Load detector

Abstract

The invention provides a vibration actuator and a vibration presentation device, which realize long service life and mute. The vibration actuator is provided with: a movable part that imparts vibration to a vibration presentation part that receives a pressing operation; a vibration generation unit that generates the vibration of the movable unit in accordance with the pressing operation; a base part; and an elastic support part that supports the movable part so as to be vibratable in the approaching / separating direction with respect to the base part, the movable part having: a load detection part that is provided between a presentation part-side fixed part that can be fixed to the vibration presentation part and a support part-side fixed part that is fixed to the elastic support part; deformation caused by the pressing operation is detected as a load; and a movement restricting part which is provided closer to the fixed part side than the load detecting part, and which restricts the movement of the movable part by engaging with an engaged part of the base part via a buffer member when the movable part moves in a direction away from the base part.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on January 29, 2022, with application number 202210113140.4 and invention titled Vibration Actuator and Vibration Indication Device. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a vibration actuator that imparts vibration according to a pressing operation, and a vibration prompting device having the vibration actuator. Background Technology

[0003] Previously, the following structure was known: a vibration actuator was used to apply vibration to the fingertips of an operator that were in contact with the display screen of a touch panel that served as a sensing panel, as a sensation of contact operation (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a portable terminal device in which a vibration actuator is mounted on the back of a touch panel via a vibration transmission section. The vibration actuator of this device is configured such that a mover can reciprocate along a guide axis arranged perpendicular to the touch panel, within a housing fixed to the vibration transmission section. In the vibration actuator, a collision sound may be generated by causing the mover to collide with the housing in response to an operation on the touch panel, but vibration is also imparted to the fingertip in contact with the touch panel via the vibration transmission section.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-070729 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, in vibration alert devices that provide vibration alerts based on pressing operations, the vibrations, which correspond to the purpose or usage of the operating device, can sometimes be continuous and strong, or come from strong external impacts. On the other hand, it is known that vibration alert devices need to detect pressing operations on the screen. In the case of continuous and strong impacts on the vibration alert device, in addition to frequently generating collision sounds, excessive stress may be applied to the sensor, causing malfunctions and requiring repair, replacement, or other maintenance in the short term.

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vibration actuator and vibration indication device that can improve impact resistance and reduce noise.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] The vibration actuator of the present invention has the following structure: a movable part that vibrates a vibration prompting part that receives a pressing operation; a vibration generating part that generates the vibration of the movable part according to the pressing operation; a base; and an elastic support part that supports the movable part flexibly in the approach / separation direction relative to the base. The movable part has: a load detection part that is disposed between a prompting part-side fixing part that can be fixed to the vibration prompting part and a support part-side fixing part that is fixed to the elastic support part, and detects the deformation caused by the pressing operation as a load; and a movement limiting part that is disposed on the side closer to the prompting part-side fixing part than the load detection part, and when the movable part moves in the direction of separation from the base, it engages with the engaging part of the base via a buffer member to limit the movement of the movable part.

[0013] The vibration alert device of the present invention has the following structure: it has the above-described vibration actuator and a touch panel as the above-described vibration alert part.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve impact resistance and reduce noise. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vibration indication device having the vibration actuator of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is the front view of the vibration actuator.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a front-side perspective view of the vibration actuator.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view showing the actuator body and load detection unit in the vibration actuator.

[0020] Figure 5 This is an exploded three-dimensional view of the vibration actuator.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An exploded view of the coil assembly of the vibration actuator shown.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a frontal perspective view of the actuator body of the vibration actuator.

[0023] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Sectional view along line B-B.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the wiring of the deformation detection unit.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a partially enlarged front view showing the movement restriction part of the vibration actuator.

[0026] Figure 11 It means in Figure 10 A partial right-side view of the movement restriction section as viewed from direction C.

[0027] Figure 12 It means in Figure 10 Figure 1 shows a modified version of the movement restriction section as viewed from direction C.

[0028] Figure 13 It means in Figure 10 Figure 2 shows a modified version of the movement restriction section viewed from direction C.

[0029] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the magnetic circuit structure of the actuator body.

[0030] Figure 15 This is a diagram used to illustrate the operation of the actuator body.

[0031] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the control section of the actuator body.

[0032] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the control system of a vibration alert device.

[0033] Figure 18 This is an exploded perspective view of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 19 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the main structure of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 20 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a modified example 1 showing the main part structure of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 21 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a modified example 2 showing the main part structure of the vibration actuator according to embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0037] In the picture:

[0038] 1—Vibration alert device; 2—Touch panel (vibration alert part); 2a—Screen (operation surface); 10, 10B—Vibration actuator; 12—Switch element; 14—Signal generation part; 20—Core assembly; 20a, 20b—Opposing surfaces; 22—Coil; 24—Core; 26—Coil frame; 26a, 26b—Divider; 28, 321, 322—Fixing holes; 30, 30B—Fixing body; 32, 32B—Base; 32a—Mounting part; 32b—Bottom surface; 33—Fastening hole; 35—Snap-in part; 36—Opening part; 40, 40B—Movable body (movable part); 41—Magnetic yoke; 42—Face fixing hole; 44—Face fixing part; 44a—Fixing surface; 46, 47—Attracted face surface (support side fixing part); 48—Opening part; 49—Notch. 50, 50-1, 50-2—Plate-shaped elastic part (elastic support part), 52—Fixed body side fixing part, 54—Movable body side fixing part, 56—Elastic arm part, 62, 64, 68, 69—Screws, 80, 80A, 81, 800, 800A, 801—Buffer component, 90, 90B—Strain component, 92—Movable body side fixing part (support side fixing part), 94—Indicator side fixing part, 95a—Main frame part, 95b—Connecting wrist part, 95c—Rib, 96—Movement limiting part, 97—Deformation part, 99—Deformation detection part, 99-1, 99-2, 99-3, 99-4—Deformation sensor, 241—Iron core body, 242, 244—Magnetic pole part, 942—Fixing hole, A1, A2—Actuator body, K1, K2—Load detection part (movable part). Detailed Implementation

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

[0040] (Implementation Method 1)

[0041] In this embodiment, an orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is used for explanation. The figures described later also use a common orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z). Hereinafter, the width, height, and depth of the vibration feedback device 1 with the vibration actuator 10 are defined as the lengths in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively, and the width, height, and depth of the vibration actuator 10 are also defined as the lengths in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively. Furthermore, the positive Z-direction is the direction in which vibration feedback is given to the operator, and is designated as the "front side" (or "upper side"), while the negative Z-direction is the direction in which the operator presses during operation, and is designated as the "back side" (or "lower side"). In addition, among the components constituting the vibration actuator 10, the surface on the "front side" (or "upper side") is designated as the "surface" (or "upper surface"), and the surface on the "back side" (or "lower side") is designated as the "back" (or "lower surface").

[0042] <Basic Structure of Vibration Indication Device 1 with Vibration Actuator 10>

[0043] Figure 1 The vibration alert device 1 shown includes a vibration actuator 10 and an operating device (in this embodiment, a touch panel 2) that is operated by the operator as a vibration alert unit. The vibration alert device 1 is a tactile alert device that provides a tactile sensation (also called "touch" or "force") to the operator who contacts and operates the operating device, depending on the purpose or usage of the operating device.

[0044] In this embodiment, the operating device is a display screen and a touch panel 2 that is operated by contact with the screen. The touch panel 2 is a capacitive, resistive, or optical touch panel, etc. Furthermore, the touch panel 2 detects the operator's contact position and is controlled by a control unit (e.g., including...). Figure 17 The touch panel 2 is controlled by a microcontroller 220 (e.g., shown). In this embodiment, the touch panel 2 is a capacitive touch panel. The control unit can obtain information about the user's touch position via a touch panel control unit (not shown). Furthermore, the screen 2a of the touch panel 2 is composed of a display unit of liquid crystal, organic EL, electronic paper, plasma, etc. The touch panel 2 can also be controlled by a touch panel control unit. The touch panel control unit controls display information (not shown) and displays images on the screen corresponding to the type of vibration displayed to the operator.

[0045] Vibration alert device 1 can be used, for example, as a touch panel device in an in-vehicle navigation system. Vibration alert device 1 functions as a device that alerts the operator to vibrations when they operate the screen 2a of the touch panel 2. In this case, vibration alert device 1 can be any electronic device that provides tactile feedback to the operator by alerting them to vibrations in contact with a vibrating object. For example, vibration alert device 1 can also be a smartphone, tablet, television, or other image display device, a game console with a touch panel, or a game controller with a touch panel.

[0046] Specifically, when an operator operates the touch panel 2 by pressing an object such as their fingertip against the screen 2a of the touch panel 2, the vibration prompting device 1 drives the vibration actuator 10 to vibrate accordingly. This vibration provides the operator with a tactile sensation.

[0047] In this embodiment, the vibration actuator 10 imparts various tactile sensations corresponding to the display image operated by the operator. For example, the vibration actuator 10 imparts tactile sensations as mechanical switches such as tactile switches, alternating switches, momentary switches, toggle switches, slide switches, rotary switches, DIP switches, and rocker switches, corresponding to the image of the object being touched. In addition, in push-button switches, it is also possible to impart tactile sensations of different degrees of push-in.

[0048] In addition, the touch panel 2, which is an operating device, can also be changed in the vibration prompting device 1 to be an operating device that does not have a display function but can only be operated by the operator by touch.

[0049] In the vibration alert device 1, a vibration actuator 10 is disposed between the touch panel 2 and a base portion (not shown) disposed on the back side of the touch panel 2. The vibration actuator 10 is fixed to the base portion (not shown) by a fixing body 30.

[0050] <Vibration Notification Unit (Touch Panel 2)>

[0051] The touch panel 2 is fixed to the movable body 40 of the vibration actuator 10 located in the actuator body A1 on the back side (see reference). Figure 2 The strain element 90 of the load detection unit K1 is located in the touch panel 2 and the base (not shown). Thus, the vibration actuator 10 is configured between the touch panel 2 and the base (not shown) and they are connected to each other.

[0052] The touch panel 2 itself can be driven as an integral part of the movable body 40. The direction in which the operator presses the screen 2a of the touch panel 2 using their finger or the like, for example, the direction perpendicular to the screen of the touch panel 2 (also called the "plane perpendicular direction"), is the same as the vibration direction of the movable body 40 of the vibration actuator 10, i.e., the Z direction. In the vibration actuator 10, the pressing direction is the negative Z direction.

[0053] In this way, the touch panel 2 is directly activated by the vibration prompting device 1, which is equipped with a control unit, a touch panel 2 and a vibration actuator 10. That is, the touch panel 2 and the movable body 40 are driven together in the same direction as the contact direction of the finger, so that the touch panel 2 can vibrate directly.

[0054] Therefore, when operating by touching an image displayed on the touch panel 2, the movable part 40 can move, providing the touch panel 2 with a vibration that corresponds to the operational feel of the image. Furthermore, the image can be an image of an object that provides tactile feedback to a finger or similar object upon contact, or an image of an object that moves while providing tactile feedback during contact. Thus, the touch panel 2 can provide vibration feedback to the operator, resulting in comfortable operation.

[0055] The touch panel 2 of this embodiment has a contact position detection unit that can detect the position of the operator's finger (pressing object) pressing the screen 2a of the touch panel 2 even without contact. The contact position detection unit is a proximity sensor that electrically detects the presence of the approaching pressing object. In this embodiment, it detects the position of the finger by detecting the capacitive coupling between the finger and the operator's finger.

[0056] The electrostatic capacitive sensors used in typical electrostatic capacitive touch panels have a sensitivity level that reacts to the position of a finger in contact with the screen. In contrast, the contact position detection unit of this embodiment can detect a finger even when it is suspended from the screen 2a at a predetermined distance without contacting it. This predetermined distance is set by making the sensitivity of the contact position detection unit, which detects capacitive coupling, higher than that of a typical electrostatic capacitive sensor used to detect objects pressing against the touch panel. As a result, the contact position detection unit has a detection sensitivity that allows it to detect the contact position of a pressing object such as a finger even when contacted by a substance that cannot be capacitively coupled. Based on the position of the finger detected by the contact position detection unit, the movable body 40 of the vibration actuator 10 is driven by the control unit described later.

[0057] <Overall structure of vibration actuator 10>

[0058] Figure 2 This is the front view of the vibration actuator. Figure 3 This is a front side perspective view of the vibration actuator. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view showing the actuator body and load detection unit in the vibration actuator. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the vibration actuator. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An exploded view of the coil assembly of the vibration actuator shown.

[0059] The vibration actuator 10 is a flat or thin plate-shaped vibration actuator. If the Z direction is set as the thickness direction, it is configured to face the back side of the touch panel 2 in the thickness direction.

[0060] The vibration actuator 10 has an actuator body A1 and a load detection unit K1. The load detection unit K1 is provided on the movable body 40 of the actuator body A1 and functions as a movable part together with the movable body 40.

[0061] The vibration actuator 10 detects the deformation of the strain member 90 when the touch panel 2 is pressed by the deformation detection unit 99. The vibration actuator 10 vibrates according to the detection result of the deformation detection unit 99, thus imparting vibration to the touch panel 2. First, the actuator body A1 will be described.

[0062] <Actuator Body A1>

[0063] Figure 7 This is a front side perspective view of the actuator body of the vibration actuator. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Sectional view along line B-B.

[0064] In this embodiment, Figures 2-8 The actuator body A1 shown is assembled together with the control unit into the vibration alert device (electronic device) 1, and as an example of the operating device, the touch panel 2 (see reference). Figure 1 The vibration generator part functions.

[0065] The actuator body A1 functions as an electromagnetic actuator driven by electromagnetic force, driving the movable body 40 in one direction and using the force generated by the components (plate-shaped elastic parts 50-1, 50-2) to move the movable body 40 in the opposite direction, thereby causing the movable body 40 to perform linear reciprocating movement (vibration).

[0066] The touch panel 2 vibrates in response to a touch operation performed by the operator on the screen 2a of the touch panel 2. This vibration is transmitted to the operator, allowing them to feel it and enabling intuitive operation. For example, the touch panel 2 receives the touch operation performed by the operator via a touch position detection unit and outputs the touch position. In this case, based on the touch position information output by the touch position detection unit and the driving timing, the control unit outputs an actuator drive signal and supplies drive current to the actuator body A1 to generate a vibration corresponding to the touch operation.

[0067] The actuator body A1, receiving the drive current supplied from the control unit, generates a vibration corresponding to the contact position output from the touch panel 2, and transmits it to the touch panel 2, causing the touch panel 2 to vibrate directly. In this way, the actuator body A1 is driven accordingly by the operator's operation received from the touch panel 2.

[0068] The actuator body A1 receives an actuator drive signal via a control unit, causing the movable body 40 to move in one direction, such as the negative Z-direction, against a force. Conversely, by stopping the input of the actuator drive signal to the actuator body A1, the actuator body A1 releases the force, using that force to move the movable body 40 in the other direction (the positive Z-direction). The actuator body A1 vibrates the movable body 40 and the operating device by inputting and stopping the actuator drive signal. The actuator body A1 drives the movable body 40 to vibrate the operating device without using a magnet.

[0069] The actuator body A1 includes: a fixed body 30, which has an iron core assembly 20 formed by winding a coil 22 on an iron core 24 and a base 32; a movable body 40, which has a magnetic yoke 41 with a magnetic body; and plate-shaped elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2) serving as elastic supports. The plate-shaped elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2) elastically support the movable body 40 so that it can move relative to the fixed body 30 in the vibration direction, as detailed later. Furthermore, while the elastic support is plate-shaped, it may not be plate-shaped as long as it elastically supports the movable body 40 in the vibration direction relative to the fixed body 30. The number of plate-shaped elastic portions 50 (50-1, 50-2) constituting the elastic support is not limited. In the following description, "plate-shaped elastic portions 50-1, 50-2" will be generally referred to simply as "plate-shaped elastic portions 50".

[0070] The actuator body A1 drives the movable body 40 to move relative to the fixed body 30 in one direction (e.g., the direction close to the base 32, i.e., the negative side of the Z direction) by energizing the coil 22. In addition, the movement of the movable body 40 in the opposite direction (e.g., the movement towards the positive side of the Z direction) is achieved by the force of the plate-shaped elastic part 50.

[0071] The actuator body A1 causes the yoke 41 of the movable body 40 to vibrate by energizing the iron core assembly 20. Specifically, the movable body 40 vibrates by utilizing the magnetic attraction force of the iron core 24, which is excited by the energized coil 22, to the magnetic yoke 41, and the force of the plate-shaped elastic part 50, which aims to restore the magnetic yoke 41, which has been displaced in the Z direction, to the neutral position in the Z direction.

[0072] The actuator body A1 is configured as a flat shape with the Z direction as the thickness direction. The actuator body A1 causes the movable body 40 to vibrate relative to the fixed body 30 in the Z direction, that is, the thickness direction.

[0073] In this embodiment, the actuator body A1 uses the adsorption force of the iron core 24 to move the movable body 40 in one direction, namely the negative Z-direction, and uses the force of the plate-shaped elastic part 50 to move the movable body 40 in the opposite direction, namely the positive Z-direction. Furthermore, in the actuator body A1, multiple plate-shaped elastic parts 50 are arranged along a direction orthogonal to the Z-direction, elastically supporting the movable body 40 at positions symmetrical to its center of motion, but this structure is not limited to this.

[0074] In addition, in this embodiment, the actuator body A1 uses the deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4, which are deformation detection units 99, to detect the displacement of the touch panel 2 that is pressed as the deformation of the strain member 90, and causes the movable body 40 to vibrate in response to the detected strain.

[0075] <Fixed Body 30>

[0076] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the fixing body 30 has an iron core assembly 20, a base 32 and a locking part 35, and the iron core assembly 20 has a coil 22, an iron core 24 and a coil frame 26.

[0077] <Base 32>

[0078] A core assembly 20 is fixed to the base 32. The base 32 is connected to the movable body 40 via a plate-shaped elastic part 50 and supports the movable body 40 freely in the vibration direction. The base 32 is a flat component that forms the bottom surface of the actuator body A1, in other words, forms the bottom surface of the vibration actuator 10.

[0079] The base 32 has a mounting portion 32a that clamps the core assembly 20 in the width direction (X direction), and this mounting portion 32a fixes one end of the plate-shaped elastic portion 50. The mounting portions 32a are spaced apart from the core assembly 20 in the width direction (X direction) and are positioned in the Z direction at a position higher than the bottom part 32b of the base 32 (i.e., the front side). Furthermore, the interval from the mounting portion 32a to the core assembly 20 is the interval that forms the deformation area of ​​the plate-shaped elastic portion 50.

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown, the mounting part 32a has a fixing hole 321 for fixing the plate-shaped elastic part 50 and a fixing hole 322 for fixing the base 32 to the base side (not shown).

[0081] The fixing holes 322 are provided at both ends of the mounting portion 32a such that they clamp the fixing holes 321 in the height direction (Y direction), and communicate with the through holes (not shown) of the cylindrical fixing feet 324 that protrude from the back side of the mounting portion 32a. Thus, the base 32 is fully and stably fixed to the base portion (not shown) via the fixing feet 324 using fastening members that fit into the fixing holes 322.

[0082] In this embodiment, the base 32 is made of sheet metal that is machined to sandwich the bottom part 32b between one side and the other side, which serve as the mounting part 32a, and is located in a separated position in the width direction (X direction).

[0083] A recessed portion having a bottom surface portion 32b located on the back side of the mounting portion 32a is provided between the mounting portions 32a. The space inside the recessed portion, that is, the surface side of the bottom surface portion 32b, is a space for ensuring the elastic deformation stroke of the plate-shaped elastic portion 50, and even the movement stroke of the movable body 40 supported by the plate-shaped elastic portion 50.

[0084] The bottom part 32b is rectangular, with an opening 36 formed in the center, and an iron core assembly 20 is disposed in the opening 36.

[0085] The opening 36 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the core assembly 20. In this embodiment, the opening 36 is formed as a square. This allows the core assembly 20 and the movable body 40 to be positioned at the center of the actuator body A1, and from the front view, the actuator body A1 appears to be approximately square. Alternatively, the opening 36 may also be rectangular (including square).

[0086] The lower portion of the core assembly 20 (the segment 26b of the coil frame 26 and the lower portion of the coil 22) is inserted into the opening 36 and fixed such that the core 24 is located on the bottom portion 32b in a side view. Therefore, compared to a structure where the core assembly 20 is entirely disposed on the bottom portion 32b, the length (depth, thickness) of the actuator body A1 in the Z direction is shortened by an amount corresponding to the portion of the core assembly 20 disposed within the opening 36. Furthermore, with a portion of the core assembly 20, specifically the lower portion, embedded in the opening 36, it is fixed by screws (not shown) as an example of fastening components. Thus, the core assembly 20 is securely fixed relative to the bottom portion 32b in a manner that makes it difficult to detach from the bottom portion 32b.

[0087] <Core Assembly 20>

[0088] like Figure 6 As shown, the core assembly 20 is constructed by winding a coil 22 around the outer periphery of the core 24 via a coil frame 26.

[0089] When the coil 22 is energized, the core assembly 20 causes the yoke 41 of the movable body 40 to vibrate (reciprocate linearly along the Z direction) through the cooperation with the plate-shaped elastic part 50.

[0090] In this embodiment, the core assembly 20 is formed into a rectangular plate shape. Magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 are arranged on the two sides of the rectangular plate that are separated in the long side direction (corresponding to the X direction in this embodiment).

[0091] The magnetic pole sections 242 and 244 are arranged opposite to the adsorption surfaces 46 and 47 of the movable body 40 in the Z direction, separated by a gap G (see reference). Figure 8 In this embodiment, the opposing surfaces (opposing facets) 20a and 20b, which are the upper surfaces, are close to the back surfaces of the adsorbed facets 46 and 47 of the magnetic yoke 41 in the vibration direction (Z direction) of the movable body 40. Specifically, the surfaces of the magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 are separated from and opposed to the back surfaces of the adsorbed facets 46 and 47 at the portion other than the notch portion 49.

[0092] like Figures 7-8 As shown, with the winding shaft of the coil 22 facing each other in an X-direction (orthogonal to the vibration direction) toward the mounting portions 32a separated from the base 32, the core assembly 20 is fixed to the base 32. In this embodiment, the core assembly 20 is disposed at the center of the base 32, specifically at the center of the bottom portion 32b.

[0093] like Figure 8 As shown, the core assembly 20 is fixed to the bottom surface 32b in such a way that the core 24 is parallel to the bottom surface 32b and is positioned across the opening 36 on the bottom surface 32b. The core assembly 20 is fixed in such a way that the coil 22 and the portion wound around the coil 22 (core body 241) are located within the opening 36 of the base 32.

[0094] Specifically, with the coil 22 positioned within the opening 36, the screw 68, serving as a fastening component, passes through the fixing hole 28 and the fastening hole 33 in the bottom part 32b of the core assembly 20 (see reference). Figure 8 The screw 68 is tightened and thus fixed to the bottom surface 32b. The screw 68 is tightened at two points on the axis of the coil 22.

[0095] When the actuator body A1 is driven, coil 22 is energized and functions as a solenoid that generates a magnetic field. Coil 22, together with iron core 24 and movable body 40, form a magnetic circuit that attracts and moves movable body 40. Drive current is supplied to coil 22 from an external power source via the control unit. When drive current is supplied to coil 22, actuator body A1 is driven.

[0096] like Figure 6 As shown, the iron core 24 has an iron core body 241 with a coil 22 wound around it and magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 provided at both ends of the iron core body 241 and energized by energizing the coil 22. The iron core 24 can be any structure as long as it has a length that allows the two ends to become magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 when energized by the coil 22. For example, it can be formed as a straight (I-type) flat plate, but in this embodiment, the iron core 24 is formed as an H-type flat plate when viewed from above.

[0097] When the core is of type I, the area of ​​the surfaces (gap sides) on the adsorption surfaces 46 and 47 opposite the gap G at both ends (pole portions) of the type I core becomes narrower. This may increase magnetic reluctance in the magnetic circuit and reduce conversion efficiency. Furthermore, when the core 24 is mounted on the coil holder 26, the protrusions in the long side direction of the core 24 that prevent the coil holder from detaching from the long side disappear or become smaller, thus requiring additional components. In contrast, the core 24 is type H, so the gap sides at both ends of the core body 241 can be expanded in the height direction (Y direction) to be longer than the core body 241 on which the coil 22 is wound, reducing magnetic reluctance and improving the efficiency of the magnetic circuit. Moreover, the coil 22 can be positioned simply by inserting the coil holder 26 between the portions of the pole portions 242 and 244 that extend from the core body 241, eliminating the need for additional positioning components for the coil holder 26 relative to the core 24.

[0098] The iron core 24 has magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 protruding from both ends of the plate-shaped iron core body 241 on which the coil 22 is wound, respectively, in a direction orthogonal to the winding axis of the coil 22 (corresponding to the height direction (Y direction) in this embodiment). (In short, it is an H-type iron core.)

[0099] The iron core 24 is a magnetic body made of soft magnetic materials, such as silicon steel sheet, permalloy, ferrite, etc. Alternatively, the iron core 24 can also be made of electromagnetic stainless steel, sintered material, MIM (metal injection molding) material, laminated steel sheet, electro-galvanized steel sheet (SECC), etc.

[0100] The magnetic pole portions (attraction portions) 242 and 244 are magnetized by energizing the coil 22, attracting the magnetic yoke 41 of the movable body 40, which is separated in the vibration direction (Z direction), and causing it to move. Specifically, the magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 use the generated magnetic flux to attract the attracted surfaces 46 and 47 of the movable body 40, which are positioned opposite each other across the gap G, causing it to move towards the negative side of the Z direction.

[0101] In this embodiment, the magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 are plate-like bodies extending in the Y direction, which is perpendicular to the core body 241 extending in the X direction. The magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 are longer in the Y direction, so the area of ​​the opposing surfaces 20a and 20b opposite to the yoke 41 is not formed at both ends of the core body 241, resulting in a larger structure.

[0102] The coil frame 26 is configured to extend along the XY plane of the core body 241 of the core 24 in a manner orthogonal to the vibration direction (Z direction) and surround the core body 241. The coil frame 26 is formed, for example, of a resin material. This ensures electrical insulation from other metal components (e.g., the core 24), thus improving the reliability of the coil 22 wound on the coil frame 26 as a circuit. A high-flow resin is used, resulting in good formability, ensuring the strength of the coil frame 26, and allowing for a thinner wall thickness. Furthermore, the coil frame 26 is formed as a cylindrical body covering the periphery of the core body 241 by assembling the segments 26a and 26b in a manner that clamps the core body 241. Flanges are provided at both ends of the cylindrical body of the coil frame 26, defining the arrangement position of the coil 22 around the outer periphery of the core body 241.

[0103] <40 movable bodies>

[0104] The movable body 40 is configured to be positioned opposite the core assembly 20 at a distance G in a direction orthogonal to the vibration direction (Z direction). The movable body 40 is designed to be able to reciprocate freely relative to the core assembly 20 in the vibration direction.

[0105] The movable body 40 has a magnetic yoke 41 and includes a movable body side fixing part 54 that is fixed to a plate-shaped elastic part 50 fixed to the magnetic yoke 41.

[0106] The movable body 40 is configured via the plate-shaped elastic part 50 to be able to move in the approach / separation direction (Z direction) relative to the bottom part 32b and to be suspended in a generally parallel manner (reference normal position).

[0107] The magnetic yoke 41 is the magnetic circuit that generates magnetic flux when the coil 22 is energized. It is a plate-shaped body made of magnetic materials such as electromagnetic stainless steel, sintered material, MIM (metal injection mold) material, laminated steel plate, and electro-galvanized steel plate (SECC). In this embodiment, the magnetic yoke 41 is formed by processing the SECC plate.

[0108] The magnetic yoke 41 is suspended by a plate-shaped elastic portion 50 fixed to each of the adsorption faces 46, 47 separated in the X direction, and is spaced apart by a gap G in the vibration direction (Z direction) relative to the iron core assembly 20 (see reference). Figure 8 Opposite.

[0109] The yoke 41 has features for mounting on the operating equipment (see reference). Figure 1The touch panel 2 shown is fixed to the face fixing part 44 of the strain member 90 and the adsorbed face parts 46 and 47 are arranged opposite to the magnetic pole parts 242 and 244. The magnetic yoke 41 is formed by the face fixing part 44 and the adsorbed face parts 46 and 47 into a rectangular frame shape with an opening 48 in the center. In addition, the adsorbed face parts 46 and 47 function as support-side fixing parts, which are used to fix the movable body-side fixing part 54 of the plate-shaped elastic part 50 and are supported on the fixing body 30 via the plate-shaped elastic part 50.

[0110] The opening 48 is opposite to the coil 22. In this embodiment, the opening 48 is located directly above the coil 22, and the opening shape of the opening 48 is such that the coil 22 portion of the core assembly 20 can be inserted when the yoke 41 moves to the bottom part 32b side.

[0111] By providing an opening 48, the magnetic yoke 41 can reduce the thickness of the actuator body A1 and, consequently, the overall thickness of the vibration actuator 10, compared to the case without the opening 48.

[0112] In addition, by placing the core assembly 20 inside the opening 48, the yoke 41 is not positioned near the coil 22, which can suppress the reduction in conversion efficiency caused by leakage flux from the coil 22 and achieve high output.

[0113] The face fixing part 44 has a fixing surface 44a that is fixed to the main body frame part 95a of the strain member 90. The face fixing part 44 is plate-shaped and, in this embodiment, is configured to face the touch panel 2 at a position surrounding the center of the operation surface. The face fixing part 44 is fixed to the touch panel 2 via the strain member 90.

[0114] Specifically, the edge of the fixing surface 44a of the face fixing part 44 is disposed along the long side of the main body frame part 95a, and contacts and fixes it to the long side surface. In this embodiment, the fixing surface 44a is formed into a trapezoidal shape when viewed from above, and is fixed by a screw 69 inserted into the face fixing hole 42 (see reference). Figure 4 and Figure 5 Fastening components such as ) are fixed to the strain component 90.

[0115] Preferably, the face fixing part 44 is configured such that the center of the movable body 40 in the main view and the center of the movable body 40 extending in the vibration direction (Z direction) are on the same line as the center of the operation surface of the touch panel 2. As a result, the movable body 40 can receive the displacement of the touch panel 2 on the entire surface of the front side via the strain member 90.

[0116] In this embodiment, the face fixing hole 42 is located on or near the movable body 40, on the outer side of the iron core assembly 20 as centered in the main view.

[0117] The adsorbed faces 46 and 47 are fixed to the plate-shaped elastic part 50 in the following state: they are positioned opposite to the magnetic poles 242 and 244 in such a way that they are attracted by the magnetic poles 242 and 244 when the magnetic poles 242 and 244 of the iron core assembly 20 are magnetized.

[0118] Movable body fixing parts 54, consisting of plate-shaped elastic parts 50-1 and 50-2, are fixed in a stacked state on the adsorption surfaces 46 and 47, respectively. The adsorption surfaces 46 and 47 are provided with notches 49 that avoid the head of the screw 68 of the iron core assembly 20 when moved to the bottom surface 32b side.

[0119] Therefore, even if the movable body 40 moves towards the bottom part 32b and the attracted parts 46 and 47 approach the magnetic pole parts 242 and 244, it will not come into contact with the screw 68 that fixes the magnetic pole parts 242 and 244 to the bottom part 32b, thus ensuring the movable area (travel) of the magnetic yoke 41 in the Z direction of a corresponding amount.

[0120] <Load Detection Unit K1>

[0121] Figures 1-5 The load detection unit K1 shown is integrally disposed with the movable body 40 of the actuator body A1, located between the main body of the movable body 40 and the touch panel 2, and fixed to the movable body 40 and the touch panel 2.

[0122] The load detection unit K1 has a strain member 90 and a deformation detection unit 99 provided on the strain member 90. According to the pressing operation of the touch panel 2, the deformation generated in the strain member 90 is detected by the deformation detection unit 99. The detected deformation is output to the control unit, and the control unit drives the actuator body A1 to generate vibration according to the deformation.

[0123] <Strain Component 90>

[0124] The strain member 90 functions as a strained body, which is subjected to external force due to the pressing operation of the touch panel 2, thereby producing deformation.

[0125] The strain member 90 has a movable body-side fixing part (support-side fixing part) 92 fixed to the face fixing part 44 of the movable body 40 (see reference). Figure 10 The component 90 also includes a movable body-side fixing part 92 and a prompting part-side fixing part 94 fixed to the touch panel 2. The strain member 90 further includes a deformation part 97 disposed between the movable body-side fixing part 92 and the prompting part-side fixing part 94. A deformation detection part 99 is mounted on the deformation part 97 and detects the deformation of the deformation part 97.

[0126] In this embodiment, the strain member 90 is formed into a rectangular frame-shaped plate by processing sheet metal. This shape is configured to surround the pressed area (e.g., the center of the operating surface of the touch panel 2) on the back side of the touch panel 2 when fixed to it. In this embodiment, the strain member 90 is made of sheet metal that is harder than the plate-shaped elastic portion 50. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the strain member 90 is a plate-shaped spring sheet. Therefore, even under repeated vibration, metal fatigue can be mitigated, improving reliability.

[0127] In the strain member 90, connecting wrists 95b are provided protruding from the four corners of the flat rectangular frame-shaped main body frame 95a, which includes a pair of opposing long sides 952, along the extending direction of the long sides 952.

[0128] The strain member 90 has a movable body side fixing part 92, which is fixed to the magnetic yoke 41 by screws 69, which are fastening members, respectively provided at the main body frame part 95a connected to the base end of the connecting wrist part 95b. The strain member 90 is fixed to the face fixing part 44 via the movable body side fixing part 92.

[0129] In the wrist-connecting portion 95b, a deformable portion 97 and a prompting portion side fixing portion 94 are provided sequentially from the base end toward the protruding direction.

[0130] The wrist part 95b has a deformable part 97 between the long side part 952 of the main frame part 95a and the prompting part side fixing part 94, and the deformable detection part 99 is provided on the deformable part 97 in an adhesive setting state.

[0131] In the strain member 90 of this embodiment, the main frame portion 95a is fixed to the face fixing portion 44 of the movable body 40, and the prompting portion fixing portion 94 is fixed to the touch panel 2. Therefore, the deformation portion 97 functions as a strain member. When the prompting portion fixing portion 94 is displaced, the strain member 90 (especially the deformation portion 97) is pressed into the bottom portion 32b side together with the face fixing portion 44, and deforms with the deformation of the plate-shaped elastic portion 50.

[0132] The strain member 90 has a rib 95c that is perpendicularly disposed relative to the main frame 95a along the outer edge of the long side 952 of the main frame 95a. The main frame 95a is reinforced by the rib 95c.

[0133] In the strain member 90, the prompting side fixing part 94 is engaged and fixed to the touch panel 2 via a fastening member 202 that passes through the fixing hole 942. Thus, the portion of the prompting side fixing part 94 surrounding the center of the operating surface of the touch panel 2 is engaged with the touch panel 2. Furthermore, the movable body side fixing part 92 fixed to the movable body 40 is located in the area inside the region surrounded by the prompting side fixing part 94.

[0134] <Deformation Detection Department 99>

[0135] A deformation detection unit 99 is provided on the deformation section 97 of the strain member 90, and detects the deformation caused by the load applied to the strain member 90, which is a strain body, to drive the actuator main body A1. The deformation detection unit 99 has, for example, a plurality of deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4. Since the deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4 are provided on the deformation section 97, they are respectively positioned between the movable body side fixing part 92 and the prompting part side fixing part 94.

[0136] As described above, in this embodiment, the strain member 90, which includes the deformation detection unit 99, is constructed from a single spring plate. This improves the positional accuracy of the deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4 relative to the connecting wrists 95b of the strain member 90, resulting in improved assembly accuracy. In other words, unlike the case where multiple connecting wrists 95b, which are separately constructed as the objects of the strain measurement, are formed separately on the strain member 90, no deviation occurs during assembly, thus improving assemblability.

[0137] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the deformation detection unit 99 is provided on the deformation part 97, which is a strain body, and the deformation is detected by the deformation detection unit 99. That is, the deformation detection unit 99 and the deformation part 97 are disposed between the touch panel 2, which serves as a vibration prompting part, and the movable body 40, that is, between the movable body-side fixing part 92 and the prompting part-side fixing part 94.

[0138] Therefore, the deformation detection unit 99 is not housed within the actuator body A1, and the strain volume is separate from the plate-shaped elastic part 50. Consequently, the deformation detection object does not bear the mass of the movable body 40, and the vibration specifications of the plate-shaped elastic part 50 are not affected. Thus, the design of the actuator body A1 is not complicated, and various specifications of the actuator body A1 can be achieved.

[0139] The actuator body A1 is fixed to the touch panel 2, which serves as a vibration indication unit, via a load detection unit K1 that integrates the deformation detection unit 99 and the strain member 90. Therefore, the vibration actuator 10 can be assembled by separately and simultaneously assembling the load detection unit K1 and the actuator body A1. Compared to a structure where the deformation detection unit and the strain member are part of the movable body of the actuator body, this eliminates the need to assemble the actuator body A1 after assembling the deformation detection unit 99, or vice versa, thus improving assembly efficiency.

[0140] When the touch panel 2, to which the face fixing part 44 is fixed via the strain member 90, is operated, the deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4 detect the deformation of the deformation part 97, which moves together with the movable body 40 (magnetic yoke 41), as the amount of pressure applied to the touch panel 2. The detected deformation is output to the control unit, etc., and a drive current generated in such a way as to become the amount of movement of the movable body 40 corresponding to the deformation is circulated through the coil 22. As a result, the iron core assembly 20 attracts the magnetic yoke 41 and moves it.

[0141] This embodiment includes a control unit that uses deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4 to detect deformation, determine the amount of movement of the touch panel 2, and provide vibration feedback for contact. However, this is not the only option. Alternatively, the control unit may use other sensors capable of detecting the operator's contact with the operating device, and detect the amount of pressure relative to the plate-shaped elastic part 50 in accordance with the actual amount of movement of the operating device. Using this detection result, a more natural tactile experience can be achieved.

[0142] Alternatively, deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4 can be used to adjust the vibration period of the movable body 40 (which may also include the touch panel 2 as an operating device) based on the operator's contact operation, i.e., the detection result of the sensor that detects the amount of pressure of the movable body 40. Alternatively, independently of the deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4, an operation signal indicating the operating status can be output to the control unit in a manner that generates vibration corresponding to the display mode of the operator's contact position detected on the touch panel 2, and the control unit performs control accordingly.

[0143] Deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4 can be provided in one location within the strain member 90, specifically in the area between the movable body-side fixing part 92 and the indication-side fixing part 94, but it is preferable to provide multiple locations. In this embodiment, the vibration actuator 10 is mounted on the vibration indication part (touch panel 2), and therefore it is preferable to provide at least three locations at equal intervals radially spaced relative to the center of the operating surface of the vibration indication part (touch panel 2). This allows the vibration actuator 10 to accurately detect the displacement of the touch panel 2 when pressed.

[0144] In this embodiment, deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4 are provided near four deformation portions 97, which serve as the fixing part to the prompting part side fixing part 94, which is the fixing part to the touch panel 2. Thus, deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4 detect the deformation of the frame-shaped corners surrounding the center of the pressing operation area of ​​the touch panel 2. Therefore, when a rectangular touch panel display is used as the vibration prompting part, as in the touch panel 2, the actuator body A1 can be mounted in a balanced and good manner to the display via the load detection part K1. This ensures that the deformation direction of the strain member 90 is stable and consistent in the plane-vertical direction.

[0145] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the wiring of the deformation detection unit 99.

[0146] Deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4 are disposed on strain member 90 and are located on the same plane.

[0147] Deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4 each have multiple deformation gauges (R-A1 to R-A4, R-B1 to R-B4, R-C1 to R-C4, R-D1 to R-D4), and are full-bridge connected deformation sensors.

[0148] Deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4 are connected in parallel with the power supply voltage Vcc and GND, respectively, and are also interconnected by parallel wiring to output the change in resistance value due to the applied load. Thus, the outputs from each deformation sensor 99-1 to 99-4 are averaged, resulting in a stable variation. Furthermore, while the output values ​​of each deformation sensor 99-1 to 99-4 may differ depending on temperature, averaging mitigates this temperature dependence, thereby improving temperature stability and ultimately enhancing reliability.

[0149] <Mobility Restriction Section 96>

[0150] The movement restriction part 96 restricts the relative movement of the magnetic yoke 41 and the base 32 so that the movable body 40 will not separate from the fixed body 30, that is, the magnetic yoke 41 will not separate from the base 32 by more than a predetermined distance.

[0151] Figure 10 This is a partially enlarged front view showing the movement restriction part of the vibration actuator. Figure 11 It means in Figure 10 A partial right-side view of the movement restriction section as viewed from direction C.

[0152] When the movable body 40 moves in the direction of separation from the base 32, the movement restriction part 96 engages with the locking part 35 of the base 32 via the buffer member 80, thereby restricting the movement of the movable body 40 in the direction of separation from the base 32.

[0153] The movement restriction part 96 extends from the prompting part-fixing part 94 located on the front end side of the deformable part 97 towards the base 32 (inner side) in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction (X direction) of the connecting wrist part 95b when viewed from above. More specifically, the movement restriction part 96 bends downward in a vertical direction corresponding to the vibration direction (Z direction) near the prompting part-fixing part 94, and further bends towards the base 32 in the Y direction at a position lower than the mounting part 32a, extending to a position opposite the engaging part 35 of the mounting part 32a on the back side of the mounting part 32a. Therefore, the movable body 40 is configured such that when the movable body 40 moves in a direction separating from the base 32, the movement restriction part 96 moves in the same direction and approaches the engaging part 35. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the engaging part 35 is provided as a fixing hole 322 that approaches the fixing body 30. More specifically, in the mounting portion 32a, engaging portions 35 are provided on both sides that are separated along the Y direction. The engaging portions 35 are designed to protrude in the Y direction in a flange-like manner from the position where the mounting fixing feet 324 are located in the mounting portion 32a. The fixing feet 324 function as base fixing portions that fix the base base 32 to the base platform side (a predetermined location).

[0154] In other words, the direction (Y direction) in which the movement limiting part 96 extends from the position of the fixing part 94 on the prompting side is not on the extension line (X direction) of the direction in which the connecting wrist part 95b extends from the fixing part 94 on the prompting side. Furthermore, the movement limiting part 96 and the deformation part 97 do not have a positional relationship of extending in opposite directions relative to the fixing part 94 on the prompting side. In this structure, even if the movement limiting part 96 impacts the engaging part 35 due to strong vibration or a strong external impact, the impact or reaction is unlikely to be transmitted to the deformation part 97. Therefore, it is possible to avoid applying a sudden increase in stress to the deformation part 97, causing plastic deformation, thereby maintaining the detection reliability of the deformation detection parts 99 (deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4) on the deformation part 97. Additionally, it is possible to suppress the poor impact resistance of the vibration actuator 10 (the poor performance of the vibration actuator 10 when subjected to impact).

[0155] A buffer member 80 is provided in the movement restriction part 96. The buffer member 80 reduces the impact of the collision between the movement restriction part 96 and the engaged part 35 by elastic deformation, and is made of an elastomer such as silicone rubber or butyl rubber. The buffer member 80 is made of silicone rubber or butyl rubber, thereby preventing damage caused by material deterioration and maintaining its effect compared with other materials containing air bubbles such as sponge or foam materials.

[0156] The movement restriction part 96 engages with the engaging part 35 on the side of the fixed body 30 via the buffer member 80.

[0157] On the other hand, on the fixing body 30 side, there is a mounting part 32a at the base 32 that is provided with a locking part 35 that engages with the movement limiting part 96 to restrict movement of each other in opposite directions.

[0158] The engaging part 35 engages with the moving movement limiting part 96 via the buffer member 80 in the Z direction, that is, in the thickness direction of the base 32.

[0159] For example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the movement restriction part 96 is configured to form a gap G1 between the buffer member 80 and the engaging part 35 when not driven. That is, the buffer member 80 is provided in the movement restriction part 96 in such a way that it abuts against the engaging part 35 when the movement restriction part 96 moves in a direction that separates from the base 32.

[0160] In this way, by setting the gap G1, the engaging part 35 collides with the movement limiting part 96 via the buffer member 80, preventing impact on the movement limiting part 96 while maintaining the tactile sensation indicated by the vibration prompt. In addition, it can suppress the sound accompanying the contact between the two parts and reduce noise.

[0161] That is, when a load is applied from the outside, before the core assembly 20 and the movable body 40 (mainly the yoke 41) come into contact, the movement restriction part 96 is displaced by contacting the engaged part 35 via the buffer member 80, so that the generation of collision sound between the core assembly 20 and the movable body 40 can be prevented.

[0162] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, the movement restriction part 96 may also be configured to form a gap with the buffer member 81 when not driven. Figure 12 It means in Figure 10 A diagram of a modified example 1 of the movement restriction section viewed from direction C. (See diagram 1.) Figure 12 As shown, the buffer member 81, which is configured in the same way as the buffer member 80, is provided in the engaging part 35 in a manner that abuts against the movement restriction part 96 when the movement restriction part 96 moves in a direction that separates from the base 32.

[0163] By setting the gap G11 in this way, and causing the engaged portion 35 to collide with the movement limiting portion 96 via the buffer member 81, it is possible to obtain and achieve the desired effect between the engaged portion 35 and the movement limiting portion 96. Figure 1 The structure with a gap G1 between the buffer components 80 shown has the same effect.

[0164] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, the distance between the buffer member 80 and the engaging part 35 in the opposite direction may also be absent. Figure 13 It means in Figure 10The figure shows a modified example 2 of the movement restriction section viewed from direction C. (See figure 2.) Figure 13 As shown, a buffer member 80A may also be arranged between the movement restriction part 96 and the engaging part 35 in a state of contact with both. Furthermore, Figure 13 The buffer component 80A shown is made of the same material as the buffer component 80.

[0165] A buffer member 80A is disposed without gap between the movement restriction part 96 and the engaging part 35. Therefore, when the movable body 40 moves a distance longer than the gap due to a strong force pushing it upward due to strong vibration or external load, the impact can be stably suppressed. In addition, it can prevent the generation of collision noise when the two parts are in direct contact with each other.

[0166] Furthermore, by providing the buffer member 80A in a manner that fills the gap between the movement restriction part 96 and the engaged part 35, dimensional management between the movement restriction part 96 and the engaged part 35, in which the buffer member 80A is sandwiched, becomes easier.

[0167] In another variation (illustration omitted), a ring-shaped buffer member with a diameter that positions the outer periphery between the movement restriction portion and the engaging portion 35 may be fitted onto the fixed foot portion 324.

[0168] When an impact is applied to the vibration alert device 1, the touch panel 2 sometimes moves in the vertical direction along the surface, and the strain member 90 and the movable body 40 follow it and move towards the touch panel 2. In this case, as the strain member 90 moves, the moving restrictor 96 engages with the engaging part 35.

[0169] As a result, the movement of the movement limiting part 96 is suppressed, and the movement of the movable body 40 via the strain member 90 is also suppressed, preventing the application of load to the deformation part 97 of the strain member 90. Furthermore, the movement of the movable body 40 toward the fixed body 30 (negative side in the Z direction) is suppressed due to the contact between the screw 68 and the magnetic yoke 41 on the fixed body 30 side, and other constituent elements. On the other hand, when the vibration warning device 1 is subjected to an impact, the movement of the strain member 90 toward the fixed body 30 (negative side in the Z direction) is restricted because the movement limiting part 96 of the strain member 90 and the engaging part 35 engage on the back side of the engaging part 35.

[0170] Thus, in the vibration actuator 10 of this embodiment, since a buffer member 80 (or buffer members 80A, 81) is provided, even with the generation of strong vibrations or strong impacts from the outside, the collision between the movement limiting part 96 and the engaged part 35 due to strong impacts can be more reliably suppressed, and the plastic deformation of the deformation part 97 of the strain member 90 can be more reliably suppressed. Therefore, the reliability of the vibration actuator 10 can be improved, providing a stable contact feel over a long period. That is, the poor impact resistance of the vibration actuator 10 can be suppressed.

[0171] Furthermore, by providing a buffer member 80 (or buffer members 80A, 81) between the movement restriction part 96 and the engaged part 35, it is difficult to generate collision noise between the movement restriction part 96 and the engaged part 35, thus improving quietness. Moreover, the buffer member 80 (or buffer members 80A, 81) is positioned between the movement restriction part 96 and the engaged part 35 as the movable body 40 moves in the same direction and approaches the engaged part 35, thereby directly buffering strong impacts applied in the vibration direction.

[0172] Furthermore, even if the touch panel 2, which serves as a vibration indicator and is equipped with the vibration actuator 10, does not have a stop function, the touch panel 2 can be protected from strong impacts by the vibration actuator 10 itself.

[0173] <Plate-shaped elastic part 50 (50-1, 50-2)>

[0174] In this embodiment, the plate-shaped elastic portion 50 includes a pair of plate-shaped elastic portions 50-1 and 50-2, which movably support the movable body 40 relative to the fixed body 30. The plate-shaped elastic portions 50-1 and 50-2 support the upper surface of the movable body 40 at the same depth as the upper surface of the fixed body 30 or below the upper surface of the fixed body 30 (in this embodiment, the upper surface of the core assembly 20) in a parallel manner. Furthermore, the plate-shaped elastic portions 50-1 and 50-2 have a centrally symmetrical shape relative to the movable body 40, and in this embodiment, they are formed as identical components.

[0175] For example, the plate-shaped elastic parts 50-1 and 50-2 can also be arranged symmetrically in the XY plane with respect to the center line (movement center) of the movable body 40, and the number of them can be more than two. One end of each plate-shaped elastic part 50-1 and 50-2 is fixed to the fixed body 30, and the other end is fixed to the movable body 40, supporting the movable body 40 in a way that allows it to move relative to the fixed body 30 in the vibration direction (Z direction).

[0176] The plate-shaped elastic portion 50 has a meandering shape, located between the movable body 40 and the fixed body 30, and capable of elastic deformation, to ensure elasticity. The plate-shaped elastic portion 50 elastically supports the movable body 40 relative to the fixed body 30, allowing the movable body 40 to move freely in the Z-direction opposite to one end (magnetic pole 242 or magnetic pole 244) of at least one of the attracted surfaces 46, 47 of the movable body 40 and at least one end (magnetic pole 242 or magnetic pole 244) of the iron core 24. For example, the plate-shaped elastic portion 50 may also elastically support the movable body 40 relative to the fixed body 30 (iron core assembly 20), allowing the movable body 40 to move freely in the Z-direction opposite to one end (of the iron core 24) of one of the attracted surfaces 46, 47. The plate-shaped elastic portion 50 extends in an XY plane orthogonal to the vibration direction (Z-direction).

[0177] The plate-shaped elastic portion 50 is arranged approximately parallel to the magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 in the vibration direction (Z direction) such that the yoke 41 is spaced apart by a gap G from the magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 of the iron core 24 of the fixed body 30. The plate-shaped elastic portion 50 supports the upper surface of the movable body 40 freely in the vibration direction at a position near the bottom part 32b at a level approximately the same depth as the upper surface of the iron core assembly 20.

[0178] The plate-shaped elastic part 50 is a leaf spring (spring plate) and has a meandering elastic arm part 56 that is a meandering shape part, having a fixed body side fixing part 52, a movable body side fixing part 54, and connecting the fixed body side fixing part 52 and the movable body side fixing part 54.

[0179] The plate-shaped elastic part 50 mounts the fixed body side fixing part 52 to the surface of the mounting part 32a and the movable body side fixing part 54 to the surface of the adsorption surface part 46, 47 of the magnetic yoke 41, so that the elastic arm part 56 is parallel to the bottom surface part 32b, thereby mounting the movable body 40.

[0180] The fixed body side fixing part 52 contacts the mounting part 32a surface and is fixed by screw 62. The movable body side fixing part 54 contacts the adsorbed surface 46 and 47 surface and is fixed by screw 64.

[0181] The elastic arm 56, having a meandering shape, ensures the length of deformation required for the vibration of the movable body 40 between the fixed body side fixing part 52 and the movable body side fixing part 54, and on a plane orthogonal to the vibration direction (an XY plane formed in the X and Y directions).

[0182] Specifically, the elastic arm 56 has a shape that extends and folds back in the opposing directions of the fixed body-side fixing portion 52 and the movable body-side fixing portion 54. In the elastic arm 56, the ends that respectively engage with the fixed body-side fixing portion 52 and the movable body-side fixing portion 54 are formed at offset positions in the Y direction. The elastic arm 56 is arranged in a position that is symmetrical or linearly symmetrical with respect to the center point of the movable body 40.

[0183] Thus, the movable body 40 is supported on both sides by the elastic arms 56 of the springs with a meandering shape, thereby enabling stress dispersion during elastic deformation. That is, the plate-shaped elastic part 50 allows the movable body 40 to move along the vibration direction (Z direction) without tilting relative to the iron core assembly 20, thereby improving the reliability of the vibration state.

[0184] Each plate-shaped elastic portion 50 has at least two or more elastic arms 56. Therefore, compared with the case where each has only one elastic arm, the plate-shaped elastic portion 50 can disperse the stress during elastic deformation, thereby improving reliability, and the balance of support for the movable body 40 is improved, thereby improving stability.

[0185] In this embodiment, the plate-shaped elastic portion 50 is made of a magnetic material. Furthermore, the movable-body-side fixing portion 54 of the plate-shaped elastic portion 50 is disposed on the upper side of both ends (magnetic pole portions 242, 244) of the iron core 24 and functions as a magnetic circuit. In this embodiment, the movable-body-side fixing portion 54 is fixed to the upper side of the adsorption surfaces 46, 47 in a stacked state. Therefore, the thickness (length in the Z direction, vibration direction) H of the adsorption surfaces 46, 47 opposite the magnetic pole portions 242, 244 of the iron core assembly (refer to...) can be... Figure 8 The thickness increases as a result of the magnetic material.

[0186] In this embodiment, the thickness of the plate-shaped elastic portion 50 is the same as the thickness of the magnetic yoke 41, thus doubling the cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the magnetic body opposite the magnetic pole portions 242 and 244. Therefore, compared to the case where the leaf spring is non-magnetic, the magnetic circuit can be expanded, mitigating the reduction in characteristics caused by magnetic saturation in the magnetic circuit and improving output.

[0187] <Magnetic circuit of vibration actuator 10>

[0188] Furthermore, the movable body side fixing part 54 is configured to cover from above the portion of the attracted face parts 46, 47 that has a notch 49 opposite to the magnetic pole parts 242, 244. Therefore, when the coil 22 is energized, it can receive magnetic flux passing through the notch 49.

[0189] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the magnetic circuit in the vibration actuator 10. Furthermore, Figure 14 It means to use Figure 7A perspective view of the actuator body A1 with the B-B line cut off. The magnetic circuit in the unshown part also has the same magnetic flux M as the part shown.

[0190] in addition, Figure 15 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the movement of a movable body 40 based on a magnetic circuit. More specifically, Figure 15 Figure (A) shows a state in which the movable body 40 is held in a position separated from the iron core assembly 20 by the plate-shaped elastic part 50. Figure 15 (B) in the figure represents the movable body 40 that moves after being attracted to the iron core assembly 20 by the magnetomotive force brought about by the magnetic circuit.

[0191] Specifically, when coil 22 is energized, iron core 24 is energized and generates a magnetic field, with the two ends of iron core 24 becoming magnetic poles. For example, in Figure 14 In the iron core 24, the magnetic pole portion 242 becomes the N pole, and the magnetic pole portion 244 becomes the S pole. Thus, a magnetic circuit, represented by a magnetic flux flow M, is formed between the iron core assembly 20 and the yoke 41. The magnetic flux flow M in this magnetic circuit flows from the magnetic pole portion 242 to the adsorption portion 46 of the opposing yoke 41, passes through the face fixing portion 44 of the yoke 41, and reaches the magnetic pole portion 244 opposite to the adsorption portion 47 from the adsorption portion 47. In this embodiment, the plate-shaped elastic portion 50 is also a magnetic body. Therefore, the magnetic flux (represented by the magnetic flux flow M) flowing to the adsorption portion 46 passes through the adsorption portion 46 of the yoke 41 and the movable body side fixing portion 54, and reaches the adsorption portion 47 and the two ends of the movable body side fixing portion 54 of the plate-shaped elastic portion 50-2 from both ends of the adsorption portion 46 via the face fixing portion 44.

[0192] Therefore, according to the principle of an electromagnetic solenoid, the magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 of the core assembly 20 generate an attractive force F that attracts the attracted portions 46 and 47 of the yoke 41. Thus, the attracted portions 46 and 47 of the yoke 41 are attracted by both the magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 of the core assembly 20. Consequently, the coil 22 is inserted into the opening 48 of the yoke 41, and the movable body 40 of the yoke 41 moves in the direction of the attractive force F (negative Z direction) against the force of the plate-shaped elastic portion 50 (see reference). Figure 15 (A) and Figure 15 (B) in the middle.

[0193] Furthermore, when the energization of coil 22 is removed, the magnetic field disappears, the attraction F of the iron core assembly 20 on the movable body 40 disappears, and the movable body 40 moves back to its initial position (moving in the positive Z direction opposite to the direction of attraction F) through the force of the plate-shaped elastic part 50.

[0194] By repeating the above operations, the movable body 40 in the actuator body A1 can reciprocate and generate vibration in the direction of vibration (Z direction).

[0195] By causing the movable body 40 to reciprocate linearly, the touch panel 2, which serves as an operating device and is fixed to the movable body 40, also moves in the Z direction following the movable body 40. In this embodiment, the displacement of the movable body 40 caused by the drive, that is, the displacement of the touch panel 2, is set to a range of 0.03mm to 0.3mm.

[0196] The range of this displacement is the range of vibrations that can be imparted to the display that the operator presses on the screen 2a of the touch panel 2, which serves as the operating device. For example, if the display on the screen 2a that the operator presses is a mechanical button or various switches, it is the range of amplitudes that can impart the same tactile sensation as when actually pressing these mechanical buttons or various switches. This range is based on the setting that if the displacement of the movable body 40 is small, the tactile sensation is insufficient; conversely, if it is large, it feels uncomfortable.

[0197] In the actuator body A1, by arranging the adsorption surfaces 46 and 47 of the yoke 41 close to the magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 of the iron core assembly 20, the magnetic circuit efficiency can be improved, achieving high output. Furthermore, since no magnets are used in the actuator body A1, it achieves a low-cost construction.

[0198] The spring, which has a meandering shape and serves as a plate-shaped elastic part 50, can distribute stress and improve reliability. In particular, the movable body 40 is supported by multiple plate-shaped elastic parts 50-1 and 50-2, thus enabling more effective stress distribution. In this way, the actuator body A1 can provide direct tactile feedback to the operator who is touching the screen 2a in the vertical direction by driving it in the vertical direction.

[0199] An iron core assembly 20, having an iron core 24 wound with a coil 22, is fixed to a fixed body 30. This iron core assembly 20 is disposed within the opening 48 of the magnetic yoke 41 of a movable body 40, which is movably supported relative to the fixed body 30 in the Z direction by a plate-shaped elastic portion 50. Therefore, it is unnecessary to overlap components (e.g., coils and magnets arranged opposite each other in the Z direction) in the fixed body and movable body in order to generate magnetic force to drive the movable body in the Z direction. This allows for a reduction in the Z-direction thickness of the actuator body A1, which serves as an electromagnetic actuator. Furthermore, by reciprocating linearly without using magnets, the movable body 40 can be given vibrations as a tactile sensation to the operating device. This simplifies the support structure, thus simplifying the design, enabling space saving, and allowing for a thinner actuator body A1. Additionally, since it is an actuator that does not use magnets (an actuator without permanent magnets), it achieves lower costs compared to structures using magnets.

[0200] <Driving principle of vibration actuator 10>

[0201] The driving principle of the actuator body A1 will be briefly explained below. The actuator body A1, i.e., the vibration actuator 10, can also be driven using the resonance phenomenon generated by pulses, as described below, using the motion equations and circuit equations. Furthermore, instead of resonance-driven operation, the action is a mechanical switch operation displayed on the touch panel, which is an operating device. In this embodiment, this is achieved via a control unit (e.g., Figure 17 The microcontroller 220 shown is driven by inputting multiple current pulses.

[0202] In addition, the movable body 40 in the actuator body A1 reciprocates based on equations (1) and (2).

[0203] Number 1

[0204]

[0205] Where m is mass [kg], x(t) is displacement [m], Kf is thrust constant [N / A], i(t) is current [A], Ksp is spring constant [N / m], and D is attenuation coefficient [N / (m / s)].

[0206] Number 2

[0207]

[0208] Where e(t) is voltage [V], R is resistance [Ω], L is inductance [H], and Ke is back electromotive force constant [V / (rad / s)].

[0209] That is, the mass m [Kg], displacement x (t) [m], thrust constant Kf [N / A], current i (t) [A], spring constant Ksp [N / m], and attenuation coefficient D [N / (m / s)] in the actuator body A1 can be appropriately varied within the range that satisfies equation (1). In addition, the voltage e (t) [V], resistance R [Ω], inductance L [H], and back electromotive force constant Ke [V / (rad / s)] can be appropriately varied within the range that satisfies equation (2).

[0210] Thus, the drive of the actuator body A1 is determined by the mass m of the movable body 40 and the spring constant Ksp of the metal spring (elastic body, in this embodiment, a leaf spring) that serves as the plate-shaped elastic part 50.

[0211] Furthermore, in the actuator body A1, screws 62 and 64, which serve as fastening components, are used to fix the base 32 to the plate-shaped elastic part 50 and the plate-shaped elastic part 50 to the movable body 40. As a result, the plate-shaped elastic part 50, which needs to be firmly fixed relative to the fixed body 30 and the movable body 40 due to the driving of the movable body 40, can be mechanically and firmly fixed in a state that can be adjusted.

[0212] <Control of Vibration Actuators>

[0213] The actuator body A1 is controlled by the control unit, which drives the operating device, which is supported by elastic vibration, in one direction of its vibration direction.

[0214] In the vibration actuator 10, a drive current is supplied to the coil 22 according to the contact operation of the operating device, thereby generating a magnetic field. This causes the movable body 40, capable of elastic vibration, to move relative to the fixed body 30 in one direction, specifically in the negative Z-direction, and then moves in the positive Z-direction by eliminating the magnetic field. Thus, when the operator contacts the touch panel 2 (see reference...),... Figure 1 When contact occurs, vibration is imparted as a tactile sensation. In this embodiment, the contact operation is a signal detected by the deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4, but in addition, for example, a signal indicating the contact state input from the touch panel 2 may also be used.

[0215] In the vibration actuator 10, a single current pulse or multiple current pulses, serving as an actuator drive signal for driving the vibration actuator 10, are supplied to the coil 22 by the control unit. In this embodiment, the actuator drive signal is composed of a series of multiple current pulses.

[0216] By supplying a current pulse to the coil 22, the movable body 40 resists the force of the plate-shaped elastic part 50 and is pulled towards the coil 22 side, that is, the negative side in the Z direction, by the magnetic attraction force and is displaced. The touch panel (vibration prompt part) fixed to the movable body 40 also moves in the negative Z direction relative to the base (not shown) on which the fixed body 30 is fixed.

[0217] Furthermore, by stopping the supply of driving current to coil 22, the force is released, and the holding state of movable body 40 relative to the reference position on the negative side of the Z direction is released. As a result, movable body 40 is moved from the maximum displacement position on the negative side of the Z direction by the force of plate-shaped elastic part 50, and is moved in the opposite direction to the pulled-in direction (negative side of the Z direction) (positive side of the Z direction), thus causing feedback vibration.

[0218] The actuator drive signal is generated in various vibration modes based on the amplitude, wavelength, and timing of each pulse in a single current pulse or a series of multiple current pulses, and can be supplied to the actuator body A1. Thus, the vibration of the actuator body A1 is transmitted to the operator as a tactile sensation.

[0219] For example, the control unit has a current pulse supply unit and a voltage pulse application unit.

[0220] The current pulse supply unit supplies multiple drive current pulses as drive current to the coil 22 of the vibration actuator 10 according to the contact operation of the operating device (vibration prompt unit).

[0221] The voltage pulse application unit intermittently applies multiple control voltage pulses, which are generated by a single current pulse or a series of multiple current pulses constituting the actuator drive signal, to the current pulse supply unit.

[0222] <Drive circuit of actuator body A1>

[0223] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing an example of the drive circuit of the actuator body.

[0224] Figure 16 The drive circuit shown is included in the control unit. The drive circuit includes a switching element 12, composed of a MOSFET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor), serving as a current pulse supply unit; a signal generation unit 14, serving as a voltage pulse application unit; resistors R1 and R2; and SBDs (Schottky Barrier Diodes). This drive circuit is an example of the specific structure of the actuator driver 230 described later.

[0225] In the control unit, the signal generation unit 14, connected to the power supply voltage Vcc, is connected to the gate of the switching element 12. The switching element 12 is a discharge switching switch. The switching element 12 and the actuator body A1 (in) Figure 16 It is represented by [Actuator] in Chinese), connected to SBD, and connected to the vibration actuator that is supplied with voltage from the power supply unit Vact, specifically the actuator body A1.

[0226] Furthermore, although not shown, the control unit may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., for controlling the operation of the components of the vibration alert device 1. The CPU reads the program corresponding to the processing content from the ROM and expands it into the RAM. In coordination with the expanded program, it controls the operation of the components of the vibration alert device 1, including the vibration actuator 10. At this time, various data including various vibration decay generation patterns are stored in the storage unit (not shown). The storage unit (not shown) may also be composed of, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory). For example, pulse waveform data of various patterns of multiple pulse trains are stored in the storage unit, ROM, or RAM. Various programs including a vibration alert program that drives the actuator body A1 to alert to vibration and various programs that control the vibration alert device 1 are stored in the ROM. As a vibration alert program, for example, when information indicating the contact state is input from the deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4, a program that reads pulse waveform data for generating an actuator drive signal that generates vibration corresponding to the contact information is read out.

[0227] Additionally, the vibration alert program may include, for example, a program that combines read data to generate an actuator drive signal corresponding to the contact information, and a program that supplies the generated actuator drive signal to coil 22. The actuator drive signal, as a combination of multiple current pulses, is applied to coil 22 via a drive circuit that drives actuator body A1. The CPU (e.g., the microcontroller 220 described later) can use these programs and data to control the operation of the components of the vibration alert device 1, and can also control the current pulse supply unit and the voltage pulse application unit. For example, signals from deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4 are amplified by an amplification unit (e.g., the amplification unit (amplifier) ​​250 described later), undergo analog-to-digital conversion in a conversion unit (e.g., the conversion unit (ADC) 260 described later), and then output to the CPU. Figure 16 The driving circuit shown causes the vibration actuator 10 to vibrate.

[0228] The control unit supplies current pulses to coil 22, driving movable body 40 to displace in one direction of vibration (-Z direction, i.e., the negative side of the Z direction) against the force of plate-shaped elastic part 50. During the supply of current pulses, the displacement of movable body 40 in one direction of vibration continues. By stopping the supply of current pulses, that is, disconnecting the input of current pulses to coil 22, the force causing the movable body 40 to displace in one direction of vibration is released. The disconnection of the current pulse input refers to the timing when the voltage generating the current pulse is interrupted. At the moment the voltage is interrupted, the current pulse is not completely disconnected, but rather in a decaying state.

[0229] When the voltage is disconnected, the movable body 40 is displaced by the force accumulated in the plate-shaped elastic part 50 at the position where it can displace to the maximum in the pulling direction (negative side of the Z direction) and moves in the other direction of the vibration direction (Z direction, i.e., the positive side of the Z direction). The strong vibration is transmitted to the touch panel (operating device) 2 through the movable body 40, which has moved to the other side as the operating device, and gives the operator a tactile sensation.

[0230] Based on information from deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4, the control unit supplies one or more current pulses to coil 22 according to the operator's contact with the touch panel screen. The control unit supplies the first pulse during the vibration of the movable body 40, and adjusts the residual and continuous vibration after the supply of the first pulse stops by using subsequent pulses.

[0231] <Brief Structure of the Control System for Vibration Warning Device 1>

[0232] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the control system of the vibration alert device 1.

[0233] The vibration alert device 1 includes a tactile alert unit 210, a deformation detection unit 99, an amplification unit (amplifier) ​​250, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 260, a microcontroller 220, an actuator driver 230, and an actuator body A1. An example of the tactile alert unit 210 is the aforementioned touch panel 2.

[0234] For example, the touch panel 2, which serves as the tactile feedback unit 210, has a contact position detection unit (not shown) that receives touch operations from the user on the touch panel 2 and outputs the contact position. The signal from the contact position detection unit (not shown) is output to the microcontroller 220 or the control unit of the entire device. The deformation detection unit 99 detects the deformation of the strain member 90 in the load detection unit K1 when the tactile feedback unit 210 is pressed, and the detected signal is input to the microcontroller 220 included in the control unit via the amplification unit 250 and the ADC 260.

[0235] The microcontroller 220 controls the actuator driver 230 in accordance with the input signals, namely the contact position information from the contact position detection unit, the driving timing, and the deformation signal, to generate vibrations corresponding to the contact operation. That is, the microcontroller 220 outputs an actuator drive signal and supplies drive current to the actuator (actuator body A1) via the actuator driver 230.

[0236] The actuator body A1, which receives the drive current supplied from the actuator driver 230, transmits the vibration to the tactile prompting unit 210, causing it to vibrate, thereby prompting the tactile prompting unit 210 to indicate the vibration corresponding to the contact position output from the tactile prompting unit 210.

[0237] In this way, the actuator body A1 is driven accordingly by receiving the operator's operation from the tactile prompt unit 210 such as the touch panel.

[0238] The actuator body A1 is driven by the input actuator drive signal, and the movable body 40, specifically the magnetic yoke 41 and the strain member 90, moves against the force in one direction, such as the negative Z direction, by the magnetic attraction force.

[0239] Furthermore, by ceasing the input of the actuator drive signal to the actuator body A1, the actuator body A1 releases its force, causing the movable body 40 to move in the opposite direction (positive Z-direction). The actuator body A1 vibrates the movable body 40 and the operating device by inputting and stopping the actuator drive signal. The actuator body A1 drives the movable body 40 without using a magnet, causing the operating device to vibrate.

[0240] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the actuator drive signal is equivalent to a series of drive current pulses (also called "current pulses") supplied to coil 22 as drive current to drive the movable body and operating device. In the actuator body A1, when current pulses are supplied to coil 22, the movable body moves in one direction. By repeating this operation, the movable body vibrates.

[0241] Thus, the vibration alert device 1 of this embodiment achieves a realistic tactile response, such as the feel of a switch, through a realistic tactile response based on load detection.

[0242] (Implementation Method 2)

[0243] Figure 18 This is an exploded perspective view of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 19 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the main structural components of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 19 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the vibratory actuator, cut off along the width direction (X direction) and centered in the height direction (Y direction).

[0244] Vibration actuator 10B and vibration actuator 10 (see reference) Figures 1-5 In comparison, the position of the buffer component 800 differs, but the other basic structures are the same. Therefore, only the different points are described, while the same points are labeled with the same name and the same symbol, and descriptions are omitted appropriately. Furthermore, an orthogonal coordinate system (X, Y, Z) is also used for description in Embodiment 2. The vibration actuator 10B is capable of... Figure 1 The vibration indicator device 1 shown is used to replace the vibration actuator 10.

[0245] The vibration actuator 10B has an actuator body A2 and a load detection unit K2. The load detection unit K2 has a strain member 90 and a deformation detection unit 99 provided on the strain member 90. In this embodiment, it has the same function as the load detection unit K1.

[0246] The actuator body A2 has a fixed body 30B, a movable body 40B and a plate-shaped elastic part 50. The fixed body 30B has a base 32 and an iron core assembly 20.

[0247] In the actuator body A2, a buffer member 800 is provided between the magnetic pole portions 242, 244 of the core assembly 20 and the adsorption surfaces 46, 47. The magnetic pole portions 242, 244 and the adsorption surfaces 46, 47 of the core assembly 20 are the opposing parts of the fixed body 30 and the movable body 40. The magnetic pole portion 242 and the adsorption surface 46 of the core assembly 20 are opposing each other, and the magnetic pole portion 244 and the adsorption surface 47 of the core assembly 20 are opposing each other.

[0248] The buffer component 800 is made of the same material as the buffer component 80, namely, an elastomer such as silicone rubber or butyl rubber, and has the same function.

[0249] The cushioning component 800, made of silicone rubber or butyl rubber, is able to prevent damage caused by material deterioration compared to other materials, thus ensuring its continued effectiveness.

[0250] The buffer member 800 is fixed to the magnetic pole portions 242, 244 or the adsorption surfaces 46, 47 of the core assembly 20. In this embodiment, the buffer member 800 is fixed to the opposing surfaces 20a, 20b of the magnetic pole portions 242, 244. Furthermore, the core assembly 20 uses rivets instead of screws 68 at the base 32. Thus, the core assembly 20 is fixed to the base 32 with the opposing surfaces of the magnetic pole portions 242, 244 and the adsorption surfaces 46, 47 flat. Alternatively, the magnetic pole portions 242, 244 and the base 32 can also be fixed by adhesive bonding.

[0251] The buffer member 800 has a thickness with a gap G2 between it and the adsorbed surfaces 46, 47. As a result, even when a force is applied to the movable body 40 in the direction that presses the movable body 40 down in response to a strong vibration or impact, the magnetic poles 242, 244 and the adsorbed surfaces 46, 47 do not come into direct contact and no contact sound is emitted.

[0252] like Figure 20 As shown, the buffer component 800 can also be disposed upside down on the magnetic pole portion 242, 244 or the adsorption portion 46, 47 of the iron core assembly 20. Figure 20 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a modified example 1 showing the main structural components of the vibration actuator according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 20 The buffer member 801, similarly constructed as the buffer member 800 shown, is fixed to the portion of the adsorbed surfaces 46 and 47 opposite to the opposing surfaces 20a and 20b, and a gap G21 is provided between the buffer member 801 and the opposing surfaces 20a and 20b. Using this structure, it is possible to obtain a buffer that... Figure 19 The structure shown has the same effect.

[0253] like Figure 21 As shown, the buffer component 800 can also be disposed between the magnetic pole portions 242, 244 and the adsorbed portions 46, 47 without gaps. Figure 21 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a modified example 2 showing the main part structure of the vibration actuator according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. Figure 21 The buffer member 800A shown is fixed to the magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 in a manner that eliminates any gap between the magnetic pole portions 242 and 244 and the adsorbed surfaces 46 and 47. Using this structure, it is possible to achieve [the desired effect]. Figure 19 The structure shown has the same effect.

[0254] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Furthermore, the above description is an example of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the description of the structure or shape of each part of the above-described device is an example, and obviously, various modifications or additions can be made to these examples within the scope of the present invention.

[0255] For example, in the structures of the vibration actuators 10 and 10B described in the above embodiments, rivets can be used instead of screws 62, 64, 68 (screws 68 and 69 are not used in the vibration actuator 10B) as fastening components. Each rivet consists of a head and a body portion without threads. It is inserted into a perforated component, and the opposite ends are riveted together to plastically deform it, thereby joining the perforated components together. Specifically, for example, rivets can also be used to fix the bases 32 and 32B to the plate-shaped elastic portion 50 and to the movable bodies 40 and 40B. Riveting can also be performed, for example, using a stamping machine or a special tool.

[0256] Alternatively, the period of the input pulse can be corrected based on the deformation data obtained by the deformation sensors 99-1 to 99-4, according to the individual differences of each component in the vibration actuators 10 and 10B.

[0257] Production availability

[0258] The vibration actuator and vibration indication device of the present invention have the effects of improving shock resistance and reducing noise. For example, they can be used in operating devices such as touch display devices equipped with touch panel devices.

Claims

1. A load detector, characterized in that, have: The strain variant includes a first fixing part that can be fixed to a device operated by an operator pressing, a second fixing part that can be fixed to an actuator that imparts vibration to the device, and a strain part disposed between the first fixing part and the second fixing part. A strain sensor that detects the strain generated in the strain section according to the aforementioned pressing operation; and A limiting part is provided on the first fixing part, and when the device moves away from the actuator, it engages with the engaging part of the actuator to limit the movement.

2. The load detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned strain section and the aforementioned first fixing section are sequentially provided on the connecting wrist section extending from the aforementioned second fixing section. The aforementioned limiting portion extends orthogonally from the extension direction of the aforementioned first fixing portion and the aforementioned connecting wrist portion.

3. The load detector according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first fixing part and the second fixing part have ribs that protrude in the direction of departure and extend in the direction of extension of the connecting wrist.

4. The load detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixing part, the strain part, and the second fixing part mentioned above are all formed from a single spring plate. The strain sensor is disposed on the strain unit.

5. The load detector according to claim 4, characterized in that, A cut is provided on the side of the connection portion between the strain section and each of the first fixing part and the second fixing part, such that the width of the connection portion is smaller than the width of the strain section, the first fixing part and the second fixing part.

6. The load detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, A buffer member is provided between the aforementioned limiting part and the aforementioned engaging part. The aforementioned limiting part engages with the aforementioned locked part via the aforementioned buffer member.

7. The load detector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The aforementioned buffer member is disposed separately from the aforementioned engaging member in the aforementioned limiting portion so as to abut against the aforementioned engaging member when the aforementioned device moves in a direction away from the aforementioned actuator.

8. The load detector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The aforementioned buffer member is disposed off the ground from the aforementioned limiting portion on the aforementioned engaging member so as to abut against the aforementioned limiting portion when the aforementioned device moves in a direction away from the aforementioned actuator.

9. The load detector according to claim 6, characterized in that, The aforementioned buffer component is configured to be embedded in the gap between the aforementioned locked component and the aforementioned limiting part.

10. The load detector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fixing part is fixed to the touch panel of the device.

Images