Vibration generating device

Abstract

The objective is to provide a vibration generating device that can suppress vertical vibration while ensuring sufficient amplitude in the left-right direction. The vibration generating device (101) includes a leaf spring (17) fixed to a frame (HS) and supporting a vibrating body (VB) for vibration, and a drive mechanism (DM) that imparts vibration force to the vibrating body. The leaf spring includes: a vibrating plate portion (17V) supporting the vibrating body; a front fixed plate portion (17F) positioned further forward (X1 side) than the vibrating plate portion and fixed to the frame; a rear fixed plate portion (17B) positioned further rearward (X2 side) than the vibrating plate portion and fixed to the frame; a left elastic plate portion (17L) connecting one end (Y1 side end) of the vibrating plate portion to the front fixed plate portion; and a right elastic plate portion (17R) connecting the other end (Y2 side end) of the vibrating plate portion to the rear fixed plate portion. The left elastic plate portion is separate from the rear fixed plate portion, and the right elastic plate portion is separate from the front fixed plate portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vibration generating device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, vibration generating devices were known that used the magnetic field generated by the coil and the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet to make the permanent magnet vibrate as a movable part (see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-283201

[0005] Patent Document 2: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006-133218 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the vibration generating device described in Patent Document 1, a permanent magnet is fixed to a base member, which serves as a fixed body, via a leaf spring. Specifically, the leaf spring has a pair of opposing, generally M-shaped elastic plates, a front fixing plate connecting one end of the pair of elastic plates to each other, a rear fixing plate connecting the other ends of the pair of elastic plates to each other, and a vibrating plate connecting the lower ends of the central portions of the pair of elastic plates to each other. The vibrating plate supports the permanent magnet and is configured not to contact the base member. The front fixing plate is fixed to the base member at two points by riveting. Similarly, the rear fixing plate is fixed to the base member at two points by riveting. In this configuration, since the leaf spring is securely fixed to the base member via the front and rear fixing plates, there is a risk that the amplitude of the permanent magnet mounted on the vibrating plate in the left-right direction cannot be adequately ensured.

[0008] In the vibration generating device described in Patent Document 2, a permanent magnet is fixed to a base member, which serves as a fixed body, via a leaf spring. Specifically, the leaf spring has a pair of opposing, generally inverted U-shaped elastic plates, a front fixing plate connecting one end of the pair of elastic plates to each other, and a vibrating plate connecting the other ends of the pair of elastic plates to each other. The vibrating plate supports the permanent magnet and is configured not to contact the base member. The front fixing plate is fixed to the base member at two points by riveting. In this configuration, since the leaf spring is fixed to the base member only via the front fixing plate, there is a risk that the permanent magnet mounted on the vibrating plate may vibrate significantly in the vertical direction.

[0009] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a vibration generating device that can sufficiently ensure the amplitude in the left-right direction while suppressing vibration in the up-down direction.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] A vibration generating device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a frame, a vibrating body housed within the frame, an elastic support member fixed to the frame and supporting the vibrating body to enable vibration, and a drive mechanism that imparts vibration force to the vibrating body. The elastic support member includes: a vibrating plate portion; supporting the vibrating body; a front fixing plate portion disposed further forward than the vibrating plate portion and fixed to the frame; a rear fixing plate portion disposed further rearward than the vibrating plate portion and fixed to the frame; a flat first elastic plate portion connecting one of the left and right ends of the vibrating plate portion to the front fixing plate portion; and a flat second elastic plate portion connecting the other of the left and right ends of the vibrating plate portion to the rear fixing plate portion. The first elastic plate portion is separate from the rear fixing plate portion, and the second elastic plate portion is separate from the front fixing plate portion.

[0012] The effects of the invention

[0013] The aforementioned vibration generating device can sufficiently ensure the amplitude in the left-right direction while suppressing vibration in the up-down direction. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1A It is a three-dimensional diagram of the vibration generating device.

[0015] Figure 1B This is a three-dimensional view of the vibration generating device with the cover removed.

[0016] Figure 2 It is an exploded three-dimensional diagram of the vibration generating device.

[0017] Figure 3 This is an exploded three-dimensional view of the vibrating part.

[0018] Figure 4A This is a three-dimensional view of the upper surface of a non-vibrating body.

[0019] Figure 4B This is a three-dimensional view of the lower surface of a non-vibrating body.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the casing.

[0021] Figure 6 It is a three-dimensional view of the vibrating part.

[0022] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the components of the drive mechanism.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a 3D diagram of a leaf spring.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a front view of the vibrating body and the coil.

[0025] Figure 10 It is a top view of the components that make up the vibration generating device.

[0026] Figure 11 It is a top view of the components that make up the vibration generating device.

[0027] Figure 12A This is a cross-sectional view of the vibration generating device.

[0028] Figure 12B This is a cross-sectional view of the vibration generating device.

[0029] Figure 13 This is a functional block diagram of the vibration device.

[0030] Figure 14A This is a left-side view of the leaf spring.

[0031] Figure 14B This is a top view of a leaf spring.

[0032] Figure 15 This is a simplified three-dimensional diagram of a leaf spring.

[0033] Figure 16 This is a top view of a leaf spring. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, the vibration device VE (vibration generating device 101) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1A as well as Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the vibration device VE (vibration generating device 101). Specifically, Figure 1A This is a perspective view of the vibration generating device 101 connected to the control unit CTR. Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the vibration generating device 101 with the cover 1 removed. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the vibration generating device 101.

[0035] Figure 1A , Figure 1B as well as Figure 2In the various figures, X1 represents one direction of the X-axis constituting a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and X2 represents the other direction of the X-axis. Similarly, Y1 represents one direction of the Y-axis constituting a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Y2 represents the other direction of the Y-axis. Likewise, Z1 represents one direction of the Z-axis constituting a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system, and Z2 represents the other direction of the Z-axis. In this embodiment, the X1 side of the vibration generating device 101 corresponds to the front side (front face side) of the vibration generating device 101, and the X2 side of the vibration generating device 101 corresponds to the rear side (back side) of the vibration generating device 101. Furthermore, the Y1 side of the vibration generating device 101 corresponds to the left side of the vibration generating device 101, and the Y2 side of the vibration generating device 101 corresponds to the right side of the vibration generating device 101. Also, the Z1 side of the vibration generating device 101 corresponds to the upper side of the vibration generating device 101, and the Z2 side of the vibration generating device 101 corresponds to the lower side of the vibration generating device 101. The same applies to the other figures.

[0036] The vibration device VE has a control unit CTR and a vibration generating device 101. The vibration generating device 101 has a frame HS and a vibration unit VP housed within the frame HS.

[0037] like Figure 1A As shown, the frame HS has a roughly cubic shape, with the area of ​​the surface parallel to the XY plane (the upper and lower surfaces) being larger than the areas of the other surfaces (the front, rear, left, and right surfaces). In this embodiment, the frame HS is formed of a non-magnetic material such as stainless steel. Furthermore, the frame HS is composed of a cover 1 and a shell 2.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, cover 1 is a flat plate that forms the top surface of the frame HS. Housing 2 is a component capable of housing the vibrating part VP, and is formed on the sides and bottom of the frame HS. Furthermore, housing 2 functions as a base supporting the vibrating part VP.

[0039] In this embodiment, the housing 2 has a rectangular cylindrical outer peripheral wall portion 2A and a flat bottom plate portion 2B that is continuous with the lower end (Z2 side end) of the outer peripheral wall portion 2A.

[0040] The outer peripheral wall portion 2A has four side plate portions formed in the shape of flat plates. Specifically, as shown... Figure 2 As shown, the outer peripheral wall portion 2A has a first side plate portion 2A1 and a third side plate portion 2A3 that are opposite to each other, and a second side plate portion 2A2 and a fourth side plate portion 2A4 that are perpendicular to the first side plate portion 2A1 and the third side plate portion 2A3 and opposite to each other.

[0041] The control unit CTR is configured to be able to control the operation of the vibration unit VP. In the present embodiment, the control unit CTR is a device including an electronic circuit and a non-volatile storage device, and is configured to be able to generate a drive signal for vibrating the vibration unit VP and output it to the vibration unit VP. The drive signal is, for example, a current signal or a voltage signal, etc. The control unit CTR can be configured to generate a drive signal according to a control instruction from an external device such as a computer, or can be configured to generate a drive signal without receiving a control instruction from an external device. In addition, in the present embodiment, the control unit CTR is provided outside the housing HS, but can also be provided inside the housing HS.

[0042] The vibration unit VP is configured to be able to vibrate the housing HS. In the present embodiment, the vibration unit VP is configured to be mounted inside the housing HS and be able to vibrate the housing HS.

[0043] Next, refer to Figure 3 , and the details of the vibration unit VP will be described. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration unit VP.

[0044] The vibration unit VP has a predetermined natural frequency (Japanese: natural vibration number), and is configured to include a vibrating body VB, a drive mechanism DM, and an elastic support member ES.

[0045] The vibrating body VB is configured to be able to vibrate relative to the housing HS along a vibration axis VA extending in a predetermined direction (refer to Figure 2 ). In the present embodiment, the vibrating body VB is configured to be able to vibrate relative to the housing 2 along a vibration axis VA extending in the Y-axis direction (left and right direction) (refer to Figure 2 ).

[0046] The drive mechanism DM is an example of a vibration force generating unit, and is configured to be able to vibrate the vibrating body VB along the vibration axis VA according to a drive signal. In the present embodiment, the drive mechanism DM is configured to vibrate the center of gravity of the vibrating body VB elastically supported by the elastic support member ES along the vibration axis VA according to the drive signal output by the control unit CTR.

[0047] The elastic support member ES is configured to be interposed between the housing HS and the vibrating body VB and be able to elastically support the vibrating body VB. Specifically, the elastic support member ES is configured to be interposed between the housing 2 and the vibrating body VB and be able to elastically support the vibrating body VB.

[0048] More specifically, the vibrating part VP, comprising the vibrating body VB, the drive mechanism DM, and the elastic support component ES, is composed of an upper magnetic yoke 10, a bracket 11, a coil 12, a circuit board 13, a wire 14, a magnet 15, a lower magnetic yoke 16, and a leaf spring 17. Furthermore, the vibrating body VB is composed of the upper magnetic yoke 10, the magnet 15, and the lower magnetic yoke 16; the drive mechanism DM is composed of the coil 12 and the magnet 15; and the elastic support component ES is composed of the leaf spring 17. Additionally, the bracket 11, the coil 12, the circuit board 13, and the wire 14, together with the vibrating body VB, constitute a non-vibrating body NV. The non-vibrating body NV vibrates together with the frame HS, but not with the vibrating body VB.

[0049] The upper magnetic yoke 10 is a component constituting the top plate portion of the vibrating body VB. In this embodiment, the upper magnetic yoke 10 is formed of a magnetic material including iron. Specifically, recesses RC are formed on the Y1-side and Y2-side end faces of the upper magnetic yoke 10, respectively, so as to engage with the protrusions PR formed on the lower magnetic yoke 16. The upper magnetic yoke 10 is fixed to the lower magnetic yoke 16 by welding, brazing, or (adhesive-based) bonding (hereinafter referred to as "welding, etc.").

[0050] The bracket 11 is configured to support the coil 12 in a non-contact manner opposite to the magnet 15. Furthermore, the bracket 11 is fixed to the housing 2 in a manner that does not contact the vibrating body VB. In this embodiment, the bracket 11 is formed of a non-magnetic material such as stainless steel. Specifically, the bracket 11 is fixed to the housing 2 via four connecting portions 11A by welding or the like, based on a configuration where neither the bracket 11 nor the coil 12 contacts the vibrating body VB even when the vibrating body VB is vibrating. That is, the bracket 11, on which the coil 12 is mounted, is configured not to vibrate with the vibrating body VB.

[0051] Coil 12 is configured to receive a current supply, thereby generating a magnetic field. Figure 3 In the example shown, the coil 12 has a generally elliptical profile with a major axis along the X-axis. Furthermore, the coil 12 has a first end 12S on the winding start side and a second end 12E on the winding end side. Additionally, the coil 12 is fixed to the Z2 side (lower side) of the bracket 11 by adhesive or the like.

[0052] The circuit board 13 is the component that connects the first end 12S and the second end 12E of the coil 12. In this embodiment, as... Figure 4A as well as Figure 4B As shown, the circuit board 13 is fixed to the Z1 side (upper side) of the bracket 11 by adhesive. Figure 4A This is a three-dimensional view of the upper surface of the non-vibrating body NV. Figure 4B This is a three-dimensional view of the lower surface of the non-vibrating body NV.

[0053] The wire 14 is a component used to supply current to the coil 12. In this embodiment, the wire 14, as... Figure 4A As shown, a portion of it is disposed on the Z1 side (upper side) of the circuit board 13 and electrically connected to the coil 12 via the circuit board 13. Specifically, the wire 14 includes a left wire 14L electrically connected to the first end 12S of the coil 12 and a right wire 14R electrically connected to the second end 12E of the coil 12.

[0054] More specifically, such as Figure 4A As shown, one end 14S of the right-side conductor 14R is soldered to the right-side through conductor 13R on the Z1 side (top) of the circuit board 13, and one end 14E of the left-side conductor 14L is soldered to the left-side through conductor 13L on the Z1 side (top) of the circuit board 13. Furthermore, as... Figure 4B As shown, the right through conductor 13R is soldered to the first end 12S of the coil 12 on the Z2 side (lower side) of the circuit board 13, and the left through conductor 13L is soldered to the second end 12E of the coil 12 on the Z2 side (lower side) of the circuit board 13.

[0055] The other end of the left wire 14L and the right wire 14R are each connected to the connector CN, and then connected to the control unit CTR via the connector CN.

[0056] Magnet 15 and coil 12 together constitute the drive mechanism DM. In this embodiment, magnet 15 is a quadrupole permanent magnet with a generally cubic shape. Furthermore, Figure 3 In the diagram, for clarity, a cross symbol is used to mark the N pole of the quadrupole permanent magnet, and a dot symbol is used to mark the S pole. The same applies to other diagrams. Figure 3 In the example shown, magnet 15 has the N pole on the Y1 side and the S pole on the Y2 side on the Z1 side, and the S pole on the Y1 side and the N pole on the Y2 side on the Z2 side.

[0057] The lower magnetic yoke 16 is a component constituting the bottom wall and side wall of the vibrating body VB. In this embodiment, the lower magnetic yoke 16, like the upper magnetic yoke 10, is formed of a magnetic material including iron. Specifically, protrusions PR are formed on the Z1 side end faces of the two side wall portions in the lower magnetic yoke 16 in such a way that they can engage with the recesses RC formed in the upper magnetic yoke 10.

[0058] The leaf spring 17 is an example of an elastic support member ES, which is configured to be sandwiched between the frame HS and the vibrating body VB and to elastically support the vibrating body VB. In this embodiment, the leaf spring 17 is formed, for example, by perforating and bending a sheet of non-magnetic stainless steel with a thickness of 0.1 mm.

[0059] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the leaf spring 17 has a rear fixed plate portion 17B, a front fixed plate portion 17F, a left elastic plate portion 17L, a right elastic plate portion 17R, and a vibrating plate portion 17V.

[0060] The vibrating plate portion 17V is configured to support the vibrating body VB. In the example shown, the vibrating body VB is fixed to the Z1 side (upper side) of the vibrating plate portion 17V by welding or the like.

[0061] The rear fixing plate portion 17B is configured to be positioned further rearward than the vibrating plate portion 17V and is fixed to the frame HS. In the example shown, the rear fixing plate portion 17B is fixed to the bottom plate portion 2B of the housing 2 by welding or the like.

[0062] The front fixing plate portion 17F is configured to be positioned further forward than the vibrating plate portion 17V and is fixed to the frame HS. In the example shown, the front fixing plate portion 17F is fixed to the bottom plate portion 2B of the housing 2 by welding or the like.

[0063] The left elastic plate portion 17L is configured to extend upward from one end of both the vibrating plate portion 17V and the front fixed plate portion 17F. In the example shown, the left elastic plate portion 17L includes: a left inner plate portion 17LV, extending upward from the left end of the vibrating plate portion 17V via a fold FL1 formed at the left end along the front-rear direction; a left outer plate portion 17LF, extending upward from one end (left end) of the front fixed plate portion 17F via a fold FL2 formed at one end (left end) along the front-rear direction; and a left connecting portion 17LC connecting the left inner plate portion 17LV and the left outer plate portion 17LF. Furthermore, the left elastic plate portion 17L is configured such that the left inner plate portion 17LV, the left outer plate portion 17LF, and the left connecting portion 17LC are each located on the same plane. Figure 3 In the middle, for clarity, the left connecting part 17LC is marked with a denser cross pattern.

[0064] The right elastic plate portion 17R is configured to extend upward from the other end of both the vibrating plate portion 17V and the rear fixing plate portion 17B. In the example shown, the right elastic plate portion 17R includes: a right inner plate portion 17RV, extending upward from the right end of the vibrating plate portion 17V via a fold FR1 formed at the right end along the front-rear direction; a right outer plate portion 17RF, extending upward from one end (right end) of the rear fixing plate portion 17B via a fold FR2 formed at one end (right end) along the front-rear direction; and a right connecting portion 17RC connecting the right inner plate portion 17RV and the right outer plate portion 17RF. Furthermore, the right elastic plate portion 17R is configured such that the right inner plate portion 17RV, the right outer plate portion 17RF, and the right connecting portion 17RC are each located on the same plane. Figure 3In the middle, for clarity, the right connecting part 17RC is marked with a denser cross pattern.

[0065] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the rear fixing plate portion 17B and the front fixing plate portion 17F of the leaf spring 17 are fixed to the raised portion 2G formed in the bottom plate portion 2B of the housing 2 by welding or the like. That is, the leaf spring 17 is installed in the housing 2 via the rear fixing plate portion 17B and the front fixing plate portion 17F, with a gap formed between the bottom plate portion 2B and the vibrating plate portion 17V, in a manner where the vibrating plate portion 17V, the left elastic plate portion 17L, and the right elastic plate portion 17R do not contact the housing 2.

[0066] Figure 5 This is a diagram of shell 2. Specifically, Figure 5 The upper left figure is a top view of the housing 2 without the leaf spring 17 installed. Figure 5 The upper right figure is a top view of the housing 2 with the leaf spring 17 installed. Figure 5 The following figure is a cross-sectional view of the housing 2 with the leaf spring 17 installed. Specifically, Figure 5 The image below, as shown by the arrow, is viewed from the Y1 side and includes... Figure 5 The upper right figure shows a cross-section of the shell 2 and the leaf spring 17, with a single-dotted line (cut-off line V-V) parallel to the XZ plane. Additionally, Figure 5 For clarity, the housing 2 is marked with a sparser dot pattern, while the leaf spring 17 is marked with a denser dot pattern.

[0067] In this embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown in the upper left figure, the bulge 2G includes the left anterior bulge 2GLF, the right anterior bulge 2GRF, the left posterior bulge 2GLB, and the right posterior bulge 2GRB.

[0068] And, as Figure 5 As shown in the upper right figure and the lower figure, the front fixing plate 17F of the leaf spring 17 is welded and fixed to the bottom plate 2B of the housing 2 at the left front ridge 2GLF and the right front ridge 2GRF. Similarly, the rear fixing plate 17B of the leaf spring 17 is welded and fixed to the bottom plate 2B of the housing 2 at the left rear ridge 2GLB and the right rear ridge 2GRB.

[0069] like Figure 6 As shown, a vibrating body VB is welded onto the vibrating plate portion 17V of the leaf spring 17. Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the vibrating part VP. Specifically, Figure 6 The image above is a perspective view of the vibrating part VP, omitting the illustrations of the non-vibrating body NV (bracket 11, coil 12, circuit board 13, and wire 14). Figure 6The image below is a perspective view of the vibrating part VP in a state where there is no vibrating body NV. Additionally, Figure 6 In the diagram below, for clarity, the vibrating parts (vibrating body VB and elastic support component ES) are marked with dotted patterns. This shows the non-vibrating body NV fixed to the housing 2 in a manner that does not contact the vibrating body VB. Figure 6 (Not shown in the image). Figure 1B The non-vibrating body NV is shown fixed to the housing 2 in a manner that does not contact the vibrating body VB.

[0070] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown in the figure above, the vibrating body VB is composed of an upper magnetic yoke 10, a magnet 15, and a lower magnetic yoke 16. Furthermore, the Z2 side (lower side) of the lower magnetic yoke 16 is welded to the Z1 side (upper side) of the vibrating plate portion 17V.

[0071] exist Figure 6 In the state shown in the figure below, when a voltage is applied to the coil 12 via the wire 14 and the circuit board 13, the vibrator VB will vibrate along the vibration axis VA.

[0072] Here, refer to Figure 7 The positional relationships of the components of the drive mechanism DM when the vibrating body VB vibrates along the vibration axis VA are explained. Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the components of the drive mechanism DM. Specifically, Figure 7 The upper part shows the positional relationship between coil 12 and magnet 15 when the vibrator VB (magnet 15) moves to the Y1 side (left side). Figure 7 The middle section shows the positional relationship between coil 12 and magnet 15 when the vibrating body VB (magnet 15) is at rest (when no current flows through coil 12). Figure 7 The lower part shows the positional relationship between coil 12 and magnet 15 when the vibrator VB (magnet 15) moves to the Y2 side (right side).

[0073] When no voltage is applied to coil 12 and no current flows through it, since coil 12 does not generate a magnetic field, no repulsive or attractive force will be generated between coil 12 and magnet 15. Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown in the middle, magnet 15 is positioned with its center facing the center of coil 12.

[0074] When a current flows from the second end 12E of coil 12 toward the first end 12S, coil 12 generates a magnetic field with the Z1 side as the S pole and the Z2 side as the N pole. As a result, the S pole portion of the Z1 side of magnet 15 is drawn toward coil 12, and the N pole portion of the Z1 side of magnet 15 moves away from coil 12, causing the vibrating body VB (magnet 15) to... Figure 7As indicated by the arrow AR1 at the top, it moves towards the Y1 side (left side).

[0075] Conversely, when current flows from the first end 12S of coil 12 towards the second end 12E, coil 12 generates a magnetic field with the Z1 side as the N pole and the Z2 side as the S pole. As a result, the N pole portion of the Z1 side of magnet 15 is drawn towards coil 12, and the S pole portion of the Z1 side of magnet 15 moves away from coil 12, causing the vibrating body VB (magnet 15) to... Figure 7 As indicated by the lower arrow AR2, it moves towards the Y2 side (right side).

[0076] The control unit CTR can alternately reverse the direction of the magnetic field generated by the coil 12 by alternating the direction of the current flowing through the coil 12, thereby causing the vibrator VB (magnet 15) to vibrate along the Y-axis.

[0077] Next, refer to Figure 8 The movement (deformation) of the left elastic plate 17L and the right elastic plate 17R during the vibration of the vibrating body VB is explained. Figure 8 This is a 3D diagram of leaf spring 17. Specifically, Figure 8 The diagram above shows the state of the leaf spring 17 when no current flows through the coil 12, that is, when the vibrating body VB does not vibrate. Figure 8 The figure below shows the state of leaf spring 17 when the vibrating body VB moves towards the Y2 side (right side).

[0078] like Figure 8 As shown in the figure above, the left elastic plate portion 17L is located between the front fixed plate portion 17F and the vibrating plate portion 17V, and the right elastic plate portion 17R is located between the rear fixed plate portion 17B and the vibrating plate portion 17V.

[0079] When the vibrating body VB is driven by the drive mechanism DM, Figure 8 When moving in the direction indicated by arrow AR3 (not shown in the image), as Figure 8 As shown in the figure below, the left elastic plate 17L and the right elastic plate 17R will flex, which will cause the vibrating body VB to translate in the Y2 direction.

[0080] Conversely, when the vibrating body VB is moved in the opposite direction (Y1 direction) to the direction indicated by arrow AR3 (Y2 direction) by the drive mechanism DM, the left elastic plate 17L and the right elastic plate 17R will move in the same direction as indicated by arrow AR3. Figure 8 The deflection shown in the figure below, which is in the opposite direction to the deflection, can cause the vibrating body VB to translate in the Y1 direction.

[0081] In the example shown, the leaf spring 17 is configured to have the greatest deflection at the left connecting portion 17LC and the right connecting portion 17RC, but it can also be configured to have the greatest deflection at the left outer plate portion 17LF and the right outer plate portion 17RF, or it can be configured to have the greatest deflection at the left inner plate portion 17LV and the right inner plate portion 17RV.

[0082] Here we refer again Figure 3 The lower yoke 16 will be described in detail below. The lower yoke 16 has a bottom wall portion BP, a right side wall portion RW, and a left side wall portion LW. Specifically, a left side wall portion LW extending in the Z1 direction is formed at the Y1 side end of the bottom wall portion BP, and a right side wall portion RW extending in the Z1 direction is formed at the Y2 side end of the bottom wall portion BP. Furthermore, a protrusion PR is formed at the upper end of both the left side wall portion LW and the right side wall portion RW so as to engage with the recess RC formed on the upper yoke 10. Figure 6 The figure above shows the engagement of the recess RC formed on the upper yoke 10 with the protrusion PR on the lower yoke 16.

[0083] When assembling the vibrator VB, a magnet 15 is mounted on the bottom wall portion BP of the lower yoke 16, and the protrusion PR of the lower yoke 16 engages with the concave portion RC of the upper yoke 10. Thus, in this embodiment, to facilitate the assembly of the vibrator VB, the lower yoke 16 surrounding the magnet 15 and the upper yoke 10 are treated as separate components. Furthermore, the magnet 15 is fixed to the bottom wall portion BP of the lower yoke 16 by its magnetic force, but it can also be fixed to the bottom wall portion BP by welding or the like.

[0084] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown in the figure above, the Z2 side surface of magnet 15 is joined to the Z1 side surface of lower yoke 16. Furthermore, in the space surrounded by upper yoke 10 and lower yoke 16, as... Figure 6 As shown in the figure below, a coil 12 is provided at a position closer to the Z1 side than the magnet 15, which is fixed to the bracket 11 in a non-contact state with the magnet 15.

[0085] The bracket 11 is connected by a connecting portion 11A (see reference 11A) provided on the bracket 11. Figure 6 (See the diagram below) and the support portion 2P provided on the housing 2 (refer to the diagram below) Figure 5The upper right portion (see figure above) is engaged with the housing 2 and installed. Specifically, the connecting portion 11A includes a first connecting portion 11A1 to a fourth connecting portion 11A4. Furthermore, the support portion 2P includes a first support portion 2P1 to a fourth support portion 2P4. The first connecting portion 11A1 engages with the first support portion 2P1 provided on the first side plate portion 2A1 constituting the outer peripheral wall portion 2A of the housing 2, and the second connecting portion 11A2 engages with the second support portion 2P2 provided on the first side plate portion 2A1. Similarly, the third connecting portion 11A3 engages with the third support portion 2P3 provided on the third side plate portion 2A3 constituting the outer peripheral wall portion 2A of the housing 2, and the fourth connecting portion 11A4 engages with the fourth support portion 2P4 provided on the third side plate portion 2A3.

[0086] Next, refer to Figure 9 The magnetic force generated by magnet 15 will be explained. Figure 9 This is the front view of the vibrating body VB. Specifically, Figure 9 This refers to the vibrating body VB, which consists of an upper yoke 10, a magnet 15, and a lower yoke 16, and the coil 12 disposed inside the space surrounded by the upper yoke 10 and the lower yoke 16. The magnet 15 is as follows: Figure 9 The dashed lines represent the magnetic field lines MF, which generate magnetic force. Figure 9 In the example shown, the magnetic field lines MF include the first magnetic field line MF1 to the fourth magnetic field line MF4.

[0087] Specifically, on the Y1 side of magnet 15, a first magnetic field line MF1 emerges from the N pole portion on the Z1 side, passes through the space between the N pole portion on the Y1 side of magnet 15 and the upper yoke 10, the upper yoke 10, and the left side wall portion LW and bottom wall portion BP of the lower yoke 16, and enters the S pole portion on the Z2 side of magnet 15. Furthermore, on the Y2 side of magnet 15, a second magnetic field line MF2 emerges from the N pole portion on the Z2 side, passes through the bottom wall portion BP and right side wall portion RW of the lower yoke 16, the upper yoke 10, and the space between the upper yoke 10 and the S pole portion on the Z1 side of magnet 15, and enters the S pole portion on the Z1 side of magnet 15. Additionally, on the Z1 side of magnet 15, a third magnetic field line MF3 emerges from the N pole portion on the Z1 side of magnet 15 and enters the S pole portion on the Z1 side of magnet 15. Furthermore, on the Z2 side of magnet 15, the fourth magnetic field line MF4 emerges from the N pole portion of magnet 15 on the Z2 side and enters the S pole portion of magnet 15 on the Z2 side.

[0088] Therefore, in the space surrounded by the upper yoke 10 and the lower yoke 16, the magnetic lines of force are concentrated in the part of the space between the upper yoke 10 and the magnet 15, and the magnetic flux density becomes high. The coil 12 is disposed in this part of the space. Therefore, by flowing current between the first end 12S and the second end 12E of the coil 12, the vibrating body VB can be made to vibrate efficiently along the Y-axis direction.

[0089] For example, when current flows from the first end 12S of coil 12 toward the second end 12E, the vibrator VB moves toward the Y2 side (right side). Furthermore, when current flows from the second end 12E of coil 12 toward the first end 12S, the vibrator VB moves toward the Y1 side (left side). Therefore, the control unit CTR can make the vibrator VB vibrate along the vibration axis VA by alternately reversing the direction of the current flowing through coil 12. Additionally, since the bracket 11 on which coil 12 is mounted (in...) Figure 9 (Not shown in the figure) is fixed to the housing 2, but not to the vibrating body VB. Therefore, the bracket 11 and the coil 12 will not vibrate together with the vibrating body VB.

[0090] Next, refer to Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12A as well as Figure 12B The positional relationship between each component constituting the vibration generating device 101 and the center of gravity CG of the vibrating body VB is explained. Figure 10 This is a top view of the components constituting the vibration generating device 101, comprising four views from the topmost first view to the bottommost fourth view. The first to fourth views show the components installed in sequence. For Figure 11 Similarly, in the example shown, the vibration axis VA of the vibrating body VB passes through the center of gravity CG. Additionally, Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 In order to make it clear, the newly installed components are marked with dotted patterns from the first to the fourth figure.

[0091] Specifically, Figure 10 The first image (the top image) is a top view of shell 2. Figure 10 The second figure (the second figure from the top) is a top view of the housing 2 with the leaf spring 17 installed. Figure 10 The third figure (the third figure from the top) is a top view of the housing 2 with the lower magnetic yoke 16 installed. Figure 10 The fourth figure (the bottom figure) is a top view of the housing 2 on which the magnet 15 is then installed.

[0092] also, Figure 11 The first figure shows the configuration of the coil 12 inside the housing 2. However, Figure 11 In the first diagram, coil 12 is not mounted on any component. Figure 11 The second figure is a top view of the housing 2, which is further equipped with a bracket 11 for holding the coil 12. The coil 12 is mounted on the lower surface of the bracket 11. Figure 11 The third figure is a top view of the housing 2, which is further equipped with the upper magnetic yoke 10 and the circuit board 13. Figure 11 The fourth figure is a top view of the housing 2 with the cover 1 installed.

[0093] Figure 12A as well as Figure 12B This is a cross-sectional view of the vibration generating device 101. Specifically, Figure 12A As shown by the arrow, when viewed from the X1 side, it includes... Figure 11 The fourth figure is a cross-sectional view of the vibration generating device 101 on a plane parallel to the YZ plane, with a single-dotted line (cut-off line XIIA-XIIA). Figure 12B As shown by the arrow, when viewed from the Y1 side, it includes... Figure 11 The fourth figure shows a cross-sectional view of the vibration generating device 101 on a plane parallel to the XZ plane, marked by the double-dotted line (cut-off line XIIB-XIIB). Additionally, Figure 12A as well as Figure 12B For clarity, the housing 2 is marked with a sparser dot pattern, while the leaf spring 17 is marked with a denser dot pattern. Furthermore, Figure 12A as well as Figure 12B For clarity, the circuit board 13 and the wires 14 are omitted from the illustration.

[0094] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12A as well as Figure 12B As shown, the vibrating body VB is configured such that the center of gravity CG is located on the vibration axis VA.

[0095] In this embodiment, the vibrating body VB is mounted on the housing 2 via the leaf spring 17 and the raised portion 2G such that its center of gravity CG is located at the center point of the magnet 15 and the vibrating shaft VA extends through the center point of the magnet 15 and parallel to the Y-axis.

[0096] Furthermore, the vibration generating device 101 is configured such that its center of gravity is located at the center of gravity CG of the vibrating body VB.

[0097] Next, refer to Figure 13 An example of the configuration of the vibration device VE will be explained. Figure 13 This is a functional block diagram of the vibration device VE. Figure 13 In the example shown, the control unit CTR includes a control circuit 50, a memory 51, and a waveform generation circuit 52. The control unit CTR may also include a signal amplification circuit, a digital-to-analog conversion circuit, and an analog-to-digital conversion circuit, depending on the requirements.

[0098] The control circuit 50 is configured to control the operation of the vibration generating device 101. Figure 13 In the example shown, the control circuit 50 is configured to refer to the information stored in the memory 51 to start or stop the waveform generation circuit 52 from generating a waveform.

[0099] The control circuit 50 can also be configured to operate according to control commands from an external device ED, such as a computer, located outside the vibration device VE. Furthermore, the external device ED can be a push-button switch or the like. Additionally, the external device ED and the control circuit 50 can be connected via wired or wireless connection.

[0100] The memory 51 is configured to store information used when the vibration generating device 101 vibrates. Figure 13 In the example shown, memory 51 is non-volatile memory. However, memory 51 could also be volatile memory.

[0101] The information stored in memory 51 may, for example, include information related to the voltage signal generated by waveform generation circuit 52. Specifically, the information stored in memory 51 may also include information related to the voltage signal generated by waveform generation circuit 52. The information related to the voltage signal may, for example, include the frequency and amplitude of the voltage signal.

[0102] The waveform generation circuit 52 is configured to generate a voltage signal output relative to the coil 12 of the vibration generating device 101. Figure 13 In the example shown, the waveform generation circuit 52 is configured to start the output of the voltage signal when it receives a start command from the control circuit 50, and to stop the output of the voltage signal when it receives a stop command from the control circuit 50.

[0103] also, Figure 13 In the example shown, the control unit CTR is configured to control one vibration generating device 101, but it can also be configured to control two or more vibration generating devices 101.

[0104] Next, refer to Figure 14A as well as Figure 14B The leaf spring 17, which serves as an elastic support component ES, will be described in detail. Figure 14A This is a left-side view of the leaf spring 17 when the vibration generating device 101 is in its initial state. Figure 14B This is a top view of the leaf spring 17 when the vibration generating device 101 is in its initial state. The initial state of the vibration generating device 101 means the state of the vibration generating device 101 when the vibrating body VB is stationary, that is, when no power is supplied to the coil 12.

[0105] As described above, the leaf spring 17 is made of a non-magnetic material such as stainless steel, and has a rear fixed plate portion 17B, a front fixed plate portion 17F, a left elastic plate portion 17L, a right elastic plate portion 17R, and a vibrating plate portion 17V.

[0106] The left elastic plate portion 17L includes: a left inner plate portion 17LV, which extends upward from the left end of the vibrating plate portion 17V via a fold FL1 formed at the left end of the vibrating plate portion 17V in the front-rear direction; a left outer plate portion 17LF, which extends upward from one end (left end) of the front fixed plate portion 17F via a fold FL2 formed at one end (left end) of the front fixed plate portion 17F; and a left connecting portion 17LC, which connects the left inner plate portion 17LV and the left outer plate portion 17LF.

[0107] The right elastic plate portion 17R includes: a right inner plate portion 17RV, which extends upward from the right end of the vibrating plate portion 17V via a crease FR1 formed at the right end of the vibrating plate portion 17V in the front-back direction; a right outer plate portion 17RF, which extends upward from one end (right end) of the rear fixing plate portion 17B via a crease FR2 formed at one end (right end) of the rear fixing plate portion 17B; and a right connecting portion 17RC, which connects the right inner plate portion 17RV and the right outer plate portion 17RF.

[0108] And, as Figure 14B As shown, the left elastic plate portion 17L is configured such that the outer surfaces (left side faces) of the left inner plate portion 17LV, the left outer plate portion 17LF, and the left connecting portion 17LC are located on the same plane, and the right elastic plate portion 17R is configured such that the outer surfaces (right side faces) of the right inner plate portion 17RV, the right outer plate portion 17RF, and the right connecting portion 17RC are located on the same plane.

[0109] Figure 14A In the example shown, the left inner plate portion 17LV has a left extension portion OHL and a left base portion BPL that extend further rearward than the rear end (the end on the X2 side) of the vibrating plate portion 17V, and the right inner plate portion 17RV has a right extension portion OHR and a right base portion BPR that extend further forward than the front end (the end on the X1 side) of the vibrating plate portion 17V. Figure 14A In order to make it clearer, leaf spring 17 is marked with a sparser dot pattern, while the left extension OHL and the right extension OHR are marked with a denser dot pattern.

[0110] Specifically, the left extension OHL is configured to extend further rearward by an extension amount PT1 than the rear end (the end on the X2 side) of the vibrating plate portion 17V. Figure 14A In the example shown, the rear end (X2 side end) of the left extension OHL is configured to be located further forward than the rear end (X2 side end) of the right outer side plate 17RF. However, the rear end (X2 side end) of the left extension OHL may also be configured to coincide with the rear end (X2 side end) of the right outer side plate 17RF when viewed from the left, or it may be configured to be located further rearward than the rear end (X2 side end) of the right outer side plate 17RF.

[0111] Similarly, the right extension OHR is configured to extend forward by an extension amount PT2 beyond the front end (the end on the X1 side) of the vibrating plate portion 17V. Figure 14A In the example shown, the front end (X1 side end) of the right extension OHR is configured to be located further rearward than the front end (X1 side end) of the left outer side plate 17LF. However, the front end (X1 side end) of the right extension OHR may also be configured to coincide with the front end (X1 side end) of the left outer side plate 17LF when viewed from the left, or it may be configured to be located further forward than the front end (X1 side end) of the left outer side plate 17LF.

[0112] Figure 14A In the example shown, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that the extension amount PT1 of the left extension OHL and the extension amount PT2 of the right extension OHR are the same. However, the leaf spring 17 may also be configured such that the extension amount PT1 of the left extension OHL and the extension amount PT2 of the right extension OHR are different from each other.

[0113] like Figure 5 As shown in the figure below, when the leaf spring 17 is fixed to the base plate portion 2B of the housing 2, a gap GP1 is formed between the upper surface of the base plate portion 2B and the lower surface of the vibrating plate portion 17V. Furthermore, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that a gap GP2 is formed between the lower surface of the front fixing plate portion 17F, which is fixed to the upper surface of the left front bulge 2GLF formed on the base plate portion 2B of the housing 2, and the upper surface of the base plate portion 2B. Additionally, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that a gap GP3 is formed between the lower surface of the rear fixing plate portion 17B, which is fixed to the upper surface of the left rear bulge 2GLB formed on the base plate portion 2B of the housing 2, and the upper surface of the base plate portion 2B. Moreover, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that gap GP1 is larger than both gap GP2 and gap GP3. In the example shown, the housing 2 is configured such that the left front bulge 2GLF, right front bulge 2GRF, left rear bulge 2GLB, and right rear bulge 2GRB each have the same bulge amount. That is, the housing 2 is configured such that the spacers GP2 and GP3 are the same.

[0114] In addition, such as Figure 14A As shown, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that a gap GP4 larger than the thickness of the leaf spring 17 is formed between the lower surface of the vibrating plate portion 17V and the lower surfaces of the rear fixed plate portion 17B and the front fixed plate portion 17F, respectively.

[0115] Furthermore, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that the distance (height) between the lower surface of the vibrating plate portion 17V and the upper end of the left base portion BPL, and the distance (height) between the lower surface of the vibrating plate portion 17V and the upper end of the right base portion BPR are both the same height HT1.

[0116] Furthermore, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that the distance (height) between the lower surface of the front fixed plate portion 17F and the upper end of the left outer plate portion 17LF, and the distance (height) between the lower surface of the rear fixed plate portion 17B and the upper end of the right outer plate portion 17RF, are both the same height HT2.

[0117] Furthermore, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that the distance (height) between the upper and lower ends of the central portion of the left connecting part 17LC and the distance (height) between the upper and lower ends of the central portion of the right connecting part 17RC are both the same height HT3.

[0118] Furthermore, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that the distance (height) between the upper and lower ends of the left extension OHL and the distance (height) between the upper and lower ends of the right extension OHR are both the same height HT4.

[0119] In addition, such as Figure 14B As shown, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that the depth DP1 of the front fixed plate portion 17F in the front-rear direction (X-axis) is smaller than the depth DP2 of the vibrating plate portion 17V, and the depth DP3 of the rear fixed plate portion 17B in the front-rear direction (X-axis) is smaller than the depth DP2 of the vibrating plate portion 17V. In the example shown, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that depths DP1 and DP3 are the same. However, the leaf spring 17 may also be configured such that depths DP1 and DP3 are different from each other. Furthermore, the leaf spring 17 may also be configured such that at least one of depths DP1 and DP3 is greater than depth DP2.

[0120] In addition, such as Figure 14B As shown, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that a spacer GP5 is formed between the front fixed plate portion 17F and the vibrating plate portion 17V in the front-to-back direction (X-axis), and a spacer GP6 is formed between the rear fixed plate portion 17B and the vibrating plate portion 17V. In the example shown, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that spacers GP5 and GP6 are the same. However, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that spacers GP5 and GP6 are different from each other. Furthermore, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that, when viewed from above, at least one of the vibrating plate portion 17V and the rear fixed plate portion 17B and the front fixed plate portion 17F overlaps in a non-contact state.

[0121] In addition, such as Figure 14B As shown, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that the width W1 of the front fixed plate portion 17F in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) is smaller than the width W2 of the vibrating plate portion 17V, and the width W3 of the rear fixed plate portion 17B in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) is smaller than the width W2 of the vibrating plate portion 17V. Specifically, as... Figure 14BAs shown, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that the front fixed plate portion 17F extends beyond the dashed line L1 and to the right, and the rear fixed plate portion 17B extends beyond the dashed line L1 and to the left. The dashed line L1 is a line passing through the center point CP of the leaf spring 17 and parallel to the X-axis. In the example shown, the leaf spring 17 is configured with the same width W1 and width W3. However, the leaf spring 17 can also be configured with different widths W1 and W3.

[0122] In addition, such as Figure 14B As shown, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that a spacer GP7 is formed between the dashed line L2 and the front fixed plate portion 17F, and a spacer GP8 is formed between the dashed line L2 and the rear fixed plate portion 17B. The dashed line L2 is a line parallel to the Y-axis passing through the center point CP of the leaf spring 17. In the example shown, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that spacers GP7 and GP8 are the same. However, the leaf spring 17 can also be configured such that spacers GP7 and GP8 are different from each other.

[0123] The natural frequency of the vibrating part VP can be adjusted to any value by changing the thickness TK, protrusion PT1, protrusion PT2, height HT1 to height HT4, spacing GP1 to GP8, and width W1 to width W3 respectively.

[0124] In addition, in the example shown, the leaf spring 17 is formed as follows: Figure 14B When viewed from above as shown, it is rotationally symmetric twice about the center point CP. However, the leaf spring 17 can also be configured to be non-rotationally symmetric about the center point CP.

[0125] Furthermore, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that the left elastic plate portion 17L and the right elastic plate portion 17R are each perpendicular to the rear fixed plate portion 17B, the front fixed plate portion 17F, and the vibrating plate portion 17V. However, the leaf spring 17 may also be configured such that at least one of the left elastic plate portion 17L and the right elastic plate portion 17R is not perpendicular to the rear fixed plate portion 17B, the front fixed plate portion 17F, and the vibrating plate portion 17V. For example, the leaf spring 17 may also be configured such that at least one of the left elastic plate portion 17L and the right elastic plate portion 17R extends obliquely upward relative to the rear fixed plate portion 17B, the front fixed plate portion 17F, and the vibrating plate portion 17V.

[0126] As mentioned above, for example, Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, a vibration generating device 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a frame HS, a vibrating body VB housed in the frame HS, an elastic support member ES fixed to the frame HS and supporting the vibrating body VB to be able to vibrate, and a drive mechanism DM that imparts vibration force to the vibrating body VB.

[0127] Furthermore, the leaf spring 17, which serves as the elastic support member ES, includes: a vibrating plate portion 17V supporting the vibrating body VB; a front fixed plate portion 17F, positioned further forward (X1 side) than the vibrating plate portion 17V and fixed to the frame HS; a rear fixed plate portion 17B, positioned further rearward (X2 side) than the vibrating plate portion 17V and fixed to the frame HS; a left elastic plate portion 17L, a first elastic plate portion in the shape of a flat plate connecting one end (Y1 side end) of the vibrating plate portion 17V to the front fixed plate portion 17F; and a right elastic plate portion 17R, a second elastic plate portion in the shape of a flat plate connecting the other end (Y2 side end) of the vibrating plate portion 17V to the rear fixed plate portion 17B. Additionally, the left elastic plate portion 17L, which is the first elastic plate portion, is separated from the rear fixed plate portion 17B, and the right elastic plate portion 17R, which is the second elastic plate portion, is separated from the front fixed plate portion 17F. That is, the left elastic plate portion 17L is not directly connected to the rear fixed plate portion 17B, and the right elastic plate portion 17R is not directly connected to the front fixed plate portion 17F.

[0128] This configuration achieves the effect of sufficiently ensuring the amplitude of the vibrator VB in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) while suppressing the vibration of the vibrator VB in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). One end of the vibrating plate portion 17V is fixed to the frame HS (bottom plate portion 2B of the housing 2) at a position further forward than the vibrating plate portion 17V via the left elastic plate portion 17L and the front fixed plate portion 17F, and the other end of the vibrating plate portion 17V is fixed to the frame HS (bottom plate portion 2B of the housing 2) at a position further rear than the vibrating plate portion 17V via the right elastic plate portion 17R and the rear fixed plate portion 17B. In other words, because one end of the vibrating plate portion 17V is not directly connected to the rear fixed plate portion 17B, the other end of the vibrating plate portion 17V is not directly connected to the front fixed plate portion 17F.

[0129] Here, refer to Figure 15 The effect of leaf spring 17 will be explained. Figure 15 This diagram illustrates the differences between the leaf spring 17 of the embodiment of the present invention and the leaf springs 27 and 37 as comparative examples. Specifically, Figure 15 The upper part is a schematic perspective view of the leaf spring 17 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 The middle section is a schematic perspective view of leaf spring 27, which serves as a comparative example. Figure 15The lower part is a schematic perspective view of leaf spring 37, which serves as another comparative example. Furthermore, the rear fixed plate portion 27B, front fixed plate portion 27F, left elastic plate portion 27L, right elastic plate portion 27R, and vibrating plate portion 27V of leaf spring 27 correspond to the rear fixed plate portion 17B, front fixed plate portion 17F, left elastic plate portion 17L, right elastic plate portion 17R, and vibrating plate portion 17V of leaf spring 17, respectively. Similarly, the front fixed plate portion 37F, left elastic plate portion 37L, right elastic plate portion 37R, and vibrating plate portion 37V of leaf spring 37 correspond to the front fixed plate portion 17F, left elastic plate portion 17L, right elastic plate portion 17R, and vibrating plate portion 17V of leaf spring 17, respectively.

[0130] Figure 15 The welding parts WD1, WD2, WD11 to WD14, WD21 and WD22 in the text refer to the parts that are welded between the leaf spring and the bottom plate 2B of the housing 2.

[0131] The main difference between leaf spring 27 and leaf spring 17 is that the left elastic plate portion 27L is connected not only to the front fixed plate portion 27F, but also to the rear fixed plate portion 27B, and the right elastic plate portion 27R is connected not only to the rear fixed plate portion 27B, but also to the front fixed plate portion 27F.

[0132] That is, the leaf spring 27 is configured such that one end of the vibrating plate portion 27V is fixed to the base plate portion 2B at a position further forward than the vibrating plate portion 27V via the left elastic plate portion 27L and the front fixed plate portion 27F, and one end of the vibrating plate portion 27V is fixed to the base plate portion 2B at a position further rear than the vibrating plate portion 27V via the left elastic plate portion 27L and the rear fixed plate portion 27B, and the other end of the vibrating plate portion 27V is fixed to the base plate portion 2B at a position further forward than the vibrating plate portion 27V via the right elastic plate portion 27R and the front fixed plate portion 27F, and the other end of the vibrating plate portion 27V is fixed to the base plate portion 2B at a position further rear than the vibrating plate portion 27V via the right elastic plate portion 27R and the rear fixed plate portion 27B.

[0133] Therefore, compared with the vibration generating device 101 including the leaf spring 17, the vibration generating device including the leaf spring 27 has the potential to have excessively large spring stiffness and excessively small amplitude of the vibrating body VB in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). This is because the characteristics of suppressing the vibration of the vibrating plate portion 37V in the left-right direction are strengthened in the leaf spring 27 compared with the leaf spring 17.

[0134] Furthermore, the main difference between leaf spring 37 and leaf spring 17 is that leaf spring 37 does not have a rear fixing plate portion. Specifically, the main difference between leaf spring 37 and leaf spring 17 is that the right elastic plate portion 37R is not connected to the rear fixing plate portion, but is connected to the front fixing plate portion 37F.

[0135] That is, the leaf spring 37 is configured such that one end of the vibrating plate portion 17V is fixed to the base plate portion 2B at a position further forward than the vibrating plate portion 37V via the left elastic plate portion 37L and the front fixed plate portion 37F, and the other end of the vibrating plate portion 37V is also fixed to the base plate portion 2B at a position further forward than the vibrating plate portion 37V via the right elastic plate portion 37R and the front fixed plate portion 37F.

[0136] Therefore, the vibration generating device including leaf spring 37 has a risk of excessively reduced spring stiffness compared to the vibration generating device 101 including leaf spring 17, causing the vibrating body VB to vibrate excessively in the vertical direction (Z-axis). This is because leaf spring 37 is only fixed to the base plate 2B in front of the vibrating plate portion 37V, and is not fixed to the base plate 2B behind the vibrating plate portion 37V. That is, the characteristic of leaf spring 37 in suppressing the vibration of the vibrating plate portion 37V in the vertical direction is limited compared to leaf spring 17.

[0137] Furthermore, in the vibration generating device 101 of the embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the left elastic plate portion 17L may also have: a left inner plate portion 17LV, which extends upward (in the Z1 direction) from the left end (Y1 side end) of the vibrating plate portion 17V via a crease FL1 formed on the left end (Y1 side end) along the front-rear direction (X-axis); a left outer plate portion 17LF, which extends upward (in the Z1 direction) from one end (Y1 side end) of the front fixed plate portion 17F via a crease FL2 formed on one end (Y1 side end) of the front fixed plate portion 17F; and a left connecting portion 17LC, connecting the left inner plate portion 17LV and the left outer plate portion 17LF. Similarly, as Figure 3 As shown, the right elastic plate portion 17R may also have: a right inner plate portion 17RV, which extends upward (in the Z1 direction) from the right end (Y2 side end) of the vibrating plate portion 17V via a crease FR1 formed on the right end (Y2 side end) along the front-rear direction (X axis); a right outer plate portion 17RF, which extends upward (in the Z1 direction) from one end (Y2 side end) of the rear fixing plate portion 17B via a crease FR2 formed on one end (Y2 side end) of the rear fixing plate portion 17B; and a right connecting portion 17RC, which connects the right inner plate portion 17RV and the right outer plate portion 17RF.

[0138] This configuration facilitates the formation of the elastic support member ES. This is because the leaf spring 17, which is the elastic support member ES, can be formed, for example, by perforating and bending a single sheet of metal made of non-magnetic stainless steel or the like.

[0139] like Figure 14AAs shown, the left inner plate portion 17LV of the left elastic plate portion 17L may also have a left extension portion OHL that extends rearward (in the X2 direction) beyond the vibrating plate portion 17V. Similarly, the right inner plate portion 17RV of the right elastic plate portion 17R may also have a right extension portion OHR that extends forward (in the X1 direction) beyond the vibrating plate portion 17V.

[0140] This configuration facilitates the adjustment of the spring constant of the elastic support component ES. This is because it makes it easier to adjust the lengths of the left connecting part 17LC and the right connecting part 17RC in the front-rear direction (X-axis).

[0141] In the example shown, the vibration generating device 101 is configured such that the left elastic plate portion 17L connects the left end (Y1 side end) of the vibrating plate portion 17V to the left end (Y1 side end) of the front fixed plate portion 17F, and the right elastic plate portion 17R connects the right end (Y2 side end) of the vibrating plate portion 17V to the right end (Y2 side end) of the rear fixed plate portion 17B. However, the vibration generating device 101 may also be configured such that the left elastic plate portion 17L connects the left end (Y1 side end) of the vibrating plate portion 17V to the left end (Y1 side end) of the rear fixed plate portion 17B, and the right elastic plate portion 17R connects the right end (Y2 side end) of the vibrating plate portion 17V to the right end (Y2 side end) of the front fixed plate portion 17F. In this case, the left extension OHL can also be configured to extend further forward (in the X1 direction) than the vibrating plate portion 17V, and the right extension OHR can also be configured to extend further backward (in the X2 direction) than the vibrating plate portion 17V.

[0142] like Figure 5 As shown, the vibration generating device 101 can also be configured such that the distance GP1 between the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 2B of the frame HS (shell 2) and the lower surface of the vibrating plate portion 17V is larger than the distance GP2 between the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 2B of the frame HS (shell 2) and the lower surface of the front fixing plate portion 17F, and is also larger than the distance GP3 between the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 2B of the frame HS (shell 2) and the lower surface of the rear fixing plate portion 17B.

[0143] This configuration results in the ability to suppress or prevent contact between the lower magnetic yoke 16 and the rear fixing plate portion 17B. In particular, as... Figure 12B As shown, in the configuration where the rear end (the end on the X2 side) of the lower magnetic yoke 16 protrudes further rearward than the rear end (the end on the X2 side) of the vibrating plate portion 17V, it also provides the effect of suppressing or preventing contact between the lower magnetic yoke 16 and the rear fixing plate portion 17B. Therefore, this configuration provides the effect of suppressing or preventing the generation of noise caused by contact between the lower magnetic yoke 16 and the rear fixing plate portion 17B.

[0144] Furthermore, this configuration provides the effect of suppressing or preventing contact between the vibrating plate portion 17V and the bottom plate portion 2B of the housing 2. Therefore, this configuration provides the effect of suppressing or preventing the generation of noise caused by contact between the vibrating plate portion 17V and the bottom plate portion 2B of the housing 2.

[0145] Furthermore, the first elastic plate portion can also be configured to include multiple parts, with the surfaces of each of these multiple parts lying on the same plane. Similarly, the second elastic plate portion can also be configured to include multiple parts, with the surfaces of each of these multiple parts lying on the same plane. Specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, the left elastic plate portion 17L, which is the first elastic plate portion, can also be configured to include a left inner plate portion 17LV, a left outer plate portion 17LF, and a left connecting portion 17LC. The surfaces of the left inner plate portion 17LV, the left outer plate portion 17LF, and the left connecting portion 17LC are as follows: Figure 14B The figures shown are located on the same plane. Similarly, as... Figure 3 As shown, the right elastic plate portion 17R, which is the second elastic plate portion, can also be configured to include a right inner plate portion 17RV, a right outer plate portion 17RF, and a right connecting portion 17RC. The surfaces of the right inner plate portion 17RV, the right outer plate portion 17RF, and the right connecting portion 17RC are as follows: Figure 14B The figures shown are located on the same plane.

[0146] This configuration results in a reduction in the width of the vibration generating device 101 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). This is because the width of the space occupied by the left elastic plate portion 17L and the right elastic plate portion 17R in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) is proportional to the thickness TK of the leaf spring 17 (refer to...). Figure 14A They are roughly the same.

[0147] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments can be applied to various modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the various features described with reference to the above embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as they are not technically contradictory.

[0148] For example, in the above embodiment, magnet 15 is used as a component of vibrating body VB, and coil 12 is used as a component of non-vibrating body NV. However, magnet 15 can also be used as a component of non-vibrating body NV, and coil 12 can be used as a component of vibrating body VB. That is, the vibration generating device 101 can, for example, have coil 12 vibrating together with upper yoke 10 and lower yoke 16, and magnet 15 fixed to bracket 11.

[0149] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, such as Figure 14BAs shown, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that the front fixed plate portion 17F and the rear fixed plate portion 17B are located between the left elastic plate portion 17L and the right elastic plate portion 17R when viewed from above. However, the leaf spring 17 can also be configured as follows: Figure 16 As shown in the upper part.

[0150] Figure 16 This is a top view of another configuration example of leaf spring 17, and... Figure 14B Corresponding. Specifically, Figure 16 The upper part is a top view of leaf spring 17a, another configuration example of leaf spring 17.

[0151] More specifically, Figure 16 The difference between the leaf spring 17a shown above and the leaf spring 17 is that, as an example of the front fixed plate portion 17F, the front fixed plate portion 17F1 is located further to the left (Y1 side) than the left elastic plate portion 17L, and as an example of the rear fixed plate portion 17B, the rear fixed plate portion 17B1 is located further to the right (Y2 side) than the right elastic plate portion 17R, but other points are the same as the leaf spring 17.

[0152] Alternatively, the leaf spring 17a can also be configured such that either the front fixed plate portion 17F1 or the rear fixed plate portion 17B1 is located between the left elastic plate portion 17L and the right elastic plate portion 17R.

[0153] In addition, such as Figure 14B As shown, the leaf spring 17 is configured such that the width W1 of the front fixed plate portion 17F and the width W3 of the rear fixed plate portion 17B are each greater than half the width W2 of the vibrating plate portion 17V. However, the leaf spring 17 may also be configured as follows: Figure 16 The middle and lower parts are shown.

[0154] Figure 16 The middle part is a top view of leaf spring 17b, another example of the configuration of leaf spring 17. Figure 16 The lower part is a top view of leaf spring 17c, another example of the configuration of leaf spring 17.

[0155] Figure 16 The leaf spring 17b shown in the middle is configured such that the width W11 of the front fixed plate portion 17F2 (another example of the front fixed plate portion 17F) and the width W12 of the rear fixed plate portion 17B2 (another example of the rear fixed plate portion 17B) are both less than half the width W2 of the vibrating plate portion 17V. In the example shown, the leaf spring 17b is configured with the same width W11 and width W12, but it can also be configured with different widths W11 and W12. Furthermore, the widths W11 and W12 can also be configured to be half the width W2 of the vibrating plate portion 17V.

[0156] Figure 16The leaf spring 17c shown in the lower part is configured as another example of the front fixed plate portion 17F3, where the width W21 of the front fixed plate portion 17F3 is the same as the width W22 of the rear fixed plate portion 17B3, which is also the same as the width W2 of the vibrating plate portion 17V. Alternatively, the leaf spring 17c may be configured such that at least one of the width W21 of the front fixed plate portion 17F3 and the width W22 of the rear fixed plate portion 17B3 is larger than the width W2 of the vibrating plate portion 17V.

[0157] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the rear fixing plate portion 17B and the front fixing plate portion 17F of the leaf spring 17 are fixed to the bottom plate portion 2B of the housing 2. However, the rear fixing plate portion 17B and the front fixing plate portion 17F can also be fixed to the top surface of the cover 1 or the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall portion 2A of the housing 2 by welding or the like.

[0158] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the rear fixing plate portion 17B and the front fixing plate portion 17F of the leaf spring 17 are configured to extend parallel to the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 2B of the housing 2. However, the rear fixing plate portion 17B and the front fixing plate portion 17F may also be configured not to be parallel to the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 2B. For example, the front fixing plate portion 17F may also be configured to extend parallel to the inner surface of the first side plate portion 2A1 of the housing 2, and the rear fixing plate portion 17B may also be configured to extend parallel to the inner surface of the third side plate portion 2A3 of the housing 2.

[0159] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the rear fixing plate portion 17B and the front fixing plate portion 17F of the leaf spring 17 are welded to the upper surface of the raised portion 2G formed in the bottom plate portion 2B of the housing 2. However, if a gap GP4 (see reference) is formed between the lower surface of the vibrating plate portion 17V and the lower surfaces of the rear fixing plate portion 17B and the front fixing plate portion 17F respectively... Figure 14A Alternatively, the raised portion 2G may be omitted. This is because even without the raised portion 2G, the lower surface of the vibrating plate portion 17V can be prevented from contacting the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 2B of the housing 2 by means of the spacing GP4. In this case, the rear fixing plate portion 17B and the front fixing plate portion 17F can also be fixed to the upper surface of the bottom plate portion 2B by welding or the like.

[0160] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0161] 1···Cover 2···Shell 2A···Outer Peripheral Wall 2A1···First Side Plate 2A2···Second Side Plate 2A3···Third Side Plate 2A4···Fourth Side Plate 2B···Bottom Plate 2G···Raised Part 2GLB···Left Rear Raised Part 2GLF···Left Front Raised Part 2GRB···Right Rear Raised Part 2GRF···Right Front Raised Part 2P···Support Part 2P1···First Support Part 2P2···Second Support Part 2P3···Third Support Part 2P4···Fourth Support Part 10···Upper Magnetic Yoke 11···Bracket 11A···Connecting Part 11A1···First Connecting Part Part 11A2... Second connecting part 11A3... Third connecting part 11A4... Fourth connecting part 12... Coil 12E... Second end 12S... First end 13... Circuit board 13L... Left through conductor 13R... Right through conductor 14... Wire 14E... One end 14L... Left wire 14R... Right wire 14S... One end 15... Magnet 16... Lower yoke 17, 27, 37... Leaf springs 17B, 17B1~17B3, 27B... Rear fixing plate 17F, 17F1~17F3, 27F, 37F... • Front fixed plate section 17L, 27L, 37L • Left elastic plate section 17LC • Left connecting section 17LF • Left outer side plate section 17LV • Left inner side plate section 17R, 27R, 37R • Right elastic plate section 17RC • Right connecting section 17RF • Right outer side plate section 17RV • Right inner side plate section 17V • Vibration plate section 50 • Control circuit 51 • Memory 52 • Waveform generation circuit 101 • Vibration generating device BP • Bottom wall section CG • Center of gravity CN • Connector CTR • Control section DM • Drive mechanism ED • External device E S···Elastic support components FL1, FL2, FR1, FR2···Fold HS···Frame LW···Left side wall MF···Magnetic lines MF1···First magnetic line MF2···Second magnetic line MF3···Third magnetic line MF4···Fourth magnetic line NV···Non-vibrating body OHL···Left extension OHR···Right extension PR···Protrusion RC···Concave part RW···Right side wall VA···Vibration shaft VB···Vibrating body VE···Vibration device VP···Vibration parts WD1, WD2, WD11~WD14, WD21, WD22···Welded parts.

Claims

1. A vibration generating device, characterized in that, have: Frame; The vibrating body is housed within the frame. An elastic support component is fixed to the frame and supports the vibrator so that it can vibrate; and The drive mechanism imparts a vibrational force to the vibrating body. The elastic support component has: The vibrating plate section supports the vibrating body; The front fixing plate is positioned further forward than the vibrating plate and is fixed to the frame. The rear fixing plate is positioned further rearward than the vibrating plate and is fixed to the frame. A flat, first elastic plate portion is connected to the front fixed plate portion at its left end, which serves as the vibrating plate portion; and The flat, second elastic plate portion is connected to the rear fixed plate portion at its right end, which serves as the vibrating plate portion. The first elastic plate portion has: The left inner side plate extends upward from the left end of the vibrating plate portion via a crease formed at the left end of the vibrating plate portion in the front-back direction; The left outer side plate extends upward from one end of the front fixing plate via a crease formed at one end in the front-to-back direction; and The left connecting portion connects the left inner side plate portion and the left outer side plate portion. The first elastic plate portion is configured such that the left inner plate portion, the left outer plate portion, and the left connecting portion are located on the same plane. The second elastic plate portion has: The right inner side plate extends upward from the right end of the vibrating plate portion via a crease formed at the right end of the vibrating plate portion in the front-back direction; The right outer side plate extends upward from one end of the rear fixing plate via a crease formed at one end of the rear fixing plate in the front-back direction; as well as The right connecting portion connects the right inner side plate portion and the right outer side plate portion. The second elastic plate portion is configured such that the right inner plate portion, the right outer plate portion, and the right connecting portion are located on the same plane. The first elastic plate portion is separated from the rear fixed plate portion, and the second elastic plate portion is separated from the front fixed plate portion.

2. The vibration generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The left inner plate portion has a left extension portion that extends forward and backward compared to the vibrating plate portion. The right inner plate portion has a right extension portion that extends forward and backward compared to the vibrating plate portion.

3. The vibration generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distance between the upper surface of the bottom plate of the frame and the lower surface of the vibrating plate is greater than the distance between the upper surface of the bottom plate of the frame and the lower surface of the front fixing plate, and also greater than the distance between the upper surface of the bottom plate of the frame and the lower surface of the rear fixing plate.

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