[0221] In other words, the damping part 72 is positioned at the most stable point in terms of shape and position on the structure of the elastic support parts 81 and 82, thereby improving the reliability of the vibration actuator 1 by achieving characteristic stability of vibration damping of the movable body 20.

[0222] Furthermore, the damping portion 72 suppresses the deformation of the elastic supports 81 and 82 with less mass, ensuring the damping force of vibrations generated by the elastic supports 81 and 82, thereby achieving cost reduction and process simplification. In addition, by damping vibrations, the movement of the movable body 20 can be made quiet.

[0223] In addition, the damping portion 72 is joined to the opposed two side surfaces 8062 and 8042 at the gap between the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 and the deformable arm portion 804 adjacent to the outer peripheral fixing portion 806. Further, the damping portion 72 is joined (adhered) to one side or both sides of the front surfaces 8064 and 8044 and the back surfaces 8066 and 8046 of the elastic support portions 81 and 82. Thereby, detachment of the damping portion 72 from the elastic support portions 81 and 82 can be further suppressed, and vibration can be more appropriately performed to realize a vibration actuator with high reliability.

[0224] In addition, the distance L3 (size of the gap) between the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 where the damping portion 72 is disposed and the deformable arm portion 804 adjacent to the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 is larger than twice the thickness dimension t of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 and is 6t or less.

[0225] Since the distance L3 is larger than twice the thickness of the elastic support portions 81 and 82, a gap can be provided while maintaining the manufacturability of the leaf springs as the elastic support portions 81 and 82, and the damping portion 72 can be appropriately disposed. In addition, since the distance L3 is 6 times or less the thickness of the elastic support portions 81 and 82, the damping portion 72 is not excessive, and disadvantages in terms of cost and process (tact) can be suppressed. For example, more preferably, the distance L3 is set such that 4t < L3 < 5t, whereby the manufacturability of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 can be maintained, and a stable damping force can be obtained.

[0226] In addition, in the damping portion 72, the protruding dimensions (protrusion dimensions) L1 and L2 of the damping protrusions 724 and 726 from the elastic support portions 81 and 82 are larger than the thickness dimension t of the elastic support portions 81 and 82.

[0227] Thereby, the amount of protrusion of the damping portion 72 from the elastic support portions 81 and 82 is not smaller than the thickness of the elastic support portions 81 and 82, so that it is not easily peeled off from the elastic support portions 81 and 82, and long-term stability of the joined state where the damping portion 72 is joined to the elastic support portions 81 and 82 can be ensured. Thereby, characteristic variations of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 due to changes in the damping force of the damping portion 72 on the elastic support portions 81 and 82 can be prevented.

[0228] <Housing 10>

[0229] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the bottom surface side of the housing main body, Figure 14 is a perspective view of the lid portion as viewed from the back side. As Figures 1 to 3 、 Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, the outer casing 10 includes: a bottomed cylindrical outer casing body 11 having a peripheral wall portion 112 and a bottom portion 114, and a cover portion 12 that closes the opening portion 115 of the outer casing body 11. Furthermore, the outer casing 10 is cylindrical with a height that, through cooperation with the coils 61 and 62 provided within the outer casing 10, allows the movable body 20 to reciprocate in the vibration direction, thereby generating sufficient thrust (the movable area of ​​the movable body 20). For example, in this embodiment, the outer casing 10 is formed into a cylindrical shape by the bottomed cylindrical outer casing body 11 and the cover portion 12, but it is not limited to this shape; it can also be an elliptical cylinder or a polygonal prism, and its length in the vibration direction can be either longer or shorter than its length in the direction orthogonal to the vibration direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the elliptical cylinder or ellipse mainly refers to an ellipse that includes parallel straight lines, i.e., a roughly elliptical shape with straight lines (Japanese "koban shape"). Alternatively, an ellipse can also be an oblong shape.

[0230] The cover portion 12 and the bottom portion 114 constitute the top surface portion 122 and the lower surface portion (bottom portion 114) of the vibration actuator 1 in this embodiment, and are configured to face the movable body 20 of the drive unit 13 at a predetermined interval in the vibration direction of the movable body 20. The cover portion 12 has a hanging portion 124, which is provided to hang down from a portion of the outer periphery of the top surface portion 122 and engages with the notch 102 of the outer shell body 11.

[0231] The cover 12 and the bottom 114 respectively restrict the range of motion of the movable body 20. The cover 12 and the bottom 114 function as range of motion restriction parts that hard stop (limit the range of motion) the movable body 20.

[0232] Specifically, the cover 12 and the bottom 114 limit the movable range formed by the movable range forming portion 54. That is, the cover 12 and the bottom 114 limit the length from the cover 12 and the bottom 114 to the edges of the upper and lower ends of the drive unit 13 (coil tube portion 52) (the opening end faces 527a and 528a of the upper and lower flange portions 527 and 528). Thus, the hollow portion of the outer shell 10 forms the space for the movable body 20 to move, i.e., the movable body space.

[0233] Thus, the movable body space is defined as the length of the range that will not cause plastic deformation of the elastic supports 81 and 82. Therefore, even when a force exceeding the movable range of the movable body 20 is applied to it, the elastic supports 81 and 82 will contact the fixed body 50 (at least one of the cover 12 and the bottom 114) without plastic deformation. Consequently, the elastic supports 81 and 82 will not break, improving the reliability of the vibration actuator 1.

[0234] In addition, vent holes 126 and 116 are respectively provided on the cover 12 and the bottom 114 in a through manner. The vent holes 126 and 116 release compressed air generated by the reciprocating vibration of the movable body 20 to the outside within the outer shell 10.

[0235] <Action of Vibration Actuator 1>

[0236] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the magnetic circuit structure of the vibration actuator. Figure 16 and Figure 17 It is a diagram showing the relative movement of coils 61 and 62 and magnet 30.

[0237] Regarding the operation of the vibration actuator 1, taking the case where the magnet is magnetized such that the front side 30a of one side (the upper side in this embodiment) in the magnetization direction is the N pole and the back side 30b of the other side (the lower side in this embodiment) in the magnetization direction is the S pole as an example, using... Figure 15 Please provide an explanation.

[0238] In the vibration actuator 1, since the movable body 20 is considered equivalent to the mass in the vibration model of a spring-mass system, the steep peak value is suppressed by attenuating the vibration in the case of abrupt resonance (with a steep peak value). By attenuating the vibration and making the resonance less steep, the maximum amplitude value and maximum displacement of the movable body 20 at resonance will not deviate, and vibration based on an appropriate and stable maximum displacement can be output.

[0239] In the vibration actuator 1, a Figure 15 The magnetic circuit is shown. In addition, in the vibration actuator 1, the coils 61 and 62 are arranged such that the coil axis is orthogonal to the magnetic flux of the movable cores 41 and 42, which clamp the magnet 30 in the vibration direction.

[0240] Specifically, the following magnetic flux flow mf is formed: it is emitted from the front 30a side of the magnet 30, radiates from the movable core 41 to the coil 61 side, passes through the electromagnetic shielding part 58, and enters the magnet 30 from the movable core 42 on the lower side of the magnet 30 via the coil 62.

[0241] Therefore, when Figure 15 When energized as shown, the interaction between the magnetic field of magnet 30 and the current flowing in coils 61 and 62 generates a Lorentz force in the -f direction on coils 61 and 62 according to Fleming's left-hand rule.

[0242] The Lorentz force in the -f direction is orthogonal to the direction of the magnetic field and the direction of the current flowing through coils 61 and 62. Since coils 61 and 62 are fixed to the stationary body 50 (coil tube portion 52), according to the law of action and reaction, a force opposite to the -f direction Lorentz force is generated as a thrust in the F direction on the movable body 20 with magnet 30. As a result, the movable body 20 with magnet 30 moves laterally in the F direction, that is, towards the cover portion 12 (top portion 122 of cover portion 12) (see reference). Figure 16 ).

[0243] Furthermore, when the energizing direction of coils 61 and 62 is reversed and energized, a Lorentz force in the opposite direction (f) is generated. Due to the generation of this Lorentz force in the f direction, according to the law of action and reaction, a force opposite to this Lorentz force in the f direction is generated on the movable body 20 as a thrust (a thrust in the -F direction), causing the movable body 20 to move in the -F direction, that is, towards the bottom 114 side of the fixed body 50 (see reference). Figure 17 ).

[0244] In the vibration actuator 1, when not powered and not driven (not vibrating), the magnetic attraction forces between the magnet 30 and the electromagnetic shield 58 respectively function as a magnetic spring. The movable body 20 returns to its original position by the magnetic attraction forces generated between the magnet 30 and the electromagnetic shield 58 and the restoring force that wants to restore the original shape of the elastic support parts 81 and 82.

[0245] The vibration actuator 1 includes a movable body 20 and a fixed body 50 having coils 61 and 62. The movable body 20 is disposed radially inside the coils 61 and 62 and has a magnet 30 magnetized in the axial direction of the coils 61 and 62. In addition, the vibration actuator 1 has flat, elastic support portions 81 and 82, which elastically hold the movable body 20 in a manner that allows it to move freely in the axial direction of the coils, i.e., the vibration direction.

[0246] In addition, coils 61 and 62 are disposed on the outer periphery of the tube body 522 of the coil tube section 52, and the outer peripheral surface 20a of the movable body 20 is disposed at an open interval on the inner peripheral side of the tube body 522. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surfaces of coils 61 and 62 are surrounded by electromagnetic shielding section 58.

[0247] The elastic support portions 81 and 82 support the movable body 20 at predetermined intervals from the inner circumferential surface 522a of the main body portion 522, so that the movable body 20 will not contact the inner circumferential surface 522a when it is not vibrating or when it is vibrating.

[0248] Furthermore, since the coils 61 and 62 are arranged on the outer periphery of the main body portion 522 of the tube, i.e., the coils 61 and 62 are wound around the outer periphery of the main body portion 522 of the tube, a lower cost can be achieved compared to a structure using air-core coils. Moreover, in the vibration actuator 1, the drive unit 13 is housed within the housing 10, allowing the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 112 of the housing 10 to be made smooth. Therefore, when the vibration actuator 1 is installed in an electronic device, the cushioning material such as sponge sandwiched between the vibration actuator 1 and the mounting part can be reliably and easily adhered.

[0249] Coils 61 and 62 are disposed on the outer periphery of the coil tube portion 52, which is a coil holding portion disposed within the housing 10. Therefore, the operation of pulling the ends of the coil wires outward for connection to external devices during assembly is eliminated in the structure where coils 61 and 62 are disposed on the inner periphery of the coil holding portion.

[0250] Furthermore, since the vibration actuator 1 is configured by arranging the drive unit 13 within the housing 10, the elastic supports 81 and 82, which require high dimensional accuracy, can be fixed by assembling them onto the coil tube portion 52. This allows the configuration of the movable body 20, including the fixed elastic supports 81 and 82, to be determined based on the coil tube portion 52, thereby improving the accuracy of the vibration generation direction of the product. Specifically, by simply improving the dimensional accuracy of the coil tube portion 52, which is formed as a single component from materials such as resin, the coils 61 and 62 and the movable body 20 (magnet 30) mounted by means of the elastic supports 81 and 82 can be easily positioned with accurate positional relationships.

[0251] Furthermore, by mounting an electromagnetic shielding portion 58 on the coil tube portion 52 disposed within the housing 10 in a manner that surrounds the coils 61 and 62, the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 112 in the housing 10 becomes a resin with good surface precision and a smooth surface. As a result, the bonding state of components that mount cushioning materials—such as double-sided tape—becomes better, and the bonding strength can be improved.

[0252] In addition, since a terminal binding part 53 is provided protruding outward from the coil tube part 52, the binding and soldering of the coil wires become easy, and the connection between external devices and coils 61 and 62 can be easily made.

[0253] Furthermore, the outer casing 10 is formed by a bottomed cylindrical, or cup-shaped, outer casing body 11 and a cover portion 12. As a result, compared to a structure where the peripheral wall portion 112 and the bottom portion 114 are separate entities, the number of parts can be reduced, assemblability can be improved, and impact resistance can be enhanced.

[0254] Furthermore, the cover 12 is fixed to the opening 115 of the cup-shaped outer casing 11 by welding or pressing. For example, after the coil tube portion 52, on which the movable body 20 is mounted by means of the elastic support portions 81, 82, is housed inside the outer casing 11, the cover 12 is fitted into the opening 115 in a manner that closes the opening 115 of the outer casing 11. Moreover, the cover 12 is fixed to the outer casing 11 by welding the fitting portion of the cover 12 and the opening 115, or by providing the opening 115 around the cover 12 and extending above the cover 12, and pressing the opening end of the opening 115 extending above the cover 12 against the cover 12 to bend the opening end.

[0255] Furthermore, in the vibration actuator 1, the movable body 20 is supported with a gap between itself and the bobbin body 522 in both the non-vibrating state (when it is not moving relative to the fixed body 50) and the vibrating state (when it is moving). The movable body 20 is always supported with a gap between itself and the bobbin body 522 relative to the fixed body 50. Therefore, the movable body 20 does not come into contact with the fixed body 50 during movement, that is, during vibration. In addition, even under impact, the movable body 20 and the bobbin body 522 will move relative to each other within the range between the outer peripheral surface 20a of the movable body 20 and the inner peripheral surface 522a of the bobbin body 522, and the movable body 20 will not come into contact with the coils 61 and 62.

[0256] Thus, according to the vibration actuator 1, it is possible to output appropriate body vibration with high vibration performance while being shock resistant.

[0257] From the power supply unit (e.g., Figure 18 and Figure 19 The drive control unit 203 (shown) inputs alternating current waves to coils 61 and 62 to drive the vibration actuator 1. That is, the energizing direction of coils 61 and 62 is switched periodically, and a thrust in the F direction toward the top surface 122 side of the cover 12 and a thrust in the -F direction toward the bottom 114 side act alternately on the movable body 20. As a result, the movable body 20 vibrates in the vibration direction (the winding axis direction of coils 61 and 62 orthogonal to the radial direction of coils 61 and 62, or the magnetization direction of magnet 30).

[0258] The driving principle of the vibration actuator 1 will be briefly explained below. In the vibration actuator 1 of this embodiment, the mass of the movable body 20 is set as m [kg], and the spring constant of the spring (which serves as the elastic support parts 81 and 82 of the spring) is set as K. sp In this case, the movable body 20 resonates with the fixed body 50 at a frequency F calculated by the following formula (1). r [Hz] vibration.

[0259] [Formula 1]

[0260]

[0261] Since the movable body 20 is considered to constitute the mass part in the vibration model of the spring-mass system, when the frequency input to coils 61 and 62 is the resonant frequency F of the movable body 20, r When the alternating current waves are equal, the movable body 20 reaches a resonant state. That is, by inputting a frequency F from the power supply unit to coils 61 and 62 that is the resonant frequency F of the movable body 20, the resonant frequency F of the movable body 20 is achieved. r Approximately equal alternating waves can make the movable body 20 vibrate efficiently.

[0262] The motion equations and circuit equations representing the driving principle of the vibration actuator 1 are shown below. The vibration actuator 1 is driven based on the motion equation shown in equation (2) and the circuit equation shown in equation (3).

[0263] [Equation 2]

[0264]

[0265] m: mass [kg]

[0266] x(t): Displacement [m]

[0267] K f Thrust constant [N / A]

[0268] i(t): Current [A]

[0269] K sp Spring constant [N / m]

[0270] D: Attenuation coefficient [N / (m / s)]

[0271] [Formula 3]

[0272]

[0273] e(t): Voltage [V]

[0274] R: Resistance [Ω]

[0275] L: Inductance [H]

[0276] K e Back electromotive force constant [V / (rad / s)]

[0277] That is, the mass m [kg], displacement x (t) [m], and thrust constant K in the vibration actuator 1 f [N / A], current i(t) [A], spring constant K spThe values ​​of [N / m] and attenuation coefficient D [N / (m / s)] can be appropriately changed within the range satisfying equation (2). Additionally, the voltage e(t) [V], resistance R [Ω], inductance L [H], and back electromotive force constant K... e [V / (rad / s)] can be appropriately changed within the range that satisfies equation (3).

[0278] Thus, in the vibration actuator 1, when passing through at the resonant frequency F r When the corresponding alternating current is used to energize coils 61 and 62, a large vibration output can be obtained efficiently, and the resonant frequency F... r The factors depend on the mass m of the movable body 20 and the spring constant K of the elastic supports 81 and 82 for the leaf spring. sp .

[0279] Furthermore, the vibration actuator 1 satisfies equations (2) and (3) and is driven by the resonance phenomenon of the resonant frequency shown in equation (1). Therefore, in the vibration actuator 1, the power consumed in the steady state is only the loss caused by the attenuation section 72, enabling low-power driving; that is, the movable body 20 can be made to reciprocate linearly with low power consumption. Furthermore, by increasing the attenuation coefficient D, vibration can be generated up to the high-frequency band.

[0280] According to this embodiment, since plate-shaped elastic support portions 81 and 82 are arranged at the upper and lower parts (in the vibration direction) of the movable body 20, the magnetic flux of the coils 61 and 62 can be efficiently distributed from the upper and lower elastic support portions 81 and 82 of the magnet 30 while the movable body 20 is stably driven in the vertical direction. As a result, high-output vibration can be achieved as the vibration actuator 1.

[0281] In this embodiment, an attenuation portion 72 is disposed between the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 and the deformable arm portion 804 adjacent to the outer peripheral fixing portion 806. The portion between the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the coil tube portion 52, which serves as a coil holding portion, and the deformable arm portion 804 adjacent to the outer peripheral fixing portion 806, is a portion with stable shape and position in the structure of the elastic support portions 81 and 82, and is also a portion with stable assembly dimensions.

[0282] Therefore, misalignment of the damping portion 72 relative to the elastic supports 81 and 82 is less likely to occur, suppressing the damping deviation caused by misalignment and achieving stable vibration damping characteristics. Furthermore, the damping portion 72 is installed on the inner protruding portion 806b of the outer peripheral fixing portion 806, which includes the portion fixed to the fixing body 50 (the outermost peripheral portion 806a), thus it is installed on the fixing body 50 side. Therefore, the damping portion 72 itself will not move significantly, suppressing the risk of detachment from the elastic supports 81 and 82 during operation and improving the reliability of the drive.

[0283] Thus, according to the present invention, even with vibration attenuation, appropriate tactile vibration can be generated with a stable high output. Furthermore, miniaturization can be achieved at low cost, resulting in a vibration actuator 1 with stable performance that is shock-resistant and quiet.

[0284] Furthermore, the stationary body 50 has a coil tube portion 52, which serves both to retain the coils 61 and 62 and to protect the coils 61 and 62 from damage to the movable body 20. Therefore, even if the stationary body 50 is subjected to an impact, it can withstand the impact without causing deformation or other damage to the elastic support portions 81 and 82. In addition, since the impact is transmitted to the coils 61 and 62 via the resin tube body portion 522, damage can be suppressed, resulting in a highly reliable vibration actuator 1.

[0285] (Electronic devices)

[0286] Figure 18 and Figure 19 This is a diagram showing an example of the mounting method of the vibration actuator 1. Figure 18 This shows an example of mounting vibration actuator 1 on a game controller GC. Figure 19 An example of mounting a vibration actuator 1 on a portable terminal M is shown.

[0287] The game controller GC connects to the main body of the game console wirelessly and is held or gripped by the user for operation. Here, the game controller GC is rectangular and is operated by the user by gripping the left and right sides of the game controller GC with both hands.

[0288] The game controller GC communicates commands from the game console to the user via vibration. Furthermore, although not shown, the game controller GC has functions beyond command communication, such as an input control unit for the game console.

[0289] The portable terminal M is, for example, a portable communication terminal such as a mobile phone or a smartphone. The portable terminal M notifies the user of incoming calls from external communication devices through vibration and performs various functions of the portable terminal M (e.g., functions that provide a sense of operation or immersion).

[0290] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, the game controller GC and the portable terminal M each have: a communication unit 201, a processing unit 202, a drive control unit 203, and vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206, which are equivalent to vibration actuator 1 and serve as the drive unit. Furthermore, multiple vibration actuators 204 and 205 are installed in the game controller GC.

[0291] In the game controller GC and the portable terminal M, preferably, the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206 are mounted, for example, such that the surfaces of the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206 orthogonal to the vibration direction—in this case, the bottom surface of the bottom 114—are parallel to the main surface of the terminal. The main surface of the terminal is the surface that contacts the user's body surface; in this embodiment, it refers to the vibration transmission surface that contacts the user's body surface and transmits vibrations. Alternatively, the main surface of the terminal may be configured such that it is orthogonal to the bottom surface of the bottom 114 of the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206.

[0292] Specifically, in the game controller GC, vibration actuators 204 and 205 are installed such that the surface in contact with the user's fingertips, fingertips, palm, or the surface where the operating part is located is orthogonal to the vibration direction. In the portable terminal M, a vibration actuator 206 is installed such that the display screen (touch panel surface) is orthogonal to the vibration direction. This transmits vibration to the user in a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces of both the game controller GC and the portable terminal M.

[0293] The communication unit 201 connects to an external communication device via wireless communication, receives signals from the communication device, and outputs them to the processing unit 202. In the case of a game controller GC, the external communication device is the game console itself, which serves as an information communication terminal, and communicates according to short-range wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark). In the case of a portable terminal M, the external communication device is, for example, a base station, and communicates according to mobile communication standards.

[0294] The processing unit 202 converts the input signals into drive signals for driving the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206 via a conversion circuit unit (not shown), and outputs them to the drive control unit 203. Furthermore, in the portable terminal M, the processing unit 202 generates drive signals based on signals input from various functional units (not shown, such as touch panels or other operation units) in addition to the signals input from the communication unit 201.

[0295] The drive control unit 203 is connected to the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206, and is equipped with circuitry for driving the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206. The drive control unit 203 supplies drive signals to the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206.

[0296] Vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206 are driven according to drive signals from drive control unit 203. Specifically, in vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206, movable body 20 vibrates in a direction orthogonal to the main surface of game controller GC and portable terminal M.

[0297] Alternatively, the movable body 20 may contact the top surface 122 or bottom surface 114 of the cover 12 via a shock absorber during each vibration. In this case, the impact on the top surface 122 or bottom surface 114 of the cover 12, i.e., the impact on the housing, accompanying the vibration of the movable body 20 is directly transmitted to the user as vibration. In particular, in the game controller GC, since multiple vibration actuators 204 and 205 are installed, one of the multiple vibration actuators 204 and 205, or both, can be driven according to the input drive signal.

[0298] Because vibrations perpendicular to the body surface are transmitted to the user's body surface in contact with the game controller GC or portable terminal M, sufficient haptic vibration can be provided to the user. In the game controller GC, haptic vibration can be imparted to the user by one or both of the vibration actuators 204 and 205, and at least highly expressive vibrations, such as selectively imparting strong or weak vibrations, can be provided.

[0299] By using the vibration actuator of this embodiment, excellent vibration characteristics can be stably obtained in the game controller GC or portable terminal M, and driving in a silent state can be achieved.

[0300] <Implementation Method 2>

[0301] Figure 20 This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 21 This is a perspective view showing the state of the vibratory actuator after the outer casing has been removed. Additionally, Figure 22 This is a three-dimensional view of the bottom side of the main body of the outer shell. Figure 23 This is a three-dimensional view of the cover from the back side.

[0302] The vibration actuator 1A of this embodiment 2 differs from the vibration actuator 1 only in the shape of the housing 10A; the other basic structures are the same. Therefore, hereafter, the same names will be used for the same constituent elements, and reference numerals with "A" added after the same reference numerals will be used for appropriate description.

[0303] The vibration actuator 1A includes a drive unit 13A with the same structure as the drive unit 13 of the vibration actuator 1, and a housing 10A for housing the drive unit 13A. Furthermore, the drive unit 13A has a coil tube section 52A, which is constructed similarly to the coil tube section 52, covered by an electromagnetic shielding section 58A, and has a coil wound around it. Inside the coil tube section 52A, an elastic support section ( Figure 21Only the elastic support portion 81A is shown in the figure to suspend the movable body 20A, which has the same structure as the movable body 20, thereby constituting the drive unit 13A. Furthermore, similar to the elastic support portion 81, the elastic support portion 81A has a damping portion 72 provided across the outer periphery and the outer periphery side of the deformable arm portion. This damping portion 72 dampens the vibration at the elastic support portions 81 and 82 during the movement of the movable body 20A. Hereinafter, the elastic support portions of each embodiment (elastic support portions 81, 81A, 81B, 81C, 81D, 81E, 81F, 82, 82C, 82D, 82E are shown in the figures) also similarly have damping portions provided.

[0304] The outer casing 10A is formed in an elliptical cylindrical shape (e.g., "generally elliptical with a straight portion"), and is composed of a casing body 11A and a cover portion 12A. Furthermore, the outer casing 10A is cylindrical with the aforementioned height, that is, the height (movable area of ​​the movable body 20) that allows sufficient thrust to be generated by cooperating with the coil provided inside the casing 10 to reciprocate in the vibration direction. The cylindrical shapes of the outer casings 10B to 10F, described later, are also the same.

[0305] The outer casing body 11A has a peripheral wall portion 112A and a bottom portion 114A. The peripheral wall portion 112A has planar portions 113A and 117A that are symmetrically arranged at the center of the opening portion 115A when viewed in the vibration (axis) direction, with their outer peripheral surfaces being planar. The outer casing body 11A is elliptical in shape and, in this embodiment, has planar portions 113A and 117A that extend parallel to the vibration direction. The planar portions 113A and 117A are arranged parallel to each other on the outer periphery of the outer casing body 11A. The outer casing body 11A is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening at a circular opening portion 115A by the peripheral wall portion 112A and the bottom portion 114A.

[0306] The planar portions 113A and 117A, for example, have parallel outer surfaces and arc-shaped inner surfaces. Because the outer casing body 11A has planar portions 113A and 117A, it is easy to mount the outer casing body 11A to the mounting surface on the casing side, which is the mounting destination, when mounting the outer casing body 11A to the housing. Furthermore, the vibration actuator 1A can vibrate along the mounting surface. A notch 102A, continuous with the opening 115A, is provided on the planar portion 117A. The notch 102A is formed in a shape that can engage with the downward-hanging portion 124A of the cover portion 12A.

[0307] When viewed along the axial direction, the outer shell 11A is elliptical in shape, with a circular internal shape. The outer shell 11A has a circular space inside, opening at the opening 115A. A cylindrical drive unit 13A is housed within this space, and a terminal binding portion (coil wiring portion), not shown, is exposed to the outside via a notch 102A. If the terminal binding portion is positioned on the flat portion 117A, mounting to an external substrate is easier, and external wiring becomes more convenient.

[0308] The cover portion 12A and the bottom portion 114A constitute the top surface portion 122A and the lower surface portion (bottom portion 114A) of the vibration actuator 1, and are arranged to face the movable body 20A of the drive unit 13A housed in the housing 10A at a predetermined interval in the vibration direction (axial direction) of the movable body 20A. The cover portion 12A and the bottom portion 114A have the function of movable range suppression portions as hard stops (movable range limitation) of the movable body 20A, limiting the movable range of the movable body 20A.

[0309] Specifically, the cover portion 12A and the bottom portion 114A limit the movable range of the movable body 20A formed by the movable range forming portion 54A of the drive unit 13A. In other words, the cover portion 12A and the bottom portion 114A limit the length from the cover portion 12A and the bottom portion 114A to the upper and lower edge portions (the upper and lower end faces (opening end faces) of the upper and lower flange portions 527A and 528A) of the drive unit 13A.

[0310] Therefore, even when a force exceeding the range of motion is applied to the movable body 20A, the elastic support 81A will contact the fixed body 50A (at least one of the cover 12A and the bottom 114A) without plastic deformation, so the elastic support 81A will not break and the reliability can be improved.

[0311] When the cover 12A is installed onto the housing body 11A, the downward-pointing portion 124A engages with the notch 102A of the housing body 11A, sealing the notch 102A. The outer surface of the downward-pointing portion 124A is flat, and the inner surface is formed into an arc shape with the central axis pointing downwards. Thus, the downward-pointing portion 124A engages with the notch 102A such that its outer surface is on the same plane as the outer surface of the flat portion 117A, and the arc surface of its inner surface positions and houses the drive unit 13A. Furthermore, a step is provided in the notch 102A at the opening end 103A in the vibration direction.

[0312] When the cover 12A is installed onto the housing body 11A, the step at the opening end 103A forms a recess that opens toward the top surface 122A. This recess is formed by a portion of the housing body 11A and a portion of the cover 12A, so by applying adhesive into the recess or welding the recessed portion, for example, the recess can function as a joint that reliably joins the two parts. That is, the step at the opening end 103A can be used to reliably join the two parts through adhesive, welding, or the like. Therefore, there will be no situation where adhesive bulges on the top surface 122A or overflows from the outer surface of the housing 10, and the two parts can be properly bonded.

[0313] In addition, the cover 12A and the bottom 114A are respectively provided with vent holes 126A and 116A having the same function as vent holes 126 and 116 in a through manner.

[0314] In the vibration actuator 1A, a circular drive unit 13A is housed within a housing body 11A that is elliptical in shape (approximately elliptical with straight sections) when viewed along the vibration (axis) direction and has a circular internal shape. Furthermore, the center of the outer diameter arc of the housing body 11A coincides with the center of the outer diameter arc of the drive unit 13A and the vibration center of gravity of the movable body 20.

[0315] When viewed from the vibration direction (axial direction of the vibration actuator), the vibration actuator 1A has an elliptical shape (an approximately elliptical shape with straight sections). Therefore, when mounting the vibration actuator 1A onto the housing, the flat portions 113A and 117A, which constitute a portion of the side surface of the housing body 11A, can abut against the mounting surface (flat portion) of the housing at the mounting destination, allowing for easy mounting of the vibration actuator 1A onto the housing. This makes it easy to mount the vibration actuator 1A onto the housing. Furthermore, when the drive unit 13A is the same as the drive unit 13 in Embodiment 1, and the same cover portion as the cover portion 12 is used as the cover portion 12A, only the corresponding housing body 11A is changed. Thus, the same vibration sensation as in Embodiment 1 can be maintained while achieving the same effect. Additionally, the housing 10A has parallel flat portions 113A and 117A on its outer peripheral surface, ensuring the stroke length of vibration along these flat portions 113A and 117A.

[0316] <Implementation Method 3>

[0317] Figure 24 This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Figure 25 This is a perspective view showing the state of the vibratory actuator after the outer casing has been removed. Additionally, Figure 26 This is a three-dimensional view of the bottom side of the main body of the outer shell. Figure 27 This is a three-dimensional view of the cover from the back side.

[0318] Compared to vibration actuator 1, vibration actuator 1B has a housing 10B and a drive unit 13B that have different shapes but the same functions as housing 10 and drive unit 13. Therefore, hereafter, the same names are used for the same constituent elements, and reference numerals with "B" added after the same reference numerals are used, and descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0319] The vibration actuator 1B has a drive unit 13B that is the same as the drive unit 13 of the vibration actuator 1, and a housing 10B for housing the drive unit 13B.

[0320] Furthermore, the electromagnetic shielding portion 58B of the drive unit 13B is a cylindrical magnetic body arranged to surround the outer peripheral surface of the coil tube portion 52B on which the coil is wound. The electromagnetic shielding portion 58B is formed into a cylindrical shape by engaging the two ends of the plate-shaped magnetic body circumferentially. The electromagnetic shielding portion 58B is arranged such that its outer surface is on the same plane as the edges of the upper and lower ends of the drive unit 13B (the outer surfaces of the upper and lower flange portions 527B and 528B).

[0321] The outer casing 10B has a flat portion 117B extending parallel to the vibration direction on its outer peripheral surface. The outer casing 10B is composed of an outer casing body 11B and a cover portion 12B, and its shape is D-shaped when viewed from the vibration direction.

[0322] Specifically, the outer casing body 11B has: an arc-shaped peripheral wall portion 112B, a flat portion 117B with a flat outer surface disposed as part of the peripheral wall portion 112B, and a bottom portion 114B. The peripheral wall portion 112B and the bottom portion 114B form the outer casing body 11B into a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening at the opening portion 115B.

[0323] A notch 102B is formed in the flat portion 117B, which is continuous with the opening portion 115B. The notch 102B is formed to correspond to the downward portion 124B of the cover portion 12B and can engage with it.

[0324] When viewed from the axial direction, the housing body 11B has a D-shaped profile. The housing body 11B has an internal space divided into a cylindrical shape with an opening 115B. A cylindrical drive unit 13B is housed in this space, and the terminal binding parts (coil wiring parts) 53B-1 and 53B-2 are exposed to the outside through the notch 102B.

[0325] The cover portion 12B and the bottom portion 114B are the top surface portion 122B and the lower surface portion (bottom portion 114B) of the vibration actuator 1, and are configured to face the movable body 20B of the drive unit 13B housed in the housing 10B at a predetermined interval in the vibration direction of the movable body 20B. The cover portion 12B and the bottom portion 114B function as movable range suppression portions that hard stop (moveability range limitation) the movable body 20B, thereby limiting the movable range of the movable body 20B.

[0326] Specifically, the cover portion 12B and the bottom portion 114B limit the movable range of the movable body 20B formed by the movable range forming portion 54 of the drive unit 13B. In other words, the cover portion 12B and the bottom portion 114B limit the length of the upper and lower end faces (opening end faces) of the two ends of the drive unit 13B that are spaced apart in the vibration direction, namely the flange portions 527B and 528B.

[0327] Therefore, even when a force exceeding the range of motion is applied to the movable body 20B, the elastic support 81B will contact the fixed body 50B (at least one of the cover 12B and the bottom 114B) without plastic deformation, thus preventing damage to the elastic support 81B and improving reliability. The function and effect of the drooping part 124B are the same as those of the drooping part 124A, so the description is omitted.

[0328] In addition, the cover 12B and the bottom 114B are respectively provided with vent holes 126B and 116B having the same function as the vent holes 126 and 116 in a through manner.

[0329] In the vibration actuator 1B, a circular drive unit 13B is housed in a housing body 11B that has a D-shaped shape when viewed along the vibration (axis) direction and a circular internal shape.

[0330] Furthermore, the outer diameter arc center of the outer shell body 11B coincides with the outer diameter arc center of the drive unit 13B and the vibration center of the movable body 20.

[0331] Viewed from the vibration direction (axial direction of the vibration actuator), the vibration actuator 1B has an external shape with a flat portion 117B extending parallel to the vibration direction on its outer peripheral surface (e.g., a D-shaped shape). Therefore, when mounting the vibration actuator 1B to the housing, the flat portion 117B, which constitutes a part of the side surface of the housing body 11B, can be brought into contact with the mounting surface (flat portion) of the housing at the mounting destination for installation. Furthermore, the vibration actuator 1B can vibrate along the mounting surface. Moreover, a terminal binding portion 53B is provided in the flat portion 117B, so when mounting to an external substrate, the vibration actuator 1B can be easily mounted to the housing, and the terminal binding portion 53B can also be easily electrically connected to external devices, etc.

[0332] In this way, the vibration actuator 1B is easy to install into the housing. In addition, when the external dimensions of the drive unit 13B are the same as those of the drive unit 13 in Embodiment 1, and the same cover as the cover 12 is used as the cover 12B, and only the corresponding housing body 11B is changed, the same effect can be obtained while maintaining the same vibration sensation as in Embodiment 1.

[0333] <Implementation Method 4>

[0334] Figure 28 This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Figure 29 This is a perspective view showing the state of the vibratory actuator after the outer casing has been removed. Additionally, Figure 30 It is a three-dimensional diagram representing a movable body with a fixed elastic support. Figure 31 It is an exploded perspective view of the movable body and the elastic support. Figure 32 This diagram shows the coil assembly after the electromagnetic shielding has been removed. Figure 33 This is a three-dimensional view of the bottom side of the main body of the outer shell. Figure 34 This is a three-dimensional view of the cover from the back side.

[0335] Compared to vibration actuator 1, vibration actuator 1C has a different shape in housing 10C and drive unit 13C but has the same function. Therefore, hereafter, the same names are used for the same components, and reference numerals with "C" added after the same reference numerals are used, and descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0336] like Figure 28 As shown, the vibration actuator 1C has a drive unit 13C and a housing 10C. The drive unit 13C and housing 10C have different shapes from the drive unit 13 and housing 10 of the vibration actuator 1, but have the same basic functions. The housing 10C has a planar portion 117C extending parallel to the vibration direction on its outer peripheral surface, and the vibration actuator 1C has another planar portion 113C on its outer peripheral surface that is parallel to the planar portion 117C.

[0337] Compared with the drive unit 13 and housing 10 of Embodiment 1, the drive unit 13C and housing 10C are only different in shape. The drive unit 13C has an elliptical shape (a generally elliptical shape with straight lines) which is the shape that can be housed inside the elliptical housing 10C.

[0338] The drive unit 13C includes a cylindrical coil tube section (coil holding section) 52C for holding coils 61C and 62C, a movable body 20C, an electromagnetic shielding section 58C, and elastic support sections 81C and 82C. The drive unit 13C has a pair of unit planar sections 134 extending along the vibration direction on its outer peripheral surface. The pair of unit planar sections 132 and 134 are formed corresponding to the planar sections 113C and 117C of the outer casing 10C and are positioned opposite to the planar sections 113C and 117C.

[0339] The movable body 20C is located inside the cylindrical coil tube section 52C and is supported by elastic support sections 81C and 82C connected to the upper and lower ends, enabling it to reciprocate along the inner side surface of the coil tube section 52C (the inner circumferential surface 522a of the tube body section 522C). Thus, the movable body 20C is supported within the vibration actuator 1C in a manner that allows it to reciprocate in the direction opposite to the cover section 12C and the bottom section 114C.

[0340] The movable body 20C includes a magnet 30C, movable body cores 41C and 42C, spring stop portions 22C and 24C, and fixing pins 26C and 28C. In this embodiment, the movable body cores 41C and 42C and the spring stop portions 22C and 24C are continuously arranged in two directions, centered on the magnet 30C, toward the vibration (axis) direction. In the movable body 20C, the outer peripheral surfaces of the magnet 30C and the movable body cores 41C and 42C are located inside the inner peripheral surface 522a of the tube body portion 522, and are positioned opposite the inner peripheral surface 522a at a predetermined interval.

[0341] The movable body 20C has a shape corresponding to the internal shape of the outer shell 10C. The movable body 20C has a movable body side plane portion 20b on its outer periphery, and the shape of the movable body 20C is, for example, an elliptical plate (or elliptical cylinder) shape with a pair of parallel movable body side plane portions 20b.

[0342] The movable body side plane portion 20b is constructed by positioning the outer peripheral plane portion 303 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the magnet 30C and the core plane portions 413 and 423 formed on the outer peripheral surfaces of the movable body cores 41C and 42C in an overlapping manner in the vibration (axis) direction. Figure 31 )

[0343] The elastic support portions 81C and 82C include an inner peripheral portion 802C, an outer peripheral fixing portion 806C, and a deformable arm portion 804C that have the same functions as the inner peripheral portion 802, the outer peripheral fixing portion 806, and the deformable arm portion 804 of the elastic support portions 81 and 82.

[0344] The outer peripheral fixing part 806C has a straight section 810, which differs from the outer peripheral fixing part 806 in its structure. Two straight sections 810 are arranged parallel to each other at the outer edge of the outer peripheral fixing part 806C, spaced apart from the center of the shaft. Both straight sections 810 can be positioned on the same plane as the movable body side plane 20b of the movable body 20C. Furthermore, at this outer edge, a notch-shaped positioning groove 808C is formed in one of the locations where the straight sections 810 are located.

[0345] The coil tube section (coil holding section) 52C has the same basic structure as the coil tube section 52. For example... Figure 32 As shown, the coil tube section 52C holds the coils 61C and 62C, surrounds the magnet 30C with its inner circumferential surface 522a, and guides the movement of the movable body 20C with the magnet 30C.

[0346] The coil tube section 52C includes: a cylindrical tube body section 522C, a central flange section 526C and flange sections 527C and 528C that protrude radially from the outer periphery of the tube body section 522C, a terminal binding section (coil wiring section) 53C, a movable range forming section 54C, and a connecting groove section 55C.

[0347] In the coil tube section 52C, coil mounting sections 5201C and 5202C are respectively provided between the central flange section 526C and each flange section 527C and 528C on the outer periphery of the tube body section 522C. A pair of coils 61C and 62C are wound and arranged in the coil mounting sections 5201C and 5202C. The coils 61C and 62C are covered by the electromagnetic shielding section 58C. Terminal binding sections (coil wiring sections) 53C-1 and 53C-2 are provided in a protruding manner on the flat portion of the central flange section 526C.

[0348] The inner circumferential surface 522a of the coil tube portion 52C, that is, the inner circumferential surface 522a of the tube body portion 522C, includes an inner circumferential planar portion 5222. The inner circumferential planar portion 5222 is disposed opposite to the movable body side planar portion 20b of the movable body 20C. Furthermore, the inner circumferential planar portion 5222 and the movable body side planar portion 20b are disposed at positions corresponding to the planar portions 113C and 117C of the outer casing 10C.

[0349] Compared to the inner peripheral plane portion 5222, the movable body side plane portion 20b (outer peripheral plane portion 303) has a narrower width in the direction orthogonal to the vibration direction. As a result, the movable body side plane portion 20b, which includes the outer peripheral plane portion 303, and the inner peripheral plane portion 5222 can be arranged adjacent to each other, thereby enabling further miniaturization and thinning of the vibration actuator 1C.

[0350] The outer casing 10C is composed of an outer casing body 11C and a cover 12C in an elliptical cylindrical shape, and houses the drive unit 13C.

[0351] Specifically, the outer casing 11C has a peripheral wall portion 112C and a bottom portion 114C. The peripheral wall portion 112C has planar portions 113C and 117C that are symmetrically arranged on the circumference at intervals from the center of the circle when viewed along the vibration (axis) direction. The outer casing 11C is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape with an elliptical opening 115C by the peripheral wall portion 112C including the planar portions 113C and 117C and the bottom portion 114C.

[0352] The planar portions 113C and 117C each have parallel outer and inner surfaces. A notch 102C, which is continuous with the opening 115C, is provided in the planar portion 117C. The notch 102C is formed into a shape that can engage with the downward-hanging portion 124C of the cover portion 12C.

[0353] The outer casing 11C is an ellipse with parallel planar portions 113C and 117C on its outer peripheral surface when viewed axially, and has an elliptical internal space (generally elliptical with straight sections) that opens at an opening 115C. A drive unit 13C is housed within this space, and this drive unit 13C has elliptical unit planar portions 132 and 134 when viewed from the vibration direction. Terminal binding portions (coil wiring portions) 53C-1 and 53C-2 are exposed to the outside via a notch 102C.

[0354] Furthermore, the cover portion 12C and the bottom portion 114C constitute the top surface portion 122C and the lower surface portion (bottom portion 114C) of the vibration actuator 1. Like the cover portion 12 and the bottom portion 114, the cover portion 12C and the bottom portion 114C also function as movable range suppression portions that hard stop (movable range limitation) the movable body 20C, thereby limiting the movable range of the movable body 20C.

[0355] The cover 12C and the bottom 114C limit the movable range of the edge of the upper and lower ends of the drive unit 13C (the upper and lower end faces (open end faces) of the upper and lower flanges 527C and 528C).

[0356] Therefore, even when a force exceeding the range of motion is applied to the movable body 20C, the elastic support parts 81C and 82C will not break, just like the movable body 20, thus improving reliability.

[0357] When the cover 12C is installed onto the outer casing 11C, the drooping portion 124C engages with the notch 102C of the outer casing 11C, sealing the notch 102C. The outer surface of the drooping portion 124C is flat, and the inner surface is formed as an arc with the central axis pointing downwards. Thus, the drooping portion 124C engages with the notch 102C, its outer surface is on the same plane as the outer surface of the flat portion 117C, and the arc surface of its inner surface becomes an arc surface continuous with the inner surface of the flat portion 117C, positioning and housing the drive unit 13C.

[0358] In addition, the cover 12C and the bottom 114C are respectively provided with vent holes 126C and 116C having the same function as the vent holes 126 and 116 in a through manner.

[0359] In the vibration actuator 1C, an elliptical bottomed cylindrical outer shell 11C, which has an elliptical shape in both its external and internal dimensions when viewed along the vibration (axis) direction, houses an elliptical drive unit 13C with an external shape corresponding to the internal shape of the outer shell 11C. Furthermore, in the vibration actuator 1C, the center of the outer diameter arc of the outer shell 11C coincides with the center of the outer diameter arc of the drive unit 13C and the center of gravity of the movable body 20C.

[0360] When viewed from the vibration direction (axial direction of the vibration actuator), the vibration actuator 1C has an elliptical shape (e.g., "a generally elliptical shape with straight sections"). Therefore, when mounting the vibration actuator 1C to the housing, the planar portions 113C and 117C, which constitute a portion of the side surface of the housing body 11C, can abut against the planar portion of the housing at the mounting destination to mount the vibration actuator 1C. This facilitates easy mounting of the vibration actuator 1C to the housing.

[0361] Furthermore, the shape of the drive unit 13C is set to correspond to the shape of the housing body 11C. This achieves the same effect as in Embodiment 1, and the outermost diameter of the housing body 11C can be set to be the same as the outer diameter of a circular housing body (housing body 11 in Embodiment 1), enabling miniaturization of the vibration actuator. Additionally, the housing 10C has parallel planar portions 113C and 117C on its outer peripheral surface, thus ensuring the stroke length of vibration along these planar portions 113C and 117C.

[0362] <Implementation Method 5>

[0363] Figure 35This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Figure 36 This is a perspective view showing the state of the vibratory actuator after the outer casing has been removed. Additionally, Figure 37 It is a three-dimensional diagram representing a movable body with a fixed elastic support. Figure 38 It is an exploded perspective view of the movable body and the elastic support. Figure 39 This diagram shows the coil assembly after the electromagnetic shielding has been removed. Figure 40 This is a three-dimensional view of the bottom side of the main body of the outer shell. Figure 41 This is a three-dimensional view of the cover from the back side.

[0364] Compared to vibration actuator 1, vibration actuator 1D has a different shape for housing 10D and drive unit 13D but has the same function. Therefore, hereafter, the same names are used for the same components, and reference numerals with "D" added after the same reference numerals are used, and descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0365] like Figure 36 As shown, the vibration actuator 1D has a drive unit 13D and a housing 10D. The drive unit 13D and housing 10D have different shapes from the drive unit 13 and housing 10 of the vibration actuator 1, but have the same basic functions.

[0366] The housing 10D differs from the housing 10 in that it has a planar portion 117D extending parallel to the vibration direction on its outer peripheral surface. Furthermore, the drive unit 13D can be housed within the housing 10D and has a shape corresponding to the shape of the housing 10D.

[0367] The drive unit 13D includes: an electromagnetic shielding part 58D, coils 61D and 62D, a coil tube part 52D, a movable body 20D, the electromagnetic shielding part 58D, and elastic support parts 81D and 82D. For example... Figure 36 As shown, the drive unit 13D has a unit planar portion 134 extending in the vibration direction on its outer peripheral surface. This structure gives the drive unit 13D a D-shaped profile. The unit planar portion 134 is provided within the outlines of the coil tube portion 52D and the electromagnetic shielding portion 58D. Terminal binding portions 53C-1 and 53C-2 are disposed within the unit planar portion 134.

[0368] The movable body 20D is located inside the cylindrical coil tube portion 52D and is supported by elastic support portions 81D and 82D connected to the upper and lower ends, enabling it to reciprocate along the inner side surface of the coil tube portion 52D (the inner circumferential surface 522a of the tube body portion 522D). Thus, the movable body 20D is supported within the vibration actuator 1D in a manner that allows it to reciprocate in the direction opposite to the cover portion 12D and the bottom portion 114D.

[0369] The movable body 20D includes a magnet 30D, movable body cores 41D and 42D, spring stop portions 22D and 24D, and fixing pins 26D and 28D. In this embodiment, the movable body cores 41D and 42D and the spring stop portions 22D and 24D are continuously arranged in two directions, centered on the magnet 30D and facing the vibration (axis) direction. In the movable body 20D, the outer peripheral surfaces of the magnet 30D and the movable body cores 41D and 42D serve as the outer peripheral surfaces of the movable body side, and are positioned opposite the inner peripheral surface 522a of the tube body 522D at a predetermined interval.

[0370] The movable body 20D has a shape corresponding to the internal shape of the outer shell 10D. The movable body 20D has a movable body side plane portion 20b (containing the outer peripheral plane portion 303 of the magnet) on its outer periphery, for example, it is a D-shaped plate (or D-shaped column) when viewed from the vibration direction, having the movable body side plane portion 20b.

[0371] The movable body side plane portion 20b is constituted by the outer peripheral plane portion 303 and the core plane portions 413 and 423 formed on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the magnet 30D and the movable body cores 41D and 42D, respectively (see reference). Figure 38 The outer peripheral plane portion 303 and the core plane portions 413 and 423 are located at positions that overlap each other in the vibration (axis) direction.

[0372] The elastic support portions 81D and 82D include an inner peripheral portion 802D, an outer peripheral fixing portion 806D, and a deformable arm portion 804D that have the same functions as the inner peripheral portion 802, the outer peripheral fixing portion 806, and the deformable arm portion 804 of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 in Embodiment 1.

[0373] The outer peripheral fixing part 806D has a straight section 810, which differs from the outer peripheral fixing part 806 in that it has a straight section 810. The straight section 810 is provided on a portion of the outer edge of the outer peripheral fixing part 806D, and this straight section 810 can be arranged on the same plane as the movable body side plane 20b of the movable body 20D. In addition, at this outer edge, a notch-shaped positioning groove 808D is formed in one of the portions where the straight section 810 is located.

[0374] The coil tube section (coil holding section) 52D has the same basic structure as the coil tube section 52. For example... Figure 39 As shown, the coil tube section 52D holds the coils 61D and 62D, and the magnet 30D is surrounded by the inner circumferential surface 522a (see reference). Figure 38 ), and guides the movement of the movable body 20D with magnet 30D.

[0375] The coil tube section 52D includes: a cylindrical tube body section 522D, a central flange section 526D and flange sections 527D and 528D that protrude radially from the outer periphery of the tube body section 522D, terminal binding sections (coil wiring sections) 53D-1 and 53-2, a movable range forming section 54D, and a connecting groove section 55D.

[0376] In the coil tube section 52D, coil mounting sections 5201D and 5202D are respectively provided between the central flange section 526D and each flange section 527D and 528D on the outer periphery of the tube body section 522D. A pair of coils 61 and 62 are wound and arranged in the coil mounting sections 5201D and 5202D. The coils 61D and 62D are covered by the electromagnetic shielding section 58D. Terminal binding sections (coil wiring sections) 53D-1 and 53D-2 are provided in a protruding manner on the flat portion of the central flange section 526D.

[0377] The coil tube portion 52D has a flat portion 5224 extending parallel to the vibration direction. A portion of the inner circumferential surface of the flat portion 5224, that is, the inner circumferential surface 522a of the tube body portion 522D, is an inner circumferential flat portion. The inner circumferential flat portion of the flat portion 5224 and the movable body side flat portion 20b of the movable body 20D are arranged opposite each other and adjacent to each other.

[0378] Furthermore, the planar portion 5224 and the movable body side planar portion 20b are positioned corresponding to the planar portion 117D of the outer shell 10D.

[0379] The outer casing 10D is configured as a D-shaped column when viewed from the vibration direction by the outer casing body 11D and the cover portion 12D. The drive unit 13D is housed within the outer casing 10D. Specifically, the outer casing body 11D has a peripheral wall portion 112D on a portion thereof having a flat portion 117D, and a bottom portion 114D. The outer casing body 11D is formed by the peripheral wall portion 112D and the bottom portion 114D into a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening 115D in a D-shape.

[0380] The planar portion 117D has a flat outer surface, and a notch 102D is provided in the planar portion 117D, which penetrates the outer surface and the inner surface and is continuous with the opening portion 115D. The notch 102D is formed into a shape that can engage with the hanging portion 124D of the cover portion 12D.

[0381] When viewed from the axial direction, the outer shell body 11D has a D-shaped shape, and its internal shape (the shape of the inner circumferential surface viewed from the vibration direction) is also a D-shaped shape corresponding to the outer shape. Inside the outer shell body 11D, there is a D-shaped space formed with an opening 115D, in which a cylindrical drive unit 13D with a movable body side planar portion 20b on its outer circumferential surface is housed. Terminal binding portions (coil wiring portions) 53D-1 and 53D-2 are exposed to the outside through the notch 102D.

[0382] Furthermore, the cover portion 12D and the bottom portion 114D constitute the top surface portion 122D and the lower surface portion (bottom portion 114D) of the vibration actuator 1. Like the cover portion 12 and the bottom portion 114, the cover portion 12D and the bottom portion 114D also function as a movement range suppression portion that serves as a hard stop (movable range limitation) for the movable body 20D.

[0383] The cover 12D and the bottom 114D limit the movable range of the upper and lower edges (the upper and lower end faces (open end faces) of the upper and lower flanges 527D and 528D) of the drive unit 13D. Therefore, even when a force exceeding the movable range is applied to the movable body 20D, the elastic support portions 81D and 82D will not break, just like the movable body 20, thus improving reliability.

[0384] When the cover 12D is installed onto the outer casing 11D, the drooping portion 124D engages with the notch 102D of the outer casing 11D, sealing the notch 102D. The outer surface of the drooping portion 124D is flat, and the inner surface is formed as an arc with the central axis pointing downwards. Thus, the drooping portion 124D engages with the notch 102D, its outer surface is on the same plane as the outer surface of the flat portion 117D, and the arc surface of its inner surface becomes an arc surface continuous with the inner surface of the flat portion 117D, positioning and housing the drive unit 13D.

[0385] In addition, the cover 12D and the bottom 114D are respectively provided with vent holes 126D and 116D with the same function as vent holes 126 and 116 in a through manner.

[0386] In the vibration actuator 1D, a bottomed cylindrical shell body 11D with a D-shaped external and internal shape when viewed along the vibration (axis) direction houses a drive unit 13D with a D-shaped external shape corresponding to the internal shape of the shell body 11D.

[0387] In addition, in the vibration actuator 1D, the outer diameter arc center of the outer shell body 11D coincides with the outer diameter arc center of the drive unit 13D and the vibration center of the movable body 20D.

[0388] When viewed from the vibration direction (axial direction of the vibration actuator), the vibration actuator 1D has a shape with a flat portion 117D on its outer peripheral surface (D-shaped). Therefore, the flat portion 117D of the outer casing body 11D constituting the outer peripheral surface can be brought into contact with the flat portion of the housing at the mounting destination to achieve a mating of the flat surfaces, thereby enabling the vibration actuator 1D to be mounted on the housing.

[0389] In this way, the vibration actuator 1D is easy to install into the housing. In addition, the shape of the drive unit 13D is set to correspond to the shape of the housing body 11D. As a result, the same effect as in Embodiment 1 can be obtained, and the outermost diameter of the housing body 11D can be set to be the same as the outer diameter of the circular housing body (the housing body 11 in Embodiment 1), which is the same as the outer diameter of the housing body (the housing body 11 in Embodiment 1), thus enabling miniaturization of the vibration actuator.

[0390] <Implementation Method 6>

[0391] Figure 42 This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. Figure 43 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the state of the vibratory actuator after the outer casing has been removed. Figure 44 This is a three-dimensional view of the bottom side of the main body of the outer shell. Additionally, Figure 45 This is a three-dimensional view of the cover from the back side. Figure 46 This is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship between the drive unit and the housing in the vibration actuator of embodiment 6.

[0392] The vibration actuator 1E has the same basic structure as the vibration actuator 1A in Embodiment 2, but the width of the planar portion 117E and the positional relationship between the drive unit 13E and the housing 10E are different. In particular, in the vibration actuator 1E, when viewed from the vibration direction (axial direction), the center of the drive unit 13E and the center of the movable body 20E are positioned off-center relative to the center of the housing 10E. In this respect, the vibration actuator 1E differs from the vibration actuator 1A. In other words, the center of the arc of the outer shape of the drive unit 13E and the center of gravity of the movable body 20E are offset in a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction relative to the center of the arc portion of the outer shape of the housing 10E. In this respect, the vibration actuator 1E differs from the vibration actuator 1A. Hereinafter, the same components will be referred to by the same names, and the reference numerals A and E will be changed to describe them, thereby appropriately omitting descriptions.

[0393] The vibration actuator 1E has a drive unit 13E with the same structure as the drive unit 13, and a housing 10E for housing the drive unit 13E.

[0394] The outer shell 10E is formed into an elliptical cylinder (generally elliptical with straight sections) having a planar portion 117E extending along the vibration direction on its outer peripheral surface. The outer shell 10E is composed of an outer shell body 11E and a cover portion 12E.

[0395] The outer casing 11E has a peripheral wall portion 112E and a bottom portion 114E. The peripheral wall portion 112E has a pair of planar portions 117E with a planar outer peripheral surface and which are opposite each other when viewed along the vibration (axis) direction.

[0396] The outer shell body 11E is formed by the peripheral wall portion 112E and the bottom portion 114E into a bottomed cylindrical shape with an elliptical (generally elliptical with straight sections) opening 115E.

[0397] The planar portion 117E is, for example, a portion on the peripheral wall portion 112E that has parallel outer and inner surfaces.

[0398] In the outer casing 11E, a notch 102E continuous with the opening 115E is provided at a location where, when viewed along the vibration direction, the center of the drive unit 13E (coil tube portion 52E) housed in the outer casing is offset from the center of the outer casing. The notch 102E is formed in a shape that can engage with the hanging portion 124E of the cover portion 12E.

[0399] The outer casing 11E has an internal space with an elliptical opening 115E. A cylindrical drive unit 13E is housed in this internal space, and terminal binding parts (coil wiring parts) 53E-1 and 53E-2 are exposed to the outside through a notch 102E.

[0400] Terminal binding parts (coil wiring parts) 53E-1 and 53E-2 are disposed within the notch portion 102E. By arranging the terminal binding parts (coil wiring parts) 53E-1 and 53E-2 at this position, when the housing is installed to the installation destination via the flat portion 117E, the terminal binding parts (coil wiring parts) 53E-1 and 53E-2 can be easily electrically connected to external terminals or the like.

[0401] The cover portion 12E and the bottom portion 114E have the same structure and function as the cover portion 12 and the bottom portion 114 in Embodiment 1. The cover portion 12E and the bottom portion 114E function as movable range suppression portions that hard-stop (movable range limitation) the movable body 20E, thus limiting the movable range of the movable body 20E. In addition, the cover portion 12E and the bottom portion 114E limit the movable range as the space between the cover portion 12E and the bottom portion 114E and the upper and lower end edges (the upper and lower end faces (open end faces) of the upper and lower flange portions 527E and 528E) of the drive unit 13E. As a result, even when a force exceeding the movable range is applied to the movable body 20E, the elastic support portion 81E will contact the fixed body 50E (at least one of the cover portion 12E and the bottom portion 114E) without plastic deformation, so the elastic support portion 81E will not break, thus improving reliability.

[0402] When the cover 12E is installed onto the housing body 11E, the hanging part 124E engages with the notch 102E of the housing body 11, thereby sealing the notch 102E so that the terminal binding parts (coil wiring parts) 53E-1 and 53E-2 are exposed to the outside.

[0403] The outer surface of the drooping portion 124E is an arc-shaped curved surface, and the inner surface is formed as an arc with the central axis pointing downwards. Thus, the drooping portion 124E is positioned such that its outer surface is approximately on the same plane as the outer surface of the outer casing 10E (peripheral wall portion 112E), and the arc of its inner surface is used to position and house the drive unit 13E. Furthermore, the cover portion 12E and the bottom portion 114E are respectively provided with vent holes 126E and 116E that have the same function as the vent holes 126 and 116.

[0404] In the vibration actuator 1E, a circular drive unit 13E is housed within a housing body 11E that is elliptical in shape (approximately elliptical with straight sections) when viewed along the vibration (axis) direction and circular in internal shape, arranged in an eccentric position. That is, the outer center C11 of the housing body 11E deviates from the center of the outer diameter arc of the drive unit 13E and the vibration center of gravity C12 of the movable body 20 by a distance Q1. Here, the drive unit 13E is housed such that its movement in one direction, perpendicular to and orthogonal to the vibration direction, is restricted, while its deviation from Q1 in the other direction is limited.

[0405] The vibration actuator 1E has an elliptical shape (approximately elliptical with a straight portion) in the peripheral wall portion 112E when viewed from the vibration (axis) direction, having a flat portion 117E within it. Therefore, when mounting the vibration actuator 1E to the housing, the flat surface of the flat portion 117E of the housing body 11E can be brought into contact with the flat portion of the housing at the mounting destination to mount the vibration actuator 1E. This makes it easy to mount the vibration actuator 1E to the housing.

[0406] Alternatively, if the drive unit 13E is configured to have the same shape as the drive unit 13 in Embodiment 1, the same cover as the cover 12 can be used as the cover 12E. In this case, in the vibration actuator 1E, only the corresponding outer shell body 11E is changed, thereby achieving the same effect while maintaining the same vibration sensation as in Embodiment 1.

[0407] Furthermore, the outer center C11 of the outer casing 11E is offset by a distance Q1 from the outer diameter arc center of the drive unit 13E and the vibration center of gravity C12 of the movable body 20E. That is, the coil tube section (coil holding section) 52E is eccentrically positioned relative to the center of the outer casing 10E.

[0408] Therefore, the same effect as in Embodiment 1 can be obtained, and the drive unit 13E can be housed in the housing body 11E without having to form the planar portion in the drive unit 13E into a shape corresponding to the planar portion 117E of the housing body 11E. Thus, according to the vibration actuator 1E, stable vibration can be achieved, and a stable vibration sensation can be provided.

[0409] <Implementation Method 7>

[0410] Figure 47 This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a vibration actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention, namely embodiment 7. Figure 48 This is a perspective view showing the state of the vibratory actuator after the outer casing has been removed. Additionally, Figure 49 This is a three-dimensional view of the bottom side of the main body of the outer shell. Figure 50 This is a three-dimensional view of the cover from the back side. Figure 51 This is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship between the drive unit and the housing in the vibration actuator of embodiment 7.

[0411] The vibration actuator 1F has the same basic structure as the vibration actuator 1B in Embodiment 3, but the width of the planar portion 117F and the positional relationship between the drive unit 13F and the housing 10F are different. In particular, in the vibration actuator 1F, when viewed from the vibration direction (axial direction), the center of the drive unit 13F and the center of the movable body 20F are positioned off-center relative to the center of the housing 10F. In this respect, the vibration actuator 1F differs from the vibration actuator 1B. In other words, the center of the circumference (arc portion) of the outer shape of the drive unit 13F and the center of gravity of the movable body 20F are offset in a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction relative to the center of the arc portion of the outer shape of the housing 10F. In this respect, the vibration actuator 1F differs from the vibration actuator 1B. Hereinafter, the same components will be referred to by the same names, and the B in the reference numerals will be changed to F, thereby appropriately omitting descriptions.

[0412] The vibration actuator 1F has a drive unit 13F and a housing 10F having a planar portion 117F on its outer periphery and housing the drive unit 13F.

[0413] The drive unit 13F, like the drive unit 13 of the vibration actuator 1, is circular in shape when viewed from the vibration direction and has the same function.

[0414] The outer shell 10F is composed of an outer shell body 11F and a cover 12F, and has the following external shape: when viewed from the vibration direction, it has a D-shaped shape with a planar portion 117F extending in the vibration direction on the outer peripheral surface.

[0415] Specifically, the outer casing body 11F has an arc-shaped peripheral wall portion 112F and a bottom portion 114F, and a portion of the peripheral wall portion 112F includes a flat portion 117F. The flat portion 117F has a flat outer surface. Furthermore, the outer casing body 11F is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening at the opening portion 115F by the peripheral wall portion 112F having the flat portion 117F and the bottom portion 114F.

[0416] A notch 102F, continuous with the opening 115F, is provided in the planar portion 117F. The notch 102F is formed to correspond to the downward portion 124F of the cover portion 12F and can be engaged. Terminal binding portions (coil wiring portions) 53F-1 and 53F-2 are arranged in the notch 102F in an exposed state.

[0417] When viewed from the axial direction, the outer shell 11F is elliptical in shape, while its internal shape is circular. The outer shell 11F has an internal space divided into a cylindrical shape that opens into the opening 115F. A cylindrical drive unit 13F is housed within this space.

[0418] The cover portion 12F and the bottom portion 114F have the same structure and function as the cover portion 12D and the bottom portion 114D in Embodiment 3. The cover portion 12F and the bottom portion 114F are the top surface portion 122F and the lower surface portion (bottom portion 114F) of the vibration actuator 1, and are configured to face the movable body 20F of the drive unit 13F housed in the housing 10F at a predetermined interval in the vibration direction of the movable body 20F. The cover portion 12F and the bottom portion 114F function as movable range suppression portions for hard stop (movable range limitation) of the movable body 20F, thereby limiting the movable range of the movable body 20F.

[0419] When the cover portion 12F and bottom portion 114F engage with the movable range forming portion 54F of the drive unit 13F, the movable range is limited to the length of space from the cover portion 12F and bottom portion 114F to the upper and lower edge portions (the upper and lower end faces of the upper and lower flange portions 527F and 528F) of the drive unit 13F. Therefore, even when a force exceeding the movable range is applied to the movable body 20F, the elastic support portion 81F will contact the fixed body 50F (at least one of the cover portion 12F and bottom portion 114F) without plastic deformation. Thus, the elastic support portion 81F will not break, improving the reliability of the vibration actuator 1F. The function and effect of the drooping portion 124F are the same as those of the drooping portion 124B, and therefore description is omitted. Furthermore, the cover portion 12F and bottom portion 114 are respectively provided with vent holes 126F and 116F having the same function as the vent holes 126 and 116.

[0420] When viewed along the vibration (axis) direction, the vibration actuator 1F has a D-shaped exterior and a circular interior.

[0421] In the vibration actuator 1F, a circular drive unit 13F is housed inside a housing body 11F, which has a shape (e.g., a D-shape) with a planar portion 117F on its outer peripheral surface when viewed along the vibration (axis) direction. When the vibration actuator 1F is mounted on the housing, the planar portion 117F, which constitutes a part of the side surface of the housing body 11F, can abut against the planar portion of the housing at the mounting destination. In this way, the vibration actuator 1F is easy to mount on the housing. Furthermore, if the drive unit 13F is the same as the drive unit 13 in Embodiment 1, and the same cover as the cover 12 is used as the cover 12F, only the corresponding housing body 11F is changed. Thus, the same vibration sensation as in Embodiment 1 can be obtained while achieving the same effect.

[0422] Furthermore, in the vibration actuator 1F, such as Figure 51As shown, the outer diameter arc center C21 of the outer shell body 11F (equivalent to the peripheral wall portion 112F) is offset from the outer diameter arc center C22 of the drive unit 13F (which is also the vibration center of gravity of the movable body 20) by a distance Q2 in a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction. That is, when viewed from the vibration (axis) direction, the circular coil tube portion 52 (equivalent to the drive unit 13F) is configured to be eccentrically positioned relative to the outer diameter arc center of the outer shell (outer shell body 11F). The outer shell body 11F has a storage portion shape such that, when viewed from the vibration (axis) direction, the circular coil tube portion 52 (equivalent to the drive unit 13F) is housed in such a way that the circular coil tube portion 52 is eccentrically positioned relative to the outer diameter arc center of the outer shell body 11F.

[0423] Therefore, even if the drive unit 13F does not have a shape corresponding to the outer shape of the housing body 11F, it can still be housed within the housing body 11F. According to the vibration actuator 1F, it can vibrate stably and provide a stable vibration sensation.

[0424] Furthermore, the vibration actuators 1A to 1F in embodiments 2 to 7 include movable bodies 20A to 20F, fixed bodies 50A to 50F, and elastic support portions 81A to 81F and 82A to 82F. Since the vibration actuators 1A to 1F use the same basic components and functions as in embodiment 1, the same effects can naturally be obtained.

[0425] Furthermore, in the vibration actuators 1A to 1D, the outer diameter arc center of the main body 11A to 11D is configured to coincide with the outer diameter arc center of the drive unit 13A to 13D and the vibration center of the movable body 20A to 20D, but the configuration may not be consistent. For example, the vibration actuators 1A to 1D may be configured as in vibration actuators 1E and 1F, with the center of each coil tube section (coil holding section) 52A to 52D positioned off-center from the center of the outer body 10A to 10D.

[0426] Furthermore, the vibration actuators 1A to 1F in embodiments 2 to 7 described above are all installed in portable gaming terminal devices (e.g., as vibration actuator 1) as vibration generation sources, similar to vibration actuator 1. Figure 18 The game controller (GC) shown is an electronic device that enables vibration functionality. This electronic device also includes portable devices such as smartphones, and can also be used for... Figure 19 The portable terminal M shown is shown.

[0427] Regarding the outer casings 10, 10A to 10F, they are composed of a bottomed cylindrical outer casing body 11, 11A to 11F and a cover 12, 12A to 12F, but the shape is not limited to this. As long as it is a structure that can accommodate the drive unit, any shape is acceptable. Alternatively, the outer casing body 11, 11A to 11F can be designated as the first outer casing, and the cover 12, 12A to 12F can be designated as the second outer casing, and they can be formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape. Alternatively, they can be composed of segments divided into three or more parts, such as a top plate, a bottom plate, and a peripheral wall.

[0428] Furthermore, when the shape of the drive unit (the shape of the coil tube portion (coil holding portion) 52) is circular, and when viewed along the vibration direction, the drive unit is eccentrically positioned relative to the center of the outer shape of the housing on which the flat portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface, preferably, the terminal binding portion (coil wiring portion) is positioned on the outer side of the housing relative to the center of the coil holding portion, or preferably, on the side adjacent to the flat portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing. In either configuration, when the vibration actuator is mounted to a housing or the like at the mounting destination, it can be easily and stably mounted by means of the flat portion that forms part of the side surface of the housing body. Moreover, when the terminal binding portion (coil wiring portion) is positioned on the side adjacent to the flat portion that forms part of the side surface of the housing body, wiring to external wiring via the terminal binding portion is also easy.

[0429] The invention described above is based on the embodiments and has been specifically described by the inventors of this application. However, the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified without departing from its essential points.

[0430] Furthermore, the vibration actuator of the present invention is also suitable for portable devices other than game controllers (GC) and portable terminals (M) (e.g., portable information terminals such as tablet PCs, portable game terminals, and wearable terminals worn by users). In addition to the aforementioned portable devices, the vibration actuator 1 of this embodiment can also be used in electric beauty devices such as beauty massagers that require vibration.

[0431] The entire contents of the description, drawings and abstract of Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-032246, filed on February 27, 2020, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0432] Industrial applicability

[0433] Even with vibration attenuation, the vibration actuator of the present invention can still generate appropriate vibration with a stable high output, making it useful as a vibration actuator for electronic devices such as game consoles or portable terminals.

[0434] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0435] Vibration actuators 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F

[0436] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F Outer shells

[0437] 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D, 11E, 11F: Outer shell body

[0438] 12, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F Covers

[0439] Drive units 13, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, and 13F

[0440] 20, 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F Movable objects

[0441] 20a outer peripheral surface

[0442] 20b Movable body side plane

[0443] 30, 30C, 30D magnets

[0444] 30a Front

[0445] 30b Back

[0446] 41, 42 Movable core

[0447] Fixtures 50, 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E, 50F

[0448] 52, 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, 52E, 52F Coil tube section (coil holding section)

[0449] 52b and 52c coil mounting sections

[0450] Terminal binding parts 53, 53-1, 53-2, 53C-1, 53C-2, 53D-1, 53D-2, 53E-1, 53E-2, 53F-1, 53F-2

[0451] 54, 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D, 54E, 54F: Movable range forming part (protrusion)

[0452] 55. Connecting channel (channel)

[0453] 58 Electromagnetic shielding section

[0454] Coils 61 and 62

[0455] 72 Attenuation section

[0456] 81, 81A, 81B, 81C, 81D, 81E, 81F, 82, 82C, 82D, 82E Elastic Support Sections

[0457] 103A Open End

[0458] 112, 112A, 112C, 112D, 112E, 112F Peripheral wall portion

[0459] 113A, 113C, 117, 117A, 117B, 117C, 117D, 117E, 117F, 5224 Planar Section

[0460] 114 Bottom

[0461] 115 Opening

[0462] Vent holes 116 and 126

[0463] 118 Steps

[0464] 122 Top face

[0465] 124, 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 124E, 124F Lower part

[0466] 128 Pressing Part

[0467] Planar sections of units 132 and 134

[0468] 201 Ministry of Communications

[0469] 202 Processing Department

[0470] 203 Drive Control Unit

[0471] Vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206

[0472] 222, 242 Joint

[0473] 224, 244 Spring fixing part

[0474] 303 Outer peripheral plane

[0475] 413, 423 Core Plane Section

[0476] 522 Borehole Main Body (Coil Protection Wall)

[0477] 522a Inner circumferential surface

[0478] 526 Central flange (central wall portion)

[0479] Flange portions of 527, 527A, 527B, 527C, 527D, 527E, 527F, 528, 528A, 528B, 528C, 528D, 528E, and 528F

[0480] 527a upper surface

[0481] 528a lower end face

[0482] 529 Positioning Card Assembly

[0483] 582 Opening

[0484] 589 was stuck in the middle.

[0485] 722 Clamping Section

[0486] 724, 726 Attenuation protrusions (protrusions)

[0487] 802 Inner Peripheral Section

[0488] 804 Deformable Arm

[0489] 806 Peripheral fixation part (peripheral part)

[0490] 806a outermost part

[0491] 806b Inner protruding part

[0492] 808 positioning groove

[0493] 810 Straight Section

[0494] 5222 Inner circumferential plane

[0495] Side view of 8042 and 8062

[0496] 8044, 8064 Front

[0497] The back of 8046 and 8066.

Claims

1. A vibration actuator comprising: a stationary body including a coil; and a movable body including a magnet disposed radially inside the coil in a vibration direction orthogonal to the radial direction of the coil; In addition to an elastic support portion, the movable body is supported in a manner that allows it to move freely relative to the fixed body. In this vibration actuator, the movable body vibrates relative to the fixed body through the cooperation of the powered coil and the magnet. The elastic support portion has: The outer periphery is fixed to the fixing body; The inner peripheral portion is positioned further radially inward than the outer peripheral portion and is fixed to the movable body; as well as A deformable arm is disposed between the outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral portion, connecting the outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral portion, and is capable of elastic deformation in the vibration direction. In the vibration actuator, a damping portion is provided across the outer periphery and the outermost periphery of the deformable arm, extending in a curved manner to cover the gap between the outer periphery and the outermost periphery of the deformable arm. This damping portion attenuates the vibration at the elastic support portion when the movable body moves. The distance of the gap where the attenuation part is configured is greater than twice the thickness of the elastic support part and less than six times.

2. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The elastic support is a helical leaf spring. The deformable arm is arranged circumferentially relative to the outer peripheral portion, with a gap between it and the outer peripheral portion in the radial direction. One end of the deformable arm engages with the outer peripheral portion, and the other end of the deformable arm engages with the inner peripheral portion.

3. The vibration actuator as described in claim 2, wherein, The deformable arm extends in such a way that it intersects with a virtual line along the radial direction at multiple locations on the virtual line. The outermost peripheral portion of the deformable arm is located at the outermost peripheral position among the plurality of positions.

4. The vibration actuator as described in claim 3, wherein, The attenuation section has: A clamping portion is provided in the gap between the outer peripheral portion and the outermost peripheral side of the deformable arm portion, and engages with each of the radially opposing sides at the outer peripheral portion and the outermost peripheral side of the deformable arm portion. as well as A protrusion, integrally formed with the clamping portion, protrudes from the clamping portion along the thickness direction of the elastic support portion. The protrusion extends in a straight line in a manner that intersects with the virtual line and covers the gap, which extends in a curved shape.

5. The vibration actuator as described in claim 2, wherein, The attenuation portion has a clamping portion disposed in the gap and engaging with each of the radially opposing sides of the outer peripheral portion and the deformable arm portion.

6. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The attenuation portion has a protrusion that is integrally formed with the clamping portion and protrudes from the clamping portion along the thickness direction of the elastic support portion. In the protrusion, the protruding dimension from the clamping portion is larger than the thickness dimension of the elastic support portion.

7. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The attenuation portion is joined on at least one of the front and back surfaces of the elastic support portion, which are spaced apart in the thickness direction, on the outer peripheral portion and the deformable arm portion.

8. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The fixing body includes a cylindrical coil holding part for holding the coil, and a housing for receiving the coil holding part. The outer casing has a planar portion on its outer peripheral surface that extends parallel to the direction of vibration.

9. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The coil wiring portion is located on the planar portion.

10. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The outer casing has another planar portion extending parallel to the planar portion on its outer peripheral surface.

11. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 8, wherein, At positions corresponding to the planar portion, the inner circumferential surface of the coil holding portion and the outer circumferential surface of the magnet have opposing inner and outer circumferential planar portions. In a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction, the width of the outer peripheral plane is narrower than the width of the inner peripheral plane.

12. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 8, wherein, When viewed along the vibration direction, the coil holding part has a circular shape. When viewed from the direction of vibration, the coil holding portion is eccentrically positioned relative to the outer shape center of the housing or the outer diameter arc center of the housing.

13. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The coil connection portion is disposed on the outer side of the outer casing, on the side of the coil holding portion relative to the outer surface center of the outer casing.

14. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 12, wherein, In the coil holding part, the coil wiring part is disposed on one side of the planar part formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing.

15. A vibration actuator, comprising: A movable body has a columnar magnet in the center, and spring stops are respectively arranged on the front and back sides along the axial direction of the magnet; The fixed body is a cylindrical fixed body that houses the movable body, and has a pair of annular coils disposed on the radially outer side of the movable body; The elastic support portion is a pair of elastic support portions that support the movable body in a manner that allows the movable body to reciprocate in the vibration direction along the axial direction. The outer periphery of each elastic support portion engages with the fixed body, the inner periphery of each elastic support portion engages with the spring stop portion, and the deformable arm of each elastic support portion is capable of elastic deformation in the vibration direction, with the deformable arm connecting the outer periphery and the inner periphery. The damping portion, spanning the outermost peripheral side of the outer periphery and the deformable arm portion, is provided in a curved manner to cover the gap extending between the outer periphery and the outermost peripheral side of the deformable arm portion, thereby damping the vibration at the elastic support portion when the movable body moves. The distance of the gap where the attenuation part is configured is greater than twice the thickness of the elastic support part and less than six times.

16. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The elastic support is a helical leaf spring. The deformable arm is arranged circumferentially relative to the outer peripheral portion, with a gap between it and the outer peripheral portion in the radial direction. One end of the deformable arm engages with the outer peripheral portion, and the other end of the deformable arm engages with the inner peripheral portion.

17. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The deformable arm extends in such a way that it intersects with a virtual line along the radial direction at multiple locations on the virtual line. The outermost peripheral portion of the deformable arm is located at the outermost peripheral position among the plurality of positions.

18. The vibration actuator of claim 17, wherein, The attenuation section has: A clamping portion is provided in the gap between the outer peripheral portion and the outermost peripheral side of the deformable arm portion, and engages with each of the radially opposing sides at the outer peripheral portion and the outermost peripheral side of the deformable arm portion. as well as A protrusion, integrally formed with the clamping portion, protrudes from the clamping portion along the thickness direction of the elastic support portion. The protrusion extends in a straight line in a manner that intersects with the virtual line and covers the gap, which extends in a curved shape.

19. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The attenuation portion has a clamping portion disposed in the gap and engaging with each of the radially opposing sides of the outer peripheral portion and the deformable arm portion.

20. The vibration actuator of claim 18, wherein, The attenuation portion has a protrusion that is integrally formed with the clamping portion and protrudes from the clamping portion along the thickness direction of the elastic support portion. In the protrusion, the protruding dimension from the clamping portion is larger than the thickness dimension of the elastic support portion.

21. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The attenuation portion is joined on at least one of the front and back surfaces of the elastic support portion, which are spaced apart in the thickness direction, on the outer peripheral portion and the deformable arm portion.

22. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The fixing body includes a cylindrical coil holding part for holding the coil, and a housing for receiving the coil holding part. The outer casing has a planar portion on its outer peripheral surface that extends parallel to the direction of vibration.

23. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 22, wherein, The coil wiring portion is located on the planar portion.

24. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 22, wherein, The outer casing has another planar portion extending parallel to the planar portion on its outer peripheral surface.

25. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 22, wherein, At positions corresponding to the planar portion, the inner circumferential surface of the coil holding portion and the outer circumferential surface of the magnet have opposing inner and outer circumferential planar portions. In a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction, the width of the outer peripheral plane is narrower than the width of the inner peripheral plane.

26. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 22, wherein, When viewed along the vibration direction, the coil holding part has a circular shape. When viewed from the direction of vibration, the coil holding portion is eccentrically positioned relative to the outer shape center of the housing or the outer diameter arc center of the housing.

27. The vibration actuator of claim 26, wherein, The coil connection portion is disposed on the outer side of the outer casing, on the side of the coil holding portion relative to the outer surface center of the outer casing.

28. The vibration actuator as claimed in claim 26, wherein, In the coil holding part, the coil wiring part is disposed on one side of the planar part formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing.

29. An electronic device having the vibration actuator of claim 1 or 15 installed therein.

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