Vibration actuator and electronic apparatus

Abstract

The vibration actuator includes: a movable laminate including a magnet and a pair of yokes fixed to the front and back surfaces of the magnet and having an opening in the center; a fixed body having a coil and supporting the movable laminate in a state in which the movable laminate is capable of reciprocating vibration in the axial direction on the inside of the coil via a pair of elastic support parts; and a pair of connection parts each provided with a cylindrical member and a shaft member inserted into the cylindrical member and having a flange at the base end, the pair of connection parts respectively sandwiching the pair of elastic support parts together with the flange of the shaft member and the base-end-side end surface of the cylindrical member in a state in which the pair of connection parts are in a state in which the pair of elastic support parts are inserted into the cylindrical member and the base-end-side end surface of the cylindrical member. The movable laminated body is connected to the pair of elastic support parts by means of the shaft member, in a state in which the front end of the shaft member is in contact with the front surface or the back surface of the magnet within the opening of the pair of yokes.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the past, in electronic devices with vibration function, the vibration actuator is driven to transmit vibration to the user so that the user's body can feel the vibration, thereby being able to notify incoming calls or improve the sense of operation and immersion. Electronic devices include, for example: portable game terminals, controllers (game handles) of fixed game consoles, portable communication terminals such as portable phones or smart phones, portable information terminals such as tablet PCs, and portable devices such as wearable terminals installed on clothes or arms.

[0003] As a vibration actuator having a miniaturized structure that can be mounted on a portable device, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, there is known a vibration actuator used in a pager or the like.

[0004] In the vibration actuator, a pair of plate-like elastic bodies are placed opposite to each other and supported by the opening edge of a cylindrical frame. Each of the plate-like elastic bodies is arranged in a manner that one end is fixed to a fixed body and the other end is fixed to a movable body or a part of a movable side. One of the pair of plate-like elastic bodies is spirally shaped and formed so that the outer peripheral portion of one end is arranged at the bottom of the frame and the central portion of the other end is raised from the outer peripheral portion. A yoke with a magnet mounted thereon is fixed to the central portion, and the yoke is supported in the frame.

[0005] The yoke and the magnet together constitute a magnetic field generator, and the coil is arranged in a state of being mounted on another plate-like elastic body within the magnetic field of the magnetic field generator. The coil is a cylindrical body made of enameled wire with resin baked on the surface of the copper wire. It is an air-core coil using a wire called "self-welding wire" and has a small configuration space. The oscillation circuit applies currents of different frequencies to the coil in a switching manner, thereby selectively resonating a pair of plate-like elastic bodies to generate vibrations, and the yoke vibrates in the frame along the center line direction of the frame.

[0006] In the vibration actuator, the distance between the magnet and the coil and between the yoke and the coil is larger than the distance between the yoke and the inner wall of the frame. In this way, when subjected to external impact, the yoke first collides with the inner wall of the frame (soft elastic body), thereby preventing the yoke or the magnet from contacting the coil and causing damage to the coil.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 3748637 Summary of the invention

[0010] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] However, in recent years, with the miniaturization of products equipped with vibration actuators and the narrowing of installation spaces in these products, the miniaturization of vibration actuators themselves has been advancing.

[0012] However, in the structure of the vibration actuator, both the distance between the yoke and the inner wall of the frame and the distance between the magnet and the coil and between the yoke and the coil must be ensured, and the latter distance must be greater than the former distance, so it is difficult to achieve miniaturization.

[0013] In addition, in the conventional vibration actuator, since the movable body is supported by the spiral plate-shaped elastic body on one side in the vibration direction, there is a concern that the movable body may vibrate obliquely with respect to the vibration direction. Therefore, it is desired to vibrate more stably along the vibration direction.

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a vibration actuator and an electronic device that can be made small and thin and can generate vibrations with stable high output.

[0015] Solutions to the problem

[0016] One aspect of the vibration actuator of the present invention adopts the following structure, which has:

[0017] A movable stacked body includes a magnet and a pair of yokes fixed to the front and back surfaces of the magnet and having an opening at the center;

[0018] a fixed body having a coil and supporting the movable stacked body via a pair of elastic support portions inside the coil in a state where the movable stacked body can reciprocate in the axial direction; and

[0019] A pair of connecting parts each includes a cylindrical member and a shaft member, the shaft member being inserted into the cylindrical member and having a flange at a base end,

[0020] The pair of connecting parts connect the movable stack body to the pair of elastic support parts respectively by clamping the pair of elastic support parts respectively by the flange of the shaft part and the base end side end surface of the tubular part in the following state, wherein the front end of the shaft part abuts against the front face or the back face of the magnet in the opening of the pair of magnetic yokes.

[0021] One aspect of the electronic device of the present invention adopts a structure in which the vibration actuator having the above structure is mounted.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size and thickness of the device, and to generate vibration with stable high output. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 It is a longitudinal sectional view of the vibration actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a drive unit with a housing removed in the vibration actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top view of the drive unit is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing a movable body to which an elastic support portion is fixed.

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Exploded three-dimensional diagram.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a top side perspective view of the shaft member of the vibration actuator according to the present embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a bottom side perspective view of the shaft member of the vibration actuator according to the present embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing a first modification of the shaft member.

[0032] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing the coil assembly with the outer yoke removed.

[0033] Fig.10 This is a diagram schematically showing the magnetic circuit structure of the vibration actuator.

[0034] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing the state of relative movement between the coil and the magnet.

[0035] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing the state of relative movement between the coil and the magnet.

[0036] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram showing the components of the entire length of the movable body.

[0037] Fig.14 The figure shows an example of an electronic device in which the vibration actuator is mounted.

[0038] Fig.15 The figure shows an example of an electronic device in which the vibration actuator is mounted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] <Implementation Method 1>

[0041] [Overall structure of vibration actuator]

[0042] Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 1 is a perspective view of a drive unit with the housing removed in the vibration actuator according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top view of the drive unit is shown. Figure 4 is a three-dimensional diagram showing a movable body to which an elastic support portion is fixed, Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Exploded three-dimensional diagram.

[0043] In addition, the "upper" side and the "lower" side in this embodiment are given for the convenience of understanding, and 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 (refer to Fig.14 and Fig.15 When referring to ), up and down can be reversed or left and right.

[0044] The vibration actuator 1 of the first embodiment is installed in a portable game terminal device (for example, Fig.14 The electronic device also includes a portable device such as a smart phone (for example, a game controller GC) and the like, to realize the vibration function of the electronic device. Fig.15 The portable terminal M shown in FIG. 4 ) is installed in each device such as a portable game terminal device or a portable device, and vibrates by being driven to notify the user of an incoming call or to give a user a sense of operation or a sense of being in the scene.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the vibration actuator 1 of this embodiment is in a hollow housing 10, with the axial direction (up and down direction) of the housing 10 as the vibration direction, and a movable body 20 is vibrated between the upper and lower end surfaces. The movable body 20 inside the housing 10 vibrates, so that the vibration actuator 1 itself functions as a vibrating body.

[0046] The vibration actuator 1 includes a movable body 20 having a magnet 30, a pair of yokes 41, 42, and a pair of connecting parts 21, 23, a fixed body 50 having a pair of coils 61, 62, and elastic support parts 81, 82. The movable body 20 is supported by the pair of elastic support parts 81, 82 so as to be reciprocatable relative to the fixed body 50.

[0047] In the vibration actuator 1, the coils 61, 62, the magnet 30, the first yoke 41, the second yoke 42, and the outer yoke 58 together form a magnetic circuit for vibrating the movable body 20. The vibration actuator 1 is powered by a power supply unit (for example, Fig.14 and Fig.15 The drive control unit 203 shown in the figure supplies electricity to the coils 61 and 62, so that the coils 61 and 62 cooperate with the magnet 30, so that the movable body 20 reciprocates in the housing 10 in the vibration direction.

[0048] In the vibration actuator 1 of the present embodiment, the movable body 20 reciprocates in the axial direction of the coils 61, 62, that is, the vibration direction, inside the coils 61, 62 held by the coil bobbin portion 52, through the bobbin body portion (coil protection wall portion) 522 disposed between the coils 61, 62 and the movable body 20. The axial direction of the coils 61, 62 is the vibration direction of the movable body 20, the magnetization direction of the magnet 30, and the axial direction of the coil bobbin portion 52.

[0049] When the movable body 20 is not vibrating (not driven), it is configured with the aid of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 so that the center of the length in the vibration direction and the center of the length in the vibration direction of the coil bobbin part 52 are opposite to each other with a specified interval in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the movable body 20.

[0050] At this time, preferably, the movable body 20 is located at a balanced position between the coils 61 and 62 in a manner that does not contact the bobbin body 522 of the coil bobbin part 52. In the present embodiment, preferably, the center of the length in the vibration direction of the magnet 30 and the first and second yokes 41 and 42 and the center of the length in the vibration direction between the coils 61 and 62 spaced apart from each other are arranged at positions facing each other in a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction. In addition, a magnetic fluid may be interposed between the bobbin body 522 and the movable body 20.

[0051] In this embodiment, if Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the vibration actuator 1 includes a drive unit 13 in a housing 10 including a housing body 11 and a cover 12. The drive unit 13 includes coils 61, 62, a coil bobbin portion 52, a movable body 20, and elastic support portions 81, 82.

[0052] <Movable body 20>

[0053] The movable body 20 is supported on the inner side of the cylindrical coil bobbin portion 52 of the fixed body 50 by elastic support portions 81 and 82 connected to the upper and lower ends so as to be able to reciprocate along the inner side surface of the coil bobbin portion 52 (the inner peripheral surface 522a of the bobbin body portion 522). In other words, the movable body 20 is supported in the vibration actuator 1 so as to be able to reciprocate in the direction opposite to the cover portion 12 and the bottom portion 114. The movable body 20 is disposed at Figure 3 The drive unit 13 is shown.

[0054] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the movable body 20 includes a magnet 30 , a pair of yokes 41 , 42 , and a pair of connecting portions 21 , 23 (cylindrical members 22 , 24 , shaft members 26 , 28 ). In the present embodiment, the movable body 20 includes a magnet 30 at the center thereof.

[0055] In the movable body 20, the first and second yokes 41 and 42 extend toward both sides ( Figure 1 to Figure 5 The magnets 30 and the pair of yokes (the first and second yokes 41 and 42) are stacked in the vertical direction as shown, and the connecting parts 21 and 23 are continuously provided with a pair of yokes (the first and second yokes 42). In addition, the magnets 30 and the pair of yokes (the first and second yokes 41 and 42) constitute a movable stacked body 15 (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0056] In the movable body 20 , the magnet 30 and the outer peripheral surfaces 20 a of the first and second yokes 41 , 42 are located inside the inner peripheral surface 522 a of the bobbin body 522 and face the inner peripheral surface 522 a with a predetermined interval therebetween.

[0057] When the movable body 20 moves in the vibration direction, the outer peripheral surface 20 a reciprocates along the inner peripheral surface 522 a without coming into contact with the inner peripheral surface 522 a .

[0058] <Magnet 30>

[0059] The magnet 30 is magnetized in the vibration direction. In the present embodiment, the magnet 30 is formed in a disk shape, and the front face 30a and the back face 30b spaced apart in the vibration direction have different polarities. The front face 30a and the back face 30b of the magnet 30 are two magnetized faces spaced apart in the extending direction of the axes of the coils 61 and 62.

[0060] The magnet 30 is arranged in a manner that it is located at a position with a gap in the radial direction inside the coils 61 and 62 (details will be described later). Here, "radial direction" refers to a direction orthogonal to the axis of the coils 61 and 62, and also a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction. The "gap" in the radial direction is the gap between the magnet 30 and the coils 61 and 62 including the bobbin body 522, and the gap allows the two to move in the vibration direction of the movable body 20 without contacting each other. That is, in this embodiment, the "gap" refers to a predetermined gap between the bobbin body 522 and the magnet 30.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the magnet 30 is arranged so that its radial outer side is opposite to the center of the bobbin body 522. In addition, the magnet 30 can be arranged inside the coils 61 and 62 so that the two magnetized surfaces are respectively oriented in the extending direction of the axes of the coils 61 and 62, and it can also be a shape other than a disc such as a cylinder or a plate. In addition, preferably, the axial center of the magnet 30 coincides with the axial center of the movable body 20.

[0062] The first and second yokes 41 and 42 are provided on the front surface 30 a and the back surface 30 b of the magnet 30 , respectively.

[0063] <A Pair of Yokes (First Yoke 41 and Second Yoke 42)>

[0064] The first and second yokes 41 and 42 are magnetic bodies and function as yokes, and form a magnetic circuit together with the magnet 30 and the coils 61 and 62. The first and second yokes 41 and 42 form a movable body side magnetic circuit together with the magnet 30. The first and second yokes 41 and 42 concentrate the magnetic flux of the magnet 30, and make it flow efficiently without leakage, so that it is effectively distributed as a magnetic flux flowing between the magnet 30 and the coils 61 and 62.

[0065] In addition to the function as a part of the magnetic circuit, the first and second yokes 41 and 42 also have the function as the main body of the movable body 20, the function of fixing the cylindrical members 22 and 24, and the function of a counterweight in the movable body 20. In addition, the first and second yokes 41 and 42 also have the function of making the shaft members 26 and 28 directly contact the magnet 30 in the movable body 20.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the first and second yokes 41 and 42 are formed into annular flat plates having the same surface shape as the magnet 30. The first and second yokes 41 and 42 are fixed to the magnet 30 in such a manner that the outer circumference of the outer circumference of the outer circumference of the magnet is the same as the outer circumference of the center of the outer circumference of the magnet, and together with the outer circumference of the magnet, form the outer circumference 20a of the movable body 20.

[0067] The first and second yokes 41 and 42 are identical components having the same structure in the present embodiment, and are symmetrically arranged above and below the magnet 30 with the magnet 30 as the center so as to sandwich the magnet 30. The first and second yokes 41 and 42 are attracted by the magnet 30 and fixed to the magnet 30 using a thermosetting adhesive such as epoxy resin or an anaerobic adhesive.

[0068] The first and second yokes 41 and 42 are provided with fitting openings 411 and 421 as openings into which a part of the pair of upper and lower connecting parts 21 and 23 fit. The upper and lower cylindrical members (sleeves) 22 and 24 as a part of the pair of connecting parts 21 and 23 and the pin bodies 262 and 282 of the first and second shaft members 26 and 28 are inserted and arranged in the fitting openings 411 and 421.

[0069] The first and second yokes 41 and 42 support the connection parts 21 and 23 at the fitting openings 411 and 421 in such a manner that the respective axes of the connection parts 21 and 23 (upper and lower cylindrical parts 22 and 24 and shaft parts 26 and 28) are located on the central axis of the movable body 20 (the central axis of the elastic support parts 81 and 82). At the fitting openings 411 and 421, the opening degree of the first and second yokes 41 and 42 is adjusted to adjust the weight of the connection parts 21 and 23 and the weight of the movable body 20 itself, thereby setting a suitable vibration output. In addition, by forming holes at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the first and second yokes 41 and 42 as weight adjustment parts, the weight of the movable body 20 can be adjusted.

[0070] In the present embodiment, when movable body 20 is not vibrating, first and second yokes 41 and 42 are located inside (radially inside) coils 61 and 62 and face inner circumferential surfaces of coils 61 and 62 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of coils 61 and 62 .

[0071] In the first and second yokes 41 and 42, preferably, the height position of the upper surface of the first yoke 41 on the upper side of the magnet 30 is opposite to the position of the center of the height direction (vertical direction) of the upper coil 61. In addition, preferably, the height position of the lower surface of the second yoke 42 on the lower side of the magnet 30 is opposite to the position of the center of the height direction (vertical direction) of the lower coil 62.

[0072] <A pair of connecting parts 21, 23 (cylindrical members 22, 24, shaft members 26, 28)>

[0073] The pair of connecting parts 21 and 23 connect the movable body 20 (specifically, the movable stacked body 15) and the elastic support parts 81 and 82. The pair of connecting parts 21 and 23 respectively include cylindrical parts 22 and 24 and shaft parts 26 and 28. The connecting part 21 is connected to the elastic support part 81 through the cylindrical part 22 and the first shaft part 26, and the connecting part 23 is connected to the elastic support part 82 through the cylindrical part 24 and the second shaft part 28. Preferably, the pair of connecting parts 21 and 23 are formed of metal such as sintered copper.

[0074] <Cylindrical members 22, 24>

[0075] The cylindrical members 22 and 24 have the function of fixing the movable stacked body 15 including the movable body side magnetic circuit to the elastic support parts 81 and 82, and have the function of serving as a counterweight for the movable body 20. The cylindrical members 22 and 24 are symmetrically arranged so as to sandwich the magnet 30 and the first and second yokes 41 and 42, thereby increasing the vibration output of the movable body 20.

[0076] In the present embodiment, the tubular members 22 and 24 are tubular shaft-shaped bodies arranged along the central axis of the movable body 20 , and are interposed between the first and second yokes 41 and 42 and the elastic support portions 81 and 82 .

[0077] The cylindrical members 22 and 24 have through holes 226 and 246 that penetrate therethrough. In addition, the shaft members 26 and 28 are inserted into the through holes 226 and 246 of the cylindrical members 22 and 24.

[0078] The cylindrical parts 22 and 24 are formed in the same shape in the present embodiment, and have: an insertion cylindrical part 222 and 242 including the front end side end surface of the cylindrical parts 22 and 24, and a joint cylindrical part (spring clamping cylindrical part) 224 and 244. The insertion cylindrical parts 222 and 242 and the joint cylindrical parts 224 and 244 are respectively continuously arranged in the vibration direction (specifically, the up and down direction).

[0079] The insertion cylinder 222, 242 includes the front end of the tubular member 22, 24, and is inserted into the fitting port 411, 421. The insertion cylinder 222, 242 may also be a portion of the tubular member 22, 24 corresponding to the "front end". In addition, the engagement cylinder 224, 244 is a structure including the base end of the tubular member 22, 24, and the engagement cylinder 224, 244 may also be a portion of the tubular member 22, 24 corresponding to the "base end".

[0080] The insertion tubes 222 and 242 are respectively joined to the first and second yokes 41 and 42. Specifically, the other end portions of the insertion tubes 222 and 242 are respectively inserted into the fitting openings 411 and 421 of the first and second yokes 41 and 42 and fitted therein.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the cylindrical members 22 and 24 are fixed to the first and second yokes 41 and 42 by being pressed into the first and second yokes 41 and 42. Alternatively, the cylindrical members 22 and 24 may be fixed to the first and second yokes 41 and 42 by bonding using a thermosetting adhesive such as epoxy resin or an anaerobic adhesive, or a combination of press-fitting and adhesive.

[0082] The engaging tubes 224 and 244 constitute the base end portions having the base end side end surface in the tubular members 22 and 24, and have an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the inserting tubes 222 and 242. Thus, the contact area when the inner peripheral portion 802 of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 is clamped together with the flanges 264 and 284, i.e., the area of ​​the clamped inner peripheral portion 802 can be increased, so that the connecting portions 21 and 23 can be firmly joined to the elastic support portions 81 and 82.

[0083] The upper engaging cylinder 224 constitutes one end portion in the vibration direction of the movable body 20, that is, the upper end portion of the movable body 20. The inner diameter side end portion (the other end portion) of the upper leaf spring, that is, the inner peripheral portion 802, overlaps and engages with the engaging cylinder 224. The upper leaf spring is the upper leaf spring as the elastic support portion 81. The engaging cylinder 224 is arranged in the tubular member 22 at the base end portion (the upper portion in the drawing) of the insertion cylinder 222, spaced apart from the first and second yokes 41 and 42 in the axial direction. The end surface of the base end side is engaged with the inner peripheral portion 802 together with the shaft member 26.

[0084] On the other hand, the lower engaging cylinder portion 244 constitutes the other end portion in the vibration direction of the movable body 20, i.e., the lower end portion of the movable body 20. The inner diameter side end portion, i.e., the inner peripheral portion 802 of the lower leaf spring, which is the lower leaf spring serving as the elastic support portion 82, overlaps and engages with the engaging cylinder portion 244.

[0085] The engaging cylinder 244 is disposed in the cylindrical member 24 at the base end portion (lower portion in the drawing) of the insertion cylinder 242, spaced apart from the first and second yokes 41 and 42 in the axial direction. The base end side end surface of the engaging cylinder 244 is engaged with the inner peripheral portion 802 together with the shaft member 28. The details of the elastic support portion 81 will be described later together with the elastic support portion 82.

[0086] <A Pair of Shaft Members (First Shaft Member 26 and Second Shaft Member 28)>

[0087] The first and second shaft members 26 and 28 firmly fix the elastic support portions 81 and 82 and the movable body 20 so as not to fall off due to vibration of the movable body 20 .

[0088] The first and second shaft members 26 and 28 penetrate the cylindrical members 22 and 24 and abut against the magnet 30 at the center of the movable body 20. The first and second shaft members 26 and 28 fix the elastic support parts 81 and 82 to the movable body 20 together with the cylindrical members 22 and 24 while maintaining the distance between the elastic support parts 81 and 82 and the magnet 30 at the center of the movable body 20.

[0089] Figure 6 is a top side perspective view of the first shaft member of the vibration actuator of this embodiment, Figure 7 2 is a bottom side perspective view of the first shaft member. In addition, the second shaft member 28 is formed in the same manner as the first spring, so in the description Figure 6 and Figure 7 While the first shaft member 26 is shown, the second shaft member 28 will also be described.

[0090] The first and second shaft members 26 and 28 are arranged symmetrically in the vibration direction with the magnet 30 interposed therebetween. The first and second shaft members 26 and 28 are formed of, for example, a metal composed of sintered copper. In addition, the first and second shaft members 26 and 28 may be formed of any material other than metal, such as resin, as long as the elastic support portions 81 and 82 can be fixed to the cylindrical members 22 and 24. The first and second shaft members 26 and 28 are, for example, rivets pressed into and fixed to the cylindrical members 22 and 24. In the case of rivets composed of sintered copper, the cylindrical members 22 and 24 can be firmly joined if they are composed of the same material.

[0091] The first and second shaft members 26 and 28 respectively include shaft-shaped pin bodies (shaft members) 262 and 282 having front ends 263 and 283 , and flanges 264 and 284 provided at base ends of the pin bodies 262 and 282 to extend radially outward.

[0092] The pin bodies 262 and 282 are respectively inserted into the through holes 226 and 246 of the coupling cylinders 224 and 244 (through holes of the tubular members 22 and 24) and fixed in a state where the inner circumference 802 arranged to overlap the coupling cylinders 224 and 244 is inserted. The pin bodies 262 and 282 may be fixed to the tubular members 22 and 24 in any manner. The pin bodies 262 and 282 are fixed to the tubular members 22 and 24 by being pressed in. In addition, the pin bodies 262 and 282 constitute "shaft members".

[0093] The pin bodies 262 and 282 together with the flanges 264 and 284 define the length from the magnet 30 to the flanges 264 and 284, that is, to both ends of the movable body 20. The front ends 263 and 283 of the pin bodies 262 and 282 abut against the front surface 30a and the back surface 30b of the magnet 30.

[0094] In other words, the pin body 262 has a length equal to the length of the tubular member 22 + the thickness of the elastic support portion 81 , and the pin body 282 has a length equal to the length of the tubular member 24 + the thickness of the elastic support portion 82 .

[0095] The flanges 264 and 284 are arranged above and below the inner peripheral portions 802 of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 located above and below the joint cylindrical portions 224 and 244 .

[0096] The flanges 264 , 284 are included in the base ends of the first and second shaft members 26 , 28 , and sandwich the pair of elastic support parts 81 , 82 together with the base end surfaces of the tubular members 22 , 24 , thereby connecting the movable stacked body 15 to the pair of elastic support parts 81 , 82 .

[0097] The pin bodies 262 and 282 are provided with slits 268 and 288 extending axially to the front ends on their respective outer peripheral surfaces. The slits 268 and 288 are formed in groove shapes on the outer peripheral surfaces of the pin bodies 262 and 282 and extend from the front ends to the base ends.

[0098] When the pin bodies 262 and 282 are pressed into the through holes 226 and 246 of the joint cylinders 224 and 244, the slits 268 and 288 can discharge (exhaust) the air in the through holes 226 and 246 to the outside. In addition, an annular groove 269 is formed on the back surface of the flanges 264 and 284 so as to surround the pin bodies 262 and 282. The annular groove 269 is connected to the slits 268 and 288.

[0099] The flanges 264 , 284 and the engaging cylindrical portions 224 , 244 sandwich the inner peripheral portions 802 of the elastic supporting portions 81 , 82 , respectively, thereby firmly fixing the elastic supporting portions 81 , 82 to the movable body 20 .

[0100] In addition, the inner circumference 802 of the elastic support parts 81, 82 can be joined to at least one of the joint cylinder parts 224, 244 and the flanges 264, 284 by welding, bonding, etc., and can also be joined by a combination of welding, bonding and pressing. In the joint cylinder parts 224, 244, a groove is provided at the part facing the inner circumference 802 to store the material used for welding and bonding, so that the joint cylinder parts 224, 244 themselves and the inner circumference 802 are firmly joined to each other.

[0101] In addition, the cylindrical parts 22 and 24 may be made of magnetic materials, but are preferably made of non-magnetic materials. If the cylindrical parts 22 and 24 are made of non-magnetic materials, the magnetic flux from the first magnetic yoke 41 will not flow upward, and the magnetic flux from the second magnetic yoke 42 will not flow downward, and can efficiently flow to the coils 61 and 62 located on the outer peripheral sides of the first and second magnetic yokes 41 and 42.

[0102] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing a first modification of the shaft member. Figure 8 The tubular member 36 shown as the first modification has, like the first and second shaft members 26 and 28, a shaft-shaped pin body 362, a flange 364 extending radially outward at the base end of the pin body 362, and a slit 368. The slit 368 has the same function as the slit 268.

[0103] The pin body 362 is flexible and deformably formed, and has a frustum portion 362 a that is deformed and fitted into the through holes 226 and 246 of the tubular members 22 and 24 when inserted into the through holes 226 and 24 .

[0104] The base end of the frustum portion 362a is formed so that the outer diameter gradually increases from the front end side toward the base end side. The cylindrical member 36 is formed of a flexible member such as resin as a whole, and when the pin body 362 is inserted into the through holes 226 and 246 of the cylindrical members 22 and 24, the frustum portion 362a is deformed and embedded in the through holes 226 and 246. Thus, in the vibration actuator 1, the cylindrical member 36 can replace the first and second shaft members 26 and 28, and the elastic support parts 81 and 82 can be fixed to the movable body 20 more firmly.

[0105] <Fixed body 50>

[0106] The fixed body 50 holds the coils 61 and 62 and supports the movable body 20 via elastic support portions 81 and 82 radially inside the coils 61 and 62 so that the movable body 20 is movable in the vibration direction (coil axial direction, axial direction of the movable body 20 ).

[0107] The fixed body 50 includes the housing 10 , coils 61 , 62 , a coil bobbin portion 52 , and an outer yoke 58 .

[0108] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing the coil assembly K from which the outer yoke 58 is removed.

[0109] The coils 61 and 62 and the coil bobbin 52 constitute a coil assembly K. In this embodiment, substantially all components that vibrate the movable body 20 and the housing 10 via the elastic support portions 81 and 82 are connected to the coil assembly K to constitute the vibration actuator 1 .

[0110] The coil bobbin portion 52 holds the coils 61 and 62 wound on the outer peripheral surface, surrounds the magnet 30 with the inner peripheral surface 522 a , and guides the movement of the movable body 20 having the magnet 30 .

[0111] The coil bobbin portion 52 is a cylindrical body formed of a resin such as phenolic resin, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), etc. In the present embodiment, the coil bobbin portion 52 is made of a material containing a phenolic resin such as Bakelite having high flame retardancy.

[0112] The coil bobbin portion 52 is made of a material containing phenolic resin, so that the flame retardancy is improved, and even if the coils 61 and 62 are heated by Joule heat when current flows through them, the safety during driving can be improved. In addition, since the dimensional accuracy is improved, the position accuracy of the coils 61 and 62 is improved, so the deviation of the vibration characteristics can be reduced.

[0113] The coil bobbin portion 52 includes a cylindrical bobbin body 522 , a central flange 526 and flanges 527 and 528 protruding radially from the outer periphery of the bobbin body 522 , a terminal binding portion (coil connection portion) 53 , and a movable range forming portion 54 .

[0114] Coils 61 and 62 are wound around the coil bobbin 52. The coils 61 and 62 are covered by the outer yoke 58. In order to facilitate understanding, the terminal binding portion (coil connection portion) 53 is sometimes illustrated as terminal binding portions (coil connection portions) 53-1 and 53-2.

[0115] The bobbin body 522 functions as a protective wall that protects the movable body 20 disposed inside from collision with the coils 61 and 62 during driving. The bobbin body 522 has a thickness that is strong enough not to affect the coils 61 and 62 on the outer circumference even if it contacts the moving movable body 20.

[0116] Coils 61 and 62 are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the bobbin body 522 between the central flange 526 and the flanges 527 and 528 (coil mounting portions 52b and 52c). The coils 61 and 62 are arranged in the coil axial direction so as to surround the outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second yokes 41 and 42 of the movable body 20 (the outer peripheral surfaces of the magnet 30 and the first and second yokes 41 and 42).

[0117] Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the bobbin body 522 is provided with concave coil mounting portions 52b and 52c which are separated by the central flange portion 526 and the flange portions 527 and 528 and open radially outward on the outer peripheral side.

[0118] like Fig. 9 As shown, the terminal binding part 53 functions as a connector connection part for binding the winding wires of the coils 61 and 62 thereto and connecting to an external device. The coils 61 and 62 are connected to the external device through the terminal binding part 53, and power is supplied to the coils 61 and 62.

[0119] The terminal binding portion 53 is a conductive member provided in a protruding manner on the outer peripheral portion of the barrel body 522. In the present embodiment, the terminal binding portion 53 is pressed into the outer peripheral surface of the central flange portion 526 arranged at the center of the vibration direction on the outer periphery of the barrel body 522. Thus, the terminal binding portion 53 is provided in a protruding manner from the outer peripheral surface of the central flange portion 526.

[0120] The flanges 527 and 528 are provided at two ends of the bobbin body 522 spaced apart in the axial direction (the vibration direction in the present embodiment, and also the up-down direction), and constitute the upper and lower ends of the coil bobbin portion 52 .

[0121] Elastic support portions 81 and 82 are fixed to the ends of the flange portions 527 and 528 in the direction away from the central flange portion 526 (the upper and lower ends in the present embodiment).

[0122] The movable range forming portion 54 is provided at the upper and lower ends of the coil bobbin portion 52 , and forms a vibration range between the cover portion 12 and the bottom portion 114 of the housing 10 and the movable body 20 when the coil bobbin portion 52 is accommodated in the housing 10 .

[0123] The movable range forming portion 54 is a protruding edge portion protruding from the flange portions 527 and 528 in the vibration direction (up and down direction). The movable range forming portion 54 is provided at a predetermined interval in the annular upper and lower opening end surfaces (also referred to as "upper end surface and lower end surface") 527a and 528a of the flange portions 527 and 528. The annular upper end surface 527a is the opening end surface on one side, and the lower end surface 528a refers to the opening end surface on the other side.

[0124] The flange portion 527 has a protruding movable range forming portion 54 protruding in the vibration direction on the opening end surface on one side. The opening end surface on one side functions as a top surface receiving portion that receives the cover portion 12 via the movable range forming portion 54. The flange portion 528 has a protruding movable range forming portion 54 protruding in the vibration direction on the opening end surface on the other side. The opening end surface on the other side functions as a bottom surface receiving portion that receives the bottom portion 114 via the movable range forming portion 54.

[0125] In addition, if Figure 1 to Figure 3As shown, the movable range forming portion 54 is engaged with the positioning groove 808 provided in the elastic support portions 81 and 82 to perform radial positioning of the elastic support portions 81 and 82. Figure 1 and Fig. 9 ) is formed to have a predetermined thickness in the radial direction and a length in the circumferential direction that is longer than the length in the radial direction, and to be in an arc shape when viewed from the axial direction. The positioning groove 808 is formed corresponding to the shape of the movable range forming portion 54.

[0126] In the present embodiment, the movable range forming portion 54 is fitted into the positioning groove 808 to restrict radial and circumferential movement of the elastic support portions 81 , 82 , thereby positioning the elastic support portions 81 , 82 relative to the coil bobbin portion 52 .

[0127] By fitting the movable range forming portion 54 into the positioning groove 808 , the mounting positions of the elastic support portions 81 , 82 relative to the coil bobbin portion 52 can be uniformly set in each individual drive unit 13 , thereby stably positioning the elastic support portions 81 , 82 relative to the coil bobbin portion 52 .

[0128] Thus, it is not necessary to fix the elastic support parts 81 and 82 to the fixed body side by using a plurality of components. Thus, the circumferential movement such as rotation and the radial movement are restricted by a structure that is not easily affected by component tolerances, so that the deviation of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 can be suppressed as the entire product, and stable characteristics can be achieved.

[0129] The movable range forming parts 54 are arranged at equal intervals around the axis of the coil bobbin part 52. Although in the present embodiment, the movable range forming parts 54 are arranged at equal intervals around the axis of the coil bobbin part 52, any number of movable range forming parts 54 may be arranged as long as the number is sufficient to position the elastic support parts 81 and 82.

[0130] In addition, the movable range forming parts 54 at three locations receive each of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 through the positioning grooves 808. This can reduce the hooking or friction when the movable body 20 is inserted into the coil bobbin part 52, so that the assembly is good and the movable body 20 and the coil bobbin part 52 can be easily positioned.

[0131] The coil bobbin portion 52 is housed in the housing 10 and fixed to the edges of the cover 12 and the bottom 114 with the movable range defining portions 54 of the upper and lower end surfaces contacting the edges of the cover 12 and the bottom 114 .

[0132] The flanges 527 and 528 have a positioning engaging portion 529 for engaging with the outer yoke 58 and for positioning the outer yoke (see Figure 2The positioning engaging portion 529 is provided on the outer periphery of the flange portions 527 and 528 , that is, on the outer diameter portion of the coil bobbin portion 52 , and positions the outer yoke 58 so as to surround the coils 61 and 62 .

[0133] The positioning engagement portion 529 engages with the engaged portion 589 of the outer yoke 58. In the present embodiment, the positioning engagement portion 529 is a concave groove opened toward the central flange portion 526 on the outer periphery of each flange portion 527, 528, and engages with the convex engaged portion 589.

[0134] By engaging the positioning engagement portion 529 with the engaged portion 589 , the outer yoke 58 can be arranged so as not to be displaced relative to the coils 61 and 62 wound around the coil bobbin portion 52 , thereby obtaining stable magnetic characteristics.

[0135] Alternatively, bonding portions may be provided on the outer circumferential surfaces of the central flange 526 and the flanges 527 and 528 having the same outer diameter, and the outer yoke 58 may be fixed to the central flange 526 and the flanges 527 and 528 via the bonding portions. This can further achieve stable vibration characteristics.

[0136] <Coil>

[0137] In the vibration actuator 1, the coils 61 and 62, together with the magnet 30, the first and second yokes 41 and 42, are used to generate a driving source for the vibration actuator 1 with the axial direction of the coils 61 and 62 (the magnetization direction of the magnet 30) as the vibration direction. The coils 61 and 62 are energized when driven (when vibrating), and together with the magnet 30, they constitute a voice coil motor.

[0138] The coils 61 and 62 are disposed on the coil mounting portions 52 b and 52 c . In the present embodiment, the coils 61 and 62 are disposed at positions facing the first and second yokes 41 and 42 in a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction.

[0139] The coils 61 and 62 are held on the coil bobbin portion 52 in such a manner that the center position of the length in the axial direction (vibration direction) of the coil is substantially the same position (including the same position) as the center position of the length in the vibration direction of the movable body 20 (the center position in the vibration direction of the magnet 30). In addition, the coils 61 and 62 of the present embodiment are wound in opposite directions to each other, and current flows in opposite directions when energized.

[0140] The ends of the coils 61 and 62 are connected to the terminal binding portion 53 of the central flange portion 526. The coils 61 and 62 are connected to a power supply unit (for example, Fig.14 and Fig.15For example, the ends of the coils 61 and 62 are connected to an AC supply unit, and an AC power supply (AC voltage) is supplied from the AC supply unit to the coils 61 and 62. Thus, a thrust force is generated between the coils 61 and 62 and the magnet, which enables movement in the directions of approaching or moving away from each other in the axial direction.

[0141] Preferably, the coil axes of the coils 61 and 62 are arranged on the same axis as the axis of the coil bobbin portion 52 or the axis of the magnet 30 .

[0142] The coils 61 and 62 are formed into a cylindrical shape by winding the coil wire from the outside of the coil bobbin portion 52 to the coil mounting portions 52b and 52c. According to this structure, the coil bobbin portion 52 having the coils 61 and 62 can be assembled without using a self-melting wire as a coil in order to maintain the cylindrical bodies of the coils 61 and 62. In other words, it is not necessary to use an air-core coil as a coil, so the cost of the coils 61 and 62 themselves can be reduced, and the cost of the vibration actuator as a whole can be reduced.

[0143] In addition, on the inner side of the housing 10, the outer peripheral surface of the coils 61 and 62 is surrounded by the outer yoke 58, and the coils 61 and 62 are sealed in the coil mounting portion and fixed in the coil mounting portion by bonding or the like. In the present embodiment, the coils 61 and 62 are fixed to the entire bobbin body 522, the central flange 526, and the flanges 527 and 528 by bonding. Thus, the coils 61 and 62 can increase the bonding strength with the coil bobbin portion 52, and compared with the structure in which the movable body and the coil are in direct contact, the coils 61 and 62 will not be damaged even when a large impact is applied.

[0144] The outer yoke 58 is a cylindrical magnetic body that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the coil bobbin portion 52 and is arranged at a position covering the coils 61 and 62 on the radially outer side. The outer yoke 58 is positioned relative to the coil bobbin portion 52 by the terminal lead-out portion 90 and the positioning engaging portion 529 of the coil bobbin portion 52. In the present embodiment, the terminal lead-out portion 90 is engaged with the opening portion 582 of the outer yoke 58. Thus, the terminal lead-out portion 90 functions as a rotation stopper for the outer yoke 58. The outer yoke 58 constitutes a fixed body side magnetic circuit together with the coils 61 and 62, and prevents the magnetic flux from leaking to the outside of the vibration actuator 1 in the movable body side magnetic circuit, that is, the magnetic circuit constituted together with the magnet 30 and the first and second yokes 41 and 42.

[0145] The outer yoke 58 is arranged so that the center of the length in the vibration direction of the outer yoke 58 is at the same height as the center of the vibration direction of the magnet 30 arranged inside. The shielding effect of the outer yoke 58 can reduce the leakage flux to the outside of the vibration actuator.

[0146] In addition, the outer yoke 58 can increase the thrust constant in the magnetic circuit and improve the electromagnetic conversion efficiency. The outer yoke 58 uses the magnetic attraction of the magnet 30 and functions as a magnetic spring together with the magnet 30. The magnetic spring can reduce the stress when the elastic support parts 81 and 82 are used as mechanical springs, and can improve the durability of the elastic support parts 81 and 82.

[0147] <Elastic Supporting Parts 81, 82>

[0148] The elastic support parts 81 and 82 support the movable body 20 so that the movable body 20 can reciprocate freely in the vibration direction relative to the fixed body 50 .

[0149] The elastic support parts 81 and 82 are provided between the movable body 20 and the fixed body 50 in a manner that sandwiches the movable body 20 in the vibration direction of the movable body 20 and intersects with the vibration direction. Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown, the elastic support parts 81 and 82 are arranged at two ends (upper and lower ends) of the movable body 20 spaced apart from each other in the vibration direction, and are connected to the fixed body 50 on the radially outer side of the movable body 20. In the present embodiment, the elastic support parts 81 and 82 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction in a manner opposing each other.

[0150] The inner circumferential portion 802 of each of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 is respectively joined to two end portions (joining cylindrical portions 224 and 244 ) of the movable body 20 which are spaced apart in the axial direction (vibration direction) and are located on the axis of the movable body.

[0151] In addition, the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 is attached to the movable body 20 so as to protrude radially outward (in the radial direction).

[0152] The elastic support parts 81 and 82 are a pair of elastic support parts that support the movable body 20 so that the movable body 20 can reciprocate in the vibration direction along the axial direction of the magnet 30. The outer peripheral fixing part (outer peripheral part) of each of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 is joined to the fixed body 50, and the inner peripheral part 802 of each of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 is joined to the cylindrical members 22 and 24.

[0153] The elastic support parts 81 and 82 are configured so that the movable body 20 can move in the vibration direction, and the elastic support parts 81 and 82 support the movable body 20 in a manner that the movable body 20 does not contact the fixed body 50 when the movable body 20 is not vibrating or vibrating. In addition, even if the elastic support parts 81 and 82 contact the inner peripheral surface 522a of the bobbin body part 522 of the movable body 20 when the movable body 20 is driven (vibrated), the magnetic circuit (specifically, the coils 61 and 62) will not be damaged. The elastic support parts 81 and 82 can be composed of any parts as long as they can elastically support the movable body 20 in a manner that allows the movable body 20 to move freely. In the present embodiment, the elastic support parts 81 and 82 are the same parts with the same structure.

[0154] The elastic support parts 81 and 82 can be either non-magnetic or magnetic (specifically, ferromagnetic). If the elastic support parts 81 and 82 are leaf springs of non-magnetic materials, they can be made of stainless steel plates such as SUS304 and SUS316. In addition, if the elastic support parts 81 and 82 are magnetic, stainless steel plates such as SUS301 can be used. It is known that, as the material of the elastic support parts 81 and 82, magnetic materials (for example, SUS301) are more durable and cheaper than non-magnetic materials (SUS304, SUS316, etc.). The elastic support parts 81 and 82 are made of SUS301 in this embodiment.

[0155] The elastic support parts 81 and 82 are respectively a plurality of flat plate-shaped leaf springs. The movable body 20 may include three or more leaf springs as the plurality of elastic support parts 81 and 82. The plurality of leaf springs are attached along a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction.

[0156] The elastic support parts 81 and 82 as leaf springs have a shape formed by connecting an annular inner peripheral part 802 as the inner spring end and an outer peripheral fixing part 806 as the outer spring end via a deformable arm part 804. The deformable arm part 804 is elastically deformed and has an arc shape in a plan view. In each of the elastic support parts 81 and 82, the inner peripheral part 802 is displaced relative to the outer peripheral fixing part 806 in the axial direction due to the deformation of the deformable arm part 804.

[0157] In this embodiment, the leaf springs serving as the elastic support parts 81 and 82 are formed by sheet metal processing using a stainless steel plate, and more specifically, are thin flat disc-shaped helical springs. Since the elastic support parts 81 and 82 are flat, they can achieve improved positional accuracy, that is, improved processing accuracy, compared to conical springs.

[0158] In this embodiment, Figure 3 to Figure 5The spiral directions of the plurality of elastic support parts 81 and 82 shown are the same, and one end on the outer peripheral side of each, namely the outer peripheral fixing part 806 , is fixed to the fixed body 50 , and the other end on the inner peripheral side, namely the inner peripheral part 802 , is fixed to the movable body 20 .

[0159] In addition, the elastic support portion 82 has the same structure as the elastic support portion 81 , and therefore the elastic support portion 81 will be described in detail, and the description of the elastic support portion 82 will be omitted.

[0160] The inner circumference 802 is formed in an annular shape. A notch 803 is formed on a part of the outer circumference of the inner circumference 802. Between the inner circumference 802 and the joint cylinder 224, 244 and the flange 264, 284, the notch 803 stores the adhesive when the inner circumference 802 is bonded to the joint cylinder 224, 244 and the flange 264, 284 or one of them. The stored adhesive solidifies in a state of expanding between the inner circumference 802 and the joint cylinder 224, 244 and the flange 264, 284 due to capillary phenomenon. Thus, the inner circumference 802 and the joint cylinder 224, 244 and the flange 264, 284 or one of them are firmly bonded to each other.

[0161] 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 coupled to the outer peripheral fixing portion 806, and the other end is coupled to the inner peripheral portion 802. The deformable arm portion 804 connects the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 and the inner peripheral portion 802.

[0162] 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 arranged to spirally extend along the outer periphery of the inner peripheral portion 802 and face the outer periphery of the inner peripheral portion 802 with a gap in the radial direction.

[0163] In addition, in this embodiment, three deformable arm portions 804 are provided between the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 and the inner peripheral portion 802 to connect the two, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a single deformable arm portion formed in a spiral shape may also be provided. If the spiral directions of the plurality of leaf springs are opposite, the plurality of leaf springs move in the buckling direction or the stretching direction, thereby hindering smooth movement.

[0164] The elastic support parts 81 and 82 of this embodiment are fixed to the movable body 20 in the same spiral direction. Therefore, even if the movable body 20 moves a large amount, it can move smoothly, that is, can be deformed smoothly to a larger amplitude, and the vibration output can be improved.

[0165] However, depending on the desired vibration range of the movable body 20 , the spiral directions of the plurality of elastic support portions 81 and 82 may be opposite to each other.

[0166] The plate-shaped elastic support parts 81 and 82 are arranged relative to the movable body 20 so that the inner peripheral parts 802 of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 overlap with the joint cylinder parts 224 and 244 constituting the end parts in the vibration direction of the movable body 20. As described above, the inner peripheral parts 802 of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 are sandwiched by the flanges 264 and 284 of the shaft members 26 and 28 and the joint cylinder parts 224 and 244.

[0167] On the other hand, the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the upper elastic support portion 81 is fixed radially outward to the upper end portion of the coil bobbin portion 52. Specifically, the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the elastic support portion 81 is fixed to the annular upper end surface 527a of the flange portion 527 on the upper side of the upper end portion of the coil bobbin portion 52, at a position avoiding the movable range forming portion 54.

[0168] The outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the elastic support portion 81 is fixed in the housing 10 by being clamped by the annular upper end surface 527a of the flange portion 527 and the pressing portion 128 of the cover portion 12. The upper end surface 527a refers to the upper end surface of the upper side (one side) of the flange portion 527 on the upper side (one side) that avoids the movable range forming portion 54.

[0169] In addition, the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the lower elastic support portion 82 is fixed to the lower end portion of the coil bobbin portion 52 at a position radially outward of the movable body 20 in the vibration actuator 1. Specifically, in the flange portion 528 on the lower side forming the lower end portion of the coil bobbin portion 52, the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the elastic support portion 82 is fixed to a portion of the annular lower end surface 528a of the flange portion 528 that avoids the movable range forming portion 54.

[0170] The outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the elastic support portion 82 is fixed in the housing 10 by being sandwiched by the annular lower end surface 528a of the flange portion 528 and the step portion 118 provided on the peripheral portion of the bottom portion 114. The lower end surface 528a refers to the end surface of the upper side (the other side) of the portion of the lower side (the other side) of the flange portion 528 on the lower side (the other side) that avoids the movable range forming portion 54.

[0171] like Figure 3 As shown, in the elastic support portion 81 (also in the elastic support portion 82), the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 has an outermost peripheral portion 806a and an inner side extending portion 806b extending inward from the outermost peripheral portion 806a.

[0172] The outermost peripheral portion 806a is sandwiched and fixed by the upper and lower end surfaces 527a, 528a, the pressing portion 128, and the step portion 118.

[0173] The inner protruding portion 806 b is a location in the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 where the attenuation portion 72 is mounted.

[0174] <Attenuation Section 72>

[0175] The damping portion (shock absorber) 72 is attached to the elastic support portions 81 and 82 , and effectively damps vibration generated in the elastic support portions 81 and 82 .

[0176] The attenuation portion 72 is attached to the elastic support portions 81 , 82 so as not to fall off from the elastic support portions 81 , 82 .

[0177] The attenuation portion 72 attenuates the sudden spring resonance in the elastic support portion 81 (82), thereby preventing the difference in vibration caused by the frequency from increasing due to a significant increase in vibration near the resonance frequency. As a result, the movable body 20 can suppress the resonance peak before plastic deformation, and generate stable vibrations in a wide range without contacting the cover portion 12 and the bottom portion 114, without generating abnormal noises due to contact. The attenuation portion 72 can be formed of any shape, material, etc. as long as it is a component that prevents sudden vibrations from occurring in the elastic support portion 81 (82). The attenuation portion 72 can be composed of an elastomer, for example, or can be composed of a viscous material that solidifies over time, such as a thermosetting resin or an adhesive. In the case where the attenuation portion 72 is composed of an adhesive, a thixotropic adhesive that has a low viscosity when stirred and a high viscosity under normal circumstances can be used.

[0178] The attenuation portion 72 is provided on the plurality of radially opposed deformable arm portions 804 so as to span the outermost peripheral portions of the deformable arm portions 804 and the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 .

[0179] The attenuation portion 72 is joined to the side surfaces of the peripheral fixing portion 806 and the side surfaces of the deformable arm portion 804 by bonding or the like, and is joined on at least one of the following surface sides by an adhesive or the like, the above-mentioned surface including the upper and lower surfaces, i.e., the front and back surfaces, of the peripheral fixing portion 806, and the front and back surfaces of the deformable arm portion 804.

[0180] In addition, the attenuation part 72 is provided on the elastic support parts 81, 82, near the fixed body 50 side, at a location where the assembly dimensions are stable. In this way, the attenuation part 72 is in the following state: the attenuation part 72 itself does not move significantly, and the risk of the attenuation part 72 detaching from the elastic support parts 81, 82 during driving is suppressed. The attenuation part 72 is not easily misaligned with respect to the elastic support parts 81, 82, and deviations in vibration attenuation can be prevented. In addition, the attenuation part 72 can be prevented from detaching from the elastic support parts 81, 82, and changes in the initial vibration characteristics can be suppressed.

[0181] The damping portion 72 is provided at a location with the most stable shape and position in terms of the structure of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 , and thus the vibration damping characteristics of the movable body 20 can be stabilized, thereby improving the driving reliability of the vibration actuator 1 .

[0182] <Casing 10>

[0183] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing 10 includes: a bottomed cylindrical housing body 11 having a peripheral wall portion 112 and a bottom 114, and a cover portion 12 that closes an opening portion 115 of the housing body 11. In addition, the housing 10 is a columnar shape having a height that is a height (a movable area of ​​the movable body 20) that can generate sufficient thrust by cooperating with the coils 61 and 62 provided in the housing 10 to make the movable body 20 reciprocate in the vibration direction. For example, the housing 10 of this embodiment is formed into a cylindrical shape by the bottomed cylindrical housing body 11 and the cover portion 12, but is not limited to this shape, and may also be an elliptical column shape or a polygonal column shape, and the length in the vibration direction may be longer or shorter than the length in the direction orthogonal to the vibration direction. In addition, the ellipse in the elliptical column shape and the ellipse in this embodiment mainly refers to an ellipse containing a parallel straight line portion, that is, a substantially elliptical shape having a straight line portion (Japanese "small pan shape"). In addition, the ellipse may also be an oblong. The housing 10 is made of, for example, a non-magnetic resin or the like, and is molded from a resin such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).

[0184] like Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, the cover 12 and the bottom 114 are disposed opposite to the movable body 20 of the drive unit 13 at a predetermined interval in the vibration direction of the movable body 20 , and are coupled to each other to form a hollow cylindrical body.

[0185] The cover 12 has a hanging portion 124 hanging from a portion of the outer periphery of the top surface portion 122 . The hanging portion 124 engages with the notch 102 of the case body 11 , so that the cover 12 and the case body 11 are positioned and coupled to each other.

[0186] The cover 12 and the bottom 114 each restrict the movable range of the movable body 20. The cover 12 and the bottom 114 have a function as a movable range restricting portion that hard stops (limits the movable range) the movable body 20.

[0187] Specifically, the cover 12 and the bottom 114 limit the movable range formed by the movable range forming portion 54. In other words, the cover 12 and the bottom 114 limit the length from the cover 12 and the bottom 114 to the edge of the upper and lower ends of the drive unit 13 (coil bobbin portion 52) (the annular upper and lower end surfaces 527a, 528a of the upper and lower flange portions 527, 528). Thus, a space in which the movable body 20 can move, i.e., a movable body space, is formed by the hollow portion of the housing 10.

[0188] In this way, the movable body space is defined as a length within a range that does not cause plastic deformation of the elastic support parts 81 and 82. Thus, even when a force exceeding the movable range of the movable body 20 is applied to the movable body 20, the elastic support parts 81 and 82 will contact the fixed body 50 (at least one of the cover part 12 and the bottom part 114) without causing plastic deformation. Thus, the elastic support parts 81 and 82 will not be damaged, and the reliability of the vibration actuator 1 can be improved.

[0189] In addition, vent holes 126 and 116 are respectively provided in the cover 12 and the bottom 114 so as to penetrate each other. The vent holes 126 and 116 respectively discharge compressed air generated by the reciprocating vibration of the movable body 20 in the housing 10 to the outside.

[0190] <Operation of Vibration Actuator 1>

[0191] Fig.10 This is a diagram schematically showing the magnetic circuit structure of the vibration actuator. Fig.11 and Fig.12 It is a diagram showing a state of relative movement between the coils 61 and 62 and the magnet 30 .

[0192] Regarding the operation of the vibration actuator 1, a case where the magnet 30 is magnetized in such a manner that the front side 30a on one side (the upper side in the drawing) in the magnetization direction is the N pole and the back side 30b on the other side (the lower side in the drawing) in the magnetization direction is the S pole is taken as an example. Fig.10 Provide explanation.

[0193] In the vibration actuator 1, since the movable body 20 is considered to be equivalent to the mass part in the vibration model of the spring-mass system, when the resonance is sharp (with a steep peak), the steep peak is suppressed by attenuating the vibration. By attenuating the vibration to make the resonance less steep, the maximum amplitude value and the maximum movement amount of the movable body 20 at the time of resonance will not deviate, and the vibration based on the appropriate stable maximum movement amount can be output.

[0194] In the vibration actuator 1, a Fig.10In the vibration actuator 1, the coils 61 and 62 are arranged so that the coil axes are orthogonal to the magnetic fluxes from the first and second yokes 41 and 42 sandwiching the magnet 30 in the vibration direction.

[0195] The following magnetic flux flow mf is formed in the magnetic circuit: it is emitted from the front surface 30 a side of the magnet 30 , radiates from the first yoke 41 to the coil 61 side, passes through the outer yoke 58 , and enters the magnet 30 from the second yoke 42 on the lower side of the magnet 30 via the coil 62 .

[0196] Therefore, when Fig.10 When electricity is supplied as shown, the magnetic field of the magnet 30 interacts with the current flowing through the coils 61 and 62, and a Lorentz force in the −f direction is generated on the coils 61 and 62 according to Fleming's left-hand rule.

[0197] The Lorentz force in the -f direction is perpendicular to the direction of the magnetic field and the direction of the current flowing through the coils 61 and 62. Since the coils 61 and 62 are fixed to the fixed body 50 (coil bobbin portion 52), according to the law of action and reaction, a force opposite to the Lorentz force in the -f direction is generated on the movable body 20 having the magnet 30 as a thrust in the F direction. As a result, the movable body 20 having the magnet 30 moves laterally in the F direction, that is, in the cover 12 (top surface portion 122 of the cover 12) (refer to Fig.11 ).

[0198] When the coils 61 and 62 are energized by switching the energizing directions of the coils 61 and 62 to the opposite directions, a Lorentz force in the opposite direction F is generated. By generating the Lorentz force in the F direction, according to the law of action and reaction, a force opposite to the Lorentz force in the f direction is generated on the movable body 20 as a thrust (thrust in the -F direction), and the movable body 20 moves in the -F direction, that is, to the bottom 114 side of the fixed body 50 (see Fig.12 ).

[0199] In the vibration actuator 1, when not powered and not driven (not vibrating), magnetic attraction acts between the magnet 30 and the outer yoke 58, respectively, and the movable body 20 functions as a magnetic spring. The movable body 20 returns to its original position by the magnetic attraction generated between the magnet 30 and the outer yoke 58 and the restoring force that restores the elastic support parts 81 and 82 to their original shapes.

[0200] The vibration actuator 1 includes a movable body 20 and a fixed body 50 having coils 61 and 62, wherein the movable body 20 is arranged 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 includes flat elastic support parts 81 and 82, which elastically hold the movable body 20 in a manner that allows the movable body 20 to move freely in the axial direction of the coils, that is, in the vibration direction.

[0201] The coils 61 and 62 are arranged on the outer periphery of the bobbin body 522 of the coil bobbin 52 . The outer peripheral surface 20 a of the movable body 20 is arranged at a distance on the inner peripheral side of the bobbin body 522 . The outer peripheral surfaces of the coils 61 and 62 are surrounded by the outer yoke 58 .

[0202] The elastic support portions 81 and 82 support the movable body 20 at a predetermined distance from the inner peripheral surface 522 a of the bobbin body 522 so that the movable body 20 does not contact the inner peripheral surface 522 a when the movable body 20 is not vibrating or when it is vibrating.

[0203] In addition, the coils 61 and 62 are arranged on the outer periphery of the bobbin body 522, that is, the coils 61 and 62 are wound around the outer periphery of the bobbin body 522, so that compared with the structure using an air-core coil, it is possible to achieve low cost. In addition, in the vibration actuator 1, the drive unit 13 is accommodated in the housing 10, and the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 112 of the housing 10 can be configured as a smooth surface. Thus, when the vibration actuator 1 is installed in an electronic device, a cushioning material such as a sponge sandwiched between the vibration actuator 1 and the installation site can be reliably and easily attached.

[0204] The coils 61 and 62 are arranged on the outer circumference of the coil bobbin portion 52 which is the coil holding portion arranged in the housing 10. Therefore, in the structure where the coils 61 and 62 are arranged on the inner circumference of the coil holding portion, it is not necessary to pull out the ends of the coil wires to the outside for connection with external equipment during assembly.

[0205] In addition, the vibration actuator 1 is constructed by configuring the drive unit 13 in the housing 10, so that the elastic support parts 81 and 82 that require high dimensional accuracy can be fixed by assembling the elastic support parts 81 and 82 onto the coil bobbin part 52. As a result, the configuration of the fixed movable body 20 including the elastic support parts 81 and 82 can be determined based on the coil bobbin part 52, and the accuracy in the vibration generation direction of the entire product can be improved. Specifically, only by improving the dimensional accuracy of the coil bobbin part 52 formed as a component, such as resin, it is possible to easily position the coils 61 and 62 and the movable body 20 (magnet 30) installed with the aid of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 in an accurate positional relationship.

[0206] In addition, by attaching the outer yoke 58 to the coil bobbin 52 disposed in the housing 10 so as to surround the coils 61 and 62, the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 112 in the housing 10 becomes a resin with good surface accuracy and becomes a smooth surface. As a result, the bonding state of the component for attaching the buffer material, such as a double-sided tape, becomes good, and the bonding strength can be improved.

[0207] The housing 10 is formed of a bottomed cylindrical or cup-shaped housing body 11 and a cover 12. This reduces the number of components, improves assembly performance, and improves impact resistance compared to a structure in which the peripheral wall 112 and the bottom 114 are separate entities.

[0208] In addition, the cover 12 is fixed to the opening 115 of the cup-shaped housing body 11 by welding or pressing. For example, after the coil bobbin portion 52 to which the movable body 20 is mounted by means of the elastic support portions 81 and 82 is accommodated in the housing body 11, the cover 12 is fitted into the opening 115 in a manner that closes the opening 115 of the housing body 11. Then, the cover 12 is fixed to the housing body 11 by welding the fitting portion between the cover 12 and the opening 115. In addition, the opening 115 may be formed into a shape extending to the top of the cover 12 around the cover 12 arranged to block the opening 115, and the opening end of the opening 115 extending to the top of the cover 12 is pressed against the cover 12 to bend the opening end, thereby fixing the cover 12 to the housing body 11.

[0209] Furthermore, in the vibration actuator 1, the movable body 20 is supported with a gap between it and the bobbin body 522, whether it is not moving relative to the fixed body 50 or moving. The movable body 20 is always supported with a gap between it and the bobbin body 522 relative to the fixed body 50. Thus, the movable body 20 does not come into contact with the fixed body 50 during movement, that is, during vibration. In addition, even when impacted, the movable body 20 and the bobbin body 522 move relatively 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 does not come into contact with the coils 61, 62.

[0210] As described above, according to the vibration actuator 1 , it is possible to output appropriate body-sensing vibration with high vibration expression while having impact resistance.

[0211] By the power supply unit (for example, Fig.14 and Fig.15The vibration actuator 1 is driven by an AC wave input to the coils 61 and 62 by a drive control unit 203 (shown in FIG. 1 ). That is, the energization direction of the coils 61 and 62 is periodically switched, and the thrust in the F direction toward the top surface 122 side of the cover 12 and the thrust in the -F direction toward the bottom 114 side are alternately applied to the movable body 20. As a result, the movable body 20 vibrates in the vibration direction (the winding axis direction of the coils 61 and 62 orthogonal to the radial direction of the coils 61 and 62, or the magnetization direction of the magnet 30).

[0212] Next, the driving principle of the vibration actuator 1 is briefly described. In the vibration actuator 1 of the present embodiment, the mass of the movable body 20 is set to m [kg], the spring constant of the spring (the elastic support parts 81 and 82 as the spring) is set to K sp In the case of , the movable body 20 is in resonance with respect to the fixed body 50 at a frequency F calculated by the following formula (1): r [Hz] vibration.

[0213] [Formula 1]

[0214]

[0215] Since the movable body 20 is considered to constitute the mass part in the vibration model of the spring-mass system, when the input frequency to the coils 61 and 62 is the same as the resonance frequency F of the movable body 20, r When the AC wave is equal to the resonant frequency F of the movable body 20, the movable body 20 enters the resonant state. That is, when the power supply unit inputs a frequency equal to the resonant frequency F of the movable body 20 to the coils 61 and 62, the resonant frequency F of the movable body 20 is equal to the resonant frequency F of the movable body 20. r The substantially equal alternating current waves can cause the movable body 20 to vibrate efficiently.

[0216] The motion equation and circuit equation representing the driving principle of the vibration actuator 1 are as follows: The vibration actuator 1 is driven based on the motion equation represented by the following equation (2) and the circuit equation represented by the following equation (3).

[0217] [Formula 2]

[0218]

[0219] m: mass [kg]

[0220] x(t): displacement [m]

[0221] K f :Thrust constant [N / A]

[0222] i(t): current [A]

[0223] K sp : Spring constant [N / m]

[0224] D: Attenuation coefficient [N / (m / s)]

[0225] [Formula 3]

[0226]

[0227] e(t): voltage [V]

[0228] R: resistance [Ω]

[0229] L: Inductance [H]

[0230] K e : Back electromotive force constant [V / (rad / s)]

[0231] That is, the mass m [kg], displacement x (t) [m], thrust constant K in the vibration actuator 1 f [N / A], current i(t)[A], spring constant K sp [N / m], attenuation coefficient D [N / (m / s)], etc. can be changed appropriately within the range that satisfies equation (2). In addition, voltage e(t) [V], resistance R [Ω], inductance L [H], back electromotive force constant K e [V / (rad / s)] can be appropriately changed within the range satisfying equation (3).

[0232] Thus, in the vibration actuator 1, by r When the coils 61 and 62 are energized by the corresponding AC wave, a large vibration output can be obtained efficiently. r The mass m of the movable body 20 and the spring constant K of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 which are leaf springs are determined by sp .

[0233] In addition, the vibration actuator 1 satisfies equations (2) and (3) and is driven by the resonance phenomenon using the resonance frequency shown in equation (1). As a result, in the vibration actuator 1, the power consumed in a stable state is only the loss caused by the attenuation unit 72, and it can be driven with low power consumption, that is, the movable body 20 can be linearly reciprocated with low power consumption. In addition, by increasing the attenuation coefficient D, vibration can be generated in a range up to a high frequency band.

[0234] According to the present embodiment, since the plate-shaped elastic support parts 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 parts 81 and 82 of the magnet 30 while the movable body 20 is stably driven in the upper and lower directions. As a result, high-output vibration can be achieved as the vibration actuator 1.

[0235] (Characteristics of Movable Body 20)

[0236] In the vibration actuator 1 of this embodiment, Fig.13 As shown, the movable body 20 is disposed in the bobbin body portion 522 having the coil so as to be sandwiched by the plate-shaped elastic support portions 81 and 82 .

[0237] The movable body 20 has a disk-shaped magnet 30 at the center. The movable body 20 has a movable stacked body 15 formed by stacking a pair of yokes 41 and 42 having fitting openings 411 and 421 on the front face 30a and the back face 30b in the axial direction of the magnet 30, and a pair of connecting parts 21 and 23. The pair of connecting parts 21 and 23 each have a cylindrical member 22 and 24 and a shaft member 26 and 28 inserted into the cylindrical member 22 and 24 and having a flange 264 and 284 at the base end.

[0238] The shaft members 26 and 28 are inserted into the fitting openings 411 and 421, and the front ends 263 and 283 thereof abut against the front surface 30a and the back surface 30b of the magnet 30. Furthermore, the front end side end surfaces of the cylindrical members 22 and 24 abut against the front surface 30a and the back surface 30b of the magnet 30 in the fitting openings 411 and 421 of the pair of yokes 41 and 42 together with the front ends 263 and 283 of the shaft members 26 and 28 inserted into the cylindrical members 22 and 24.

[0239] The central portions (inner peripheral portions 802) of the pair of elastic support portions 81 and 82 are clamped by the connecting portions 21 and 23, and the outer peripheral portions (outer peripheral fixing portions 806) of the pair of elastic support portions 81 and 82 are connected to the fixed body 50. The fixed body 50 accommodates the movable body 20 inside so that the movable body 20 can reciprocate in the axial direction, and has coils 61 and 62 arranged on the radially outer side of the movable body 20.

[0240] The entire length of the movable body 20 is the thickness a of the magnet 30 in the center portion + the length e of the shaft member × 2, and the movable body 20 is composed of only three members.

[0241] The pin bodies 262 and 282 of the shaft members 26 and 28 abut against the front surface 30a and the back surface 30b of the magnet 30. Therefore, the total length of the movable body 20 mounted on the elastic support parts 81 and 82 can be set only by the sum of the axial dimensions of the three components (the shaft members 26 and 28 and the magnet 30).

[0242] The shaft member having a structure in which the pin bodies 262 and 282 of the shaft members 26 and 28 do not abut against the magnet 30 is represented as the shaft member J1. In the vibration actuator 1, if the shaft member J1 is used instead of the shaft members 26 and 28, the total length of the movable body is the following length: the thickness a of the magnet + the thickness d of the elastic support portion × 2 + the length b of the tubular member × 2 + the thickness c of the shaft member × 2. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the number of components constituting the total length of the movable body 20 can be greatly reduced.

[0243] That is, since the number of parts related to the entire length of the movable body 20 is reduced, the dimensional error caused by the increase in the number of parts is less likely to occur. Therefore, the stability of the dimensions of the entire length of the movable body 20 can be improved, and the voltage input to the coils 61 and 62 can be maximized by stabilizing the vibration characteristics.

[0244] Thus, according to the present embodiment, even if the vibration is attenuated, appropriate body-felt vibration can be generated with a stable high output. In addition, a vibration actuator 1 with stable performance that is compact, shock-resistant, and quiet can be realized at low cost.

[0245] In addition, the fixed body 50 has a coil bobbin portion 52, which has both a function of holding the coils 61 and 62 and a function of protecting the coils 61 and 62 from the movable body 20. Thus, even when the fixed body 50 is impacted, the impact is received without causing damage such as deformation to the elastic support portions 81 and 82. In addition, since the impact is transmitted to the coils 61 and 62 via the resin bobbin body 522, damage can be suppressed, and a vibration actuator 1 with high reliability can be realized.

[0246] (Electronic equipment)

[0247] Fig.14 and Fig.15 This is a diagram showing an example of how the vibration actuator 1 is mounted. Fig.14 An example in which the vibration actuator 1 is mounted on a game controller GC is shown. Fig.15 An example in which the vibration actuator 1 is mounted on a portable terminal M is shown.

[0248] The game controller GC is connected to the game machine body by wireless communication, for example, and is held or gripped by the user and used. Here, the game controller GC is a rectangular plate, and the user grasps the left and right sides of the game controller GC with both hands and operates.

[0249] The game controller GC notifies the user of the command from the game console body by vibration. In addition, although not shown, the game controller GC has functions other than the command notification, such as an input operation unit for the game console body.

[0250] The portable terminal M is a portable communication terminal such as a mobile phone or a smartphone. The portable terminal M notifies the user of an incoming call from an external communication device by vibration and implements various functions of the portable terminal M (for example, functions that provide a sense of operation or a sense of immersion).

[0251] like Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, the game controller GC and the portable terminal M respectively include a communication unit 201, a processing unit 202, a drive control unit 203, and vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206 as drive units corresponding to the vibration actuator 1. In addition, a plurality of vibration actuators 204 and 205 are installed in the game controller GC.

[0252] In the game controller GC and the portable terminal M, preferably, the vibration actuators 204, 205, 206 are installed in a manner such that the surface of the vibration actuators 204, 205, 206 that is orthogonal to the vibration direction, in this case the bottom surface of the bottom 114, is parallel to the main surface of the terminal. The main surface of the terminal is the surface that contacts the body surface of the user, and in the present embodiment, refers to the vibration transmission surface that contacts the body surface of the user and transmits vibration. In addition, it can also be configured in a manner such that the main surface of the terminal is orthogonal to the bottom surface of the bottom 114 of the vibration actuators 204, 205, 206.

[0253] Specifically, in the game controller GC, the vibration actuators 204 and 205 are installed in such a manner that the surface contacted by the fingertips, finger pulps, palms, etc. of the user performing the operation, or the surface provided with the operating unit is orthogonal to the vibration direction. In addition, in the portable terminal M, the vibration actuator 206 is installed in such a manner that the display screen (touch panel surface) is orthogonal to the vibration direction. Thus, vibrations in a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces of the game controller GC and the portable terminal M are transmitted to the user.

[0254] The communication unit 201 is connected to an external communication device through wireless communication, receives a signal from the communication device, and outputs it to the processing unit 202. In the case of a game controller GC, the external communication device is a game console body as an information communication terminal, and communicates according to a short-range wireless communication standard 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 a mobile communication standard.

[0255] The processing unit 202 converts the input signal into a drive signal for driving the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206 through a conversion circuit unit (not shown), and outputs the signal to the drive control unit 203. In addition, in the portable terminal M, the processing unit 202 generates the drive signal based on signals input from various functional units (not shown, such as operating units such as a touch panel) in addition to the signal input from the communication unit 201.

[0256] The drive control unit 203 is connected to the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206, and is provided with a circuit for driving the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206. The drive control unit 203 supplies the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206 with a drive signal.

[0257] The vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206 are driven according to the drive signal from the drive control unit 203. Specifically, in the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206, the movable body 20 vibrates in a direction perpendicular to the main surfaces of the game controller GC and the portable terminal M.

[0258] It is also possible that the movable body 20 contacts the top surface 122 or the bottom 114 of the cover 12 via the shock absorber each time it vibrates. In this case, the impact on the top surface 122 or the bottom 114 of the cover 12 caused by the vibration of the movable body 20, that is, the impact on the housing, is directly transmitted to the user as vibration. In particular, in the game controller GC, since a plurality of vibration actuators 204 and 205 are installed, it is possible to drive one of the plurality of vibration actuators 204 and 205 or both at the same time according to the input drive signal.

[0259] Since vibrations in a direction perpendicular to the body surface are transmitted to the body surface of the user in contact with the game controller GC or the portable terminal M, sufficient somatosensory vibrations can be provided to the user. In the game controller GC, somatosensory vibrations 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 imparted.

[0260] By using the vibration actuator of the present embodiment in this way, in the game controller GC or the portable terminal M, excellent vibration characteristics can be stably obtained, and driving in a silent state can be realized.

[0261] Here, the housing 10 is constituted by the case body 11 formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and the cover 12 , but the shape is not limited thereto and may be any shape as long as it can accommodate the drive unit.

[0262] The housing body 11 may be formed as a first housing and the cover 12 may be formed as a second housing, each of which may be formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the housing body 11 may be configured to be separable into a bottom portion and a peripheral wall portion without changing the cover 12. Alternatively, the housing body 11 may be configured to be divided into three or more parts, such as the top plate portion, the bottom portion, and the peripheral wall portion.

[0263] As mentioned above, the invention completed by the inventors of the present application has been specifically described based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and can be modified within the scope not departing from the gist thereof.

[0264] In addition, the vibration actuator of the present invention is also suitable for portable devices other than game controllers GC and portable terminals M (for example, portable information terminals such as tablet PCs, portable game terminals, and wearable terminals worn by users). In addition, in addition to the above-mentioned portable devices, the vibration actuator 1 of this embodiment can also be used for electric beauty treatment tools such as facial massagers that require vibration.

[0265] The disclosure contents of the specification, drawings and abstract included in Japanese patent application No. 2022-088795 filed on May 31, 2022 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0266] Industrial Applicability

[0267] The vibration actuator of the present invention can be made small and thin, can generate vibrations with stable high output, and is useful as a vibration actuator mounted on electronic devices such as game terminals and portable terminals.

[0268] Description of Reference Numerals

[0269] 1 Vibration Actuator

[0270] 10. Housing

[0271] 11 Housing body

[0272] 12 cover

[0273] 13 Driver Unit

[0274] 15 Movable stack

[0275] 20 Movable body

[0276] 20a Outer surface

[0277] 20b Movable body side flat surface portion

[0278] 21, 23 Connection

[0279] 22, 24 Cylindrical parts

[0280] 26 First axis component

[0281] 28 Second axis component

[0282] 30 Magnet

[0283] 30a Front

[0284] 30b Back

[0285] 41 First yoke

[0286] 42 Second yoke

[0287] 50 Fixed body

[0288] 52 Coil Bobbin Department

[0289] 52b, 52c coil mounting portion

[0290] 53, 53-1, 53-2 terminal binding part

[0291] 54 Movable range forming part

[0292] 58 Outer yoke

[0293] 61, 62 Coil

[0294] 72 Attenuation

[0295] 81, 82 elastic support part

[0296] 102 Gap

[0297] 112 surrounding wall

[0298] 114 bottom

[0299] 115 Opening

[0300] 116, 126 Ventilation holes

[0301] 118 Steps

[0302] 122 Top face

[0303] 124 hanging part

[0304] 128 Pressing part

[0305] 201 Ministry of Communications

[0306] 202 Processing Department

[0307] 203 Drive control unit

[0308] 204, 205, 206 Vibration actuator

[0309] 222, 242 Insertion tube

[0310] 224, 244 Jointing tube

[0311] 262, 282, 362 pin body (shaft component)

[0312] 264, 284, 364 flange

[0313] 268, 288, 368 slits (grooves)

[0314] 362a Cone

[0315] 411, 421 fitting opening (opening)

[0316] 522 Bobbin body

[0317] 522a Inner Surface

[0318] 526 Central flange

[0319] 527, 528 flange

[0320] 527a Upper end surface

[0321] 528a Lower end face

[0322] 529 positioning engaging part

[0323] 582 Opening

[0324] 589 The clamped part

[0325] 802 Inner Periphery

[0326] 804 Deformed Arm

[0327] 806 Peripheral fixing part

[0328] 806a Outermost part

[0329] 806b Inner extension

[0330] 808 positioning slot.

Claims

1. A vibration actuator, comprising: A movable stacked body includes a magnet and a pair of yokes fixed to the front and back surfaces of the magnet and having an opening at the center; a fixed body having a coil and supporting the movable stacked body via a pair of elastic support portions inside the coil in a state where the movable stacked body can reciprocate in the axial direction; and A pair of connecting parts each includes a cylindrical member and a shaft member, the shaft member being inserted into the cylindrical member and having a flange at a base end, The pair of connecting parts connect the movable stack body to the pair of elastic support parts respectively by clamping the pair of elastic support parts respectively by the flange of the shaft part and the base end side end surface of the tubular part in the following state, wherein the front end of the shaft part abuts against the front face or the back face of the magnet in the opening of the pair of magnetic yokes.

2. The vibration actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The front end side end surface of the tubular member, together with the front end of the shaft member inserted into the tubular member, abuts against the front surface or the back surface of the magnet in the openings of the pair of yokes.

3. The vibration actuator according to claim 1, wherein: A groove portion extending from a front end to a base end of the shaft member is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft member.

4. The vibration actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The shaft member is a rivet and is pressed into the cylindrical member.

5. The vibration actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The outer diameter of the base end portion of the tubular member is larger than the outer diameter of the front end portion, the front end portion has a front end side end surface inserted into the opening, and the base end portion has the base end side end surface.

6. The vibration actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The elastic support portion has a flat plate-shaped coil spring.

7. An electronic device having the vibration actuator according to claim 1 installed therein.

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