Vibration actuator

Abstract

The invention provides a vibration actuator. A vibration actuator is made thinner. The vibration actuator (10) has a plate-shaped magnet (22, 23, 24) having a magnet back surface (22a, 23a, 24a) attached to the movable plate (21) and a magnet front surface (22b, 23b, 24b) located on the opposite side of the magnet back surface (22a, 23a, 24a) and facing the fixed plate (31). A vibration actuator (10) has a plate-shaped coil having coil back surfaces (33a, 34a) attached to a fixed plate (31), and coil front surfaces (33b, 34b) positioned on the opposite side of the coil back surfaces (33a, 34a) and facing a movable plate (21). The coil front surfaces (33b, 34b) of the plate-shaped coils are positioned closer to the magnet back surfaces (22a, 23a, 24a) than the magnet front surfaces (22b, 23b, 24b) of the plate-shaped magnets (22, 23, 24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration actuator. Background Art

[0002] A vibration feedback function that gives a user a sense of touch based on vibration is provided in devices such as smart phones, tablet computers, and game controllers. In order to realize this vibration feedback function, a linear vibration actuator that uses electromagnetic force to vibrate a mover is proposed (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019 / 151232

[0004] However, the linear vibration actuator described in Patent Document 1 has a coil and a magnet arranged to overlap in the thickness direction. However, overlapping the coil and the magnet in the thickness direction is the main reason for increasing the thickness of the vibration actuator such as the linear vibration actuator. Since devices such as smartphones are required to be thinner, the vibration actuator assembled in the device is also required to be thinner. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to the present invention, a vibration actuator has a first plate and a second plate opposite to the first plate. The vibration actuator has a plate-shaped magnet having a magnet back surface mounted on the first plate and a magnet front surface located on the opposite side of the magnet back surface and opposite to the second plate. The vibration actuator has a plate-shaped coil having a coil back surface mounted on the second plate and a coil front surface located on the opposite side of the coil back surface and opposite to the first plate. The vibration actuator has an elastic component having a first end mounted on the first plate and a second end mounted on the second plate. The coil front surface of the plate-shaped coil is located closer to the magnet back surface than the magnet front surface of the plate-shaped magnet.

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the vibration actuator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a smartphone including a vibration actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a vibration actuator.

[0009] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the vibration actuator.

[0010] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 Line AA shows a cross-sectional view of the vibration actuator.

[0011] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an exploded state of the vibration actuator shown.

[0012] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing the vibration actuator in a state where the movable plate is removed.

[0013] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the operation status of the vibration actuator.

[0014] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the operation status of the vibration actuator.

[0015] Fig. 9A It is a diagram simply showing a vibration actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Fig. 9B It is a diagram simply showing a vibration actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Fig. 9C It is a diagram simply showing a vibration actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Fig.9D It is a diagram simply showing a vibration actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Fig.10 It is a perspective view showing a vibration actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Fig.11 It is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the vibration actuator.

[0021] Fig.12 The diagram shows the positional relationship between the openings formed in the movable plate and the fixed plate, and the plate-shaped magnet and the plate-shaped coil.

[0022] Fig.13 It is along Fig.10 Line BB shows a cross-sectional view of the vibration actuator.

[0023] Fig.14A It is a perspective view showing a movable plate and a fixed plate included in a vibration actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Fig. 14B It is a perspective view showing a movable plate and a fixed plate included in a vibration actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig.15A It is a perspective view showing a movable plate and a fixed plate included in a vibration actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 15B yes Fig.15A An exploded perspective view of the movable plate and the fixed plate is shown.

[0027] Fig.16 1 is a diagram showing the positional relationship among the auxiliary plate, the plate-like magnet, and the plate-like coil.

[0028] Fig.17A It is a perspective view showing a movable plate and a fixed plate included in a vibration actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 17B yes Fig.17A An exploded perspective view of the movable plate and the fixed plate is shown.

[0030] Description of symbols

[0031] 10: vibration actuator; 21: movable plate (first plate); 22, 23, 24: plate-shaped magnet; 22a, 23a, 24a: back of magnet; 22b, 23b, 24b: front of magnet; 22d, 22e, 23e, 23f, 24d, 24e: end; 25: counterweight; 31: fixed plate (second plate); 33, 34: plate-shaped coil; 33a, 34a: back of coil; 33b, 34b: front of coil; 40, 41 1: Straight section; 43: Hollow section; 44, 45: Straight section; 47: Hollow section; 48: Rubber damper (elastic component); 48a: First end; 48b: Second end; 50: Vibration actuator; 51: Plate magnet; 52: Plate coil; 53: Straight section; 60: Vibration actuator; 61, 62: Plate magnet; 63: Plate coil; 64, 65: Straight section; 70: Vibration actuator; 71: Plate magnet; 72, 73 : plate-shaped coil; 74, 75: straight line portion; 80: vibration actuator; 81, 82, 83, 84: plate-shaped magnet; 85, 86, 87: plate-shaped coil; 85a, 85b, 86a, 86b, 87a, 87b: straight line portion; 90: vibration actuator; 93: movable plate (first plate); 94: fixed plate (second plate); 95, 96: slit for coil (opening for coil); 97: slit for first magnet (opening for magnet); 8, 99: slit for the second magnet (opening for the magnet); 100: movable plate (first plate); 101: fixed plate (second plate); 110: movable plate (first plate); 111: fixed plate (second plate); 120: movable plate (first plate); 121: fixed plate (second plate); 122: plate body; 123, 124, 125: auxiliary plates; 130: movable plate (first plate); 131: fixed plate (second plate); 132: plate body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same or substantially the same structures and elements, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0033] <Implementation method 1>

[0034] <Equipment with vibration actuator>

[0035] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing a smartphone 11 having a vibration actuator 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, a vibration actuator 10 is installed on a display 12 of a smart phone 11 as an electronic device. By using the vibration actuator 10 to control the vibration mode of the display 12, a tactile sense such as a click feeling based on vibration can be given to a user who touches the display 12. In addition, in the aforementioned description, the vibration actuator 10 is installed on the display 12, but it is not limited to this, and the vibration actuator 10 can also be installed on the housing of the smart phone 11. In this case, the vibration actuator 10 can be used to control the vibration mode of the smart phone 11, and a tactile sense based on vibration can be given to a user who touches the smart phone 11. These vibration feedback technologies are also referred to as tactile technologies. In addition, the vibration actuator 10 is also referred to as a linear vibration actuator, a linear vibration motor, etc.

[0036] In addition, the vibration actuator 10 is connected with an unillustrated electronic control unit consisting of a microcontroller, a drive circuit, etc. By using this electronic control unit to control the energized current of the plate-shaped coil described later, the vibration actuator 10 can be vibrated with a specified vibration mode. In addition, in the illustrated example, the vibration actuator 10 is assembled on a smart phone 11, but is not limited to this, and the vibration actuator 10 can also be assembled on other equipment. For example, the vibration actuator 10 can be assembled on mobile devices such as tablet computers, the vibration actuator 10 can also be assembled on a vehicle-mounted display mounted on a vehicle, and the vibration actuator 10 can also be assembled on operating devices such as game controllers and joysticks.

[0037] <Structure of vibration actuator>

[0038] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the vibration actuator 10, Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the vibration actuator 10. In addition, Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 The AA line shows a cross-sectional view of the vibration actuator 10, Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 The sectional view of the vibration actuator 10 in the exploded state is shown. Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing the vibration actuator 10 in a state where the movable plate 21 is removed.

[0039] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the vibration actuator 10 includes: a mover unit 20 having plate-shaped magnets 22, 23, and 24; and a stator unit 30 having plate-shaped coils 33 and 34. Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the movable element unit 20 has a movable plate (first plate) 21 made of a non-magnetic body, three plate-shaped magnets 22, 23, 24 mounted on the movable plate 21, and a frame-shaped counterweight 25 mounted on the movable plate 21. In addition, the stator unit 30 has a fixed plate (second plate) 31 made of a non-magnetic body, a flexible printed substrate 32 mounted on the fixed plate 31, and two plate-shaped coils 33, 34 mounted on the flexible printed substrate 32. Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the movable plate 21 and the fixed plate 31 are opposite to each other.

[0040] In addition, as a non-magnetic body constituting the movable plate 21 and the fixed plate 31, for example, austenitic stainless steels such as SUS301 and SUS304 can be used. In addition, as a non-magnetic body, it is not limited to austenitic stainless steel, and titanium, copper, or aluminum can also be used to form the movable plate 21 and the fixed plate 31. In addition, the plate-shaped magnets 22, 23, 24, and the counterweight 25 are attached to the movable plate 21 by bonding, etc., and the plate-shaped coils 33, 34, the flexible printed substrate 32, etc. are attached to the fixed plate 31 by bonding, etc.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, the plate-shaped magnets 22, 23, and 24 as permanent magnets constituting the movable unit 20 have magnet back faces 22a, 23a, and 24a mounted on the movable plate 21 and magnet front faces 22b, 23b, and 24b located on the opposite side of the magnet back faces 22a, 23a, and 24a and facing the fixed plate 31. In addition, the width dimension W1 of the plate-shaped magnet 23 arranged in the center is larger than the width dimension W2 of the plate-shaped magnets 22 and 24 arranged at both ends. That is, the magnetic force of the plate-shaped magnet 23 arranged in the center is stronger than the magnetic force of the plate-shaped magnets 22 and 24 arranged at both ends.

[0042] The plate-shaped coils 33 and 34 constituting the stator unit 30 have coil back faces 33a and 34a mounted on the fixed plate 31 via the flexible printed substrate 32, and coil front faces 33b and 34b located on the opposite side of the coil back faces 33a and 34a and facing the movable plate 21. Figure 3As shown, the plate-shaped coil 33 has a pair of straight portions 40, 41 parallel to each other and a pair of curved portions 42a, 42b connecting the straight portions 40, 41. In addition, the plate-shaped coil 34 has a pair of straight portions 44, 45 parallel to each other and a pair of curved portions 46a, 46b connecting the straight portions 44, 45. These plate-shaped coils 33, 34 are air-core coils formed by winding electric wires, and a long hole-shaped space, i.e., an air-core portion 43, 47, is provided in the center of the plate-shaped coils 33, 34.

[0043] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the vibration actuator 10 has four rubber dampers (elastic components) 48 connecting the movable plate 21 and the fixed plate 31. The rubber damper 48 has a first end 48a mounted on the movable plate 21 by bonding or the like and a second end 48b mounted on the fixed plate 31 by bonding or the like. In this way, the movable plate 21 and the fixed plate 31 are connected via the rubber damper 48, so that the movable plate 21 can be displaced relative to the fixed plate 31 with a stroke corresponding to the elastic deformation amount of the rubber damper 48. In addition, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the fixing plate 31 is attached to the display 12 or the like constituting the smartphone 11 . In addition, when the vibration actuator 10 is attached to the housing of the smartphone 11 , the fixing plate 31 is attached to the housing of the smartphone 11 .

[0044] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in the thickness direction of the vibration actuator 10, the plate-shaped magnets 22, 23, 24 and the plate-shaped coils 33, 34 are arranged in such a manner that the magnet front faces 22b, 23b, 24b and the coil front faces 33b, 34b are not opposed to each other. Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, in a state where the movable plate 21 and the fixed plate 31 are connected via the rubber damper 48, the plate-like coil 33 is accommodated between the plate-like magnets 22 and 23, and the plate-like coil 34 is accommodated between the plate-like magnets 23 and 24. That is, the magnet front faces 22b, 23b, 24b of the plate-like magnets 22, 23, 24 are located closer to the fixed plate 31 than the coil front faces 33b, 34b of the plate-like coils 33, 34, and the coil front faces 33b, 34b of the plate-like coils 33, 34 are located closer to the movable plate 21 than the magnet front faces 22b, 23b, 24b of the plate-like magnets 22, 23, 24.

[0045] In other words, the coil front 33b, 34b of the plate-shaped coil 33, 34 is located at a position closer to the magnet back 22a, 23a, 24a side than the magnet front 22b, 23b, 24b of the plate-shaped magnet 22, 23, 24, and the magnet front 22b, 23b, 24b of the plate-shaped magnet 22, 23, 24 is located at a position closer to the coil back 33a, 34a side than the coil front 33b, 34b of the plate-shaped coil 33, 34. In this way, in the thickness direction of the vibration actuator 10, the plate-shaped magnet 22, 23, 24 and the plate-shaped coil 33, 34 are arranged, so that the thickness dimension of the vibration actuator 10 can be reduced, and the thinning of the vibration actuator 10 can be achieved. Furthermore, the miniaturization and thinning of various devices assembled with the vibration actuator 10 can be achieved. In addition, the thickness direction of the vibration actuator 10 refers to the direction perpendicular to the movable plate 21 and the fixed plate 31.

[0046] In addition, if Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the plate-like magnet 22 is arranged adjacent to the straight portion 40 of the plate-like coil 33, and the plate-like magnet 23 is arranged adjacent to the straight portion 41 of the plate-like coil 33. Similarly, the plate-like magnet 23 is arranged adjacent to the straight portion 44 of the plate-like coil 34, and the plate-like magnet 24 is arranged adjacent to the straight portion 45 of the plate-like coil 34. Furthermore, the side surface 22c of the plate-like magnet 22 and the side surface 40a of the straight portion 40 are opposed to each other, and the side surface 23c of the plate-like magnet 23 and the side surface 41a of the straight portion 41 are opposed to each other. Similarly, the side surface 23d of the plate-like magnet 23 and the side surface 44a of the straight portion 44 are opposed to each other, and the side surface 24c of the plate-like magnet 24 and the side surface 45a of the straight portion 45 are opposed to each other.

[0047] <Operation of the vibration actuator>

[0048] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a diagram showing the operating state of the vibration actuator 10. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Shown in Figure 4 In addition, from the perspective of easily understanding the operation of the vibration actuator 10, Figure 7 and Figure 8 FIG. 1 shows a vibration actuator 10 enlarged in the thickness direction. Figure 7 The plate coils 33 and 34 are shown in FIG. Figure 6 When the power is on in the direction of arrow A1, Figure 8 The plate coils 33 and 34 are shown in FIG. Figure 6 The condition where power is supplied in the direction of arrow A2.

[0049] like Figure 7As shown, the plate-like magnets 22 and 24 arranged at the two ends are magnetized so that N poles appear on the front faces 22b and 24b of the magnets, and the plate-like magnet 23 arranged in the center is magnetized so that S poles appear on the front faces 23b of the magnets. In this way, the plate-like magnets 22 and 24 arranged at the two ends and the plate-like magnet 23 arranged in the center are magnetized to opposite polarities. As a result, a magnetic field H1 from the fixed plate 31 toward the movable plate 21 is generated in the straight portion 40 of the plate-like coil 33, and a magnetic field H2 from the movable plate 21 toward the fixed plate 31 is generated in the straight portion 41 of the plate-like coil 33. Similarly, a magnetic field H3 from the movable plate 21 toward the fixed plate 31 is generated in the straight portion 44 of the plate-like coil 34, and a magnetic field H4 from the fixed plate 31 toward the movable plate 21 is generated in the straight portion 45 of the plate-like coil 34. In addition, the width dimension W1 of the plate-like magnet 23 arranged in the center is larger than the width dimension W2 of the plate-like magnets 22 and 24 arranged at the two ends. This can increase the magnetic force of the plate-shaped magnet 23 , and can cause the two straight line portions 41 , 44 to generate sufficient magnetic fields H2 , H3 .

[0050] When the magnetic fields H1 to H4 are generated, Figure 6 As shown by the arrow A1 in the middle, when the current flows through the straight portions 40, 41, 44, 45 of the plate-shaped coils 33, 34, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, since the Lorentz force F1a is generated in the straight portion 40, a thrust F1b in a direction approaching the straight portion 40 is generated in the plate-like magnet 22 by reaction. In addition, since the Lorentz force F2a is generated in the straight portion 41, a thrust F2b in a direction away from the straight portion 41 is generated in the plate-like magnet 23 by reaction. In addition, since the Lorentz force F3a is generated in the straight portion 44, a thrust F3b in a direction approaching the straight portion 44 is generated in the plate-like magnet 23 by reaction. In addition, since the Lorentz force F4a is generated in the straight portion 45, a thrust F4b in a direction away from the straight portion 45 is generated in the plate-like magnet 24 by reaction. In this way, since the thrusts F1b, F2b, F3b, and F4b act on the plate-like magnets 22, 23, and 24 of the mover unit 20, the mover unit 20 is displaced in the direction of the arrow X1 while deforming the rubber damper 48.

[0051] On the other hand, Figure 6 As shown by the arrow A2 in the middle, when the current flows through the straight portions 40, 41, 44, 45 of the plate-shaped coils 33, 34, as shown in FIG. Figure 8As shown, since a Lorentz force F1c is generated in the straight portion 40, a thrust F1d in a direction away from the straight portion 40 is generated in the plate-like magnet 22 by reaction. In addition, since a Lorentz force F2c is generated in the straight portion 41, a thrust F2d in a direction approaching the straight portion 41 is generated in the plate-like magnet 23 by reaction. In addition, since a Lorentz force F3c is generated in the straight portion 44, a thrust F3d in a direction away from the straight portion 44 is generated in the plate-like magnet 23 by reaction. In addition, since a Lorentz force F4c is generated in the straight portion 45, a thrust F4d in a direction approaching the straight portion 45 is generated in the plate-like magnet 24 by reaction. In this way, since the thrusts F1d, F2d, F3d, and F4d act on the plate-like magnets 22, 23, and 24 of the mover unit 20, the mover unit 20 is displaced in the direction of arrow X2 while deforming the rubber damper 48.

[0052] That is, by switching the direction of power supply of the plate-shaped coils 33 and 34, the thrust acting on the movable unit 20 can be switched to the direction of the arrow X1 and the direction of the arrow X2. As a result, the movable unit 20 can be reciprocated with a specified stroke, and the vibration actuator 10 can be vibrated. By using the vibration actuator 10 to control the vibration mode of the display 12, for example, a tactile sense such as a click feeling based on vibration can be given to the user of the touch display 12. In addition, in the above description, both the movable plate 21 and the fixed plate 31 are composed of non-magnetic materials, but this is not limited to this. Either the movable plate 21 or the fixed plate 31 can also be composed of non-magnetic materials. That is, as long as at least one of the movable plate 21 and the fixed plate 31 is composed of a non-magnetic material.

[0053] <Implementation methods 2, 3, 4, and 5>

[0054] The aforementioned vibration actuator 10 has three plate-shaped magnets 22, 23, 24 and two plate-shaped coils 33, 34, but the number of plate-shaped magnets and plate-shaped coils may be changed. Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B , Fig. 9C as well as Fig.9D FIG. 5 is a diagram simply showing vibration actuators 50, 60, 70, and 80 according to other embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B , Fig. 9C as well as Fig.9D Only the plate-shaped magnet and the plate-shaped coil are shown, and the movable plate 21, the fixed plate 31, the counterweight 25, etc. are not shown.

[0055] like Fig. 9AAs shown in FIG. 1 , the vibration actuator 50 includes a plate-shaped magnet 51 mounted on the movable plate 21 and a plate-shaped coil 52 mounted on the fixed plate 31. In addition, the plate-shaped magnet 51 and the straight line portion 53 of the plate-shaped coil 52 are arranged adjacent to each other. Thus, even when the vibration actuator 50 is composed of a plate-shaped magnet 51 and a plate-shaped coil 52, Figure 4 Similarly to the structure shown, by arranging the plate-shaped magnet 51 and the plate-shaped coil 52 in the thickness direction of the vibration actuator 50, the vibration actuator 50 can be made thinner. In addition, even when the vibration actuator 50 is composed of one plate-shaped magnet 51 and one plate-shaped coil 52, the straight portion 53 can generate a Lorentz force, and the vibration actuator 50 can be vibrated.

[0056] like Fig. 9B As shown, the vibration actuator 60 has two plate-shaped magnets 61 and 62 mounted on the movable plate 21 and a plate-shaped coil 63 mounted on the fixed plate 31. In addition, the plate-shaped magnet 61 is arranged adjacent to the straight portion 64 of the plate-shaped coil 63, and the plate-shaped magnet 62 is arranged adjacent to the straight portion 65 of the plate-shaped coil 63. That is, the plate-shaped coil 63 is arranged between the plate-shaped magnet 61 and the plate-shaped magnet 62. In this way, even in the case where the vibration actuator 60 is composed of two plate-shaped magnets 61 and 62 and one plate-shaped coil 63, Figure 4 Similarly to the structure shown, the vibration actuator 60 can be made thinner by arranging the plate-shaped magnets 61, 62 and the plate-shaped coil 63 in the thickness direction of the vibration actuator 60. In addition, even when the vibration actuator 60 is composed of two plate-shaped magnets 61, 62 and one plate-shaped coil 63, the straight portions 64, 65 can generate Lorentz force, and the vibration actuator 60 can be vibrated.

[0057] like Fig. 9C As shown, the vibration actuator 70 has a plate-shaped magnet 71 mounted on the movable plate 21 and two plate-shaped coils 72 and 73 mounted on the fixed plate 31. In addition, the plate-shaped magnet 71 is arranged adjacent to the straight portion 74 of the plate-shaped coil 72, and is arranged adjacent to the straight portion 75 of the plate-shaped coil 73. In other words, the plate-shaped magnet 71 is arranged between the plate-shaped coil 72 and the plate-shaped coil 73. In this way, even in the case where the vibration actuator 70 is composed of a plate-shaped magnet 71 and two plate-shaped coils 72 and 73, Figure 4 Similarly to the structure shown, the vibration actuator 70 can be made thinner by arranging the plate-shaped magnet 71 and the plate-shaped coils 72 and 73 in the thickness direction of the vibration actuator 70. In addition, even when the vibration actuator 70 is composed of one plate-shaped magnet 71 and two plate-shaped coils 72 and 73, the straight portions 74 and 75 can generate Lorentz force, and the vibration actuator 70 can be vibrated.

[0058] like Fig.9D As shown, the vibration actuator 80 has four plate-like magnets 81, 82, 83, 84 mounted on the movable plate 21 and three plate-like coils 85, 86, 87 mounted on the fixed plate 31. In addition, the four plate-like magnets 81, 82, 83, 84 and the three plate-like coils 85, 86, 87 are arranged in the order of plate-like magnet 81, plate-like coil 85, plate-like magnet 82, plate-like coil 86, plate-like magnet 83, plate-like coil 87, and plate-like magnet 84. Thus, the plate-like magnet 81 is arranged adjacent to the straight portion 85a of the plate-like coil 85. In addition, the plate-like magnet 82 is arranged adjacent to both the straight portion 85b of the plate-like coil 85 and the straight portion 86a of the plate-like coil 86. In addition, the plate-like magnet 83 is arranged adjacent to both the straight portion 86b of the plate-like coil 86 and the straight portion 87a of the plate-like coil 87. Furthermore, the plate-shaped magnet 84 is arranged adjacent to the straight portion 87 b of the plate-shaped coil 87 .

[0059] Thus, even when the vibration actuator 80 is composed of four plate-shaped magnets 81, 82, 83, 84 and three plate-shaped coils 85, 86, 87, Figure 4 Similarly, by arranging the plate-shaped magnets and the plate-shaped coils in the thickness direction of the vibration actuator 80, the vibration actuator 80 can be made thinner. In addition, even when the vibration actuator 80 is composed of four plate-shaped magnets 81, 82, 83, 84 and three plate-shaped coils 85, 86, 87, the straight portions 85a, 85b, 86a, 86b, 87a, 87b can generate Lorentz force, and the vibration actuator 80 can be vibrated.

[0060] In addition, if Fig.9D As shown, when the number of plate-like magnets 81, 82, 83, 84 and plate-like coils 85, 86, 87 is increased, the exciting force of the vibration actuator 80 can be fully ensured, so from the viewpoint of miniaturization of the vibration actuator 80, the plate-like magnets 81, 84 arranged at both ends can also be reduced. That is, when the number of plate-like magnets 81, 82, 83, 84 and plate-like coils 85, 86, 87 is large, the influence on the reduction of the exciting force is limited, so the plate-like magnets 81, 84 arranged at both ends can be reduced.

[0061] <Implementation method 6>

[0062] exist Figure 2 to Figure 5 In the example shown, the movable plate 21 and the fixed plate 31 without openings are used, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a slit for adjusting the magnetic field may be formed in the movable plate 21 and the fixed plate 31. Here, Fig.10 1 is a perspective view showing a vibration actuator 90 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig.11 is an exploded perspective view showing the internal structure of the vibration actuator 90. In addition, Fig.12 9 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the slits 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 formed in the movable plate 93 and the fixed plate 94, and the plate-shaped magnets 22, 23, 24 and the plate-shaped coils 33, 34. Fig.13 It is along Fig.10 The BB line of FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the vibration actuator 90. Fig.13 It is shown in Figure 7 The same part as shown in FIG. 1 is shown, and the vibration actuator 90 is enlarged in the thickness direction. Figure 10 to Figure 13 In, with Figure 3 The same components and parts as shown are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0063] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the vibration actuator 90 includes: a mover unit 91 having plate-shaped magnets 22, 23, 24; and a stator unit 92 having plate-shaped coils 33, 34. Fig.11 As shown, the moving element unit 91 has a moving plate (first plate) 93 made of a ferromagnetic body, three plate-shaped magnets 22, 23, 24 mounted on the moving plate 93, and a frame-shaped counterweight 25 mounted on the moving plate 93. In addition, the stator unit 92 has a fixed plate (second plate) 94 made of a ferromagnetic body, a flexible printed substrate 32 mounted on the fixed plate 94, and two plate-shaped coils 33, 34 mounted on the flexible printed substrate 32. Fig.11 and Fig.13 As shown, the movable plate 93 and the fixed plate 94 are opposed to each other.

[0064] In addition, as the ferromagnetic material constituting the movable plate 93 and the fixed plate 94, for example, ferritic stainless steel such as SUS430 and martensitic stainless steel such as SUS410 can be used. In addition, as the ferromagnetic material, it is not limited to ferritic stainless steel and martensitic stainless steel, and the movable plate 93 and the fixed plate 94 can also be formed of iron, nickel, etc.

[0065] like Fig.11 and Fig.12As shown, the movable plate 93 and the fixed plate 94 have coil slits (coil openings) 95 and 96 that are open toward the hollow core portions 43 and 47 of the plate-like coils 33 and 34. In addition, the coil slits 95 and 96 are not only open toward the hollow core portions 43 and 47 of the plate-like coils 33 and 34, but are also formed by extending in a manner overlapping with the bent portions 42a, 42b, 46a, and 46b of the plate-like coils 33 and 34. In addition, the movable plate 93 and the fixed plate 94 have a first magnet slit (magnet opening) 97 that is open near the two end portions 23e and 23f of the plate-like magnet 23, that is, near the two ends of the plate-like magnet 23 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the movable plate 93 and the fixed plate 94 have second magnet slits (magnet openings) 98 and 99 that are open near the two end portions 22d, 22e, 24d, 24e of the plate-like magnets 22 and 24, that is, near the two ends in the longitudinal direction of the plate-like magnets 22 and 24. In addition, the second magnet slits 98 and 99 are opened not only near the two end portions 22d, 22e, 24d, 24e of the plate-like magnets 22 and 24, but also near the side portions 22f and 24f of the plate-like magnets 22 and 24.

[0066] In this way, by forming the coil slits 95 and 96, the first magnet slit 97, and the second magnet slits 98 and 99 in the movable plate 93 and the fixed plate 94, the magnetic circuit of the vibration actuator 90 can be improved. Fig.12 As shown, the second magnet slit 98 and the coil slit 95 can roughly surround the plate-like magnet 22 and the straight portion 40, and the magnetic flux from the plate-like magnet 22 to the straight portion 40 can be increased. In addition, the first magnet slit 97 and the coil slits 95 and 96 can roughly surround the plate-like magnet 23 and the straight portions 41 and 44, and the magnetic flux from the plate-like magnet 23 to the straight portions 41 and 44 can be increased. Furthermore, the second magnet slit 99 and the coil slit 96 can roughly surround the plate-like magnet 24 and the straight portion 45, and the magnetic flux from the plate-like magnet 24 to the straight portion 45 can be increased.

[0067] As described above, since the magnetic circuit of the vibration actuator 90 can be improved, Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the magnetic field H1x acting on the straight portion 40 can be made larger than Figure 7 The magnetic field H1 shown is strong, and the magnetic field H2x acting on the straight portion 41 can be made stronger than Figure 7 Similarly, the magnetic field H3x acting on the straight portion 44 can be made stronger than Figure 7 The magnetic field H3 shown is strong, and the magnetic field H4x acting on the straight portion 45 can be made stronger than Figure 7 As a result, the Lorentz forces F1e, F2e, F3e, and F4e generated by the plate-shaped coils 33 and 34 can be made stronger than Figure 7The Lorentz forces F1a, F2a, F3a, and F4a shown in FIG. 1 are stronger. Furthermore, the thrusts F1f, F2f, F3f, and F4f generated by the plate-shaped magnets 22, 23, and 24 can be made stronger than Figure 7 The thrusts F1b, F2b, F3b, F4b shown are strong.

[0068] As described above, by forming slits 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 in the movable plate 93 and the fixed plate 94, the magnetic circuit of the vibration actuator 90 can be improved. That is, the magnetic resistance of the slits 95 to 99 is higher than that of other parts, so the magnetic flux is easily concentrated in the parts where the slits 95 to 99 are not formed, and as a result, the magnetic circuit can be improved. As a result, the thrusts F1f, F2f, F3f, and F4f acting on the plate-shaped magnets 22, 23, and 24 can be increased, and the excitation force of the mover unit 91 can be increased. That is, from the perspective of making the vibration actuator 90 thinner, the plate-shaped magnets 22, 23, and 24 and the plate-shaped coils 33 and 34 are arranged in the thickness direction of the vibration actuator 90, but even with such an arrangement structure, the excitation force of the mover unit 91 can be fully ensured.

[0069] In addition, Figure 10 to Figure 13 In the example shown, the slits 95, 96 for coils, the slits 97 for the first magnets, and the slits 98, 99 for the second magnets are formed on both the movable plate 93 and the fixed plate 94, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the slits 95, 96 for coils, the slits 97 for the first magnets, and the slits 98, 99 for the second magnets may be formed only on the movable plate 93 of the movable plate 93 and the fixed plate 94. In addition, the slits 95, 96 for coils, the slits 97 for the first magnets, and the slits 98, 99 for the second magnets may be formed only on the fixed plate 94 of the movable plate 93 and the fixed plate 94. That is, at least one of the movable plate 93 and the fixed plate 94 may be a plate made of a ferromagnetic body and having the slits 95, 96 for coils, the slits 97 for the first magnets, and the slits 98, 99 for the second magnets.

[0070] <Implementation method 7>

[0071] exist Figure 10 to Figure 13 In the example shown, the movable plate 93 and the fixed plate 94 are provided with the coil slits 95 and 96, the first magnet slit 97, and the second magnet slits 98 and 99, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Fig.14A 1 is a perspective view showing a movable plate 100 and a fixed plate 101 included in a vibration actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 14B It is a perspective view showing a movable plate 110 and a fixed plate 111 included in a vibration actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] like Fig.14AAs shown, the movable plate 100 and the fixed plate 101 made of ferromagnetic material have coil slits (coil openings) 95 and 96 opened in the air cores 43 and 47 of the plate-shaped coils 33 and 34. This improves the magnetic circuit of the vibration actuator and increases the excitation force of the vibration actuator.

[0073] In addition, the coil slits 95 and 96 are formed on both the movable plate 100 and the fixed plate 101, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the coil slits 95 and 96 may be formed on either the movable plate 100 or the fixed plate 101. That is, at least either the movable plate 100 or the fixed plate 101 may be a plate made of a ferromagnetic material and having the coil slits 95 and 96 formed thereon.

[0074] like Fig. 14B As shown, the movable plate 110 and the fixed plate 111 made of ferromagnetic material have a first magnet slit (magnet opening) 97 opened near the two ends 23e, 23f of the plate-shaped magnet 23, that is, near the two ends in the length direction of the plate-shaped magnet 23. In addition, the movable plate 110 and the fixed plate 111 have second magnet slits (magnet openings) 98, 99 opened near the two ends 22d, 22e, 24d, 24e of the plate-shaped magnets 22, 24, that is, near the two ends in the length direction of the plate-shaped magnets 22, 24. As a result, the magnetic circuit of the vibration actuator can be improved, and the exciting force of the vibration actuator can be increased.

[0075] In addition, the first magnet slit 97 and the second magnet slits 98, 99 are formed on both the movable plate 110 and the fixed plate 111, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the first magnet slit 97 and the second magnet slits 98, 99 may be formed on either the movable plate 110 or the fixed plate 111. That is, at least either the movable plate 110 or the fixed plate 111 may be a plate made of a ferromagnetic body and having the first magnet slit 97 and the second magnet slit 98, 99 formed thereon.

[0076] <Implementation method 8>

[0077] Fig.15A 1 is a perspective view showing a movable plate 120 and a fixed plate 121 included in a vibration actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15B yes Fig.15A The movable plate 120 and the fixed plate 121 are shown in an exploded perspective view. Fig.16 1 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the auxiliary plates 123, 124, 125, the plate-shaped magnets 22, 23, 24, and the plate-shaped coils 33, 34. Fig.16 In the figure, in order to facilitate understanding of the positional relationship, the auxiliary plates 123, 124, and 125 are indicated by dotted lines.

[0078] like Fig.15Aand Fig. 15B As shown, the movable plate 120 and the fixed plate 121 have a plate body 122 made of a non-magnetic body and three auxiliary plates 123, 124, and 125 mounted on the plate body 122 and made of a ferromagnetic body. Fig.16 As shown, the auxiliary plate 123 is arranged to overlap the plate-like magnet 22 and the straight portion 40. The auxiliary plate 124 is arranged to overlap the plate-like magnet 23 and the straight portions 41 and 44, and the auxiliary plate 125 is arranged to overlap the plate-like magnet 24 and the straight portion 45.

[0079] In this way, by overlapping the auxiliary plates 123, 124, 125 made of ferromagnetic material with the plate-shaped magnets 22, 23, 24 and the straight portions 40, 41, 44, 45, it is possible to increase the magnetic flux from the plate-shaped magnets 22, 23, 24 toward the straight portions 40, 41, 44, 45. As a result, the magnetic circuit of the vibration actuator can be improved, and thus the exciting force of the vibration actuator can be increased. In addition, the auxiliary plates 123, 124, 125 are installed on both the movable plate 120 and the fixed plate 121, but are not limited to this. That is, the auxiliary plates 123, 124, 125 can also be installed on either the movable plate 120 or the fixed plate 121. That is, at least one of the movable plate 120 and the fixed plate 121 is a plate composed of a plate body 122 and auxiliary plates 123, 124, 125 installed on the plate body 122, wherein the plate body 122 is composed of a non-magnetic material and the auxiliary plates 123, 124, 125 are composed of a ferromagnetic material.

[0080] <Implementation method 9>

[0081] exist Fig.15A and Fig. 15B In the example shown, three auxiliary plates 123, 124, and 125 are mounted on the surface of the plate body 122, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the auxiliary plates 123, 124, and 125 may be mounted in the opening formed in the plate body. Fig.17A 1 is a perspective view showing a movable plate 130 and a fixed plate 131 included in a vibration actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 17B yes Fig.17A An exploded perspective view of the movable plate 130 and the fixed plate 131 is shown.

[0082] like Fig.17A and Fig. 17B As shown, the movable plate 130 and the fixed plate 131 have: a plate body 132 having three openings formed therein and made of a non-magnetic body; and three auxiliary plates 123, 124, 125, which are mounted on the openings 133, 134, 135 of the plate body 132 and are made of a ferromagnetic body. Fig.17A and Fig. 17BThe auxiliary plates 123, 124, 125 shown are also as described above. Fig.16 As shown, the auxiliary plate 123 is arranged to overlap the plate-like magnet 22 and the straight portion 40. The auxiliary plate 124 is arranged to overlap the plate-like magnet 23 and the straight portions 41 and 44, and the auxiliary plate 125 is arranged to overlap the plate-like magnet 24 and the straight portion 45.

[0083] In this way, by overlapping the auxiliary plates 123, 124, 125 made of ferromagnetic body with the plate-shaped magnets 22, 23, 24 and the straight portions 40, 41, 44, 45, it is possible to increase the magnetic flux from the plate-shaped magnets 22, 23, 24 toward the straight portions 40, 41, 44, 45. As a result, the magnetic circuit of the vibration actuator can be improved, and thus the exciting force of the vibration actuator can be increased. In addition, the auxiliary plates 123, 124, 125 are installed on both the movable plate 130 and the fixed plate 131, but are not limited to this. That is, the auxiliary plates 123, 124, 125 can also be installed on either the movable plate 130 or the fixed plate 131. That is, at least one of the movable plate 130 and the fixed plate 131 only needs to be a plate composed of a plate body 132 and auxiliary plates 123, 124, 125 mounted on the plate body 132, wherein the plate body 132 is composed of a non-magnetic material and the auxiliary plates 123, 124, 125 are composed of a ferromagnetic material.

[0084] <Other embodiments>

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Figure 3 and Fig.11 In the example shown, the plate-like magnets 22, 23, 24 are mounted on the movable plates 21, 93, and the plate-like coils 33, 34 are mounted on the fixed plates 31, 94, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The plate-like magnets 22, 23, 24 may be mounted on the fixed plates 31, 94, and the plate-like coils 33, 34 may be mounted on the movable plates 21, 93. In addition, the weight 25 is mounted on the movable plates 21, 93, but the present invention is not limited thereto. When the movable plates 21, 93 and the plate-like magnets 22, 23, 24 have sufficient mass, the weight 25 may be removed from the movable plates 21, 93.

[0086] exist Figure 3 and Fig.11In the example shown, a rubber damper 48 is used as an elastic member connecting the movable plate 21, 93 and the fixed plate 31, 94, but it is not limited to this, and a spring can also be used as an elastic member. In addition, in the example shown in the figure, four rubber dampers 48 are provided in the vibration actuator 10, 90, but it is not limited to this. As long as the movable unit 20, 91 can be properly supported, the rubber damper 48 of the vibration actuator 10, 90 can also be set to less than 3. In addition, of course, more than 5 rubber dampers 48 can also be provided in the vibration actuator 10, 90. In addition, in the example shown in the figure, the rubber damper 48 is formed into a thin cylindrical shape, but it is not limited to this, and the rubber damper 48 can also be formed into other shapes. For example, the rubber damper 48 can be formed into a thin cylindrical shape, and the rubber damper 48 can also be formed into a thin prism shape or a square cylinder shape.

[0087] exist Figure 7 and Fig.13 In the example shown, the plate-like magnets 22 and 24 arranged at the two ends are magnetized so that N poles appear on the front faces 22b and 24b of the magnets, and the plate-like magnet 23 arranged in the center is magnetized so that S poles appear on the front faces 23b of the magnets, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the plate-like magnets 22 and 24 arranged at the two ends may be magnetized so that S poles appear on the front faces 22b and 24b of the magnets, and the plate-like magnet 23 arranged in the center may be magnetized so that N poles appear on the front faces 23b of the magnets. In addition, Figure 5 In the example shown, the width dimension W1 of the plate-shaped magnet 23 disposed in the center is set to be larger than the width dimension W2 of the plate-shaped magnets 22 and 24 disposed at both ends, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the width dimension W1 of the plate-shaped magnet 23 disposed in the center and the width dimension W2 of the plate-shaped magnets 22 and 24 disposed at both ends may be made equal to each other.

[0088] In the above description, the fixed plate 31 constituting the vibration actuator 10 is installed on the display 12, the housing, etc. of the smart phone 11, but it is not limited to this. For example, the movable plate 21 constituting the vibration actuator 10 can also be installed on the display 12, the housing, etc. of the smart phone 11.

[0089] In addition, the present technology can adopt the following structures.

[0090] [1] A vibration actuator comprising a first plate and a second plate opposite to the first plate, wherein the vibration actuator comprises: a plate-shaped magnet having a magnet back surface mounted on the first plate and a magnet front surface located on the opposite side of the magnet back surface and opposite to the second plate; a plate-shaped coil having a coil back surface mounted on the second plate and a coil front surface located on the opposite side of the coil back surface and opposite to the first plate; and an elastic member having a first end portion mounted on the first plate and a second end portion mounted on the second plate, the coil front surface of the plate-shaped coil being located closer to the magnet back surface than the magnet front surface of the plate-shaped magnet.

[0091] [2] The vibration actuator according to [1] above, wherein the plate-shaped magnet is arranged adjacent to the straight portion of the plate-shaped coil.

[0092] [3] The vibration actuator according to [1] or [2] above, wherein the vibration actuator has a weight mounted on the first plate.

[0093] [4] The vibration actuator according to any one of [1] to [3] above, wherein a plurality of the plate-shaped magnets are mounted on the first plate.

[0094] [5] The vibration actuator according to any one of [1] to [4] above, wherein a plurality of the plate-shaped coils are mounted on the second plate.

[0095] [6] The vibration actuator according to any one of [1] to [5] above, wherein at least one of the first plate and the second plate is made of a non-magnetic material.

[0096] [7] A vibration actuator according to any one of [1] to [5] above, wherein at least one of the first plate and the second plate is made of a ferromagnetic material and has a coil opening portion that opens into the air-core portion of the plate-shaped coil.

[0097] [8] A vibration actuator according to any one of [1] to [5] above, wherein at least one of the first plate and the second plate is made of a ferromagnetic material and has a magnet opening portion that opens near both ends in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped magnet.

[0098] [9] A vibration actuator according to any one of [1] to [5] above, wherein at least one of the first plate and the second plate comprises: a plate body composed of a non-magnetic material; and an auxiliary plate mounted on the plate body and composed of a ferromagnetic material, wherein the auxiliary plate is arranged to overlap with the straight portion of the plate-shaped coil and the plate-shaped magnet.

Claims

1. A vibration actuator comprising a first plate and a second plate facing the first plate, wherein: The vibration actuator has: a plate-shaped magnet having a magnet back surface mounted on the first plate and a magnet front surface located on the opposite side of the magnet back surface and facing the second plate; a plate-shaped coil having a coil back surface mounted on the second plate and a coil front surface located on the opposite side of the coil back surface and facing the first plate; and an elastic member having a first end portion mounted on the first plate and a second end portion mounted on the second plate, The coil front surface of the plate-shaped coil is located closer to the magnet back surface than the magnet front surface of the plate-shaped magnet.

2. The vibration actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The plate-shaped magnet is arranged adjacent to the straight portion of the plate-shaped coil.

3. The vibration actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The vibration actuator includes a weight mounted on the first plate.

4. The vibration actuator according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of the plate-shaped magnets are mounted on the first plate.

5. The vibration actuator according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of the plate-shaped coils are mounted on the second plate.

6. The vibration actuator according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first plate and the second plate is made of a non-magnetic material.

7. The vibration actuator according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first plate and the second plate is made of a ferromagnetic body and has a coil opening portion that opens in the air-core portion of the plate-shaped coil.

8. The vibration actuator according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first plate and the second plate is made of a ferromagnetic body and has magnet openings opened near both ends in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped magnet.

9. The vibration actuator according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the first plate and the second plate has: a plate body composed of a non-magnetic body; and An auxiliary plate is attached to the plate main body and is made of a ferromagnetic body. The auxiliary plate is arranged to overlap the straight portion of the plate-shaped coil and the plate-shaped magnet.

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