Vibration actuator and electronic device

Abstract

The invention provides a vibration actuator and an electronic device provided with the vibration actuator, which can realize miniaturization at low cost, have impact resistance and can generate proper somatosensory vibration at high output. Through cooperation of the coil of the fixed body and the magnet of the movable body, the movable body reciprocates in a vibration direction orthogonal to the radial direction on the radial inner side of the coil with respect to the fixed body. The fixed body has a coil holding part which is disposed so as to surround the magnet on the outside in the radial direction and holds the coil disposed on the outside in the radial direction. The coil holding portion has a coil protection wall portion that is disposed at a distance from the magnet on the inside in the radial direction of the coil and prevents the coil from coming into contact with the movable body, and the elastic support portions are a plurality of plate springs that are respectively bridged between the fixed body and the movable body so as to sandwich the movable body in the vibration direction. When the movable body does not vibrate or vibrates, the movable body is supported so as to be movable in the vibration direction so as not to come into contact with the coil holding part.

Description

[0001] This invention patent application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202010474950.3 and invention name “Vibration actuator and electronic device”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a vibration actuator and an electronic device having the vibration actuator. Background Art

[0003] In the past, in electronic devices with vibration functions, a vibration actuator was installed as a vibration source. The electronic device transmits vibration to the user by driving the vibration actuator so that the user can feel the vibration, thereby notifying the user of an incoming call or improving the sense of operation and immersion. Here, the electronic device includes portable game terminals, fixed game console controllers (game pads), portable communication terminals such as mobile phones or smart phones, portable information terminals such as tablet computers, and portable portable devices such as wearable terminals installed on clothes or arms.

[0004] As a vibration actuator with 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 for a pager or the like.

[0005] The vibration actuator has a pair of plate-like elastic bodies supported by the opening edge of a cylindrical frame body. In addition, the vibration actuator has a yoke with a magnet fixedly mounted on the raised central part of one of the pair of plate-like elastic bodies in a spiral shape, and the yoke is supported in the frame body.

[0006] The yoke and the magnet together form a magnetic field generator, and the coil is mounted on another plate-like elastic body in the magnetic field of the magnetic field generator. The coil is made of enameled wire with resin sintered on the surface of the copper wire and is formed into a cylindrical body. It is a so-called air-core coil using self-welding wire, and the configuration space becomes small. The oscillation circuit switches the current with different frequencies to the coil, so that a pair of plate-like elastic bodies selectively resonate and vibrate, and the yoke vibrates in the frame along the center line direction of the frame.

[0007] In the vibration actuator, the distance between the magnet and the coil and the distance between the yoke and the coil are greater than the distance between the yoke and the inner peripheral wall of the frame. Thus, in the event of an external impact, the yoke and the inner peripheral wall of the frame are first collided, and the yoke or the magnet will not contact the coil, thereby preventing the coil from being damaged.

[0008] However, in reality, since the yoke having the magnet collides with the frame, there is a possibility that the pair of plate-like elastic bodies that elastically support the movable body having the yoke are impacted and damaged.

[0009] Therefore, in Patent Document 1, as a second embodiment, the following structure is also disclosed: by providing an axis on the fixed body for the movable body to slide and move along the vibration direction, even if it is subjected to external impact, the yoke as the movable body will not move to the inner peripheral surface of the frame due to the axis, thereby preventing collision with the frame.

[0010] [Prior art literature]

[0011] [Patent Document]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 3748637. Summary of the invention

[0013] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0014] However, in the structure of the conventional vibration actuator in which the shaft on which the movable body slides is provided on the fixed body, the movement of the movable body can be restricted by the shaft to improve the impact resistance, but the movable body slides on the shaft when driven, which may generate sliding noise.

[0015] The generation of noise caused by contact, such as vibration sound, has the problem of reducing the vibration expression of the vibration actuator itself. Therefore, the vibration actuator that vibrates as a vibrating body by the drive of the movable body has high vibration expression while minimizing vibration noise, and it is expected to output appropriate body vibration that can be fully felt by the user. In addition, it is expected to be low in cost compared with the prior art using an air-core coil.

[0016] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vibration actuator and an electronic device that can be miniaturized at low cost, have impact resistance, and generate appropriate body-felt vibrations at high output.

[0017] [Methods used to solve the problem]

[0018] One embodiment of the vibration actuator of the present invention has:

[0019] a fixed body, including a coil;

[0020] a movable body including a magnet and arranged to be relatively movable inwardly of the coil in a radial direction in a vibration direction orthogonal to the radial direction of the coil; and

[0021] an elastic support portion that supports the movable body so as to be movable relative to the fixed body,

[0022] The movable body vibrates relative to the fixed body through the cooperation of the powered coil and the magnet.

[0023] The fixed body has a skeleton-shaped coil holding portion, which is arranged to surround the magnet on the radially outer side and holds the coil arranged on the radially outer side.

[0024] The coil holding portion includes a coil protection wall portion, which is arranged at a distance from the magnet on the radial inner side of the coil and prevents the coil from contacting the movable body including the magnet.

[0025] The elastic support portion includes at least two leaf springs that are spanned between the fixed body and the movable body so as to sandwich the movable body in the vibration direction.

[0026] The leaf spring supports the movable body movably in the vibration direction so that the movable body does not come into contact with the coil holding portion when the movable body is not vibrating and when the movable body is vibrating.

[0027] One embodiment of the electronic device of the present invention adopts a structure in which the vibration actuator having the above structure is mounted.

[0028] [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize miniaturization at low cost, have impact resistance, and generate appropriate body-felt vibration at high output. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vibration actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the vibration actuator.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a state in which a housing is removed from the vibration actuator.

[0033] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing a movable body to which an elastic support portion is fixed.

[0034] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the movable body and the elastic support portion.

[0035] Figure 6 is a top view of an elastic support portion having a damping portion.

[0036] Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of an elastic support portion having a damping portion.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the coil assembly with the electromagnetic shielding portion removed.

[0038] Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the coil assembly.

[0039] Fig.10 It is a bottom side perspective view of the housing body.

[0040] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing the cover as viewed from the back side.

[0041] Fig.12 Schematic diagram showing the magnetic circuit structure of the vibration actuator.

[0042] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing the relative movement state of the coil and the magnet.

[0043] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing the relative movement state of the coil and the magnet.

[0044] Fig.15 It is a perspective view showing a coil bobbin portion having a terminal winding portion.

[0045] Fig.16 This is a side view of the coil bobbin portion as viewed from the terminal winding portion side.

[0046] Fig.17 yes Fig.16 Sectional view along line AA.

[0047] Fig.18 yes Fig.16 Magnified view of section X.

[0048] Fig.19 The figure is an exploded perspective view for explaining the relationship between the coil assembly having the winding lead-out portion having the terminal winding portion and the case.

[0049] Fig. 20 This is a cross-sectional view showing a contact portion between a coil bobbin and an electromagnetic shielding portion in a coil assembly.

[0050] Fig.21 yes Figure 3 A top view of the coil assembly is shown.

[0051] Fig. 22 Viewed from the terminal winding side Figure 3 A perspective view of the coil assembly is shown.

[0052] Fig.23 Viewed from the terminal winding side Figure 3 A side view of the coil assembly is shown.

[0053] Fig.24 It is a perspective view showing a modified example of the coil assembly.

[0054] Fig.25It is a side view showing a modified example of the coil assembly.

[0055] Fig.26 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the vibration actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the notch side.

[0056] Fig. 27 This is a perspective view of the appearance of the vibration actuator in a state where a cable is connected to the terminal winding portion.

[0057] Fig.28 yes Fig. 27 An enlarged view of the connection between the terminal wrapping portion and the cable is shown.

[0058] Fig.29 It is a cross-sectional view of the protrusion of the housing.

[0059] Fig.30 It is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the protrusion of the housing.

[0060] Fig.31 This is a diagram showing the end of a cable.

[0061] Fig.32 It is a diagram showing a modified example of the cable end portion.

[0062] Fig.33 Yes means Fig. 22 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a modified example of the connection portion between the terminal winding portion and the cable.

[0063] FIG. 34 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an assembly process of a vibration actuator.

[0064] Fig.35 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic device in which the vibration actuator is mounted.

[0065] Fig.36 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic device in which the vibration actuator is mounted.

[0066] Explanation of symbols

[0067] 1 vibration actuator; 9 lead-in portion; 10 housing; 11 housing body; 12 cover; 13, 13A driving unit; 20 movable body; 20a outer peripheral surface; 30 magnet; 30a surface; 30b back surface; 41, 42 movable body core; 50 fixed body; 52, 52A coil frame portion (coil holding portion); 52b, 52c coil mounting portion; 53, 53-1, 53-2 terminal winding portion (coil connection portion); 54 movable range forming portion (protrusion); 55 connecting groove portion (groove portion); 58, 58A electromagnetic shielding portion; 61 coil (first coil); 62 coil (second coil); 72 attenuation portion; 73 mounting portion; 81, 82 elastic support portion; 90 terminal lead-out portion; 92, 92-1, 92-2 coil guide portion; 93 inclined portion; 112 peripheral wall portion; 114 bottom portion; 115 opening portion; 116, 126 vent hole; 118 step portion; 119, 119A protrusion; 122 top portion; 124 hanging portion; 128 pressing portion; 201 communication portion; 202 processing portion; 203 drive control portion; 204, 205, 206 vibration actuator; 222, 242 joint portion; 224, 244 spring fixing portion; 522 skeleton body portion (coil protection wall portion); 5 22a inner circumference; 526 central flange portion (central wall portion); 526a outer circumference; 527, 528 flange portions; 527a upper end surface; 528a lower end surface; 529 positioning engaging portion; 589 engaged portion; 802 inner circumference; 804 deformable arm; 806 outer circumference fixing portion; 807 outer circumference; 808 positioning groove; 1192, 1196 protruding pieces; 1194, 1198 vertical pieces. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0069] [Overall structure of the vibration actuator]

[0070] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a vibration actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a longitudinal section view of the vibration actuator. Figure 3 1 is a perspective view showing a state where the housing is removed from the vibration actuator. Figure 4 is a three-dimensional diagram showing a movable body to which an elastic support portion is fixed, Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the movable body and the elastic support portion. Figure 6 is a top view of an elastic support portion having an attenuation portion, Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of an elastic support portion having a damping portion. In addition, Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the coil assembly with the electromagnetic shield removed. Fig. 9: is an exploded view of the coil assembly. In addition, for ease of understanding, the "upper" side and "lower" side in this embodiment are given for convenience, and mean one side and the other side of the vibration direction of the movable body in the vibration actuator. That is, when the vibration actuator is mounted on an electronic device (refer to Fig.35 and Fig.36 ), up and down can be opposite or left and right.

[0071] The vibration actuator 1 according to the first embodiment is installed as a vibration source in a portable game terminal device (for example, Fig.35 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.36 The portable terminal M shown in FIG. 4 ) is installed in various devices 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.

[0072] 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 accommodated between the upper and lower end surfaces so as to be vibrable. The movable body 20 inside the housing 10 is movable, so that the vibration actuator 1 itself functions as a vibrating body.

[0073] The vibration actuator 1 includes a movable body 20 having a magnet 30 and movable body cores 41 and 42 , a fixed body 50 having coils 61 and 62 , and plate-shaped elastic support parts 81 and 82 that support the movable body 20 to be reciprocatable relative to the fixed body 50 .

[0074] In the vibration actuator 1, the coils 61, 62, the magnet 30, and the movable body cores 41, 42 constitute a magnetic circuit for vibrating the movable body 20. The vibration actuator 1 is powered by a power supply unit (for example, Fig.35 and Fig.36 The drive control unit 203 shown in the figure energizes the coils 61 and 62, and the coils 61 and 62 cooperate with the magnet 30, so that the movable body 20 reciprocates in the housing 10 along the vibration direction.

[0075] In the vibration actuator 1 of the present embodiment, the movable body 20 reciprocates in the axial direction of the coils 61 and 62, that is, the vibration direction, on the inner side of the coils 61 and 62 held by the coil frame portion 52, through the frame main body portion (coil protection wall portion) 522 disposed between the movable body 20 and the movable body 20. The axial direction of the coils 61 and 62 is the vibration direction of the movable body 20, the magnetization direction of the magnet 30, and the axial direction of the coil frame portion 52.

[0076] When the movable body 20 is inactive and non-vibrating, the center of the length in the vibration direction is arranged via the elastic support parts 81 and 82 to be opposite to the center of the length in the vibration direction of the coil skeleton part 52 at a predetermined interval in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the movable body 20. At this time, the movable body 20 is preferably located in a balanced position between the coils 61 and 62 so as not to contact the skeleton body part 522 of the coil skeleton part 52. In the present embodiment, the center of the length in the vibration direction of the magnet 30 and the movable body core 41 and 42 and the center of the length in the vibration direction between the upper and lower separated coils 61 and 62 are preferably arranged at positions opposite to each other in a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction. In addition, a magnetic fluid may be interposed between the skeleton body part 522 and the movable body 20.

[0077] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the vibration actuator 1 is configured by providing a driving unit 13 including coils 61 , 62 , a coil bobbin 52 , a movable body 20 , and elastic support portions 81 , 82 in a housing 10 including a housing body 11 and a cover 12 .

[0078] <Movable body 20>

[0079] The movable body 20 is supported by elastic support parts 81 and 82 connected at the upper and lower ends inside the cylindrical coil frame part 52 of the fixed body 50 so as to be able to reciprocate along the inner peripheral surface 522a of the frame main body part 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 part 12 and the bottom part 114. The movable body 20 is arranged Figure 3 On the drive unit 13 shown.

[0080] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the movable body 20 has a magnet 30, movable body cores 41, 42, spring stoppers 22, 24, and fixing pins 26, 28. In this embodiment, the movable body cores 41, 42 and the spring stoppers 22, 24 are respectively provided continuously on both sides (up and down directions in the figure) in the vibration direction with the magnet 30 as the center. In the movable body 20, the outer peripheral surfaces 20a of the magnet 30 and the movable body cores 41, 42 are opposed to each other at a predetermined interval on the inner side of the inner peripheral surface 522a of the skeleton main body 522.

[0081] When the movable body 20 moves in the vibration direction, the outer peripheral surface 20 a reciprocates without being in contact with the inner peripheral surface 522 a .

[0082] 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 and back surfaces 30a and 30b separated in the vibration direction have different polarities. The front and back surfaces 30a and 30b of the magnet 30 are two magnetized surfaces separated in the extending direction of the axes of the coils 61 and 62.

[0083] The magnet 30 is arranged at a distance from the coils 61 and 62 on the radial inner side thereof (described in detail later). Here, the "radial direction" is a direction orthogonal to the axis of the coils 61 and 62, and is also a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction. The "interval" in the radial direction is the interval between the coils 61 and 62 including the skeleton main body 522 and the magnet 30, and is formed as an interval that can move without contact with each other in the vibration direction of the movable body 20. That is, in the present embodiment, the "interval" refers to the specified interval between the skeleton main body 522 and the magnet 30.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the magnet 30 is arranged in a manner that is opposite to the center of the skeleton main body 522 on the radially outer side. In addition, the magnet 30 may be in a shape other than a disc such as a cylindrical shape or a plate shape, as long as it is arranged on the inner side of the coils 61 and 62 with the two magnetized surfaces facing the extending direction of the axis of the coils 61 and 62. In addition, it is preferred that the axial center of the magnet 30 coincides with the axial center of the movable body 20.

[0085] Movable cores 41 and 42 are provided on the front and back surfaces 30 a and 30 b of the magnet 30 , respectively.

[0086] Movable cores 41 and 42 are magnetic bodies and function as yokes, forming a magnetic circuit together with magnet 30 and coils 61 and 62. Movable cores 41 and 42 concentrate the magnetic flux of magnet 30 so that it flows efficiently without leakage, and effectively distribute the magnetic flux flowing between magnet 30 and coils 61 and 62.

[0087] In addition to the function as a part of the magnetic circuit, movable cores 41 and 42 also function as a main body portion of movable body 20 , a function of fixing spring stoppers 22 and 24 , and a function as a weight in movable body 20 .

[0088] In this embodiment, the movable cores 41 and 42 are formed into annular flat plates having the same surface shape as the magnet 30. The movable cores 41 and 42 are fixed to the magnet 30 so that their outer peripheral surfaces are coplanar with the outer peripheral surface of the magnet, and together with the outer peripheral surface of the magnet, they constitute the outer peripheral surface 20a of the movable body 20.

[0089] The movable cores 41 and 42 are the same components formed in the same manner in this embodiment, and are symmetrically arranged above and below the magnet 30 in a manner sandwiching the magnet 30 with the magnet 30 as the center. In addition, the movable cores 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.

[0090] The fitting openings 411 and 421 into which the upper and lower spring stoppers 22 and 24 fit are provided at the center of each of the movable body cores 41 and 42. The fitting openings 411 and 421 are provided so that the axes of the upper and lower spring stoppers 22 and 24, that is, the center axes of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 are located on the center axis of the movable body 20. The fitting openings 411 and 421 are in contact at three or four points to support the upper and lower spring stoppers 22 and 24 to be located on the axis of the movable body 20 in order to accurately fix the inserted spring stoppers 22 and 24 on the axis. The fitting openings 411 and 421 can adjust the degree of opening in the movable body cores 41 and 42, adjust the weight of the movable body 20, and set an appropriate vibration output.

[0091] In the present embodiment, when the movable body 20 is not vibrating, the movable body cores 41 and 42 are opposed to the coils 61 and 62 on the inner side (radially inner side) of the coils 61 and 62 in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the coils 61 and 62 .

[0092] The movable body cores 41 and 42 together with the magnet 30 constitute a movable body side magnetic circuit. In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the height position of the upper surface of the movable body core 41 on the upper side of the magnet 30 is opposite to the center position of the height direction (up and down direction) of the upper coil 61. In addition, it is preferred that the height position of the lower surface of the movable body core 42 on the lower side of the magnet 30 is opposite to the center position of the height direction (up and down direction) of the lower coil 62.

[0093] The spring stoppers 22 and 24 have the function of fixing the movable body side magnetic circuit to the elastic support parts 81 and 82, and also have the function of serving as a counterweight for the movable body 20. The spring stoppers 22 and 24 are symmetrically arranged so as to sandwich the magnet 30 and the movable body cores 41 and 42, thereby increasing the vibration output of the movable body 20.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the spring stoppers 22 and 24 are shaft-shaped bodies arranged along the central axis of the movable body 20 , and are interposed between the movable body cores 41 and 42 and the elastic support parts 81 and 82 .

[0095] In this embodiment, the spring fixing parts 22 and 24 are formed in the same shape and have joint parts 222 and 242 and spring fixing parts 224 and 244. These joint parts 222 and 242 and spring fixing parts 224 and 244 are respectively provided continuously in the vibration direction (specifically, the up-down direction).

[0096] The spring stoppers 22 and 24 have through holes. In addition, the spring stoppers 22 and 24 can also function as weight adjustment parts by adding weights in the through holes. By adding weights in the through holes, the movable body 20 can be weighted and the vibration output of the movable body 20 can be increased.

[0097] The joint parts 222 and 242 are respectively joined to the movable cores 41 and 42. Specifically, the joint parts 222 and 242 are respectively inserted into the fitting openings 411 and 421 of the movable cores 41 and 42. In the present embodiment, the spring stoppers 22 and 24 are fixed to the movable cores 41 and 42 by press-fitting, but are not limited to this. For example, they may be fixed by bonding using a thermosetting adhesive such as epoxy resin or an anaerobic adhesive.

[0098] The upper spring fixing portion 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, and is joined to the inner peripheral portion 802, which is the end portion on the inner diameter side of the upper leaf spring serving as the elastic support portion 81. On the other hand, the lower spring fixing portion 244 constitutes the other end portion in the vibration direction of the movable body 20, that is, the lower end portion of the movable body 20, and is joined to the inner peripheral portion 802, which is the end portion on the inner diameter side of the lower leaf spring serving as the elastic support portion 82.

[0099] The spring fixing portions 224 and 244 are provided to protrude upward and downward from the engaging portions 222 and 242 , respectively, and are engaged at their front ends with the inner peripheral portions 802 and 802 of the elastic supporting portions 81 and 82 via the fixing pins 26 and 28 , respectively.

[0100] The fixing pins 26 and 28 firmly fix the elastic supporting parts 81 and 82 and the movable body 20 so as not to fall off due to vibration of the movable body 20 .

[0101] In the present embodiment, the fixing pins 26 and 28 are formed in the same shape and have shaft-shaped pin bodies 262 and 282 that can be press-fitted into the spring fixing portions 224 and 244 , and flanges 264 and 284 provided at the edges of one ends of the pin bodies 262 and 282 , respectively.

[0102] Specifically, the pin bodies 262 and 282 of the fixing pins 26 and 28 are fixed by being pressed into the through holes of the spring fixing parts 224 and 244 through the openings of the inner peripheral parts 802 in a state where the inner peripheral parts 802 of the elastic supporting parts 81 and 82 overlap the spring fixing parts 224 and 244. Thus, the flanges 264 and 284 are firmly joined by sandwiching the inner peripheral parts 802 of the elastic supporting parts 81 and 82 through the spring fixing parts 224 and 244. In addition, the inner peripheral parts 802 of the elastic supporting parts 81 and 82 and the spring fixing parts 224 and 244 are joined by welding, bonding or riveting, etc., and further by combining welding, bonding or riveting.

[0103] The spring stoppers 22 and 24 are arranged in the movable body 20 at the two ends (upper and lower ends) separated from the movable body side magnetic circuit in the vibration direction, so that the counterweight in the movable body 20 is not arranged on the outer peripheral side of the movable body magnetic circuit. As a result, the arrangement space of the coils 61 and 62 arranged opposite to each other on the outer peripheral side of the movable body side magnetic circuit, that is, the outer peripheral side of the movable body 20 is not limited, that is, the distance between the movable body magnetic circuit and the coils 61 and 62 is not separated, and the efficiency of electromagnetic conversion is not reduced. Therefore, the weight of the movable body 20 can be appropriately increased, and high vibration output can be achieved.

[0104] In addition, since the spring stoppers 22 and 24 have the counterweight function and the spring fixing function, it is not necessary to assemble the components having the respective functions separately. By simply arranging the spring stoppers 22 and 24 on the movable body side magnetic circuit, the upper leaf spring and the lower leaf spring as the elastic support parts 81 and 82 can be easily assembled to the movable body 20 together with the counterweight, which can improve the assembly performance.

[0105] In addition, the spring stoppers 22 and 24 may be made of a magnetic material, but are preferably made of a non-magnetic material. If the spring stoppers 22 and 24 are made of a non-magnetic material, the magnetic flux from the movable core 41 will not flow upward, and the magnetic flux from the movable core 42 will not flow downward, and can efficiently flow to the coils 61 and 62 located on the outer peripheral side of the movable cores 41 and 42.

[0106] In addition, the spring stoppers 22 and 24 are preferably formed of a material (for example, a specific gravity of about 16 to 19) having a higher specific gravity than a material such as a silicon steel plate (the specific gravity of the steel plate is 7.70 to 7.98). The material of the spring stoppers 22 and 24 can be tungsten, for example. Thus, even if the outer dimensions of the movable body 20 are set in the design, the mass of the movable body 20 can be increased relatively easily, and the desired vibration output that is a sufficient physical vibration for the user can be achieved.

[0107] <Fixed body 50>

[0108] The fixed body 50 holds the coils 61 and 62 and supports the movable body 20 via the elastic support portions 81 and 82 radially inside the coils 61 and 62 so as to be movable in the vibration direction (coil axial direction, axial direction of the movable body 20 ).

[0109] The fixed body 50 includes a housing 10 , coils 61 , 62 , a coil bobbin portion 52 , and an electromagnetic shield portion 58 .

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

[0112] The coil skeleton part 52 is made of a raw material containing phenolic resin, thereby improving flame retardancy, and even if heat is generated by Joule heat when current flows through the retained coils 61 and 62, it is possible to improve safety during driving. In addition, due to improved dimensional accuracy, the positional accuracy of the coils 61 and 62 is improved, thereby reducing the deviation of vibration characteristics.

[0113] The coil bobbin portion 52 includes a cylindrical bobbin body portion 522 , flange portions 526 to 528 protruding radially from the outer circumference of the bobbin body portion 522 , a terminal winding portion (coil connection portion) 53 , a movable range forming portion 54 , and a connection groove portion 55 .

[0114] In the coil frame part 52, coils 61 and 62 are wound between the flange parts 526 to 528 (coil mounting parts 52b and 52c). The coils 61 and 62 are covered by the electromagnetic shielding part 58 positioned via the terminal lead-out part 90 and the positioning engaging part 529 of the coil frame part 52. In addition, for the sake of convenience, the terminal winding part (coil connection part) 53 is sometimes illustrated as the terminal winding part (coil connection part) 53-1 and 53-2 for explanation.

[0115] The inner circumferential surface 522a of the skeleton main body 522 is arranged opposite to the outer circumferential surface of the movable body 20 at a predetermined interval. The predetermined interval is an interval at which the movable body 20 can move in the vibration direction, i.e., in the axial direction, without contacting the inner circumferential surface 522a when moving in the vibration direction. The skeleton main body 522 is configured to hinder the contact between the magnet 30 and the coils 61 and 62, and the movable body 20 can reciprocate without contacting along the inner circumferential surface 522a.

[0116] The frame body 522 functions as a protective wall that protects the movable body 20 disposed inside from colliding with the coils 61 and 62 during driving. The thickness of the frame body 522 is strong enough not to affect the coils 61 and 62 on the outer peripheral side even if the movable body 20 contacts the movable body 20.

[0117] Coils 61 and 62 are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the skeleton body 522 so as to surround the outer peripheral surfaces of the movable cores 41 and 42 of the movable body 20 (the outer peripheral surfaces of the magnet 30 and the movable cores 41 and 42 ) and are aligned in the coil axial direction.

[0118] Specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the skeleton main body 522 is provided with concave coil mounting portions 52b and 52c (see FIG. Figure 2 and Fig. 9 ).

[0119] The coil mounting parts 52b and 52c are provided to be separated by flange parts 526 to 528. On the coil mounting parts 52b and 52c, the coils 61 and 62 are wound between the flange parts 527 and 528 to sandwich the flange part (central wall part, hereinafter also referred to as "central flange part") 526 in the vibration direction.

[0120] The central flange portion 526 is provided in an annular shape and has a circular outer peripheral portion.

[0121] A lead-in portion 9 is provided at a part of the outer periphery of the central flange portion 526. The lead-in portion 9 has a function of leading the winding of the coil and processing the terminal state of the coil.

[0122] The lead-out portion 9 includes a terminal lead-out portion 90 provided with the terminal winding portion 53 , and a connection groove portion 55 for wiring the windings of the coils 61 and 62 .

[0123] like Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.15 and Fig.16 As shown, the terminal winding portion 53 functions as a connector connection portion for winding the windings of the coils 61 and 62 and connecting to an external device. The terminal winding portion 53 connects the coils 61 and 62 and an external device (for example, a power supply unit such as a drive control unit) to supply power to the coils 61 and 62.

[0124] The terminal winding portion 53 is a conductive component protruding from the outer peripheral portion of the skeleton main body portion 522, and is a rod-shaped body in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the terminal winding portion 53 is provided by pressing the base end portion on the outer peripheral portion of the coil skeleton portion 52, specifically, on the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 526 arranged at the center of the vibration direction.

[0125] The terminal winding portion 53 is provided in the vibration actuator 1 at a terminal lead-out portion 90 that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 526 at the center portion in the vibration direction.

[0126] The terminal lead-out portion 90 leads the ends of the windings forming the coils 61 and 62 to the outside of the vibration actuator 1 via the terminal winding portion 53 .

[0127] The terminal lead-out portion 90 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the central flange portion 526 and has a predetermined radial length, a thickness in the vibration direction, and a circumferential width on the flange portion 526, thereby ensuring a press-fit clearance for the terminal winding portion 53. Thus, the terminal lead-out portion 90 can firmly hold the terminal winding portion 53 and can be stably fixed when the terminal winding portion 53 is assembled to the coil frame portion 52.

[0128] In this embodiment, if Fig.17 As shown, the terminal lead-out portion 90 protrudes outward from the outer diameter R of the central flange portion 526. The terminal winding portion 53 is provided protruding outward from the protruding portion.

[0129] The terminal winding portion 53 protrudes outward from the outer diameter R together with the terminal lead portion 90. Thus, it is possible to prevent the terminal winding portion 53 from contacting the electromagnetic shielding portion 58 arranged to surround the coil skeleton portion 52 after assembly. In addition, the details of the electromagnetic shielding portion 58 will be described later. In addition, in the present embodiment, the terminal lead portion 90 is fitted into the opening portion 582 of the electromagnetic shielding portion 58. Thus, the terminal lead portion 90 functions as a rotation stop portion of the electromagnetic shielding portion 58.

[0130] The terminal lead portion 90 is provided in the central flange portion 526 close to (adjacent to) the connection groove portion 55 .

[0131] The windings of the connecting coils 61 and 62 are inserted through the connecting groove 55. In the connecting groove 55 of the present embodiment, the winding directions of the windings forming the coils 61 and 62 are reversed in the upper and lower directions of the connecting groove 55.

[0132] The connection groove portion 55 is formed in a cutout shape that opens radially outward on the outer periphery of the central flange portion 526 and penetrates in the vibration direction. Specifically, the connection groove portion 55 has at least a bottom wall portion 55a that forms a groove-shaped bottom and a side wall portion (a side wall portion) 55b that is away from the terminal winding portion 53 in the bottom wall portion 55a, and has a portion formed in a cutout shape by the bottom wall portion 55a and the farther side wall portion 55b. The cutout portion has the function of locking the winding in a manner that prevents the winding from falling off when one of the coils 61 or 62 is wound and arranged, and the winding direction is reversed and the other is wound and arranged. The connection groove portion 55 of the present embodiment is formed in a top-view U-shape with the bottom wall portion 55 as the bottom surface and two side walls erected at both ends separated in the circumferential direction.

[0133] In the connection groove portion 55, as shown in FIG. Fig.17 As shown, when viewed from above, the side wall portion 55b away from the terminal winding portion 53 is formed to form an acute angle on the terminal winding portion 53 side with respect to the normal line n of the outer peripheral surface of the outer diameter R of the central flange portion 526 passing through the joint portion of the farther side wall portion 55b and the bottom wall portion 55a. Thus, in the connection groove portion 55, the angle α formed by the side wall portion 55b away from the terminal winding portion 53 and the bottom wall portion 55a is set to form an acute angle on the terminal winding portion 53 side compared with the normal line n.

[0134] Therefore, when the coils 61 and 62 are arranged by winding the coil windings on the coil mounting portions 52b and 52c in the up-down reverse direction, the coil windings are reliably engaged with the connecting groove portions 55 in a manner that does not separate from the connecting groove portions 55, and are appropriately guided to the desired coil mounting portions 52b and 52c. Therefore, the coils 61 and 62 can be easily assembled to the coil frame portion 52.

[0135] In addition, the winding portion 9 has a coil guide portion 92, which guides the winding of the coil from the terminal winding portion 53 to the position (e.g., a corner) of the first turn in the coil winding portion (one of the coil mounting portions 52b, 52c) of the coil skeleton portion 52 at the central flange portion 526.

[0136] The coil guide 92 is provided on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces (surfaces separated in the vibration direction) of the central flange 526. In the present embodiment, the coil guide 92 is formed in the central flange 526 at locations adjacent to the terminal lead-out portion 90 and the connection groove 55 on both sides in the circumferential direction.

[0137] The coil guide portion 92 connects the junction between the central flange portion 526 and the outer peripheral surface of the frame body portion 522 and the terminal winding portion 53 in the coil mounting portions 52b and 52c via an inclined portion 93 formed by steps on the upper and lower surfaces of the central flange portion 526.

[0138] Fig.18The coil guide portion 92-1 in the coil guide portion 92 guides the coil mounting portion 52c and the terminal winding portion 53-1 in the coil mounting portion 52c. The step Y is a step between a height position of the central flange portion 526 (the height level of the upper surface of the central flange portion 526) which is substantially the same as the joining position of the outer peripheral surface of the coil body portion 522 in the coil mounting portion 52c and a height level position which is lower than the central flange portion 526 and close to the terminal winding portion 53.

[0139] The inclined portion 93 has a stepped surface between the upper surface of the central flange portion 526 and the surface at the height level position close to the terminal winding portion 53 due to the step Y. The stepped surface is arranged in a manner of standing up from the surface at the height level position close to the terminal winding portion 53, extending circumferentially from the base end side of the terminal winding portion 53, and tilting toward the bottom surface side of the coil mounting portions 52b, 52c.

[0140] exist Fig.18 In the embodiment, after the coil winding is wound on the terminal winding portion 53-1, the coil guide portion 92-1 guides the coil winding by pulling the coil winding toward the coil mounting portion 52c of the coil frame portion 52 through the inclined portion 93. Thus, compared with the case where the coil winding is directly introduced into the coil mounting portion 52c from the terminal winding portion 53-1, the position of the first turn of the winding can be stabilized, and the coil 62 can be properly arranged.

[0141] The coil guide 93 can stabilize the position of the first turn of the winding in the coil mounting portions 52b and 52c when the winding of the coil from the terminal winding portion 53 is wound on the coil mounting portions 52b and 52c, thereby preventing defects in the process.

[0142] Thus, the vibration actuator 1 can be assembled by performing the steps of winding the winding wire around the terminal winding portion 53, forming the upper and lower coils, and winding around the final terminal winding portion 53 in a series of processes. Thus, the coil forming step can be easily automated, and a vibration actuator with an efficient assembly structure can be realized.

[0143] The flanges 527 and 528 are arranged at two ends separated along the axial direction (in this embodiment, the vibration direction, and also the up-down direction) of the frame body 522, forming the upper and lower ends of the coil frame 52. The flanges 527 and 528 (collectively referred to as "two-end flanges", also referred to as "end flanges") are respectively extended from the outer periphery of the frame body 522 in the vibration direction at both ends in the radial direction. Fig.16 and Fig. 20 As shown, the flange portions 527 and 528 at both ends have the outer peripheral portion 526 a of the central flange portion 526 and the same diameter portions 527 b and 528 b , and abut against the inner peripheral surface of the electromagnetic shield portion 58 at these same diameter portions.

[0144] In the coil frame part 52, a concave portion into which the electromagnetic shielding part 58 is fitted is formed by opening in the radial direction through the outer peripheral portion 526a of the central flange part 526 and the same diameter portions 527b and 528b of the flange parts 527 and 528. By arranging the electromagnetic shielding part 58 in the concave portion, the electromagnetic shielding part 58 is positioned at a position surrounding the coils 61 and 62. In addition, the electromagnetic shielding part 58 is stably fixed to the coil frame part 52 by contacting with the outer peripheral portion 526a and the same diameter portions 527b and 528b of the flange parts 527 and 528, and can be stably fixed even when the height dimension (length in the vibration direction) of the electromagnetic shielding part 58 becomes large.

[0145] Elastic support portions 81 and 82 are fixed to the flange portions 527 and 528 at the ends (the upper and lower ends in the present embodiment) on the sides away from the flange portion 526 .

[0146] 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 .

[0147] 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 between 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 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.

[0148] The flange portion 527 has a protruding movable range forming portion 54 protruding in the vibration direction, and has a top surface receiving portion receiving 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, and has a bottom surface receiving portion receiving the bottom portion 114 via the movable range forming portion 54.

[0149] In addition, if Fig.21 As shown, the movable range forming portion 54 is engaged with the positioning groove 808 provided on the elastic support portions 81 and 82 to perform radial positioning of the elastic support portions 81 and 82. The movable range forming portion 54 has a circumferential length and a predetermined thickness, and correspondingly, the positioning groove 808 is also formed. In this embodiment, the movable range forming portion 54 is engaged with the positioning groove 808 to limit the radial and circumferential movement of the elastic support portions 81 and 82, and to perform positioning of the elastic support portions 81 and 82.

[0150] In order to position the elastic support parts 81 and 82 relative to the coil frame part 52 by fitting the protruding movable range forming part 54 into the positioning groove 808, the positions of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 in each body of the drive unit 13 are similarly set, so that the elastic support parts 81 and 82 can be stably positioned relative to the coil frame part 52. As a result, the movement of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 in the rotation direction is restricted, and as a product, the deviation of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 can be suppressed, and stable characteristics can be achieved.

[0151] The movable range forming portions 54 are provided at equal intervals around the axis of the coil bobbin portion 52. In the present embodiment, the movable range forming portions 54 are provided at three locations at equal intervals around the axis of the coil bobbin portion 52.

[0152] In addition, the three movable range forming parts 54 respectively support the elastic support parts 81 and 82, thereby reducing the hooking or friction when the movable body 20 is inserted into the coil frame part 52, and the assembly performance is good, and the movable body 20 and the coil frame part 52 can be easily positioned.

[0153] The coil bobbin 52 is housed in the housing 10 and fixed to the edge of the bottom 114 in a state where the movable range defining portions 54 at the upper and lower ends are in contact with the edges of the cover 12 and the bottom 114 .

[0154] In the present embodiment, the flange portions 527 and 528 engage with the electromagnetic shield portion 58 , and include a positioning engagement portion 529 for positioning the electromagnetic shield portion 58 at a position surrounding the coils 61 and 62 .

[0155] The positioning engagement portion 529 engages with the engaged portion 589 of the electromagnetic shielding portion 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.

[0156] In this way, a positioning engaging portion 529 for positioning the electromagnetic shielding portion is provided at the outer peripheral portion of the flange portions 527 and 528, that is, the outer diameter portion of the coil frame portion 52. By engaging the positioning engaging portion 529 with the engaged portion 589, the electromagnetic shielding portion 58 is arranged without displacement relative to the coils 61 and 62 wound on the coil frame portion 52, and stable magnetic characteristics can be obtained. In addition, compared with the case where the electromagnetic shielding portion 58 is positioned and assembled to the coil frame portion 52 only by engaging the terminal lead-out portion 90 with the opening portion 582, when assembled only by the terminal lead-out portion 90, it will not be deformed by load.

[0157] In this way, the terminal winding portion 53 of the terminal lead-out portion 90 will not be deformed due to the load applied to the terminal lead-out portion 90, and the deformation of the terminal winding portion 53 can be suppressed, so that the vibration actuator can be stably manufactured. In addition, an adhesive portion can be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the flange portions 526 to 528 with the same outer diameter, and the electromagnetic shielding portion 58 can be fixed to each flange portion 526 to 528 via the adhesive portion. In this way, stable vibration characteristics can be achieved.

[0158] <Coil>

[0159] In the vibration actuator 1, the coils 61 and 62 are used to generate a driving source for the vibration actuator 1 together with the magnet 30 and the movable cores 41 and 42, 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.

[0160] The coils 61 and 62 are arranged on the coil mounting portions 52 b and 52 c . In the present embodiment, the coils 61 and 62 are arranged at positions facing the movable cores 41 and 42 in a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction.

[0161] The coils 61 and 62 are held on the coil frame portion 52 so that the center position of the length in the axial direction (vibration direction) of the coil becomes approximately 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 configured to be wound in opposite directions to each other, and current flows in opposite directions when power is supplied.

[0162] The ends of the coils 61 and 62 are connected to the terminal winding portion 53 of the flange portion 526. The coils 61 and 62 are connected to the power supply unit (for example, Fig.35 and Fig.36 For example, the ends of the coils 61 and 62 are connected to the AC supply unit via the terminal winding unit 53, and the AC power supply unit supplies AC power (AC voltage) to the coils 61 and 62. As a result, the coils 61 and 62 can generate thrust between the magnets to move in the directions of approaching and separating from each other axially.

[0163] In this embodiment, the coils 61 and 62 are Figure 8 and Fig.16As shown, first, one end of the coil winding is wound and connected to the terminal winding portion 53-1. The other end side of the winding connected to the terminal winding portion 53-1 is guided by the coil guide portion 92-1 (arrow D1) to the position where the first turn is formed in the coil mounting portion 52c. At the position of the first turn, the winding is wound in a counterclockwise direction (arrow D2) to form the first turn, and then repeatedly wound in a counterclockwise direction (as shown by arrows D2 to D3). Thus, the coil 62 is arranged on the coil mounting portion 52c.

[0164] Next, the winding on the other end side of the coil 62 passes through the connecting groove 55 (indicated by arrow D4) and is wound in the opposite direction (refer to arrow D5) in the connecting groove 55, and is guided to the position of the first turn of the coil mounting portion 52b through the coil guide portion 92-2. The winding is wound in the coil mounting portion 52b in the opposite direction to the coil mounting portion 52c, and is wound in the clockwise direction here (indicated by arrows D6 to D7). By winding the windings clockwise in sequence, the coil 61 is arranged on the coil mounting portion 52b. In addition, in the present embodiment, the coils 61 and 62 are composed of one winding, but are not limited to this, and can also be composed of separate coils 61 and 62. In this structure, when the separate coils are composed of windings wound in the same direction, different direction currents are supplied to each other during driving.

[0165] The coil axes of the coils 61 and 62 are preferably arranged coaxially with the axis of the coil bobbin portion 52 or the axis of the magnet 30 .

[0166] The coils 61 and 62 are formed into a cylindrical shape by winding the coil wire from the outside of the coil frame part 52 to the coil mounting parts 52b and 52c. According to this structure, the coil frame part 52 having the coils 61 and 62 can assemble the coils without using a self-melting wire in order to maintain the cylindrical bodies of the coils 61 and 62 respectively. That is, since there is no need to use an air-core coil as the coil, the cost of the coils 61 and 62 themselves can be reduced, and the overall cost of the vibration actuator can be reduced.

[0167] In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the coils 61 and 62 is surrounded by the electromagnetic shielding part 58 on the inner side of the housing 10, and is sealed by the coil mounting parts 52b and 52c, and is fixed by bonding or the like in the coil mounting parts 52b and 52c. In the present embodiment, the coils 61 and 62 are fixed to the entire skeleton main body 522 and the flange parts 526 to 528 by bonding. Therefore, the coils 61 and 62 can increase the bonding strength with the coil skeleton part 52, and even when a large impact is applied, the coils 61 and 62 will not be damaged compared with the structure in which the movable body and the coil are in direct contact.

[0168] <Electromagnetic Shielding Section 58>

[0169] The electromagnetic shielding portion 58 is a cylindrical magnetic body disposed at a position surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the coil skeleton portion 52 and covering the coils 61 and 62 on the radially outer side. The electromagnetic shielding portion 58 constitutes a fixed body side magnetic circuit together with the coils 61 and 62, and prevents leakage of magnetic flux 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 movable body cores 41 and 42.

[0170] The electromagnetic shield 58 is disposed so that the center of the electromagnetic shield 58 in the vibration direction is at the same height as the center of the magnet 30 disposed inside. The shielding effect of the electromagnetic shield 58 can reduce leakage magnetic flux to the outside of the vibration actuator.

[0171] In addition, the electromagnetic shielding part 58 can increase the thrust constant in the magnetic circuit and improve the electromagnetic conversion efficiency. The electromagnetic shielding part 58 uses the magnetic attraction force of the magnet 30 and functions as a magnetic spring together with the magnet 30, which 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.

[0172] The electromagnetic shielding portion 58 is provided with an opening 582 through which the terminal winding portion 53 is inserted. Fig. 22 and Fig.23 As shown, the opening portion 582 is fitted into the terminal lead portion 90 , and functions as a portion that stops the electromagnetic shield portion 58 from rotating relative to the coil bobbin portion 52 in the circumferential direction.

[0173] In this embodiment, the opening 582 is formed in a shape that is longer in the circumferential direction than in the vertical direction at the center of the main body of the electromagnetic shield 58. Thus, since the electromagnetic shield 58 is present above and below the opening 582, the balance is good, and the imbalance of the magnetic attraction force in the magnetic circuit and the leakage flux can be suppressed to a minimum.

[0174] In the present embodiment, the opening 582 is arranged at the central portion of the electromagnetic shielding portion 58 in the vertical direction (vibration direction), but may be arranged in any other manner as long as the terminal winding portion 53 of the accommodated coil frame portion 52 protrudes to the outside.

[0175] For example, Fig.24 and Fig.25 The drive unit 13A shown in the figure has a structure in which only the structure of the electromagnetic shielding portion 58A is different from the structure of the drive unit 13 .

[0176] The electromagnetic shielding portion 58A of the drive unit 13A is provided with an opening portion 582A in a shape obtained by cutting away one opening side of the cylindrical electromagnetic shielding portion 58A.

[0177] That is, the opening portion 582A of the electromagnetic shielding portion 58A penetrates the electromagnetic shielding portion 58A in the cylindrical electromagnetic shielding portion 58A, and is formed to be open at the opening edge on one side. In this way, in the electromagnetic shielding portion 58A, when the opening portion 582 is formed in a manner of opening on one side, the electromagnetic shielding portion 58A can be assembled by being axially externally mounted on the coil skeleton portion 52A from the opening portion side on one side. As a result, the electromagnetic shielding portion 58A can be easily assembled to the coil skeleton portion 52A. In particular, even when the vibration actuator is miniaturized and thinned, the opening portion can be provided in the electromagnetic shielding portion 58A, which can improve the assemblability.

[0178] In addition, engaged portions 589 are provided at the opening edges of the electromagnetic shielding portion 58 which are open on both sides in the axial direction. The engaged portions 589 are formed in a convex shape and engage with the positioning engaging portions 529 .

[0179] The engaged portion 589 is provided at a position corresponding to the positioning engaging portion 529. The engaged portion 589 is engaged with the positioning engaging portion 529 to restrict the electromagnetic shield 58 from moving in the circumferential direction and the vertical direction relative to the coil bobbin 52, and the electromagnetic shield 58 is positioned to surround the coils 61 and 62.

[0180] <Elastic Supporting Parts 81, 82>

[0181] The elastic support portions 81 and 82 support the movable body 20 so as to be reciprocally movable in the vibration direction relative to the fixed body 50 .

[0182] The elastic support parts 81 and 82 sandwich the movable body 20 in the vibration direction of the movable body 20, and are provided on both the movable body 20 and the fixed body 50 in a manner intersecting 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) separated from each other in the vibration direction of the movable body 20 and connected to the fixed body 50. In this embodiment, the elastic support parts 81 and 82 are arranged opposite to each other in a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction.

[0183] The elastic support parts 81 and 82 are fitted with their respective inner peripheral parts 802 at both ends (spring fixing parts 224 and 244) separated in the axial direction (vibration direction) of the movable body 20, and the outer peripheral fixing part 806 side is installed on the movable body 20 in a manner extending radially outward (radial direction).

[0184] The elastic support parts 81 and 82 support the movable body 20 in a manner that does not contact the fixed body 50 when the movable body 20 is not vibrating or when it is vibrating. In addition, when the movable body 20 is driven (vibrated), even if the elastic support parts 81 and 82 contact the inner peripheral surface 522a of the skeleton main body 522 of the movable body 20, 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 are parts that elastically support the movable body 20 in a freely movable manner. The elastic support parts 81 and 82 are the same parts having the same structure in this embodiment.

[0185] The elastic support parts 81 and 82 are respectively a plurality of flat plate-shaped leaf springs. The movable body 20 may also have the plurality of elastic support parts 81 and 82 formed of three or more leaf springs. These plurality of leaf springs are attached in a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction.

[0186] The elastic support parts 81 and 82 as leaf springs have a shape in which an annular inner peripheral part 802 as an inner spring end and an outer peripheral fixing part 806 as an outer spring end are joined by a deformable arm 804 that is elastically deformed and has an arc shape in a plan view. The outer peripheral part 807 of each of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 is formed by the deformable arm 804 and the outer peripheral fixing part 806. Due to the deformation of the deformable arm 804, the inner peripheral part 802 and the outer peripheral fixing part 806 are relatively displaced in the axial direction.

[0187] The outer peripheral fixing portions 806 of the elastic supporting portions 81 and 82 are joined to the fixed body 50 , and the inner peripheral portions 802 are joined to the movable body 20 .

[0188] 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, more specifically, thin flat disc-shaped spiral springs. Since the elastic support parts 81 and 82 are flat, the position accuracy, i.e., the processing accuracy, can be improved compared to conical springs.

[0189] In this embodiment, the plurality of elastic support portions 81 and 82 have the same spiral orientation, and have an outer peripheral fixing portion 806 as one end on the outer peripheral side fixed to the fixed body 50 and an inner peripheral portion 802 as the other end on the inner peripheral side fixed to the movable body 20 .

[0190] Thus, in the present embodiment, as the plurality of elastic support parts 81 and 82, a plurality of spiral leaf springs are used, which are respectively installed at the two ends separated in the vibration direction of the movable body 20, and elastically support the movable body 20 relative to the fixed body 50. Thus, when the movement amount of the movable body 20 increases, the movable body moves in the parallel direction (here, the direction on the plane perpendicular to the vibration direction) while slightly rotating. 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 relative to each other, hindering the smooth movement.

[0191] The elastic support parts 81 and 82 of the present embodiment are fixed to the movable body 20 in the same manner as the vortex direction, so even if the movable body 20 moves more, it can move smoothly, that is, it can be deformed to a larger amplitude, and the vibration output can be increased. However, according to the desired vibration range of the movable body 20, it is also possible to design the vortex directions of the plurality of elastic support parts 81 and 82 to be opposite to each other.

[0192] The plate-shaped elastic support parts 81 and 82 are arranged on the movable body 20 so that the inner peripheral parts 802 of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 overlap with the spring fixing 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 and fixed by the flanges 264 and 284 of the fixing pins 26 and 28 and the spring fixing parts 224 and 244.

[0193] 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 frame portion 52. Specifically, the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the elastic support portion 81 is fixed to a portion of the annular upper end surface 527a of the upper flange portion 527 forming the upper end portion of the coil frame portion 52, avoiding the movable range forming portion 54.

[0194] 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. In addition, the upper end surface 527a is an end surface on the upper side (one side) of the flange portion 527 on the upper side (one side) avoiding the movable range forming portion 54.

[0195] In addition, the outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the lower elastic support portion 82 is fixed radially outward to the lower end portion of the coil frame portion 52. Specifically, 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 lower flange portion 528 forming the lower end portion of the coil frame portion 52, avoiding the movable range forming portion 54.

[0196] The outer peripheral fixing portion 806 of the elastic support portion 82 is sandwiched and fixed in the housing 10 by the annular lower end surface 528 a of the flange portion 528 and the step portion 118 provided on the peripheral portion of the bottom portion 114 .

[0197] In this way, the elastic support parts 81 and 82 are clamped in a state arranged in a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction by the opening end faces 527a and 528a of the upper and lower opening edges of the coil frame part 52 and the cover part 12 and the bottom 114 of the housing 10. In addition, the movable body 20 is accommodated in the coil frame part 52 wound with the coils 61 and 62, and the inner peripheral parts 802 of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 are fixed to the upper and lower ends of the movable body 20, and the outer peripheral fixing parts 806 of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 are fixed to the upper end of the coil frame part 52. Thus, the drive unit 13 is constructed to define the positional relationship between the coils 61 and 62 and the movable body 20, and is easily arranged in the housing 10.

[0198] In the present embodiment, the elastic support parts 81 and 82 are provided with a damping part (damper) 72 as a damping mechanism for damping the vibration generated in the elastic support part 81 on the deformable arm 804 or the deformable arm 804 and the outer peripheral fixing part 806. The damping mechanism suppresses the resonance peak in the elastic support part 81 and generates stable vibration over a wide range.

[0199] The attenuation portion 72 of this embodiment is, for example, Figure 6 and Figure 7 The elastic body shown has a T-shaped cross section and includes a plate-shaped flange 722 and a press-fit portion 724 protruding from the center of the flange 722 .

[0200] The attenuation portion 72 inserts the press-in portion 724 from one of the surface sides of the elastic support portion 81 (82) into the space between the spring portions, specifically, between the peripheral fixing portion 806 and the deformable arm 804, and bridges the flange 722 between the spring portions so that it is located between the spring portions. The mounting portion 73 is a thermosetting resin or an adhesive that is not fixed to the elastic support portion 81 (82), and is fixed to the press-in portion 724 on the back side of the elastic support portion 81 (82) in a shape that does not allow the press-in portion 724 to be separated from the space between the spring portions. In addition, Figure 2 , Figure 12 to Figure 14 , Fig. 20 In FIG. 34 , the attenuation portion 72 is shown as a component that is fixed in a state where the elastic support portion 81 (82) is clamped from both sides via a press-fit portion 724. The attenuation portion 72 only needs to be made of a material having an attenuation function, and may not be an elastomer, but may be formed of a thermosetting resin or an adhesive material. The attenuation portion 72 may be constructed in any manner as long as it is a shape in which the elastic support portion 81 (82) is clamped from both sides by a plate-like flange and other components joined to a component having the same function as the flange via a press-fit portion.

[0201] According to this structure, the attenuation part 72 attenuates the sharp spring resonance in the elastic support part 81 (82), preventing the vibration near the resonance frequency from becoming significantly larger and the vibration difference caused by the frequency from becoming larger. As a result, the movable body 20 can suppress the resonance peak before plastic deformation, does not contact the cover part 12 and the bottom 114, can generate stable vibrations in a wide range, and will not generate abnormal sounds due to contact. The attenuation part 72 can be formed of any shape, material, etc. as long as it is a component that prevents sharp vibrations from being generated in the elastic support part 81 (82).

[0202] <Housing 10>

[0203] Fig.10 is a bottom side stereogram of the shell body, Fig.11 This is a diagram of the cover as viewed from the back side. Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the housing 10 includes: a bottomed cylindrical housing body 11 having a peripheral wall portion 112 and a bottom portion 114 ; and a cover portion 12 that closes an opening portion 115 of the housing body 11 .

[0204] The cover 12 and the bottom 114 constitute the top surface 122 and the bottom surface (bottom 114) of the vibration actuator 1 in this embodiment, and are arranged opposite to the movable body 20 of the drive unit 13 at a predetermined interval in the vibration direction of the movable body 20. The cover 12 is suspended from a part of the outer periphery of the top surface 122, and has a hanging portion 124 engaged with the cutout 102 of the housing body 11.

[0205] 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 serves as a hard top (limits the movable range) of the movable body 20.

[0206] Specifically, the cover 12 and the bottom 114 limit the movable range formed by the movable range forming portion 54. That is, the cover 12 and the bottom 114 limit the length of the edge (opening end surfaces 527a, 528a of the upper and lower flanges 527, 528) from the cover 12 and the bottom 114 to the upper and lower ends of the drive unit 13 (coil skeleton portion 52). Thus, the hollow of the housing 10 forms a space in which the movable body 20 moves, that is, a movable body space.

[0207] In this way, the movable body space is defined as a length within a range where no plastic deformation occurs to the elastic support parts 81 and 82. Therefore, even when a force exceeding the movable range is applied to the movable body 20, the elastic support parts 81 and 82 will not be plastically deformed and contact the fixed body 50 (at least one of the cover part 12 and the bottom part 114), so the elastic support parts 81 and 82 will not be damaged, and reliability can be improved.

[0208] In addition, vent holes 126 and 116 are respectively provided through the cover 12 and the bottom 114. The vent holes 126 and 116 release compressed air generated by the reciprocating vibration of the movable body 20 within the housing 10 to the outside.

[0209] Fig.26 This is a perspective view of the appearance of a vibration actuator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the cutout side. Fig. 27 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of the vibration actuator in a state where the cable W is connected to the terminal winding portion 53. Fig.28 yes Fig. 27 FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the connection portion between the terminal winding portion 53 and the cable W. FIG.

[0210] like Fig.26 As shown, the terminal lead-out portion 90 and the hanging portion 124 of the coil bobbin portion 52 are disposed in the cutout 102 of the housing 10 , and the coil bobbin portion 52 is closed by the terminal lead-out portion 90 and the hanging portion 124 .

[0211] Thus, the terminal winding portion 53 is disposed in a state of protruding outward from the cutout 102 of the housing 10 , and connection with an external device is facilitated via the terminal winding portion 53 .

[0212] In addition, a protrusion 119 for wiring fixation is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the housing 10. Fig. 27 and Fig.28 As shown, the protrusion 119 for wiring fixation is configured to engage with the cable W connected to the terminal winding portion 53 and to engage and hold the cable W. Thus, the cable W fixed by the protrusion 119 can be connected to the terminal winding portion 53 at its end Wa in a highly accurate conductive manner.

[0213] The protrusion 119 is preferably formed near the opening 582 into which the terminal lead-out portion 90 is fitted. Thus, the cable W can be held near the terminal winding portion 53, and the operation of connecting the cable W to the terminal winding portion 53 can be easily performed.

[0214] like Fig.29 As shown, the protrusion 119 has a protrusion piece 1192 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the housing 10 and a vertical piece 1194 protruding from the front end of the protrusion piece 1192 in a direction intersecting with the protrusion piece 1192, here, vertically. The protrusion piece 1192 and the vertical piece 1194 together with the outer peripheral surface constitute a groove 1190 in which wiring can be carried out, and the cable W is embedded in the groove 1190 and engaged to fix the cable W.

[0215] In this embodiment, the protrusion 119 is formed such that a vertical piece 1194 is connected from the front end of the protrusion piece 1192 in a T-shaped cross section. Thus, the protrusion 119 has two grooves 1190 sandwiching the protrusion piece 1192. Therefore, the two wirings of the cable W can be respectively embedded in the grooves 1190 and held, and the process can be stabilized and the wiring itself can be easily held.

[0216] The protrusion 119 only needs to hold the cable W in a manner that allows the end Wa of the cable W to be connected to the terminal winding portion 53 with high accuracy. Fig.30 The wiring fixing protrusion 119A shown has a vertical piece 1198, which is vertically joined to the front end of the protruding piece 1196 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the housing 10 relative to the protruding piece 1196, and forms an L-shaped cross-section together with the protruding piece 1196.

[0217] In the protrusion 119A, a groove 1190A is formed by the protruding piece 1196, the outer peripheral surface and the vertical piece 1198. The protrusion 119A can use the groove 1190A to hold the wiring of two cables W together, and can obtain the same effect as the T-shaped protrusion 119. The end Wa of the cable W is preferably configured to be easily connected to the terminal winding portion 53.

[0218] Fig.31 The end Wa of the cable W is shown.

[0219] In this embodiment, the end Wa of the cable W has a shape that can be easily engaged with the pin-shaped terminal winding portion 53, and is formed into a U shape. Fig.32 As shown, the end Wa1 of the cable W may be formed into a partially cut-away ring shape.

[0220] The end Wa having such a shape can be locked and held on the terminal winding portion 53, and can be welded in the locked state, that is, in the positioned state. Therefore, the end Wa can be reliably fixed to the terminal winding portion 53 in a conductive state in a stable state, and the conductive process can be easily performed.

[0221] <Operation of Vibration Actuator 1>

[0222] The operation of the vibration actuator 1 will be described by taking as an example a case where the magnet 30 is magnetized in such a way that the surface 30a side on one side of the magnetization direction (the upper side in this embodiment) is an N pole and the back surface 30b side on the other side of the magnetization direction (the lower side in this embodiment) is an S pole.

[0223] 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 (has a steep peak), the steep peak is suppressed by attenuating the vibration. By attenuating the vibration, the resonance becomes less steep, and the maximum amplitude value and the maximum movement amount of the movable body 20 at the time of resonance do not deviate, and the vibration based on the appropriate stable maximum movement amount is output.

[0224] In the vibration actuator 1, a Fig.12 In the vibration actuator 1, the coils 61 and 62 are arranged so that the coil axes are orthogonal to the magnetic flux of the movable cores 41 and 42 and the like sandwiching the magnet 30 in the vibration direction.

[0225] Specifically, a flow mf of magnetic flux is formed which is emitted from the surface 30 a side of the magnet 30 , radiates from the movable core 41 toward the coil 61 side, passes through the electromagnetic shield 58 , and enters the magnet 30 from the movable core 42 below the magnet 30 via the coil 62 .

[0226] Therefore, when Fig.12 When electricity is supplied as shown, the magnetic field of the magnet 30 and the current flowing through the coils 61 and 62 interact with each other, thereby generating a Lorentz force in the −f direction on the coils 61 and 62 according to Fleming's left-hand rule.

[0227] 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 frame portion 52), according to the law of action and reaction, a force opposite to the Lorentz force in the -f direction is generated as a thrust in the F direction on the movable body 20 having the magnet 30. As a result, the movable body 20 having the magnet 30 moves laterally in the F direction, that is, in the cover portion 12 (the top surface portion 122 of the cover portion 12) (refer to Fig.13 ).

[0228] In addition, when the current supply direction of the coils 61 and 62 is switched to the reverse direction and the coils 61 and 62 are energized, a Lorentz force in the reverse 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, i.e., to the bottom 114 side of the fixed body 50 (see Fig.14 ).

[0229] In the vibration actuator 1, when not powered and not driven (not vibrating), magnetic attraction acts between the magnet 30 and the electromagnetic shielding portion 58, 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 electromagnetic shielding portion 58 and the restoring force to restore the elastic support portions 81 and 82 to their original shapes.

[0230] The vibration actuator 1 includes: a fixed body 50 having coils 61 and 62; and a movable body 20, which 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 so as to be movable in the vibration direction that is the axial direction of the coil.

[0231] The coils 61 and 62 are arranged on the outer periphery of the bobbin body 522 of the coil bobbin portion 52 , and 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 electromagnetic shielding portion 58 .

[0232] 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 frame main body portion 522 so as not to contact the movable body 20 when the movable body 20 is not vibrating or when the movable body 20 is vibrating.

[0233] In addition, the coils 61 and 62 are arranged on the periphery of the skeleton main body 522, that is, the coils 61 and 62 are wound around the periphery of the skeleton main body 522, so that compared with the case of using an air-core coil, it is possible to achieve low cost. In addition, in the vibration actuator 1, the drive unit 13 is housed 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. As a result, when the vibration actuator 1 is installed in an electronic device, a cushioning material such as a sponge can be reliably and easily attached between the vibration actuator 1 and the installation site.

[0234] The coils 61 and 62 are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the coil frame portion 52 which is a coil holding portion arranged in the housing 10. Therefore, in the structure where the coils 61 and 62 are arranged on the inner peripheral side of the coil holding portion, it is not necessary to pull the ends of the coil wires outward for connection with external equipment during assembly.

[0235] In addition, the vibration actuator 1 is constructed by configuring the driving 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 them onto the coil skeleton part 52. Thus, the configuration of the fixed movable body 20 including the elastic support parts 81 and 82 can be determined based on the coil skeleton part 52, and the accuracy of the vibration generation direction of the product can be improved. Specifically, only by improving the dimensional accuracy of the coil skeleton 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 via the elastic support parts 81 and 82 in a correct positional relationship.

[0236] In addition, by installing the electromagnetic shielding portion 58 on the coil skeleton portion 52 disposed in the housing 10 so as to surround the coils 61 and 62, the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 112 in the housing 10 becomes a resin with good surface accuracy and becomes a smooth surface. As a result, the bonding state of the components for mounting the buffer material, such as double-sided tape, becomes good, and the bonding strength can be improved.

[0237] Furthermore, since the terminal winding portion 53 is provided on the coil bobbin portion 52 so as to protrude outward, winding and welding of the coil wire of the coil are facilitated, and connection between an external device and the coils 61 and 62 can be easily performed.

[0238] The housing 10 is formed of a bottomed cylindrical, ie, 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 parts.

[0239] In addition, the cover 12 is fixed to the opening 115 of the cup-shaped housing body 11 by welding. As shown in FIG34, after the coil frame 52 to which the movable body 20 is mounted via the elastic support portions 81 and 82 is accommodated in the housing body 11, the cover 12 is fitted into the opening 115 of the housing body 11 in a manner of closing the opening 115. In addition, the opening end 115a of the opening 115 extending toward the cover 12 around the cover 12 is riveted and bent, thereby the cover 12 is fixed to the housing body 11.

[0240] In addition, these protrusions 119, 119A are preferably bonded and fixed to the cable W. For example, Fig.33 As shown, in the protrusion 119 , the cable W is fixed by an adhesive in a state where the end Wa is connected to the terminal winding portion 53 . Fig.33 The region R1 shown indicates a bonding region to which the adhesive is applied.

[0241] By bonding the cable W with the protrusion 119 , even when an external force is applied to the cable W, the cable W will not fall off the terminal winding portion 53 , thereby reducing the risk of a malfunction such as a disconnection.

[0242] In addition, compared with adhesive fixation, the fixing strength and impact resistance can be improved. In addition, the process is not complicated from the coating process to the curing process, and the process is also simple, which can achieve a reduction in production cycle time.

[0243] In the vibration actuator 1, the movable body 20 is supported with a gap between the frame main body 522 and the fixed body 50 when the movable body 20 is in a non-vibrating state and when the movable body 20 is in a vibrating state. Therefore, the movable body 20 does not come into contact with the fixed body 50 when it is movable, i.e., vibrating.

[0244] In addition, only when the vibration actuator 1 is dropped or the like and an impact is applied to the vibration actuator 1 itself, the movable body 20 contacts the inner peripheral surface 522a of the frame body 522. That is, only when there is an impact, the movable body 20 and the frame 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 frame body 522, and the movable body 20 does not contact the coils 61 and 62.

[0245] Thus, according to the vibration actuator 1, unlike the conventional vibration actuator, the movable body 20 is displaced and contacts the inner wall of the fixed body by applying an impact to the vibration actuator, and no impact is caused. That is, the coils 61 and 62 of the fixed body 50 are not damaged by the impact. In addition, the elastic support parts 81 and 82 themselves are not deformed by the impact, and the unfavorable situation that the movable body 20 cannot move due to the deformation of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 can be eliminated.

[0246] As described above, according to the vibration actuator 1 , it is possible to output appropriate body-felt vibration that has impact resistance and high vibration expression.

[0247] The vibration actuator 1 is powered by a power supply unit (eg Fig.35 and Fig.36 The movable body 20 is driven by an AC wave input to the coils 61 and 62 by a drive control unit 203 shown in FIG. That is, the energization direction of the coils 61 and 62 is periodically switched, and the thrust in the F direction on the top surface 122 side of the cover 12 and the thrust in the -F direction on 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).

[0248] The following briefly describes the driving principle of the vibration actuator 1. In the vibration actuator 1 of the present embodiment, when the mass of the movable body 20 is set to m [kg] and the spring constant of the spring (the elastic support parts 81 and 82 as the spring) is set to Ksp, the movable body 20 vibrates relative to the fixed body 50 at a resonance frequency Fr [Hz] calculated by the following formula (1).

[0249] [Formula 1]

[0250]

[0251] Since the movable body 20 is considered to constitute the mass part in the vibration model of the spring-mass system, the movable body 20 is in a resonant state when an AC wave having a frequency equal to the resonant frequency Fr of the movable body 20 is input to the coils 61 and 62. That is, by inputting an AC wave having a frequency substantially equal to the resonant frequency Fr of the movable body 20 from the power supply unit to the coils 61 and 62, the movable body 20 can be efficiently vibrated.

[0252] 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).

[0253] [Formula 2]

[0254]

[0255] m: mass [kg]

[0256] x(t): displacement [m]

[0257] K f :Thrust constant [N / A]

[0258] i(t): current [A]

[0259] K sp : Spring constant [N / m]

[0260] D: Attenuation coefficient [N / (m / s)]

[0261] [Formula 3]

[0262]

[0263] e(t): voltage [V]

[0264] R: resistance [Ω]

[0265] L: Inductance [H]

[0266] K e : Back electromotive force constant [V / (rad / s)]

[0267] 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 appropriately changed 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 the formula (3).

[0268] Thus, in the vibration actuator 1 , when the coils 61 and 62 are energized by an AC wave corresponding to the resonance frequency Fr determined by the mass m of the movable body 20 and the spring constant Ksp of the elastic support parts 81 and 82 as leaf springs, a large vibration output can be obtained effectively.

[0269] 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 is possible to drive with low power consumption, that is, it is possible to make the movable body 20 linearly reciprocate with low power consumption. In addition, by increasing the attenuation coefficient D, it is possible to generate vibration in a high frequency band.

[0270] According to the present embodiment, since the plate-shaped elastic support parts 81 and 82 are arranged above and below (in the vibration direction) the movable body 20, the magnetic flux of the coils 61 and 62 can be effectively 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, as the vibration actuator 1, high-output vibration can be achieved.

[0271] In addition, the fixed body 50 has a coil frame portion 52, and the coil frame portion 52 has both the function of holding the coils 61 and 62 and the function of protecting the coils 61 and 62 relative to the movable body 20. Therefore, even if the fixed body 50 is impacted, it can withstand the impact and will not cause deformation or other damage to the elastic support portions 81 and 82. In addition, since the impact is transmitted to the coils 61 and 62 via the resin frame main body 522, damage can be suppressed, resulting in a highly reliable vibration actuator 1.

[0272] As described above, according to the vibration actuator 1 , it is possible to realize miniaturization at low cost, have impact resistance, and generate appropriate body-felt vibration at high output.

[0273] (Electronic equipment)

[0274] Fig.35 and Fig.36 This is a diagram showing an example of how the vibration actuator 1 is mounted. Fig.35 An example of installing the vibration actuator 1 on the game controller GC is shown. Fig.36 An example in which the vibration actuator 1 is mounted on a portable terminal M is shown.

[0275] The game controller GC is connected to the game machine body by wireless communication, and is used by the user holding or gripping it. The game controller GC has a rectangular plate shape, and the user holds the left and right sides of the game controller GC with both hands to operate it.

[0276] The game controller GC notifies the user of the command from the game console body by vibration. In addition, although the game controller GC is not shown, it has functions other than the command notification, for example, an input operation unit to the game console body.

[0277] 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 realizes various functions of the portable terminal M (for example, functions that provide a sense of operation or a sense of immersion).

[0278] like Fig.35 and Fig.36 As shown, the game controller GC and the portable terminal M each include a communication unit 201, a processing unit 202, a drive control unit 203, and vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206 of the vibration actuator 1 as a drive unit. In addition, a plurality of vibration actuators 204 and 205 are mounted in the game controller GC.

[0279] In the game controller GC and the portable terminal M, the vibration actuators 204, 205, 206 are preferably installed in a manner that the terminal main surface is parallel to the surface orthogonal to the vibration direction of the vibration actuators 204, 205, 206, which is the bottom surface of the bottom 114 in this case. The terminal main surface is the surface in contact with the user's body surface, and in the present embodiment, refers to the vibration transmission surface that transmits vibration by contacting the user's body surface. In addition, the terminal main surface can also be configured in a manner that is orthogonal to the bottom surface of the bottom 114 of the vibration actuators 204, 205, 206.

[0280] Specifically, in the game controller GC, the vibration actuators 204 and 205 are installed in such a manner that the vibration direction is orthogonal to the surface contacted by the fingertips, finger pulps, palms, etc. of the user who operates, or the surface provided with the operating unit. In addition, in the case of the portable terminal M, the vibration actuator 206 is installed in such a manner that the vibration direction is orthogonal to the display screen (touch panel surface). 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.

[0281] 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 mobile terminal M, the external communication device is, for example, a base station, and communicates according to a mobile communication standard.

[0282] 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 a drive signal based on signals input from various functional units (not shown, such as an operation unit such as a touch panel) in addition to the signal input from the communication unit 201.

[0283] 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 provides a drive signal to the vibration actuators 204, 205, and 206.

[0284] 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.

[0285] The movable body 20 may also contact the top surface 122 or the bottom 114 of the cover 12 via the damper each time it vibrates. In this case, the impact on the top surface 122 or the bottom 114 of the cover 12, that is, the impact on the frame body, accompanying the vibration of the movable body 20 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, one or two of the plurality of vibration actuators 204 and 205 can be driven simultaneously according to the input drive signal.

[0286] 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 applied to the user by one or both of the vibration actuators 204 and 205, and highly expressive vibrations such as at least selectively providing strong and weak vibrations can be provided.

[0287] As mentioned above, the invention completed by the present inventors has been specifically described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and modifications can be made within a scope not departing from the gist of the invention.

[0288] In addition, the vibration actuator of the present invention is applicable to 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, the vibration actuator 1 of this embodiment can be used for electric hairdressing and beauty tools such as facial massagers that require vibration in addition to the above-mentioned portable devices.

[0289] [Industrial Applicability]

[0290] The vibration actuator of the present invention can be miniaturized at low cost, has impact resistance, and can provide a user with appropriate physical vibration with high output, and is useful as a device mounted on electronic devices such as game terminals and portable terminals.

Claims

1. A vibration actuator, characterized in that: have: Disc-shaped magnet; a movable body including a pair of movable body cores fixed to the front and back surfaces of the disk-shaped magnet, and a pair of spring stoppers connected to the movable body cores; a pair of elastic support parts connected to the spring stopper and supporting the movable body; a fixed body which is connected to the elastic support portion and accommodates the movable body in a state where a protective wall portion, a pair of annular coils, and an electromagnetic shield portion are sequentially arranged on the outer peripheral side of the movable body so as to be able to vibrate in the axial direction; and The cylindrical resin case has an opening for wiring for supplying electric power to the annular coil in a peripheral wall portion, and closes the upper and lower surfaces of the peripheral wall portion to accommodate the fixed body.

2. The vibration actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The resin case includes a hanging portion on a cover portion closing the peripheral wall portion, and a cutout portion engaged with the hanging portion on the peripheral wall portion. The wiring opening communicates with the cutout.

3. The vibration actuator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cover portion of the resin case has a vent hole.

4. The vibration actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The resin case includes a protrusion, which is a wiring fixing portion for fixing wiring, on the peripheral wall portion.

5. The vibration actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: Either the movable core or the spring stopper has a fitting portion. The other of the movable body core and the spring stopper has a joint portion, The engaging portion is engaged with the engaging portion.

6. The vibration actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic support portion is provided with an attenuation portion as an attenuation mechanism. The attenuation portion is disposed on one of the pair of elastic support portions.

7. An electronic device, characterized in that: The vibration actuator according to claim 1 is installed.

Images