Haptic device including one or more haptic actuators

Abstract

A haptic device includes a foam configured to support at least one body part (200) of a user and a set of haptic actuators including at least one haptic actuator (22). Each haptic actuator (22) is arranged in an open cavity (24) formed in the foam body (21), the open cavity (24) having an opening towards the outside of the haptic device (10). At least a portion of the opening is closed by a first sheet (23) connected to the foam body (21) by an interface assembly. Each haptic actuator (22) is fixed to an inner surface (231) of the first sheet (23) facing the open cavity (24), each haptic actuator (22) being arranged at a distance from the inner surface (211) of the open cavity (24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of haptics, and more particularly, to a haptic device (also known as a haptic feedback device) configured to present haptic effects on one or more parts of a user's body. Background Art

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be related to various aspects of at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention described and / or claimed below. These descriptions are believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of various aspects of the present invention.

[0003] Haptic technology broadly refers to any technology that reproduces the sense of touch in a user interface by applying force, vibration, motion, and other sensations (e.g., temperature) in addition to visual and audio information content when presenting multimedia content to provide information to the end user.

[0004] Haptic feedback encompasses a variety of possible stimulation implementations, including haptic haptic technology. Haptic haptic technology (or haptic haptic effect) refers to sensations such as vibration, friction, or micro-deformation that can be obtained using a haptic device corresponding to or including an arrangement of one or more haptic actuators. For example, a vibrotactile effect can be obtained using haptic devices such as eccentric rotating masses (ERMs), linear resonant actuators (LRAs), and high-bandwidth actuators such as voice coil motors (VCMs), piezoelectric actuators (PZTs), pneumatic actuators, shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators, or electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators.

[0005] Haptic feedback has applications in many fields, such as arcade games and virtual reality systems, to enhance immersion. Those willing to experience haptic feedback must wear or use one or more haptic devices, but these devices must be comfortable to use. Integrating haptic actuators, such as vibrotactile actuators, into wearable haptic devices can cause discomfort. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following section presents a simplified overview of at least one example embodiment in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present invention. This overview is not an extensive overview of the example embodiments. It is not intended to identify key or important components of the embodiments. The following overview merely presents some aspects of at least one example embodiment in a simplified form as a prerequisite for the more detailed description provided elsewhere in this article.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a haptic device comprising a foam body configured to support at least one body part of a user and a group of haptic actuators comprising at least one haptic actuator. Each haptic actuator in the group of haptic actuators is arranged in an open cavity formed in the foam body, the open cavity having an opening toward the outside of the haptic device. At least a portion of the opening is closed by a first sheet. The first sheet is fixed to an interface component connecting the first sheet and the foam body, the interface component being configured in such a way that the first sheet does not adhere to the foam body. Each haptic actuator is fixed to an inner surface of the first sheet facing the open cavity, and each haptic actuator is arranged at a distance from the inner surface of the open cavity.

[0008] In an example embodiment, the haptic device further includes a second sheet disposed on an outer surface of the first sheet, the second sheet being configured to contact and adhere to a body part of the user.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the second sheet corresponds to a cover component of the haptic device covering the foam, and the second sheet corresponds to an interface component.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the foam includes an outer peripheral region defining the opening and a peripheral portion supporting the inner surface of the first sheet.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, the first sheet is connected to the foam body by at least one flexible component corresponding to the interface component, a first end of the at least one flexible component is attached to the inner surface of the first sheet, a second end opposite to the first end is anchored to the foam body, and the at least one flexible component extends from the inner surface into the open cavity.

[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, at least one flexible member extends from the inner surface orthogonal to the inner surface into the open cavity.

[0013] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the haptic device further comprises an elastic connector arranged along an inner contour of the open cavity at one side of the opening, the elastic connector connecting the inner contour of the open cavity to an outer contour of the first sheet in a rest position of the first sheet.

[0014] In another example embodiment, the at least one flexible component and the elastic connector are configured to displace the first sheet between a rest position and an active position, the displacement being caused by movement of the haptic actuator.

[0015] In a further exemplary embodiment, the second lamella adjoins the first lamella to form a lamella stack, the elastic connection connecting the inner contour of the open cavity to the outer contour of the lamella stack in the rest position of the lamella stack.

[0016] In an example embodiment, the haptic actuator is arranged at the center of the inner surface.

[0017] In another example embodiment, the haptic actuator corresponds to a vibrotactile actuator.

[0018] In another example embodiment, the haptic actuator is configured to move the first sheet along at least one axis that: belongs to a plane including the first sheet; and / or is orthogonal to the plane.

[0019] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first sheet is made of a material corresponding to:

[0020] wood;

[0021] metal; or

[0022] plastic.

[0023] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the second sheet is made of a material corresponding to:

[0024] silicon;

[0025] tissue;

[0026] leather; or

[0027] Plastic polymers.

[0028] In another example embodiment, the haptic device corresponds to a chair or headphones.

[0029] The specific nature of at least one example embodiment and other objects, advantages, features and uses of the at least one example embodiment will become apparent from the following description of the examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the invention, and in which:

[0031] Figure 1 A perspective schematic diagram illustrating a haptic device according to at least one example embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 According to at least one example embodiment Figure 1a first schematic cross-sectional view of a haptic device including a portion of a haptic actuator;

[0033] Figure 3 According to at least one example embodiment Figure 1 a second schematic cross-sectional view of a haptic device including a portion of a haptic actuator;

[0034] Figure 4 According to at least one example embodiment Figure 1 a third schematic cross-sectional view of a haptic device including a portion of a haptic actuator;

[0035] Figure 5 According to at least one example embodiment Figure 1 a fourth schematic cross-sectional view of a haptic device including a portion of a haptic actuator;

[0036] Figure 6 According to at least one example embodiment Figure 4 and Figure 5 Schematic diagram of some components of a haptic device shown in part.

[0037] Similar reference symbols may be used in different drawings to represent similar components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] At least one example embodiment will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which examples of at least one example embodiment are shown. However, the example embodiments may be implemented in many alternative forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Therefore, it should be understood that this document is not intended to limit the example embodiments to the specific forms disclosed. On the contrary, this document is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0039] At least one of the aspects generally relates to a haptic device including one or more haptic actuators. The haptic device is configured to at least partially contact one or more parts of a user's body. Portions of the haptic device can, for example, rest against the one or more parts of the user's body.

[0040] Examples of equipment or devices that can correspond to a haptic device include a head mounted display device (HMD; see-through glasses), a wireless (e.g., Bluetooth) connected wearable haptic device, a mouse pad, a palm rest, a chair, a table, an extended reality (XR) headset, headphones, a bracelet, a head and / or lumbar support device or chair, or any other device suitable for presenting haptic effects to one or more parts of the user's body in contact with the haptic device.

[0041] The tactile device corresponds to, for example, a chair, headphones, a backrest, a mouse wrist rest, a keyboard wrist rest, and headphone cushion foam.

[0042] The haptic device advantageously includes one or more haptic actuators, each haptic actuator being arranged in a cavity formed by a foam body, the foam body being adapted to support a body part of a user in contact with the haptic device at the location of the haptic actuator. The cavity is formed to have an opening facing the exterior of the haptic device. A first sheet at least partially encloses the opening. The first sheet is secured to an interface assembly configured to engage the first sheet with the haptic device. The haptic actuator is secured to an inner surface of the first sheet (i.e., the surface facing the interior of the cavity) and is arranged at a distance from the inner surface of the cavity.

[0043] With this arrangement, the haptic actuator does not contact the foam, and the force and / or vibration generated by the haptic actuator can be transmitted to the user's body part through the first sheet. The interface component is configured in such a way that the first sheet does not adhere to the foam.

[0044] This arrangement can improve the transmission of the tactile effects presented by the tactile actuator to the part of the user's body, since the tactile actuator is not in direct contact with the foam, thereby significantly limiting the loss of force and / or vibration into the foam.

[0045] At the same time, this arrangement ensures high comfort for the user due to the use of the foam, as it will support the part of the user's body around the arrangement including the tactile actuator and the first sheet.

[0046] Figure 1 A partial perspective schematic diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a haptic device is shown.

[0047] according to Figure 1 The haptic device of the example corresponds to a haptic device (chair) 10, for example, a gaming chair, a theater seat, an operator seat, a vehicle seat, etc.

[0048] The haptic device (chair) 10 is shown in perspective view in an orthogonal coordinate system represented by orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z.

[0049] The haptic device (chair) 10 advantageously incorporates one or more haptic units 11 , 12 , each of which includes a haptic actuator configured to render one or more haptic effects to one or more parts of a user's body in contact with the haptic units 11 , 12 .

[0050] The haptic units may be arranged in different parts or components of the haptic device (chair) 10, each part or component supporting or leaning against one or more user body parts, such as the headrest 101, backrest 102, seat 103, armrests 104, and / or leg rests.

[0051] according to Figure 1 In a specific embodiment, two haptic units 11 and 12 are arranged in the headrest 101 in a manner of contacting the neck of a user sitting on the haptic device (chair) 10 .

[0052] The haptic device (chair) 10 can include any number of haptic units, for example, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, or more haptic units.

[0053] Each part of the tactile device (chair) 10 that supports at least one part of the user's body (i.e., the headrest 101, the backrest 102, the seat 103, and the armrests 104) includes a foam body, which is covered with a covering material suitable for contact with the user's body part, such as fabric, natural leather, or synthetic leather.

[0054] Based on the above principles, the foam in the chair corresponds to any highly elastic and deformable material suitable for supporting the user's body or a part of the user's body to provide comfort to the user leaning on or carrying / wearing the haptic device, or to prevent the haptic device from hitting the foam forming the cavity. This foam deforms when in contact with the user and returns to its previous or original shape when no longer in contact with the user.

[0055] The foam material (e.g., polyurethane, latex), structure, and / or foam properties (e.g., density, elasticity) can vary, for example, from one haptic device to another, or from one part of the same haptic device to another. For example, the foam material used in a chair can be different from the foam material used in headphones because the pressure exerted on the contact surface area by the user's body parts is different (due to differences in force and surface area). In another example, the foam material included in the seat 103 of the haptic device (chair) 10 can be different from the foam material included in the headrest 101 or the armrests 104.

[0056] The foam corresponds to, for example, foamed polyurethane, silicone, shape memory foam, gel, polyurethane foam, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam, polyethylene foam, polystyrene foam, rubber foam (e.g., natural rubber), nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) foam.

[0057] Figure 2 A partially cross-sectional schematic diagram shows a portion of a haptic device 10 including a haptic unit 2 according to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0058] Figure 2Corresponding to the tactile device 10 being Figure 1 A sectional view in the plane formed by the X-axis and Z-axis of the orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) of axis 1-1.

[0059] Figure 2 A body part 200 of a user is shown leaning against the haptic unit 2. The haptic unit 2 may correspond to Figure 1 Tactile units 11, 12.

[0060] The haptic unit 2 includes a component 21, which corresponds to the foam component included in the headrest 101. The component 21 is hereinafter referred to as "foam."

[0061] The foam body 21 forms a cavity 24 corresponding to a recess or chamber hollowed or drilled in the foam body 21. The cavity 24 is open at one face, that is, the face facing the outside of the haptic device 10, that is, the face facing the body part 200.

[0062] The cavity 24 may be of any shape, for example corresponding to a cylinder, a hemisphere, a parallelepiped, or a cuboid.

[0063] The haptic unit 2 further comprises a first sheet 23 for closing the opening of the cavity 24 .

[0064] The first sheet 23 corresponds, for example, to a plate serving as an interface between the haptic actuator 22 against the (inner face or) inner surface 231 of the first sheet 23 and against the foam 21 and the body part 200 of the haptic unit 2 .

[0065] The first sheet 23 may be in any shape, for example, corresponding to a rectangle, a square, a circle, or an oval.

[0066] according to Figure 2 As a non-limiting example, the peripheral area of ​​the inner surface 231 of the first sheet 23 abuts against the outer peripheral area 212 of the foam 21, and the outer peripheral area 212 (at Figure 2 24 ) surrounds the opening of the cavity 24 .

[0067] The inner surface 231 of the first sheet 23 is advantageously adapted or configured to slide on the foam 21 without adhering to the foam 21 when the haptic actuator 22 is activated and moves the first sheet 23 .

[0068] The first sheet 23 is advantageously secured to an interface assembly 25 that is configured to engage the first sheet 23 with the haptic device 10 (eg, the foam 21 ).

[0069] The first sheet 23 is fixed to the interface assembly 25 in a manner that is not adhered to the foam body 21. The arrangement including the haptic actuator 22, the first sheet 23, and the foam body 21 is configured to enable the first sheet 23 to move or vibrate (generated by the haptic actuator 22) while avoiding or minimizing energy transfer from the first sheet 23 to the foam body 21. This can optimize or maximize the transfer of vibration from the haptic actuator 22 via the first sheet 23 and the interface assembly 25 to the user's body part.

[0070] The first sheet 23 is glued to the interface component 25 , for example via an outer surface 232 of the first sheet 23 , which ensures that the first sheet 23 is held in place.

[0071] The interface components correspond to, for example:

[0072] an interface component 25 having a size larger than that of the first sheet 23 and fixed to the foam body 21 at a periphery of the interface component 25 , for example, by adhesive bonding or mechanical fastening anchoring to the foam body 21 ;

[0073] A cover of the tactile device 10, mainly covering the foam 21, the cover being, for example, thin paper, plastic material, or natural or synthetic leather; and / or

[0074] At least one flexible component 43, 44 (as described below with respect to Figure 4 and Figure 5 described above).

[0075] The first sheet 23 may be made of any material suitable for transmitting the vibration and / or force generated by the haptic actuator 22 to the user's body part 200. The first sheet 23 is made of, for example, a rigid material such as plastic, wood, resin, or metal.

[0076] The surface treatment of the outer surface of the interface component 25 (which contacts the user's body part 200) is, for example, suitable for improving adhesion between the first sheet 23 and the user's body part 200, thereby improving vibration transmission to the user's body part 200. Depending on the material and outer surface treatment of the first sheet 23, the coefficient of friction between the outer surface of the interface component 25 and the skin of the user's body part 200 is, for example, between 0.4 and 0.8.

[0077] The tactile actuator 22 is, for example, a tactile device such as an eccentric rotating mass (ERM), a linear resonant actuator (LRA), or a high-bandwidth actuator such as a voice coil motor (VCM), a piezoelectric actuator (PZT), a pneumatic actuator, a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator, or an electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator.

[0078] The tactile actuator 22 is configured to generate vibrations along one or more axes, for example, along the longitudinal axis 20 (according to the X-axis) and / or the transverse axis (according to the Z-axis) of the tactile actuator 22. The vibrations generated by the tactile actuator 22 are transmitted to the first sheet 23 along one or more directions, which depend on:

[0079] The elastic properties of the first sheet 23 (material elastic modulus and shape); and / or

[0080] Mechanical properties of the connection between the first sheet 23 and the foam 21; and / or

[0081] The mechanical nature of the connection between the haptic actuator 22 and the first sheet 23 .

[0082] The haptic actuator 22 is, for example, bonded to the inner surface 231 of the first sheet 23. The haptic actuator 22 is located within the cavity 24, away from the wall (made of the foam 21) that defines the open cavity 24. Specifically, the haptic actuator 22 is located at a distance from the inner surface of the wall (referred to as the inner surface 211 of the foam). For example, the haptic actuator 22 is located at the center of the inner surface 231 of the first sheet 23, with a gap separating the haptic actuator 22 from the foam 21. The size of the gap is defined to prevent any contact between the haptic actuator 22 and the wall of the cavity 24, including when the haptic actuator 22 vibrates and when a user's body part 200 rests against and compresses the foam 21.

[0083] The haptic actuator 22 is bonded to the first sheet 23 , for example, by an adhesive, or anchored by any mechanical fastening known to those skilled in the art.

[0084] The distance between the haptic actuator 22 and the inner surface 211 of the foam body is, for example, between 2 mm and 40 mm, depending on, for example, the size of the haptic actuator 22. For example, the larger the size of the haptic actuator 22, the larger the size of the cavity 24, and the greater the distance between the outer surface of the haptic actuator 22 and the inner surface 211 of the foam body of the cavity 24.

[0085] The dimensions of haptic actuator 22 range from, for example, 2 mm x 2 mm x 2 mm to 45 mm x 20 mm x 20 mm, depending on, for example, the sensitivity of the body part associated with haptic actuator 22. For example, the sensitivity of a user's legs or back may be lower than that of the user's hands. Feeling a haptic effect on the legs or back requires a haptic actuator that is larger than the size of a haptic actuator used to feel a haptic effect on the hands. For example, when generating a haptic effect on the legs or back, the haptic actuator 22 may require a higher acceleration or a larger displacement amplitude when moving than when the haptic effect is felt by the hands.

[0086] The size and / or shape of the cavity 24 depends on, for example, the size / shape of the haptic actuator 22 , the position of the haptic unit 2 in the haptic device 10 , and / or the type of the haptic device 10 .

[0087] The size of the first sheet 23 depends on the size of the opening of the cavity 24. When the first sheet 23 is rectangular (or circular), the height (or diameter) of the first sheet 23 (along the Z-axis) is, for example, between 10 mm and 40 mm. The thickness of the first sheet 23 depends on the material of the first sheet 23 and is, for example, between 0.5 mm and 2 mm.

[0088] The haptic actuator 22 is controlled and powered by, for example, a controller disposed in the haptic device 10. The haptic actuator 22 is connected to the controller, for example, via a wired connection (not shown). The controller is connected to a haptic engine (e.g., a computer) via, for example, a wired or wireless connection. The controller receives a haptic signal from the haptic engine that conveys haptic data (e.g., amplitude and frequency) representing a haptic effect to be generated by the haptic actuator 22. The controller controls the haptic actuator 22 based on the received haptic signal.

[0089] According to a first example, the haptic actuator 22 is controlled to generate vibrations along axes orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 20 of the haptic actuator 22 (e.g., along the Z-axis and / or the Y-axis). The vibrations are generated, for example, by the translational motion of the inertial moving component of the haptic actuator 22 along one or more axes orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 20. Leveraging the inertia of the moving component moving within the haptic actuator, the haptic actuator moves and drives the first thin sheet 23 to which it is attached. Because the first thin sheet 23 is both thin and large, it is flexible. The first thin sheet 23 thus moves or translates (and ultimately deforms) in response to the movement of the moving component of the haptic actuator 22, while the peripheral portion of the first thin sheet 23 slides over the outer peripheral region 212 of the foam body 21. The movement of the moving component of the haptic actuator 22 causes the first thin sheet 23 to vibrate or oscillate locally, for example, along the Z-axis, depending on the frequency and amplitude of the driving haptic signal received by the haptic actuator 22.

[0090] According to a second example, the haptic actuator 22 is controlled to generate vibrations according to the longitudinal axis 20 (ie, according to the X-axis) of the haptic actuator 22. The first sheet 23 moves or deforms accordingly (ie, according to the X-axis).

[0091] According to a third example, the tactile actuator 22 is controlled to generate vibrations according to the longitudinal axis 20 of the tactile actuator 22 and according to one or more axes orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 20 of the tactile actuator 22 (for example, according to the Z axis and / or the Y axis).

[0092] Figure 3 A partially cross-sectional schematic diagram of a haptic unit 3 according to a second exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0093] Tactile unit 3 is similar Figure 2 The haptic unit 2 is shown. The haptic unit 3 corresponds to an alternative embodiment of the haptic unit 2, and the components common to the haptic unit 3 and the haptic unit 2 are identified by the same symbols.

[0094] according to Figure 3 In an alternative embodiment, the second sheet 32 ​​is disposed on the outer surface 232 of the first sheet 23 , the second sheet 32 ​​engaging the first sheet 23 (and the haptic actuator 22 ) with the body part 200 of the user.

[0095] The second sheet 32 ​​corresponds to, for example, Figure 1 The interface component 25 , that is, the cover of the tactile device 10 corresponding to the covered foam body 21 .

[0096] According to a variant, the second sheet 32 ​​is an intermediate sheet between the first sheet 23 and the interface component 25 .

[0097] The first lamella 23 and the second lamella 32 form a lamella stack 31 , ie a stack of different layers.

[0098] According to a specific embodiment, the outer surface 321 of the second sheet 32 ​​is adapted to contact and adhere to a part of the user's body 200 , so as to transmit the vibration effect generated by the tactile actuator 22 to the user's body part 200 through the first sheet 23 .

[0099] The size of the second sheet 32 ​​is, for example, equal to that of the first sheet 23. The second sheet 32 ​​may be made of a material different from that of the first sheet 23. The second sheet 32 ​​may be bonded to the first sheet 23 by an adhesive, for example, or the first sheet 23 and the second sheet 32 ​​may be made of a co-laminated material.

[0100] The material of the second sheet 32 ​​corresponds to one of the following materials, for example: silicon, thin paper, leather, plastic (eg, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane (PU), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET)).

[0101] This sheet stack 31 can maximize mechanical coupling with the skin by utilizing both mechanical properties, such as the rigidity of the first material constituting the first sheet 23, and surface properties (e.g., higher friction), of the second material constituting the second sheet 32. Where appropriate (i.e., when the properties of the covering material allow for sufficient adhesion to the skin to transmit the vibration effect to the user's body part 200), the material of the second sheet 32 ​​can, for example, match the material of the covering covering the foam 21 of the haptic device 10.

[0102] Figure 4 A partially cross-sectional schematic diagram of a haptic unit 4 according to a third exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0103] Figure 4 Corresponding to the tactile device 10 being Figure 1 A sectional view in the plane formed by the X-axis and Z-axis of the orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) of axis 1-1.

[0104] With separate reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Similar to the haptic unit 2 and the haptic unit 3 described above, the haptic unit 4 includes a foam body 21 in which a cavity 24 is formed, corresponding to a recess or cavity hollowed or drilled out of the foam body 21. The cavity 24 is open at the face facing the outside of the haptic device 10 (i.e., the face facing the body part 200).

[0105] The haptic unit 4 comprises a partially closed opening (component or) sheet 41. The (component or) sheet 41 corresponds to the first sheet 23 of the haptic unit 2 or to the sheet stack 31 consisting of the first sheet 23 and the second sheet 32 ​​of the haptic unit 3.

[0106] According to this third exemplary embodiment, the sheet 41 is not in direct contact with the foam 21 .

[0107] The sheet 41 is adapted to transmit the vibration or displacement generated by the haptic actuator 22 to the user's body part 200. When the user's body part 200 rests against the haptic unit 4, the sheet 41 is also configured to deform itself to adapt to the shape of the user's body part 200.

[0108] The tactile unit 4 also includes an elastic connector 42 (shown as a vertical stripe) arranged along the inner contour of the open cavity 24 on the opening side. The elastic connector 42 connects the foam 21 to the outer contour of the sheet 41 (which faces the inner contour of the open cavity 24) along the inner contour of the open cavity 24 to close the opening in the rest position of the sheet 41 (i.e., when the tactile actuator 22 is not operating and the sheet 41 is not moving).

[0109] The elastic connector 42 is made of a material that can be squeezed and / or stretched according to the displacement of the sheet 41 caused by the haptic actuator 22 when the haptic actuator 22 is operated to produce a haptic effect. The portion of the elastic connector 42 connected to the foam 21 is almost stationary, while the portion of the elastic connector 42 connected to the sheet 41 changes with the displacement of the sheet 41.

[0110] The elastic connecting member 42 isolates the sheet 41 from the foam body 21 and prevents or at least reduces the transmission of vibration from the sheet 41 to the foam body 21 .

[0111] According to a first example, the elastic connection piece 42 is only attached or fixed to the foam 21 , for example by adhesive bonding, and is not attached or fixed to the outer contour of the sheet 41 .

[0112] According to a second example, the elastic connection member 42 is only attached or fixed to the outer contour of the sheet 41 , for example by adhesive bonding, but not to the foam 21 .

[0113] According to a third example, the elastic connection member 42 is merely attached or fixed to the outer contours of the foam 21 and the sheet 41 , for example by adhesive bonding.

[0114] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an assembly 6 is shown comprising a thin sheet 41 surrounded by an elastic connection 42 , with a haptic actuator 22 arranged in the center of the thin sheet 41 . Figure 6 Component 6 is shown viewed from the inside of cavity 24 .

[0115] According to a third exemplary embodiment, the sheet 41 is mechanically connected to the foam 21 by means of one or more flexible elements 43 , 44 .

[0116] A first tip or end of each flexible component 43 , 44 is secured to the inner surface 411 of the sheet 41 , and a second tip or end opposite the first end is anchored into the foam 21 , with each flexible component 43 , 44 extending from the inner surface 411 into the open cavity 24 .

[0117] According to one variation, the second end of each flexible element 43, 44 is attached to the inner surface of the cavity 24 (i.e., to the foam 21) by adhesive bonding without entering or penetrating the foam 21. The base may be enlarged at the tip of each flexible element to increase the contact surface and improve the quality of the bond.

[0118] According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the flexible components 43 , 44 extend from the inner surface 411 of the sheet 41 orthogonal to the inner surface 411 into the open cavity 24 .

[0119] According to another example, the first ends of the flexible members 43 , 44 are attached to the inner surface 411 of the sheet 41 and the second ends of the flexible members 43 , 44 are attached to a wall forming the cavity 24 , substantially orthogonal to the face of the opening.

[0120] For example, 2, 3, or 4 flexible elements are provided to suspend the sheet 41 on the foam 21. The flexible elements 43, 44 are, for example, distributed at a distance from the periphery of the sheet 41, for example, equidistant from each other.

[0121] The flexible components 43 and 44 may correspond to rods or bars, for example.

[0122] According to another example, the flexible components 43 , 44 may have a rectangular cross-section.

[0123] According to another example, the sheet 41 is connected to the foam 21 only by a flexible element. According to this example, the flexible element may correspond to a spring, and the haptic actuator 22 is arranged inside the spring at a first end attached to the inner surface 411 of the sheet 41.

[0124] The one or more flexible components 43, 44 are arranged to enable the sheet 41 to move or displace relative to the foam body 21 along one or more axes (i.e., along the X-axis, Y-axis, and / or Z-axis). The one or more flexible components 43, 44 are elastically deformable along one or more X-axis, Y-axis, and / or Z-axis. The flexible components 43, 44 can be squeezed or stretched, for example, along one or more X-axis, Y-axis, and / or Z-axis, to enable the sheet 41 to perform any displacement under the action of the haptic actuator 22.

[0125] Figure 5 The haptic unit 4 is shown with the sheet 41 displaced.

[0126] according to Figure 5 As a non-limiting example, the tactile actuator 22 is operating and causing the sheet 41 to move or translate in an upward direction along the Z-axis (this displacement is represented by the dashed arrow 51 ).

[0127] According to this example, the sheet 41 moves along an axis (e.g., alternately up and down) in response to input from the haptic actuator 22. The displacement of the sheet 41 causes the tips of the flexible members 43 and 44 to translate, causing the flexible members 43 and 44 to deform. When the haptic actuator 22 stops operating, the sheet 41 returns to its rest position under the action of the elastically deformable flexible members 43 and 44.

[0128] When the sheet 41 moves upward, the upper portion of the elastic connector 42 is squeezed, and when the elastic connector 42 is not attached to the outer contour of the sheet 41, a gap 52 appears between the lower portion of the elastic connector 42 and the outer contour of the sheet 41 facing the lower portion of the elastic connector 42.

[0129] When the elastic connector 42 is attached to the outer contour of the sheet 41 , when the sheet 41 moves upward, the upper portion of the elastic connector 42 is compressed, while the lower portion of the elastic connector 42 is stretched.

[0130] The elastic connector 42 acts as a vibration absorber and reduces or prevents vibration from being transmitted to the foam body 21 , thereby transmitting the vibration effect generated by the tactile actuator 22 to the user's body part 200 in an optimal manner.

[0131] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "include / comprise" and / or "comprising / containing" when used in this specification may specify, for example, the features, components, and / or parts being stated, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, and / or parts and / or groups thereof. In addition, when a component is referred to as being "responsive" or "connected" to another component, it may be directly responsive or connected to the other component, or there may be intervening components. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being "directly responsive" or "directly connected" to another component, there are no intervening components.

[0132] It should be understood that the use of any of the symbols / terms " / ," "and / or," and "at least one" in the context of, for example, "A / B," "A and / or B," and "at least one of A and B" may be intended to encompass selecting only the first listed option (A), or only the second listed option (B), or both options (A and B). As a further example, in the context of "A, B, and / or C" and "at least one of A, B, and C," such wording is intended to encompass selecting only the first listed option (A), or only the second listed option (B), or only the third listed option (C), or only the first and second listed options (A and B), or only the first and third listed options (A and C), or only the second and third listed options (B and C), or all three options (A, B, and C). As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in this and related arts, this can be extended to as many items as listed.

[0133] Various numerical values ​​may be used in the present invention. Specific values ​​may be used for example purposes and the described aspects are not limited to these specific values.

[0134] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various components, the components are not limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component without departing from the teachings of the present invention. No ordering is implied between the first component and the second component.

[0135] References to "one exemplary embodiment" or "an exemplary embodiment" or "one implementation" or "an implementation" and other variations are often used to convey that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, etc., described in connection with an embodiment / implementation, is included in at least one embodiment / implementation. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in an exemplary embodiment" or "in an exemplary embodiment" or "in one implementation" or "in an implementation" and any other variations in various places throughout the present disclosure are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0136] Similarly, references herein to "according to an exemplary embodiment / example / implementation" or "in an exemplary embodiment / example / implementation" and other variations thereof are often used to convey that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic (described in conjunction with an exemplary embodiment / example / implementation) can be included in at least one exemplary embodiment / example / implementation. Thus, the appearances of the expressions "according to an exemplary embodiment / example / implementation" or "in an exemplary embodiment / example / implementation" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same exemplary embodiment / example / implementation, nor are separate or alternative exemplary embodiments / examples / implementations necessarily mutually exclusive of other exemplary embodiments / examples / implementations.

[0137] Reference numerals appearing in the claims are for illustration purposes only and have no limiting effect on the claims.Embodiments / examples and variations of the present invention may be employed in any combination or subcombination even if not explicitly described.

[0138] Various embodiments have been described herein. However, it should be understood that various modifications may be made. For example, components of different embodiments may be combined, supplemented, modified, or removed to produce other embodiments. In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other structures and processes may replace the disclosed structures and processes, and that the resulting embodiments will perform at least substantially the same functions in at least substantially the same manner to achieve at least substantially the same results as the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, the present invention contemplates these and other embodiments.

Claims

1. A tactile device (10), comprising: a foam body (21), the foam body (21) being configured to support at least one body part (200) of a user; as well as a group of tactile actuators (22), the group of tactile actuators (22) comprising at least one tactile actuator, each tactile actuator in the group of tactile actuators (22) being arranged in an open cavity (24) formed in the foam body (21), the open cavity (24) having an opening oriented toward the exterior of the tactile device (10); wherein at least a portion of the opening is closed by a first sheet (23, 41); wherein the first sheet is fixed to an interface component connecting the first sheet (23, 41) and the foam body (21), and the interface component is configured in such a way that the first sheet does not adhere to the foam body (21); Each of the tactile actuators (22) is fixed to an inner surface (231, 411) of the first sheet (23, 41) facing the open cavity (24), and each of the tactile actuators (22) is arranged at a distance from the inner surface (211) of the open cavity (24).

2. The tactile device (10) according to claim 1 further comprises a second sheet (32), wherein the second sheet (32) is arranged on an outer surface (232) of the first sheet (23), and the second sheet (32) is configured to contact the body part (200) of the user and adhere to the body part (200) of the user.

3. The tactile device (10) according to claim 2, wherein The second sheet (32) corresponds to a covering component of the tactile device (10) covering the foam body (21), and the second sheet (32) corresponds to the interface component.

4. The tactile device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The foam body (21) includes an outer peripheral region (212) defining the opening and supporting a peripheral portion of the inner surface (231) of the first sheet (23).

5. The tactile device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first sheet (41) is connected to the foam body (21) through at least one flexible component (43, 44) corresponding to the interface component, a first end of the at least one flexible component (43, 44) is attached to the inner surface (411) of the first sheet (41), and a second end opposite to the first end is anchored to the foam body (21), and the at least one flexible component (43, 44) extends from the inner surface (411) of the first sheet (41) into the open cavity (24).

6. The tactile device (10) of claim 5, wherein: The at least one flexible component (43, 44) extends from the inner surface (411) of the first sheet (41) orthogonally to the inner surface (411) of the first sheet (41) into the open cavity (24).

7. The tactile device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising an elastic connector (42), which is arranged on one side of the opening along the inner contour of the open cavity (24), and the elastic connector (42) connects the inner contour of the open cavity (24) to the outer contour of the first sheet (41) in the static position of the first sheet (41).

8. The tactile device (10) of claim 7, wherein: The at least one flexible component (43, 44) and the elastic connector (42) are configured to enable the first sheet (41) to be displaced between the static position and the active position, the displacement being caused by the movement of the tactile actuator (22).

9. The tactile device (10) according to claim 7 or 8 as claimed in claim 2, wherein The second sheet (32) adjoins the first sheet (23) to form a sheet stack (33), the elastic connection (42) connecting the inner contour of the open cavity (24) to the outer contour of the sheet stack in the rest position of the sheet stack (33).

10. The tactile device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein The tactile actuator (22) is arranged at the center of the inner surface (231, 411) of the first sheet (23, 41).

11. The tactile device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The tactile actuator (22) corresponds to a vibrotactile actuator.

12. The tactile device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The tactile actuator (22) is configured to move the first sheet (23, 41) along at least one axis, the at least one axis: belongs to a plane including said first sheet (23, 41); and / or perpendicular to the plane.

13. The tactile device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The first sheet (23) is made of the following materials: wood; metal; or plastic.

14. The haptic device (10) of claim 2, wherein: The second sheet (32) is made of the following materials: silicon; tissue; leather; or Plastic polymers.

15. The tactile device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein The tactile device (10) corresponds to a chair or headphones.

Images